Chapter 42 2/2

Ji Yangzong couldn’t grasp the situation: “Why do you want to do this? Our family, while not wealthy, has enough to eat and wear. Why put yourself through such hardship?”

Huo Shu explained to his father-in-law, “It’s not just about making money.”

“Currently, the government is corrupt, and banditry has already spread into prosperous areas. There’s no guarantee that the world won’t descend into chaos.”

Ji Yangzong’s brows furrowed at these words. The idea of societal unrest was enough to make anyone anxious. He knew this wasn’t an exaggeration. Things had been increasingly unstable in recent years, although not too visibly, so most people hadn’t taken much action.

The fear was like the proverbial frog in boiling water—by the time chaos erupted suddenly, ordinary people like them would only suffer.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Having multiple options gives us better means to cope with any situation.”

Ji Yangzong exhaled deeply and thought for a moment. Engaging in trade meant travelling far and wide, staying well-informed, and having a broad network. In times of trouble, this could indeed provide more avenues for survival.

Ji Yangzong had hoped Huo Shu and Taoyu could live a simple, stable life without venturing too far afield. But given the uncertain times, as the head of the family, he had to consider their future and prepare accordingly. Huo Shu’s plan was indeed for the family’s benefit.

“Alright, since you and Taoyu have discussed it, I won’t interfere too much,” Ji Yangzong said. “Leave finding the manpower to me.”

With his father-in-law’s support, Huo Shu felt much more confident. Ji Yangzong knew better than anyone in the village who was honest and reliable and who might be looking for an opportunity to work elsewhere.

With the matter entrusted to Ji Yangzong, Huo Shu set it aside for the moment. After the 25th, every household was busy preparing for the New Year.

Huo Shu and Taoyu went to the city together to buy New Year’s goods and prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Red lanterns were already hanging on the watchtowers at the gates of Tongzhou City, creating a festive atmosphere visible from afar.

Inside the city, the scene was even more vibrant. Every shop along the street displayed couplets wishing for wealth and prosperity, and lanterns hung from the trees. The streets were crowded with people, many dressed in red cotton jackets, and women had painted floral designs on their faces.

There were more street vendors than usual, and many elderly gentlemen were setting up stalls to write couplets. Prices were negotiable, often just a few coins, spreading joy and luck. The more popular stalls had long lines.

Children played and chased each other through the alleys, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air.

Huo Shu’s horse struggled to make its way through the crowded streets. It was his first time experiencing New Year celebrations in the south, and he was struck by the lively atmosphere. Although the northern regions also celebrated, it was more subdued due to the constant threat of instability, with people ready to migrate at a moment’s notice. There, celebrations were simpler, often just a good meal and some fireworks if conditions allowed.

Taoyu wore a rabbit-fur hat that Huo Shu had bought for her. Her bright clothes and red cloak made her stand out even more, contrasting with Huo Shu’s more modest attire.

Walking together, the two of them attracted quite a bit of attention.

“Should we also get a couplet to bring home?” Taoyu asked, pulling Huo Shu along as she squeezed into the crowd to watch the elderly gentleman writing couplets.

“The ones at home were written by Yu Lingxiao in previous years.”

Huo Shu replied, “This year, let’s buy a few ourselves.”

Taoyu smiled. “Why, are you upset?”

“I’m not that petty.”

Taoyu added, “I heard from Mum that since Yu Lingxiao hurt his hand, he’s been dealing closely with merchants, probably to find protection and profit from them. Madam Sun has been telling everyone that she plans to renovate her house after the New Year.”

“It seems Yu Lingxiao has pulled himself out of his slump and is even trying to practice writing with his left hand,” Huo Shu noted.

“He probably still dreams of becoming an official, hoping that the court will eventually relax its restrictions on physical disabilities.”

Taoyu sighed. “Who knows what the future holds?”

Life was unpredictable. Yu Lingxiao, who once looked down on merchants, now had to lower his status to collaborate with them to get by. It was indeed a cause for reflection.

Seeing Taoyu lost in thought, Huo Shu furrowed his brows and pulled her closer. “Focus on walking; don’t get distracted.”

Taoyu squeezed his hand, smiling at his serious expression. “Dad and Mum have almost bought all the New Year’s goods. What else do we need to buy?”

Huo Shu glanced ahead and saw a pharmacy, indicating it to Taoyu.

“What do you need to buy medicine for? We can just get it from Grandpa’s clinic,” Taoyu suggested.

Huo Shu looked down at her and asked, “Are you sure you want me to ask for it there?”

Taoyu blushed, suddenly remembering the main reason for coming to the city today. Feeling embarrassed, she mumbled, “It’s better to get it from another pharmacy.”

A few days ago, her little cousin from her seventh uncle’s family came back for a visit. Her little cousin had always been good to her since childhood, and they were the closest among their siblings and cousins. He couldn’t attend her wedding with Huo Shu, but now that he was back for the New Year, he brought many wedding gifts. They had dinner together.

Her little cousin, Ji Xingzhe, was a year older than her and got married six months earlier. His husband was from a nearby county, working as a manager in the county’s public works office. Taoyu had only seen him once, when he came to propose and deliver betrothal gifts. He was tall but very dark-skinned.

Managing county waterworks involved a lot of outdoor work, and anyone who could attain such a position in their twenties was certainly hardworking. Ji Xingzhe initially didn’t like his husband’s dark complexion but had to comply with his father’s decision to marry him.

After the marriage was settled, she cried for several days at home, and Taoyu was called over to console her.

Ji Xingzhe, though reluctant, didn’t want to wrong herself either. At night, while crying, she flipped through a booklet, teaching Taoyu to understand matters in the bedroom, lest her husband didn’t like it, making life even more difficult.

Now that the person had returned, Taoyu looked at her eldest cousin happily, seeming to treat her well.

Although both of them were already married and had been apart for more than half a year, they spoke more than before, not less.

Taoyu was embarrassed to ask others about married life, so she found someone to talk to.

Just now, she asked Ji Xingzhe for advice, saying that they needed some ointment and that practice was also necessary.

Taoyu thought that she could make the ointment herself, but unfortunately, Ji Xingzhe didn’t have those things with him, so she couldn’t use them as a reference.

So she told Huo Shuo about the matter, asking him to find a way to get some.

After being married for a while, the two of them tried it on the wedding night, but later, when she felt resentful and tried again, she still bled.

Pain was one thing, but being scared was another.

Taoyu calculated that if Huo Shuo’s business could succeed, they would likely set off early next year. If they hadn’t succeeded by then, wouldn’t their marriage be in vain?

She narrowed her eyes slightly, determined to get it done before leaving!

Otherwise, if Huo Shuo encountered some little seductress on the road and got tempted away, what would happen? First, she had to get him, then plant his seed. At that time, he wouldn’t be able to escape, even if he wanted to!

When the two arrived at the medicine shop, Taoyu saw people coming and going, feeling embarrassed to ask someone for something.

She pushed Huo Shuo’s back: “You go ask the medicine boy. I’ll wait for you here.”

Huo Shuo raised an eyebrow: “You’re a doctor, so you should know more than me. How can you not go?”

Taoyu whispered, “Have you ever seen a young woman asking someone for this?”

“Since it’s used on you, why wouldn’t they have it?”

“Then aren’t you benefiting from it too? Why do I have to go?”

“Are you feeling embarrassed?”

Taoyu pinched her fingers and said, “I’m just a young woman; it’s normal to feel embarrassed.”

“Didn’t you peek at me earlier? When you were applying ointment to me at night, you didn’t feel embarrassed.”

Taoyu widened her eyes at his words and pinched Huo Shuo’s hand. “You’re talking as if you didn’t touch me!”

“I didn’t say I was embarrassed.”

“Huo Shuo!”

Taoyu gritted her teeth and called out, but before Huo Shuo could respond, a weak voice came from behind: “Do you two want to buy some medicine, or do you want to come inside to discuss?”

Taoyu suddenly realised that the medicine boy from the clinic had come out at some point, and her face instantly turned red.

She didn’t know if anyone had heard their conversation, but seeing the medicine boy’s strange expression, most likely someone did.

Thinking of this, Taoyu wished she could find a hole to hide in and simply buried her face in Huo Shuo’s chest, blocking her face.

“Is this lady feeling unwell?”

Huo Shuo hugged Taoyu into the clinic, and the attending doctor looked at the two of them, asking.

“She just has a bit of a headache, nothing else.”

The doctor said, “Let me first take your pulse and give you some medicine for headaches and fevers.”

Upon hearing this, Taoyu lifted her head from Huo Shu’s embrace and quickly waved her hand apologetically to the doctor, saying, “We don’t need medicine for typhoid fever. It’s my husband; he wants some medicine.”

With that, Taoyu quickly slipped away.

The doctor looked at Huo Shu, who was vigourous and strong enough to kick a bull to death, and asked tentatively, “Are you not feeling well?”

Huo Shu remained impassive. “I just got married, and things are not going well in the bedroom. I need some medicine or ointment.”

His voice was neither loud nor soft, but his words were ordinary and serious, yet they caused everyone in the clinic to turn their heads.

Seeing Huo Shu’s imposing figure and then glancing at the beautiful husband sitting aside, the men silently lowered their heads.

Taoyu quickly covered her face with her sleeve upon seeing this. She knew this man was straightforward to the point of being blunt, and it would have been better for her to ask herself.

The doctor was also taken aback for a moment. Considering Huo Shu’s physique, which was extraordinary, it made sense. After clearing his throat, he said, “Follow me.”

Taoyu hesitated whether to follow, but seeing the curious glances from those who kept sneaking peeks, she stood up, hesitated for a moment, then simply ran outside to wait for them.

Huo Shu stayed in the clinic’s inner room for a while before emerging with a small box in his arms.