The following day, Miao He got up at first light and went to harvest vegetables in the field in such a wonderful spirit. He prudently rinsed the fresh vegetables with clean water and carefully tied them with rice straws. Then, he stood up to search for the boxes used by the Liang family to encase the gifts and stacked the vegetables neatly inside. After all, the quality of appearance must also match the quality of the goods.
After he finished, Miao He clapped his hands in satisfaction, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He spun on his heels, gazed at a certain spot, and said, “When the second aunt comes over, I’ll send the food with her. You rest at home and don’t do things at will. Understand?”
They finally agreed with Doctor Ji that they would send all vegetables to the hospital today. Once they arrived, Ji Guang would accompany Miao He, so the gates of Liang’s mansion would not randomly block them from entering.
Since Yang Dalang still had to recuperate and could not run around, he could only stay at home and wait. To some extent, his brows furrowed in tangles. “Get back sooner when the delivery is over.”
“I have to buy something after the delivery. The soy sauce was overturned last time, hence I have to buy one again. Sugar and vinegar are also on the verge of running. Moreover, the roosters in the yard have all been killed, which are included in my list as well. It would be better if there are pig feet available, as that can hasten your recovery,” Miao He said, as he folded his fingers one by one as he counted. “By the way, I made a vegetable porridge made with chicken bones at noon. Right on the stove. You remember to eat it.”
Looking at the faint thrilling expression of the little ger, Yang Dalang fell silent.
AD
It reminded him of the first and last time the little ger entered the town, his expression of utter happiness. Although the tiny ger had already agreed to stay with him, Yang Dalang knew he had not completely obliterated other factors for the ger to run. Hence, he looked into the softheartedness of the ger and took advantage of the tiny gap.
Coupled with Miao He’s reluctance before the serious illness and comparing it with the various changes after the illness, although there were traces of veracity to be found, a trace of uncertainty still emerged in Yang Dalang’s heart.
But he was his ger; Yang Dalang made sure of it long ago. Since there lied uncertainty still, it was best to extinguish this uncertainty.
He was a hunter. Patient. And killing with one blow was a must for him.
Yang Dalang then beckoned Miao He to come over.
The other, who still had his head afloat in the plans of selling vegetables, smiled and leaned in unsuspectingly.
Yang Dalang bowed down and stared at the little ger’s haze-free eyes, which were gradually permeated with confusion. “What’s wrong?” Miao He asked.
To one’s surprise, his hand reached out to hold the other’s chin and lowered his head. As he bent over, though it caused a burst of pain in his chest, nothing could stop Dalang from biting on the soft and warm, hang-opened lower lip with such precision.
“Waiting for your return.” After the fleeting kiss, Yang Dalang gave his answer.
Miao He—Miao He was stunned witless. The next second, his face went crimson!
“You! You do it, suddenly….” Miao He could not even understand himself as he said these words!
When Yang Dalang saw his ger, whose ears turned bright pink against its fair skin, the thought in his heart immediately stabilized, and he actually had the nerve to clutch his chest. “Hurts a little.”
Miao He’s eyes widened, and his face became even hotter!
‘This man made his wound hurt. So who-who cares about him, ah?!’
He pursed up his lips that had just got bullied. The action was way too fast that he almost felt nothing. Hey, not that he wanted to feel something, but he thought this matter would have to wait for the injury to heal before they took their time grappling with acts such as that.
As soon as he realized the progressing into something further behind, Miao He embedded deep in embarrassment. He pushed the person without regard and cried out, “If it hurts, then rest!”
AD
As soon as his hands landed on Dalang’s chest, he was, again, captured. Miao He wanted to withdraw his hands, but the former tightened his hold, and Miao He froze in his place.
He had no choice but to concede and raised his eyes, leveled at the pair, staring intensely at him.
“Be careful on the road,” the man said, with pitch-black eyes reflecting the tiny figure before them. Miao He’s heart seemed to have its own fast race inside, for no reason.
After that, Miao He was oblivious to how Second Aunt Yang found him and how the two of them started their journey on the road. Not until they got on the donkey cart waiting at the village entrance did he wake up from his stupor. He could not help gnashing his teeth as he thought, how-how could that poker face be so sultry?!
Fortunately, Aunt Yang seemed to overlook the strangeness of Miao He. She learned from Yang Datong that Miao He found two big business deals for him. Aunt Yang approved of Miao He a little more in her heart, and the ger became more and more pleasing to her eyes. As she noticed the ger’s restlessness, Aunt Yang thought he was only worried about leaving Dalang at home. Hence, she said something when they got into the car.
“Don’t worry too much. Dalang is not a child. It’s not the first time he went home wounded. He clearly knows the severity of his injury.” Aunt Yang patted Miao He’s hand, which rested on his thighs.
At that moment, Miao He’s mind finally returned. “Wounded?”
AD
“When you go hunting in the mountains, the existence of rough bumps in the road is inevitable to avoid. He suffered from multiple falls and bites, regardless of him not lacking the usual extreme whenever he hunted. Aside from the scar on his face, the injury this time isn’t as heavy back then. Hey, if it weren’t for the demise of the unfortunate members of the Yang family, Dalang’s mother would be unlikely to let him go into dangerous living.”
When he heard such words, Miao He became fearful. His mind catered to no impression of Yang Dalang sustaining injuries. He was about to ask his aunt when one aunt in the cart, who indiscreetly listened to their conversations, seemed to have sensed the fluctuations of his moods and thoughts.
“Since you know that hunting is perilous, it’s difficult to change the job when you catch an opportunity. Didn’t the big Liang family send lots of apology gifts recently? Aren’t those enough to build a small business? I mean, what even are those gifts? Brother He, quickly tell Auntie so I can help.”
Someone in the cart also jumped in and teased the other aunt, “Aunt Ming, you still worry about the kinds of stuff in there, ah. Hasn’t it been a few days since?”
“What worry are you talking about? Can I not be curious?”
“Liang’s presents are essential goods. There’s rice, oil, and flour, ah, all to support the recovery of Dalang.” Miao He brought up a question and answered it himself, “There’s still some silver left to buy meat. So, I’m heading to town to purchase some.”
The other ger, aside from Miao He, nodded. “I heard Liang landlords are sincere people, and this must be a good thing. If the people bumped somebody, then it’s only natural for them to help and compensate those they’ve harmed on the way.”
Of course, when there’s yin, yang was always there to create harmony. A dark, thin aunt said, “I see Brother He consumed lots of good food as he’s all fair and tender ah. Plus, he dressed neatly and beautifully today. Where do you want to go again?”
Miao He had been accompanying Dalang as he ate tonics for his recovery. Hence, it’s only common that he appeared more pampered and well-rested these days, albeit nursing the man. One could say he’s become radiant. Their meals, in particular, were all cooked using the vegetables planted in the living soil. To Miao He’s surprise, some ailments of the original body were cured and rooted up almost instantly. Aside from the health benefits, it also enhanced his appearance more. The complexion became snow-white, tinged with healthy rosy pink. Since he planned to go to the Liang family’s mansion today, he opted to dress more neatly and presentable. If it were not for the rough material of his dark blue clothing and trousers, to imply that he was a little ger who came from a wealthy family, no one would believe it.
Miao He affixed his gaze on the aunt and said with pursed lips, “I’m going to send some vegetables I grow to Liang’s mansion today. Granted this is only a thank you gift; I still have to be prudent, ah.”
“Hah, a big household such as the Liang family still lacks food and needs from yours? Don’t be funny. I tell you, Brother He, open your eyes and use your brain. If you want to have more of a face, you need to conduct yourself carefully. Otherwise, everyone would say that you are acting frivolously once more.”
Second Aunt Yang could not believe she just heard and stepped in. With hands prompted on both sides of her hips, and chin raised, she cursed, “Aunt Guang! Mind if you speak cautiously!! With this aunt following what you said, how is Brother He frivolous and not cautious? Could it be that you’re blind? Can’t see the person you’re looking at? Don’t let your mouth wander around ah! If you’re blind, I don’t mind giving you a 巴子¹ to wake up!”
Aunt Guang was actually Miao Er’s wife. Everyone in the family owned a sour mouth, which was an excellent match. Earlier, she heard from Miao Er that Miao He seemed to have gotten better; she failed to believe such incredulity. The married couple loved to gossip about other people behind their backs and would even propose small bets when they were bored. Now that Miao He visited the town, the pair would naturally have to say a few words.
But Second Aunt Yang was a fierce woman. When her blatant and menacing posture unleashed itself, Aunt Guang could not help shrinking a little. “I-I am not saying things with no proof, and we all know that there’s a precedent. Can’t I talk about it?”
Aunt Yang felt her blood boiling. Her eyes glared at the woman with such intensity, almost wanting to submerge Aunt Yang in a boiling pot of water. “You try!”
Miao He also felt the seething infuriation of Aunt Yang and realized this pot could no longer be contained. He opened the small bag on his lap and said, “The Liang family couple are both good people. Dalang and I are very grateful, so we’d like to send some gifts back. It’s just right I still have some jujube cakes left, which were given by the magnanimous family, so I’ll give everyone some to taste. You’ll realize after you finish eating that your heart will be at ease when you offer a gift.”
By the fall of his voice, he also finished counting the cakes and distributing them among the people in the donkey cart.
This was initially prepared for Ji Guang as a gift of gratitude for taking a trip with him to Liang’s mansion today. It should be okay to divide some out this time.
The jujube cakes given by the Liang family were made with a generous amount of sweet, red dates, walnuts, and brown sugar. Of course, sprinkled with fragrant sesame seeds to feed the eyes and nose first. For the villagers, this simple cake was definitely an exquisite and once-in-a-lifetime dessert. Together with Uncle Ma, who drove the donkey cart, the people in the car were elated as they received small pieces of cake each. Then even showed reluctance to swallow the sweet treat in their mouths. Some aunts even went as far as to cloth-wrap the cake carefully, planning to take them home to eat.
But one person in the car had her face twisted into an ugly expression. This was because Miao He tactfully shared the cakes to seven among the eight people, and she left with none.
Aunt Guang’s nose twitched. She threw curses on this fake, innocent-looking ger in her heart. “Brother He, Auntie hasn’t got one yet.” Even with her growing annoyance, she also was cheeky and thick-skinned. Hence, she demanded with no worry.
Miao He’s jaw hit the floor. Indeed, his and this world were not lacking in such thick-faced people. He tilted his face slightly and said with an ingenious attitude, “Aunty, I’m sorry. I was in a hurry just now, which made me unable to count properly the number of people. Turned out that it was not enough. And the rest must be kept as gifts.”
Aunt Guang only displayed a small smile of seeming kindness. “I hope it’s a grudge, ah. I, this aunty, are distraught on your behalf.”
Miao He still had his unfeigned, amiable smile, but his forehead screamed “confusion” at the happening. Sure, he could not whitewash the black history of the original one after another—they were things that indeed happened. But at least he could let people know that people who picked on the old matters should not think of any benefits, or perhaps, cheapness on his side.
The rest of the aunts in the cart, watching the excitement, laughed. They did not perceive Miao He was in the slightest wrong.
AD
When the cart reached the town entrance, Aunt Guang hopped out of the carriage first, panting with rage as she left.
After that quite hilarious scene, people queued to get out of the cart. Before departing, the good-natured ger patted Miao He on the shoulder. “As you walk head-on into the future, you don’t have to cower at those people with broken mouths. Everyone has eyes; let them speak for themselves.”
Miao He offered a grateful smile and thanked him. As he gazed at the ger, he realized this ger seemed to be Miao Ping’s Chen Rong. No wonder he spoke so kindly to Miao He.
A moment later, Aunt Yang picked up the small wooden box of vegetables, and the two headed to the hospital on foot. After meeting up with Ji Guang inside of the clinic, the group began their journey. And stopped at the enormous gates of Liang’s mansion in the Gaomen Courtyard at the Zhenbei District, which settled in the northern part of town.
Liang’s mansion’s access control was as strict and oppressive as those several and strong family guards stationed at the gates. Even with the familiar face of Ji Guang, the guards were vigilant and heedful as they stopped him and asked the matter of their visit. Another guard from the side approached them and took the packaged vegetables in their hands.
Miao He dismissed the idea that he could meet the masters of the Liang family today, and just he sent the vegetables, nothing else. He would feel embarrassed if he saw them since he had such immense courage to foist his family’s plants onto them to boot. So when the box passed the security check, Miao He tactfully left.
He then gave Ji Guang the rest of the jujube cakes and stuffed a few red tomatoes in a bag. The ecstatic Ji Guang was all smiles, and he teased that he must not let his master see it. He raised the treats and bid goodbye to Miao He and Second Aunt Yang, who advanced to purchase their things.
As of now, Miao He still carried some money on hand. Except for the remaining six taels of silver, after Yang Dalang paid all his debts, the previous total assets of their family made up for over two taels. There was also one tael and eight dimes from the secret sale of dangshen, which Miao He confessed to Dalang as well, summing up for ten taels altogether. He seized three taels for today, all rushing to buy food.
Thereupon, soy sauce and vinegar each had their own pot. Sugar, salt, and honey were also supplemented. Later in the food store, apart from the essential red beans, mung beans, and soybeans, Miao He found Sichuan peppers, black peppers, and sesame seeds. Even if they cost a few dimes more, Miao He bought them through gritted teeth. He appeased himself that those seeds had not been processed before, and he could grow them when he returned.
And he killed his next target—the meat stall. There he depended on Aunt Yang’s suave sharpness and skills in beating down the price of chicken and pigs. Miao He scrutinized and studied their interaction by the side. He disliked the idea of sending food to Liang’s mansion in the beginning, and yet he still made a slip-up.
Footnotes:
[1] bā zǐ – means to long for; to wish; to cling to; or to stick to and son; child; seed; egg; or small thing
The following day, Miao He got up at first light and went to harvest vegetables in the field in such a wonderful spirit. He prudently rinsed the fresh vegetables with clean water and carefully tied them with rice straws. Then, he stood up to search for the boxes used by the Liang family to encase the gifts and stacked the vegetables neatly inside. After all, the quality of appearance must also match the quality of the goods.
After he finished, Miao He clapped his hands in satisfaction, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He spun on his heels, gazed at a certain spot, and said, “When the second aunt comes over, I’ll send the food with her. You rest at home and don’t do things at will. Understand?”
They finally agreed with Doctor Ji that they would send all vegetables to the hospital today. Once they arrived, Ji Guang would accompany Miao He, so the gates of Liang’s mansion would not randomly block them from entering.
Since Yang Dalang still had to recuperate and could not run around, he could only stay at home and wait. To some extent, his brows furrowed in tangles. “Get back sooner when the delivery is over.”
“I have to buy something after the delivery. The soy sauce was overturned last time, hence I have to buy one again. Sugar and vinegar are also on the verge of running. Moreover, the roosters in the yard have all been killed, which are included in my list as well. It would be better if there are pig feet available, as that can hasten your recovery,” Miao He said, as he folded his fingers one by one as he counted. “By the way, I made a vegetable porridge made with chicken bones at noon. Right on the stove. You remember to eat it.”
Looking at the faint thrilling expression of the little ger, Yang Dalang fell silent.
AD
It reminded him of the first and last time the little ger entered the town, his expression of utter happiness. Although the tiny ger had already agreed to stay with him, Yang Dalang knew he had not completely obliterated other factors for the ger to run. Hence, he looked into the softheartedness of the ger and took advantage of the tiny gap.
Coupled with Miao He’s reluctance before the serious illness and comparing it with the various changes after the illness, although there were traces of veracity to be found, a trace of uncertainty still emerged in Yang Dalang’s heart.
But he was his ger; Yang Dalang made sure of it long ago. Since there lied uncertainty still, it was best to extinguish this uncertainty.
He was a hunter. Patient. And killing with one blow was a must for him.
Yang Dalang then beckoned Miao He to come over.
The other, who still had his head afloat in the plans of selling vegetables, smiled and leaned in unsuspectingly.
Yang Dalang bowed down and stared at the little ger’s haze-free eyes, which were gradually permeated with confusion. “What’s wrong?” Miao He asked.
To one’s surprise, his hand reached out to hold the other’s chin and lowered his head. As he bent over, though it caused a burst of pain in his chest, nothing could stop Dalang from biting on the soft and warm, hang-opened lower lip with such precision.
“Waiting for your return.” After the fleeting kiss, Yang Dalang gave his answer.
Miao He—Miao He was stunned witless. The next second, his face went crimson!
“You! You do it, suddenly….” Miao He could not even understand himself as he said these words!
When Yang Dalang saw his ger, whose ears turned bright pink against its fair skin, the thought in his heart immediately stabilized, and he actually had the nerve to clutch his chest. “Hurts a little.”
Miao He’s eyes widened, and his face became even hotter!
‘This man made his wound hurt. So who-who cares about him, ah?!’
He pursed up his lips that had just got bullied. The action was way too fast that he almost felt nothing. Hey, not that he wanted to feel something, but he thought this matter would have to wait for the injury to heal before they took their time grappling with acts such as that.
As soon as he realized the progressing into something further behind, Miao He embedded deep in embarrassment. He pushed the person without regard and cried out, “If it hurts, then rest!”
AD
As soon as his hands landed on Dalang’s chest, he was, again, captured. Miao He wanted to withdraw his hands, but the former tightened his hold, and Miao He froze in his place.
He had no choice but to concede and raised his eyes, leveled at the pair, staring intensely at him.
“Be careful on the road,” the man said, with pitch-black eyes reflecting the tiny figure before them. Miao He’s heart seemed to have its own fast race inside, for no reason.
After that, Miao He was oblivious to how Second Aunt Yang found him and how the two of them started their journey on the road. Not until they got on the donkey cart waiting at the village entrance did he wake up from his stupor. He could not help gnashing his teeth as he thought, how-how could that poker face be so sultry?!
Fortunately, Aunt Yang seemed to overlook the strangeness of Miao He. She learned from Yang Datong that Miao He found two big business deals for him. Aunt Yang approved of Miao He a little more in her heart, and the ger became more and more pleasing to her eyes. As she noticed the ger’s restlessness, Aunt Yang thought he was only worried about leaving Dalang at home. Hence, she said something when they got into the car.
“Don’t worry too much. Dalang is not a child. It’s not the first time he went home wounded. He clearly knows the severity of his injury.” Aunt Yang patted Miao He’s hand, which rested on his thighs.
At that moment, Miao He’s mind finally returned. “Wounded?”
AD
“When you go hunting in the mountains, the existence of rough bumps in the road is inevitable to avoid. He suffered from multiple falls and bites, regardless of him not lacking the usual extreme whenever he hunted. Aside from the scar on his face, the injury this time isn’t as heavy back then. Hey, if it weren’t for the demise of the unfortunate members of the Yang family, Dalang’s mother would be unlikely to let him go into dangerous living.”
When he heard such words, Miao He became fearful. His mind catered to no impression of Yang Dalang sustaining injuries. He was about to ask his aunt when one aunt in the cart, who indiscreetly listened to their conversations, seemed to have sensed the fluctuations of his moods and thoughts.
“Since you know that hunting is perilous, it’s difficult to change the job when you catch an opportunity. Didn’t the big Liang family send lots of apology gifts recently? Aren’t those enough to build a small business? I mean, what even are those gifts? Brother He, quickly tell Auntie so I can help.”
Someone in the cart also jumped in and teased the other aunt, “Aunt Ming, you still worry about the kinds of stuff in there, ah. Hasn’t it been a few days since?”
“What worry are you talking about? Can I not be curious?”
“Liang’s presents are essential goods. There’s rice, oil, and flour, ah, all to support the recovery of Dalang.” Miao He brought up a question and answered it himself, “There’s still some silver left to buy meat. So, I’m heading to town to purchase some.”
The other ger, aside from Miao He, nodded. “I heard Liang landlords are sincere people, and this must be a good thing. If the people bumped somebody, then it’s only natural for them to help and compensate those they’ve harmed on the way.”
Of course, when there’s yin, yang was always there to create harmony. A dark, thin aunt said, “I see Brother He consumed lots of good food as he’s all fair and tender ah. Plus, he dressed neatly and beautifully today. Where do you want to go again?”
Miao He had been accompanying Dalang as he ate tonics for his recovery. Hence, it’s only common that he appeared more pampered and well-rested these days, albeit nursing the man. One could say he’s become radiant. Their meals, in particular, were all cooked using the vegetables planted in the living soil. To Miao He’s surprise, some ailments of the original body were cured and rooted up almost instantly. Aside from the health benefits, it also enhanced his appearance more. The complexion became snow-white, tinged with healthy rosy pink. Since he planned to go to the Liang family’s mansion today, he opted to dress more neatly and presentable. If it were not for the rough material of his dark blue clothing and trousers, to imply that he was a little ger who came from a wealthy family, no one would believe it.
Miao He affixed his gaze on the aunt and said with pursed lips, “I’m going to send some vegetables I grow to Liang’s mansion today. Granted this is only a thank you gift; I still have to be prudent, ah.”
“Hah, a big household such as the Liang family still lacks food and needs from yours? Don’t be funny. I tell you, Brother He, open your eyes and use your brain. If you want to have more of a face, you need to conduct yourself carefully. Otherwise, everyone would say that you are acting frivolously once more.”
Second Aunt Yang could not believe she just heard and stepped in. With hands prompted on both sides of her hips, and chin raised, she cursed, “Aunt Guang! Mind if you speak cautiously!! With this aunt following what you said, how is Brother He frivolous and not cautious? Could it be that you’re blind? Can’t see the person you’re looking at? Don’t let your mouth wander around ah! If you’re blind, I don’t mind giving you a 巴子¹ to wake up!”
Aunt Guang was actually Miao Er’s wife. Everyone in the family owned a sour mouth, which was an excellent match. Earlier, she heard from Miao Er that Miao He seemed to have gotten better; she failed to believe such incredulity. The married couple loved to gossip about other people behind their backs and would even propose small bets when they were bored. Now that Miao He visited the town, the pair would naturally have to say a few words.
But Second Aunt Yang was a fierce woman. When her blatant and menacing posture unleashed itself, Aunt Guang could not help shrinking a little. “I-I am not saying things with no proof, and we all know that there’s a precedent. Can’t I talk about it?”
Aunt Yang felt her blood boiling. Her eyes glared at the woman with such intensity, almost wanting to submerge Aunt Yang in a boiling pot of water. “You try!”
Miao He also felt the seething infuriation of Aunt Yang and realized this pot could no longer be contained. He opened the small bag on his lap and said, “The Liang family couple are both good people. Dalang and I are very grateful, so we’d like to send some gifts back. It’s just right I still have some jujube cakes left, which were given by the magnanimous family, so I’ll give everyone some to taste. You’ll realize after you finish eating that your heart will be at ease when you offer a gift.”
By the fall of his voice, he also finished counting the cakes and distributing them among the people in the donkey cart.
This was initially prepared for Ji Guang as a gift of gratitude for taking a trip with him to Liang’s mansion today. It should be okay to divide some out this time.
The jujube cakes given by the Liang family were made with a generous amount of sweet, red dates, walnuts, and brown sugar. Of course, sprinkled with fragrant sesame seeds to feed the eyes and nose first. For the villagers, this simple cake was definitely an exquisite and once-in-a-lifetime dessert. Together with Uncle Ma, who drove the donkey cart, the people in the car were elated as they received small pieces of cake each. Then even showed reluctance to swallow the sweet treat in their mouths. Some aunts even went as far as to cloth-wrap the cake carefully, planning to take them home to eat.
But one person in the car had her face twisted into an ugly expression. This was because Miao He tactfully shared the cakes to seven among the eight people, and she left with none.
Aunt Guang’s nose twitched. She threw curses on this fake, innocent-looking ger in her heart. “Brother He, Auntie hasn’t got one yet.” Even with her growing annoyance, she also was cheeky and thick-skinned. Hence, she demanded with no worry.
Miao He’s jaw hit the floor. Indeed, his and this world were not lacking in such thick-faced people. He tilted his face slightly and said with an ingenious attitude, “Aunty, I’m sorry. I was in a hurry just now, which made me unable to count properly the number of people. Turned out that it was not enough. And the rest must be kept as gifts.”
Aunt Guang only displayed a small smile of seeming kindness. “I hope it’s a grudge, ah. I, this aunty, are distraught on your behalf.”
Miao He still had his unfeigned, amiable smile, but his forehead screamed “confusion” at the happening. Sure, he could not whitewash the black history of the original one after another—they were things that indeed happened. But at least he could let people know that people who picked on the old matters should not think of any benefits, or perhaps, cheapness on his side.
The rest of the aunts in the cart, watching the excitement, laughed. They did not perceive Miao He was in the slightest wrong.
AD
When the cart reached the town entrance, Aunt Guang hopped out of the carriage first, panting with rage as she left.
After that quite hilarious scene, people queued to get out of the cart. Before departing, the good-natured ger patted Miao He on the shoulder. “As you walk head-on into the future, you don’t have to cower at those people with broken mouths. Everyone has eyes; let them speak for themselves.”
Miao He offered a grateful smile and thanked him. As he gazed at the ger, he realized this ger seemed to be Miao Ping’s Chen Rong. No wonder he spoke so kindly to Miao He.
A moment later, Aunt Yang picked up the small wooden box of vegetables, and the two headed to the hospital on foot. After meeting up with Ji Guang inside of the clinic, the group began their journey. And stopped at the enormous gates of Liang’s mansion in the Gaomen Courtyard at the Zhenbei District, which settled in the northern part of town.
Liang’s mansion’s access control was as strict and oppressive as those several and strong family guards stationed at the gates. Even with the familiar face of Ji Guang, the guards were vigilant and heedful as they stopped him and asked the matter of their visit. Another guard from the side approached them and took the packaged vegetables in their hands.
Miao He dismissed the idea that he could meet the masters of the Liang family today, and just he sent the vegetables, nothing else. He would feel embarrassed if he saw them since he had such immense courage to foist his family’s plants onto them to boot. So when the box passed the security check, Miao He tactfully left.
He then gave Ji Guang the rest of the jujube cakes and stuffed a few red tomatoes in a bag. The ecstatic Ji Guang was all smiles, and he teased that he must not let his master see it. He raised the treats and bid goodbye to Miao He and Second Aunt Yang, who advanced to purchase their things.
As of now, Miao He still carried some money on hand. Except for the remaining six taels of silver, after Yang Dalang paid all his debts, the previous total assets of their family made up for over two taels. There was also one tael and eight dimes from the secret sale of dangshen, which Miao He confessed to Dalang as well, summing up for ten taels altogether. He seized three taels for today, all rushing to buy food.
Thereupon, soy sauce and vinegar each had their own pot. Sugar, salt, and honey were also supplemented. Later in the food store, apart from the essential red beans, mung beans, and soybeans, Miao He found Sichuan peppers, black peppers, and sesame seeds. Even if they cost a few dimes more, Miao He bought them through gritted teeth. He appeased himself that those seeds had not been processed before, and he could grow them when he returned.
And he killed his next target—the meat stall. There he depended on Aunt Yang’s suave sharpness and skills in beating down the price of chicken and pigs. Miao He scrutinized and studied their interaction by the side. He disliked the idea of sending food to Liang’s mansion in the beginning, and yet he still made a slip-up.
Footnotes:
[1] bā zǐ – means to long for; to wish; to cling to; or to stick to and son; child; seed; egg; or small thing
