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After everyone had eaten their fill, Wan Chunmei gathered a few small jars and packed some pickled vegetables for Tan Erqian. There were three jars in total.
One jar was for Shopkeeper Bai, another for Tan Erqian himself, and the last one for Aunt Chen.
Although Aunt Chen wasn’t exactly well-liked, since Tan Erqian would be working with Aunt Chen’s eldest son, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to bring her something as a courtesy.
After packing up his things, the young Tan Erqian couldn’t help but tear up, as it was his first time leaving home, and it was only natural to feel sad.
Tan Yiliang patted him on the shoulder, pulling him close to his chest, and said, “Second brother, don’t be afraid. I’ll be going to the county often from now on, and I’ll make sure no one bullies you!”
Tan Erqian wiped his eyes and said, “If I leave, you have to make sure my Lingzhi is well taken care of.”
Tan Yiliang nodded confidently, “Don’t worry, don’t forget, your big brother is the ‘Vegetable General’—whatever I plant, it’ll thrive!”
Tan Erqian chuckled. “Don’t forget, you used to be terrible at planting anything.”
Tan Yiliang playfully poked him in the ribs. “Ah, you still remember that? Second brother, tell me, were you pretending to be dumb back then?”
Tan Erqian laughed, holding his belly, and called out repeatedly, “Big brother, it’s called ‘wisdom disguised as foolishness,’ wisdom disguised as foolishness!”
“Well, you’re a wise one, alright!” Tan Yiliang teased him.
The two of them immediately began to wrestle playfully.
Wan Chunmei, holding the packed items, called out to them, “Alright, Erqian, it’s time to leave!”
Tan Erqian quickly stood up straight. “Yes, Mother!”
The two of them walked out together.
Old Tan borrowed a cart again, but this time, instead of carrying eggs, he was hauling Tan Erqian and his belongings.
Wan Chunmei, holding little Qiyue, and Tan Yiliang, carrying Tan Liujin, along with the other children, accompanied them to the village gate.
Siwen and Wuguan, with their round eyes wide in innocence, waved and called out, “Second Brother, come back early!”
Wan Chunmei gently patted each of their heads. “Your second brother will be back in ten days or half a month. There’s no need to rush.”
Her words were meant to comfort herself. She lowered her head, making sure the children didn’t see her red eyes.
Tan Yiliang put his arm around Wan Chunmei’s shoulders and smiled as he reassured her, “It’s alright, Mother. You still have me.”
Wan Chunmei nodded lightly, but said nothing.
As a mother, wasn’t this the day that would come sooner or later?
As children grow, they inevitably go their separate ways.
As long as they are well, that’s all that matters.
Thinking this, Wan Chunmei slightly lifted her head and called out to Tan Erqian, who was growing farther away, “Erqian, take good care of yourself!”
Tan Erqian suddenly turned his head, and, raising his voice, responded, “Alright! Yes, Mother!”
Wan Chunmei smiled and gently waved her hand.
Little Qiyue tugged at the corner of her dress and snuggled closer to her, as if comforting her.
Wan Chunmei withdrew her hand and hugged her tightly.
The weather today was perfect, with a clear blue sky and a cool breeze throughout the journey.
Tan Old Man and Tan Erqian didn’t feel the heat at all as they walked along the road.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Yaowan Hall in Pingyang County.
When Shopkeeper Bai saw them, he was in such a good mood that he nearly jogged forward. “Old Tan, you’ve finally come!”
Tan Old Man set down the cart and said, “Yes, my second son has made up his mind. He decided to come and be an apprentice at your medicine shop.”
Shopkeeper Bai looked at Tan Erqian, clapped his hands, and smiled. “Good, that’s really good.”
Tan Erqian hurried forward and bowed, “Greetings, Shopkeeper Bai.”
Shopkeeper Bai, with a beaming smile, looked at him and said, “You’re truly a good kid. But from now on, don’t call me Shopkeeper Bai. You’ll call me ‘Master’ instead.”
Tan Erqian obediently replied, “Yes, Master.”
Shopkeeper Bai smiled even wider, “Now that’s more like it.”
Tan Old Man took down the bundle and said, “Shopkeeper Bai, there’s just one thing I need to tell you. Erqian said he won’t sell his big Lingzhi mushroom. He wants to keep it for his third brother to help improve his health. His third brother has been weak since he was a child.”
Shopkeeper Bai didn’t get angry. In fact, he looked at Tan Erqian with renewed respect and liked the boy even more. He asked him, “Why not sell the Lingzhi and buy some supplements for your third brother instead? This Lingzhi is worth quite a lot of money.”
Tan Erqian responded seriously, “Master, although I haven’t seen much of the world, I understand a little about medicinal herbs. There are many Lingzhi mushrooms, but good ones are rare. I could sell this Lingzhi at a high price, but that doesn’t mean I could buy the same quality supplements for my brother with the same amount of money. Considering my third brother’s health, it’s best not to sell it.”
Shopkeeper Bai laughed heartily and praised, “This kid really is something! You like to do business, but you’re not greedy for small profits, and you value loyalty and relationships. You’re someone who will do great things!”