Everyday Exile in Ancient Times

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel. Total: 210 chapters and 9 extras . Beware edited mtl.

8. 71 to 80

Chapter 71.

After lunch, Mrs. Luo, worried, asked how her second son was faring at the government office and if anyone was bullying him.

Fu Wei simply replied that he was doing well at the government office and had not been subjected to any bullying.

Seeing Mrs. Luo about to ask more, Yu Ying mentioned that Fu Wei would soon have to go for his duty at the government office and should rest a bit beforehand to avoid feeling sleepy in the afternoon.

Hearing this, Mrs. Luo quickly urged her son to go and rest.

Just before Fu Wei was to leave for his duty, his sister-in-law brought out the cloth shoes she had made.

They were two pairs of cloth shoes for Fu Wei.

After trying them on, Fu Wei found them to fit perfectly.

With these new pairs of shoes, he could wear the new ones when going out and the old ones at home. Now, Fu Wei wouldn't need to meticulously clean the mud off his shoes to hide traces of walking in the fields.

Changing into his new shoes, Yu Ying accompanied Fu Wei to the door.

As they walked through the alley, even after living there for two days, people still curiously observed the couple.

The neighbors had been quite curious the first couple of days, often craning their necks to get a better look at them.

Their whispers were often about how the husband was handsome but unfortunately crippled. And if he weren't crippled, why would he marry a woman with a blemish on her face?

Upon closer inspection, the young woman's appearance wasn't bad at all. It was just like a stain on a white cloth, hard to ignore.

This couple seemed oddly matched yet oddly fitting, an unusual pairing.

Yu Ying paid no mind to those peculiar glances. She stopped at the entrance of the alley and told him, "The housewarming meal will start at the hour of Wei. It will probably be over before you return from your duty, so I might head back by then."

Fu Wei had already anticipated this without her having to mention it.

He turned to look at her.

His gaze lingered on her face for a few moments before he softly spoke, "Be careful when you get back."

A faint smile appeared on Yu Ying's face as she also gently advised, "You too, be cautious around others at the government office."

Fu Wei nodded slightly, withdrew his gaze, and left with the document cart.

As he walked away, his expression grew somber.

As Yu Ying had said, their separation was for a better future for both of them. Despite the reluctance in his heart, he had to face it.

In the afternoon, Yu Ying borrowed fifty coins from her sister-in-law and then went with her to the carpenter's shop.

She chose a modestly sized Eight Immortals table and two tall stools, spending eighty coins.

After purchasing the table and chairs, she arranged for them to be delivered to Xikou Lane.

The table could be used for an additional seating arrangement that afternoon and later as a desk in Fu Wei's room.

After noon, Yu Ying, her sister-in-law, and Mrs. Luo prepared dishes for two tables.

The menu was similar to the previous day's feast for the senior yamen runner: stewed mutton with radishes, braised pork, braised fish, stewed tofu, and a green vegetable dish.

The two tables of food made Fu An and Fu Ning drool with anticipation.

They had never eaten mutton before, and fish was a rarity; they occasionally had meat every two or three days, but only simply stir-fried, not like the richly enticing dishes they saw now.

Yu Ying, carrying dishes into the house, teased her nephew and niece, "Your drool is almost hitting the floor, better wipe it off quick."

The siblings, taking her seriously, similarly raised their hands to their mouths to wipe.

Fu An was the first to realize his little aunt was teasing him and exclaimed in embarrassed protest, "Little Aunt!"

Yu Ying suppressed a smile and continued to bring in the dishes.

At this moment, Chen, the shopkeeper, Uncle Chen, and the waiter from Wu's restaurant arrived.

The shopkeeper Chen brought a live chicken, while the waiter carried two boxes of pastries.

Yu Ying welcomed them into the house, then asked her elder brother to entertain them.

Yu Ying asked Fu An to tie up the chicken, intending for Mrs. Luo to take care of it in the future.

Regarding the housewarming feast, even though the main character was absent, the guests still enjoyed themselves and left in high spirits.

Before leaving, Mrs. Luo called Yu Ying inside and took out a hundred coins, handing them to her: "Renting this house must have cost you a lot. I don't have much money, but please take these hundred coins."

Mrs. Luo had kept a little money aside, just in case Erlang couldn't afford to buy food and needed it in an emergency.

Yu Ying declined the money, explaining, "Erlang contributed the most, and I didn't spend much."

Mrs. Luo was skeptical, "Where would Erlang get money from? Don't say such things just to reassure me."

Yu Ying was about to explain further but thought better of it, realizing it might lead to more worries for Mrs. Luo. So, she accepted the hundred coins.

After tidying up, Yu Ying and her sister-in-law moved a table and a chair into Fu Wei's room.

She spread a tablecloth on the table, placed ink, paper, a lamp, and a bamboo tube with two bamboo sticks in it.

Finally, she hung a curtain. Though it was a mud house, it now had a touch of elegance and tranquility.

Yu Ying stepped back to the doorway, taking one last look at the room before slowly closing the door.

Before leaving, she handed Fu An several packets of powder, instructing him, "If bad people try to catch you, don't resist. Look for a chance to throw this powder at them, then find an opportunity to escape."

Fu An, a bit stunned, was about to say he wouldn't encounter bad people, but then remembered his aunt had faced trouble before and quickly nodded.

"Also, don't foolishly follow anyone who promises easy money. It's a scam. They'll trick and kidnap you, then threaten us for ransom."

Fu An uttered an "Ah," bewildered by this anti-fraud education, a concept new to him, leaving him utterly confused.

In the book, Fu An's fate is to be kidnapped and go missing.

For years, Fu Wei never stopped searching for his only relative but never found him.

Fu Ning, standing nearby, listened intently, taking her aunt's words to heart.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch, so don't be greedy for small gains and suffer big losses. Understand?"

Fu An nodded, "I've taken it to heart."

Yu Ying's final instruction was, "Don't wander off. Just stay around here or go to the government office to pick up your uncle."

The area near the government office is always somewhat safer.

After a multitude of reminders and instructions, Yu Ying left with her elder brother, sister-in-law, and Fu Ning in Uncle Chen's ox cart.

When Fu Wei returned from his duty, it was Fu An who opened the door for him.

Although there were occasional conversations between the nephew and grandmother in the courtyard, it was a stark contrast to the liveliness of the midday gathering.

The heart that had just been filled now seemed to be missing a piece again.

Opening the door to his room and seeing the changes inside, Fu Wei slowly approached the table.

He lifted his hand to the tablecloth-covered surface, his slender fingers gently tracing over it, his gaze settling on the bamboo sticks in the bamboo tube.

It was evident who had prepared this, without needing to say.

His lips gradually curved into a smile, feeling a sweetness in his heart.

Upon returning to Lingshui Village, Yu Ying, looking at the house now missing a person, felt a bit unaccustomed but still managed a faint smile and turned to attend to other matters.

Yu Ying took Fu Ning with her, carrying two boxes of pastries and two packets of melon seeds to deliver to Song Sanlang and the He family, also bringing along some newly made sheep fat cream to the He family.

Yu Ying chatted leisurely with Aunt He and the sister-in-law of the He family in the courtyard until the men of the He family returned from the fields.

The He family owned only a small plot of land. They gathered herbs in the morning and worked in the fields in the afternoon. After tending to their own fields, they would also check on the Fu family's medicinal and vegetable gardens.

Yu Ying called He Erlang over and examined his cheeks and hands closely.

After four days of application, the cracks on both sides of his cheeks had healed by sixty percent.

The cracks on his hands had also improved to varying degrees, about fifty percent better.

From this observation, her cream seemed to be as effective as the cream from Ji's Medical Hall, and better than those from the other two homes.

However, the cream's effect, though similar to Ji's Medical Hall, might not necessarily compare with those from other medical halls in Cangwu County.

He Erlang felt a bit embarrassed being scrutinized so closely, but fortunately, his dark complexion concealed any noticeable changes.

Yu Ying took out the newly made cream and instructed him, "From now on, apply this cream not just on your face and hands, but also on your feet."

After a moment's thought, she asked, "Can you show me your feet?"

He Erlang, embarrassed by the severe cracks in his feet, hesitated but eventually nodded.

Yu Ying noticed that the heels of He Erlang's feet were so cracked they were bleeding.

She advised, "Apply more cream on the heels. I'll check them again tomorrow."

After giving her instructions, Yu Ying glanced at the slightly cracked face of He family's grandson.

If this facial cream works exceptionally well, it should heal the cracks on the face of the He family grandson overnight.

Yu Ying instructed him to wash his face and then applied the cream, advising, "Make sure not to wash it off, it should be better by tomorrow."

Niu Niu, full of energy, responded with a hearty "Okay," then asked, "Little Aunt from the Fu family, when will An An come back?"

Yu Ying replied, "He will return to stay for a few days after a while."

Yu Ying also took the opportunity to tell Uncle He and Aunt He about where Fu Wei was currently staying, suggesting they could rest there if they visited the county town.

After staying a while at Uncle and Aunt He's home, she left. Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, she went to sort out the eighty pounds of medicinal herbs.

The sky darkened, and a cold wind rustled.

At the county yamen.

After dinner, Zhou, the county magistrate, went to his study to find a book.

He picked up a few bamboo scrolls from the bookshelf and was about to leave when his peripheral vision caught sight of a paper casually placed on the table earlier that day.

He slightly raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, then took the paper and left the study to return to the back courtyard.

Back in the room, his wife was sewing. He said, "Sewing so late, aren't you afraid of damaging your eyes?"

The graceful woman, around thirty, glanced up at him and said, "Then why don't you stop wearing out your clothes so often?"

County Magistrate Zhou touched his nose and replied, "Well, these clothes aren't exactly durable."

The woman chuckled lightly and said, "No matter how durable they are, they can't withstand your daily martial arts training and sparring."

County Magistrate Zhou, not wishing to prolong the conversation, simply said, "Then finish your sewing and rest soon."

After giving his advice, he sat down beside the couch with the bamboo scroll in his hand.

Glancing at the paper and pondering for a moment, he set the bamboo scroll on the low table and opened the paper instead.

He intended to just give it a casual glance.

As he unfolded the paper, instead of densely packed opinions, he saw an innovative layout of boxes.

His eyebrows slightly raised, he became curiously engrossed in studying it.

Recognizing the cases from the previous day, which he had presided over, he quickly understood how to read it.

Seeing the clear and straightforward content, he couldn't help but laugh.

Hearing the laughter, his wife looked up and asked, "What's so amusing?"

County Magistrate Zhou responded, "Do you know about the new clerk in the government office?"

His wife pondered for a moment, "Yes, the one with the disability. I saw him from a distance. He has a decent appearance, a pity about his condition."

Sighing, she then asked, "What about him?"

County Magistrate Zhou showed her the paper in his hand.

After glancing at it, his wife commented, "It's just content written in a few boxes. What's so special about that?"

County Magistrate Zhou took back the paper, saying, "Never mind, you wouldn't understand."

He mused, "Initially, I thought Fu Wei, having lived as a privileged young master for twenty years, might genuinely possess some talent, which is why I allowed him into the government office."

"Give it three months. Those with ability can stay, others will leave. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations of him. Since he had nothing to do, I casually assigned him to attend my court hearings and summarize them for me the next day."

Mrs. Zhou frowned in thought, "Aren't you just dealing with trivial lawsuits every day? What's there to summarize?"

County Magistrate Zhou replied, "That's because there were no other tasks to assign to him."

He sighed, "I can hardly remember the cases I judged yesterday, yet to my surprise, Fu Wei listed all of them, including the time of the hearing and the parties involved. It's not his memory or his method of documentation that astonished me the most."

Mrs. Zhou, sewing clothes, asked, "What else then?"

County Magistrate Zhou smiled, "I thought these well-read noblemen only liked to show off their literary talent. Clearly, I was too prejudiced. Do you know Fu Wei's insight on the chicken theft case?"

This piqued his wife's curiosity, and she asked, "What did he write?"

He smiled, "Petty theft is common everywhere, nothing unusual."

"Did he really write that?"

County Magistrate Zhou nodded, adding, "For a dispute involving women throwing manure at each other, he described it as mundane neighborhood squabbles, dull and uninteresting."

"Don't you think he's being perfunctory?" Mrs. Zhou looked skeptical.

County Magistrate Zhou laughed heartily, "His comments are exactly what I've been thinking! Not perfunctory at all! Besides, if he were to analyze these cases in detail, focusing on trivial domestic disputes, he wouldn't be suited for greater responsibilities."

Seeing his joyful laughter, Mrs. Zhou also smiled, "It seems you have high regard for this young aide."

County Magistrate Zhou's smile faded as he sighed, "I've been in Jade County for three years now, and it feels like I can see the end of the road – no hope for promotion in sight."

"The two scholars, Qian and Sun, can only help me manage Jade County. But broadly speaking, they don't know much about the imperial capital or court politics. Fu Wei, who's been in Jade County for just half a year, knows somewhat more about the affairs of the court."

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhou pondered for a moment and then said softly, "Since you say so, you must have some plans in mind."

County Magistrate Zhou nodded.

"With two aides, there's a balance. Adding a third will inevitably lead to conflict."

"Whether Fu Wei can withstand it depends on his own abilities."

The next day.

When Fu Wei was on duty, County Magistrate Zhou called him into the study.

Zhou brought out the summary Fu Wei had submitted, not stinting in praise: "You did a good job with the summary."

"Thank you for the compliment, sir, but the format of the summary was suggested by my wife."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "But the content must have been your own idea, right?"

Fu Wei nodded, "Indeed, I wrote the content."

County Magistrate Zhou, lifting his chin slightly, said, "I had intended to further assess your capabilities, but now I'll skip the formalities and get straight to the point."

Speaking thus, Zhou's expression turned serious: "Yu County is impoverished. In your opinion, how can we change this situation?"

Fu Wei, surprised by the directness, pondered for a moment before responding, "Food is the foundation of the people; grain is crucial."

Zhou almost laughed, "That's what Mr. Qian and Mr. Sun said two years ago."

"And who doesn't know that grain is fundamental to the people? But here in Lingnan, the dense forests and mountainous terrain are full of miasma, snakes, and beasts. How can we talk about farming in such difficult conditions?"

"Moreover, with limited arable land, if the people can't pay their taxes, should the government office cover for them? You're overestimating the office."

Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then said, "With limited farming land, we should reclaim more. The central government has a policy: for newly reclaimed sloping land, only one hundred coins per mu are charged for the first three years, and no grain tax is required. Even if the slopes can't grow grain, other crops can be cultivated to exchange for silver, which can then be used to buy grain from other regions."

Zhou retorted, "You make it sound easy. Cultivate other crops to exchange for silver? First, where do they get the money to rent the land? Second, what can they grow to make money? Third, does Yu County have such demand?"

The two engaged in a back-and-forth of questions and answers, raising doubts and providing responses.

"Sir, you could petition the Cangwu County magistrate, suggesting that our county allows the people to owe the rent for the land first, and then repay the debt with the silver they earn next year."

Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then said, "As for what to plant, Yu County has many slopes unsuitable for traditional farming but ideal for growing medicinal herbs. Herbs that cannot be grown in the north can be grown in the south, and vice versa, making the trade of regional herbs highly profitable."

Fu Wei's explanation was clear and logical, prompting County Magistrate Zhou not to question him immediately.

After a few moments, Zhou shared his knowledge.

"The medicinal herb traders who come to Yu County are mostly small-scale. Several medical halls are struggling to sell the herbs from their own fields. How do you think the herbs grown by the people will sell?"

Fu Wei, looking even more serious, replied, "It's not about waiting for buyers to come but going out to them."

County Magistrate Zhou raised an eyebrow, "Go out to them?"

Fu Wei nodded, "Transport the herbs to the medical halls in the north."

County Magistrate Zhou asked, "Who will do the transporting?"

Fu Wei answered, "The government and locals can form a trading caravan, transporting the herbs by boat. With official documents, checkpoints won't dare to detain us maliciously, allowing for faster inspections and shorter travel times."

"By buying at a low price and selling high, the government office can profit from the margin. On the return journey, buy grain and northern medicinal herbs, selling the herbs along the way for additional income."

Concluding, Fu Wei relayed information from Yu Ying, "The cheapest herbs can be bought for fifteen coins per catty and sold in the north for forty to fifty coins per catty."

Hearing this, Zhou's eyes showed a hint of surprise.

Fu Wei further suggested, "The medical halls have large fields of medicinal herbs. Sir, you might consider collaborating with them to export the herbs, settling the payments after receiving the income, so there's no worry about upfront costs."

Fu Wei concluded with a critical point, "Constantly struggling in poverty, can the situation in Yu County get any worse?"

These words left County Magistrate Zhou deep in thought.

Seemingly persuaded, Zhou looked at Fu Wei after a long while and said, "Organize your thoughts from today into a clear and detailed report. The day after tomorrow, I'll discuss it with Mr. Qian and Mr. Sun. As for the medical halls, we'll decide whether to proceed with that after the meeting."

As planned, Yu Ying, accompanied by Fu Ning, delivered the medicinal herbs to the inn, earning over 1,300 coins.

Leaving the inn close to noon, Yu Ying hurried to the government office.

Upon arriving, she saw a junior officer pushing Fu Wei in his wheelchair, exiting from a side alley of the government office.

The young yamen runner, around sixteen or seventeen, was Mo Xiaoyacha, who once attended a housewarming feast with Huo Yacha.

Fu Wei, seemingly touched, turned his head and immediately spotted Yu Ying, dressed in a plain skirt and wearing a simple hairpin, amidst the bustling crowd.

The two exchanged smiles across the passing crowd.

Yu Ying, leading Fu Ning, approached them and took over the task of pushing the wheelchair from Mo Xiaoyacha.

Fu Ning called out to Fu Wei, "Uncle."

Although her voice was still somewhat muddled, it was much clearer than when she first began to speak.

Fu Wei nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Yu Ying explained, "She said she missed her brother and grandmother, so I brought her along."

Fu Wei asked her, "Did you manage to deliver the herbs smoothly?"

Yu Ying nodded, "Yes, I delivered them successfully and came here right after."

Knowing the inn was some distance away and that Fu Ning must have been tired, Fu Wei lifted her onto his lap to sit in the wheelchair for the ride back.

Fu Ning, now closer to her uncle, was no longer afraid of him.

Half a moment later, they reached the outside of the courtyard.

Just as they knocked twice on the courtyard door, they heard Fu An's voice from inside, "I'll open it, I'll open it!"

As the door swung open, Fu An's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of his beloved aunt and sister, whom he had been eagerly anticipating.

"Auntie, sister!" he exclaimed.

Little Fu Ning grinned, revealing her gap-toothed smile, and called out "Brother."

Mrs. Luo hurriedly wiped her hands and came out from the main room, joyfully exclaiming, "My dear Ning Ning, my sweet granddaughter."

"Grandma," Fu Ning ran towards her grandmother.

Mrs. Luo picked her up and then turned to her son and daughter-in-law, saying, "I've just finished cooking lunch; let's eat before we talk."

Knowing that Yu Ying was coming to Yun County to deliver medicinal herbs, Mrs. Luo had purposely prepared extra food.

After a quick lunch, with Yu Ying present, Fu Wei didn't plan to rest but called her into a room for a private conversation.

He detailed the proposal he had presented to the county magistrate and mentioned the meeting scheduled for the next day.

Yu Ying nodded in agreement, "Although grain and silver will be esteemed in the future, in cases where grain cannot be cultivated, medicinal herbs are also in demand."

She looked at Fu Wei, "If this proposal is confirmed, I'll immediately rent about ten or more acres of sloping land for cultivation, then buy the produce at a low price and profit from the margin."

Fu Wei's expression grew serious, "I must ensure this plan succeeds."

"If it does, the people of Yu County will have an additional means of livelihood during the upcoming turbulent times, preventing widespread devastation."

After discussing the promotion of herb cultivation, Yu Ying also shared her plans with Fu Wei about her trip to Cangwu County.

"The new cream I've made is much more effective than the previous one, and even better than those from several other medical halls. So, I'm planning to initially produce a hundred jars and try selling them in Cangwu County. My elder brother, sister-in-law, and Song Sanlang will accompany me."

The effectiveness of the cream on He Erlang, even after just one night, was quite remarkable.

The journey from Yu County to Cangwu County takes several days, and the road could be perilous. Only by traveling together could they feel at ease.

Fu Wei's expression paused, and after a moment, he asked, "When are you leaving?"

Yu Ying thought for a while, then said, "To sell it at a higher price, I can't use bamboo jars. For a hundred jars, I need to prepare clay pots and then sheep tail fat oil. This will take a few days to arrange."

Continuing, Yu Ying added, "I'll stay in Yu County with Ning Ning for the next few days. I'll finish making the cream in three days, and then my elder brother and the others will join me in Yu County."

Chapter 72.

After being apart for two days, the siblings had endless things to talk about upon reuniting.

While most of the conversation was dominated by Fu An's nonstop chatter, Fu Ning listened with giggles, her face filled with joyous smiles.

Fu An shared stories about the county town with his sister, about becoming friends with a boy next door.

He told her how he would wait at the alley entrance every day for their uncle to finish his duties.

He also spoke of missing his aunt and sister, as well as their father and mother, and the He family's ox, Niu Niu.

When Yu Ying returned after seeing Fu Wei out, she saw the siblings lying on Mrs. Luo's bed, chatting and laughing, bringing a gentle smile to her face.

After watching them for a while, Yu Ying yawned, feeling tired.

Perhaps because she was unaccustomed to having fewer people at home these past two nights, Yu Ying found herself sleeping poorly.

Not wanting to disturb the sibling's time together, she decided to rest in Fu Wei's room.

Before entering, she instructed Mrs. Luo to wake her up in half an hour.

Opening the door to Fu Wei's room, she found it as clean and tidy as she had left it, with a faint scent of medicinal herbs in the air.

The only difference was that the bamboo leaves on the branches had started to wilt slightly.

Yu Ying wondered if Fu Wei had been too busy even to find time to replace the bamboo branches.

Thinking it over, she decided to fetch some fresh bamboo branches after waking up.

She lay down on the bed, pulling the covers over her for a light sleep.

Waking up around the hour of Wei, she set out to find clay pots for the cream.

Using bamboo containers might not justify the price, as throughout history, packaging has always influenced the selling price.

The sky was overcast, the weather cold and gloomy. Yu Ying pulled her clothes tighter around her and left the house with a bamboo basket.

After wandering around half of Yu County, she found that many of the clay pots were unglazed, and even those glazed were quite rough.

Eventually, she found some decent small clay pots, but they cost five coins each and there were only about twenty available.

This was far from the hundred she needed.

Moreover, these small pots were not as exquisite as Yu Ying had hoped.

After some deliberation, Yu Ying decided to buy the twenty available pots anyway.

After purchasing the small clay pots, Yu Ying returned home.

Back at the rental, Fu Wei had already finished his duties and was home.

Yu Ying placed the clay pots down, washed her hands, and then joined Mrs. Luo to prepare dinner.

They made a simple meal of scrambled eggs with chives, chive soup, and a dish of green vegetables.

Before getting ready for bed, Yu Ying placed her bundle in Mrs. Luo's room and, while helping her to dry Fu Ning's hair, said, "Mother, tonight Ning Ning and I will sleep with you."

Mrs. Luo was momentarily startled at this and involuntarily glanced towards the open door of the opposite room.

Her son was sitting at the table behind the window, engrossed in writing something.

Mrs. Luo, momentarily lost in thought, then smiled and responded, "Alright, I'll get the bedding ready."

She didn't dare ask what was going on between Yu Ying and her son, fearing it might make Yu Ying uncomfortable and reluctant to stay at the Fu house any longer.

Although she clearly knew that Erlang and Yu Ying were not a real couple, she still felt maintaining the current situation was good enough.

Mrs. Luo might not ask, but that didn't mean Fu An wouldn't.

After bathing, Fu An saw his aunt in his grandmother's room and asked in surprise, "Auntie, why aren't you sleeping in Uncle's room?"

His question made Mrs. Luo nervously glance at Yu Ying, worried it might make her uncomfortable.

Yu Ying smiled and fibbed to him, "Your uncle has to be on duty tomorrow. He can't afford any mistakes at the government office, and I don't sleep well in new places. I don't want to disturb his rest."

Fu Wei, who was just about to step out, heard this: "..."

He knew all too well how soundly she slept, having shared a bed with her for half a year.

And that night at the inn, she had barely moved at all.

"She really..."

"Knows how to deceive a child."

Fu Wei shook his head helplessly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Fu An muttered in response, "But no matter how bad Auntie's sleeping habits might be, they can't be worse than mine."

Mrs. Luo nodded emphatically, fully agreeing.

Even Fu Ning chimed in, "Brother, sleep, not good."

Yu Ying reminisced about the few nights she had spent sleeping next to Fu An.

True, she remembered him being quite restless, prone to sprawling over onto others.

Yu Ying looked towards Fu Wei, who had just stepped out of his room, and asked, "Did Fu An ever disturb your sleep when you two shared a bed?"

Fu Wei looked at her with a half-smile, "Compared to you, he's on a completely different level."

Yu Ying caught his hint of amusement and gave him a light glare, retorting, "Then you should be more accustomed to it."

Hearing this, Fu An excitedly asked, "Does that mean Auntie might..."

Before he could finish, Yu Ying interrupted, "Tomorrow, I'll take you, Ning Ning, and grandma to the morning market in Yu County. Do you want to go?"

Fu An's eyes lit up at the mention of going to the morning market in Yu County, "I want to go, I want to go! I have copper coins, I can buy things!"

Yu Ying smiled and asked him, "By the way, what have you been learning with your uncle these past two days?"

Fu An eagerly responded, "Wait a second!"

Excitedly, he ran back to fetch his small wooden sword, saying, "Uncle taught me swordsmanship and calligraphy!"

Yu Ying, busy with her own tasks in the previous days, only occasionally found time to teach Fu An and Fu Ning how to write.

Yu Ying encouraged, "Then show Auntie how you wield your sword."

Fu An instantly forgot the question he was about to ask and began demonstrating his swordplay with the wooden sword in the room.

Having only learned for two days, he knew just a few moves, but Yu Ying and Mrs. Luo applauded enthusiastically, with Ning Ning being the most supportive.

Little cheerleader Ning Ning clapped her small hands and said, "Brother, awesome."

Fu Wei leaned against the doorway, watching the joyous scene with a gentle smile on his face.

As night fully descended, Yu Ying lay in bed pretending to sleep.

When Fu An realized what he had originally wanted to ask and saw his aunt seemingly asleep, he pouted in disappointment.

Fu Ning, puzzled as to how her aunt fell asleep so quickly, was about to call her when Fu An gestured for her to be quiet, whispering, "Don't wake Auntie."

Saying this, he quietly left the room, gently closing the door behind him.

As the door closed, Yu Ying opened her eyes and silently exhaled.

If Fu Wei couldn't handle Fu An, she certainly couldn't either.

Fu Ning, seeing her aunt suddenly awake, was surprised and her eyes widened.

Yu Ying softly hushed her and whispered, "We'll sleep with grandma these next few nights, not with your brother or uncle."

Gap-toothed Ning Ning grinned broadly and nodded enthusiastically, "Sleep with grandma."

Yu Ying lifted the quilt, inviting her in.

Fu Ning, warm and snug, was immediately embraced by Yu Ying upon entering the bed, causing the little girl to giggle with joy.

Fearing the laughter would attract Fu An, Yu Ying quickly hushed her again.

The two, like mischievous conspirators, were full of smiles.

Meanwhile, Fu An returned to his room, disappointed. Seeing his uncle still up, writing by the lamplight, he muttered under his breath and flopped onto the bed, calling out dully, "Uncle."

Fu Wei, continuing to write without pause, responded absentmindedly, "Hmm?"

Fu An turned over, gazing at the ceiling, and asked, "Can you bring auntie back to the room?"

Fu Wei's hand trembled, nearly ruining the half-written bamboo slip.

He glanced at the intact bamboo slip, silently exhaling in relief, and then listened to his nephew's words behind him.

"Uncle, why don't you ever call auntie to come back to the room to sleep?"

Fu Wei: ...

He sighed quietly, pondering how to respond, when his nephew spoke again.

"I always feel that you and auntie are different from other couples, but I can't pinpoint how."

Fu Wei's eyelids drooped slightly as he spoke softly, "What's different now, might become the same in the future."

These words were meant for Fu An to hear, and for himself as well.

Furrowing his brows, Fu An asked, "Then why can't it be like other couples now? If it were, could you and auntie give me and Ning Ning a little sister?"

Fu Wei: ...

Enough, no more beating around the bush.

"I still have work to do; you should go to sleep."

Fu An's frown deepened, his sense of security wavering, yet he couldn't figure out why.

After careful thought, he was still afraid that auntie might leave, afraid that he might never see her again.

Amidst these worries, he gradually fell asleep.

After finishing his work, Fu Wei turned around to find his nephew shivering in his sleep, his body curled up without a blanket.

Sighing in resignation, he walked over and covered his nephew with the quilt.

How could he not wish to be a true husband and wife? Yet, he knew her heart was filled with endless longing for the past, and given the chance, she would surely yearn to return to those days.

She didn't want to leave behind any attachments or cause unbearable longing for those left here if the opportunity to return ever arose.

Even though they were not husband and wife now, her departure would still leave him longing painfully…

Dawn broke with the weather turning even colder and damper, the clothes inadequate against the chill.

After washing with warm water, Yu Ying saw the two children and the elder shivering, their necks hunched, and thought to herself that she needed to remember how to knit sweaters.

She had knitted sweaters during her university days, but it had been years, and her memory was hazy. The journey to Cangwu County would take days, giving her time to recall.

Back in the house, the siblings lined up, tilting their little faces upwards, waiting for Yu Ying to apply face cream.

Children's skin is different from adults', so it's best not to use the same face cream. Therefore, Yu Ying had made two jars of mutton fat cream without any medicinal herbs the last time she made a new batch.

She scooped some onto her fingertips and dotted it onto their faces, then let them spread it evenly themselves.

Fu An vigorously rubbed his face as if it were clothing, while Fu Ning, a gentle little girl, softly and meticulously applied it, imitating Yu Ying's usual method.

After applying the cream, they came out to find Fu Wei had finished his breakfast and was preparing to go on duty.

Fu An ran ahead to push his uncle out of the alley, then dashed back.

Nowadays, Fu Wei had become increasingly accustomed to using a wheelchair, so much so that Yu Ying almost doubted if his legs had become lame again, had she not seen him walking in the morning.

After they finished breakfast, they all left the house together.

Not having seen Mrs. Yu of the Fu family for two days, people were curious when they saw her today, asking, "Mrs. Yu, where have you been these past two days?"

Yu Ying, always wearing a gentle smile, replied, "I was busy with some matters in the village, and came to the town once I was free."

Upon hearing this, some people's expressions turned peculiar, casting a surreptitious glance at Luo Shi.

They thought to themselves that usually, it's the elderly who stay back in the hometown to look after the fields, while the young couple lives in the city.

But the Fu family was peculiar, leaving such a young wife in the hometown; weren't they afraid she would get lonely...

The thought stopped abruptly when they remembered that the second son of the Fu family was disabled.

If she wanted to be unfaithful, she would have done it regardless of her husband's absence.

With this in mind, they watched the group walking towards the end of the alley, feeling a bit sorry that Mrs. Yu had married a disabled man.

Yu Ying, accompanied by Luo Shi and the two children, arrived at the bustling East Market.

The lively scene dazzled the children, their large eyes filled with curiosity as they looked around.

Yu Ying bought each of them a steamed bun to nibble on as they walked.

She visited a mutton stall, purchasing about five jin (approximately 2.5 kilograms) of sheep tail fat for eighty-five wen.

This weather was suitable for eating mutton, but Yu Ying planned to buy more and indulge in a feast after returning from Cangwu County, so she only bought one jin (approximately 0.5 kilograms) of lean meat.

Ordinary pork cost twelve wen per jin, but buying only lean meat cost nine wen per jin.

After buying lean meat, Yu Ying also bought five jin of rice flour at ten wen per jin, planning to prepare it for breakfast for Fu Wei in Yu County.

Recently, the days were shorter and nights longer. Fu Wei had to get up before dawn to prepare for duty, so Mrs. Luo also had to rise early to make breakfast for him.

Yu Ying heard that after the younger uncle made breakfast once, the grandmother started waking up even earlier, just to let the uncle sleep a bit more.

Hearing this, Yu Ying thought of preparing rice cakes the night before, so Fu Wei could simply heat them up for breakfast the next day.

When Yu Ying was weighing the rice flour, she turned and saw Fu An and Fu Ning squatting in front of a small stall selling silk flowers, watched over by Mrs. Luo.

The silk flower seller was a young woman with only a backpack in front of her.

A winnowing basket was placed on top of the backpack, containing ten cloth flowers.

These cloth flowers, made from coarse fabric, were about the size of little Fu Ning's fist, priced at one wen each.

Although made from rough materials, their design was quite decent.

Fu Ning pointed to one of them, and Fu An immediately chose three more.

He carefully counted out four copper coins and handed them reluctantly to the silk flower seller.

After receiving the silk flowers, he gave the red one to his sister and a dark blue one to his grandmother, deeply moving Mrs. Luo with tears welling up in her eyes.

Fu An then ran to Yu Ying and handed her a light blue silk flower.

"Auntie, this is a gift for you!"

Yu Ying, looking at Fu An's radiant face, was touched. She took the silk flower and softly said, "Thank you."

Fu An smiled as he arranged another apricot-yellow silk flower, planning to give it to his mother the next time he saw her.

In the county office's study, Fu Wei placed the proposals he had written in the last two days on the desk of Zhou, the county magistrate.

Three bamboo scrolls were arranged in order.

Zhou, the county magistrate, gave him a meaningful look before picking up the scrolls to review.

In the study were also Qian and Sun, two advisors.

Their brows furrowed slightly as they looked at Fu Wei, who had been stirring things up since joining the office just a few days ago.

They wondered what he had said to the magistrate, who had been calling him into the study for half an hour at a time over the past few days.

They felt a sense of crisis.

Zhou, the county magistrate, finished reading one scroll and then picked up the second.

It took him only a short time to read through all three scrolls.

After putting down the third scroll, Zhou turned to the two advisors and said, "You should take a look as well."

Hearing this, Advisor Qian stepped forward to take the first scroll, and Advisor Sun leaned in to read it too.

The first sentence read: "The arable land in Jade County is limited, but the hillside is vast. Planting medicinal herbs and beans, adapting crops to local conditions, is indeed the best strategy."

Upon reading this, Advisor Sun chuckled mockingly, "Though there may be many hillsides, they need to be cultivated and taxed. A mu of land yields only three to four dou of soybeans, and a dou sells for merely seventy to eighty wen. With a yearly rent of two hundred wen per mu for the hillside, what will they have left to eat after paying?"

Advisor Qian frowned and said displeasedly, "Can you please finish reading before commenting?"

The county magistrate Zhou also glanced at Sun with a mild expression, "Mr. Sun, please read it through first."

Hearing this, Sun's face reddened slightly and he nodded, continuing to read.

The proposal also clearly stated that after planting medicinal herbs, the yamen would form a protection squad with the locals to buy the herbs and transport them northward. On the return trip, they would purchase local herbs from the north to sell in the south.

This way, the carts would not return empty and could earn double the profit.

The next scroll mentioned that for the first three years of cultivation, the tax would be no more than a hundred wen. Planting soybeans was a temporary solution for sustenance. Soybeans were easy to manage and would allow the people more time to cultivate medicinal herbs.

After three years, when the people had some savings, they could rent better farmland or cultivate new fields, eliminating the need to plant soybeans on the hillsides.

The third scroll suggested that the villagers could initially owe the rent and pay it back after the harvest, along with a small interest.

These three scrolls clearly outlined all the strategies.

After reading, Sun remained silent, his brow deeply furrowed.

Qian put down the scroll and looked at Fu Wei, "Is there really such a high demand for medicinal herbs?"

Fu Wei replied with a faint smile, "Wherever there are people, there are illnesses. The demand for medicine peaks in the spring and winter seasons. Even a small county like Jade County has six to seven thousand people. If a thousand people use half a jin of medicine yearly, that's five hundred jin, not to mention larger counties and multiple jurisdictions."

Zhou, the county magistrate, glanced at Fu Wei, noting that he had indeed gathered some insights over the past few days.

Sun scoffed, "Not everyone falls ill, and the poor can't afford medicine. They just endure their illnesses; there's no need for so much medicine."

Fu Wei calmly responded, "That's why I mentioned a thousand people."

Sun was momentarily at a loss for words.

Zhou, the county magistrate, sighed inwardly as he looked at Sun.

Being a native of Jade County with no exposure to the outside world, his perspective was limited to this small place.

Initially, he was chosen because, as a newcomer to Jade County, I needed a local to manage affairs, which led to the recruitment of the most learned man in the area.

But three years have passed, and this Advisor Sun has become too fixated on the petty power within this small scope of Jade County.

His vision and thoughts are too narrow.

Advisor Qian glanced at Fu Wei and then said to the magistrate, "I believe this strategy could be further refined."

If even Advisor Qian finds it feasible, then it certainly has some merit.

Yu Ying had prepared twenty jars of face cream by midday.

Fu Wei was off duty at noon, and logically, even with some delay, he should have been back by the first quarter of the hour. His absence at this time was worrying, so Yu Ying, accompanied by Fu Ning, went out to look for him at the yamen.

Just as they stepped into the alley, they saw Fu Wei returning.

Yu Ying approached to push the wheelchair and asked, "Why are you so late in returning?"

Fu Wei replied, "The discussion at the office ran late today, and the magistrate asked me to return by the time of Wei."

Wei is still over half an hour away.

"Does that mean you can rest a bit longer now?"

The two chatted as they returned home.

After washing his hands, Fu Wei entered the main hall and saw the twenty jars of face cream, asking, "Didn't you plan to prepare a hundred jars?"

Yu Ying answered, "The pottery style in Jade County is rough. I thought I could make the cream anywhere, so I decided to make it when we go to Cangwu County and pick some nicer pottery there."

Fu Wei did some quick calculations and asked, "Doesn't that mean we'll be gone for about ten days?"

Yu Ying thought for a moment and nodded, "Roughly that long. Six days for the round trip, and we'll spend some silver to stay in villages along the way."

Fu Wei slightly furrowed his brows.

Yu Ying, understanding his concern, smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, we'll be vigilant. I'll carry the medicine powder and the repeating crossbow, and your eldest brother will be with us. Don't forget, after your training, he can take on seven opponents at once."

Fu Wei didn't want her to go, but he knew her decision was made after careful consideration and she had her reasons.

He sighed deeply and said solemnly, "As always, be extremely careful in everything."

Yu Ying nodded, "I will be."

Yu Ying arranged for an ox cart for their journey to Cangwu County. Given the long distance, the round trip fare was eighty wen, including food and lodging.

Yu Ying agreed to provide lodging, suggesting the driver could share a room with her elder brother Song Sanlang. However, she would only pay two wen per day for food, insisting on finding another driver if this was unacceptable.

Without much fuss, the driver eventually agreed.

Today, her elder brother and others arrived in the county town. After lunch at home, they all changed into old clothes.

They knew the wisdom of not displaying wealth ostentatiously.

Though their new clothes were not fancy, they were patch-free and relatively new, indicating modest wealth.

It was hard not to worry about attracting the wrong attention from those driven by desperation; caution was essential.

The sight of her elder brother's old clothes was almost unbearable, so they ended up dressing him in Song Sanlang's old clothes, while Yu Ying and her sister-in-law wore Mrs. Luo's old clothes.

Though the fits weren't perfect, they were passable.

Before leaving, Fu Wei called Yu Ying into the house.

Seeing Yu Ying in clothes full of patches, Fu Wei felt unaccustomed and quickly averted his gaze after a brief look.

He said to her, "Even if the face cream doesn't sell, don't be disheartened. We'll think of other ways when you return."

Yu Ying joked, "Good wine needs no bush."

After a shared smile, she spoke earnestly, "I've considered the possibility of making a loss, but even if I do, I can afford it."

She wouldn't hesitate for fear of losses. Rather than standing still, she preferred to take the risk.

"They are all waiting for me, I should go now."

Yu Ying smiled and turned to leave, but suddenly a low voice came from behind, "A-Ying."

Yu Ying paused mid-step and turned back to look at him.

In Fu Wei's deep black eyes was a warmth that said, "I'll be waiting here for your return."

Meeting his gaze, Yu Ying's heart trembled slightly, then she nodded gently, "Okay."

After responding, she turned around, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

As Yu Ying left, the courtyard, even filled with people talking and the noise of children and adults next door, seemed very quiet to Fu Wei, just like the night she left the small courtyard.

Chapter 73

Yu Ying and her group entered the jurisdiction of Cangwu County before dusk on the third day.

The middle-aged man driving the ox cart visited Cangwu County two or three times a year, so he roughly guided them about the cheaper inns in the county along the way.

Upon arriving at the county seat, they found a reasonably priced inn as recommended by the coachman.

It was old, but cheap, costing only thirty-five wen per room.

After confirming with the innkeeper that the kitchen could be borrowed, Yu Ying booked two rooms.

She shared one with her sister-in-law, while the other three stayed in another.

After finishing their meal, everyone retired to their respective rooms to rest.

Yu Ying washed up, changed out of her worn clothes into her usual attire, and lay in bed tallying up the expenses of the past few days.

Staying in Cangwu County for three to four days, with food and lodging, would cost about three to four hundred wen.

The carriage fare and the driver's daily meal allowance of two wen amounted to around one hundred wen, plus their expenses on the way, bringing the total to about six hundred wen.

Moreover, her eldest brother, sister-in-law, and Song Sanlang had all left their work to accompany her.

She had promised them that if they earned a profit, each would receive a tenth of it. If not, she would pay them fifty wen each for lost wages.

Having seen many relationships turn sour over financial matters, Yu Ying was determined to keep business and personal affairs separate and be crystal clear when it came to financial dealings.

By her calculations, the total costs would be around eight hundred wen.

She resolved that even if they incurred a loss, she must find a way to recoup these expenses.

Burdened with this stress, she naturally had trouble sleeping and got up early the next day.

After breakfast, she asked the innkeeper for directions to the Ren Shan Medical Hall and set out with her brother and sister-in-law, carrying twenty jars of face cream.

Cangwu County, located in the Lingnan region, was poorer compared to the Central Plains, but as the administrative center of a county, it was bustling.

In comparison, Jade County seemed insignificant.

The most apparent difference was in the clothing. In Jade County, most people's clothes were patched, whereas in the county seat, residents dressed in clean and tidy attire, rarely seen with patches.

The streets were lively with vendors calling out their wares, audible from one end of the street to the other, and almost every stall had customers stopping by.

Walking through, the bustling scene was dazzling.

Yu Ying thought if they lived in this county seat, they could set up a small stall and run a small business.

Regrettably, they resided in Jade County.

It took them about half an hour to find the Ren Shan Medical Hall.

This medical hall was far more imposing than any in Yu County.

Even with an introduction from Manager Luo, Yu Ying wasn't sure if she could successfully conduct her business.

Successful or not, she had to give it a try.

Yu Ying took a deep breath and stepped into the Ren Shan Medical Hall.

In the autumn and winter seasons, many people suffer from colds, so the hall was filled with constant coughing.

The medical hall was bustling, with long queues in front of several attending physicians.

Yu Ying approached the counter to inquire about the price of face cream.

She was shocked to find out that even the cheapest was fifty wen for a small jar.

This was much more expensive than in Yu County.

She didn't buy any face cream, and after wandering half the hall, she stopped a young medicine boy and asked, "I'm looking for Doctor Wu. Is he available?"

The boy pointed towards one of the physicians and said, "That's him. If you need a consultation, you'll have to get in line."

Yu Ying smiled and replied, "I'm not here for a consultation. I was referred to Doctor Wu by the medicine merchant Luo Mingqi."

The boy frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Wait here a moment, I'll go and speak to Doctor Wu."

After finishing, the boy approached Doctor Wu, waited until he had prescribed medicine for a patient, then spoke a few words to him, pointing towards Yu Ying.

Doctor Wu looked up in surprise, following the direction pointed out by the medicine boy.

He pondered for a moment, then spoke a few words to the medicine boy.

Soon, the medicine boy returned and relayed, "Doctor Wu asks you to wait a moment in the side room; he will come after seeing a few patients."

Yu Ying thanked him and then followed the medicine boy to the side room.

When the apothecary's assistant went to prepare the tea, Wen Xing's face showed restraint. She whispered, "Sister-in-law, can this really work?"

Yu Ying replied, "Whether it works or not, we have to try."

After the apothecary's assistant served the tea, they sat in silence for a short while before Doctor Wu arrived, prompting everyone to rise from their seats.

Doctor Wu, appearing to be in his forties or fifties, embodied the image of a traditional elder physician.

Upon entering, he looked towards the man in the side room and asked, "May I know the relation of this gentleman to Luo Mingqi?"

Fu Zhen, looking at his sister-in-law, responded, "He is acquainted with Manager Luo; he's my brother-in-law."

Doctor Wu paused for a moment, then followed his gaze.

Yu Ying nodded slightly towards Doctor Wu and said, "My surname is Yu. I come from Yu County."

As Doctor Wu looked at the young woman, he raised his eyebrows slightly but still asked, "How did Mrs. Yu come to know Luo Mingqi?"

Yu Ying smiled lightly, "Manager Luo previously bought medicinal herbs in Yu County. I've done business with him twice regarding herbs, that's how we met."

"Then what brings you to seek me out?"

Yu Ying took out a jar of face cream and said, "Manager Luo knew of my face cream making. Thinking the market in Yu County was limited, he suggested I come to the Ren Shan Medical Hall in the county seat to try my luck with Doctor Wu."

Concluding, she handed it over, "Please have a look, Doctor Wu."

Doctor Wu hesitated momentarily but still accepted the jar of face cream, opening it to take a look.

Merely looking at it wouldn't reveal its effectiveness, but since it was recommended by Manager Luo, it likely had some genuine merit.

Yu Ying explained, "This face cream is formulated with sixteen different medicinal herbs. Instead of using pig fat, I've used another type of animal fat, which is highly effective for treating chapped skin. For mild facial dryness, it can moisturize overnight. With regular use, it maintains skin hydration. Even for usual skin chapping, results are noticeable overnight, and for more severe cases, some improvement can be seen after one night."

Doctor Wu glanced at her, then lowered his head to examine the cream, bringing it to his nose to smell.

The scent of the medicinal herbs completely masked that of the animal fat, leaving only a faint fragrance. It was impossible to discern which type of animal fat was used.

After pondering for a moment, he asked, "May I use this?"

Yu Ying responded, "Please feel free, Doctor Wu."

With her consent, Doctor Wu scooped a bit and spread it evenly on his wrist.

The texture was smooth, soft, and not greasy.

In terms of appearance, scent, and texture, this was certainly not some crude face cream. The real question was its actual effectiveness.

Doctor Wu closed the jar and returned it, his expression apologetic, "I'm just a consulting physician and can't make decisions on this. Besides, the medical hall already sells various face creams, and I can't ascertain the effectiveness of Mrs. Yu's cream. I might not be able to help much."

Yu Ying smiled, took back the jar, and said, "Words alone are not proof. Why not have someone try it, Doctor Wu? If it shows no significant effect, consider it as if I never came."

With that, she placed the jar on the side table.

Doctor Wu thought for a moment, not outright rejecting the offer, but leaving room for possibility: "Alright, I'll find someone to try it. If the results are satisfactory, we can discuss further."

Yu Ying nodded, then mentioned the inn where she was staying and that she would remain in Cangwu County for another three days.

"If Doctor Wu is interested in collaborating, he can send someone to find me at the inn."

Doctor Wu smiled and agreed with a "Alright."

After the group left, Doctor Wu thoughtfully gazed at the jar of face cream on the table.

He thought to himself that if the cream was effective and reasonably priced, out of respect for Brother Luo, he might order twenty or thirty jars.

After pondering, he called the apothecary's assistant and handed him the cream, saying, "You mentioned that the dry weather recently has been causing your hands and feet to crack. Try this cream and let me know if it works."

Although puzzled, the apothecary's assistant accepted the free cream – why not take something that didn't cost anything?

Yu Ying left the medical hall, quietly sighing to herself.

Wen Xing asked softly, "Does this mean it was successful or not?"

Fu Zhen replied, "He did accept the sample for testing, so there's hope."

Yu Ying also nodded, "My brother is right. As long as he's willing to meet us and accept the product, there's hope."

However, Yu Ying didn't place all her hopes on this medical hall.

Her gaze fell on the small stalls lining the street, considering setting up a stall herself during the wait.

With a plan in mind, she began to explore the bustling markets of the county seat.

There were several stalls selling face cream and rouge. After asking around, she found that the cheapest face cream cost twenty coins.

The texture of these creams was similar to the pork fat ointments sold in Yu County for five or ten coins.

The more expensive ones, costing around sixty or seventy coins, claimed to be excellent for treating skin cracks and also boasted beautifying and nourishing effects.

Yu Ying asked, but none of the vendors offered samples for trial.

After a round of browsing, Yu Ying had a clear idea about pricing her face cream.

Back at their accommodation, she discussed setting up a stall with the others.

Her sister-in-law expressed surprise: "But we're only in the county seat for three or four days. Is setting up a stall really useful?"

Fu Zhen said, "We spend money every day in the city. Setting up a stall is better than just waiting around. Selling even one jar is good."

Song Sanlang also nodded in agreement.

Yu Ying added, "We don't know if the medical hall will work out, so let's set up for a few days and see. As my brother said, selling even one jar is good. I noticed today that the creams here are much more expensive than in Yu County. Ours is just as effective, so we'll price it at fifty coins."

The sheep fat cream, not counting labor costs, had a material and pottery jar cost of fourteen coins, netting a profit of thirty-six coins per jar.

If they could sell twenty-five jars, they would break even with all the expenses of this trip to the county seat.

Today, Yu Ying also learned that setting up a stall in the county seat required a fee for occupying space. Since there was a fee, even good locations were taken, but there were still some average spots available.

Yu Ying borrowed a long bench from the innkeeper and bought a few yards of coarse cloth from a fabric store.

After paying five coins to the patrolling officers, she was allowed to set up her stall directly.

Covering the bench with the cloth and placing the face creams on top, her small stall was ready.

Among them, her sister-in-law had the clearest skin, making her the ideal person to man the stall.

The elder sister-in-law was apprehensive about dealing with customers, so attracting clients became Yu Ying's task, while her sister-in-law simply managed the storefront.

After setting up the stall for an hour, two or three people inquired, but upon hearing the price of the facial cream, they left without even trying it.

Wen Xing, worried, asked her sister-in-law, "Is the price set too high?"

Yu Ying shook her head, "Even the most expensive stalls are selling for sixty or seventy wen. Besides, I didn't expect to sell much today."

Hearing other vendors shouting, she pondered for a moment and then set aside her pride, joining in, "Selling face cream! Try it first, and it's free if it doesn't work!"

Her voice carried, and the words "it's free" worked wonders, quickly attracting several people.

Yu Ying didn't mention the price of the face cream but offered a jar, announcing, "Free application for our first day of opening. If you find it useful, you can come back to buy!"

Someone spoke up, "Let me try it."

Yu Ying, curious, looked up to find, to her surprise, her eldest brother.

Fu Zhen looked serious, not betraying any sign that he was part of a ruse.

Yu Ying suppressed a smile, scooping some face cream with a bamboo stick into her brother's palm.

Fu Zhen then applied it directly to his face.

With someone leading, others followed suit, saying, "Let me try it too."

As more people gathered around the stall, passersby, curious about the commotion, came to have a look.

The more people there were, the more onlookers joined.

However, most were there for the free trial of the face cream or just to watch the spectacle. By the end of the day, Yu Ying had sold only one jar of face cream but gave away half a jar in trials.

Though it was just one jar, it was still a good start.

Hopefully, those who tried the face cream today will come back to purchase more tomorrow.

Originally, there were twenty jars of cream. One was given to Doctor Wu, one was used for sampling, and one was sold, leaving seventeen jars remaining.

After earning fifty coins, subtracting the cost of the three jars used, there was still a profit of eight coins – not a loss.

Everyone was content with the current situation, further motivating Yu Ying to succeed in the face cream business.

The next morning, they set up the stall early.

Arriving early secured them a good spot.

This location was not far from yesterday's, allowing those who tried the cream yesterday to easily spot their stall.

Yesterday, they had set up in the afternoon when the crowd was smaller, but today's early start meant the streets were bustling with people.

Yu Ying continued to energetically promote the cream, attracting more people today with the "free trial" offer than yesterday.

This time, instead of her brother acting as a plant, it was Song Sanlang who stepped in: "My face is naturally dry and cracked. After using it yesterday, the effect was great. I'll take a jar."

Yu Ying: ...

Had Song Sanlang and her brother planned this?

Both were usually not very talkative, yet they turned out to be surprisingly good at this.

To avoid giving themselves away, Yu Ying and her sister-in-law struggled to keep a straight face, then symbolically charged him fifty coins for a jar.

Since Yu Ying had previously made pork fat cream and given a jar to Song Sanlang, his face wasn't as dry as the others, making his endorsement quite convincing.

Coincidentally, a person who had tried the cream yesterday came over, saying, "Really, after using it yesterday, my face doesn't feel tight anymore, and it doesn't smell as bad as those twenty-coin creams."

The person added, "But fifty coins is quite expensive. Can it be a bit cheaper?"

Yu Ying smiled, "Since you visited yesterday, of course, it can be a little cheaper. Let's say forty-eight coins per jar, I can't go any lower than that."

Saving even a coin is something, so the person bought a jar.

That marked a good start to the day's sales.

The quick sale of two jars piqued others' interest.

After letting them try it, Yu Ying enthusiastically promoted it: "This cream not only treats chapping but also moisturizes and beautifies the skin. Moreover, it's made from over a dozen Chinese herbs. The ordinary creams you buy might not be herbal, right?"

"Besides, those common creams are twenty coins per jar. Mine, made with over a dozen herbs, is not expensive at fifty coins. You can use a jar for at least two months. That's less than a coin per day, and it's safe for both the elderly and children at home."

Wen Xing, watching her sister-in-law's eloquent promotion, was momentarily stunned, but mostly filled with admiration.

Her sister-in-law was incredibly impressive!

By the morning's end, with Yu Ying's vigorous sales efforts, four jars were sold, excluding the one bought by Song Sanlang.

Each jar was sold for forty-eight coins, instilling hope in everyone.

At noon, Yu Ying decided not to take a break but to continue until closing.

Yu Ying and her sister-in-law made do with a steamed bun each for lunch.

Song Sanlang and Fu Zhen, keeping watch nearby, each had two buns.

The afternoon saw fewer people, resulting in only two jars sold.

After bathing in the evening, Yu Ying counted the day's earnings on the table.

In total, seven jars were sold over yesterday and today, netting around 240 coins after deducting costs.

While she pondered, her sister-in-law entered with a kettle of hot water, noticing Yu Ying counting coins. She suggested, "Why don't we set up the stall for another two or three days to cover our expenses for this trip to the county seat?"

Yu Ying considered and replied, "If every day brings such good business, a few more days are feasible. But with daily expenses around 100 coins in the county seat, it won't be worth it if business dips."

Accommodation costs seventy coins a day, and food, even at ten coins per person, adds up to forty coins.

Calculating this, Wen Xing remarked, "It seems our lodging is the most costly part."

The two sighed in unison, and just then, there was a knock on the door from Fu Zhen and Song Sanlang.

Unsure of their purpose, Yu Ying welcomed them in, leaving the door open for propriety.

Once seated, Fu Zhen said, "Song Jun is considering, if the next two days of business are decent, he might stay in the county seat to run a stall for a while and return at the year's end."

Yu Ying was momentarily taken aback, then heard Song Sanlang add, "Fu's sister-in-law mentioned that after winter starts, the number of merchants buying medicinal herbs decreases, and so does the frequency of herb gathering. I'm idle anyway, so it might be better to set up a small stall here in the county seat to help sell the face cream."

Hearing this, Yu Ying seriously began to consider the feasibility.

With the cold weather, the demand for face cream was increasing day by day.

In time, customers who found the cream effective would spread its good reputation, ensuring at least a few jars could be sold even on slower business days.

Thinking this over, Yu Ying said, "Let me think it through. If you're going to set up a stall here, you'll need a place to stay. We can't overlook this in our costs, and food expenses too."

The others were momentarily stunned by her words. Song Sanlang said, "I'll take care of these matters myself, don't worry about it, sister-in-law Fu."

Yu Ying shook her head, "You're helping with my business, it wouldn't be right for you to spend all your earnings on these expenses. In that case, it might not be worth setting up a stall here at all."

After pondering for a moment, Yu Ying said, "Let's see how the business goes over the next two days. If we can sell at least two jars a day, then it's worth considering."

After the discussion, they decided to wait and see, and then went back to rest.

On the third day in the county seat, they started a new day of stall setup early in the morning.

Concerned about potential feedback from the medical hall, Song Sanlang stayed at the inn to await news.

With the experience of the past two days, Yu Ying's salesmanship improved significantly. Even her usually timid sister-in-law started to sell after these few days.

The business was better this morning than yesterday; by midday, five jars had been sold, leaving only six on the bench.

Yu Ying asked her sister-in-law and brother to watch the stall while she went to buy more sheep fat and pottery jars to make another twenty jars of cream.

After purchasing the supplies, Yu Ying returned to the stall, saw only a few people there, and decided she wasn't needed, so she went back to make more cream.

Just as she returned to the inn, she encountered an apothecary's assistant from Ren Shan Hall in the lobby.

While talking to the innkeeper, the assistant recognized Yu Ying and hurriedly called out, "Mrs. Yu."

Yu Ying turned to look, and the assistant said, "I'm the apothecary's assistant from Ren Shan Medical Hall, we met a few days ago there."

With this, Yu Ying remembered.

The arrival of someone from the medical hall raised her expectations.

After finding a table and chairs in the lobby, the assistant said, "Doctor Wu sent me to inquire about the face cream situation."

Yu Ying replied, "Please ask."

"May I know how Mrs. Yu plans to sell this face cream?" the assistant inquired.

Yu Ying thought for a moment and said, "For orders under fifty jars, it's fifty coins per jar; for fifty or more jars, forty-eight coins each; and for over a hundred jars, forty-five coins per jar."

The apothecary's assistant was momentarily startled, recalling what Doctor Wu had said.

— "If it's thirty coins per jar, we can order fifty jars, and our medical hall will provide the jars."

"Mrs. Yu, this price seems a bit high, especially since our medical hall will be supplying the jars. Shouldn't the price be lowered a bit more?"

Yu Ying smiled and said, "Since the medical hall is providing the jars, each tier can be discounted by an additional two coins."

The assistant frowned slightly and clarified, "Doctor Wu mentioned that if the price could be thirty coins per jar, we would order fifty jars."

Yu Ying didn't rush to discuss the price with the assistant and simply asked, "If the medical hall sells the face cream, will it be sold under the hall's name?"

The assistant replied, "Of course."

Yu Ying smiled and looked down, adding, "If the cream is effective, it also reflects well on the medical hall's reputation. Besides, I've inquired, and the cheapest face cream at your hall is fifty coins per jar. If mine were sold there, it should be priced at seventy or eighty, maybe even a hundred coins per jar."

The assistant, in a difficult position, said, "That's true, but I'm just the messenger. If Mrs. Yu finds it unacceptable, you can discuss it with Doctor Wu."

Yu Ying nodded, "Once I finish my current tasks, I will visit the medical hall."

After the assistant left, Yu Ying exhaled deeply.

Thirty coins per jar would mean a profit of sixteen coins per jar, totaling eight hundred coins for fifty jars. While profitable, it was much less than she had hoped for.

If she agreed to this, the trip to the county seat would hardly earn her any money.

After much thought, she still believed that the price should be at least forty coins per jar.

Resolved, Yu Ying began soaking the medicinal herbs in alcohol and then asked Song Sanlang to accompany her to the medical hall.

In the afternoon, when the medical hall wasn't as busy, Yu Ying quickly got an opportunity to speak with Doctor Wu.

Clearly, the apothecary's assistant had already informed Doctor Wu about the price Yu Ying had proposed, so after a cup of tea, Doctor Wu began, "Mrs. Yu's face cream is indeed superior to ordinary ones, but the price is quite high, making it difficult for me to negotiate with the owner of the hall."

Chapter 74

Hearing Doctor Wu's words, Yu Ying understood that he was trying to lower the price.

It seemed that Doctor Wu was interested in the face cream but not overly so, intending to purchase only fifty jars initially to see how it sells, with the possibility of a long-term order if successful.

After a moment of contemplation, Yu Ying smiled and asked, "Does Doctor Wu know how much money I spent coming to this county seat?"

Doctor Wu thought for a moment before asking, "How much did it cost?"

Yu Ying honestly replied, "Around eight hundred coins."

Doctor Wu was slightly surprised upon hearing this amount, "That much?"

"The costs for the round trip, food and lodging, and the lost wages of those accompanying me. This is already the bare minimum."

Doctor Wu calculated and seemed to agree that it was a reasonable amount.

Yu Ying continued, "Doctor Wu must be aware of the prices of medicinal herbs. My face cream requires sixteen different herbs and alcohol, and the cost of the herbs and fats is substantial. At thirty coins per jar, there is a profit, but it's just enough to break even without much margin."

"Why would I go to the trouble of bringing it to Cangwu County? I might as well set up a stall in Yu County, not sell for thirty coins, but for twenty-five coins instead. Selling one or two jars a day, I could still reach about fifty jars a month."

Doctor Wu chuckled, "Mrs. Yu, that's not how the math works. Our medical hall has many customers, and face cream sells well in the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. Even though autumn is passing, there's still winter and spring. Once the cream starts selling, demand will rise, and thin margins on high volume can be worthwhile."

"If I go for thin margins on high volume, will your medical hall price it at sixty coins per jar?"

Doctor Wu fell silent, then listened as Mrs. Yu added, "The medical hall has its own face cream and won't prioritize mine. Moreover, if the hall sells it for two to three times more, in the end, I'll be the only one with thin margins. Even if I sell a hundred jars every two months, it would only amount to earning a modest income."

Yu Ying revealed a faint smile and then calmly said, "Thirty coins per jar is indeed not feasible, but if your medical hall were to sell the cream under my name, I could accept thirty coins."

Hearing this, Doctor Wu shook his head with a smile, "That's definitely not possible."

If the cream wasn't sold under the Ren Shan Medical Hall's name, there would be no point in purchasing it for resale; it would be better to just sell their own face cream.

"Since that's not feasible, let me propose my lowest price. If Ren Shan Medical Hall provides the jars, about the same size as the ones I previously brought, I'll sell each jar for forty-five coins."

Doctor Wu fell silent.

The medical hall had planned to price the cream at eighty-five coins, a perfect balance of not too expensive or too cheap, enhancing its saleability.

Their medical hall had a long-term collaboration with a local pottery, acquiring containers at a low cost – a porcelain jar that cost ten coins outside cost them only five coins.

Buying the cream for thirty coins and adding the container would only amount to thirty-five coins in total. Selling it for an additional fifty coins would yield a profit, with him taking a commission of ten coins per jar, not excessively profitable but still lucrative.

Doctor Wu thought this through and speculated silently.

— "Since Mrs. Yu has spent so much money coming from Yu County to this county seat, she must be eager to sell her cream. Her visit here is likely just to negotiate the price."

After pondering, Doctor Wu said, "Mrs. Yu might think our medical hall earns a lot, but if there were no profitable margins, we have our own face cream with higher profits. Why would we continue selling our own product and then buy yours for thirty coins to resell?"

Saying this, Doctor Wu sighed, "I'm offering this price because you were referred by Manager Luo and have come all the way from Yu County. If it were someone else, even twenty coins would be debatable."

Yu Ying fell silent.

She had hoped to negotiate and, if not successful, could barely accept forty coins. But it was clear Doctor Wu was determined she was desperate to sell and wouldn't raise the price.

After a moment of thought, Yu Ying smiled warmly, "If you cannot accept my price, Doctor Wu, and I find yours a bit unacceptable, it seems we cannot collaborate this time."

Having said this, she stood up, "Even so, I shouldn't trouble you any further."

Doctor Wu was slightly taken aback but did not attempt to retain her.

Standing up, Doctor Wu said, "Mrs. Yu, please consider our discussion further. If you're still interested, you can finalize the deal at the medical hall."

Yu Ying smiled and nodded, "Then, I'll take my leave for now."

After escorting Mrs. Yu out, the apothecary's assistant returned to the side room, somewhat puzzled, and asked Doctor Wu, "Weren't you also interested in this face cream? Why let Mrs. Yu leave?"

The day before, after trying the cream once, he felt some effects, and so he mentioned it to Doctor Wu the next day. Doctor Wu had also taken some home to examine it closely.

After consideration, he had sent the assistant to inquire about Mrs. Yu's pricing, clearly showing interest in the cream.

Doctor Wu, looking towards the door, confidently said, "Wait and see, she will come back."

After speaking, he told the assistant to get back to work and not to pry.

Yu Ying and Song Sanlang left the medical hall.

Song Sanlang, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke, "Mrs. Fu, why not let me try selling in this county town?"

"If the medical hall route doesn't work out, setting up a stall might be harder, but it's still a viable option. Once we have some stable customers, our reputation will spread, and people will come to us," Yu Ying responded.

She pondered for a moment, then added, "But if you decide to stay, I need to make all sorts of follow-ups and preparations. We can't just casually set up a stall."

Song Sanlang was taken aback and asked, "What preparations?"

Yu Ying thought for a moment, looked at the various signs on the shops along the street, and then thought of the myriad of brands in future generations. She said, "We need to make our own sign."

"Besides the sign, we shouldn't only sell the face cream that costs fifty coins now. We should also offer a cheaper, more affordable option for people to choose from."

After a brief conversation, they didn't go back to the inn but went to the stall instead.

Only one jar was sold that afternoon. Yu Ying carefully observed the other stalls and the sporadic groups of people around.

To be honest, the business of this stall is actually quite unstable. Perhaps several jars can be sold in a day, but there's also a chance that not even one jar will be sold.

Besides these concerns, Song Sanlang also needs to sort out food and lodging in the county seat, all of which requires careful consideration. It's not as simple as just deciding to set up a stall.

This matter requires careful long-term planning.

When it was time to sleep, Yu Ying couldn't help thinking about this issue, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Her sister-in-law beside her knew she was under pressure.

"Sister-in-law, are you thinking about the face cream business?"

Yu Ying heard her sister-in-law's gentle voice, hummed softly in response, and shared her worries.

"I'm wondering if I was too hasty in rejecting the medical hall's offer today."

Wen Xing thought for a moment and said, "I don't understand much about business, but I know you're a capable person. Your decision to reject the medical hall's offer was well-considered, not impulsive."

"Moreover, we've sold thirteen jars of face cream in the past few days, which proves that the cream you made is profitable. It's just that the medical hall lacks vision."

Hearing this, Yu Ying smiled.

"Sister-in-law, you really know how to comfort people."

Wen Xing said softly, "I'm not just comforting you, sister-in-law. What I say is true. You are the most capable woman I know, even more so than many men. I truly admire you!"

Yu Ying, amused, teased, "So, do you admire me more, or your husband?"

Wen Xing was startled and looked at her sister-in-law with wide, puzzled eyes, not expecting such a question.

The dim candlelight seeped through the curtain, and Yu Ying saw her sister-in-law's bewildered expression, unsure of how to respond.

Wen Xing, looking embarrassed, hesitantly said, "It's hard to say, my husband is also very capable…"

Yu Ying couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

Wen Xing then realized her sister-in-law was teasing her and playfully chided her, "You're doing this on purpose, sister-in-law."

Yu Ying felt much more relaxed after joking with her sister-in-law.

After the laughter, she asked, "I've never asked how you and my brother met. Was it through a matchmaker?"

Reminded of the past, Wen Xing's embarrassment faded, and she looked up at the canopy, lost in memories.

Seeing her sister-in-law's expression, Yu Ying realized the past wasn't entirely pleasant and said, "If you'd rather not talk about it, let's not."

Wen Xing shook her head and said in a low voice, "It's not that I don't want to talk about it. It's just that what my family did wasn't honorable."

Upon hearing this, Yu Ying remembered that since her sister-in-law's return, there had been no contact with her family, nor had they come to look for her.

Yu Ying didn't ask, but Wen Xing still shared a bit about it.

"My parents passed away when I was young, and I lived with my grandmother. After she died, my aunt, for the sake of a small dowry, heartlessly planned to marry me off to an old man on his deathbed for a lucky marriage."

"Back then, people of our lowly status typically had a dowry of only a hundred or two hundred coins. An offer of a silver tael was considered astronomical."

"I ran away and met your brother. After telling him about my plight, he went to the Wen family with a little over one tael and convinced my aunt to sever ties with me and cease any further contact."

Listening to her brother and sister-in-law's past, Yu Ying thought that in modern times, this would be a typical 'hero saves the beauty' scenario, but in this era and place, it was extraordinarily precious.

"At that time, my brother must have had some feelings for you, sister-in-law, otherwise why would he be so generous?"

Hearing this, Wen Xing blushed and shyly hid half her face under the quilt, saying in a muffled voice, "It was me who first proposed to be his wife."

Yu Ying looked in surprise at her sister-in-law, who blushed at the mere tease, never imagining she was the one to initiate.

"Sister-in-law, don't look at me like that, it's embarrassing."

Yu Ying: …

After a moment of silence, Yu Ying refrained from further teasing her shy sister-in-law and asked, "Did your wicked aunt ever cause trouble again after that?"

Wen Xing shook her head and said in a low voice, "They still schemed against me. It happened several years after I married into the Fu family. They were supposed to send someone to the stone quarry for hard labor, but they reported my name instead and then disappeared. My husband and I went to the local office, but it seemed they were bribed. They just needed someone to fulfill the quota and didn't care that I was married into the Fu family."

Yu Ying felt angry hearing her sister-in-law's story, "How could they do that!"

She had wondered why both members of the Fu family had ended up in the stone quarry, mistakenly thinking it was a regulation of the time, never suspecting such a plot.

Wen Xing said, "Fortunately, the previous county magistrate was soon removed from office. The current one isn't as incompetent as the previous. Otherwise, I and my husband would have been worried about my second brother working for such a magistrate."

Yu Ying, frowning in thought, said after a while, "Don't you want to seek justice for this, sister-in-law?"

Wen Xing said indignantly, "Of course I do!" but then sighed, "But I don't know where that wicked aunt and her family have moved to."

Yu Ying replied, "With my second brother in the local office, finding a family's whereabouts isn't a problem. And as far as I know, people of lowly status need the county magistrate's permission to relocate and must be registered."

She then asked her sister-in-law, "Was your aunt of lowly status before?"

Wen Xing nodded, "Yes, but I don't know if they were pardoned in the recent amnesty."

"Even if they've been pardoned, they wouldn't have moved so quickly. Once we return from the county seat, we'll ask my second brother to investigate. We must seek this justice!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Xing felt a surge of excitement. She harbored deep resentment towards her aunt for repeatedly harming her and didn't want to miss this opportunity for retribution.

Yu Ying set aside her worries about the face cream, now entirely focused on securing justice for her sister-in-law.

As the night deepened, drowsiness set in, but now it was her sister-in-law who tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She asked, "What's the matter, sister-in-law?"

Wen Xing whispered, "Thinking about the possibility of confronting my aunt has me too excited to sleep. I keep imagining how I'll release all this pent-up resentment."

Yu Ying: …

Now it was her sister-in-law's turn to be excited.

In the morning, both emerged with dark circles under their eyes, leaving Fu Zhen puzzled. He asked his wife, "Didn't sleep well?"

Yu Ying replied, "We chatted late into the night, and by the time we fell asleep, it was already very late."

She estimated they had only slept for about an hour and a half.

Wen Xing wanted to tell her husband about the previous night's discussion with her sister-in-law, but with others around, she decided to hold off for the time being.

At breakfast, Yu Ying shared her thoughts from the night before, "Since we couldn't agree on the medical hall deal, and since Song Sanlang plans to stay in the county seat for business, let's extend our stay here. We'll find a place for Song Sanlang to settle down after we understand the situation better."

Yu Ying's capabilities were well recognized by everyone, and she had brought Fu Zhen and his wife out of their difficult situation. With Song Sanlang's leg nearly crippled, she had also been their savior, so no one objected to her decision.

"What about the coachman?"

Yu Ying said, "Staying this long, the coachman probably isn't keen. When we came, we saw carts headed to Yu County. We could ask around and hitch a ride, paying some extra. If that doesn't work, we can rent a cart to return."

"We should pay the coachman well and have him relay a message to mother and my second brother, so they don't worry about us."

Fu Zhen asked, "Should I go find the coachman now?"

Yu Ying asked him to wait a moment.

She then thought it over and said, "I'll buy a small bamboo scroll to write a letter and send it back. As for the coachman, we'll pay him seventy coins now, and my second brother can give him the remaining ten after he delivers the message."

After discussing, Song Sanlang went to buy the bamboo scroll, while Fu Zhen spoke with the coachman about him returning first.

Once the bamboo scroll was purchased, Yu Ying wrote a letter, briefly explaining their extended stay in the county seat and the reasons behind it, assuring their family not to worry too much.

Finally, she instructed Fu Wei to give the coachman ten coins upon his arrival.

The coachman, not wanting to return with an empty cart, decided to spend a day in the county seat to see if he could find passengers heading back.

Yu Ying agreed and settled his fare.

Initially, the coachman was somewhat reluctant to leave without receiving the full payment, but the prospect of carrying additional passengers on the return journey convinced him to agree.

After sending the coachman off with the letter, Yu Ying got busy.

She made an extra batch of face cream, totaling twenty jars.

Then, while Song Sanlang tended the stall, she, along with her brother and sister-in-law, started looking for an affordable house through a property agent, and also sought beautiful yet reasonably priced small jars to put their own brand on.

They had considered whether anyone might recognize Song Sanlang as a beggar, a concern they had contemplated.

The county seat was bustling daily, and though Song Sanlang was tall and somewhat handsome, he wasn't so memorable as to be unforgettable. Even if someone did recognize him, they weren't overly concerned about a few critical remarks.

Furthermore, the houses here were much more expensive than in Yu County.

In Yu County, a small courtyard near the government office cost two hundred coins a month.

Here, two hundred coins could only rent the most remote and dilapidated thatched cottage. A slightly better mud-brick house would cost four hundred coins a month, and it was over half an hour's walk from where they set up their stall.

The more exquisite ceramic jars with red seals cost twelve coins each, while the less appealing ones were eight coins each.

After gathering this information, everyone felt disheartened during their evening meal, as if chewing wax.

Yu Ying purchased ink and several bamboo scrolls, listing all the expenses for clarity.

The face cream made from sheep fat and sixteen herbs, packaged in high-quality ceramic jars, sold for fifty coins with a cost of twenty coins, yielding a temporary profit of thirty coins.

The cheaper version, also made from sheep fat but with only five herbs and placed in lower-grade jars, was priced at thirty-five coins. Its cost was fifteen coins, yielding a temporary profit of twenty coins.

Song Sanlang's monthly rent for the house was four hundred coins, averaging a daily expense of eight coins. This totaled two hundred and forty coins a month, bringing the monthly total to six hundred and forty coins.

Selling one jar of each type of face cream daily would yield a monthly profit of fifteen hundred coins. After deducting over six hundred coins, there would be a surplus of over eight hundred coins.

This profit was similar to what the medical hall offered for fifty jars. Although the medical hall might increase their orders over time, and Song Sanlang's labor had to be considered, the key advantage was that the good reputation earned would be their own.

As long as the face cream was effective and superior to others', business might be slow initially, but after enduring the initial phase, customers would gradually come through word of mouth.

Despite this, attracting the first batch of customers was imperative to kickstart the business.

After much deliberation, Yu Ying, adhering to the principle that one cannot catch a wolf without risking the sheep, decided to distribute trial samples!

Everyone was initially stunned upon hearing Yu Ying's detailed calculations and her decision to offer trial samples.

The sister-in-law remarked, "But there are many who seek small advantages for free. If we give out samples to ten people, we can't be sure even one will return to buy."

Yu Ying replied with a smile, "I'll use small bamboo tubes, as wide as a thumb and shorter than it, for the samples. One jar of face cream can be divided into about sixteen or seventeen tubes. Each sample would last for two or three applications, enough to show its effects."

"Of course, we'll be selective about whom we give the samples to. Those genuinely interested in buying but find it expensive, and those dressed decently, will get them."

After pondering, she added, "If someone specifically asks for a trial size, we give them the cheaper version. Limit it to fifteen tubes a day and stop when they're gone."

After some contemplation, the elder brother spoke first, "This method is similar to the previous trials, but this time we're letting them take it home to use."

Yu Ying nodded and continued, "It would be best if you remember who has been given samples, to avoid repeat giveaways."

Song Sanlang asked, "What if they send family members to collect more?"

Yu Ying furrowed her brows in thought and replied, "If someone comes asking for a trial size right away, pay close attention and inquire about how they heard of us. If they mention a referral, offer only a one-time on-the-spot trial to prevent hoarding for small gains."

"Let's try this for a few days. The limited daily quantity won't cause much loss. If effective, we'll set up a more impressive stall and add a sign."

For some reason, this untested plan filled everyone with a spirit of trust and determination, brimming with enthusiasm despite the uncertainty ahead.

After deciding, Fu Zhen went to find small bamboo tubes, and together with Song Sanlang, they began preparing the trial-sized containers.

Yu Ying also spent some silver to buy thirty jars of each of the two different types.

The lids and bottoms of the ceramic jars were stamped with a small red seal. The seal, personally inscribed by Yu Ying, bore the words "Ru Yu Fang" (Like Jade Workshop).

The seal was small and simple, designed for instant recognition rather than ornateness.

Ordinary stalls wouldn't go to such lengths, but Yu Ying wanted to stand out. Even if others were to imitate, she would still be ahead, her reputation already established.

Fu Wei waited for eleven days, but instead of the person he hoped for, he received a bamboo scroll.

After reading it, he gave the coachman ten coins.

Having received the scroll, Fu Wei was distracted all day, frequently glancing in the direction of the county seat.

The letter mentioned that they might need to stay in the county seat for some time.

Stay for some time...

But how many days exactly would that be?

In the silence, the voice of Sun, the assistant, came from behind with a hint of familiarity: "Does young master Fu have any free time after your duties today?"

Turning around, Fu Wei saw Sun, the assistant, approaching with a smile.

Fu Wei also smiled and asked, "May I know what brings Assistant Sun here?"

With insincerity, Sun said, "I feel there's been a misunderstanding between young master Fu and myself, so I plan to host a dinner at my place. I'd like to invite you and Huo, the court officer, for a drink and to clear up this misunderstanding."

Ever since this disabled person arrived half a month ago, Sun felt the superior's increasing reliance on him and his own growing neglect.

If this continued, he feared he might have to cede his position as the right-hand assistant to this disabled person.

He couldn't just sit back and wait for his downfall!

Fu Wei smiled, "As fellow assistants, it's natural for us to work together to alleviate the superior's concerns. Friction in daily work is normal; where does the question of a misunderstanding arise?"

"Besides, at my home, I have only an elderly mother and two young children. If I drink too much in the evening, I fear I won't be able to take care of them. But not drinking at all would be quite dull. I think it's best if I don't join, and the rest of you go ahead."

Sun was momentarily speechless, then added, "How can that be? I've already told everyone that young master Fu would be joining. They are all looking forward to it. If you don't go, that would indeed be a disappointment."

As Fu Wei was about to speak, a cold voice suddenly came from behind: "The superior has been tirelessly pondering policy implementation these days, and yet Assistant Sun finds leisure to indulge in drinking and merriment. Perhaps he has too much free time?"

Chapter 75

Hearing this sarcasm, Sun, the assistant, frowned and looked up. Although he couldn't see the speaker, he knew who it was.

He retorted coldly, "The superior's dedication naturally concerns us all. My invitation to young master Fu for a drink was merely to discuss strategies to alleviate the superior's worries." He added with a sneer, "Mr. Qian judges others by his narrow standards, and his intention to sideline me is quite apparent, isn't it?"

Mr. Qian, the assistant, walked out from behind a pillar with his chin slightly raised, arrogantly scanning Fu Wei in his wheelchair before turning to Sun with a scoff: "Who is more purpose-driven here is quite evident, I believe."

Sun narrowed his eyes and chuckled coldly, "Is Mr. Qian trying to sow discord?"

Mr. Qian glanced at him with a half-smile, then gave Fu Wei the same look.

"I simply can't bother with someone as pretentious as you, and as for stirring up trouble, the three of us here know the truth. Why ask and embarrass yourself?"

Fu Wei raised an eyebrow slightly. The bickering and tension between Sun and Qian had been evident several times since he arrived at the office half a month ago, just as Huo, the court officer, had said — they were like fire and water.

Huo, the court officer, often said, if the two are outside the superior's presence, it's best to stay as far away from them as possible.

Indeed, seeing the two assistants in the same corridor, the yamen runners kept their distance, not daring to approach.

Annoyed, Sun turned to Fu Wei and asked, "Tell me, young master Fu, have I ever schemed against you?!"

Fu Wei: …

Whether there was scheming or not, they both knew it well. Asking out loud wasn't wise.

Clearly, Qian and Sun were keen to see which side he would take today. Even the slightest bias, as thin as a hair, would categorize him with the opposing party.

One was the old subordinate of County Magistrate Zhou; the other, not particularly talented, but adept at gaining people's favor.

In this situation, Fu Wei didn't wish to align with either side.

He smiled and calmly said, "Both of you are my seniors, and I wouldn't speak disrespectfully or offer assistance. Please forgive this junior for not being able to accompany you." He bowed respectfully according to the hierarchy of the assistants.

As he pushed his wheelchair, intending to leave, he was blocked by Assistant Sun, who asked, "Young master Fu, won't you even give me this much face?"

Assistant Sun, around fifty years old, could indeed be addressed as an elder, but his demeanor suggested a certain condescension.

Fu Wei, hands resting above his knees, smiled at Sun, "Everyone in the county office says Mr. Sun is easy to get along with and dislikes troubling others. Surely, you wouldn't want to trouble me, right, Mr. Sun?"

Caught off guard by this response, Sun was momentarily speechless, while Mr. Qian chuckled softly before turning to leave.

Sun watched Fu Wei, seated in his plain wheelchair, with a deeply thoughtful gaze at his graceful and elegant demeanor.

This smile was truly irksome.

It seemed almost to mock his lack of achievement.

Perhaps it's best not to drink after all!

He stepped aside, feigning regret, "Since young master Fu is unwilling to come, let's leave it at that. I won't insist."

Fu Wei thanked him, "I appreciate your understanding, Assistant Sun."

With that, he slowly passed by Sun.

Sun watched Fu Wei's retreating figure, his expression gradually darkening.

The Sun family still had a table full of fine wine and dishes, but Fu Wei didn't attend.

Lu, the record keeper, and Huo, the court officer, were both present.

Lu sat alone, drinking sullenly, as if his current dissatisfaction filled him with worries.

Someone commented, "That assistant is just a newcomer who gained the superior's favor by chance. He's so arrogant, disregarding even Mr. Sun's goodwill by refusing to attend the banquet!"

Assistant Sun sighed and poured wine for Lu, lamenting, "I had hoped to use this dinner to clear up any misunderstandings between young master Fu, myself, and Lu, the record keeper. Such a pity..."

Sun sighed again, "It's a pity. Now that I'm old and less useful, even my words carry no weight."

Lu, the record keeper, scoffed, "Let's see how long he can be arrogant. A disabled person, unimpressive in appearance, hardly fit for refined society."

At this, Huo, the court officer, also shook his head, "I think so too. The superior values him now only for the insights he gained as the son of a governor. Once his limited knowledge is exhausted, I doubt the superior will keep him."

Surprised, Sun looked at Huo and asked, "Aren't you and young master Fu usually on good terms? Why would you say such things?"

Huo replied with a smile, "I've only known him for a few days. How can that compare to your and Lu's long-standing rapport? My current amicability with him is merely for personal gain."

Having been in the office for half a month, and with the known case of Lu's capable and money-earning daughter-in-law, everyone was aware that Fu Wei's family was resourceful.

Moving from the poorest village in Yu County to near the county office suggested they had some wealth.

The county office wasn't a place of pure integrity. Though the atmosphere had improved since the former county magistrate's tenure, minor graft was overlooked as long as the job was done well.

Therefore, everyone believed Huo's statement without doubt.

Someone nudged Huo playfully, asking, "How much have you gained from this arrangement?"

Huo curled his lips into a smile and held up a finger, "In just about four months, this much."

Someone guessed, "A hundred coins?"

Huo looked at him with disdain, "Would a mere hundred coins be worth my flattery?"

The crowd paused, astonished, "A thousand coins?"

Huo just smiled and said nothing, and everyone immediately understood. No wonder Huo was so close to that disabled man. They would do the same!

Hearing Huo's words, Sun was relieved to know that Huo wasn't genuinely friendly with Fu Wei.

After a hearty meal, the guests dispersed, with Lu being the last to leave.

Sun patted Lu's shoulder resignedly, "When his influence grows, the office will probably oust us."

He sighed deeply, "Time ages us all, whether we like it or not. It's only natural for the younger generation to replace us. But Lu, you are in your prime. You could have risen to chief clerk in a few years, but... well, let's not dwell on it. For now, you must clear up any misunderstandings with young master Fu to secure your position. Otherwise, once he rises to power, we'll be the first ones he gets rid of."

Speaking thus, Sun walked towards his house, a solitary figure with hands clasped behind his back.

Lu, the record keeper, watched Sun's lonely departing figure and thought of his once smooth-sailing career prospects...

At this thought, his eyes filled with a sense of gloom.

He had not returned home for a long time, unable to help but resent his elder brother.

His anger also made it impossible not to direct his frustration towards Fu Wei.

However, Sun's words had enlightened him: Fu Wei was the key to whether he could stay or leave the office!

Instead of trying to ingratiate himself with Fu Wei, it would be better to make Fu Wei leave the office.

With Fu Wei gone, there would be no one left in the office to target him!

After Lu staggered away, Huo, the court officer, who had returned unnoticed, stepped out from behind the dimly lit wall, his brow furrowed.

He had initially thought Sun was easy to get along with, but after Fu Wei's insight, he decided to test Sun himself.

Earlier that day, Fu Wei had spoken to him about the banquet, asking him not to speak well of him at the event.

Fu Wei also explained that his apparent closeness was merely to extract benefits, a tactic to make Sun lower his guard and reveal his true intentions.

Fu Wei had said he wouldn't attend the banquet, knowing it would infuriate Sun and change his goal from winning Fu Wei over to getting rid of him.

Huo, the court officer, came with a skeptical attitude. Tonight, all the conversations he heard seemed to subtly incite hostility towards Fu Wei.

This was also true for the recent words of Sun, the assistant, to Lu, the record keeper.

To an involved party, these words might not seem problematic, but to an observer, they were not advising but rather fanning the flames.

In the county seat of Cangwu County.

Yu Ying and her brother and sister-in-law needed to stay in the county seat for a few more days. Staying at an inn was costly, and frequent use of the kitchen was not allowed, making meals relatively expensive. Hence, they temporarily rented a house.

The 400-coin courtyard had only one bedroom, a hall, and a latrine. The courtyard itself was just a narrow passage, enough to hang clothes and cook meals.

During their stay in the county seat, Yu Ying and her sister-in-law lived in the inner room, while the two men slept in the hall.

It was already winter, but fortunately, the hall had a thick curtain over the door to keep out the wind. Burning some firewood in the evening made it much warmer than a thatched cottage.

Yu Ying planned to stay for about seven more days before leaving.

The day after the coachman left, they set up their small stall.

Considering the distance from their residence to the stall, Yu Ying had a square table custom-made at a carpenter's workshop.

The legs and top of the table were detachable, with foldable legs for easy transport.

The table wasn't very large, but it was quite high.

There were two holes carved at either end of the table top. Two half-staff-length bamboo poles with notches were inserted into these holes, and a lightweight signboard was fixed at the top of the poles, bearing the words "Ru Yu Fang · Face Cream."

Finally, a clean, plain cloth was spread on the table, covering half of its edges, giving their small stall a proper and neat appearance.

The stalls on the street typically consisted of portable low tables or long benches; some just used a cloth or a winnowing basket. Only those living nearby would actually bring a high table.

Their stall stood out distinctly from the ordinary ones, appearing more upscale. This justified the higher prices of their products.

The trial-sized bamboo tubes, with the outer green layer removed and stamped with the red seal of "Ru Yu Fang," ensured that people would remember their brand.

On the first day of setting up the stall, they didn't need to shout to attract attention; people were naturally curious about what this new stall was selling.

Most of the visitors were women.

Seeing young wives and unmarried girls, Yu Ying would demonstrate the face cream on her own hand, then invite them to try it and smell the fragrance.

A woman asked, "What if we try it and then don't buy it?"

Yu Ying replied with a smile, "Then consider it making a new friend. If you think of buying face cream in the future, you're always welcome to visit my stall."

Hearing this, a woman extended her hand with a smile, "Then let me try it."

Yu Ying used a bamboo stick to scoop out a small amount. Whenever someone extended their hand, she would apply a little, explaining, "This face cream is made with sixteen herbs. Regular application keeps the skin smooth. If your skin feels a bit cracked, applying it overnight can improve it by seventy to eighty percent by the next day."

There were four or five female customers at the stall, all dressed neatly and modestly, not from wealthy families but clearly well-off.

When asked about the price, Yu Ying explained, "The one made with sixteen herbs is fifty coins, and the one with five herbs is thirty-five coins."

Someone exclaimed in surprise, "That expensive?!"

Someone who was examining the exquisite ceramic jar, upon hearing the price, quickly put it down.

Yu Ying said, "The cheapest face cream made with medicinal herbs in medical halls costs at least forty to fifty coins. I'm selling mine at this price, which is hardly expensive."

"But how can we know for sure that your face cream is really made with herbs? Is it truly effective?"

Yu Ying brought out the trial face cream, saying, "I have some samples here. If you doubt its effectiveness, you can try it for a couple of days first. If it works, you can come back to buy."

Several people were surprised.

"It's free? We don't have to buy a jar first to get a sample? You're just giving it away?"

Yu Ying replied with a beaming smile, "Yes, it's free, as a way to build a connection."

Although people were cautious about free items, their wariness was minimal. Once one person reached out to take a sample, others followed.

All four female customers at the stall took a trial sample and left.

Some male customers also stopped by, and Yu Ying gave away samples of both the cheaper and more expensive face creams.

By the end of the day, they hadn't sold many jars of face cream, but nearly all of the thirty trial tubes had been given away.

The second day was the same.

However, they still managed to sell four or five jars of face cream at different prices each day. Although the sales were less than the initial days of aggressive promotion, after deducting various expenses, they still made a profit of around two hundred coins a day.

After two days, the sight of four or five hundred copper coins was dazzling.

Song Sanlang exclaimed in amazement, "I used to think earning fifty coins a day was the limit, but it seems I was too conservative."

Not just him, all three of them thought the same.

Yu Ying remarked, "I never expected setting up a stall in the county seat could earn so much money."

Yu Ying had once worried about refusing the medical hall's offer, but now it seemed like a blessing in disguise!

Wen Xing commented, "I think our stall attracts customers because it's clean and tidy."

Indeed, if they had continued to set up their stall with just a long bench as before, it would have been challenging to attract new customers, especially when the taciturn Song Sanlang was in charge.

Despite the considerable profits these days, they had yet to recover their initial expenses.

Yu Ying calculated the costs, not including the earnings. Including the initial twenty jars of face cream and other expenses, they had spent over two thousand coins.

The sale of about twenty to thirty jars so far had only brought in around fifteen hundred coins, far from breaking even.

Setting aside these concerns for now, the face cream business was taking off, and it was time to think about distributing profits to Song Sanlang.

After much thought and consulting with her sister-in-law, Yu Ying felt confident about her plan and approached Song Sanlang to discuss it.

"Song, staying in the county seat to sell face cream, I've thought about the profit sharing – for each jar sold, we'll calculate four and six coins respectively for the two types. For the rent of this house, the family will pay seventy percent, and you'll cover thirty percent, plus an additional hundred coins monthly for food expenses..."

Before Yu Ying could finish, Song Sanlang interrupted, "Let's not complicate things. We'll just go with the four and six coins arrangement. I'll handle the rest myself. I have my reasons for wanting to stay in the county seat, especially with the constant trouble at the old house. I'll find a way to cover my food and rent."

Wen Xing softly added, "Yu Ying always keeps personal and business matters separate. If she says this, it means she's given it thorough consideration."

Yu Ying looked at her sister-in-law in surprise, realizing Wen Xing was increasingly understanding her.

Noticing Yu Ying's gaze, Wen Xing smiled warmly, her eyes curving into crescents.

Yu Ying once again noted how similar Wen Xing was to Ning Ning, not just in appearance but in temperament too.

Yu Ying felt a guilty urge to pinch Wen Xing's cheek, just as she would with Ning Ning.

Fu Zhen, witnessing this exchange, coughed deeply to interrupt the sisterly moment.

Yu Ying refocused and said to Song Sanlang, "My sister-in-law is right. I always keep personal and professional matters separate. We must calculate what's due. If we share the profits, we should also share the responsibilities and costs."

Song Sanlang opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately, he remained silent.

Understanding his thoughts, Yu Ying said, "If Song wishes to repay me for treating his foot, then consider giving me twenty coins as medical fees. That way, we can call it even."

But how could twenty coins settle everything!

Not to mention anything else, just Fu carrying him all the way back to the village from his employer's place was a debt that couldn't be cleared!

Song Sanlang sighed and conceded, "Then let's proceed as you initially suggested."

Yu Ying nodded lightly and continued, "We will be leaving in a few days. Before we go, I'll prepare about two hundred and fifty jars of face cream. It's already November, and in less than two months, it will be the New Year. If you sell them all before then, you can return earlier; otherwise, make sure you come back by the 28th of the year's end."

She had brought enough medicinal herbs to the county seat, and for the other ingredients from different regions, she could simply purchase them from the medical hall.

Although Yu Ying wanted to stay and manage the face cream stall, not only would it cause misunderstandings due to her and Song Sanlang being alone, but she also needed to tend to the medicinal herbs at home during the cold winter.

Although winters in Lingnan are short, the cold can be deadly when it hits.

The low cost of the face cream was possible because she could source her own herbs, so she needed to keep a firm handle on that aspect.

On the fourth day of the stall, they encountered some trouble.

Several groups came asking for samples, mostly women over thirty and men in their forties and fifties.

There had been inquiries about samples the previous day, but not as many as today.

Word had spread about the free face cream, and Yu Ying was pleased with this effect. At least now, "Ru Yu Fang" face cream was known, not just another obscure stall.

Before, when people hadn't even heard of it, even offering a free trial tube with a purchase wouldn't have drawn a second glance.

Instead, people might think the profit margins on the face cream were high, hence the extra tube given away, and they wouldn't want to be taken advantage of.

To those asking for samples, Yu Ying smiled and changed her response: "We initially gave some away as a grand opening gesture, but we're not doing that anymore."

A woman with a loud voice exclaimed, "So, what you're saying is that the free face cream you gave away before was just a trick to deceive people?!"

Her loud exclamation indeed attracted the attention of many passersby.

Yu Ying's smile slightly faded as she explained, "I never claimed to give away face cream for the opening. I only gave samples to a few customers to try. Where does this accusation of deceit come from?"

"Tch, saying one thing to one person and another behind their back. You just don't want to give it to us, do you? You think we can't afford it, looking down on us like that, right?!" the woman retorted.

As she spoke, she slammed her palm onto the table with such force that the jars of face cream rattled.

Expecting such unreasonable behavior, Yu Ying remained calm and looked towards her elder brother and Song Sanlang.

Understanding her cue, the two men approached.

The presence of the two sturdy and tall men, standing on either side of the stall like formidable guardians, was highly intimidating.

Yu Ying thought they resembled more of 'enforcers' than guardian deities.

The previously aggressive woman, who had relied on there being only two young women at the stall, seemingly easy targets, quickly lost her confidence upon seeing the two strong men.

Yu Ying then played the role of the 'good cop', smiling warmly as she picked up the sample face cream, "Although we don't have free samples anymore, you can still try our face cream here."

The middle-aged woman coughed and backed down, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Yu Ying scooped out some of the cheaper face cream.

She applied a little to the hands of those at the stall.

The gathered crowd moved closer, drawn by the commotion.

The scene around the small stall was lively.

Seeing the opportunity, Yu Ying quickly said, "If you can bring someone to 'Ru Yu Fang' to buy face cream, I'll give you a tube of sample cream for each jar sold. Used sparingly, it can last several applications, worth about four or five coins."

The onlookers, now intrigued, asked, "Is that really true?"

Yu Ying nodded, "Bring someone to 'Ru Yu Fang' to buy face cream, and I'll give you the sample. But this offer is only for the next three days. After that, I won't be here to ensure the continuation of this offer."

Repeating "Ru Yu Fang" ensured they would remember the brand name.

Hearing this, the bargain-loving onlookers began to quietly calculate the benefits in their minds.

Yu Ying, seeing that they had calmed down, let out a sigh of relief and exchanged a knowing smile with her sister-in-law.

Her sister-in-law, too, patted her chest in relief and returned the smile.

It had been several months since her sister-in-law returned from the stone quarry.

Initially, due to the harsh environment of the quarry, she was as skittish as a startled bird, easily frightened by any loud noise.

Gradually, as life stabilized, she became less prone to panic, showing a soft exterior but with an underlying resilience.

This seemingly fragile woman, after her husband's death, sought justice but was instead beaten, leading to her return home.

Returning home penniless, she had to deal with the aftermath of her mother-in-law and husband's deaths, care for her two sickly children, and occasionally look after her disabled brother-in-law.

Such resilience was something many others could not match.

Fu Wei, perhaps influenced by his sister-in-law and his own experiences of losing his birth mother and an estranged brother, managed to find the strength to carry on.

However, by then, the Fu family was already in decline, beyond his capacity to turn things around.

It was understandable why Fu Wei eventually became cold-hearted.

Over the past half a month, Yu Ying had been as busy as a spinning top, with no free time. Now, she found herself thinking of Fu Wei and instinctively looked towards Yu County.

After half a year of living together, Yu Ying had developed deep bonds with every member of the Fu family, so now her heart was filled with longing and the desire to return.

— She was starting to miss home.

Chapter 76

Yu Ying's method was effective. Over the next few days, the sale of face cream steadily increased. Though it was only a few jars at a time, it signified that their efforts were not in vain.

Some customers were brought by the older women and elderly men, while others returned to repurchase after trying the samples and finding them satisfactory.

In short, business was good!

On the day before leaving the county seat, she and her sister-in-law strolled hand in hand through the streets, shopping and buying many things to take back home.

Seeing the close relationship between the sisters-in-law, Song Sanlang commented to his brother, "I feel like your wife has been more focused on business and her sister-in-law these days, rather than on you, her husband."

Fu Zhen: ...

Coincidentally, he, as the husband, felt the same way.

Listening to the cheerful chatter of his wife and sister-in-law, Fu Zhen's lips curved into a faint smile, "Xing has been married to me for so long without much joy or relaxation. Seeing her so happy now, I too feel relieved."

Hearing this, Song Sanlang patted his shoulder and exclaimed, "Life is no longer as hard as it used to be. There's hope now."

Yes, there was hope now, and everything was moving in a positive direction.

Reflecting on this, Fu Zhen said to Song Sanlang, "You should settle down too, you're already twenty-five or twenty-six."

Smiling, Song Sanlang nodded, "Alright, I'll do it until I've earned enough to marry, then settle down."

"By the time we meet again during the holidays, I hope you won't be spending them alone."

At this, they shared a smile.

In Yu County.

It had been eighteen days since Yu Ying went to the county seat.

Fu Wei was counting the days.

After finishing his work, he clocked out.

Fu Wei always used the side door to enter and leave the government office.

Exiting the side door, he had to pass through a winding alley.

Aside from those turning in the night incense or delivering vegetables, few people used this route.

If Huo, the patrol officer, and the junior officers finished their shift at this time, they would often push Fu Wei through this side door.

But sometimes it didn't work out that way.

Fu Wei skillfully pushed his wheelchair up the small slope at the entrance, then turned and headed out.

In the alley, faint sounds of vendors shouting on the streets mingled with the slight creaking of the wheelchair's wheels against the ground.

Fu Wei seemed to detect some barely perceptible noises amidst these sounds, his eyes narrowing slightly as his index finger occasionally tapped the wheel he was pushing.

As he approached a turn, a cold, chilling wind blew towards him.

When the sack came down over his head, Fu Wei didn't resist; instead, he let it cover him and used his hands to fend off the blows from a stick.

The stick landed on his hands with a thud, eliciting a muffled groan from Fu Wei as he tumbled from the wheelchair, shielding his head to avoid serious injury.

Several blows were aimed heavily at Fu Wei's arms, and on the fourth strike, Huo, the patrol officer, suddenly shouted, "What are you doing!?"

The stick abruptly stopped, and someone swiftly dashed past Fu Wei.

Only then did Fu Wei lift the sack off his head.

As he did so, Huo chased after the assailant, who had almost reached the turn but then slowly retreated.

Ahead of the assailant, four officers with sticks were closing in.

The man, wearing a ferocious-looking mask, glanced around and, in a moment of decision, crouched down, grabbed Fu Wei by the collar, and placed a dagger against his neck, speaking in a strange voice, "If you come any closer, I'll kill him!"

His hand trembled as he spoke these words.

Fu Wei noticed his trembling hand and the blunt dagger, and calmly smiled, "Using a disabled person like me as a hostage, and unable to escape – don't you think that's a bit of a miscalculation?"

"Stop laughing, don't you laugh!" the man said angrily.

"Luo Dianshi! What are you doing, put the dagger down!" Huo, the patrol officer, commanded sternly.

As he spoke, the officers were startled, and even the man wearing the ferocious mask paused in surprise.

Then he angrily demanded, "Who is Luo Dianshi?!"

During his outburst, Fu Wei, sitting on the ground, suddenly grabbed the wrist of the man holding the dagger, pinching his vein with a covert force. The pain caused the man's grip to loosen, and the dagger instantly dropped to the ground.

Simultaneously, the officers saw Fu Wei, despite his disabled legs, grab the man's arm and expertly execute a shoulder throw, sending the man tumbling over his shoulder.

It wasn't until the man in the mask hit the ground with a loud thud that Huo and the other officers came to their senses.

The man himself was in a state of shock.

In that moment, Fu Wei removed the man's mask.

As their eyes met, several staffs quickly pinned the man down, immobilizing him.

After his initial shock, Huo hurried forward to right the wheelchair and help Fu Wei back into it.

With the outcome decided, Luo Dianshi lay on the ground, his face ashen, offering no resistance.

He looked at Fu Wei, "You must be satisfied now. You don't have to wait until you gain power to get rid of me. No, to send me to prison."

Fu Wei dusted the dirt off himself and asked, "Why do you think I would want to get rid of you once I gain power?"

Luo Dianshi laughed bitterly, "Considering how my brother treated your wife, and your rising status in the government office, it was only a matter of time before you gained influence. How could you tolerate my presence then?"

Fu Wei's smile faded, and he spoke indifferently, "I've always been clear about one thing: you are you, and your elder brother is your elder brother. I am solely focused on my own advancement and harbor no intentions of ousting anyone. I don't know where you got such an idea, but it's unjust to pin it on me."

Luo Dianshi, taken aback, responded incredulously, "You must be deceiving me. If you didn't want to get rid of me, why didn't you attend Mr. Sun's banquet?"

"What does Mr. Sun's banquet have to do with you, Luo Dianshi?"

Luo Dianshi quickly said, "Mr. Sun mentioned he arranged the banquet to reconcile you with him and me, to let bygones be bygones. Your absence implied you still held a grudge against me, didn't it?"

Fu Wei paused for a moment, then said, "Perhaps Mr. Sun didn't explain in detail, and then Mr. Qian appeared, so he never mentioned anything about Luo Dianshi. If you don't believe me, Mr. Qian was there the whole time; you can ask him."

Luo Dianshi was stunned.

The officers were also taken by surprise.

Luo Dianshi muttered to himself, "What was all this for? I finally made it into the government office, secured the position of Dianshi, only to lose everything due to my elder brother's foolishness and my own folly. Ha, hahaha."

Luo Dianshi seemed to have lost his sanity.

Fu Wei shook his head and sighed, then said to the officers, "Put away the staffs."

The officers looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

At that moment, Huo, the senior officer, said, "Do as Mr. Fu says."

As an experienced officer, Huo's words carried weight.

The younger officers withdrew their staffs, but Luo Dianshi made no attempt to get up, lying flat on the ground, staring blankly at the gray sky, his eyes devoid of any spark of life.

Fu Wei said, "I've hit you three times; you should have vented your anger by now, right?"

Everyone was startled, including Luo Dianshi, who came back to his senses and looked at Fu Wei, whose clothes and headwear were disheveled.

"You did that on purpose...?" Luo Dianshi asked suspiciously.

Fu Wei, feigning innocence, replied, "Who would willingly take a beating? I just didn't notice in time. I'm asking you, have you vented your anger?"

Luo Dianshi forced a smile, more pained than crying, "What anger to vent? What have I been doing these past half a month!"

In that half-month, he had blamed everyone – his elder brother for ruining years of his efforts, and himself for striving so long, only to be overshadowed by Fu Wei, who became an officer's assistant at the age of twenty-one or twenty-two.

Blaming everyone and everything, he had driven himself to madness.

After a long silence, Fu Wei said, "I came to this office to showcase my talents, not to target anyone. Let's put today's incident behind us..." He paused, then added, "Not entirely. You still owe me three strikes."

Luo Dianshi and the officers looked shocked.

Fu Wei addressed the officers, "You have relationships with Luo Dianshi, and some of you have benefited from his help. I know you don't want to see him imprisoned or leave the office. So, can we all keep today's incident to ourselves?"

The officers exchanged glances, then one stepped forward and said, "We will follow Mr. Fu's lead."

Previously, the officers had addressed him as "Young Master Fu," but now they called him "Mr. Fu."

Fu Wei extended his hand to Luo Dianshi and said, "I hope you cherish this hard-earned opportunity. If such an incident occurs again, I won't be so merciful."

Staring at the outstretched hand, dirtied with mud, Luo Dianshi was blank-minded and hesitantly extended his hand to grasp it.

The moment he grasped the hand, he felt its concealed strength. Without much effort from him, he was pulled to his feet.

After helping him up, Fu Wei placed his hand on the armrest and pressed his other hand against his arm, looking somewhat pale as if he had been injured.

Luo Dianshi, at a loss for words, just stood there blankly.

Fu Wei exhaled and then said, "I merely fell accidentally today; it has nothing to do with Luo Dianshi."

After speaking, he looked at Luo Dianshi and calmly stated, "Remember, you owe me three hits."

Then, turning to Huo, the patrol officer, he said, "My arm seems to be hurt; I would appreciate it if Officer Huo could escort me."

Officer Huo agreed, "Alright."

Looking at Luo Dianshi, he left a piece of advice, "Don't trust Mr. Sun too much; take care of yourself."

Saying this, he began to push the wheelchair out of the alley.

Luo Dianshi stood watching the departing wheelchair and the person in it, lost in thought.

It was only after they were out of sight that he asked the officers, "How did you come to be here?"

After a long silence, one of the officers explained, "Just a few days ago, our superior ordered us to intensify patrols inside and outside the county office after our shift."

Luo Dianshi chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I didn't even know about this..."

Thinking it over, the officers advised, "Luo Dianshi, don't look back. People need to look forward. Otherwise, you'll truly be ruined."

Another officer added, "I too was angry at Mr. Sun before, thinking Mr. Fu was arrogant and overbearing. But today, I've come to see clearly. I was prejudiced against Mr. Fu. In fact, now that I see, Mr. Fu is indeed a good person."

Someone else agreed, "I also think Mr. Fu is a good person."

After a few words, the officers assured, "Luo Dianshi, we will keep today's incident to ourselves. You can rest easy."

After speaking, they all departed, leaving Luo Dianshi standing alone in the empty alley.

Once Officer Huo had pushed the wheelchair far from the government office, he pondered before saying, "I think Luo Dianshi was used by Mr. Sun as a pawn."

Fu Wei responded, "I could see that, which is why I didn't hold it against him."

Officer Huo, after much thought, admitted, "I admire you for that."

Who would have thought that he, a man in his thirties or forties, would come to admire such a young man in his twenties.

The corners of Fu Wei's mouth curved slightly as he said, "As I mentioned today, I joined the government office to pursue my ambitions, not to engage in intrigue. I avoid it whenever possible."

Officer Huo sighed, "When I was young, I had similar ambitions, but after many years, here I am at this age."

"Ambition isn't limited by age. Besides, Officer Huo is still in his prime and has plenty of time."

Officer Huo chuckled, "Plenty of time to be an officer, you mean?"

Fu Wei gestured for him to stop.

The wheelchair stopped, and Fu Wei half-turned, looking up at Officer Huo, asking, "Do you think our superior will always stay in Yu County?"

Officer Huo, taken aback, then thinking of the current county magistrate's character, shook his head, "The superior isn't content with just being a county magistrate."

Fu Wei smiled, "In that case, when the superior leaves Yu County, does Officer Huo want to continue being an officer in this small county forever, or hope to follow the superior to higher, more prosperous places?"

Fu Wei's question left Officer Huo dumbfounded.

Fu Wei gently smiled, "Think about it, Officer Huo."

Fu Wei turned his head back, looking forward, his smile fading when he saw someone standing at the west end of the alley.

Was this — daydreaming and hallucinations from his thoughts and dreams?

If it wasn't a hallucination, then how could the smiling person ahead resemble Ah Ying so closely?

No, it wasn't a hallucination, nor was it a case of mistaken identity.

Because on that person's face were several "black spots," and beside her stood Fu An and Fu Ning, the siblings.

However, in the next instant, the originally smiling face froze, the brows furrowed, and the expression turned serious as she looked at him.

Seeing the change in Yu Ying's expression, Fu Wei, before feeling any joy, hurriedly recalled if he had done anything inappropriate over the past eighteen days.

Otherwise, why would she wear such an expression?

Yu Ying, leading Fu Ning, approached and called out to the dazed Officer Huo.

The call to Officer Huo brought both back to reality.

Officer Huo, gathering his thoughts, looked in surprise at Mrs. Yu, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, and asked, "Mrs. Yu, have you just returned from the county seat?"

Yu Ying replied, "I just got back. Since Officer Huo has brought my second brother here, why not come in and sit for a while?"

Officer Huo shook his head, "No, my wife will think I've been out drinking if I'm late. She'll be upset again, so I'd better head back."

Yu Ying nodded, "Thank you, Officer Huo, for bringing my brother home several times. Next time, please bring your wife to our home for a visit."

Officer Huo agreed and then turned to leave.

After watching Officer Huo depart, Yu Ying looked down at Fu Wei and asked, "How did you end up like this, looking as if... you've been beaten?"

Pausing mid-sentence, she suddenly remembered incidents of him being bullied mentioned in novels and the dream she had on his first day at the office, her expression abruptly changing, "Were you actually beaten?"

Fu Wei, realizing the person before him was real and not just a figment of his imagination appearing in every corner of his home or in his dreams,

Felt a rush of joy and his handsome face broke into a bright, clear laugh.

The sight of Fu Wei's laughter left Yu Ying and the siblings, Fu An and Fu Ning, completely astonished.

Even Fu An, somewhat anxiously, tugged at his aunt's sleeve, worrying, "Aunt, hasn't uncle been turned into a fool?"

Yu Ying: …

She flicked Fu An's forehead and said, "Don't talk nonsense."

Yu Ying walked behind Fu Wei, pushing the plain palanquin, "Explain to me what happened after we get back."

Fu Wei took a deep breath, restraining his overly joyful expression, smiling with his eyes and replied, "Alright."

When they returned to the courtyard, the elder brother and his wife were still warming themselves by the fire in the main hall.

Yu Ying had only been back for half an hour, braving the cold wind for so long that she felt chilled to the bone. Yet, she had gone out to meet Fu Wei, only to find him with the yamen runner at the end of the alley.

She would have been happy to see him, but the usually neat and meticulous Fu Wei was now disheveled, his hair untidy, and his clothes stained with mud, looking like someone who had been mistreated.

Chapter 77.

After Yu Ying pushed Fu Wei into the courtyard, the family was startled by his disheveled appearance.

Fu Wei sighed inwardly, having been preoccupied with convincing the yamen runner, he had forgotten about his own appearance.

And seeing Yu Ying had made him so happy that he completely forgot about his state.

Mrs. Luo, who was hanging clothes, hurriedly dropped them and anxiously asked, "What happened to Erlang?"

When the courtyard gate closed, Fu Wei stood up from his wheelchair, showing no signs of serious harm, and calmly explained, "I fell from the palanquin on the way back. To avoid people discovering my leg condition, I had to fall with it."

Mrs. Luo, taken aback, stuttered, "But how did you fall?"

Yu Ying intervened, "Let me check where Erlang got hurt."

She didn't believe Fu Wei could fall from the wheelchair; she knew about its stability. Unless someone deliberately caused trouble, the wheelchair wouldn't fall.

Mrs. Luo quickly nodded, "Go and check on him."

Yu Ying and Fu Wei entered the room together, then closed the door and let down the window curtains.

Recalling last night's events, Yu Ying turned to look at Fu Wei behind her, ignoring his intense gaze, and asked, "Where are you hurt?"

Fu Wei started to say, "Actually, it's..." He paused, swallowed the words 'nothing serious,' and corrected himself, "Just hurt my arm and shoulder."

Yu Ying was somewhat surprised; she had expected him to downplay his injuries as usual, but he answered directly this time.

Still, his response was casual, as if the injury was not his own.

Yu Ying frowned, "What do you mean 'just' your arm and shoulder? Surely you don't want to hurt your legs too?"

There was concern in her tone, and Fu Wei warmly smiled, replying, "I know my limits."

Hearing him say he knew his limits, Yu Ying realized there was something unusual about his injury.

But the priority was to check his arm. She set aside her suspicions for the moment and said, "Sit down and let me see where you're hurt."

Fu Wei hesitated briefly but began to loosen his clothing.

To make him more comfortable, Yu Ying said, "I'll go outside and fetch some cold water."

After speaking, she left the room to get the water.

Luo, seeing her come out, anxiously asked about Second Young Master's condition.

Knowing Fu Wei didn't want Luo and the others to worry, Yu Ying said, "It's nothing serious, just some bruises. I'm getting some well water for a cold compress."

Hearing this, Fu Zhen immediately stood up to fetch well water.

By the time Yu Ying entered the room with the water, Fu Wei had already taken off his outer shirt, wearing only a thin undershirt.

He sat upright on the bed, his back straight, rolling up the loose sleeves above his shoulders.

After months of recuperation, Fu Wei's arms were no longer as thin as when Yu Ying first met him. Now, the muscles on his arms were well-proportioned and healthy-looking.

Everything seemed fine except for bruises on his forearm, upper arm, and a spot slightly below the shoulder.

Perhaps it hadn't been long, as the bruises had not yet dispersed.

One glance at the shape of the bruises revealed they were not from a fall, but from being hit, likely with a stick.

Yu Ying placed the basin on the floor and dipped her hands into the freshly drawn well water, shivering from the icy chill.

As she gradually got used to the cold water, she wrung out the cloth to semi-dryness, then stood up. Seeing that it was inconvenient for Fu Wei to apply the compress while sitting, she suggested, "You should lie on your side."

Fu Wei, hearing this, lay down.

Yu Ying applied the cold cloth to his arm, and seeing him in thin clothes, pulled over a quilt, asking him to lift his arm so she could cover him.

Then, she wrung two more cloths and placed them over the other two bruises.

Fu Wei watched her with careful and serious attention, his gaze never leaving her.

Yu Ying was well aware of his intense gaze. Wanting to ignore it but finding it too intense to do so, she finally turned to him and said, "I know you miss me, but you should restrain yourself a bit."

Fu Wei shifted his gaze as she suggested, but a faint smile still lingered on his face.

He spoke slowly, "I missed you greatly. Every day I wondered when you would return, when I would see you again."

They used to spend almost every day and night under the same roof. Even when one was in Yu County and the other in Lingshui Village, he felt as though they were miles apart.

Not to mention her half-month trip to the county seat. As the saying goes, 'a day apart seems like three years'; these eighteen days felt like eighteen long years to him.

"Cough cough..."

Yu Ying was caught off guard by his words and quickly averted her gaze, saying, "Don't talk; you're distracting me."

Fu Wei smiled and remained silent.

Applying a few compresses was a matter of moments.

When Yu Ying turned to get a stool from the table, she secretly exhaled a warm breath and calmed her fluttering heartbeat before placing the stool beside the bed to sit down.

She looked at Fu Wei's arm and said, "I'll change it for a fresh one after half a moment."

Her gaze moved from his arm to his face, asking, "Who hit you?"

Fu Wei, neither wanting nor intending to conceal it from her, truthfully replied, "Luo Dianshi, the younger brother of the owner of Luo's Medical Hall."

Yu Ying's expression changed slightly, "He really hit you?!"

After the surprise, she quickly asked, "Why weren't you prepared for him?"

Fu Wei: "I let him hit me on purpose."

Startled by his admission, Yu Ying narrowed her eyes slightly, speculating, "A ploy to gain sympathy?"

"A mix of feigning injury, reverse psychology, and a strategy of seeming to allow the capture," added Fu Wei, listing two more tactics.

Confused, Yu Ying asked, "What's going on?"

Fu Wei explained, "I've been in the county office for about twenty days and have gradually understood its dynamics, including the background of the other assistants. Mr. Qian is talented but aloof, not keen on socializing, so people in the office find him difficult to approach. Mr. Sun, knowing his own limitations, is adept at winning people over, thus he's well-regarded in the office."

"Honestly, for a magistrate like Zhou, having too many assistants can invite speculation, so he typically keeps only one or two. Mr. Qian, being an old associate, holds a special bond with him and won't be let go. Mr. Sun, however, was hired to help the magistrate acclimate to Yu County. Three years have passed, and his role has been fulfilled. Knowing this, Mr. Sun has been working to secure his position in the office."

Understanding dawned on Yu Ying, "So, with your arrival, one of the two might have to leave, and that would be Mr. Sun. Knowing you are here, his days are numbered, so he incited Luo Dianshi against you?"

Living in an era of widespread internet access, Yu Ying had wide knowledge and had seen such scenarios often.

Fu Wei was somewhat surprised by her quick understanding but found it natural. He nodded, "Luo Dianshi is now unsuccessful and dispirited, easy to manipulate. They probably thought breaking my hand would force me to leave or at least scare me away."

Yu Ying frowned at the mention of breaking his hand, "So you knowingly let Luo Dianshi attack you, to use your injury as a strategy to win him over, forgive him, and gradually dissolve his hostility towards you? And the reverse psychology to make him trust and then doubt Mr. Sun?"

Fu Wei smiled, "Not just him, but also Officer Huo and the patrolling officers. Or rather, I aim to win over everyone in the county office."

Yu Ying fell silent for a moment, neither supporting nor opposing his tactics. She only cautioned, "Don't use such tactics without being fully prepared. What if you really hurt your hand?"

Fu Wei explained, "It wasn't without preparation. Magistrate Zhou asked me to find a way to have Mr. Sun leave the office. If Mr. Sun leaves, I stay in two months; if not, I leave."

"When Mr. Sun invited me for drinks, I guessed he might incite Luo Dianshi to attack me. So, I requested the magistrate to order extra patrols inside and outside the office after the shift. Officer Huo, after attending the banquet, had been discreetly watching Luo Dianshi, perhaps fearing he'd make a mistake. If Luo Dianshi acted, it would be quickly noticed."

Concluding, he looked at Yu Ying, "I wasn't unprepared."

Hearing his arrangements, Yu Ying smiled helplessly, then shared a knowing look and laughed with him.

After a moment, Yu Ying sobered up and said earnestly, "Since you're prepared, follow your plan, but be careful."

Fu Wei nodded, then asked her, "What happened while you were in the county seat?"

Recalling the person he had seen earlier, he added, "What about Song Sanlang?"

After Yu Ying stood up to change the cold compress for him, she began to recount the events that transpired in the county seat.

She explained that they didn't collaborate with the medical hall but set up a small stall instead, and Song Sanlang stayed in the county seat to run the stall.

Fu Wei listened attentively and, after hearing everything, smiled, "If you really make a name for yourselves, leaving the shop won't be far off."

Yu Ying laughed lightly, "We've just started the stall, and you're already planning a shop for me, like getting fat without eating."

"Step by step, with caution, there will be rewards."

Yu Ying hummed softly in agreement and, seeing it was about time, stood up to remove the cloth from his arm, then said, "I brought back something for everyone. I'll give it to you after dinner."

Picking up the basin, she advised, "Rest for a while."

Saying this, she carried the basin out of the room.

Soon, Fu Zhen, having washed up, entered the room and said to his brother lying on the bed, "I might have to share the room with you tonight."

Fu Wei thought to himself that if Ah Ying were also staying in the same room, he would definitely offer money for his elder brother and sister-in-law to stay elsewhere.

But obviously, that wasn't possible.

He propped himself up in bed and asked, "There were no accidents on your trip to the county seat, were there?"

Fu Wei was still worried, suspecting Yu Ying might only share good news and hide any troubles.

Fu Zhen, knowing what his brother was really asking, sat down on a stool beside the bed and replied, "Sister-in-law had a lot on her hands, not easy at all, but fortunately, there were no major troubles."

Hearing this, Fu Wei finally felt relieved.

Fu Zhen pondered for a moment before asking, "I know you didn't fall. What exactly happened?"

Fu Wei responded, "Although it wasn't a fall, it was within my calculations, so there's no need to worry excessively."

Fu Zhen remained silent for a bit, then said, "As long as you have everything under control, I won't pry. But if you need anything, just tell me."

"Actually, there is something. I was hoping to discuss it with you, elder brother."

Fu Zhen was taken aback, then listened as Fu Wei said, "Next spring, there will be a selection for officers in the government office. I want you to participate."

"Me, participate in the officer selection?"

Fu Wei affirmed, "It's most fitting for you to participate, elder brother."

"But what if my wife needs to go to the county seat again?"

After pondering, Fu Wei said, "If she goes, you can request leave."

Fu Zhen frowned, puzzled, "Is it that casual in the government office?"

"Of course not, but the magistrate, being from a military background, highly values talent, especially..." Fu Wei looked his brother up and down, then continued, "Someone of your stature, strong, and with some skills."

Continuing, Fu Wei added, "It's perfect since you're in Yu County and I can move around now. I can teach you other techniques. Every three days, elder brother, you should come to Yu County, and it will be convenient for me to train you."

Now, with high walls surrounding their small courtyard in Yu County, they could practice spear techniques without drawing attention.

Fu Wei had this in mind, but after taking out a stick and being met with a meaningful look from Yu Ying at his arm, he conscientiously told his brother they would continue next time.

After a brief rest, the group who had hurried back from the county seat started to help out.

Yu Ying entered the kitchen and found that Luo had bought a pig's foot and a two-pound fish at some point.

Luo said, "You've all been busy for nearly half a month. I bought a pig's trotter to help you replenish."

Yu Ying, sensing the implication of 'replenishing what's lacking,' smiled wryly and then said, "I know how to cook this, I'll do it."

Luo handed over the pig's trotter for Yu Ying to handle.

Yu Ying knocked off the hoof cap and asked her elder brother to chop the trotter in half with a cleaver, break the bones, then place it on a few sticks laid over the brazier to burn off the hair and the porky smell.

After a while, the trotter turned slightly black. Yu Ying washed it thoroughly in two basins of water, scraping off any remaining bits on the skin.

While her elder brother was chopping the trotter, Yu Ying and Fu Ning went to the grocery store to get some vinegar, sugar, and a small packet of pickled green plums.

Back home, she blanched the trotter, adding slices of ginger and wine to the water. When it boiled, she skimmed off the froth, then rinsed the trotter in cold water.

Ready to cook, she added some sugar and oil to the pot. Once the sugar caramelized, she put in the trotter until it changed color, then added some soy sauce, salt, and wine for stir-frying.

When it became fragrant, she added three bowls of water, enough to cover the trotter, and added four pickled green plums to braise.

After about half an hour, when the water in the pot had reduced, Yu Ying added three spoonfuls of mild black vinegar and stirred. The lightly colored trotter instantly took on a red hue, deepening as she stirred.

She covered the pot, waiting for the sauce to reduce further.

When finally served, the long-stewed trotter was tender and springy, with an appealing color and rich aroma that stimulated the appetite.

As Yu Ying placed it on the table, two little but enthusiastic fans stared unblinkingly, exclaiming in unison with elongated awe.

Yu Ying playfully tapped their noses, saying, "Auntie's specialty dish is served."

Fu An looked up excitedly, guessing, "I know this dish, it's braised pork trotter, right!?"

Yu Ying shook her head, "It's sweet and sour pork trotter."

The dining table had a large pot of trotters and a fish, along with a vegetarian dish, more than enough for their family of seven.

The trotter, a favorite for everyone, was perfectly balanced in sweetness and sourness, tender and fragrant, not greasy at all.

The two children ate so much their bellies were round, complaining of being overstuffed. Yu Ying had to gently massage their bellies to aid digestion.

After the massage, she took them out for a walk.

When they returned, the sky had already turned dusky.

Oil lamps were lit in the main room, and the family gathered there. Yu Ying and her sister-in-law brought out the items they had purchased in the county seat.

There was something for everyone.

For Luo, it was a piece of cloth.

Fu Wei's gift was twenty sheets of paper and two pens.

Yu Ying explained to him, "Paper costs five coins per sheet in Yu County, but only three in the county seat. I thought you would need it, so I bought twenty sheets. The pens there are also better and cheaper than those in Yu County. Your old pen is fraying, so I got you two new ones."

Fu An and Fu Ning had been eagerly waiting for their gifts, their faces full of anticipation as they looked at their aunt.

Seeing their expectant eyes, Yu Ying smiled, "Of course, I haven't forgotten about you two."

She then took out another pen and five sheets of paper from the parcel, "This is for Fu An."

Fu An was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, "Really for me? Not for my uncle?"

"Your uncle has his; this is for you."

Fu An accepted the gift with a mix of shock and joy.

He had always been hesitant to touch his uncle's pen and ink and practiced writing on the ground - though he was still reluctant to use these new ones, his happiness was unaffected.

Lastly, it was little Fu Ning's turn to receive his gift.

Yu Ying looked towards her sister-in-law and said to Fu Ning, "Your gift, your mother bought it for you."

Hearing this, Fu Ning turned to look at her mother.

Wen Xing took out a small stuffed toy she had hidden behind her.

Seeing the stuffed toy, Fu Ning's eyes lit up instantly. She dashed towards her mother and took the toy.

Holding the toy tightly, she looked up, grinned, and said softly to her mother, "Thank you, Mom."

Wen Xing couldn't help but smile tenderly.

The gentle light of the Tang house shone on everyone's joyous faces.

After the gifts were distributed, Fu Wei called Yu Ying into the room and said, "The magistrate is ready to implement the cultivation of slopes for soybeans and medicinal herbs."

Yu Ying, hearing this, asked, "Does that mean I can rent land now?"

Fu Wei nodded, "Even if you don't have enough money, the government office will allow a one-year grace period before collecting rent."

Yu Ying said, "I can afford to rent ten more acres of slope land that only require silver, not grain."

She had set aside enough money for renting land and hiring help, not much, but just enough.

After discussing this, Yu Ying remembered her sister-in-law's issue and brought it up with Fu Wei.

Then she added, "Could you check if you can find out where my sister-in-law's aunt's family is now?"

Surprised to learn of his elder brother and sister-in-law's ordeal, Fu Wei nodded, "I'll inquire about it during my duty tomorrow. Cases like theirs should be easier to track. Once I find their whereabouts..." He paused, looked at her, and asked, "What do you want to do?"

Yu Ying, usually gentle, showed rare indignation, "After all the suffering my sister-in-law endured for three years, we can't let them off without making them pay dearly."

Seeing her uncharacteristically fierce expression, Fu Wei smiled, "Alright, I'm with you. We'll make them pay."

Yu Ying blinked and then clarified, "I meant financially exploit them, just in terms of money."

Fu Wei slightly shook his head, "Their actions are against the law, and considering the previous magistrate was removed for corruption and bribery, they can't escape punishment."

Yu Ying's face lit up with satisfaction at his words, "That would be ideal. My sister-in-law will be happy to hear this."

"I'll go tell her right now," she said.

Watching her leave with a radiant smile, Fu Wei couldn't help but smile too.

He could tell that her trip to the county seat had brought her closer to her sister-in-law. Their relationship seemed more like close friends now, rather than just in-laws.

As night deepened, the family had to adjust their sleeping arrangements due to limited space – Fu Wei and Fu Zhen shared one room with the children, while the four women squeezed into the other. They added two long bamboo stools next to the bed for extra space.

After managing through the night, the next day Yu Ying and her elder brother's family returned to Lingshui Village.

Back in Lingshui Village, Yu Ying rested for a while before checking on the medicinal fields.

The fields, tended by Uncle He and his family, were in excellent condition. The two hired workers hadn't slacked off either; the herbs had grown significantly and there were hardly any weeds.

Returning from the fields, Yu Ying started to roughly calculate the expenses of the trip to the county seat and the profits from the stall.

After balancing everything, they ended up with an extra two hundred coins.

Yu Ying didn't keep any of the money for herself, instead giving it all to her elder brother and sister-in-law: "You've been busy helping me without a single complaint; I'm truly grateful."

Pushing two portions of the money towards them, she said, "This is the compensation for lost work I promised earlier. When Song Sanlang returns and we deduct his share, the remaining profit will be divided to give you each a ten percent share, as we agreed."

Fu Zhen, upon hearing this, frowned and said, "Mar and I didn't do much, how can we ask for more? We are content with just the ten percent profit."

Yu Ying insisted, "One tenth each. After all, I only supplied the medicinal ingredients. You did most of the work, like rendering the fat, grinding the herbs, and cooking the ointment, not to mention managing the other miscellaneous tasks."

Concluding, Yu Ying did the math for them: "Even after paying Song Sanlang four and six coins, and your ten percent share, I still make the lion's share of the profit."

She planned to continue making the ointment, and during busy times, she couldn't manage it all alone, so their share was well deserved.

Moreover, considering the profit from ten jars of the more expensive ointment, after simple deductions like rent and Song Sanlang's cut, the lowest profit still amounted to about one hundred sixty to seventy coins.

Giving each of them seventeen coins, she still had around one hundred thirty coins for herself.

Based on the few days of stall operation in the county seat, they could easily sell around one hundred jars a month.

The profit from this venture was self-explanatory.

After Yu Ying had simply explained the finances to them, they accepted the money.

In the end, they returned one hundred fifty of the two hundred coins to her.

They had already received enough kindness from their sister-in-law and didn't want to keep owing her money. Thus, they were always thinking of repaying the debt for their freedom as soon as possible.

Chapter 78

Despite being ambushed by Luo Dianshi, Fu Wei continued his duties at the government office as usual.

Luo Dianshi, on the other hand, took a day off.

Over the past two days, the yamen runners they met in the back alley would respectfully greet Fu Wei as "Mr. Fu," surprising others.

When asked why they changed their address, they simply said that Mr. Fu was a magnanimous person, young yet composed, and highly valued by their superior, deserving their respect.

…

Others spoke in riddles, but at least the stone slabs at the hidden entrance hadn't been moved again these past few days.

Fu Wei, preoccupied with the task Yu Ying had entrusted to him before returning to the village about investigating the Wen family, had been busy with miscellaneous tasks but also searched the archives for records about Gu Ao Village.

After a thorough search, he couldn't find the Wen family's records, slightly frowning and about to ask someone, when he saw Registrar Luo entering.

Seeing Fu Wei, Registrar Luo's expression faltered, unsure how to face him.

Fu Wei glanced at Registrar Luo's tightly clenched palms and, diverting his gaze calmly, asked the clerk managing the archive, "Why are the household records of Gu Ao Village from three years ago missing?"

The clerk glanced nervously at Registrar Luo and after a moment of hesitation, said, "I'm not quite sure myself."

Fu Wei, aware of the clerk's apprehension towards Registrar Luo, didn't expose him but simply said, "Could you please push me out?"

The clerk hurried forward to push the palanquin.

As he passed by Registrar Luo, just about to exit the archive room, he suddenly heard Registrar Luo's voice behind him, "The records here were reorganized after the county magistrate took office. The previous records are kept in the old archive room."

The clerk, about to push the new aide out of the room, froze, turning in surprise towards Registrar Luo.

Registrar Luo had been gloomy during his encounters with Aide Fu in the previous days, and considering his close relationship with Aide Sun, wasn't he supposed to be on Sun's side?

Why then did he suddenly offer help today?

Fu Wei raised his hand, signaling the clerk to pause, then turned to look at Registrar Luo.

Registrar Luo, looking down uncomfortably, said, "I'm quite familiar with the old archives. Just tell me what you're looking for, Mr. Fu."

The clerk was astonished at hearing "Mr. Fu."

Fu Wei didn't beat around the bush, stating directly, "I need the records of all the people who moved out of Gu Ao Village from May to August three years ago."

After a moment's thought, Registrar Luo said, "I'll have them delivered to Mr. Fu in two and a half hours."

Fu Wei nodded, "Thank you."

Registrar Luo appeared slightly startled at this "thank you."

As Fu Wei turned back and the clerk pushed him out of the archive room, Registrar Luo watched his departing figure and murmured softly, "Why thank me? I am the one who should be grateful..."

In less than two and a half hours, Registrar Luo brought the records to Fu Wei.

After finding the records, Registrar Luo had also briefly reviewed their contents.

From the records, he recalled the archive he had consulted previously for Fu Wei's wife, Mrs. Yu, when she wanted to bring her brother and sister-in-law back.

The record of her sister-in-law was noted as a woman from the Fu family of Lingshui Village, but she served in place of the Wen family of Gu Ao Village.

It seemed a bit strange, but he hadn't delved into it. Now, reflecting on it, Registrar Luo roughly guessed whom Fu Wei was searching for.

Fu Wei opened the bamboo slips and looked at the address, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

The address of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house.

It seemed that the Wen family had used their niece's dowry to move to Yu County, but perhaps due to spending a lot of silver to bribe the yamen runners, they now resided in the poorest area of Yu County.

With no one around in the corridor, Registrar Luo finally broke the silence, "Thank you, Mr. Fu, for what happened yesterday."

Fu Wei looked up from the records, "Have you come to a realization?"

Registrar Luo nodded, "I have. I was stuck in a dead end, walking the wrong path. If not for Mr. Fu's magnanimity, I fear I would be in prison by now."

He paused, then added, "My elder brother owes Mr. Fu's wife an apology. I must persuade him to make amends. I also owe Mr. Fu a favor, and I will not hesitate to help when needed."

Fu Wei rolled up the bamboo slips and placed them on his lap, indifferently responding, "The deeds of your brother cannot be forgiven by my wife or me, but I will not hold it against you. Other matters can be discussed later."

After speaking, Fu Wei looked past Registrar Luo, "Mr. Sun."

Sun, the aide, seeing Fu Wei and Registrar Luo conversing amiably under the same roof, frowned.

Suddenly addressed as "Mr. Sun," he masked his displeasure with a smile and approached, "It's rare to see Registrar Luo and Young Master Fu having a heart-to-heart. What brings you together today?"

Fu Wei replied, "Just discussing official matters. Now that we're done, I must return to my duties."

Sun, the aide, smiled and watched Fu Wei leave, then turned to Registrar Luo, reassuringly, "It's good you realized your mistake with Young Master Fu early. If you build a good relationship with him and flatter him for a while, he might speak well of you to our superior."

Registrar Luo's brow furrowed slightly.

Why had he never noticed the oddness in Sun's words before, yet now they seemed so grating?

Registrar Luo hid his doubt and looked at Sun, still smiling, "I suppose I've come to my senses. After realizing this, I find Mr. Fu quite agreeable. Despite his disability, he carries himself with the grace of a noble. It's no wonder the magistrate employed him as an aide."

Sun had expected to see embarrassment on Registrar Luo's face, but instead, he heard nothing but praise for Fu Wei?

How had this person, who was resentful towards Fu Wei just a few days ago, suddenly changed his attitude today?

What exactly had happened between the two that he was unaware of?!

Sun, the aide, briefly showed astonishment, which was caught by Registrar Luo, deepening the doubts in his mind.

He couldn't help but wonder if Sun was genuinely encouraging reconciliation with Fu Wei or... adding fuel to the fire.

If it weren't for the incident a few days ago, hearing such words would only have intensified his animosity towards Fu Wei.

Sun, the aide... perhaps he was using him.

This realization caused a sinking feeling in Registrar Luo's heart.

After obtaining the Wen family's address, Fu Wei enlisted the help of Wu, the yamen runner who was specially attentive to Huo, to accompany him in following the address.

The location of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house a month ago.

— In the poorest part of Yuxian City.

A dirty and chaotic alley, filled with various unpleasant odors, leads to a dilapidated thatched cottage.

In the courtyard, a middle-aged woman curses while washing clothes.

Her words are mostly complaints about her ungrateful children, sleeping late into the day, not bothering to work, and how the household is barely scraping by.

After a while, an impatient male voice from inside the house retorts: "Nagging again? Why don't you just marry off your younger sister and use the dowry to solve our problems?"

The woman glares and snaps back: "Do you think your sister is like that cheap girl A'Xing?"

Fu Wei, hearing this, confirms that this is indeed the Wen family that A'Ying asked him to find.

Having confirmed the Wen family's location, Fu Wei seeks permission from the county magistrate to apprehend them.

County Magistrate Zhou looks at him in surprise, as if to say, "You came here for such a trivial matter?"

Fu Wei explains the situation, and the magistrate laughs, saying: "I thought after living in Wuling County for over twenty years, you wouldn't have much affection for the Fu family, who you've known for only half a year. Seems I was mistaken."

Fu Wei responds: "When I was at my lowest, they never gave up on me. My birth mother gave her all for me, even resorting to wild vegetables for sustenance. Even if we're not related by blood, I owe them for their kindness."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou smiles and says: "You are indeed a man of compassion and loyalty. Alright, they are still lawbreakers. Capture them, give them a few strokes of the cane, detain them for a while, and have them compensate your sister-in-law's labor payment."

Fu Wei thinks about the Wen family living in such squalor and realizes seeking labor payment is futile. What matters most is making them suffer, not letting them feel entitled without any sense of guilt.

Having discussed the Wen family, Fu Wei brings up another matter.

"This initiative of farmers cultivating medicinal herbs will surely face opposition from the medical halls in Yuxian."

County Magistrate Zhou, who had thought about this issue briefly, asks Fu Wei: "Do you have any solution in mind?"

Fu Wei suggests: "Let the medical halls buy the herbs right from the start."

Zhou frowns: "They'll buy at low prices and resell at high prices to the government office?"

Fu Wei shakes his head: "The office staff don't know herbs, and are short-handed. Most importantly, blatantly buying herbs from farmers could lead to various problems. However, medical halls can quickly purchase and identify herbs, saving a lot of manpower and time."

County Magistrate Zhou pondered for a moment, realizing the truth in Fu Wei's words.

"But from what I know, the medical halls buy the herbs from the people at very low prices. How would the common folk make any profit?"

Fu Wei replied, "The pricing in the lower-tier medicine market is chaotic, with no clear standards. Instead of this, as previously mentioned, we should establish a Herbalist Guild. Members will receive assistance from the government office in exporting their herbs, and there will be a set minimum price for buying herbs from the people. This ensures the interests of the common folk and curbs the medical halls' practice of arbitrary pricing."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou fell into deep thought.

"I doubt they will agree to this."

"I am willing to give it a try. Once one agrees, the others will likely follow."

County Magistrate Zhou looked at him, "You will convince them?"

Fu Wei slightly bowed and suggested, "Your honor, just assign Luo Dianshi to work with me on this, and it will be much more effective."

At the mention of Luo Dianshi, Zhou frowned slightly: "Luo Dianshi and Luo's Medical Hall are brothers, and Luo's may be the hardest to deal with among the medical halls. But if Luo Dianshi persuades them, it might be easier."

After a moment of consideration, he agreed with Fu Wei: "I will send Luo Dianshi with you. Whether he cooperates or not is for you to handle."

Fu Wei bowed in agreement. Then, Zhou called Huo Yachai into the study, instructing him to first bring the Luo family to the county office, and then to go to Lingshui Village to inform the Fu and Wen families to come to the office tomorrow, to review the forced labor case from three years ago.

Fu Wei, about to leave, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your honor, since it concerns my family, let me go to Lingshui Village to inform them."

Zhou sized him up, his gaze resting on Fu Wei's plain attire: "Are you sure?"

Fu Wei replied, "There should be a bullock cart heading towards Lingshui Village this afternoon."

With a few extra silver coins, he could easily persuade the cart driver to take him to Lingshui Village.

County Magistrate Zhou observed Fu Wei closely, as if he had found an answer.

"Your wife is still living in Lingshui Village, isn't she?"

Fu Wei lowered his gaze, avoiding the magistrate's eyes, and confirmed, "Indeed, she still resides in Lingshui Village."

Zhou chuckled lightly, seeing right through Fu Wei's thoughts: "Young couples, missing each other after just a day apart."

Fu Wei remained silent, but Huo Yachai, still in the study, couldn't help but stifle a laugh.

Both Zhou and Huo Yachai, having been through their early years of marriage, understood well what it meant to be newlyweds.

Zhou waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, go back now if you wish. Come with your sister-in-law tomorrow morning. Consider it a half-day leave from me. It won't delay any important matters."

Fu Wei nodded and expressed his thanks.

After leaving the study, Fu Wei first went back to Xikou Lane to pack some clothes and informed Luo Shi and Fu An of his trip back to Lingshui Village.

Luo Shi, initially worried, wanted to accompany him, but then she remembered the lack of bedding in the village and decided against it.

Nevertheless, the grandmother and grandson duo, eager to get Fu Wei to the city gate quicker, escorted him there.

In mid-November, the weather in Lingnan changed unpredictably. Just a few days ago, it was cold enough to make one shiver, and now it was as warm as early spring, but this kind of weather was particularly dry.

In such weather, face cream was the best-selling item.

But Yu Ying had no time to think about face creams; seemingly unstoppable, on her third day back in Lingshui Village, she rented ten acres of hillside land, planning to hire workers to cultivate it.

Fortunately, all her expenses from the trip to the county seat had been recouped, leaving her with about five thousand wen in savings.

She roughly calculated the cost of renting the land and hiring labor, which would be around three thousand five hundred wen – an amount she found manageable.

After inspecting the hillside land with her elder brother, sister-in-law, and the village head, it was almost dusk.

As they walked home and Yu Ying pondered over the hiring of workers, she glanced up inadvertently and thought she was hallucinating.

She saw Fu Wei, dressed in light-colored clothes, sitting in a wheelchair, smiling faintly at her under the afterglow of the setting sun.

A layer of dim yellow light outlined his figure, making him seem not like a real person, but more like a hologram from the future.

Yu Ying stopped in her tracks, rubbed her eyes, and looked again – the figure was still there.

Suddenly, her sister-in-law exclaimed in surprise, "Why is the young uncle back?"

Hearing this, Yu Ying realized that Fu Wei was not an illusion.

— Indeed, Fu Wei had returned.

Chapter 79.

After returning home, Wen Xing went to the kitchen to brew a pot of Pugong grass tea, known for its lung-nourishing properties, and brought it to the dining room, pouring a cup for everyone.

A sip of the warm tea spread coziness throughout the body.

Fu Wei set down his cup and revealed the purpose of his return.

On hearing about the Wen family's situation and the upcoming court session at the yamen, Fu Zhen and his wife were visibly shocked.

Fu Zhen had mentioned it to his wife while they were in the county seat.

His wife had said that once they returned, her brother-in-law would help investigate her maternal family's situation, seeking justice for them.

Fu Zhen never doubted his brother's willingness to help; he just hadn't expected the matter to be resolved so quickly, only three days after their return from the county seat.

Regaining his composure, Fu Zhen's face turned ashen, his fists clenched tightly as he asked gravely, "Where are they now?"

Fu Wei replied, "County Magistrate Zhou has already sent people to arrest them, and will also locate the yamen runners involved in the case. If they admit to taking bribes, then tomorrow my sister-in-law only needs to identify the Wen family members."

He paused briefly, then added, "At most, they will receive a beating and be jailed for a while. Although they are also ordered to repay the labor fee, considering their financial situation, it's unlikely they'll be able to pay."

Three years had passed, and for Fu Zhen, it was no longer about getting back the labor fee, but rather about teaching them a harsh lesson.

"How many strokes will they get, and for how long will they be jailed?" This was Fu Zhen's primary concern.

Fu Wei, having some knowledge of similar cases, answered, "Twenty strokes and a three-month sentence."

Fu Zhen frowned deeply, "That's too lenient!"

They not only tried to sell Marquise Xing but also schemed to send her to hard labor. For such malice, such a punishment was indeed too light!

Fu Wei's expression was calm, but his words carried a deeper meaning: "Though they'll only be jailed for three months, who knows what might happen to them in prison?"

Both Yu Ying and Fu Zhen understood the implication in Fu Wei's words.

—A lesson taught in secret.

The idea of lying in wait, or being prepared for danger, was not something Yu Ying greatly approved of in the past. However, this era was far from a society governed by law. Moreover, the Wu family's inhumane actions towards their eldest daughter-in-law left no room for sympathy, and their punishment was indeed too lenient.

Upon hearing this, Fu Zhen looked at his younger brother and asked, "Can you get me into the prison for a visit?"

Fu Wei smiled and replied, "They're not serious offenders, so why not?"

Upon hearing this, Fuzhen felt reassured and then said, "Then tomorrow, I will go into the city with Xingniang."

Fuxian said, "After they have been flogged, when it's almost time for them to be released from prison, I will arrange for our eldest brother to visit the Wen family in jail."

Fuzhen nodded.

Wen Xing had been silent all this while, sipping her tea with her head down, her hands trembling slightly as they held the cup.

Yuying recalled discussing this matter with her sister-in-law back in the county seat. Her sister-in-law, eager to see the great-aunt's retribution, was so agitated she tossed and turned for half the night. Now that it had actually happened, how could she not be excited?

After discussing when to go to Yuxian tomorrow, they left the dining hall.

When Fuxian returned, Yuying had no choice but to share a room with him.

The single bed that Mrs. Luo used to sleep in and Fuxian's bed, neither sent to Yuxian yet, were still there, but the problem was the lack of spare thick bedding.

Yuying, pushing his wheelchair into the room and closing the door, saw Fuxian also stand up and place the bundle containing his change of clothes on the single bed.

Yuying turned back and looked at him, asking, "Shouldn't this matter have been announced by the yamen runners to Lingshui Village? Given your condition, why did you still come back?"

Fuxian turned and looked at her.

Meeting his gaze, those deep, dark eyes, Yuying seemed to understand in a moment.

She understood the longing in his eyes and quickly interrupted as he opened his mouth, "Alright, I know, you don't need to say it."

Fuxian smiled and retracted the words he was about to say, "I came back because I wanted to see you," back into his heart.

Yuying quickly tidied up the bed and then said, "You should rest for a while. I'll call you when it's time for dinner."

Yuying left the room to join her sister-in-law in the kitchen to prepare the evening meal.

As her sister-in-law stirred the rice, Yuying took out a piece of the lean pork they had cured earlier.

Although it was lean meat, a bit of fat was left on to enhance the flavor of the cured pork.

She thinly sliced the cured pork, blanched it briefly in water, and then drained it on a bamboo sieve.

While draining the pork, Yuying took out the bamboo shoots soaked earlier in the morning, blanched them after several washes, and stir-fried them in a dry pan to remove excess water and bitterness.

After drying the bamboo shoots, Yuying added a little salt, and after a moment, transferred them to a dish. She then began to fry scallions and ginger slices, followed by the cured pork.

Since the pork was already salted when cured, Yuying didn't add any more salt, using just a spoonful of soy sauce.

The household had progressed from having no condiments to always having oil, salt, and soy sauce at hand.

As the aroma wafted through the air, the pork glistened in the pan. Yuying then added the bamboo shoots and stir-fried them together.

Wen Xing, who only knew how to stew vegetables simply, watched her sister-in-law cook, eager to learn. Seeing the appetizing dish in the pan, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Your cooking skills are really great, probably even better than the chefs in the restaurants."

Yuying, who only knew how to cook home-style dishes, laughed and said, "The chefs in restaurants have more skills than this."

At that moment, Funing returned from playing at the He family's house, drawn by the fragrance to the kitchen. The little girl sniffed eagerly and said in her soft, tender voice, "Smells good."

Yuying smiled and told her, "It'll be a while before we eat. Go back to the room and chat with your uncle."

Funing looked puzzled, thinking she had misheard, and asked, "Uncle is back?"

Wen Xing nodded, "He just got back."

Hearing that her uncle had returned, Funing excitedly ran towards the house.

Wen Xing watched her daughter's cheerful departure with a soft sigh.

Ever since Ningning learned to speak, she has become much more outgoing and is no longer shy.

Honestly, even knowing that her former brother-in-law was mistakenly taken and lived twenty years of hardship, she felt sympathy for him.

But after hearing that her current brother-in-law's leg might have been broken by the former one, and her daughter might have been rendered mute for years because of him, it was hard for her not to harbor resentment.

Fortunately, the brother-in-law who returned was easy to get along with.

Yuying remarked, "Ningning seems to really like Erlang."

Wen Xing smiled and said, "Not just Ningning, Anan likes the uncle too."

After the evening meal, as it was getting dark, it was time to wash up thoroughly.

It was chilly in the mountains, and bathing too late could let the cold seep into the body.

Yuying, washing her hair in the kitchen, saw Funing come out of the bath and urged her to quickly return to her room.

Back in the room, Funing saw her uncle busy at the desk. After rolling around on the bed out of boredom, she decided to go find her mother to play.

Looking at the doll her mother had given her, she hesitated for a moment before jumping off the bed to look for her mother.

Meanwhile, Wen Xing sewed clothes absentmindedly, recalling the days after her grandmother's death at twelve, living with her great-aunt, doing all the household chores and often being scolded and beaten, her hands trembling at the memory.

Even after so many years, she couldn't forget the fear and despair of those times.

She couldn't help but look at her husband weaving mats nearby and said, "Thinking of seeing my great-aunt's family tomorrow makes me nervous and scared."

Fuzhen stopped his work, stood up, and walked over to his wife's side, wrapping his arms around her petite frame and softly comforting, "Don't be nervous; they can't and won't have the chance to hurt you again."

Feeling a strong sense of security from her husband, Wen Xing wrapped her arms around his waist and softly murmured an "Mhm" in agreement.

Fuzhen gently patted his wife's back.

At that moment, the room door was softly knocked, causing the couple to pause in surprise.

Fuzhen stood up and said, "I'll go open the door."

Upon opening the door, he saw no one at first, then heard a soft, tender voice from below saying, "Daddy."

Looking down, Fuzhen saw his little daughter standing outside, wearing slippers with her tiny feet exposed, her cheeks flushed red.

Funing, seeing her usually reticent father, blinked hesitantly.

After a brief moment of eye contact, Fuzhen said, "It's cold outside, come in quickly."

Realizing it was her daughter who had come, Wen Xing's heart leapt with joy, her worries instantly dissipating as she quickly got up to pull her little girl inside.

Sitting on the bed, she gently asked, "What brings Ningning here?"

Funing, growing fond of her gentle mother, immediately smiled brightly, a stark contrast to her expression around her father.

Watching his daughter's smiling face, Fuzhen suddenly realized that in this home, in his daughter's heart, it seemed the mother, sister-in-law, wife, and son were all ranked first, his younger brother second, and he... third.

This realization caused a tightness in Fuzhen's chest.

He wondered, being her biological father, how could he rank even lower than her uncle?

With a trip to Yuxian planned for the next day, Yuying decided to wash her hair that night. Shivering with her neck huddled, she returned to her room, not finding Funing there, and asked Fuxian, who was writing on bamboo slips, "Where's Ningning?"

Fuxian stopped writing, turned his head in confusion towards the bed, and said, "Just now, she was still playing with her doll on the bed; I don't know where she went."

Noticing that Ningning's doll, which she had been inseparable from these past few days, was also missing from the bed, Yuying thought for a moment and said, "I'll go check in my sister-in-law's room."

With that, she turned and left the room.

Arriving at her sister-in-law's room, Yuying knocked on the door.

Moments later, the sister-in-law quietly opened the door, gesturing for silence and whispered, "Ningning must be tired today; she fell asleep soon after crawling into bed."

Falling asleep before it was fully dark showed how truly exhausted she was from playing today.

Wen Xing looked at her sister-in-law with hopeful eyes, "Can Ningning sleep in my room tonight?"

Although she had gradually grown closer to her daughter, she had thought about having her sleep together but didn't want to force her after sensing her reluctance.

Yuying was at a loss for words; after all, Ningning was her sister-in-law's daughter, and it was natural for her to take care of her own child.

Yuying softly said to her sister-in-law, "Alright, I'll go back then."

Having said that, she sighed softly as she turned to leave.

It had been a long time since Yuying had shared a bed with Fuxian alone, and she felt unaccustomed to it.

When she returned to her room, Fuxian, not seeing his niece, asked, "Where's Ningning?"

Yuying replied, "She fell asleep in my sister-in-law's room."

Fuxian paused briefly, glanced at the large bed, then back at her, and said, "If you're uncomfortable with us sleeping together, I can go to the room my mother used to stay in. With some clothes and a fire, I won't feel cold."

Yuying glanced at him and then sat down to dry her hair with a towel, saying softly, "Let's just keep it as before."

Fuxian also sat beside her on the bed, speaking softly, "I understand your concerns, but if you ever decide to make a home here, I hope the person you choose to start a family with is your first and only choice."

Yuying hadn't expected him to bring this up again, and her motions slowed.

The two sat silently on the edge of the bed as time quietly passed.

After a long while, Yuying spoke, "If one day I could return to my past, I would choose to go back without hesitation. But before that, if there's a deep connection, the separation would bring pain not only to me but also to the other person."

She knew that even if she parted ways with everyone in the Fuxian family, she would miss them, but the memories wouldn't tear her apart like thoughts of her own family did now.

"A-Ying," Fuxian softly called out.

Yuying turned her head to look at him.

Under the flickering firelight, Yuying, with her ink-black hair draped over the other shoulder, looked exceptionally gentle and tranquil.

Fuxian suppressed the urge to caress her cheek, his voice slightly hoarse, "No matter what the future holds, even if you're not by my side, you're the only wife for me."

Yuying saw the sincerity in his clear, profound eyes, slightly parted her lips, and gazed steadily at him.

She had seen too many fleeting relationships, where people come together and part easily, staying only if it suits them and moving on if not. Growing up in such an era, she knew all too well how rare a sincere connection was.

If it weren't for her many reservations, she might have tried to accept this relationship.

"Each day you're away, I miss you. When you're gone for over half a month, my heart aches incessantly, and you're in my dreams."

Yuying's heartbeat slowed for a moment.

"You needn't worry about my future pain, because whether you leave now or later, my feelings remain the same."

Saying this, he slowly leaned closer to her.

As Fuxian drew nearer, Yuying's breath caught, her heartbeat accelerating.

Fuxian, with his palm braced against the bed and stopping a half-arm's distance away, gazed into her eyes and said softly and slowly, "A-Ying, don't just refuse me outright, or let me be kind to you without expecting deep feelings in return. Even if you leave later, it won't hurt as much."

Yuying clenched the handkerchief in her hand tightly, her heart pounding like a drum.

…

Moments later, inside the house.

Fuxian and Fuzhen, the brothers, stared at each other in silence, each with their own thoughts.

Just a short while ago, Yuying, who grew up in an open era, unexpectedly didn't know how to respond to the irresistible Fuxian and ended up fleeing.

She pushed away Fuxian, who was just an arm's length away, and ran out of the room, knocking on her eldest brother and sister-in-law's door again.

Upon seeing her sister-in-law, she blurted out with flushed cheeks, "I can't sleep without holding Ningning."

Just as Wen Xing thought, disappointed, that her sister-in-law was going to take her daughter back, she heard Yuying ask, "Can I sleep in your room tonight, with you and Ningning?"

Fuzhen and his wife exchanged a glance.

It dawned on Wen Xing that even when they were in the county seat without Ningning, her sister-in-law could sleep just fine.

Her sudden request to stay the night surely wasn't because she couldn't sleep without holding Ningning; there had to be another reason.

Realizing this, Wen Xing looked directly at her husband and said, "Big brother, let our sister-in-law sleep in our room tonight, and you can sleep with Fuzhen."

Fuzhen, who had hoped to spend the night with his daughter to foster their relationship, found himself sent to share a room with his brother instead.

Fuxian, having unintentionally pushed too hard, not only caused her to run away but also ended up having to share a room with his elder brother.

The two men, now facing each other, restrained any signs of displeasure and turned away, involuntarily sighing.

—Ah.

Chapter 80.

Yuying found that making choices in matters of the heart was much more difficult than finding ways to earn money and get by.

Never having been in love and still holding onto the hope of returning, she truly didn't know how to respond to Fuxian, so her only option was to flee.

Wen Xing poured a cup of lukewarm tea and handed it to her sister-in-law, who was lost in thought at the table, softly saying, "Don't worry, I won't ask anything."

Yuying murmured a "thank you", took the tea, and sipped it, trying to calm her wildly racing thoughts.

True to her word, her sister-in-law asked nothing, understandingly giving her a night's shelter.

After a sleepless night, Yuying still had no answer.

She wasn't sure about the depth of her feelings for Fuxian. It must not be too deep yet, or she wouldn't have hesitated to start a relationship in this somewhat unfamiliar era.

It was probably just a flutter of the heart.

Perhaps she should wait, wait until she had completely given up hope of returning home, wait until her feelings for Fuxian deepened to a point where she felt ready to start something.

After evading the situation last night, they inevitably met in the courtyard the next morning.

They exchanged a glance, and Yuying, suppressing a bit of nervousness, gave Fuxian a small smile and said, "Good morning."

Faced with Yuying's composed demeanor, Fuxian was briefly taken aback, but then realized she was trying to smooth things over, pretending as if nothing had happened the night before.

Fuxian regretted having been too hasty the previous night, pushing her away.

He also understood that she was the kind to warm up slowly, needing to take things step by step. Pressuring her too much would only result in situations like last night, driving her away.

Realizing this, Fu Wei also smiled at her and gently said, "Good morning."

Seeing the faint smile on Fu Wei's face, Yu Ying tacitly understood its meaning and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Feeling relieved, she asked, "Don't you have to be on duty at the hour of Chen? Aren't you worried about being late if you go now?"

Fu Wei responded, "The county magistrate has given permission. It's fine if I arrive at the yamen a bit later."

Yu Ying nodded upon hearing this and then went to the kitchen to see if any help was needed.

After breakfast, everyone locked the house, asked the He family to keep an eye on it, and then headed to Yu County.

Upon arriving in Yu County, they first went to Xikou Alley to leave Fu Ning in the care of the Luo family before heading to the yamen.

While the eldest brother and sister-in-law went to report in, Fu Wei went to talk to Huo, the yamen runner, to understand the situation.

The yamen runners who had previously accepted bribes from the Wu family had confessed. Now, the eldest brother and sister-in-law were just going through the formalities.

The Wu family mother and son couldn't understand how, after so many years, their deeds were suddenly exposed, and they were brought to the yamen!

Three years ago, the imperial court suddenly issued an order demanding that the term of service for the low-born in Lingnan be changed to seven years for men and six and a half years for women.

This policy caused widespread lamentation. Some tried to flee but were made examples of, publicly whipped until they were a bloody mess.

Fearing death, the Wu family mother and son racked their brains and resorted to the despicable tactic of using a scapegoat.

They almost drained their entire savings to bribe the yamen runners to let their niece take their place in service.

Thus, when the Wu family mother and son saw Wu Xing, despite not knowing how she returned, they instantly realized she was the one who had reported them.

The Wu family's elder aunt, in the public court, pointed at her long-unseen niece, her face contorted with rage, and cursed, "It must have been you, you wretched girl, who reported us! Why don't you just die!"

Wen Xing was fiercely glared at, the mother and son's eyes seeming as if they wanted to tear her apart.

Haunted memories surged, her heart skipped a beat, and she unconsciously looked towards the crowd outside the hall. Spotting her husband, solid as a mountain, her fear instantly dissolved.

The Wen family mother and son followed her gaze to the crowd, and upon recognizing the grim-looking Fuzhen, their faces turned pale.

Fuzhen had grown even stronger than he was a few years ago.

After bribing the yamen runner, they had feared Fuzhen's retaliation and thus hid in the city.

Only when they heard Fuzhen had been sent to the quarry did they breathe a sigh of relief and began to live worry-free.

They had planned to leave Yuxian before the couple's service term ended and before their return.

But why had they returned before their service term was up?!

Amidst their astonishment, the trial had already begun.

The bribe-taking yamen runner, having been arrested when the former magistrate was dismissed, confessed his crime, hoping to drag others down with him.

Magistrate Zhou, known for cutting through complications, did not like to overcomplicate minor matters and quickly passed judgment on the "substitution" case.

The Wen family mother and son were guilty of bribing the yamen runner to replace someone for service without the cousin's consent.

Additionally, substituting a male with a female for service was an even graver crime.

The Wen family eldest son received thirty strokes of the cane, the old woman twenty, and both were to be imprisoned for three months, compensating six years of service money.

Watching her great-aunt and elder cousin, who had once mistreated her, being beaten and crying out, Wen Xing finally felt a sense of justice.

After the judgment of the Wen family's substitution case, many others came forward at the yamen, reporting forced substitutions in their families and asking for the magistrate's intervention.

It was only upon investigation that it was discovered, following the change in policy for the lower class three years earlier, many had bribed officials to substitute others for hard labor in the quarries.

More often than not, the males were replaced by female family members in these cases.

For just five hundred wen, one could have their name changed, and for an additional three hundred wen, even their gender could be altered.

And most of these affairs were handled during the former county magistrate's tenure, three years ago.

Corruption was rampant at every level, from the top to the very bottom.

Due to the Wu family mother and son's seemingly simple case, many other cases involving forced labor in the quarry were uncovered, leading to an exceptionally busy time at the yamen.

Even Fu Wei was extremely busy, juggling responsibilities at the merchant association, new policies, and these various issues.

As Fu Wei got busy, he would return home for lunch and then head straight back to the yamen, sometimes not returning at all.

Meanwhile, Yu Ying busied herself with the newly reclaimed land.

In half a month, she visited Yu County once, but coincidentally missed Fu Wei, who was at the yamen all day.

Verifying these 'scapegoat' cases was straightforward, but deciding on the punishment posed some difficulty.

Forcing those people to the quarry might lead to loss of life, but not doing so could be unfair to those who were coerced there.

After much deliberation, the county magistrate accepted Fu Wei's suggestion.

—Release those forced to work in the quarry, and convert the remaining service time into service fees, to be paid monthly by those originally obligated to serve. If they fail to pay, they must serve honestly in the quarry.

It must be said, after resolving these scapegoat cases, County Magistrate Zhou's reputation significantly improved.

It took Yu Ying a while to realize that Fu Wei was not only handling his sister-in-law's case but also strategically boosting County Magistrate Zhou's reputation.

Riding on this wave of popularity, the county magistrate began implementing policies for cultivating medicinal herbs and soybeans.

The villagers planted the herbs, and the county magistrate arranged for knowledgeable individuals to teach them how to cultivate these medicinal plants, rotating through the villages under Yu County's jurisdiction.

The medicinal herbs harvested were bought by four medical halls at two different rates: six wen per jin for the average quality and four wen per jin for the lesser ones.

There was no concern about the farmers selling the herbs directly to traders, as all traders were registered with the yamen, and after investigation, it was found that the annual purchase of herbs was only a few thousand jins.

If managed properly, one acre of land could yield between 600 to 800 jins of herbs annually.

With such a large quantity of common, annual herbs, traders wouldn't need that much. Even if they did, due to the short cultivation period, the traders wouldn't offer as high as ten or fifteen wen per jin.

The new policy stipulated that if sold directly to traders, the price couldn't be lower than thirteen wen per jin, and selling below this rate would incur a penalty of ten wen per jin.

This was a strict regulation.

If the traders really wanted to buy, it would be suspicious, and an investigation could serve as a deterrent.

Under these regulations, farmers could choose their own selling method, but most inevitably opted to sell to the medical halls.

Even at the lower purchase rate, 600 jins of herbs dried to 70-80% would still weigh around 300 jins, which at four wen per jin, would yield about 1,300 wen.

After deducting the annual land rent of 200 wen, there was still a profit of about 1,000 wen.

Moreover, the rent didn't require upfront payment, as the yamen would initially cover the cost of herb and soybean seeds, to be repaid the following year along with the rent.

But land rental wasn't unrestricted; each family was limited to two acres for cultivation, with one acre designated for soybeans and one for herbs.

Upon implementation, some were skeptical of the policy.

Some said, "Tilling is time-consuming and laborious, it's more profitable to grow grains than herbs."

However, many cooperated, genuinely believing Magistrate Zhou had the people's best interests at heart.

For those in desperate straits, this policy was undoubtedly a lifesaver.

The most enthusiastic were the villagers of Lingshui Village.

Having witnessed the Fuxian family's success with herbs, they were naturally excited by the new policy.

They were among the first to register at the yamen, pressing their fingerprints and signing for two acres of wasteland.

Not waiting for the yamen to send instructors on how to cultivate herbs, they proactively sought guidance from the Fuxian family.

Fearing the Fuxian family might refuse, the villagers hurriedly tilled the ten acres newly leased by the family.

Yuying had planned to hire people for cultivation, but half of the land was already plowed.

Teaching herb cultivation was inevitable and didn't require secrecy, so when fellow villagers came asking, Yuying willingly shared her knowledge.

Days passed by one after another.

As the year neared its end, a letter arrived from Fuxian.

Fuxian was busy, and so was she, not having visited Yuxian since the Wen family's case; it had been over a month since they last saw each other.

Receiving a letter from Fuxian unexpectedly left Yuying somewhat bewildered.

Wen Xing urged her, "Sister-in-law, quickly open it and see what Fuxian has written."

Yuying, as if awakening from a dream, hurriedly opened Fuxian's letter.

Moments later, Wen Xing asked, "What did Fuxian say, sister-in-law?"

Folding the letter, Yuying replied, "Fuxian wrote that in a few days, all the magistrates under Cangwu Prefecture are to report at the prefectural seat. He too is going, but since he has difficulty walking, the magistrate has allowed him to take his family along."

Wen Xing paused for a moment before asking, "Do you want to go with him, sister-in-law?"

Yuying thought that traveling with the yamen officials would be much more convenient than her previous trip to the prefectural seat, and it would also be an opportunity to check on her market stall there.

After pondering for a moment, Yuying said, "I should go."

The departure was scheduled for three days later, but since Old Chen stopped driving his ox cart in winter, Yuying had to walk to the next village for an ox cart to Yuxian, which ran every two days.

Fortunately, there was one leaving tomorrow.

After packing simply, she left for Yuxian the next day, escorted by her brother and sister-in-law.

Fuxian reported to the magistrate the progress of the villages in leasing and cultivating wasteland over the past half month.

The magistrate nodded after listening, "We can't see much at this stage. The herbs will only be sown in February next year. Let's talk about the merchant association now."

Fuxian continued, "The merchant association is now established, and the first batch of herbs is almost ready to be shipped."

The first batch of herbs was mostly purchased from several medical halls.

This year, fewer traders came to Yuxian to buy herbs, resulting in a surplus at the medical halls.

For the escort, the yamen publicly recruited ten people, each medical hall also sent two, and the yamen dispatched four capable yamen runners.

The magistrate asked, "When will it be sent?"

"After the New Year's celebration, when it's a bit warmer and not freezing cold. At that time, there will be a high demand for herbs, and we can sell them at a good price."

The magistrate hummed in agreement.

If this batch of herbs could be sold successfully, Yuxian's finances wouldn't be so strained.

After a few questions, the magistrate remembered the matter of Sun, the staff officer, and furrowed his brows, asking Fuxian, "It's been two months of the three, and I still see no sign of Sun intending to leave the yamen. What do you think?"

Fuxian thought for a moment and suggested, "Perhaps, Your Honor, a talk with Sun might help him understand and make him consider leaving."

Magistrate Zhou laughed, "Are you relying on your usefulness to me now and not planning to find a way to make Sun resign?"

"I wouldn't dare," Fuxian replied.

"You wouldn't dare, yet you aren't hurrying to figure it out. In Cangwu Prefecture, no other county magistrate has three staff officers. Going to the prefectural seat might invite criticism from the Prefect."

This thought made Magistrate Zhou feel a headache coming on.

The magistrate had stopped assigning tasks to Sun, hoping he would realize the situation and resign on his own.

But Sun pretended to be oblivious and stubbornly refused to leave.

"The man is getting more muddled with age, refusing the dignity I'm offering him," the magistrate mused.

At this point, the magistrate no longer felt inclined to save Sun's face.

His only concern was that dismissing Sun without respect might cool the hearts of the yamen runners and attendants who had been under Sun's care.

Fuxian assured, "Sun will voluntarily leave before the New Year."

The magistrate raised an eyebrow, "I hope so."

As Fuxian left the magistrate's study, a fine drizzle began to fall outside the eaves, casting a slight gloom over his expression.

He was well aware of the schedule of all ox carts from Lingshui Village to Yuxian and knew that Old Chen, due to his age, stopped coming to Yuxian in the winter.

If A-Ying was to accompany him to the prefectural seat, she would have arrived in Yuxian today.

With such weather, it's unlikely A-Ying will come to Yuxian today.

If they miss this opportunity to meet, the next chance would only be during the New Year festivities.

Fuxian sighed inwardly, his breath forming a fog in the cold air.

He withdrew his gaze, letting the young attendant who had come running push his wheelchair away.

There was a light rain today, and the young attendant had volunteered enthusiastically to escort him home.

Back home, it was Fuxian who opened the gate for him.

As Fuxian was about to close the gate after wheeling his uncle inside, a familiar voice suddenly called out, "Wait!"

For a moment, Fuxian thought he was hearing things.