Chapter 14: One Step Closer to Becoming a Wealthy Woman

The old lady became quite interested when she saw the small bamboo tube, surprised that it had such a use. “Girl, how come you’re so amazing!” She gave Xu Nuo a thumbs up. This girl was not only beautiful but also capable. If she weren’t already married, she would have wanted to take her home.

“Girl, I want all four of my portions packed in these!” The old lady remarked, “Look at your husband; he’s just a scholar and can’t earn any money. Being good-looking won’t put food on the table!” In Yan Po’s eyes, Shangguan Ziqian was a man living off his wife, only carrying good looks but lacking everything else, completely unworthy of Xu Nuo.

As Shangguan and the others arrived at the stall, they heard someone chiding him, and the students behind naturally heard it too, stifling laughter. Zhang Yan couldn’t help but burst into fits of laughter, “Hahaha! So, even you, Shangguan, have a day like this!”

Shangguan knew well that his wife was great. He had thought about being undermined, but he never expected it to be like this. He hadn’t thought that one day he would be called useless; it seemed he needed to work harder in the future. Eating off his wife definitely felt pretty good.

“Being supported by my wife is an honor!” Zhang Yan exclaimed, and upon hearing this, he made a tsk sound at the sheer self-indulgence, realizing that Shangguan had become increasingly shameless lately!

Wang naturally understood that Yan Po meant no harm; it only indicated her satisfaction with Xu Nuo, which showed her good taste! She quickly packed the four portions and handed them to Yan Po, “Sister, come often!”

The students in line saw the beautifully packaged bamboo tubes in Yan Po’s hands and began to ask questions. Soon, everyone was aware of this novel packaging. Although most liked it, they still chose the lotus leaf packaging because it was free!

However, some preferred the bamboo tubes for their packaging. This time there was no restriction on quantity, so some bought several portions in bamboo tubes to take home for their families.

Of course, the most popular item at the stall this time was the lemon tea. The tea served in bamboo cups had a faint bamboo aroma, adding a special flavor to it. Even Shangguan, who was helping out nearby, loved it.

The two buckets of dishes quickly ran out, and while there were still a dozen people in line, Xu Nuo entrusted the stall to Wang, pulling Shangguan to head home. She had left some dishes in the pot this morning, thinking they wouldn’t sell today and planning to save some for the neighbors in the afternoon. After all, having good relations with them could be helpful in the future.

Unexpectedly, business had been so good that everything sold out, and she had brought twice the amount this time. By the time Shangguan and Xu Nuo brought the remaining dishes over, there was barely enough left; still, a few people were unable to buy any. Xu Nuo looked apologetically at those who didn’t get anything and assured everyone that she would be there on time tomorrow, and there would be more food than today to ensure everyone got their share. For those who couldn’t buy the braised dishes and cold dishes, she also gave each of them a cup of lemon tea to help them cool off, so no one had any complaints.

The students at the academy were the happiest today, as they took full advantage of the time and location. Everyone bought their favorite dishes and sat in the dining hall, enjoying their food.

The teachers originally intended to line up too, but out of concern for their dignity, they didn’t want to earn the reputation of being gluttonous. They were conflicted about whether to queue. Shangguan had anticipated their concerns, so while the teachers were still hesitating, he had already discussed it with Xu Nuo, seeking her opinion.

Xu Nuo understood the principles of getting along with people, so she prepared ten portions of dishes and braised items packed in larger bamboo tubes for Shangguan to bring to the academy as a thank-you for the care the teachers provided at the academy. Xu Nuo had a bit of selfishness in mind; after all, they were setting up stall in their territory, and it wouldn’t hurt to show some appreciation. Besides, they still had a long way to go, and at the very least, they needed to ensure Shangguan could pass the provincial examination in Shandong.

Xu Nuo had also considered that while no one had imitated them yet, they should earn as much money as possible to prepare for the expenses of going to the capital in the future, as there would be plenty of places to spend that money.

Xu Nuo was busy with her tasks and had no time to explain everything to Shangguan, so she urged him to leave. As Shangguan watched Xu Nuo, who was sweating profusely, he felt a pang of sympathy in his heart. Ladies from wealthy families typically never lifted a finger at home; their days mostly consisted of visiting shops and managing accounts. However, during this time, Xu Nuo had been gradually shouldering the family’s burdens. Her busy yet fulfilling life had brought vitality and energy to the household.

Shangguan personally delivered the packed bamboo tubes to the teachers. The teachers stroked their beards and carefully examined the bamboo tube in their hands. It was entirely green, sealed with a green lotus leaf and tied with yellow hemp rope, perfectly solving the issue of carrying the soup. Moreover, the small bamboo tube had a scholar’s cap graphic and the character “Xu” on it, effectively labeling it. Even if someone decided to replicate it in the future, they wouldn’t be able to make it exactly the same. According to Shangguan, Xu Nuo had registered this design with the Ministry of Works as soon as she created it.

The teachers all expressed their praises, “Ziqian, you’re truly fortunate! Live well! Your wife will definitely be someone extraordinary. If she were a man, she’d undoubtedly be forcefully brought to school by old Shen to ensure she got an education. You might just gain a strong competitor!”

“Indeed, your wife is not only intelligent but also very adept in dealings, and she’s open-minded. In the future, when you enter the court as an official, she will definitely assist you immensely.”

Shangguan’s eyes were filled with tenderness. Whenever the topic of Xu Nuo came up, he didn’t even realize how his normally stern demeanor softened. “I’ve never expected my wife to assist me. All I wish for is her safety and health; this life should be me protecting her for all my days.”

The teachers noticed Shangguan’s transformation and felt pleased in their hearts. They had been worried that Shangguan’s character might lead him to make many enemies in the court—too rigid to bend, just like a person can get hurt if they are too strong. Now it was better; at least Xu Nuo could help balance out this young man’s temperament.

The teachers had watched Shangguan grow up and had truly worried about him. This time, he didn’t refuse his affection and accepted it. Returning home at noon, he felt he could handle the matters with the women in his household. Ah, who would believe that in the academy, the respected teachers were all henpecked at home?

During the noon break, Shangguan helped push the cart back, drew well water in the yard, and cleaned the buckets. Everything was tidied up. Wang was counting the remaining bamboo tubes and found there were about eight left, indicating they had packed nearly thirty bamboo tubes today. With this as a foundation, they would need to prepare ten more tomorrow, which was also taught to her by Xu Nuo. Now Wang was a genuine fan of Xu Nuo; she would talk about “Nuo Nuo” at every turn, causing Shangguan to feel a twinge of jealousy.

Once everyone finished their tasks, Xu Nuo gathered Shangguan and Wang at the table, pouring today’s earnings out in front of them. This time it looked like they had more than before, with silver coins filling the entire table. Last time, they earned two taels of silver. Xu Nuo specially asked Shangguan to create an account book just for recording their daily earnings.

The three counted two or three times, and Xu Nuo felt a bit dazed. “Quick, pinch me. Am I dreaming?”

Shangguan wouldn’t dare to pinch her; her delicate skin would surely leave a mark if he used any force at all. He amusingly said, “You’re not dreaming. We earned five taels of silver today.” To Shangguan, today’s earnings made perfect sense since the amount of food was double that of last time, and the thirty-some bamboo tubes also brought in a small income.

Wang was so happy that tears streamed down her cheeks. Life was truly getting better and better! At that moment, Xu Nuo could only grin stupidly; she was one step closer to becoming a wealthy woman.