Chapter 98

·

·

·

Characters:

Song Miao

Asked this way, Na Han Li also stopped his steps, lowered his head to look at the child behind.

Cheng Erniang's expression dimmed slightly, she said: "I've been dismissed from work..."

She had previously thought the person at home was a stranger, hard to talk to, but after learning Han Li's identity, she no longer held back and simply explained the whole story.

It turned out Xiao Lian, after following him to the slaughterhouse, refused to sit idly by; besides helping with sweeping and other small tasks within her ability, she also helped other butchers and assistants. Though just a child, she was very diligent.

That day she saw several large carts come into the courtyard, wanting to unload goods at a corner.

Because her mother had warned her about that place early on, saying it was for dumping pig urine and filth, not to go near, she specially ran over there, wanting to remind them.

Who knew that as soon as she got close, a ruffian standing outside kicked her with his foot, roaring at her to get lost.

Xiao Lian was originally frail, and the ground was full of bloodstains and oil, very slippery. Not paying attention for a moment, she fell to the ground, bumping her head.

That man paid no attention at all, only urging people to leave.

Xiao Lian thought she had done something bad and was being scolded, crying as she ran away, not daring to tell her mother, fearing she would ruin the family livelihood.

However, not long after, the owner of the slaughterhouse called Cheng Erniang over, settled her wages, only saying that this place had people coming and going with knives, bringing a child was really inconvenient, she could go home now and didn't need to come again.

Cheng Erniang didn't know what had happened before, pleaded for a while, seeing it was no use, reluctantly agreed. Turning around and seeing Xiao Lian, she then learned what had happened.

Her daughter had bumped her head and face, and had scrapes on her body. Cheng Erniang was both heartbroken and angry, wanting to go find someone to argue with, but that ruffian had long since disappeared. Asking around, everyone said they were outsiders who had already left, so she had to give up.

"If it was trouble caused by the child making a fuss, I would accept it, but she didn't do anything wrong, suffering this injustice for nothing..."

Cheng Erniang said this while being angry.

Song Miao looked at Xiao Lian; indeed her eyes were brimming with tears, both eyes swollen red, presumably she had cried several times on the way.

She squatted down to touch that small head, the hair soft and fluffy. Being touched, she wailed and cried again, throwing herself into Song Miao's arms, calling out: "Sister, I really didn't block the way, nor did I cause trouble!"

Song Miao hurriedly comforted her in a low voice, then said to Cheng Erniang: "Forget it, that place is harsh anyway, little pay and much work. I see your hands and feet are all chapped; not doing it is better—let's see where he finds such a capable person! He'll regret it to death!"

Han Li asked: "Which slaughterhouse? Do you know the name of the one who kicked? How can they do things so improperly."

Cheng Erniang said she didn't know, and added: "Young Master, if you see Xiao Jian, by all means don't mention this to him, otherwise this ruffian will surely kick up a fuss—it's also us meddling too much. Besides, that place is full of butchers, with guards and assistants. Better not provoke them, to avoid suffering a loss."

Seeing the party involved had such an attitude, Han Li, after all not familiar, responded with a sound, comforted her a few words, then bade farewell to Song Miao and left.

After seeing Han Li off, Song Miao then carefully examined Xiao Lian's head injury, and said: "Tonight wrap an egg in cloth and roll it, see if it can get better."

She coaxed her again: "Hungry? I stewed some good soup. Wash your hands in a bit and come eat."

Xiao Lian sobbed; hearing there was soup to drink, her crying slowly stopped. But Cheng Erniang sent her back to bathe, saying: "Don't know where she rolled to get so stinky, head and body all dirty. Good thing it's noon with the big sun; take a bath."

After the person left, Cheng Erniang sighed, saying: "This child, her forehead is all swollen, so silly, only knows how to cry!"

She wanted to blame her daughter for being bullied and not telling, but knew it was because her daughter felt for her mother, making her blame herself even more. Especially angry at that hateful man, yet no one could be found. She also worried about having no work now, no work means no food, afraid they wouldn't be able to cook soon. Many words came to her lips, but in the end she couldn't say them.

Finally, Cheng Erniang only said to Song Miao: "Originally just borrowing a place to stay, but we mother and daughter are always causing trouble, and still burdening Young Lady Song."

Song Miao comforted her a couple of sentences, then asked again: "This job can't be done anymore. I don't know what Er Niangzi plans to do?"

"It's my own fault. Which family would hire someone who brings a child along? But there's no way. Take it one step at a time, slowly find another."

Song Miao looked at Cheng Erniang's dusty appearance and said: "I originally had an idea. It wasn't suitable then, but now I can ask. I want to invite Er Niangzi to help me out. I don't know if you're willing?"

Cheng Erniang suddenly looked up. Her eyes brightened at first, then dimmed again. She said: "With my skills, Young Lady has eaten my food before. Helping out is fine, but if it's proper employment, better to go outside and find someone suitable. They're far better than me, saving you a lot of trouble!"

"Don't rush to refuse," Song Miao explained seriously. "I'm just a small business. I don't need much, nor can I afford skilled help. Just having someone to lend a hand is enough."

"I originally worried this house couldn't be kept and we'd have to move soon. I only asked Er Niangzi and Xiao Lian to stay temporarily. But I just got news that the property rights to this house have been settled back to us. Since that's the case, I finally dare to decide to cover food and lodging for both of you. But I can't pay that much—this time going by market rate, whatever the slaughterhouse paid Er Niangzi, I can only give eighty percent."

"The work here, Er Niangzi did a few days ago and did very well. But when it comes to proper help, besides what was done before, if new orders come in, I'll need you to help. Also, I'll start another stall, make breakfast, push the cart out to sell. If things get better in the future, I'll add to your wages. I don't know if you're willing?"

For Cheng Erniang, although the money was a little less, it wasn't much less. Besides, Song Miao provided food and lodging, and she could bring her daughter. Calculating it, she could actually save more.

Besides, she had been at the Song family for a few days. Whether it was character or temperament, she really liked Young Lady Song immensely. She didn't need to think; she couldn't find a single reason to hesitate.

She hurriedly said: "I am naturally a thousand times willing. I'm just afraid I won't be of much help and will take wages for nothing."

Hearing this, Song Miao was also very happy.

For her, cleanliness was the most important thing in making food. If she went outside, it would be hard to find someone trustworthy and reliable.

Song Miao didn't have high requirements for the helper's skills. Cheng Erniang had great strength, was diligent and capable, and her character was trustworthy. She was truly a top choice, able to save a lot of effort.

She thought for a moment, then said: "Even close brothers must settle accounts clearly. Although I trust Er Niangzi's character, I have one thing to say upfront—if one day you don't want to work here, you must tell me ten days in advance, so I'm not caught unprepared."

The two settled the matter at once. They only waited for Song Miao to report news to those creditors. Once she was certain, they would finalize this matter.

Cheng Erniang was overjoyed. She hurriedly said: "I'll go tell Xiao Lian in a bit, so this child won't keep worrying about having no rice to cook at home!"

She added: "When I get a chance, I'll send word to Xiao Jian, so he won't need to worry anymore!"

She was beaming. As she spoke, her voice suddenly paused. She hesitated for a few breaths, then said: "Since I've come and can stay long-term, Young Lady, that empty land in the back courtyard—except for the part paved with stone slabs, can the rest be opened up to grow some vegetables?"

"This courtyard is very big. In the corners, we can also raise a coop of chickens. I can build the racks myself without asking others."

"At that time, use wood ash and chicken manure for compost. Not a bit of smell. Grow two ridges of vegetables, enough for us to eat. It can save a lot on food expenses. I'll keep it clean, it won't be dirty."

Song Miao thought for a moment, but shook her head. "Forget it. We sell food. The back courtyard has well water and stone mills. If the wind blows, who knows what it might bring. When eating ourselves, knowing the source, we can be less particular. But ultimately it's to be sold to others. No matter how careful, it's not too much."

Cheng Erniang was a little disappointed, but soon understood. She said: "I was thinking too simply."

She was the type who couldn't sit idle. Seeing empty land, she wanted to plant. Seeing empty wall corners, she wanted to raise chickens and ducks. Also, from conversations these past few days, she learned Song Miao owed a lot of money. She couldn't help but think about how many eggs chickens could lay every day to help subsidize. At this time, she could only give up, still feeling it was a pity in her heart.

As for when Xiao Lian came out after bathing, the child wanted to ask about the soup mentioned before, but was too embarrassed to ask. She only paced around her mother's feet and secretly glanced at Song Miao without mentioning it.

As for the other side, Han Li took the food box back. Seeing a huge bowl of soup inside, he considered for a long time before giving a small bowl to his dormitory mate. He kept a large bowl for himself, then picked up the food box again and went to the Teaching Hall.

By this time the meal hour had passed. As he walked along, he from time to time met the School Teacher and professors.

Everyone knew he had been seconded to the Capital Prefecture Office. They asked questions one after another: either asking when he would return, or what he had been busy with recently, whether he had any writings. If he had writings, let them see. If not, it was fine; they could send someone to get them.

Han Li had no choice but to return the greetings and reply one by one. He also said he was busy with miscellaneous affairs and temporarily had no time to write essays or practice calligraphy.

These words out, they provoked the assembled masters to stamp their feet one after another, each advising him not to let a trivial borrowed transfer delay his main occupation — students are supposed to write essays! If not writing essays, then write official documents?

Who can't write official documents? What a waste of your brain power and heart power, and harming us into waiting in vain.

Hardly escaping, Han Li hurried off to Chen Fuzi Teaching Hall.

This time he walked closer, and only then heard conversation voices inside, at first thinking it was Xiao You, about to knock, then heard another voice, immediately felt something wrong, instantly stopped his steps, just about to retreat back, but unexpectedly inside had long heard movement, called out: "Who's outside? Come in."

Han Li had no choice, could only push the door and enter.

In the teaching hall, Chen Fuzi and two old men sat facing each other at the table.

If Song Miao were here, she would recognize all three heads — the other two, one is Min Xiansheng who promised to help her find someone to check Liao Dangjia's Poumai Zongjuan from that day, the other is Deng Lao who helped Dezhang bring Five-finger Peach.

But right now Han Li stands here, the old men opposite also all recognized him.

"Not seen for long, Zheng Yan bearing even more splendid!"

"Truly handsome, unlike Old Chen, actually has several parts of my former romantic charm — why not come back to Lushan with me, study abroad for two more years, how about it?"

"Go, go! Off to one side!" Chen Fuzi cursed while making a shooing-chickens gesture.

Han Li only smiled, toward everyone one by one returned salutes and greetings.

That Chen Fuzi very sharp-eyed, already saw the food box he carried, said: "What's that in your hand?"

Again said: "Rare to return, still bring things for fellow disciple, not hard to carry all the way — this is past mealtime, I also have no appetite to eat..."

Chen Fuzi speaking, his waist and back straightened, sat up straighter, pointed at the two beside him, said: "Forget it, give those two unblessed old ones a share too."

His words, his manner truly invite hatred.

However reaching this age, besides comparing children, comparing disciples, what else can they compare?

Can't still compare who pisses... farther into the wind, right?

Anyway all wet shoes.

But Min and Feng two fundamentally can't be bothered to compare with him.

"Not your disciple anyway — speaking of it, Fu Xiansheng also taught me three years plus, I and Zheng Yan count as proper fellow disciples, fundamentally not that much more distant than your relationship!"

"Exactly, what's with the showing off!"

Seeing three old men bickering noisily, Han Li sighed, answered: "It's Song Ji Food Shop's Song Xiaoniangzi's stewed soup — not much, shall I divide a portion for the three of you?"

Chen Fuzi mouth open just about to curse-match with the two, hearing the four words "Song Ji Food Shop", ears suddenly pricked up, heart already secretly cried bad, then hearing "Song Xiaoniangzi", "stewed soup" etc., beard trembled, hurriedly cut in: "Forget it, forget it, all just ate, where can drink this soup, you put it aside first — I have proper business with you!"

However table full are veterans of officialdom ups and downs, which one isn't a crafty sort.

Seeing Han Li step forward about to put down food box, that Lao Min said: "Slow, what Song Xiaoniangzi, is it the fish soup one from the other day?"

Chen Fuzi ignored.

Getting no answer Min Fuzi completely unconcerned, continued: "These days I constantly think of her soup, if not tripped up by you here, would have gone to her door long ago — I have a belly, I can drink, bring me a cup!"

That Feng Lao at side also said: "A few mouthfuls soup, how can't drink down, Old Chen old, I yet not old! I also want a cup!"

Chen Fuzi originally just wanted to save face and enjoy a taste, now truly regretted his bad mouth, deeply afraid speaking late would lose his own share, hurriedly said: "I can also drink, shout Xiao You bring bowls — Xiao..."

He just about to shout, was stopped by Feng Lao at side, shouted: "Shout what shout, Xiao You comes, you give him share or not? Last time at Jinming Pool, I originally still wanted rest a bit then take that chicken egg tofu minced meat mix two mouthfuls rice, waited for me to finish rest, he only lacked licking plate clean, you call him, you give your own share to him??"

Chen Fuzi looked at that just-opened food box, inside soup bowls originally not large, now still less than half, let alone three, one person could drink it all, immediately dared not speak.

Momentarily three men splashed leftover tea from cups, then took those tea cups to hold soup.

Originally only one cup soup, each got large half cup, plus two or three pieces pig lung, ginkgo etc.

"White and pale, is it fish soup?" Min Xiansheng both surprised and delighted, but leaned close to smell, no fish fragrance, only a very strong almond fragrance.

"No, said to be Apricot Pig Lung Soup."

Min Xiansheng hearing this name very unfamiliar, simply drank a mouthful first.

Mouth full smooth and slippery.

First almond fragrance, then a faint meat fragrance, that meat flavor actually a clear sweet feeling, salty as if present yet absent, instead sweetness took the upper hand.

Almonds nine parts Southern Apricot Kernel, one part Northern Apricot Kernel, Southern Apricot Kernel naturally carries clear sweet taste, returns sweet, Northern Apricot Kernel has a thread of slight bitterness, but only bitter fragrance no bitter taste, making that almond juice flavor more layered.

Song Miao used well water boiled then cooled to grind almond juice, finely ground three times, filtered twice, entering mouth not a grain of residue eaten, like soup yet richer than soup, like thick soup yet smoother than thick soup.

So slippery, so moist a mouthful of soup.

Moistened Min Fuzi from throat to lungs, all as if soaked open.

Wait eat a mouthful that so-called "pig lung", where resembles pig lung, snow white, fine tender, soaked full of soup juice, fragrant sweet, clear sweet, bite like tofu, if not on top still faintly visible crisscross meat grain, eating also has meat flavor, even if beat Min Fuzi to death, he absolutely would not believe.

Half cup soup, few mouthfuls pig lung, few grains soft mushy ginkgo kernels, fundamentally didn't eat out feeling, that bowl already seen bottom.

"Gone?"

"Only this much??"

A crowd of old men staring wide-eyed, tiger-watching intently at Han Li.

In the Capital Prefecture Office, also staring wide-eyed, there was also Cai Xiu.

He looked at the room full of zongjuan piled like mountains, hated not to burn them clean with one fire!