Chapter 66 Autumn
It was under You Jin's suggestion, Uncle Wang rented his earthen house to those five canal workers. It was set to one wen per person per day and charged the five people for ten days. The five canal workers didn't mind Uncle Wang's earthen house being dilapidated. At least there was a place to stay, no?
Uncle Wang was also delighted. His old dilapidated house can bring him five wen income a day. And he lived in Su Family's canal worker's dormitory for free. Wasn't this perfect? Although the few canal workers puffed in anger when they saw old Third Chen occasionally at Wuliqiao, this matter was considered over.
However, old Third Chen's matter had sounded an alarm within You Jin. Although her family won't steal the canal workers' money, who knows what kind canal workers were there. If something happens, it may affect her family business, no?
Right now, Su Family's canal worker dormitory was full and can bring Su Family an income of about 4 silver liang per day. The canal workers had been in business for two months. The money invested in the construction had long been paid back. Now what they earn back every day was all pure profit. Such a good business, how can she bear to let go of it.
The time sequence had entered autumn. The 16 mu of fertile land that Su Family bought in Houjiawan was waiting for the original owner's family to harvest. Then it will be Su Family's land in the future. Nowadays, the business of sour plum soup had declined a lot. You Jin simply stopped this business. The sunflowers beside Su's house had produced huge disc florets of sunflower seeds. The slightly curved sunflowers were happily telling people the joy of a good harvest.
You Jin bought back two puppies from the man whom she bought back the previous four wolf dogs from. Now that the family had fewer people and more things to do. The dog's attack power was much stronger than that of a child after training.
You Zhu's culinary skill was slowly improving. Can only say that Mrs. Su was a very patient teacher and You Zhu was a master of persistence. When the two gathered together, it seemed success could happen.
"Eldest Sister, come and try my new snack." You Zhu, whose face was stained like a dirty cat, brought a plate of pastries shaped like plum blossoms into the East Wing and happily presented the treasure to You Jin.
You Jin tied the strings of one hundred wen copper coins tightly and put them on the table. Then she amusedly asked, "Is this coming to me to test the poison or taste the flavor?"
Carefully placing the snack plate on the vacant table, You Zhu pouted and coquettishly responded: "Eldest Sister!"
Although at the beginning she made difficult-to-swallow things, but Mother said she had made great progress now. Eldest Sister still made fun of her!
Seeing her like this, You Jin stopped teasing her. She wiped her hands with a thick cotton handkerchief beside her, then twisted off a piece of pastry in the shape of a pale yellow plum blossom, and put it in her mouth. The faint scent of chrysanthemum instantly spread in her mouth. Although the snack ingredients weren't as exquisite as the snack shops in the city, they still have a special flavor.
Initially, You Jin was a little hungry. She finished in two, three mouthfuls nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad. What's this snack called?"
After getting a good evaluation from Eldest Sister, You Zhu grinned: "Mother doesn't know what to call it. Just said that she was taught by her maternal grandparent."
Afterward, she happily carried the snacks out for the little ones to try and correct the prestige of elder sister while she was at it.
On the other hand, You Jin in the East Wing Room began to think about the hope of her family opening a snack shop. Now her family had more than 500 liang as foundation and Mrs. Su's superb culinary skills. Although Mrs. Su's health was poor, a few apprentices could be bought. It wasn't a problem then.
You Jin mulled about it for several days before discussing this matter with Mrs. Su.
Although Mrs. Su didn't know much about business, it wasn't a big problem for her to teach people how to make snacks. "Wouldn't our family's culinary skills be passed on to the outside world?"
People in this era were always very obsessed with the skills passed down from within the family. It wasn't easy for a daughter, Mrs. Su to learn the skills passed down from her family, let alone pass it on to outsiders?
You Jin had considered this point. Upon Mrs. Su's question, You Jin outlined the plan in her heart: "I'm going to buy a few girls back and they will learn from my mother. Their life is in our hands. If they dare to spread it to the outside world, we will naturally have a way to deal with them. Besides, we can keep the recipe and only let them help with the dough. Wouldn't this do?"
After listening to You Jin's plan, Mrs. Su nodded in relief: "Since you have thought it all over, I naturally have no objections."
There was a trading market specially for human trading in Luohe Prefecture. The market opened on the 10th and 22nd of every month. Traffickers and customers who want to buy people will enter the market on these two days to conduct transactions.
You Jin was only twelve years old this year. It goes without saying, she won't go to the human trading market by herself. She went directly to Broker Chen whom she was familiar with. Broker Chen was naturally happy to handle this business.
Although You Jin knew that the lives of the poor in ancient times were worth nothing, this was the first time she had seen such a situation. The men, women, children, old, and young were standing dumbfounded with filthy-faced waiting to be picked. The traffickers enthusiastically greeted the guests. It wasn't those who were tied together with ropes and had the same nose and eyes as herself. You Jin thought this was like selling animals.
Seeing a customer coming to the door, the human trafficker hurriedly greeted with a grin: "Sir, what kind do you want to pick back to serve? I have all kinds. Take a look?"
Looking at the trafficker with yellow teeth, Broker Chen frowned slightly. Then he looked at You Jin: "Miss Su, what do you think?"
It turned out that the owner was the little girl in the back who was only eleven or twelve years old in fine cotton clothes. The chubby-cheek human trafficker showed a flattering smile at her: "Little Miss, casually look around. If you find any suitable, tell me!"
You Jin gently covered her nose with her hand and then carefully examined the people who were tightly connected by a thick hemp rope. In the end, she picked out three girls who were about fourteen or fifteen years old, and nodded to Broker Chen .
Broker Chen nodded slightly and then negotiated a price with the trafficker who was rubbing his hands at the side. You Jin paid the silver and got the three's body selling indentures. Just as they were about to leave the market, You Jin noticed a woman with her head down.She seemed a little different from the people around her. So she stepped forward and asked, "How much is this person?"
Seeing You Jin asked about the woman who caused him troubles along the way, the trafficker frowned in disgust and answered: "If Miss wants her, how about eight silver liang?"
"So expensive?" You Jin bought three of them just now for the total of five silver liang. So this one being eight liang was too expensive!
Seeing that she was quite interested, the trafficker immediately wanted to get her off his hand. So he offered, "Miss, if you really want her, how about seven liang? Little miss, she was a family member of an official family I bought back from the capital. Seven silver liang is really not expensive!"
The two went back and forth haggling over the price. Finally the woman whose real face and age couldn't be seen was bought for six liang five coins. After leaving the human market and separating from Broker Chen, everyone boarded a mule cart hired by You Jin and headed for Wuliqiao.
Except for Mrs. Su, everyone in Su Family didn't know that You Jin went to the city to buy people. Seeing that she went alone and came back as five people and four of them were still dirty, the sisters curiously gathered over.
You Jin led the four of them into Su Family's courtyard and let the four take a good bath first. Mrs. Su dug out four sets of old clothes she wore before and gave them to the four of them. Although they didn't fit well, it was much better than the former dirty and smelly clothes.
After the four of them took a detailed wash up, their true features were revealed. The three young teens were all from poor families. Their appearance could only be considered delicate, but looked capable and able to work.
And the one who was said to be an official's family member in the capital finally showed her original appearance after grooming. Although the appearance of the woman in her early twenties with a bun was average, her eyebrows and eyes were free-spirited. After washing up, she gave a deep courtesy to You Jin: "Yu Lan thank you, Miss."
Although she was wearing half-worn village women's clothes, Yu Lan's demeanor was obviously very different from the three timid country girls beside her. You Jin nodded in satisfaction. In conclusion, she felt that the six silver liang wasn't in vain: "Elder Sister-in-law Yu Lan, you are too polite."
After talking with the four of them for quite a while, You Jin had a rough understanding of the background of the four of them: Er Ya, Chen Xiao He, and Wu Ya-er were all sold by their parents and followed the traffickers from the north, the war-torn land and arrived in Luohe Prefecture. From young, they were used to rough work. As for Yu Lan, her husband's family was originally a ninth-rank official in the capital. Yu Lan was originally the daughter of a Juren. As a child, she knew how to read and write. Unexpectedly, a natural disaster occurred and the family was destroyed. Yu Lan was classified as a lowly citizen.
After hearing the life experiences of the few, You Jin didn't say anything. While Mrs. Su's eyes were watery.
"Let me tell you what you are going to do in the future first. Er Ya, you three will work in the kitchen with Mother and You Zhu. Elder Sister-in-law Yu Lan, you will be responsible for teaching the girls in our family to read and write every day and then help Mother take care of little Eighth and Kang-er."
Little Eighth and Kang-er were more than half a year old. A time when they were restless, and Mrs. Su couldn't keep up.
Yu Lan had given birth and raised children before. But it was a pity that her children had separated from her in the disaster at home. Now seeing the babbling little Eighth and Kang-er, she thought of her two children. Her eyes unconsciously turned red. She stretched out her hand, taking little Eighth, who wasn't afraid of strangers, and gratefully responded: "Oh! I can definitely do it well!"
She thought that she was doomed to fall into the mud in this life. Although Su Family was worse than her past twenty years, there was a tile to cover her head. It was already a blessing to roll in the dust.
In one go, there were four more people in Su Family. Fortunately, the current house was big enough. You Jin took Er Ya trio to the west wing to clean up the lower rooms. Yu Lan and the three girls lived in the west wing next to You Yin sisters' room.
Mrs. Su took You Zhu and three lasses to study snacks in the kitchen every day. While You Jin was busy interacting with Broker Chen. She wanted to find a suitable shop before winter and then opened the snack shop. Yu Lan followed You Jin's instruction and spent one or two hours a day teaching the girls in the family to read and write. They couldn't afford brushes and ink, so she took them to write and draw on the ground in the yard with branches. It was quite effective.
Chapter 67 Harvest
In the golden autumn season, the autumn air was refreshing.
From the south gate of Luohe Prefecture to the south, both sides of the Wuliqiao River's had rice fields. The golden ears of rice have already lowered their heads. The cool autumn wind blew by. There were rustling sounds. That was the music of a good harvest. It was the autumn harvest season that farmers look forward to most in a year.
Su Family only planted two or so mu of sunflower seeds this year. It had matured.
The dewdrops were still hanging on the dogtail grass on both sides of the path. The bright Big Dipper in the sky was still pointing the way for lost travelers. At this moment, the sky was still dark blue. The east was only showing a faint white belly, but the farmers in Wuliqiao had all gone to the fields.
The family's seventeen chickens had grown up and could lay eggs. The crowing chickens were still sleeping in the coop. Smoke was already rising from the kitchen. The aroma of round-grained rice congee permeated the small yard and aroused the sleeping people.
You Jin walked into the kitchen after washing up. It was Wu Ya-er's turn to cook today. Seeing her get up, Wu Ya-er grinned: "You Jin, it's early. You have to wait a bit for breakfast!" Since the family had three more hardworking teen hands, You Jin handed over the three meals a day that were originally Mrs. Su's responsibility to the three capable girls. Each of them took turns to cook for five days.
The three girls were all able to endure hardships. Although they have work to do after coming to Su Family, they can eat to content every meal at Su's house. On top of that, there was meat every day. The work was much easier and faster than when they were at home. So the three girls were delighted.
In the early autumn morning, the well water was cool. After washing her face with cold water, You Jin smiled and nodded. She went into the kitchen and quickly put the bowls and chopsticks on the table. Wu Ya-er served congee with fried vegetables on the table.
Those who had to get up early to work had all woken up. The five/six little girls all had a good appetite. After a while, they finished half a pot of soft and delicious round-grained rice congee. After the drowsiness of getting up early and the coolness of early autumn dispelled, they held a sickle, carried baskets on their backs, and went to the nearby sunflower field together.
"This disc floret is bigger than my face!" Er Ya grinningly cut off a sunflower disc floret and compared it to her face. Only then, she chucklingly put it into the basket.
Wu Ya-er also merrily cut off a sunflower. There was quite some weight in her hand. She replied, "Yes! This disc floret is really big!"
You Jin gathered all the manure into this wasteland and fertilized the land. It went without saying, the sunflowers grew well. It can be said to be a bumper harvest.
As the little girls merrily messed around, their work wasn't delayed. Once the sun rose, the dew on the sunflowers dissipated and more than half of the two or so mu of sunflower field had been harvested.
The sunflower stalks that had been cut down were scattered on the ground. Just waiting to be dried and can be burned into plant ash to fertilize the land. This was already the fifth time that You Jin and the others had carried baskets full of sunflowers back home.
The sun gradually rose and the coolness of early autumn turned into an autumn heat. There were only so many sunflowers for Su Family to harvest. Naturally, they weren't in a hurry. Looking at the less than half sunflowers left, she picked up the thick cotton handkerchief on her shoulders and wiped the sweat from her forehead.: "That's it for today. We'll come back tomorrow morning to cut the rest."
At her words, several people stopped their work, put the sunflowers that had been cut into baskets, and carried them home. On the road, they met several villagers who were pushing carts to bring grain back to the village to dry in the grain field. They greeted You Jin with a smile: "You Jin lass, you're going home before the sun has risen?"
"That's right, Auntie Wu. Our family is full of girls. So we can't be in the sun!" Smiling, she stepped forward to help Auntie Wu couple with pushing the cart to the door of Su's house. Only then did You Jin stop and waved goodbye to the two. She pushed open the courtyard door and entered.
At this time, Su Family's yard was full of sunflower disc florets in all kinds of size. It made it difficult for people to step on the floor. You Jin moved carefully, for fear of stepping on the sunflowers. She went into the kitchen to fetch hot water and washed up. She changed into clean cotton clothes before coming out to help Mrs. Su take away the clingy Kang-er and let Mrs. Su to take You Zhu and the three maids to the kitchen to continue training.
Although Yu Lan had no cooking skills and had never done rough work, she was good at embroidery. She was also wonderful with minding half-year-old babies. Each day, she taught Su Family's daughters on reading and writing. Her itinerary was quite densely arranged.
You Jin can roughly recognize the traditional characters, but her calligraphy skill was great. In order to cover up her 'innate talent', You Jin persisted in learning characters from Yu Lan every day. Not only that, Yu Lan taught the few younger sisters the etiquette rules every day. She had high hopes for each younger sister.
At the beginning, Yu Lan was a little scared when she heard You Jin said that she had to give the etiquette classes. But after living in Su Family for a while, she had seen how capable Su Family's eldest miss was. So she didn't dare to take her words lightly. She devoted herself to teaching Su Family's children on poetry, literature, and etiquette. And the children were all well-behaved and intelligent. It didn't take much effort to teach them.
A few days after Su Family's sunflowers were harvested, Broker Chen came to the house with good news.
"You Jin, let me tell you, you will be satisfied with the shop this time!" Broker Chen jollily drank a big mouthful of sugar water and then told the good news he brought this time: "It's the grocery store behind the mobile stall where you sell sour plum soup. The family is leaving Luohe Prefecture. So they are in a hurry to sell the shop. As soon as I heard the news, I hurried to find you!"
"Shopkeeper Li's store is for sale?" You Jin naturally remembered Li Er Shun. After all, she set up a stall selling sour plum soup in front of his store for a summer. "His business is doing well, why did he suddenly say he is going to sell the shop?"
Seeing that she really remembered, Broker Chen smiled: "The news came from Li Er Shun's hometown that his father was gone. He had to go back to pay his filial piety! He isn't from our Luohe Prefecture. Now his age is high, he wants to return to his roots. So the idea of selling the shop and returning to his hometown came and this happened? As soon as I heard about it, I immediately went to Li Er Shun and asked him to reserve it. You must be satisfied!"
Although Li Er Shun's shop wasn't big, it got a good location- located at the junction of the east and west of the city. Every day, there were thousand of people passing by the door of his shop. You Jin naturally likes this property. Although it was a little small, such a good location was rare. So she asked: "Then did shopkeeper Li say how much it will sell for?"
Shopkeeper Li didn't say a word, just showed two fingers. You Jin frowned when she saw this: "So expensive?"
She had seen other shops before. The ones that were about the same size as Li Er Shun's were only a hundred liang at most. Li Er Shun dared to ask for a price too!
Seeing her reaction, Broker Chen knew that she found it too expensive and hurriedly spoke: "Li Family's price is a bit higher. But if you really want it, I'll go talk to Shopkeeper Li. Give me your acceptable limit and I'll discuss Shopkeeper Li. How about it?"
Broker Chen was originally entrusted this matter by You Jin and had watched Su Family make money. Naturally, he favored Su Family.
You Jin thought for a while before answering: "One hundred and sixty liang at most. Any more, forget it." Opening a snack required a lot of money in the early stage. Right now there were fourteen people in her family waiting to eat. She can't take that risk.
Broker Chen mulled for a while before nodding: "Sure. I'll go to the city to talk to Shopkeeper Li."
After saying that, he left in a hurry. The next day, he brought good news.
When Li Er Shun heard that it was the lass from Su Family who was going to buy his shop, he outright agreed to dropping from his initial one hundred and seventy liang. He sold his property that included a narrow backyard and two rooms to Su Family for one hundred and sixty.
Since Li Er Shun gave face, You Jin naturally accepted this favor. The money and goods were happily settled. Broker Chen was efficient in handling these affairs. After another day, he handed over the key and the red deed to You Jin. He even jokingly called You Jin Shopkeeper Su: "Shopkeeper Su, you have to take care of my business more in the future!"
You Jin felt a little embarrassed from his business. Still, there was a faint smile on her face: "In the future, there will be places to custom Uncle Chen's business!"
Since the grocery store was to be converted into a snack store, most of the old furniture left by Li Er Shun was no longer needed. You Jin hired a bullock cart to bring all the usable furniture back to Su's house. Afterward, the store was renovated. The windows were pasted with bright paper and greatly increased the light in the store. A few walnut shelves were added and two pots of dwarf pine and begonias were placed in the corner. Compared with the previous dimly lit grocery store, it was really a world of difference.
Yu Lan's characters were well written. You Jin asked her to write a sign for Su Family's snack shop. Then she asked a carpenter to make a new plaque and hung it outside the door with a piece of red cloth covering it. Once the day of opening arrives, it'll be unveiled.
Su Family's shop was about to open. You Jin had even more things to do. She bought beige and lotus-colored fine cotton fabrics back and told Yu Lan about her requirements. Afterward, she told her to lead a group to make two sets of narrow-sleeved tops and pleated skirts for Mrs. Su, You Jin, You Yin, You Zhu, and Er Ya trio. The words 'Sujiaxiang' were embroidered on the left chest of the tops.
'Sujiaxiang' was the name that You Jin chose for the snack shop.
Yu Lan got deft hands. The trio also knew some needlework. It was a quick process for the four of them to make clothes together. Once You Jin collected enough sweet-scented osmanthus, flour, peas, and other ingredients needed for making snacks and put them in the back room of the shop that was considered as the warehouse room, the clothes were all made. Yu Lan had used the leftover materials to make beautiful little jackets for the few girls in Su Family who didn't have workwear.
Mrs. Su inquired with Mrs. Zhao, whom she had the most contact with recently, about a nearby fortune teller who specializes in counting the day. Eighth day of November was an auspicious day.
In the blink of an eye, it was the fifth day. The whole family including the two little ones came to the shop to make final preparations. However, the shop of about 40 square meters was full of more than a dozen people. It was really a bit crowded.
On the snack shelf customized by You Jin, there was a bamboo plaque with Yu Lan's writing of the name of the snack on the front of each grid. Yu Lan wrote the name of the snack in beautiful regular font. You Jin was very satisfied with it.
After a few months of tossing and voting within Su Family, there were eight kinds of snack that can finally be put on the shelves of Su Family's snack shop. Namely: Chrysanthemum Crisp, Jujube Mud Cake, Sweet Bean Pudding, Scholar Cake, Osmanthus Mung Bean Cake, Sweet-scented Osmanthus Red Bean Cake, Red Bean Paste Pancake, and Four-color Cake.
Chapter 68 Sujiaxiang
On the eighth day of November, in front of Su Family's shop. You Jin lit the firecrackers hanging in front of the door and pulled off the red cloth that covered the signboard. 'Sujiaxiang' officially opened for business.
Inside the shop, Wu Ya-er, who was standing in front of the counter, was a little nervous. Because her talent for making snacks wasn't as good as that of Er Ya and Chen Xiao He, she was assigned by You Jin to serve the customers. However, Wu Ya-er grew up in the village. Where could she have such experience? Naturally, she felt uneasy.
Seeing her nervousness, You Yin, who was standing beside her, comforted her in a whispered voice: "There's nothing to be afraid of. Just give the customers what they want to buy and collect the money!"
She was completely like a shopkeeper. The flinching and timid expression between the brows and eyes when she first came to Luohe Prefecture had long disappeared. It was replaced by a graceful demeanor and a steady mentality.
The smell of sulfur after the firecrackers were set off mixed with the scent of snack wafted through the bustling streets. Coupled with the clapping and shouting of 'buy two get one free' from You Jin, customers were actually entering the door not long after opening.
A well-dressed young woman walked into the shop with small steps and asked, "What snacks do you have?"
Seeing a customer coming to the door, You Yin raised a smiling face and brought up the snacks that You Jin had prepared in advance and cut into small pieces: "Madam, please try it. We currently have eight kinds of snacks in our store. The first three day of opening, there's a buy two get one free!"
In the mentality of must eat the freebie, the young woman picked up the bamboo stick on the plate and stuck a small piece of snack into her mouth. Then her eyes lit up slightly. She tasted all the other seven flavors. Only then, she nodded in satisfaction: "Then wrap me a sweet-scented osmanthus red bean cake and four-color cake!"
Although Wu Ya-er standing at the counter couldn't open her mouth, her hands and feet were very agile. She packed the two snacks that the woman asked for in a short while. You Yin smilingly explained: "Madam, our store just opened and doing 'buy two get one free'. We're giving a small portion of snack. Which one do you want?"
"Then chrysanthemum crisps!" The woman paid the money and left Sujiaxiang with the snack. Inside, in You Yin's hand was the snack shop's first income. She was overjoyed.
Sujiaxiang was positioned as a mid-to-low-end snack line. The most expensive four-color slice cake and chrysanthemum crisp were only 1 coin a portion. The cheap and easy-to-get osmanthus mung bean cakes were only 20 wen a piece. Compared to those big snack shops that cost a few coins or even a few silver liang for a snack, Sujiaxiang's price can be said to be very common folk-friendly.
With its good location, You Jin's loud shouting, and the scent of snack that wafts far away with the autumn wind, many customers were attracted to Sujiaxiang on its first day of opening. When it was time to close, Mrs. Su, You Zhu and the trio in the back kitchen were all too exhausted to raise their hands. But they were all overjoyed. The more tired they were, the better the business was!
You Jin and Wu Ya-er installed the door panels one by one and tidied up the front of the shop a little bit. Then everyone came out from the back door, got into the mule cart that You Jin had hired early in the morning, and hurried out of the city to Wuliqiao before the city gate closed.
Yu Lan, who had been waiting at home for a whole day with Su Family's few children, saw Mrs. Su, You Jin, and the others had finally returned. She rushed to greet them: "How was it?"
You Jin was afraid that there would be many people in the store. And with how little You Ling, You Luo, and You Cho, it wasn't impossible for them to be abducted by kidnappers in a blink of an eye. So Yu Lan and You Bao were left at home to guard the children.
Mrs. Su's tired hands hugged little Eighth, who was stretching out her arms to hug her. Then she jollily went to the kang, saying: "Business was great! IMy arms are exhausted to the point that I can't lift my arm."
Mrs. Su's main task was to prepare the recipes. Er Ya and Xiao He were the ones who took on most of the work that required a lot of strength, such as making the dough. Since Mrs. Su's was drained, don't need to mention other people.
Though everyone was very tired, they were delighted. Before the opening, You Jin had told Er Ya trio that they would be paid on a monthly basis. The better Sujiaxiang's business was, the more money they could get. So the three of them put in even more effort.
In the East Wing, after calculating today's income, You Jin locked the silver in the small wooden cabinet that was specially used for storing silver liang. Then she dragged her tired body out to talk to everyone: "After a few days and the business is doing this well, I'll recruit a few more people back."
Seeing her coming out, everyone expectantly looked at her. Everyone was curious about how much money they had earned today. You Jin didn't delay and merrily revealed: "We all earned nine silver liang today!"
This was the net profit calculated out by You Jin roughly after deducting the cost. Although there was still a big difference from the daily progress, it was already a very good result.
"Nine liang! So much!" Everyone was stunned. They didn't expect to earn nearly a month's income of the canal worker's dormitory in just one day.
You Jin hugged the clingy little Seventh into her arms and smilingly spoke: "Today is the first day. I estimate the business will be better tomorrow. We will have to work harder tonight." The raw materials for making snacks were prepared overnight in advance. This way it can reduce a lot of burden on the second day.
You Yin and Wu Ya-er had already prepared dinner. The family of fourteen was divided into two tables. After a hearty meal, Mrs. Su and the others started to work again with their sleeves rolled up. Fire burned. Beans were washed. They were busy until ten pm before washing up and going to bed.
In the early morning of the next day, the door of Sujiaxiang had only been open for a while before a wave of customers came to the door. Many of them heard from the neighbors yesterday. There were repeat customers. After one morning, their income had already caught up with yesterday's total income.
For today's lunch, You Jin went to the West Market to buy fourteen meat buns and came back. Everyone in Su Family ate it with nothing and continued to work.
In the back kitchen, Mrs. Su was busy carefully knocking out the pastries in the molds. This batch of molds was created by You Jin. She got Yu Lan to draw a sketch first before getting them carved out by a famous carpenter in Luohe Prefecture. Each pastry had the words 'Sujiaxiang' printed on them. In a way, it was a good way to advertise themselves.
"If we go on like this, we will be drained thin after these few days." Mrs. Su happily remarked to Er Ya and Xiao He who was vigorously kneading the dough.
You Zhu, who was stirring red bean paste at the side, replied: "Yes, Eldest Sister had said that we will have a day off after working this period! The business is so good that I can't bear for the door to close and not make money." This sentence amused the back kitchen into pursing their lips into a smile.
For the sake of hygiene, You Jin had made everyone wear a lotus-colored handkerchief on their heads. It was paired with the off-white narrow-sleeved top, and a lotus-colored pleated skirt. The very gentle color scheme made customers who came in to buy cakes find it bright.
The business on the second and third days was blazing. After the three days of trial operation, You Jin's cash box received a total of forty-three liang. Although the business gradually declined from the fourth day, it had always been able to maintain a daily net profit of seven or eight liang.
When the first snow fell this winter, You Jin bought three fifteen or sixteen-year-old girls back: "From now on, you two will help in the kitchen. Cui Cui, you will learn how to serve customers from Zi Su."
Zi Su was Wu Ya-er's new name. At Yu Lan's suggestion, You Jin changed all the newly bought maidservants to the names of spices. Er Ya was renamed . Xiao He changed her name to Bai Zhi. It complemented the snack shop.
With three helpers added to the snack shop, Mrs. Su can finally be freed from here. She only came to the city in the morning to help with some preparations. Before lunch, she went home to mind two youngest who had been neglected by her for more than one month.
"It's snowing now. I'm afraid there will be fewer visitors." Zi Su, who was wearing a beige padded jacket, rubbed her fingertips that were slightly red from the cold. Looking at the snowflakes outside, she couldn't help feeling a little worried.
You Jin put the silver she had just received into the drawer and replied without raising her head: "It's okay. The business operates as normal. There's no need to be anxious."
It was almost December now. The weather in Luohe Prefecture was a little better than Cuifeng Village. The snow in winter wasn't so heavy. In addition, Su Family now had money. Everyone can eat and wear warm clothes. This winter wasn't too difficult.
Holding the wooden tray full of red bean paste pancake, opened the curtain with one hand and came in with a smile: "Miss, newly baked red bean paste pancakes."
Also under Yu Lan's suggestion and insistence, everyone had changed their way of addressing Su Family's sisters to Miss. The boundary between master and servant had gradually become clear.
"En, put it on the shelf." You Jin looked at the newly baked pancakes. All of them were golden in color and exuded the sweet taste of bean paste. Quite attractive.
Xiao Lin Feng, who had already returned to the capital and came back to Luohe Prefecture, was still riding his beloved horse. Behind him was a string of guards. This was the final result of a game between Xiao Lin Yu and Xiao Family's old Ancestor. Though he didn't like so many people behind him, it was better than staying at home and being bored.
He rode the horse and slowly moved on the street. He wasn't afraid of the snowflakes getting his clothes wet, because he was also wearing a quality white fox cloak. It can be said to be extremely coquettish. Suddenly, he smelled a sweet smell in the cold wind and his mouth continuously salivated.
After swallowing hard, he asked a passer-by in front where the origin of the fragrance obviously came: "What is that in your hand?" It smelled so good!
The passer-by saw that he was a good-looking child and he didn't mind his rudeness. He took a bite of the pancake and the steaming red bean paste was exposed. That tangy aroma made Xiao Lin Feng's gaze become fixated. The man pointed to a lotus-colored sign not far away that fluttered in the wind: "I bought this red bean paste pancake from Sujiaxiang snack shop up ahead there."
After hearing this, Xiao Lin Feng's eyes lit up. He urged his horse and trotted to the door of Sujiaxiang. Before he got off the horse, he was so seduced to a frozen state by the scent inside: "It smells wonderful!"
The guards who followed all the way weren't surprised. Xiao Family's Youngest Young Master loved and knew how to eat. This was an open secret of Xiao Family. It was a major driving force behind Xiao Family's involvement in the restaurant industry. Old Ancestor, Master, Madam, and Eldest Young Master all doted Youngest Young Master. In order to satisfy Youngest Young Master's appetite, the manor in the capital nurtured a dozen or so cooks alone.
Chapter 69 Sour Plum Soup Girl's Big Change
Zi Su and Xin Yi, who were waiting anxiously for customers to come to the shop, saw a customer come to the door and their eyes lit up: "What kind of snacks does this young gentleman want to buy? Freshly baked red bean paste pancake or osmanthus mung bean cake!"
Xiao Lin Feng wasn't in a hurry to ask for anything. First, he carefully read the name tags hanging on the snack shelf. Once he nearly made a full circle, he was interrupted by a pleasantly surprised voice: "Young Gentleman Xiao?"
Xiao Lin Feng, whose process to gourmet food was interrupted, was a little displeased and was about to turn around to deal with this ignorant person. Unanticipated, he saw an unfamiliar yet familiar face. He tilted his head and thought for a while. Finally he matched the image of the well-dressed girl in front of him with the fierce girl from half a year ago. Hesitantly, he asked: "You are sour plum soup?"
You Jin showed a kind smile and hurriedly took a clean plate. With a bamboo tong, she took a piece of each flavor of snack from the snack rack before turning around and placing it in front of Xiao Lin Feng: "Young Gentleman Xiao, try it?"
Xiao Lin Feng remembered that her family's sour plum soup was delicious, so he also remembered that her family's sweet bean pudding was well made. He took the handkerchief from Zi Su and wiped his hands. Then he picked up a piece of chrysanthemum crisp and tasted it.
Xiao Lin Feng, who was still chewing slowly with bulging cheeks, nodded with satisfaction. He tasted all the snack that You Jin put out one by one. Enjoying the last bite, he accepted the steaming tea that You Jin handed over and took a few sips: "Your family's snacks are getting better and better."
You Jin looked at the young boy who was getting fairer and grinned like a Cheshire cat, "It's their blessing that Young Gentleman Xiao likes it."
While the two were talking, the guards outside raised Su Jiaxiang's door curtain again. A tall figure in a black moiré gown and a black fox fur cloak walked in. It turned out to be Xiao Lin Yu. He was passing by and saw Xiao Family's guards. Knowing that Youngest Brother was inside, he also came in to have a look.
"Gentleman Xiao." You Jin politely bowed to Xiao Lin Yu according to the girl's courtesy standard that Yu Lan had taught her.
Xiao Lin Yu had an exceptional memory from a young age. He naturally recognized the girl in front of him, who was already somewhat graceful, was the village girl who could only bow with her hands cupped together half a year ago. A gentle smile hung on his lips: "Miss Su, I haven't seen you in a few months. You seem well."
You Jin took a clean plate and put some pastries in front of Xiao Lin Yu. Then she smilingly responded, "Thank you, Gentleman Xiao for your concern. Everything is going well. Gentleman Xiao, try our snacks." You Jin was very grateful to Xiao Lin Yu. After all, he spent a lot of money to buy her own recipe. This allowed her to buy land, buy a shop and open a shop to do business.
Xiao Lin Yu admired the little girl in front of him more and more. She shouldered the responsibility of supporting a large family at a young age. She was one year younger than his ignorant younger brother, but was very mature and steady. It would be a good thing if his younger brother spent more time with poor children and know the sufferings of ordinary people's livelihood.
He picked up a piece of sweet-scented osmanthus red bean cake and tasted it. Afterward, he gave a good evaluation: "It tastes good. The shop is also great." The taste of the snack was indeed good, but the ingredients were a bit inferior. But as a low-end snack shop in Luohe Prefecture, it was already pretty good. That was why Xiao Lin Yu didn't say this.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Lin Feng packed a set of eight snacks to take away Xiao Family brothers bidded goodbye to You Jin: "Su Family's lass, I will come to play with you again in two days!"
Seeing Xiao Lin Feng's reluctance to part, You Jin couldn't help but burst out laughing and waved to him: "Okay. When you come, I'll treat you to some snacks."
After seeing off the two distinguished guests, Zi Su and Xin Yi, who were stuck to spot like a pole, were greatly relieved. Only now, they spoke: "Scared me to death. These two gentlemen are really very noble!"
You Jin told Xin Yi to tidy up the dishes on the counter, while she put the silver that Xiao Lin Yu insisted on paying into the drawer. She merrily spoke: "They are indeed distinguished guests. Next time you see them, don't be negligent. "
"En! Understood!" The two nodded in unison and accepted the guidance.
After the tenth of December, Su Family snack shop launched two flavors of melon seeds- green tea and walnut. Although the price was a bit more expensive than ordinary melon seeds, rich people weren't lacking in a big town like Luohe Prefecture.
As soon as Su Family's new flavor of melon seeds was launched, it was favored by new and old customers: "Miss Su, give me another five jins of each flavor of your melon seeds."
You Jin chuckled: "Deal. The new batch of melon seeds will probably be sold the next day. So when will you come to get them?"
Su Family's fragrant melon seeds can be bought for 50 wen a jin. Which wasn't expensive. After the customers who came to buy snacks tasted it, most of them would bring some melon seeds back with them. In a few days, they were sold out. You Jin had no choice but to hurriedly order a batch of raw melon seeds from the grain and oil store to make fragrant melon seeds. Now the store only accepted pre-orders as the stock was gone.
Sujiaxiang's snack shop was open until the 28th December before closing for New Celebration. After packing up the snack box ordered by the last guest in the shop and seeing off the last guest, Su Family's girls breathed a sigh of relief: "Finally, it's almost New Year!"
You Jin, who was clearing the drawer of the cash register, smilingly responded, "Donel. Everyone tidy up. Han Li will be here in a while. After we finish our work, we can have a comfortable new year!"
After Su Family opened the shop, the weather was getting colder. Now their family was going in and out of the city every day, You Jin gritted her teeth and bought a mule cart before winter. Han Li was responsible for picking You Jin and the others to and from work at Sujiaxiang every day.
As soon as everyone heard this, they cheered up. Within a quarter of an hour, they had tidied up all the things that should be washed and collected. Han Li had arrived in a mule cart. After everyone came out, You Jin locked up and got on the mule cart. They headed back to Wuliqiao.
Most of the people living in the canal worker's dormitory at Wuliqiao had gone back. The canal workers got half a month's vacation. So they all went back to celebrate the New Year. Currently only the gatekeeper Uncle Wang, Han brothers, and a dozen or so canal workers who didn't return were left in the canal worker's dormitory.
The villagers of Wuliqiao had earned a lot of money this year. Especially Su Family on the west side of the river and Lizheng He Hao's family on the east side of the river.
Looking at the two sons and one daughter who put on new clothes, Mrs. Zhao narrowed her eyes with joy: "They all fit very well!"
This year, due to borrowing Su Family's place and opening a breakfast shop, they earned a dozen of so liang after spending half a year. On top of that, the field was promising this year. The family had a hefty harvest.
Sitting on the kang, He Hao smoked a pipe as watched the delighted children. He merrily instructed Mrs. Zhao: "Tomorrow, pick up some sesame dumplings and send them to Su Family. I estimate Su Family just moved here and may not have made any." Sesame dumpling was a kind of deep-fried flour food. It was a must-have food for worshiping gods during the New Year in Luohe Prefecture.
"Do I need you to tell me?" Mrs. Zhao irritatedly rolled her eyes at her man: "However, Su Family hadn't asked us for a wen of rent for more than half a year. I heard their single room cost one hundred and fifty wen a month! We benefitted a bit too much, no?"
Mrs. Zhao was a warm-hearted person. At the same time, she was too ashamed to take advantage of other people. "This half year is nearly equivalent to one liang!"
He Hao knew that his family had received a huge favor from Su Family. So he nodded: "Done. When you go to deliver sesame dumplings to Su Family tomorrow, do mention it while you're there. Don't bargain for how much Su Family wants."
Although that was said, He Hao Su Family's lass would rent the place to him at a lower price than the market price. That girl was very intelligent?
"West of the river's Su Family hasn't charge our family rent?" He Family's eldest son, He Xuan Hai was studying in the academy in Luohe Prefecture. Although he ran back and forth every day, his whole heart was on studying the sage books. A bookworm that didn't listen outside the window. He only knew that their parents set up a stall to sell breakfast on the other side. He had never been there once or met Su Family. He only heard his parents mention it every time, so he was a little curious.
"Su Family's Eldest Sister is very nice. She even gave me mung bean cake last time!" He Xiao Ning, the youngest daughter of He Family, was only seven years old this year. She had more contact with You Bao sisters on the west side of the river and often saw You Jin. It went without saying, You Jin felt a little close to cute little girls. She was friendly to He Xiao Ning.
"Don't worry about family matters. Your mother and I are enough. There is only one year before the provincial examination. Now isn't the time for you to be distracted." He Hao never let these mundane affairs disturb his son's peace. He Xuan Hai was only fifteen years old this year and had already passed the Tongsheng examination. He hold great expectations for his eldest son!
"Yes, Son will follow my father's teaching." He Xuan Hai stood up respectfully and gave a younger generation's salute to He Hao.
He family talked for a long time by the warm candlelight before they each dispersed to rest. Mrs. Zhao thought about how her son, who was like a green bamboo tree, was already fifteen years old. She leaned over and stared at He Hao: "Family Head, our family Xuan Hai is already fifteen years old. He is about the same age as Su Family's lass. Do you think that if I tell Su Family's wife..." After nearly ten months of interaction, Mrs. Zhao was getting more and more satisfied with Su Family's eldest lass. She felt she was really a good candidate for daughter-in-law.
After hearing what his wife said, He Hao frowned and shook his head: "Our Xuan Hai family can't ground Su Family''s lass. You should stop thinking about it!"
In less than a year, Su Family of old, weak women and children set up such a family business. In three to five years, even if Su Family isn't well-known in Luohe Prefecture, they may be famous in the surrounding villages.
"What? Our family Xuan Hai isn't bad! He pass the Tongsheng examination at the age of fourteen. If he become Xiucai next year and Juren after a few years, he will be an official!" Zhao had high hopes for her eldest son. She won't let her own say bad things about him.
Seeing her unwillingness to give up, He Hao rolled his eyes at her: "If you don't believe me, go ask Su Family's eldest ladd tomorrow and see what she says?"
After finishing speaking, he rolled over the thick quilt and ignored her. Not long later, he fell asleep.
"I'll ask then!" Mrs. Zhao was very confident in her son. Although her family's conditions weren't as good as those of the rich families in Luohe Prefecture, they can be regarded as a wealthy family in Wuliqiao. On top of that, her son was a famous Tongsheng in the surrounding towns and villages. How could Su Family disagree?
Chapter 70 Look at each other?
Early the next morning, Mrs. Zhao took He Xiao Ning to the west of the river with half a basket of sesame dumplings.
Walking on the way out of the village, the woman sitting and chatting on the side of the road saw her carrying a basket to the west of the river. They couldn't help curling their lips and whispered: "How shameful. As Lizheng's wife she rushing to flatter outsiders!"
After all, everyone in the village can see how prosperous He Family's breakfast shop was. It would be a lie to say that they weren't jealous or envious. These gossipers only dare to wag their tongues in private. With Mrs. Zhao's lively temperament, it was possible for her to tear their mouths apart if they said this in front of her.
Ever since their snack shop was opened, You Jin hadn't slept in for a long time. She slept deeply all night and didn't get up from the warm kang until the sun had climbed to the top of the eastern mountain after the snowy weather cleared.
"Eldest Miss is up. The congee is still warm on the stove!" came out of the kitchen and saw You Jin standing in the porch in outer clothes. She merrily spoke: "Let me get some hot water for Eldest Miss first."
After that, she went back to the kitchen.
Now Su Family had the addition of six young teen girls and Yu Lan, all Su Family's little girls were freed from housework. Now there were many people in Su's house, You Yin three sisters in the West Wing had moved to the main room to live with Mrs. Su Family. The upper and lower rooms of the West Wing were lived in by Yu Lan and six teen girls. Although it was a bit crowded, it was barely passable.
Looking at the small farmyard after the snow fall stopped, You Jin comfortably sighed. Such days were really comfortable.
"Eldest Sister, come and have some breakfast!" You Zhu's voice sounded from the kitchen. Although the division of master and servant in Su Family was becoming more and more obvious, three meals a day were the same despite eating at separate tables.
The mushy round-grained rice congee paired with the sour garlic sprouts that You Jin personally pickled in summer. It was very appetizing. After finishing a bowl of steaming round-grained rice congee and a three-grain pancake, You Jin put down the bowl in her hands in satisfaction. Just as she was about to go back to her room to settle all the accounts for this year, she heard Mrs. Zhao's joyful voice outside: "Su Family's wife, you look better now!"
Mrs. Su held little Eighth who was already falling down a little bit and smilingly brought Zhao mother and daughter into the main room. You Jin who came out of the kitchen followed.
"Your family's house is really well furnished now!" Mrs. Zhao looked around Su Family's main room. Although there was nothing expensive, there were thick quilts, a well-heated kang, and delicate snacks placed on the table. There was also an unfamiliar little girl who brought tea. All these were saying that Su Family had made a big step forward in their current family situation.
You Jin smiled and sat behind Mrs. Su. She reached out to take little Eighth who had outstretched her hands to hug her. Mrs. Su handed the child over before looking back at Mrs. Zhao, "Thanks to your family's care, we were able to take root in Wuliqiao."
He Xiao Ning was already huddled together with You Bao sister and sat on the side eating snacks as they chatted in a low voice. Seeing Mrs. Su being so polite, Mrs. Zhao exclaimed "How is it us taking care of your family? I say it's because of your family, we can set up a breakfast stand and earn some money!"
After finishing speaking, she roughly said what she discussed with He Hao last night. Then she looked at You Jin: "You Jin, Auntie knows you are kind, but this is business. We can't occupy your place for nothing, right?"
Mr. Su had never interfered in matters involving business. You Jin, who was playing with little Eighth in the back, thought for a while before saying: "Since Auntie opened mouth, I will accept it from now on. How about fifty wen a month?"
Mrs. Zhao didn't expect that she would offer such a low price. Although she could save a lot of money by doing this, Mrs. Zhao had never been one to take advantage of others. She bared the pain and said: "You Jin, this way it will be us taking advantage of your family!"
"Don't worry, Auntie. I never do business that loses money. Auntie, it's not easy for you to get up early and stay late every day. Small business is to earn a living, right?" If the family wants to take root in Wuliqiao, they need the support of He Family. This deal wasn't a loss.
Seeing that she put it that way, Mrs. Zhao also accepted her kindness. She lifted the cloth covering the basket she was carrying: "This sesame dumpling is a food that we can use to worship our ancestors and gods during the New Year. I was thinking you didn't know this since this is the first year you came here. Although it's not much money, it's still some of our thoughts."
Hearing what she said, Mrs. Su accepted it: "Then thank you Sister-in-law."
The three of them talked for a long time. Mrs. Zhao found a reason to send You Jin out before telling Mrs. Su that she wanted to connect with Su Family through marriage: "Your You Jin is thirteen at the beginning of the year, right? She's a big girl now. It's about time to start paying attention to others, right?"
Speaking of this, Mrs. Su sighed: "I want to pay attention, but we are newcomers. We aren't familiar with anyone. How can we keep an eye out?"
"My eldest son is sixteen years old and currently studying in Luohe Prefecture. He is already a Tongsheng! I am also worried about his marriage! But his father said that now is the time to study. Better discuss it two years later!" Mrs. Zhao directly hinted to Mrs. Su that her family had an elder son who was considered to be of the right age and had a very good condition.
Mrs. Su was a smart person. Hearing what Mrs. Zhao said, she knew in her heart that Mrs. Zhao had her eyes on her eldest daughter. Mrs. Su was naturally satisfied with a family like Mrs. Zhao's. Although she hadn't seen Mrs. Zhao's eldest son, she had heard the women in Wuliqiao mentioned it. He was indeed a talented young man: "Your eldest son is such a good young man. Why do you need to worry? If my Kang-er has such a future in the future, then I can rest in peace!" The words conveyed her liking toward He Xuan Hai.
The man had affection, the female was interested. So the two chatted for a while before Mrs. Zhao dragged the stuffed full He Xiao Ning toward the east side of the river with a grin, The sesame dumpling in the basket had been replaced by Mrs. Su's melon seeds and two packs of snacks.
After seeing Mrs. Zhao off, You Jin carried little Eighth back to the main room. After being put on the kang, Younger Sister played on the kang Kang-er. She asked, "Mother, what were you talking about with Auntie Zhao? And I can't even hear it?"
Under her daughter's bright eyes, Mrs. Su felt a little guilty for some reason. She dodged: "It's nothing. Just gossip for a while."
"Really?" You Jin looked at Mrs. Su's eyes wandering around. Her words were full of doubts. Since Mrs. Su refused to say anything, she didn't ask any more questions. She just said: "Just know what you are doing Mother. Don't sell us out without telling me."
"How can I possibly do that!" Mrs. Su guiltily laughed: "Whatever Mother does is for the good of you sisters. How can I possibly harm you?"
Mrs. Su knew that her eldest daughter had always been very intelligent and strong. But this was a major life-changing event. She can't be negligent. If news got leaked in advance and the two families don't get married, her daughter's reputation will be ruined in the future. Then it will harm You Jin's whole life.
Seeing her say this, You Jin stopped guessing. After all, Mrs. Su was right. No matter what she did, she wouldn't harm herself and her younger sisters.
After coming out of the main room, You Jin went to the half-finished study in the lower room of the east wing. Yu Lan was teaching Su Family's girls. Since the family situation improved, You Jin had bought a batch of the cheapest four treasures of the study back to practice calligraphy. Even You Luo can write her own name crookedly. It can be said to be very effective.
To call it a study room, it just had three old-fashioned square tables. Su Family's girls were sitting in a circle, writing carefully under the guidance of Yu Lan.
"Your handwriting is getting better and better now. Compared with when you held the brush for the first time, it's a difference between cloud and mud."
After seeing the big characters written by You Jin, Yu Lan nodded in relief. The handwriting can only be regarded as proper. However, it was much better than the handwriting that was previously written like a dog digging.
You Jin humbly smiled: "Teacher taught me well."
Although Yu Lan was sold as a slave, Su Family currently respected her as a teacher. She was only responsible for teaching the few children to read and write and helping Mrs. Su take care of the children. Yu Lan's life was going very well.
"One loses by pride and gains by modesty. Although there's huge improvement in writing, don't be arrogant and conceited. Write three more sheets and you can leave." Yu Lan took out three new sheets of paper. The rough straw paper was very different from when she was reading and practicing calligraphy. Still, Yu Lan knew that this was the best that Su Family could afford at present.
To be honest, at the beginning when Yu Lan heard that You Jin wanted her to teach Su Family to read and write, she felt that Su Family had too much money and didn't know how to spend it. After all, it was seven girls studying together. They need pens and ink every day. That cost a lot. Girls can't take part in the examination. At first, Yu Lan thought that You Jin only wanted the girls to not be blind. But now it seem that You Jin wanted to raise the little Su Family's girls as male!
"Yes." You Jin sat back in her original place, concentrated, and drew the outline stroke by stroke. Seeing how serious Eldest Sister was, the younger sisters also became serious and obediently practiced calligraphy.
After practicing calligraphy for half an hour and writing the last big character, You Jin let out a heavy sigh of relief: "Teacher, I have finished writing."
Yu Lan carefully checked before she nodded slightly: "Okay, let's stop here today. Go then."
She knew that You Jin had other things to do, so she didn't force her to stay.
After leaving the study, You Jin went back to the east wing room. After locking the door, she moved out the wooden box hidden in the closet. Today, she had to calculate the input and output after moving to Wuliqiao. It wasn't an easy task. You Jin had been counting since the twenty-sixth day of December. It should be finished today.
The time spent burying her head in the calculations always passed very quickly. You Jin felt that she had only done the calculations for a while when a knock on the door sounded from outside: "Miss, lunch is ready."
She went out again for lunch. Then You Jin came back to continue her business of settling the accounts. Finally all the accounts were straightened before dinner.