Chapter 390 : Twelfth Lunar Month

Twenty-three, sugar melon candy; twenty-four, sweep the house; twenty-five, grind tofu; twenty-six, cut meat (for stew meat)*; twenty-seven, slaughter the rooster (kill the chicken in the kitchen)*; twenty-eight, prepare the dough; twenty-nine, steam mantou; thirty, stay up all night; the first day of the year, dance a happy dance. *

This was a folk song for the twelfth lunar month, which indicated that everyone would get busy as they entered the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month.

This is the video of the folk song mentioned in this chapter. If I’m not mistaken, the original one is only until the 0:44 part. The latter parts are added later. Please correct me if I am wrong.

On the twenty-third day, Yuxi asked Mama Bai and others to make sugar melon candy. She only ate a little, left some in the mansion, and the rest were sent to the school, with all the children given two pieces each.

Since the sugar melon candy had been made with enough ingredients, added with Mama Bai’s excellent workmanship, the taste was extraordinarily delicious. Lu Bai only ate half of a piece and put the other piece and a half away. He wasn’t the only one who did this; most children did the same.

After the afternoon class ended, Lu Bai returned home. He heard a noise coming from inside before he entered, so he called out from the side of his home, “Dage, are you back?” Once he finished asking that, he went into the low shed. That was right. It was a shed, not a house. Not long after Lu Bai’s father was killed in a battle, their mother sold their house and remarried with the money from selling their home and her husband’s pension. At that time, the two brothers were only nine and six. Nevertheless, their father’s friends took pity on them and built this shed. Otherwise, the two brothers would not even have a place to live. T

/C

When Lu Zhu saw his younger brother, he responded with a smile, “En, I just got back.” Because of his age, Lu Zhu could not enter the school. Since his father’s death in a battle two years ago, and his mother left them brothers to remarry while bringing his father’s pension along with her, the nine-year-old child had grown up overnight. Later, Lu Zhu found a job in a tavern, which only provided three meals without pay. They had to rely on their father’s friends’ relief to go by. This showed how difficult the brothers’ life was up until now.

Lu Bai took out the sugar melon candy from his sleeve and handed them to Lu Zhu, saying, “Ge, this is the one issued by the school today. I already ate it. It’s delicious. Ge should have a taste of it too.” Even when Lu Zhu worked as an errand boy in a small tavern without receiving any pay, he still needed to support the two of them.

Lu Zhu did not take it. “Whatever food the school issued, you should eat them yourself.” Previously, a child in the school took the food provided home and ended up fainting from starvation. This person was Lu Bai. Lu Zhu initially thought Lu Bai could not finish them, but when he learned the truth, he was furious.

Lu Bai took out half of the sugar melon candy and said, “I’ve told you, I already ate half of it. Ge, this is what I specially left for you to eat!”

Only then did Lu Zhu take the candy. He gently bit into it, nodded, and commented, “Delicious.” No matter what, he was only an eleven-year-old child.

Lu Bai cracked a smile. “I won’t lie to you. By the way, Ge, why are you back so early today? Is it because the tavern is closing?” These stores would be closed for business at the end of the year.

Lu Zhu shook his head. “No, the owner had something to do, so he closed the store early.” Lu Zhu was now working at a restaurant, receiving a monthly salary of one hundred and sixty cash coins. On top of that, he no longer needed to spend money on Lu Bai ever since he went to school. It might be possible for them to have a good year this year.

Lu Bai nodded. “Gege, the teacher today said that class will be dismissed on the twenty-nine afternoon, and it will resume on the fourth day after the new year.” Yuxi also knew that these children’s families were in difficult circumstances, which was why they were only given four days off.

Lu Zhu nodded and asked, “Have you remembered everything the teacher taught you today?” He had urged Lu Bai to study properly, and Lu Bai lived up to his expectations as he learned everything earnestly.

Lu Bai squatted down, took a sand tray with a tree branch, and wrote words on the sand. This sand tray was made by referring to the one provided at the school. Even though the two children did not have money, it could still be accomplished as long as they set about making one, and it did not even cost them anything. Lu Bai had learned very well and remembered everything his teacher had taught him.

Lu Zhu stroked his brother’s head and said gratefully, “Learn well, and don’t waste this rare opportunity.”

Lu Bai nodded earnestly. “Ge, don’t worry. I will learn well.”

At the same time, Yuxi was also talking to Hao Dazhuang about the children in the school. “These children have been in the school for more than a month. Are there any of them who have performed exceptionally well?”

Hao Dazhuang nodded. “Yes, there are a few brilliant children. They understand what the teacher said as soon as they hear it and have learned martial arts very well.”

Yuxi said, “Ask the teachers and several masters to write down the names of the children who learn well and have a serious attitude, and then give the list to me.” It was not enough to be literate and learn martial arts well; one must also have a good character. Although it was said children’s personalities would change as they grew up, the probability of this happening was in the minority.

Hao Dazhuang didn’t quite understand and asked, “Madam, are you going to reward them?” This benefit was also thanks to the proposal he issued last time.

Yuxi nodded. “Sort of! Remember that the children must be selected according to their achievements, not based on the teachers’ and masters’ preferences.” After selecting these children, they would have to go through a test. After the examination, she would focus on training them.

Hao Dazhuang nodded. “Okay, I’ll tell them when I get back.”

Yuxi gave her approval and reminded him, “This matter should only be mentioned to the teachers and the masters. Do not let it known to the public.” Before this matter was done, Yuxi did not want the news to be revealed to outsiders.

Hao Dazhuang now had completely trusted Yuxi, and he didn’t utter a single word of argument. “Madam, don’t worry. I guarantee they won’t say a word.”

When Huo Changqing returned from the barracks with Yun Qing, they realised everyone in residence was so busy to even listen to the sound of their arrival. They asked, “What are you guys doing?”

One of the guards answered, “Madam has ordered us to clean the residence, and there should be no dust even in one corner.” This task was challenging for them, old men. But they couldn’t leave the work of the outer courtyard to the maids and old women servants! Therefore, they could only do it themselves.

When Huo Changqing listened to their response, he told Yun Qing, “Marrying a wife sure makes a difference. This scene is filled with the New Year atmosphere.” Contrary to a few years ago when the new year felt cold and cheerless and didn’t even have the feeling of a celebration. This year was different. Even the mood in the mansion was unlike before.

After listening to this comment, Yun Qing suggested, “Then, you should also find one, Uncle Huo! Other than that, you will have someone to take care of you at least.” Huo Changqing was not very old and only in his early forties this year. Before Yun Qing got married, he also felt that having a wife and children was a burden, but only after his marriage did he realise that this was the life to live.

Huo Changqing shook his head. “It’s cleaner when I’m alone.”

Yun Qing thought for a moment and exclaimed, “Uncle Huo, if you like, you can take Yan Shi! This Yan Shi is also good-looking, and from what Yuxi said, she also knows not to go beyond her bounds.” Yan Yiyi tried to win Yun Qing’s pity, but Yun Qing wouldn’t even take a look at her, much to her frustration. It didn’t take long for her to realise that Yuxi was not a soft-hearted person, and she honestly cowered in the dark. Yan Yiyi was worried that she wouldn’t even know how she would die if she jumped around too happily. Yuxi was satisfied with Yan Yiyi’s reaction, but her special status made it difficult for Yuxi to marry her out, so she kept her aside for now.

Huo Changqing froze momentarily, and he still shook his head afterwards. “Half of my body is already buried in the earth. Why should I still need a concubine?”

In response, Yun Qing countered, “What do you mean half of your body is buried in the earth? You are still young, Uncle Huo!” Seeing that Huo Changqing still shook his head, Yun Qing continued, “Uncle Huo, this matter is settled. I’ll go talk to Yuxi now.” After saying that, he went to the backyard in quick steps.

Yuxi was checking the account book when she noticed Yun Qing’s arrival. She stood up and asked with a smile, “Why are you back when it’s only noon? Did you come back to help with the residence cleaning today?”

Yun Qing said loudly, “If there is anything you need, Madam, just ask.”

As soon as Yuxi saw Yun Qing’s action, she knew something good would happen and asked, “What’s the happy news? So happy?” She rarely saw Yun Qing looking so happy, so she was curious about what it was!

Yun Qing replied, “I want Yan Yiyi to serve Uncle Huo. You should find a chance to tell her that.” Since that person has been given to him, he has the right to deal with her. When he told Yuxi about this, it was not for her to discuss the matter with Yan Yiyi but to inform her.

Yuxi was startled and asked, “Has Uncle Huo taken a fancy to Yan Yiyi?” She didn’t expect Huo Changqing was still attracted to a woman’s beauty.

Yun Qing immediately shook his head. “No, it was my intention. Uncle Huo is all alone, and no one is around to take care of him. Didn’t you say Yan Yiyi knows how to stay within her bounds? I think it’s good for her to serve Uncle Huo.”

As long as it was not Yun Qing who wanted to take a concubine, Yuxi was definitely okay with it. Furthermore, the fact that Uncle Huo was willing to take Yan Yiyi in made her feel at ease instead. With such an immense beauty still staying in the mansion, what if Yun Qing couldn’t resist the temptation in the end? Although Yuxi also knew that this probability was small, pathetically small, it could still exist. In this regard, she was also being very narrow-minded. “Is this only you being on the hot end of the barber’s pole point, or has Uncle Huo already agreed to it?”

Yun Qing smiled cheerfully. “Uncle Huo didn’t refuse it. So you can start arranging the procedure right now.” Since Uncle Huo didn’t refuse, that meant he agreed with this decision. He naturally had to strike while the iron was hot.

Yuxi understood Yun Qing’s meaning: to let Yan Yiyi serve Huo Changqing tonight. Yuxi shook her head and said, “It’s not proper for you to do that. Let me talk to her first and then set up two cups of wine on the table properly.” Seeing that Yun Qing was hesitant, Yuxi added, “This is to find a woman who will take care of Uncle Huo, not as his bed warmer. What will the other mansion’s people think if we just send her there quietly? By then, how can she wholeheartedly serve Uncle Huo? After setting up the wines, it’s like giving her a status. This will calm her mind, and she will be free of anxiety. Only then will she naturally devote herself to Uncle Huo.” Through this observation period, Yuxi also discovered that Yan Yiyi was not only thoughtful but also knowledgeable. Setting up a table with two cups of wine would make Yan Yiyi’s view of her life road brighter, and she would undoubtedly commit to living a life with Huo Changqing.

Yun Qing felt that Uncle Huo would only take a concubine, not a wife. Why did it need to be this troublesome? But after listening to Yuxi’s explanation, he recognised two points of truth to it. Moreover, he did not need to argue about this since it was only a small matter. He nodded and said, “Since you think this is good, you can talk to her later. Set up a few tables of wine in the evening, and let her serve Uncle Huo after that.”

Yuxi was a bit suspicious. “What’s the hurry?” It seemed like if they didn’t do it today, they wouldn’t be able to make it tomorrow.

Yun Qing did not hide from Yuxi as he expressed, “I’m afraid Uncle Huo will not agree about this tomorrow, so this matter should be settled first.”

Yuxi was amused. Since Huo Changqing had answered positively, why would he go back on his own words? This was a matter of concern in confusion. “Alright, I’ll let someone call Yan Shi right away.”