Chapter 71: Earnings

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, it was time to honor the Kitchen God, marking the beginning of the New Year preparations. With snow covering the ground, the world was pure and white. Besides sweeping away snow, there wasn’t much cleaning to do in the courtyard, as every room was already polished daily. After this day, the festive atmosphere gradually became stronger.

Every morning, Meinang would rise early, visit Qui Hua Courtyard to play with her son, then greet Madam Zheng when she awoke. By sunrise, she would be at Zi Yun Hall to hear reports from the managing servants and handle affairs of the Hou residence.

As the weather grew colder, and Meinang needed to rise early to see her son and manage affairs, she arranged for Rulan to sleep in and rest comfortably. For three or four days, she sent a young maid each morning with a message for Third Madam, telling her she didn’t need to go out and could relax in her cozy room. Rulan took her advice, staying home with her husband, Xu Jun Ya, sweetly enjoying their time together.

On the night of the 27th, Cui Xi from Meinang’s side came to Rulan’s courtyard, apologetically explaining that the older matron was feeling unwell and likely wouldn’t be able to rise the next day, so she’d need Third Madam to go to Zi Yun Hall in the morning to oversee affairs. Rulan replied, “The remedy I gave you is effective do try using it.” Cui Xi responded, “We’ve already taken Third Madam’s remedy to the pharmacy, and I’ll personally watch over the preparation of the medicine tonight.” Rulan nodded, “Let her rest easy, I’ll handle matters here.”

On the morning of the 28th, just before dawn, three young maids left Qing Hua Courtyard and made their way swiftly to the West Courtyard, where Lin Mama was on duty. They passed through Ping Alley to the side gate, where Old Master Yu opened the door, letting them out and closing it again as if nothing had happened.

Outside the side gate, a carriage waited on the back street. Lin lifted the curtain for the three young women, then climbed in himself. With a crack of the whip, the carriage set off. Inside, Meinang looked at Cui Xi and Cui Su, frowning. “Maybe you shouldn’t follow me out in the future. I have a disguise, but you don’t. If anyone from the Hou residence saw you, it could be disastrous.”

Cui Xi laughed, pulling a bundle from her shoulder. “No worries, Miss. We’ve prepared other outfits, ones unlike those in the Hou residence. We’ll add rouge and even a few beauty marks to alter our faces.” She pulled out an eyebrow pencil, rouge, and powder. Soon, one maid had a face red as a monkey’s bottom, while the other had fake blemishes on her forehead and jaw. Meinang burst out laughing, “No, no, that’s too ugly! Wipe it off. If anyone sees, we’ll just deny everything.”

She removed her double bun, letting Cui Su hold a mirror while Cui Xi styled her hair into an elegant, cloud like bun. She added pearl and emerald hairpins, changed into a soft, pinkish-purple, mid-length cotton robe embroidered with small floral designs, and draped herself with a cherry-colored brocade cloak trimmed with rabbit fur. In moments, the little maid had transformed into a refined young lady.

Cui Xi admired Meinang’s new look and suddenly suggested, “We could wear veils!” Cui Su objected, “No one wears veils in winter, only in spring or summer.” Cui Xi laughed, “We’ll wear what we like, regardless of the season!” Meinang nodded, “Right! Prepare whatever you need. You’ll have enough silver on you to buy any attire or accessories as needed.”

Before long, they arrived at the rear courtyard of the Xian Ke Lai restaurant. Old Master Zou, the gatekeeper, stopped them, asking, “Are you here to stay or dine? Carriages for lodging go left; dining goes right.” Lin retorted, “You old man, don’t you recognize me just because I’m in different clothes? I need the best spot!”

Recognizing him, Zou hurriedly greeted them, leading their carriage inside. Meinang, curious, asked, “How did I become the young master here?” Cui Xi explained, “The shopkeeper told the staff that the new owner is a relative of Master Cen, so they’ve been calling you the young master.” Cui Su suggested reprimanding him, but Meinang waved it off. “Show respect to the elders. They played a part in Xian Ke Lai’s success, so we’ll need their support.”

As they spoke, the carriage came to a stop. The courtyard was already bustling, and the shopkeeper, Lu Xiang Feng, came out to welcome them, bowing as they alighted. He led them through a newly renovated corridor, up a narrow yet sturdy walnut staircase that Master Cen had carefully designed for the privacy of his former guests.

“The room has been redecorated with curtains and bedding from Wan Fu Embroidery House,” said Lu Xiang Feng. “If you’re not satisfied, we can replace anything.” Meinang waved her hand, “Clean and comfortable is enough. I’m here for a short stay, no need for extravagance.”

After inspecting the room and briefly discussing the restaurant’s operations, Lu Xiang Feng handed her a ledger detailing the recent business activity. She was surprised. “In just a few days, there’s over ten thousand taels of silver?”

“Yes,” he replied, “Xian Ke Lai is well-known. Our dishes and wine are of the finest quality, at fair prices. The elite prefer to host their gatherings here, and even commoners take pride in celebrating here if they can afford it. Since you introduced the hotpot feast, the dining hall has been packed daily.”

The inn had also been busy, as many scholars arrived for the upcoming spring exams, hoping to stay through February or March when exams begin. Lu Xiang Feng noted with a bow, “With the exams, our business alone will be worth a year’s earnings. I’m grateful for your luck, Miss.”

Meinang’s face lit up, teasing, “Next year will be a lucky year for you too! You’ll earn enough to buy a house and marry, won’t you?” Blushing, Lu Xiang Feng replied, “Miss, you’re teasing me.”

Laughing, Meinang instructed, “Excellent work. If you marry next year, we’ll handle the wedding banquet here at Xian Ke Lai on the house! Make sure everyone gets their New Year bonus, too, and double the amount. Tell them I may not be as capable as Master Cen, but I appreciate their support.”