Chapter 71: Livelihood ◇
◎ Preserving Fruits ◇
Without Yu Lian needing to speak, the children's excited chatter was enough for the old lady and Mrs. Chen to piece together the story.
The old lady was both amused and exasperated. "Well, it's understandable for the children, but even you, Lian'er, were up to mischief?"
Experience had made her wise, and she could tell that the children didn't understand the situation. Her granddaughter-in-law, on the other hand, also wanted to teach that deceitful barefoot doctor a lesson. Thus, she allowed the children to take matters into their own hands; after all, as an elder sister-in-law, she wouldn't have been unable to stop a few children, would she?
Sitting beside the old lady, Yu Lian nestled into her arms coquettishly. "Grandmother, people like that have wicked intentions. They deserve to be taught a lesson."
The old lady couldn't resist her granddaughter-in-law's charm and smiled affectionately. "Alright, alright, they deserve it."
Yu Lian had encountered such unscrupulous individuals in her previous life. Take the most common seafood restaurants, for instance. Some greedy proprietors would replace the live seafood chosen by customers with dead ones in the kitchen before returning the live ones to the tank. With this deceit, they swindled countless people, earning several times or even ten times the original price difference.
A barefoot doctor might earn just a few coins or at most a hundred for treating villagers. If their morals were slightly lacking, they might be tempted by medicines worth a hundred taels of silver. It was this possibility that made Yu Lian wary of the doctor switching out the ingredients or cutting corners, prompting her to make the trip.
Hua Tianqu was just a teenage farm boy, no matter how naturally clever he was. He lacked the worldliness to avoid being taken advantage of, which turned out to be true, as Yu Lian had guessed.
Hua Tianqu stood aside and bowed respectfully to Yu Lian, "Thank you for your kindness in thinking of me. Otherwise, I would not have been able to protect the Red Yuhua flower, nor would I have saved my mother."
He first bowed, then, after speaking these words, bowed again. "I deeply express my gratitude for your mercy, seeing me with no silver or grain, yet still taking care of my ailing mother by employing me as the tutor for your two young masters and lady. Sky Melody will surely devote himself wholeheartedly to educating the three young masters and lady. Should there be any accomplishments in the future, I shall surely repay your kindness!"
The young man bowed his body slightly, almost in an act of devout reverence. He thought not only was he indebted to the hero for his help, but also for the kindness shown in healing his mother and providing him with work. The cumulative weight of these favors made the debt feel overwhelmingly significant.
The hero had asked him to repay his benefactor, but not only had he failed to do so, he had received yet another favor. He felt a twinge of shame, but it only served to fuel his determination as he clenched his fists and vowed within himself that he would make a name for himself in the future!
Yu Lian helped the young lad to his feet. "It was but a small favor; there's no need to dwell on it. Focus on your studies and take good care of your mother. When you grow up and have the means, remember to extend your help to others as well."
The elder matriarch didn't quite understand the situation. "What's going on here?"
Yu Lian explained her agreement with the young man. "I thought that Tianqu has an exceptional talent and has read many books. He would be more than capable of teaching Guo'er, Yan'er, and Xing'er the basics, so I wouldn't have to look for another tutor."
The elder matriarch hadn't expected that, right after building their new home, her granddaughter-in-law would already be thinking about providing education for the three children. She knew that their daily livelihood was already challenging, and now Yu Lian wanted to pay for the children's education. Learning to read and write required a considerable amount of money, not to mention the cost of stationery for three children.
At their age, just starting to learn might seem insignificant since they could only read a few words, but precisely because they were beginners, they needed constant practice and writing to familiarize themselves and memorize what they learned. The amount of ink and paper they would consume wouldn't be less than that of students studying the Four Books and Five Classics.
Although it was good that her three grandsons could learn to read, the elder matriarch still advised, "Lian'er... We're in the countryside now. Grandmother thinks it's best not to let them study. In the future, we can find a good family for Guo'er to marry into. Yan'er and Xing'er can learn farming too."
Of course, this wasn't what she had wished for, but given their family's circumstances, it was already a blessing that her three children could grow up healthy and carry on the Hua family's bloodline. What more could she ask for?
She couldn't burden her granddaughter-in-law with all the pressure either. It was already too much to expect her to worry about providing for the entire family, let alone taking care of the upbringing of the three children. That responsibility was far too heavy.
Yu Lian held Little Guo'er's hand, whose eyes sparkled as she nestled her head on her sister-in-law's lap, filled with admiration and reliance.
"Grandmother, even though we're farmers, our lowly status shouldn't stop us from learning to read and write. Reading is the path to wisdom. They're still young and should be educated so they won't live their lives in ignorance."
"Even if we never leave this rural village, can't return to the capital, or resume our previous life, and spend our days farming in the countryside, so what? They must still study. How else will they learn to think critically, understand the truths of the world, or distinguish right from wrong?"
The old lady gazed at her granddaughter-in-law for a while, meeting her clear and bright eyes, and emotions swirled within her... A woman like her granddaughter-in-law, if not for marrying into their family, might have ended up with a different man and a different destiny. Her breadth of vision and understanding surpassed that of ordinary women from noble families.
"But then again... the weight on your shoulders will only increase," she said, considering the recent construction of the house and the hiring of laborers to till the land, which likely left their coffers nearly empty. Adding the cost of hiring a tutor would stretch them thin. "How will you manage?"
Yu Lian smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about that, Grandmother. I have a plan."
After the grandmother and granddaughter chatted for a while, Hua Zhan emerged from the house. Upon hearing what had transpired, he asked his wife to go inside and rest.
"I'll take him to the town's medical clinic."
Yu Lian glanced at Hua Tianqu, who also nodded, his eyes filled with a hint of shame. Their benefactor hadn't slept all night and was still concerned about him being deceived, going out of her way to check on him. How could they trouble her even more?
She took out five taels of silver and handed them to her father-in-law, saying, "Take your time on the road."
Hua Zhan drove the carriage, taking Hua Tianqu and the widowed Mrs. Zhao to the town's clinic. Yu Lian returned to her room to sleep. When she woke up, it was already afternoon, with the sun blazing high. The three children were in the courtyard catching insects to feed the chickens and ducks.
As Yu Lian stepped outside, Little Guo'er immediately put down her insect-filled jar and ran over. She had intended to hug her sister-in-law but, remembering that she had just touched bugs, refrained from putting her hands on her clothes.
Yu Lian asked, "Where are Grandmother, Mother, and Aunt Mei? Has Father returned?"
Little Guo'er replied, "Father hasn't come back yet. Mother is inside doing needlework. She says she wants to embroider handkerchiefs and pouches to sell in town for extra money. Grandmother and Aunt Mei went to the land by the river."
"Grandmother said you're working too hard, so she told us not to disturb your sleep. She also said we should do more work to help you."
Looking up at Yu Lian carefully, Little Guo'er continued, "Sister-in-law, does our studying really cause you a lot of stress? Then Guo'er won't study anymore. Auntie says girls don't need to study. It's fine if I marry into a modest family as their main wife. Guo'er will be obedient."
The twins, crouching nearby, echoed, "We won't study either!"
Yu Lian gently pats Little Guo'er's head. "Guo'er, let me share a secret with you. A woman should even more so pursue education and literacy, so she won't be deceived by wicked people."
"Your aunt is right in saying that you should aspire to be the main wife when you grow up. But don't make that your only life goal. After reading books and understanding the world, you'll have a clearer idea of how you want to live."
Little Guo'er blinks, not fully grasping the concept but earnestly commits her sister-in-law's words to memory. She now looks up to women like her sister-in-law as her role model and idol. In her eyes, her sister-in-law is more capable than anyone else, even her aunt and mother. Whatever Yu Lian says must hold great wisdom.
The twins clap their hands and rush over. Unlike Guo'er, they lack her attentiveness and sensitivity, recklessly tackling Yu Lian, smudging her with dirt. Swiftly, they receive two taps on their foreheads.
The twins clutch their heads and grumble, "What were you guys talking about?"
Yu Lian replies, "We were discussing how studying diligently earns praise from our teacher and top grades in exams, which come with monthly rewards."
"What kind of rewards?"
"A string of sugar-coated hawthorn berries each."
The twins' eyes light up. "A whole string for each of us?"
Yu Lian nods. "Yes, a full string each, and you can even take a stroll around the town."
The twins were already enticed by the prospect. It wasn't easy to come by sweets like sugar-coated haws, let alone the chance to visit the town for leisure. Their sister and father were always occupied with their duties, unable to bring them along. Even if they did, it would only be to serve as laborers.
Both twins asked again, "Will we have to work when we go to the town? Carry things?"
Yu Lian replied, "Yes! If you don't want to, you don't have to."
The twins hesitated before answering, "We'll go, we'll go!"
For that one string of sugar-coated haws each month, the twins retreated to discuss and ultimately decided to take on the task. They had received some education back when they lived in the marquis residence, but often slacked off. The tutor dared not discipline the young masters of the marquis household, so their studies were sporadic at best. As a result, they had forgotten most of what they learned and could barely write any characters now.
Yet, the twins were strangely confident, believing that since they had learned it before, picking it up again would merely be a matter of rehearsing. Wouldn't it be easy to top the rankings then?
Their teacher, who was only a few years older than them, would surely be astounded by their prodigious talent!
Yu Lian chuckled at their naivety but said nothing. She fetched water from the well in the yard, washed her face and hands, and prepared to inspect the fields.
Taking the three children with her, she spotted Aunt Mei supporting their grandmother, who was crouching in the field, seemingly engaged in some activity.
The children called out loudly to their grandmother, who turned around and waved at them.
As Yu Lian approached, she noticed the old lady holding a handful of soil.
"What are you doing, Grandmother?" she asked.
The old lady smiled and replied, "Grandmother thought that at my age, I still don't understand farming. I want to learn how to cultivate crops."
She felt that her granddaughter-in-law was under too much pressure to support the family. Even though she was old, she couldn't just lie around and let her granddaughter-in-law take care of everything. She needed to find a way to contribute.
Aunt Mei didn't even want to touch the soil, but the old lady held it in her hands without any disdain. If it could help feed the family, why would she be repelled by it?
Seeing this, Yu Lian understood that the old lady was worried about her, which made Yu Lian feel even more pressured. Concerned about the old lady's health due to excessive worry, she explained, "I've done some research lately and have decided to plant an orchard here. In the future, we can open a factory to make fruit preserves. Once we earn some money, we'll open a shop in town, and with more earnings, we can buy the hill behind and plant more fruit trees."
"What are fruit preserves?"
"It's a special process of preserving fruits, allowing them to be stored and sold far away. The syrup is sweet, and during hot summers, if you place a jar in cold well water and then eat it, it's incredibly refreshing. In winter, when fruits are expensive, come in limited varieties, and are cold to the mouth, a jar of fruit preserve is much more enjoyable than eating fresh fruit directly."
As Yu Lian spoke, the three children listening already had their mouths watering. The twins swallowed their saliva and said, "Sister... Are there really such jars? We really want to try them. Can they really be that sweet and delicious?"
Yu Lian replied, "Study hard, and only then will you get to taste the preserves."
The allure of an unfamiliar fruit preserve had surpassed that of sugar-coated haws. This time, without any hesitation, the twins eagerly nodded, "We'll study diligently!"
Madam and Aunt Mei also listened in astonishment. However, being mature individuals, they swiftly pinpointed the core matter at hand. "This canned food technique, do you understand it, Lian'er?"
Yu Lian hesitated before responding, "It should be fine. I'll inquire about the artisans and give it a try myself."
The intricacy of making fruit preserves does not lie in the preparation of its contents; sugared fruits are relatively simple to create. The true challenge lies in the art of sealing and sterilization to ensure maximum preservation and longevity.
Not being a professional in the sciences, Yu Lian was incapable of any groundbreaking inventions. She also had to avoid drawing excessive attention to herself, for fear of attracting the notice of the fickle Imperial Sovereign in the capital and bringing trouble upon her family. After much contemplation, she decided to make canned goods as a means to support her household.
Chapter 72: Filial Piety
◎ Father's Overnight Fortune ◇
Just as the sky began to darken, Hua Zhan finally returned.
First, he delivered the widow Zhao and her son safely back home. Along the way, some villagers saw them and asked why he was so kind to take them to the clinic.
Some even cleverly wondered how a poor family like the widow Zhao's could afford to visit a town clinic. Perhaps Hua Zhan's family had provided the money?
However, they were too embarrassed to ask this question directly, and instead, they pondered it in their minds.
Hua Zhan was not an eloquent man, especially when dealing with these villagers. When they asked him questions, he would nod if he knew the answer, but remain silent if it required a more complicated explanation or if he wasn't sure.
His personality and aura intimidated most people; upon approaching him, they instinctively felt uneasy. After asking one or two questions, they found it difficult to continue and didn't dare to inquire further.
Hua Tianqu, known as the gloomy child in the village, was equally unreachable for questioning. After Hua Zhan helped the widow Zhao into her house, the boy bowed to express his gratitude without uttering a word. Hua Zhan remained silent, turned around, and left, creating a silent, wordless scene between the two of them.
Upon Hua Zhan's departure, the widow Zhao regained consciousness.
In the time between her treatment at the clinic and returning home, she had roused a few times. However, under the influence of the medicine and her weakened state, each awakening was fleeting, leaving her in a hazy half-consciousness. She vaguely recalled being brought to the clinic by a tall man with her son, but beyond that, her memory was blank.
"Tiān, who took Mother to see the healer?"
Hua Tianqu silently prepared hot water for his mother, showing no sign of joy at her awakening. He simply replied, "The Marquis."
"What marquis?"
"The new family that moved into our village, they were originally the East Yuan Marquis." Recalling the noble demeanor of his benefactor's father, his eyes shimmered with admiration. Such a strong and powerful man was the image of a father he held in his heart, though he couldn't remember what his own father looked like, only knowing him as a farmer.
Widow Zhao stretched out her hand, asking her son to help her sit up, leaning against the headboard. She caught her breath and asked, "Tian'er, why are they being so kind to us? Did you promise them something?"
Hua Tianqu tossed the towel into the water basin, creating a large splash. He had a stern expression, slightly displeased. "Their family is my benefactor, and Duke Hou is also a good person."
"Duke Hou's daughter-in-law is a young and kind sister. She treated me very well. Seeing you in a coma, with no food or clothes, she even hired me as a tutor to teach their three children."
Widow Zhao, accustomed to being criticized all her life, replied instinctively, "That's because Tian'er, you have a natural talent. They saw how well you read and study, so they invited you, hoping that their children could benefit from your brilliance."
The teenager turned his head and stared at his mother for several moments. "Brilliance? I have no official rank, no reputation, and no knowledge. How could I possess such brilliance?"
"How can you be so narrow-minded, Mother? Sometimes, I wish you were gone. Then, I'd have no worries or anyone to hate as much as I do you. Your passing would set me free. But deep down, I know you're my birth mother. No matter how much trouble you cause, you still care for me. I must repay your kindness and take care of you, not just let you die."
"When I fell off the cliff that night while gathering herbs, I was scared but also relieved, feeling a sense of liberation. If my life was taken for you, then it's returned to you. No one else in this world could bind me as tightly or weigh on me like you do."
Finished with his speech, the young man carried the water basin out, leaving his mother's face unwashed. The water remained clean.
He stepped into the courtyard, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. Some people were like that moon, hanging high and radiant, even if temporarily obscured by dark clouds, their inner light still shining, always warm.
Unlike them, he was a rat in the ground, trapped in a hole, unable to escape.
The widow Zhao called her son a few times but received no reply. Confusion and desolation filled her heart. Although she didn't fully understand, she sensed the growing estrangement between them. Yet, she couldn't grasp why—didn't she believe her son was the best, wanting to give him everything and protect him from harm? Was that wrong?
Were that family truly so kind? Why would anyone be good for no reason? They were poor, without status or connections. Their only asset was their son. What could others possibly gain from them?
Throughout the night, Hua Tianqu didn't eat anything himself. Instead, he cooked a small bowl of rice porridge for his mother, as the doctor said a nutritious diet was necessary for recovery, ideally with meat soup or eggs if possible.
Their house was empty of rice; the jar of rice was a gift from their benefactor. Before cooking, he weighed it, planning to deduct its market value from his own earnings.
Recalling the silver spent on his mother's medical treatment, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. Even if he taught at his benefactor's home for an entire year, he might not be able to repay the debt.
The sound of carriages and horses echoed from outside the courtyard. The three children rushed out excitedly to greet their father. Yu Lian also went out to open the door for her father-in-law. The newly built house had a spacious entrance that could accommodate a carriage with a plank of wood as a ramp. After parking the carriage, Hua Zhan unhitched the horse and tied it to the trunk of Dashu, allowing it to graze on grass.
The twins chattered with their father for a while before Hua Zhan instructed them to feed the horse. Both were reluctant, wanting Guo'er to do the task instead. However, upon catching their sister's glance, they obediently obeyed.
Their sister had told them to cherish and not bully their younger sibling. In the past, they hadn't been so compliant, but now, with the anticipation of canned fruits, they didn't dare defy her for fear of losing their treat!
Remembering this, the twins eagerly told their father, "Sister said she's making fruit preserves for us to eat!"
Yu Lian: "…Snap out of it. It's not exclusively for you two; it's a livelihood for our family. If you behave well, you might occasionally get to enjoy a can."
Twins: "…" Oh, how miserable they were!
Hua Zhan asked, "Preserves in cans?"
Yu Lian then explained, "In the capital, there are many shops selling sweet syrup, but their shelf life is short, and they're only available in summer. I've thought of a way to preserve them for a longer time by sealing them in cans. They can be sold far away and even during winter, regardless of the season. This will bring income to our family, and we can plant fruit trees on that land, putting it to good use."
Yu Lian's explanation was quite detailed, and Hua Zhan understood the concept. However, he still wasn't clear about the actual process of making such canned preserves. Nevertheless, he wasn't one to pry, so he kept his questions to himself and simply nodded, saying, "You have my support."
He had initially assumed that his granddaughter-in-law would cultivate grain crops, not considering any alternatives. He had even taken the effort to observe how others tilled the land, planted their crops, and tended to them with weeding and watering.
Yu Lian smiled and said, "Let's keep one acre for ourselves to grow grains and vegetable seedlings, and another as a reserve. The rest will be planted with trees. I've thought it through. Since the land by the river is close to water, planting trees would be more beneficial than cultivating crops. We'll also place the trees around the perimeter, and only need to reserve two acres near our home."
Hua Zhan nodded in approval and didn't inquire further. He had truly entrusted all household matters to his granddaughter-in-law, so his questions were more of a formality. Anyway, he didn't understand a word she said.
Yu Lian didn't let him go just yet and asked about Hua Tianqu and Widow Zhao's situation.
He frowned and replied, "The physician said that the Red Juehua could be of use. They boiled it into a decoction right away and gave it to Widow Zhao."
Yu Lian: "Didn't the barefoot doctor say that the herb needed to be processed before it could be used?"
Hua Zhan, having military experience, had a keen interest in medicine and elaborated, "Red Juehua is a potent herb. The physician said its raw form has a milder effect. If it were to be processed and then made into a medicine, it could harm instead of heal. Widow Zhao has been weak for a long time, and her body can't withstand such a strong medicine. After consuming the Red Juehua, they prescribed a gentler remedy for her to take continuously for half a month, which should help her recover."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lian couldn't be more clear. Either the barefoot doctor was inexperienced and recklessly harming people or intentionally claimed that the herb needed processing to seize the opportunity to profit from it.
She sighed and asked, "How much did it cost? Would five taels of silver suffice?"
Hua Zhan pulled out a tael of silver and a string of copper coins, "I spent over three taels, but there's still this much left."
Yu Lian shook her head, urging her father-in-law to keep the money, "You should go out occasionally too, keep the silver on you in case it comes in handy."
Hua Zhan nodded and put the money away.
Upon hearing the sound of the coins, the twins, who were still watering their horses, ran over with a ladle full of water, "Dad, we want some silver too! Today we fed the horses and grass, shouldn't you give us some pay?"
Hua Zhan glanced at his two sons without a word, then walked into the house with his hands behind his back.
The twins hurried after him, pestering their suddenly wealthy father for wages and copper coins.
Little Guo'er whispered to his sister-in-law, "Second Brother and Third Brother are being disobedient!"
"Sister-in-law, the little chickens and pigs I'm raising have grown so much, soon they'll be big enough to sell for silver, and I'll give it to you as a gift!"
Yu Lian's lips twitched. Where did this child learn such words, talking about giving gifts?
She patted the boy's head affectionately, "You're a good boy."
For dinner, they had egg and vegetable white noodles, a dish that Stepmother Mei was particularly skilled at making. Rolling out the dough was laborious, but the noodles were fragrant, thin, and soft. A couple of scrambled eggs, some greens, a sprinkle of green onions, and a few drops of oil made for a delightful meal. Back when they lived in the Marquis' residence, she hadn't appreciated it, but now it had become the family's favorite dish, as well as her preferred one to prepare.
However, Grandma was not entirely pleased. Once the noodles were served, each person filled their bowl to the brim. She addressed Stepmother Mei, "Now that you're in charge of the kitchen, you need to understand the situation. Lian is too busy to handle these matters. We don't have much silver left since we built the house. We can't afford to have white noodles, eggs, and rice every meal. How can we manage our finances if we consume such costly dishes daily? Moreover, we currently don't have our own crops; everything is bought with silver. We must practice more restraint."
Stepmother Mei lowered her head. "I understand, Grandma. But could you tell me how many extravagant meals I should prepare per month so I can plan accordingly?"
Yu Lian responded, "From now on, I'll entrust all the household chores to you, including deciding what we eat. I'll give you five hundred copper coins each month for provisions. Just ensure that you manage those five hundred coins properly."
Stepmother Mei had never imagined she would have control over the family's finances. She asked in surprise, "I can really do this?"
Yu Lian nods, her philosophy in managing people has always been straightforward: trust those she employs and dismiss those she doubts. The ultimate strategy in leadership is, in fact, to delegate tasks effectively, allowing others to work at their full potential while sparing oneself unnecessary exhaustion.
To achieve this, Yu Lian believes that the most crucial aspects are empowerment and trust. People tend to perform better when given responsibility and confidence in their abilities. Of course, this depends on the individual, but those who seek shortcuts or deceive will not find a place under her.
Mei Concubine started as a dancer and later became a concubine. Though not an entirely virtuous person, she was by no means wicked.
In her life, she had never been entrusted with anything significant, nor had anyone believed in her capabilities or given her any authority. Even the modest sum of five hundred copper coins a month was more empowering than the value of a single hairpin she owned back when she was a concubine in the Marquis's residence. Yet, the feeling was utterly distinct.
When Yu Lian smiles and nods her approval, Mei Concubine's eyes shine with excitement, and every cell in her body ignites with enthusiasm. Eager to prove herself, she is now ready to embark on a new journey, no longer preoccupied with cooking delicious meals. Instead, her first thought is how to conserve silver while providing nutritious and tasty meals for the family, aiming to nourish them into plump, healthy beings with the smallest budget possible!
Yu Lian nodded in agreement, and the elder matriarch, despite her reservations and disbelief that a concubine could manage the household effectively, chose to remain silent.
Chapter 73: Livelihood
◎ The young scholar has arrived early ◇
The dining table was still the one from their old house, now looking somewhat out of place in the clean and bright new living room. The elderly matriarch changed the subject, asking, "When will our new furniture be ready?"
Yu Lian considered for a moment. "Not so soon. I'll ask Dashu's wife tomorrow and have her inquire with her brother."
After their new house was built, they had entrusted the task of making new furniture to Ma Dafen, as they lacked the manpower at home. He even took care of sourcing the raw materials.
Even though his progress didn't match that of Hua Dameng's group, and they received the bonus, he wasn't too upset, as he had picked up more carpentry jobs. Doing this set of furniture would earn him just as much as being a foreman.
He felt embarrassed to charge for the materials, saying that they were all sourced from the mountain and he wanted to give them a discount.
But Yu Lian believed that such labor-intensive work deserved fair compensation. Reluctantly, Ma Dafen offered Yu Lian a discount, charging a reasonable price.
Two sets of tables were made for the living room – a large round table for meals, and another for entertaining guests and drinking tea. There were also new beds for each room. Yu Lian asked for the simplest design, no fancy carvings, as those would take more time and cost significantly more.
In her previous life, minimalist wooden furniture was popular and often expensive in better brands. But in this ancient era, such simplicity was the most affordable. Yu Lian found the pure wooden furniture, devoid of any intricate designs, comfortable and functional enough.
After the meal, she returned to her room, opened a cabinet, and took out a small chest filled with money. She counted the coins in her pocket along with those in the chest. She had arrived with over five hundred taels of silver, but now there were barely a hundred left.
Yu Lian let out a sigh, realizing that she needed to prioritize earning more money.
Planting fruit trees was no simple task. Ignoring potential pests and diseases, it was uncertain if the trees could grow healthy, let alone bear fruit within a reasonable time frame.
Thus, if she managed to create the fruit preserves jars, securing a steady supply of fruits would be another challenge. Initially, she would have to purchase a large quantity of various fruits, which would incur significant costs. Adding the expenses for making the jars and hiring artisans, Yu Lian calculated that her current silver stash was insufficient.
Staring at the chest for a moment, she pulled out a few taels of silver and some copper coins to keep on her person, locking the rest away.
Moving to the desk, she prepared an inkstone, spread paper, and began drafting a traditional-style business plan.
Yu Lian had a habit of planning everything meticulously, always thinking several steps ahead. Especially for such a significant undertaking as managing the family's livelihood, a well-laid plan was crucial to avoid complications.
First, she wrote down her intention to produce fruit preserves as the family's primary source of income. Then, she listed the major hurdles she needed to overcome:
For instance, acquiring airtight jars capable of preserving the fruit.
And sourcing the necessary fruit materials.
This included establishing workshops and hiring laborers, as well as purchasing fruit tree saplings and addressing the subsequent planting process. She needed to estimate when they would bear fruit and become useful.
After jotting down all the issues that needed resolution on paper, she felt a sense of clarity. It was easy for her to discern the most pressing matter from the list: obtaining airtight jars. Without them, this business couldn't proceed, and all other considerations would be meaningless.
There were already people outside selling fruit syrup, at affordable prices of two or three copper coins per bowl. The only drawback was that these syrups were simply sugar mixed with water, prone to souring quickly and having a short shelf life. They couldn't be kept overnight, or even for half a day, without losing their taste.
Throughout history, profitable businesses thrived by doing what others couldn't. It didn't require a significant advantage, just a slight edge. And that's what she aimed to achieve!
Her goal was to overcome this weakness by significantly extending the preservation period. Not only would she sell to local residents, but also to those in the county town, the provincial capital, and even further afield. Her target customers included ordinary folks, wealthy households, and traveling merchants and wanderers. Canned goods could be carried for sustenance during journeys, quenching thirst or accompanying dry rations, eliminating the need to wait for an inn or enter a city to find food.
During the summer and autumn, when fruits were abundant and inexpensive, she could produce more. Then, during winter when fruits were scarce and costly, and few people preferred cold fruit, she could sell her canned products, earning profits. In summer, she'd focus on volume sales with slim margins, while in winter, she'd cater to a more refined clientele with premium offerings. This way, she'd have income throughout the year – surely, this was a viable business?
Eventually, once the operation matured, she could explore canned ready-to-eat side dishes, such as pickled cucumbers or braised meat. Virtually anything could be canned!
Of course, this was Yu Lian's optimistic vision, and its feasibility remained to be seen. After listing all tasks and potential directions on paper, forming a comprehensive business plan, she checked off the final item on her list.
Let's start with a small goal—let's create the jar first!
The next morning, someone was already standing at the entrance of the Hua family's residence.
When Aunt Mei opened the door, she was startled and patted her chest, saying, "You people love standing at others' gates. Last time, it was that boy Sanshu who startled me when we were building the house. Now it's you again."
She opened the door and let the young man in, smiling as she said, "There's no need for you to come so early. The children haven't woken up yet, especially the twins. They always love to linger in bed, so you'll have quite a wait."
The young man frowned. As the saying goes, the day's success lies in the morning. The morning was the best time for studying. If one didn't read books in the morning, why would they delay it until the afternoon?
He asked Aunt Mei which courtyard and room the twins occupied, and if he could enter.
Aunt Mei pointed him in the right direction and nodded.
The twins were boys, and since they had moved into their new room, the brothers shared a separate space. There was nothing to be discreet about.
The young man thus walked in and knocked on the twins' door.
After knocking several times without an answer, he pursed his lips and pushed the door open.
Moments later, a shrill scream echoed from the twins' room, causing chaos in the household.
Aunt Mei's lips twitched as she looked at the seemingly meek young man with a stern expression on his face. In his hand was a ruler, seemingly prepared beforehand, as he declared, "Hurry up and get ready for your morning ablutions and studies!"
The twins held their stinging palms, their tantrums deflated. With teary eyes, they looked up, bewildered. "What are you doing? It's not even dawn yet, and you're hitting us?"
"You're so mean! I'm going to tell Sister-in-law, Father, Mother, and Grandma!"
The young man was undaunted. "Your sister-in-law entrusted your education to me, which means she has given me the responsibility to discipline you. Teachers have always held a position of authority, and it is my duty to ensure your proper upbringing, so as not to betray her trust."
"Natural talent in reading is secondary; more importantly, we must develop good study habits. From this day forward, I will cultivate the right learning attitude in you, making the most of every moment and teaching you all the books I know!"
The twins stood there, staring at their slightly older brother. "Are you serious?"
The young man replied, "Very much so."
Their faces fell, and they tried to negotiate. "Can we start tomorrow? Let us enjoy our last day today?"
The young man responded, "No, tomorrow comes after tomorrow, and how many tomorrows are there?"
"Well, that's still too early. It's practically murder! And you hit them right away. You're really wicked!"
Despite their attempts at cajoling or threatening, the young teacher remained unswayed. He simply observed them as they dressed and groomed themselves, following them to the courtyard for their morning ablutions. After they were cleaned up, he urged them to eat something before their lessons began.
Throughout this process, the young scholar behaved like a strict old professor, his eyes never leaving the twins' backs. Should they attempt any mischief, his ruler was ready to enforce discipline.
While enjoying the spectacle, Aunt Mei prepared breakfast. By the time the rest of the family began to stir, the twins had already finished theirs.
Seeing that Little Teacher had arrived early and her two older brothers had already eaten, Little Guo'er felt deeply ashamed. On the very first day of studying, she had overslept.
Hua Tianqu frowned slightly. "It's alright." Since Little Guo'er was a girl, it wasn't proper for him to enter her room and rouse her. Otherwise, he would have treated them all the same.
Aunt Mei invited the young teacher to join them for breakfast. Yu Lian had mentioned earlier that the teacher's home situation was inconvenient, so she arranged for him to have all three meals at their house.
The young teacher's ears turned red with embarrassment. "I've already eaten at home."
He had prepared some porridge for his mother, but after serving her, he boiled the remaining dregs in a pot with water, barely qualifying it as a thin rice soup.
Aunt Mei could tell that the young man was too modest to accept. She promptly served him a bowl of porridge, topped with a sprinkle of pickles. Simple though it was, the aroma of rice filled the air.
The twins finished the last sip of their porridge and nudged the irritating young scholar. "Well, eat up then! You were the one hurrying us! I think we'll go back and take a nap first. When you're done, you can call us!"
The young man pressed his lips together and swiftly finished the bowl of porridge. Upon finishing, he stood up and asked, "Where is the study?"
At this moment, Yu Lian also emerged and upon hearing this, she added, "It's in the backyard, where we've set aside a secluded courtyard. Beyond the yard lies a mountain."
She inquired of Hua Tianqu, "Have you brought any books with you?"
The youth replied, "I've brought my handwritten copy of the Three-Character Classic and Thousand Character Classic. That's all." Books are too expensive to purchase nowadays, and writing materials like brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are costly as well. Copying too many would be quite a financial burden, so I could only afford to transcribe a portion of them.
Yu Lian remarked, "If there's a missing piece, we'll purchase it during our next visit to the town's bookshop."
The writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone are already at hand, but additional books and other items would need to be purchased separately.
A tinge of envy stirred within the young man. He admired how these three children had a sister-in-law who cared for them and arranged things on their behalf, especially since the twins didn't seem to appreciate it, their faces downturned as they bargained, insisting that they too wished to visit the town's bookshop.
In this world, there are those who are lavished with favor yet fail to appreciate it, while others, with nothing to their name, must struggle with all their might just to grasp onto something, anything. And what he strives so desperately for is but a common occurrence to those favored individuals.
Yet, on second thought, as the son of a marquis, he was born with an esteemed fate, whereas she was merely the son of a peasant widow, born with a humble existence. What was there to compare?
Yu Lian gently tapped one of the twins on the forehead, "Don't bargain for everything. Wait until you make some progress and have a promising future before talking about such matters."
The twins, holding their foreheads with pained expressions, returned to the house to fetch the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone that their sister had prepared for them earlier. They then followed Little Scholar to the study to read.
Little Guo'er was so anxious that she could only manage half a bowl of porridge before declaring she was done, eager to join in the reading. Yu Lian encouraged her to finish her meal properly.
"Reading is not something to be rushed. It requires careful attention and patience. If you can't even settle down to finish your breakfast, how can you concentrate on studying?"
Upon hearing this, Little Guo'er felt a bit ashamed. She sat up straight and obediently finished her porridge before leaving the table to inform her sister, grandmother, and parents about her intention to study in the backyard.
The elders nodded in approval, and she scampered off.
After the meal, Yu Lian mentioned that she wanted to take a stroll around the town to look for materials and artisans who could create the jar she had in mind.
Hua Zhan offered, "I'll escort you."
Yu Lian shook her head. "Father, please attend to your own affairs. I'll ask Hua Sanduo to come along. He has a wide network and can gather information. He can accompany me on this trip."
Hua Sanduo was at home holding his child. The money he earned from working for Yu Lian last time had significantly improved his impoverished family's situation. When Yu Lian approached him, he immediately put down his child without hesitation, ready to accompany her.
"I can handle the carriage myself, there's no need to bother that simpleton Sanshu."
His wife reminded him from behind, "Make sure you do your job properly, don't try to cut corners."
Chapter 74: Porcelain
◎Written by an educated scholar, selling like hotcakes in the capital city.◎
Hua Sanduo didn't ask any questions. Instead, he followed Yu Lian back to the Hua residence, fetched the carriage, and they both got in. After ensuring Yu Lian was seated comfortably, he inquired, "What's the plan for today?"
Yu Lian smiled and replied, "Just a leisurely stroll through the town. If there are any pottery workshops, I'd love to visit them."
Hua Sanduo responded, "No problem. There are two reputable workshops in town, both run by experienced masters with great reputations."
Curious about Yu Lian's intentions, he refrained from asking directly, not wanting to appear nosy or unreliable. He secretly pondered the reason behind her interest. A young lady of her status wouldn't casually wander without purpose, especially requesting to see pottery workshops. What could she be planning for the future?
If she simply wanted porcelain items for personal use, she could easily purchase them at the local general store, no need to visit the workshops directly. Recently, her family had tilled ten acres of land. Could this be related? But how would pottery be connected to farming? Brewing alcohol? That still required a recipe.
As he speculated, the carriage moved at a steady pace towards the town. Upon arrival, they alighted from the carriage and continued on foot, as driving it would draw too much attention, and some crowded market alleys were difficult to navigate.
Familiar with the town, Hua Sanduo guided them, mentioning that not far from the marketplace was a street lined entirely with workshops.
"There are cloth workshops, pottery studios, and carpenters taking commissions. Even the street vendors abound. If you stroll around here, you'd better keep your purse well hidden, or it might just disappear without notice."
Yu Lian's beauty was extraordinary, capable of outshining even the noble ladies in the capital, let alone in a rural town. As she stepped down from the carriage and walked along the street, many people found themselves mesmerized, nearly causing collisions as they stared.
Hua Sanduo chuckled bitterly. "Well, you needn't worry about losing your purse. I'll be the one on high alert for my own life."
He then added, "Next time, you should wear a veil when you come out."
Yu Lian hadn't expected such a reaction. On her previous visits to the town to purchase items, nothing of the sort had happened. But she quickly recalled that those times, she had been accompanied by her father-in-law. His stern demeanor intimidated others, keeping them at a distance, so no one dared to ogle her.
Yu Lian purchased a veil from a nearby clothing shop and put it on before they proceeded to the workshop street.
The so-called street wasn't large, considering it was just a small rural town, unlike a county seat. There were only two or three cloth workshops, followed by pottery studios. Two pottery workshops stood opposite each other, one named Wangji Pottery, and the other Wangji Old Craftsmanship Pottery.
Standing at the entrances of both, Yu Lian curiously asked, "Both surnamed Wang? Are they related?"
Hua Sanduo replied with a smile, "That's quite a story. Originally, they were brothers, both from a family of ceramic artisans. After their father passed away, the younger son persuaded their mother to separate from their elder brother, leading to a feud. They forced their brother's family out. This elder brother, however, was not one to back down easily. He borrowed silver from his wife's family and opened a pottery workshop right across from his brother's, naming it Wangji Old Craftsmanship Workshop to distinguish himself. The two brothers now compete head-to-head, and although their rivalry is intense, it's a blessing for the townsfolk. In their efforts to outdo each other, they've improved their techniques and the quality of their ceramics, without raising prices."
Yu Lian inquired, "In your opinion, which brother's craftsmanship is superior?"
Hua Sanduo pondered for a moment before saying, "In terms of experience, Wang Da is the elder brother and has been in this trade longer. But Wang Er is resourceful with many designs. His sales aren't bad either. It ultimately depends on your preference."
Yu Lian thought for a while and decided to visit both workshops. She first went to Wang Da's traditional workshop. Upon entering, she saw a middle-aged man leading a group of workers and apprentices engaged in their craft. When they noticed her arrival, they didn't greet her with smiles but simply asked what she needed.
Yu Lian shook her head. "I'll just have a look around first."
She examined the finished ceramic products on display. Although they didn't quite match the quality of those sold in the capital, they were more affordable and made with genuine materials.
After browsing, she left and headed to the shop across the street. This one was different; it employed an enthusiastic and clever apprentice to attend to customers. As soon as she stepped in, a young apprentice approached her, asking what she needed and if he could provide a guided tour.
Yu Lian glanced around and observed that the items on display in this shop were similar to those across the street, with similar prices. The difference was that this shop had more designs, while the other focused on finer details.
The apprentice was skilled in persuasion. Seeing Yu Lian looking around, he pointed to the shelves on either side. "On one side, we have rough earthenware jars, bowls, and pots. On the other, we have porcelain. Porcelain bowls are more delicate and costly. Can I ask which type the customer is interested in?"
Yu Lian asked him for a recommendation based on her needs.
The young apprentice was eager to help. "It depends on your purpose. For common households, large items like water jars or big earthenware pots for pickling vegetables are suitable and affordable. They're sturdy and practical. But for grand occasions, such as weddings or when receiving guests, or for storing cosmetics or displaying flowers, porcelain would be more visually appealing, albeit slightly more expensive."
"What about for storing food that will be sold?"
The shop assistant was taken aback. Although he didn't understand why the food items needed to be served in ceramics, his instincts told him that this was a significant transaction. If they were willing to sell, the quantity must be substantial.
He quickly replied, "Please wait a moment, I'll fetch our shopkeeper. You can discuss it with them."
With that, he rushed inside. This establishment had a different layout than the one across the street. There, the workshop was right at the entrance, with shelves next to the workers. But here, there was a sales area with shelves upfront, while the actual workshop lay further inside.
In a short while, a middle-aged man with a shrewd expression emerged. He paused upon seeing Yu Lian, then turned to Hua Sanduo. "Are you two a couple? Are you in charge here?"
Hua Sanduo dared not claim that. He waved his hands hastily. "Oh no, no, no. I'm just their assistant. I run errands and do tasks. This is our boss." He pointed at Yu Lian, his demeanor extremely courteous and respectful.
A hint of surprise flickered in the shopkeeper's eyes. He hadn't expected such a young and beautiful woman to handle business personally. He bowed slightly and said, "Please forgive my ignorance. What sort of business are you looking to conduct, and are there any specific requirements?"
Yu Lian was used to this. In her previous shopping trips with her father-in-law, most store owners assumed her father was in charge. They would always inquire about her father's needs first, only for him to remain silent with a stern face, pointing to her instead.
"Can your clay jars be sealed tightly?"
"What do you mean by 'sealed'?"
Yu Lian explained, "By 'sealed', I mean the lid fits snugly, allowing no air in or out. The air inside cannot escape, nor can external air enter. It's completely airtight."
The shopkeeper shook his head. "This pottery lid is solid. How can it seal the jar? If you want to do that, you'd have to put the items inside first, then wrap it with mud, and let it dry. That would make it airtight."
Yu Lian asked if there were any other materials that could replace the ceramic lid and still provide a seal.
The shopkeeper shook his head again. "No way. I've been in this business for a long time, and in all my years, I've never heard of a lid that could seal a ceramic jar like that."
This response was not entirely unexpected. Yu Lian then crossed the street again and repeated her question to the taciturn middle-aged man, Wang Da. He, too, without inquiring about her return or the peculiarity of her query, firmly replied in a muted voice that there was no such thing.
"Absolutely not! The nature of the material makes it impossible to have such a lid. You can search high and low, even in the bustling heart of the capital, but you won't find anything like that."
After receiving this response, Yu Lian wandered around with Hua Sanduo once more. Not only did she visit pottery workshops, but also blacksmiths and general stores, hoping to find a substitute material. However, nothing suitable was found. It wasn't as simple as she had hoped.
In modern times, canned fruits typically use glass jars with aluminum or treated iron lids that create an airtight seal, preserving the food inside.
Here, there was clearly no aluminum available, and iron lids would require surface treatment to prevent rusting – a technique that didn't exist here. Moreover, each iron sheet would need to be manually pounded to create a screwable pattern, a task that would be far less precise and much more time-consuming than with machine production.
After a whole day of searching, Yu Lian returned empty-handed. However, she did visit the town's solitary bookshop and purchased a few introductory books for the children. The shopkeeper informed her that there was a promotion, offering discounts for bulk purchases and a set of calligraphy tools as a gift.
Yu Lian took the opportunity to buy the few copies of the Four Books and Five Classics that the bookstore had, which were handwritten by scholars and thus significantly cheaper than the original texts.
The bookseller, delighted to see such a large purchase, carefully packed the books for her and included the set of stationery as a gift.
"Take your time leaving, and do come again! In a few days, our bookshop will receive a new shipment. Among them is the most popular novel in the capital, something about a Sixth Miss and a faithless lover. I can't recall the exact title, but I've heard it's quite the sensation."
Yu Lian paused, nodded, and said she would. Though she didn't give it much thought at the moment, she figured she might read it later to pass the time. For now, her priority was earning money, leaving no room for leisure.
After Yu Lian finished speaking, she waited at the bookshop entrance. Hua Sanduo spared her the trouble of walking further, "You must be tired after a day of shopping. I'll fetch the carriage for you."
Yu Lian nodded and stood by the door.
Just then, a carriage arrived at the bookshop, and two servants-like men alighted, eagerly carrying a stack of books. One of them, in his haste, accidentally bumped into Yu Lian, causing the books to scatter on the ground.
Yu Lian knelt down to help the servant gather the books. As she picked them up, her eyes inadvertently caught the titles on the covers.
Her hand froze, and her gaze locked onto the book in her hand, unblinking for what felt like an eternity. The servant, having collected all the books, asked, "Are you ready to give them back to me?"
Yu Lian inquired, "How many more copies of this book are there? Who is the author?"
"The same scholar wrote all of them. He's written several, and they're selling like hotcakes in the capital. We managed to secure a few to sell here. Just a moment while I look for more information."
Yu Lian followed the shop assistant inside, and the proprietor smiled, saying, "Better late than never. I thought these storybooks wouldn't arrive for a few more days, but surprisingly, they're here today. Miss, if you're interested, we haven't officially started selling them yet, so I'll give you a 10% discount."
Yu Lian picked out all the books by the same author, a total of four. According to the assistant, the writer had authored more than just these, but due to their popularity, the bookstore's suppliers from other regions could only secure a few copies, resulting in only four being available.
She purchased all four books at a price of three hundred and fifty silver coins each. The proprietor offered a 10% discount, making it not exactly cheap, but Yu Lian was no frivolous spender. Flipping through the pages, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
Exiting the store, Hua Sanduo assumed Yu Lian had bought scholarly books and, without asking, helped her load them into the carriage. Yu Lian climbed in after him.
On their way back, they encountered a vendor selling sugar-coated haws. Yu Lian asked Hua Sanduo to buy six skewers.
She kept five for herself and left one for Hua Sanduo, which surprised him. "What's this for? I'm too old for such treats..."
Yu Lian replied, "It's for your child."
Hua Sanduo quietly stowed away the sugar-coated haws, touched by her thoughtfulness. Although she wasn't his employer yet, he found comfort in her actions and reliability. Even though he didn't know what her intentions were, he believed that working with her was the right choice. He didn't want to spend his life farming, nor did he wish for his future children to do the same; what kind of prospects would that offer?
Yu Lian wrapped the sugar-coated haws in oil paper, five skewers for her family's children, and one reserved for herself. Who said a sister-in-law couldn't enjoy such treats?
After Hua Sanduo delivered Yu Lian home, he returned with the sweets, not asking any questions or mentioning whether he should be paid for the day's work.
Yu Lian didn't mention her plan to hire Hua Sanduo as her assistant. Running errands was part of the job, and there was no need for formality between them.
Upon entering the courtyard, the three children had just finished their lessons and were playing. They eagerly gathered around, with Little Guo'er being the quickest. She proudly exclaimed to Yu Lian, "Today, our little teacher praised Guo'er for being clever!"
Yu Lian asked why.
The child answered with pride, "I learned how to write!"
The twins scoffed, "You only learned one word. What's so impressive about that?"
Little Guo'er replied, "Teacher said I've never studied before, so having no foundation and still learning one word shows great potential. He told me to keep trying. Sister, let me show you the character I wrote."
Yu Lian stood there, smiling as she watched Little Guo'er use a branch to carefully draw the character on the ground. She praised her efforts, and Little Guo'er became even more delighted.
Yu Lian took out an oil paper wrapper and retrieved a sugarcane stick from it, offering it to Little Guo'er. "It's your first day of learning, and you did well. Sister rewards you with this sugarcane stick."
Little Guo'er's eyes sparkled as she received the treat and gently licked it, sweetly thanking her sister!
With food involved, how could they resist?
The twins immediately rushed over, stretching out their hands and pleading, "Sister-in-law, we want some too..."
Yu Lian deliberately didn't take out the remaining ones and asked, "Did Little Scholar praise you two? How did you do?"
Little Guo'er's courage had grown, and she exposed her two elder brothers in front of them, saying to her sister-in-law, "No, he asked what they had learned before, but they didn't know anything. They claimed they would learn it in one go, but they couldn't remember a single character, which made Little Scholar so angry that he spanked their palms!"
The twins' faces flushed red, and they glared at their sister awkwardly. "No way, we'll study hard. We just forgot a little bit right now. After a few more days of studying, we'll remember it! Sister-in-law, you have to believe us!"
Yu Lian nodded and said, "Okay, I believe you!" She waved the two sugar-coated haws in front of the twins, making their mouths water.
She then took out two primers, one with the Hundred Surnames and the other with the Thousand Characters. "This sugar-coated haw is on credit. In a week, I want to hear at least two pages memorized. If you can't do it, you'll owe me double the number of sugar-coated haws, which will be deducted from your allowance in the future."
Hearing this, the twins were stunned. "Double? Sister-in-law, we can't do it!"
Yu Lian replied, "If you don't want them, I'll give them to Little Scholar and the other children in the village. You won't have to work hard memorizing the books then."
The twins quickly raised their hands, gritted their teeth, and teary-eyed, agreed. "Deal! Sister-in-law, we promise you, we'll recite two pages in a week." The brothers exchanged a glance, their eyes watering like noodles, and glanced enviously at Little Guo'er. It wasn't their imagination, their sister-in-law indeed favored girls.
Little Guo'er was truly enviable!
After speaking with her three children, Yu Lian instructed them to carry the books into the study. She then entered the house to converse with her grandmother and mother-in-law.
The elder lady and Mrs. Chen were seated in the main room. Mrs. Chen sat outside, engrossed in her sewing, seemingly embroidering a handkerchief, while the elder lady sipped on her rough tea, engaging her in conversation.
Upon seeing Yu Lian enter, the elder lady's eyes lit up. "Lian'er, come here quickly. Your grandmother has been idle all afternoon since you left."
Unable to find common ground with Mrs. Chen, Yu Lian could only sit beside her, accompanying her in her sewing. Eventually, she grew drowsy, yawns escaping her one after another.
The elder lady then inquired about her trip to the town, aware that her granddaughter-in-law had gone for some investigation.
Yu Lian replied, "Starting anything is always challenging, but once the path is found, everything falls into place smoothly. I'm not in a hurry, so Grandma, please don't worry."
Chapter 75: An Opportunity
◎ Can you speak in a way we can understand? ◇
Since she had yet to find a solution, Yu Lian didn't dwell on it. Sometimes, being too fixated on something only led to confusion. Perhaps if she engaged in other activities, new ideas would surface. She decided to take the three children up the mountain to gather wild mushrooms, game, and vegetables, with the intention of drying them and sending some to her parents and brother in the capital.
It had just rained, and the mountains were teeming with mushrooms and edible greens. Many villagers sent their children up the mountain to collect these, to dry and sell in town for extra income.
Upon hearing the children's reason for asking for a day off, their teacher, Hua Tianqu, returned home and came back with a bamboo basket, expressing his desire to join them on their trip.
Yu Lian assumed the young man wanted to gather some treats and, without hesitation, agreed. Thus, she set off with the three children and half-grown boy, running into Dashu's wife, Sanshu's wife, and Sanshu's wife's sister-in-law, who were also planning to ascend the mountain. They decided to hike together as a group.
This was Yu Lian's first encounter with Sanshu's wife, who had just returned from her parental home. She appeared fairer than her two sisters-in-law, with a small face, sharp chin, and slightly prominent cheekbones. Though her features seemed sharp, she still appeared to be a comely woman.
After exchanging greetings, Sanshu's wife immediately drew close to Yu Lian, discussing which mushrooms were safe to pick and which were not. However, Yu Lian noticed that Sanshu's wife was intentionally avoiding her sister-in-law, not wanting to accompany her.
Dashu's wife followed suit, leaving Sanshu's wife alone.
Though Yu Lian didn't fully grasp the situation, she observed that neither of the two sisters-in-law seemed keen on interacting with Sanshu's wife.
She didn't meddle in other people's affairs, focusing only on leading her four children up the mountain.
They picked their way up the slope, planning to descend on the opposite side to gather more mushrooms and herbs efficiently. With Dashu's wife's familiarity with the terrain, they took a less frequented path, as she explained that other areas were too crowded for any substantial finds.
"This path was discovered by my husband when they went up the mountain last time searching for that rascal Tianqu. From the outside, it seems impassable, but if you push aside these thorny wild grasses, there's a natural mountain trail inside, very easy to walk on."
Dashu's wife and her sister-in-law used branches to clear the thorny vegetation, while Yu Lian led the children behind them. By now, their baskets were half-filled with mushrooms and wild vegetables, promising a hearty meal when they returned home. Yu Lian thought about how the chicks at home had grown plump, and it would be a good opportunity to cook one of the fat chickens that Hua Baogui's wife had compensated them with, along with the mushrooms they had gathered.
"Wow! Look, there are insects on that tree!"
Upon entering this path, one is surrounded by wild apricot trees. Wild apricots bloom a little later, and at this time, there are still scattered clusters of late-blooming flowers hanging on their branches. A swarm of bees flutters around, buzzing energetically, and Yu Lian even spots numerous beehives!
It turns out that this is a natural bee farm!
Several children, having spent their years within the confines of a Marquis's residence and thus unacquainted with bees, prompted Hua Tianqu, the young tutor, to furrow his brow and explain, "This is not an insect; it is a bee."
"Honeybees gather nectar from harmless flowers and, with their own urine, transform it into honey – a process that turns the mundane into the miraculous, a transformation from decay to splendor."
The twins were perplexed. Rubbing their heads, they asked, "What do you mean, Master? Could you please explain it in a way we can understand?"
Hua Tianqu looked down at them with a mix of disdain and helplessness, explaining, "Bees produce honey, which can be eaten and is sweet."
The twins seemed to understand now, and Little Guo'er's eyes sparkled. "Can it be eaten? Is it sweet? Sweeter than sugar-coated haws?"
Hua Tianqu kept his hands behind his back without answering.
Yu Lian smiled and said, "It's not the same thing. Honey can nourish the body. For example, if Grandma is weak, honey can help strengthen her."
And besides... bees could be used to make beeswax, which could also be added to food. Due to its low density and high sugar content, honey had some preservative properties.
Her eyes gleamed slightly.
Seeing Yu Lian's enthusiasm, Dashu's wife hurriedly spoke up, "Let's go quickly. Don't think about harvesting these bees. Be careful not to get stung all over your head. A few years ago, someone in my husband's village was foolish enough to try to gather honey and was killed by a venomous bee. Since then, no one dared to touch them."
If anyone dared to disturb the hive, countless bees would swarm out to sting. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to run fast enough, and their lives might be endangered.
Thinking of that scene, Dashu's wife rubbed her arms in regret, wishing they hadn't taken this path. "My husband walked here at night and didn't see so many bees above his head. It was terrifying. If only we had known, we would have taken a different route."
Yu Lian followed the group as they departed, but her mind was still buzzing with thoughts of beekeeping. She even considered purchasing the mountain in advance and cultivating fruit trees there, simultaneously maintaining a hive of bees. In ancient times, honey was precious, not only for its consumption but also for making beeswax to preserve food. Moreover, these diligent bees would diligently pollinate her fruit trees, essentially serving as an ideal workforce of worker bees.
Yet, should she embark on such a journey, the hundred taels of silver in her possession might not suffice, and even if it did, her days would certainly become financially strained.
Considering this, Yu Lian planned to inquire further. If it proved unfeasible, leasing the land for a few years could be a viable solution. Once she had earned sufficient silver in the future, she would then purchase it from the village.
On their return journey, Yu Lian and her four companions each carried back baskets brimming with wild mushrooms and greens. Hua Tianqu, the frail young boy, upon arriving, simply upended his basket onto the ground and promptly rushed back to his home.
Yu Lian: "..."
No matter how they called out behind him, the young lad didn't respond, only running faster. She smiled slightly, thinking that she would serve him a bowl of mushroom and chicken stew when she made it.
Yu Lian and the three youngsters set down their baskets, along with the load Hua Tianqu had emptied. At first glance, there was quite a substantial amount of produce.
Aunt Mei, upon seeing this, promptly retrieved a sieve from their home. They sifted through everything to shake off the soil, leaving them to dry for a few days before they could be stored away.
Mrs. Chen, the matriarch, also lent a hand. The mushrooms simply needed to be cleaned of soil and dried, whereas the wild vegetables required washing before being sun-dried.
The women of the family crouched by the well, washing the wild greens. Yu Lian then mentioned, "I'm considering acquiring the land behind the mountain, whether by purchase or lease."
The elder lady paused and inquired, "Yu Lian, do you have any plans in mind?"
Yu Lian smiled and replied, "Today, I found many wild fruit trees and beehives on the mountain. I was thinking of acquiring them, planting orchards, and breeding bees for honey. Our family farm is right at the foot of the mountain, so everything could blend seamlessly. In the future, we might even establish a workshop down there."
The elder lady, not well-versed in such practical matters, trusted Yu Lian's judgment instinctively. She always viewed her granddaughter-in-law through a lens of admiration, believing she was capable and resourceful. Hence, despite not fully understanding the proposal, she approved it, saying, "Yu Lian, you decide. Grandmother supports you."
Mrs. Chen, however, showed a rare moment of pragmatism. She expressed her concern, "We're already struggling with our ten acres of land. How can we manage a mountain? Besides, does Yu Lian have enough silver?"
She removed an exquisite white jade bracelet from her wrist and said, "This was a gift from your father when he first married me. Your mother wore it all the time, which is why it has been preserved. If you need more silver, take this bracelet and pawn it first."
Yu Lian quickly shook her head. "Since it was a gift Father gave Mother during their wedding, it holds sentimental value. You should keep it. I'll find another way to deal with the silver issue."
Lady Mei suggested, "Perhaps I should find something to do? Like washing clothes for folks in the town? That way, I could help earn some silver."
The elderly matron felt deeply gratified, as Mei Aunt had now matured significantly. No longer did she harbor thoughts of seeking personal gain from the family, but instead devoted herself wholeheartedly to the betterment and prosperity of the household, treating it as her own kinship domain.
Yu Lian also smiled and declined, "Washing a single bucket of clothes barely earns a few copper coins, and it would exhaust my body. It's not worth it. I'll figure something out; there's no need for Grandmother, Mother, or Aunt Mei to worry."
Despite these words, Lady Mei and Mrs. Chen were scheming to help her earn some silver. They both knew how arduous it had been for Yu Lian to manage the household on her own, handling everything with grace and never burdening them. She had steadily improved their lives, day by day.
Aunt Mei was preoccupied with the household chores in the kitchen, leaving her with limited spare time. Nevertheless, Mrs. Chen had already sewn a collection of handkerchiefs and pouches, hoping to sell them at the local clothing shop. Her embroidery skills were excellent, and she could create patterns that were popular only in the capital city. Selling them wouldn't be an issue; it was just the needlework that strained her eyes.
Aunt Mei contemplated joining Mrs. Chen in the sewing, acknowledging that her own skills, though not as refined as Mrs. Chen's, were adequate for rural demands and would not disgrace her in the city.
The matriarch was calculating the potential sale of their pigs by the end of the year. If she fed them an extra meal each day, they might gain more weight, resulting in a higher selling price.
Each woman in the family had her own plans, all centered on how to earn money to support Yu Lian's dream of purchasing the mountain for tree planting and beekeeping.
When Hua Zhan returned home at night, Mrs. Chen mentioned this to her husband while lying in bed. "Lian'er wants to cultivate trees and bees on the mountain, but I have no idea how to do it. She has been worried lately, and finally found something she is passionate about. Regardless of whether it will succeed or not, I want to contribute and help her."
Hua Zhan narrowed his eyes, "Mmm."
Early the next morning, he set out in a carriage, refusing to disclose his destination, merely mentioning that he was going for a leisurely drive.
Only Zhu Ying accompanied the Marquis on his outing. She observed as he took the reins of the carriage, shuttling back and forth between town and county, acting as a coachman to transport merchants, travelers, and ordinary folk.
He watched with profound sorrow, pondering where the esteemed Marquis had gone, who once held such authority that even a mere breath from him would have the entire court's officials on edge. How could it come to this, where a mere coin has humbled a hero? And now he finds himself reduced to performing the duties of a lowly carriage driver, a profession deemed beneath the notice of the three teachings and nine strata of society? In the days when the old Emperor still reigned, not even he dared summon the Marquis to drive his carriage!
Lady Master herself worked as an embroiderer, laboriously sewing and selling her exquisite creations. The elderly matriarch attended to the children while tending to pigs and chickens. The young mistress tirelessly shuttled between tasks, negotiating with the village chief, a man who was notoriously difficult to deal with. He insisted on a steep price of two hundred taels of silver, refusing to lease the land at a lower cost, insisting only on a direct sale.
Zhu Ying dared not include these matters in her letter, fearing that her master would be grieved upon reading them. She held the two thousand taels of silver that had been enclosed with the previous correspondence, pondering over how she could legitimately assist her master's family without attracting the suspicion of the emperor's spies.
Fortunately, Zhu Ying soon found an opportunity!