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“Much better now,” Fang Shi smiled, “After getting over the morning sickness phase, I no longer vomit. My appetite has increased significantly, and it feels like I can’t eat enough no matter what I have.”
“I know that,” Jiang Maihua chimed in, “A few nights ago, I fell asleep, and Mom woke me up because she was munching on a chicken leg secretly.”
Blushing a bit at being exposed by her own daughter, Fang Shi chuckled.
Jiang Mixia pinched Jiang Maihua’s chubby cheek, “Your mom is carrying a baby in her belly, so it’s natural for both of them to eat more now.”
“Your face looks even plumper than during the Lunar New Year. Let’s be honest, is it because you’ve been enjoying meat a bit too much?”
Jiang Maihua shyly nodded in agreement.
“Stop teasing your aunt all the time. Come down and check if your aunt wan has returned. If she’s back, take these things over to her,” she instructed.
Fang Shi handed a few pastries to Jiang Maihua and explained, “Aunt Wan couldn’t stay idle. She mentioned that the child is growing up and can help with some tasks. So, she goes to the street stall to sell tofu pudding. She sets up the stall in the morning and usually returns by mid-morning. She should be back around this time.”
As Fang Shi finished speaking, voices were heard in the courtyard. Through the paper window, shadows of people could be seen outside, indicating that Aunt Wan and her two children had returned.
Following that, the playful sounds of Jiang Maihua and the Song siblings filled the air.
Jiang Mixia engaged Fang Shi in conversation, discussing everyday matters.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chushi was excelling in his work at Qiu’s place. His master was willing to teach, and he was eager to learn. He had progressed to the point where he could independently craft some intricate furniture pieces, earning recognition as a skilled carpenter at Qiu’s establishment.
His monthly wage had increased to one silver tael and five copper coins, providing for the family’s needs without difficulty, and occasionally leaving some savings.
In summary, life was slightly better than before.
As the conversation continued into midday, Jiang Mixia helped Fang Shi and Aunt Wan prepare lunch together.
With both families sharing a hearth, to avoid any disputes over meal preparation, each household cooked separately. Whichever household’s meal was ready first would serve a bowl to the other family.
At midday, Jiang Chushi had his meal at Qiu’s place, catering to just four people.
Using the available ingredients at home, Fang Shi cooked stir-fried cabbage with pork slices, vinegar-glazed shredded potatoes, pan-fried tofu, and celery with lean meat. The main dish was hanging oven-baked flatbread purchased from a street vendor, accompanied by spinach and tofu soup.
Fang Shi’s culinary skills were impressive, and Jiang Mixia had also picked up many cooking techniques from Liu Shi, enhancing the flavors of the dishes they prepared together.
After the meal and some conversation, Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng planned to visit Zheng’s place.
Understanding their busy schedule, Fang Shi didn’t keep them long and saw them off at the door.
Upon arriving at Zheng’s place and meeting the shopkeeper, Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng showed him the new products from the bamboo workshop—bamboo pillows and bamboo handwoven baskets.
The bamboo pillows were crafted with a sturdy bamboo frame and intricately woven with fine bamboo strips in the middle. These pillows provided a cool and comfortable sleeping experience without the hardness of porcelain pillows.
As for the bamboo handwoven baskets, they resembled modern bamboo handbags with a drawstring closure and straps that allowed for both shoulder and hand carrying. The baskets were decorated with various colored bamboo strips woven into patterns, adding a vibrant and non-monotonous touch to their appearance.
Upon seeing these two items, the shopkeeper Sun nodded in appreciation, “These are excellent products. Not only will they sell well in our county town, but they would also do great in the capital city!”
To be precise, the items from the bamboo workshop would sell well in the capital city without a doubt.
Business at Zheng’s place was thriving more than ever, and Sun, the shopkeeper, felt a newfound sense of confidence. During the annual account reporting meeting held by the Zheng family before the New Year, Sun felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was a wonderful feeling!
Sun, the shopkeeper, felt that his role as the head of the store was becoming increasingly engaging and rewarding.
All this success was attributed to finding a capable family like Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng.
Impressed by the items, Sun immediately made the decision to procure them in a certain quantity.
The bamboo handwoven baskets, being versatile and not constrained by seasons, were chosen to be stocked first.
As for the bamboo pillows, they would be introduced later, perhaps when the weather got warmer.
After a lengthy discussion that lasted over an hour, the business deal was nearly finalized.
After leaving Zheng’s place, Jiang Mixia suggested visiting a real state agency.
“Go to a real state agency?” Jiang Youcheng scratched his head.
Although they had recently purchased land before the New Year and had sufficient funds, the family had collectively decided to save up for potential future business opportunities or a good estate.
Jiang Youcheng was puzzled about the purpose of visiting a real state agency at this moment.
“To look at the mansions in the county town,” Jiang Mixia replied. “If we find something suitable, we might consider buying one.”
Jiang Youcheng’s raised whip froze in mid-air, and after a moment, he asked, lips trembling, “Daughter, are you planning to divide the family?”
Jiang Mixia paused, taken aback by the question.
“We only have you and Jingyun in the family, no siblings even. What’s there to divide?” Jiang Mixia
“Right, right.”
Upon realizing there was no intention of dividing the family, Jiang Youcheng relaxed. “Why all of a sudden the idea of buying a mansion in the county town?”
“With the imperial examination, the first round is the county exam, the second is the prefectural exam. If we need to go to the prefectural city to take the exam, by August this year, we’ll have to take the metropolitan examination. If you pass this year and become a xiucai, you can enter the county school to prepare for next year’s provincial examination.”
Jiang Mixia explained, “If Jingyun ends up studying at the county school, I thought it would be convenient to buy a mansion in the county town.”
“Agreed,” Jiang Youcheng nodded. “Buying a mansion is something that requires luck. It takes time to find a suitable one, so it’s best to start preparing early.”
However…
Did he just assume that his daughter was confident that Song Jingyun would definitely pass the examination?
Song Jingyun hasn’t even studied for half a year altogether…
Then again, their son-in-law seemed to excel at everything he learned, so studying might come easily to him as well.
So, their son-in-law must pass the exam!
Suddenly, Jiang Youcheng felt quite confident too.
It wasn’t until the sun started to set that the doors of the examination hall opened.
Examinees emerged one by one, each looking quite exhausted.
It’s no wonder that each examinee’s space in the examination hall was very cramped. They spent the entire day inside, dealing with eating, drinking, and other necessities, all while under significant exam pressure, leading to high levels of physical exertion.
When Song Jingyun emerged, his face seemed normal, and his steps were light.
Jiang Mixia hurried over, “You look fine. Did everything go smoothly?”
Song Jingyun scratched his head, “Wife, the braised pork at lunch seemed a bit too vinegary, and you forgot to add garlic, so it lacked flavor…”