In the end, seven households, including Jiang Fuzheng’s, signed a contract with Gong Lisheng, each paying a deposit of three hundred wen. After the payment was settled, Ye Li quickly mentioned that he wanted to buy some firewood.

In fact, the villagers of Yezaopo Hill, aside from going up the mountain to chop firewood, also burned crop stalks for fuel on a daily basis.

Take corn cobs, for instance: without machinery to grind them into flour—and since this wasn’t a famine year where people had to eat tree bark—every household used them for fuel.

On top of that, they’d go up the mountain from time to time to gather dry firewood, so no one was short on it.

Upon hearing that he intended to spend money on firewood, Aunt Lu immediately said, “Why should you spend money? It’s all homegrown. As it happens, we haven’t finished burning last year’s cotton stalks yet. I’ll have your brother Dachun bring you some later.”

Wang Qiumei had come over to join the conversation and chimed in, “Exactly. I still have plenty of corn cobs left at my place. The new crop will be ready in another month, so I’ll send you over two baskets later.”

Jiang Fuzheng chimed in, “I’ve got plenty of corn cobs too. I’ll have Ji carry a sackful back for you.” The rest of the households all spoke up, offering to send him some as well.

To the people of Yezaopo, firewood really wasn’t anything of great value.

Besides, thanks to Ye Li, they were about to make a decent sum of money—why would they be stingy over such a small thing?

Ye Li hurriedly waved his hands and explained, “Thank you, uncles, aunts, and everyone, but I’ll likely be buying firewood often in the future—not just this once—so let’s settle the accounts properly.”

“If you’re buying it in the future, then you can pay then. How could we possibly charge you for the very first time? When you sell tofu, don’t you usually give an extra two taels the first time too?”

Wang Qiumei said.

Her words drew many murmurs of agreement.

“We’re all neighbors here. How could we possibly charge for such a small purchase on the first try?”

Jiang Fuzheng pointed directly at Jiang Mantang: “Go back and grab a sackful; have that kid Ji carry it home.” Jiang Mantang let out a sigh and ran back home.

Seeing this, the others also began to leave, heading home to gather firewood to send to Ye Li. Ye Li was deeply moved and hurriedly thanked them repeatedly.

Jiang Mantang soon came out carrying a sack of corn cobs. Jiang Ji thanked him, took the sack, and hoisted it onto his shoulder. He then headed home with Ye Li, the two little ones, and Gong Lisheng.

Gong Lisheng had come over today not only to draw up the deed but also to take the preserved eggs Ye Liang had sent over yesterday.

There were about twelve hundred of them—not a large number. He counted them quickly. During this time, villagers kept bringing firewood over; the most common items were corn cobs, followed by cornstalks and cotton stalks.

Before long, a huge pile had formed.

After Gong Lisheng finished counting the preserved eggs and handed the silver to Ye Liang, the business was done, and it was time for him to take his leave.

He had rented a mule cart again today. Now that the sun had lost its intensity and was about to set, he thought of giving Jiang Ji a ride. Jiang Ji shook his head in refusal; he just needed to make it into the city before the gates closed.

He asked Ye Liang again.

Just then, the fried tofu puffs, skewers, and dough fritters were all ready, so Ye Liang hopped onto his mule cart and left with him. Watching the cart drive off into the distance, Ye Li turned to Jiang Ji and asked, “Shall we cook?”

“Sure,” Jiang Ji nodded.

So the two of them, along with Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya, went into the courtyard.

The villagers had given them plenty of firewood, all piled up against the courtyard wall—enough to last about a week. Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya stood in front of the firewood pile with their little hands on their hips, growing happier the longer they looked at it. For the next few days, all they’d have to do was cut grass!

Ye Liang had just finished frying the tofu puffs, and the oil in the wok was still hot. If he poured it into a clay bowl now, it might crack the bowl, so Ye Li first used a small stove to heat up the leftover bone broth from lunch.

The eight pork shanks they’d bought today—two per person—had all been gnawed clean.

But there was still half a pot of broth left. He added the leftover watermelon rinds from today, and once it was ready, she’d throw in some salt and other seasonings—it would taste absolutely delicious.

Jiang Ji was in charge of the fire. He stoked the flames and, seeing Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya standing in front of the woodpile admiring it endlessly, said, “Xiao Mai, you two should still go gather firewood tomorrow. It’s always good to have plenty saved up.”

“What if it rains? Then we’ll have no firewood.”

He won’t be home anyway.

Ye Li still insisted on calling Xiao Mai “Master,” making it impossible for her to teach him properly.

Since that was the case, the two of them might as well go gather firewood. The three brothers were entirely dependent on Ye Li for support, so every little bit saved helped. But upon hearing this, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya’s little faces immediately fell.

They both turned their little heads to look at him, clearly reluctant.

Although neither of them liked to slack off, working every single day was getting pretty tedious for them. They wanted to run around and have some fun.

Just then, Ye Li came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of sliced watermelon rinds. Seeing the look on their faces, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “We won’t pick them up tomorrow—we’ll go the day after.” As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya’s big eyes lit up.

Oh, that means we can play again tomorrow afternoon!

Jiang Ya scampered toward Ye Li on his little legs. When he reached the small stove, he wrapped his tiny arms around Ye Li’s waist and exclaimed, “Li-ge is the best!”

But Ye Li wasn’t buying this “sweet talk.” When Jiang Ji had returned earlier, this little rascal had instantly forgotten all about him. Just then, Jiang Ji said, “Don’t spoil them too much. They’re old enough now; they can’t be running around playing all day.”

“They aren’t running around playing all day—they’re both so well-behaved,” Ye Li laughed.

He poured the watermelon rinds into a small iron pot and was just about to head back to the kitchen when Jiang Ya tilted her little head and continued in a loud voice, “Li-ge is right—Second Brother and I are so well-behaved.”

“Li-ge, Li-ge, you’re so kind. Shouldn’t Second Brother and I thank you?”

At this, Ye Li raised an eyebrow and looked down at him. “So how are the two of you going to thank me?”

Jiang Ya’s big eyes darted about, and he pointed his little finger toward the mill, tentatively suggesting, “Would it be okay if Second Brother and I made you some iced watermelon jasmine?” Ye Li burst out laughing. “You’re quite the little schemer.”

Today’s watermelon iced jasmine tea had only used half a watermelon. When Gong Lisheng arrived, Ye Li had intended to cut up the remaining half for everyone to share, but Gong Lisheng was preoccupied with the preserved eggs and had no appetite for watermelon. As a result, that half was still sitting on the cutting board.

Ye Li bent down and pinched his little cheeks. “Alright, go make it now. We still have some cold water left. Use that to mix with the watermelon juice.” With permission granted, Jiang Ya let out a cheer, called out a few more times, “Li-ge is so kind!” and then dashed into the kitchen.

Jiang Mai also hurriedly washed his little hands, eager to help.

Ye Li grabbed a handful of tea leaves and dropped them into the earthenware jar filled with cold water, then let the two of them get to work. He stepped out of the kitchen and began packing Jiang Ji’s luggage.

The walnut and black sesame powder went into one earthenware jar. The shredded pork went into another.

And the copper coins—such an important item—had to go at the very bottom of the backpack. Once he was done packing, he grabbed a palm leaf fan, pulled up a small stool, and sat down in front of the stove. Jiang Ji glanced at the kitchen.

The doorway to the kitchen was, of course, empty; the two little ones were still busy at the cutting board. He reached out his large hand, took Ye Li’s hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Ye Li couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

But looking at Jiang Ji’s handsome face so close to his own, he pursed his lips and said earnestly, “Studying is hard on the brain. Don’t overwork yourself—make sure to balance work and rest.”

“Also, don’t put pressure on yourself. I know you’re secretly anxious, but don’t rush it. Wait until after you turn thirty.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ji couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright.”

Only Ye Li never urged him to study hard; instead, he worried that he was working too hard.

Hard work?

Compared to doing farm work or hauling heavy loads, it wasn’t hard at all.

Farm work meant truly toiling with one’s face to the soil and back to the sky, enduring the blazing sun. Year after year, which old farmer wasn’t left with a face full of deep wrinkles, skin dark and ruddy, and hands and feet covered in calluses, like land cracked by drought?

Carrying heavy loads isn’t easy either—you have to smile and flatter the foreman, and pay bribes.

But studying only requires sitting in a bright classroom and using your brain. You’re sheltered from the wind and rain.

Especially now, the food is good. He can add a few spoonfuls of walnut and black sesame powder to the thin soup that used to be so watery it could have served as a mirror.

That walnut and black sesame powder is truly a marvelous thing. Stir it into the thin soup a few times, and it becomes fragrant and rich; when you take a bite, your mouth is filled with the delicate aroma of grains.

Even with a dry, crumbly steamed bun, he could break it open and stuff a spoonful of shredded pork inside. This was real meat.

It’s as if he eats meat at every meal!

Of course, eggs were a staple at every meal.

With these conditions, he hardly seems like a farm boy—he’s almost on par with Bao Beiyuan, the former young master. He’s not suffering at all.

He was living in luxury every single day.

Having enjoyed so much luxury, he did feel a bit restless. But Ye Li had thought of that too.

Such thoughtfulness—how could he not be swept off his feet, his heart deeply entwined with hers? He must make an effort.

Otherwise, once his looks fade, so will her love.

He won’t stay eighteen forever.

Jiang Ji made up his mind, and soon, the bone broth was ready.

The buns had been steamed at noon, and in the heat of summer, there was no need to worry about them getting cold.

Jiang Ji ate two buns with the bone broth, drank half a bowl of watermelon jasmine tea, and then stepped out the door carrying his backpack. He had only one month left before he had to go to the Prefectural Capital.

Work hard!

After Jiang Ji left, Ye Li’s days continued as usual.

As was his custom, by the time one batch of preserved eggs was ready, the next batch was already sealed in jars. Thus, his schedule for making preserved eggs coincided perfectly with the villagers’ off-peak hours.

Now the villagers were buying eggs like crazy, driving the price up by two wen per catty.

But the villagers’ enthusiasm hadn’t waned. After all, preserved eggs were a volume-driven business; this small price hike was nothing compared to the profit margin. On the other hand, Gong Lisheng was feeling quite the pressure.

With all these contracts signed, he couldn’t sleep unless he found a market for the preserved eggs right away! He sent word to his father in the countryside, asking him to come over and help.

After Old Man Gong arrived, Chen Cuihua took over as the head cook in the shop. Gong Lisheng rented a handcart, loaded it with seasonings and preserved eggs, and, just like Bao Beiyuan, pushed the cart around town hawking his wares.

He made a point of going far away so as not to compete with his own shop.

Moreover, being a seasoned businessman, he was smooth-talking and resourceful. He was willing to offer samples, and if customers bought in bulk, he’d round down the price, so he sold quite a few portions each day.

Combined with sales from the shop, he could easily surpass the 300-portion mark. But that wasn’t enough.

Soon, tens of thousands of preserved eggs would be waiting for him to sell.

So he rented another room near the shop and had his second younger brother come over to take over the areas he had already covered. As for himself, he pushed his handcart to explore new territories—and he still had a third younger brother to rely on.

While Gong Lisheng worked tirelessly to find markets for the preserved eggs, on the other side, the villagers who hadn’t signed contracts kept urging Jiang Fuzheng to go to restaurants to promote them.

For a few households, like Aunt Lu’s, they had already found buyers, so they felt confident making preserved eggs, with no worries at all about getting their money back. But the rest of the families, while boldly buying eggs, had their hearts pounding with anxiety; it was like lying in a pot of boiling oil—an agonizing ordeal.

Jiang Fuzheng, pressed for time, borrowed a few preserved eggs from Jiang Tong and Jiang Liu, then headed into town to find a market for them. Meanwhile, Jiang Tong drove his oxcart back and forth, bringing home green bricks, lumber, and other materials. With the building supplies all in place, it was time to start construction.

Their old courtyard had been demolished, so the family of five had set up a makeshift shelter and was temporarily living there. Ye Li was also planning to build a house, so he went to check on the progress every day.

It was summer, the perfect time for construction, but he didn’t have enough money. He could only hope the villagers would quickly sell the preserved eggs so he could take his cut.

During this time, it rained.

This rain didn’t feel like a typical summer shower; it fell steadily and gently, drizzling on and off for a whole day.

The rain was a blessing; now Ye Liang and Ye Wen wouldn’t have to come help water the corn.

The corn cobs were now fully formed, and the stalks were taller than Ye Li, so there was no need to weed anymore. Even the Jiang Tong family, who lived in the shack, was quite pleased with this rain.

But Ye Liang wasn’t too pleased.

The rain was nice, but it was affecting his street stall business!

He’d agreed with Ye Li that if it rained, he wouldn’t come, but Ye Li still had to keep frying the tofu puffs. Even in summer, these fried treats wouldn’t go bad for two or three days.

But even if they don’t spoil, he certainly couldn’t serve customers tofu puffs fried three days ago. Worried that two days’ worth of stock wouldn’t sell in a single day, he had to cut the batch in half. Cutting the batch in half meant losing several dozen wen in revenue.

It was a painful loss.

The days slipped by one by one. By the time Aunt Lu, Jiang Fuzheng, and the others had their preserved eggs ready, it had already been eight days since Ye Li and Jiang Ji had parted ways.

As agreed, Gong Lisheng was coming to buy the preserved eggs.

The preserved eggs he’d previously bought from Ye Li, Jiang Tong, Jiang Liu, and Jiang Yu had long since sold out.

On the busiest day, he, his younger brother, and the shop together sold nearly five hundred servings of cold-served preserved eggs! That brought in nine hundred wen in a single day!

Therefore, after the preserved eggs ran out, he made a special trip to Yezaopo to check on the progress. His arrival gave the villagers a much-needed boost of confidence.

To be honest, the villagers’ enthusiasm for buying eggs had already waned—after all, they couldn’t possibly invest their entire life savings, could they? But once Gong Lisheng arrived, the villagers regained their enthusiasm, gritted their teeth, and continued to increase their investment.

Ye Li didn’t try to stop them.

At the very least, Ye Liang’s operation served as a safety net; even if they stopped making pickled eggs and sold only whole eggs, they could still make a decent profit. With winter not yet here, the more preserved eggs they made, the better.

That day, Gong Lisheng arrived at Yezaopo early in the morning by mule cart.

The first batch of preserved eggs from Aunt Lu’s household and a few others wasn’t actually very large, because everyone was unsure at first and made only a small amount. Combined, the few households had produced only about three thousand.

Judging by sales before the shortage, they’d be sold out in three days.

It would be another five or six days before the second batch was ready, and Gong Lisheng was so worried he kept slapping his thigh—being unable to make money when he had the chance was more agonizing to him than having his flesh cut away.

When he returned to the city, Ye Li packed walnut and black sesame powder, shredded pork, and a large jar of braised pork over rice. She took Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya with her and boarded his mule cart to head into the city together.

They arrived in town early, with some time to spare before noon, so they headed to the noodle shop first.

After unloading the preserved eggs, Gong Lisheng made four servings of stir-fried cold noodles for them, then drove them to the private school in the mule cart.

The family of four sat under the shade of the jujube tree at the private school and ate the stir-fried cold noodles and braised pork together—Ye Li had deliberately brought the braised pork in a large jar—so that all four could eat together.

The two little ones were thrilled to have such a rare experience.

After the meal, just like last time, the two of them ran around playing near the private school.

Jiang Ji watched the two of them while asking Ye Li, who was clearing the dishes, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t take Xiao Mai and Ya-ger out on a long trip by yourself?”

“Brother Sheng is here,” Ye Li replied without looking up. “Then what about going back later?” Jiang Ji asked.

Hearing this, Ye Li smiled smugly. “My older brother is coming to meet the three of us. I told him yesterday to come a bit later today—to find me at the private school around noon.”

Jiang Ji: “…Thanks for going to all that trouble. You really didn’t have to do this—Xiao Mai trusts you completely.”

“It’s no big deal. It’s only natural.”

Ye Li didn’t think much of it.

He’d only had to put in a few words; it was the others who were inconvenienced. After all, it was the original host who had left Jiang Mai with that psychological trauma. The poor little guy had already suffered enough.

It was a rare chance to get out, so he just needed to enjoy himself—no need to overthink the rest. Seeing how moved Jiang Ji was, he urged him to head back to the private school for his midday rest.

Jiang Ji didn’t insist and carried the two earthenware pots back to the private school.

By the time Ye Li returned to the private school with the two earthenware pots and the two little ones, another day had passed.

The family of four sat under the shade of a tree to eat again. This time, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya were noticeably more excited than last time; the smiles on their little faces were simply unstoppable. That was because Ye Li had given them a reward last night—a full hundred wen!

The reason for the reward was that Ye Li now had money. Ye Li had received his cut from the preserved eggs.

Aunt Lu’s household and the others had settled accounts with Gong Lisheng twice already.

The first payment was too small, so he hadn’t settled up with Ye Li.

The second payment was made five days ago.

However, because the second batch of preserved eggs was too large, Gong Lisheng couldn’t haul it all back in a single day, so he split it into several shipments, and it wasn’t until yesterday that he had bought them all. Yesterday afternoon, Aunt Lu, Jiang Fuzheng, and the others went to the Jiang household to settle the commission with Ye Li.

Ye Li had a large amount in his account, and in his joy, he found an excuse to give the two little ones a reward—one hundred wen each!