The kang Ye Li had custom-made was oblong. It was five chi long and two chi wide.

It was made of southern beech wood.

Beech wood is heavier than poplar or elm, so this long kang is not only sturdy but also stable. Jiang Ji would place Ye Li on it—whether he was lying face-down or sitting up.

No matter how urgent or frequent those embarrassing sounds became, the kang didn’t budge an inch. The two of them truly loved it dearly.

Unfortunately, although the temperature in the bedroom was considerably higher than outside, it was still bitterly cold. To avoid catching a chill, after confirming the quality of the kang, the two of them obediently returned to their beds.

They lay on their sides facing each other, Ye Li’s leg draped over Jiang Ji’s shoulder; the difference in their builds allowed Jiang Ji to hold Ye Li completely in his arms. Not only were their skin pressed tightly together, but their lips, tongues, and breaths were also intertwined.

This intimacy captivated and stirred Jiang Ji’s heart even more than the sight of Ye Li lying on the kang with his body exposed. The high stool and the kang were merely tools.

They were a source of sensual pleasure.

They were the composure that came only after satisfaction.

And right now, all he wanted was to hold Ye Li—his Ye Li—in his arms, in perfect intimacy, indulging to his heart’s content. His Ye Li would stare at him without blinking.

His eyes, sparkling, were filled entirely with him. He would even lean in to kiss him.

His soft tongue would lick his lips and the corners of his mouth.

When he tried to kiss him back, he’d obediently part his lips to bite his tongue, while pressing his body closer into his embrace and letting out soft little moans through his nose.

Ye Li was like a plump summer peach—sweet, soft, and clinging. It made his heart swell with joy.

So, relatively speaking, this first time ended a bit quickly. But it was satisfying.

Very satisfying.

So satisfying that they kissed for quite a while before finally parting their lips.

They both pulled back slightly, gazing at each other’s flushed cheeks. They smiled at one another and couldn’t help but kiss again. When that kiss ended, the longing that had built up over the past month finally eased a little.

They’d worked up a sweat earlier, and the bedding was a bit damp. Ye Li lifted his leg, intending to kick the covers off. Seeing this, Jiang Ji simply sat up and pulled back most of the blankets covering them.

A rush of cool air instantly enveloped them both. It felt wonderful.

Jiang Ji looked at Ye Li.

Ye Li lay lazily on his side, one leg stretched out and the other casually bent. The soft, hazy light enveloped him, making his skin look as flawless as warm jade—utterly alluring.

Jiang Ji’s throat went dry as he watched him. He pulled the covers back over them both. Then he lay down and pulled Ye Li into his arms.

Ye Li squirmed a few times in annoyance: “It’s still hot—pull it back, pull it back.”

“Don’t catch a cold—the medicine is so bitter.”

Jiang Ji grabbed his hand and pulled it down: “Let’s keep going.” But just then, Ye Li suddenly yawned.

“Tired?”

Jiang Ji asked.

As he spoke those two words, he wrapped one arm around Ye Li’s waist and began to move gently. The soothing pleasure made Ye Li yawn involuntarily once more.

He closed his eyes, resting his hand on Jiang Ji’s waist, and said, “We walked quite a bit today.” The amount of activity today was several times what they usually did.

They’d just taken a hot bath. And now, after the fact.

With all three of these factors combined, it was no wonder he was sleepy.

But right now, Jiang Ji was taking it slow and gentle—each movement drawn out, stretching the pleasure as if he were floating in water, causing him to let out a few soft moans.

Seeing this, Jiang Ji chuckled softly, cupped his face, and kissed him, then said, “Then let’s buy an ox cart, shall we?” 

“That way, we won’t have to hitch a ride with other people anymore.”

“It’ll be more convenient for us to go out on our own.”

They were going to the county town the next day and would have to borrow Jiang Fuzheng’s mule cart.

Upon hearing this, Ye Li gave a soft “mmhmm” through his nose; he’d been thinking the same thing.

Today, when he walked to the county school, he’d regretted it halfway there—he should have asked Jiang Fuzheng to give him a ride. He couldn’t make that mistake again; otherwise, he’d be the one to suffer in the end.

“We’ll buy one in the next couple of days,” he said. 

“Okay,” Jiang Ji nodded.

However, seeing that he still had his eyes closed, he said, “Look at me.” As soon as those three words came out, Ye Li half-opened his eyelids: “What for?” 

“I’m good-looking—just looking at me will wake you up.”

“…You’re shameless.”

Ye Li chuckled and actually opened his eyes. Jiang Ji smiled too.

The two of them were just as they had been before, with Ye Li resting his head on Jiang Ji’s arm, their bodies pressed together in an embrace. But being this close wasn’t ideal—he couldn’t see Jiang Ji’s face clearly.

Ye Li shifted his head back a little, moving more than a foot away from Jiang Ji. The two locked eyes.

Their dark, lustrous eyes stared at each other without blinking. Actually, this could easily become awkward.

But for them, they’d locked eyes like this countless times during their past intimate moments. As long as they looked at each other’s faces, their hearts were filled with sweetness.

Neither of them looked away, so the smiles on their faces grew wider and wider until they finally burst out laughing. They naturally drew close to each other again, their lips meeting in a kiss.

Though their movements were gentle and tender, the sweetness in their hearts was no less intense than the first time. The comfortable, spacious kang.

Two people, all tangled up together.

Winter nights were finally no longer cold and lonely.

Besides, now that the workshop had been moved to the back of their house, they no longer had to get up early.

So after they finished this time, Jiang Ji couldn’t bear to go to sleep. He pulled the drowsy Ye Li close and began a third round. Ye Li was truly exhausted, but since it felt so good—especially with the person he loved—he indulged in the pleasure.

Half-awake and half-asleep, he and Jiang Ji carried on until late into the night. The next day, when he woke up, it was already broad daylight.

The weather was nice today, and the bedroom was bright and airy.

The kang was still warm.

But Jiang Ji had already gotten up.

He yawned, rolled over, and went back to sleep.

When he woke again, Jiang Ji was sitting on the edge of the kang, flipping through his ledger. He grunted twice.

It wasn’t a loud sound, but Jiang Ji immediately put down the ledger and looked at him: “Awake?” 

“What hour is it now?” He closed his eyes again and asked lazily. “It must be exactly Si hour,” Jiang Ji said.

Exactly the hour of Sì?

Ye Li’s eyes snapped open.

Had he slept until ten o’clock?

“…Have Yi-ger and Father gone to the workshop yet?” he asked.

Hearing this, Jiang Ji smiled. He raised his hand and pulled the quilt down a bit, revealing Ye Li’s face. “Don’t worry. Xiao Mai and Ya-ger are also at the workshop filtering the soybean pulp.”

“They’re not home, so they don’t know you slept in this late.”

Hearing this, Ye Li really didn’t feel anxious anymore. None of them were home.

Still, he asked, “Why did Xiao Mai and Ya-ger go too?”

The water’s too cold in winter, so ever since the village workshop opened, the two little ones haven’t been doing this work anymore. Jiang Ji explained, “I sent them off to earn some wages so they wouldn’t be chattering away at home and disturbing your sleep.” 

Ye Li chuckled at this: “You really are a good big brother to them.”

“That’s right—and I’m your good husband, too.”

Jiang Ji leaned down and kissed his slightly parched lips. “Time to get up? Lunch is kept warm in the big iron pot, and there’s hot water boiling on the stove.” Ye Li squirmed—he really didn’t want to get up.

It’s the middle of winter, and since they’d already slept until ten, they might as well linger a bit longer and skip breakfast to have lunch instead. But not today.

He’d promised Jiang Ya just yesterday—he couldn’t go back on his word.

Drawing courage from those four words, he sat up with a start: “Go get Xiao Mai and Ya-ger back. Let’s head straight to the county town for a hot pot meal.”

“Oh, and tell Dad to make dinner a little lighter.”

The meals these past two days had been far too greasy and salty.

Jiang Ji nodded, cupped his face, and gave him a kiss before leaving the bedroom. So Ye Li got out of bed and washed up.

Jiang Ji had already led Jiang Fuzheng’s family’s mule cart back and tied it up by the well.

By the time he was ready, the two little ones, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya, came hopping back. Jiang Ji followed right behind them.

As soon as Jiang Ya stepped through the courtyard gate and saw him lifting the backpack onto the mule cart, she immediately ran toward him with a smile: “Brother Li, Brother Li, can I go work at the workshop from now on?”

“You want to go? The water’s freezing cold,”

Ye Li reminded him.

“But the pay is good.”

Jiang Ya said, stopping in front of him with his little hands clasped behind his back, a hint of shyness on his round face.

But his big eyes were still fixed on him, clearly taking this matter very seriously: “I don’t do much work, so I’ll only take five wen. Is that okay?”

Ye Li was amused by his shy little pose: “Sure, of course. From now on, you can go whenever you want, just like before. I’ll pay you once the sorting is done.”

Having gotten the answer he wanted, Jiang Ya’s shyness vanished instantly. He let out a cheer and threw herself into Ye Li’s arms: “Brother Li, I’ll work really hard! I won’t slack off!”

“Good boy, you’re the hardest worker of all.”

Ye Li couldn’t resist ruffling his little head: “Go put on your big pouch—we’re about to head out.” 

“Okay, okay.”

Jiang Ya hurriedly turned and ran toward the room he shared with Ye Li and Jiang Mai.

Jiang Mai wanted to go too, but Ye Li called him back: “Xiao Mai, aren’t you going to work at the workshop?” 

“No, I’m going to study.”

Jiang Mai shook his little head.

Five wen a day was indeed a lot, but studying was even more important. Working at the workshop only paid thirty wen a day.

But if he achieved success in the imperial exams, he’d be just like his older brother—he’d have everything!

“Good. Focusing on your studies is a good thing, and studying is much harder than working. Xiao Mai, you’ve chosen the hardest path—how brave of you!”

Ye Li offered his encouragement with a smile.

Jiang Mai felt a little embarrassed by the praise; he glanced at him with a blush, gave a soft “Mm-hmm,” and then ran off. Ye Li then turned to Jiang Ji: “Why does Ya-ger want to go work at the workshop?”

“He just bragged to the villagers that we’re going to eat at Banxianju, and that you get half off. The villagers couldn’t help but calculate how long it would take them to save up enough from their wages to afford a meal there.”

“He got tempted by what he heard, so he wants to earn some wages again. He said that once he’s saved up enough silver, he’ll treat the two of us and Xiao Mai to a big feast.”

Jiang Ji explained.

“…Well, that five-wen wage was a bit too low, wasn’t it?”

Ye Li hadn’t expected that to be the reason.

He’d originally thought that since the boy was just a child, paying him ten wen a day might be a bit much—especially since Jiang Ya already had over a thousand wen.

Although a young ger should be raised in comfort, he didn’t want Jiang Ya to think earning money was easy; he planned to gradually increase his wages as the little ger got older.

But he never imagined the little guy wanted to treat him and Jiang Ji to a big meal! At five wen a day, he wouldn’t be able to afford it even if he worked until the Lunar New Year.

Just then, Jiang Ya ran out of the room carrying a large money pouch on his back. He smiled and waved at him: “Ya-ger, the water’s too cold in winter, and you’re still so young. How about I give you an extra five wen a day as a winter allowance?”

Ye Li had given out high-temperature allowances before, so Jiang Ya understood exactly what he meant.

The little guy’s eyes lit up instantly, and he happily threw himself into Ye Li’s arms: “Brother Li, you’re so kind!” Wow, ten wen a day.

Three hundred wen a month. That’s a lot of money!

Seeing him so happy made Ye Li smile too.

Actually, if he earned ten wen a day, he still wouldn’t have enough saved up by the New Year to afford even half a stay at Banxianju.

But there are many festivals in the twelfth lunar month, and by then, they’ll convert the rice, flour, and meat into cash to give to the little one—that will definitely be enough. So the whole family, in high spirits, hopped onto the mule cart and headed to the county town.

At this hour, Bao Beiyuan had already left to sell milk tea, so they went straight to Banxianju. Business at Banxianju was still booming today.

Although it wasn’t yet noon, the first floor was already nearly full.

Since the second floor wasn’t convenient, Ye Li took a seat at an empty table on the first floor.

Just like yesterday, a waiter came over with the menu and asked them to order.

However, this waiter added a few extra words compared to yesterday: “Sir, our restaurant has just introduced a new spicy fish hot pot. The spicy fish has already been prepared in advance, so it’s ready to eat as soon as it’s served.”

“Once you’ve finished that, you can order some vegetables and meat—it’s just as delicious.”

“……”

Ye Li and Jiang Ji exchanged a glance. Was Yu Cai moving that fast?

Already arranged?

However, after glancing at Jiang Ya, he shook his head and said, “Just the regular hot pot, please.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than—before the waiter could say a word—Jiang Ya spoke up: “Why not, Brother Li?”

“Because I’ll have to pick the bones out of your fish. We still have to go shopping and visit Brother Bao later.”

Ye Li explained.

He didn’t feel comfortable letting Jiang Ya eat fish on his own; every time they cooked fish, he’d have to pick out the bones for him, which took too much time. Jiang Ya went, “Oh,” and fell silent.

That was true.

There was just too much going on today. So Ye Li ordered the food.

With the two little ones there, he ordered quite a few vegetarian dishes—kids need a balance of meat and vegetables. After ordering, he handed the menu to the two little ones.

It was their first time eating hot pot, so he wanted them to experience every step of the process.

Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya held the menu. Jiang Mai recognized most of the characters on it and could guess the rest. Since Jiang Ya didn’t recognize as many characters as he did, he patiently read each one aloud to him.

And they had to check the prices, too!

The portions listed here were half a jin each. A single serving of napa cabbage cost three wen!

In their village, a whole head of Chinese cabbage wouldn’t even sell for three wen!

The two little heads huddled together, and it took them quite a while to finally decide on their order.

As soon as the waiter left, they didn’t look around at the restaurant’s decor; instead, they both turned to look at Ye Li. Jiang Mai furrowed his little brow: “Brother Li, those dishes just now cost over a thousand wen.”

He felt like they hadn’t even ordered much.

Jiang Ya nodded his little head too—it really was expensive.

However, he patted his chest and said earnestly to Jiang Mai, “Second Brother, I’ll work hard to earn money. Once I’ve saved up two guan, we’ll come back here to eat.” This scene made Ye Li unable to suppress a chuckle.

He glanced at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji was looking right back at him. Both of them burst into laughter.

However, just as he was about to look away, he saw the assistant manager surnamed Zhang from Banxianju striding toward the door with a broad smile, calling out, “Young Master, Young Master, you’ve finally arrived!”

“Eldest Young Master?”

Ye Li looked toward the entrance.

He saw a middle-aged man with the appearance of a scholar enter the shop, accompanied by a beautiful woman and two young boys. He leaned close to Jiang Ji and whispered, “Look at the entrance—do you recognize that man?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ji glanced toward the entrance. Once he got a clear look at the middle-aged man’s face, he looked away and whispered, “I’ve seen him at the county academy.” But he couldn’t recall his name.

Over the past month, he’d been too busy studying to socialize. Ye Li hummed in acknowledgment.

He was a Xiucai at the county academy, referred to by Deputy Manager Zhang as the “eldest young master,” and his age matched as well—so there was a 90 percent chance this man was Yu Cai’s older brother, Yu Shiting.

But Yu Shiting didn’t recognize him or Jiang Ji.

So he shook off his thoughts and turned his attention to Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya.

The two little ones, having finished fretting over the price, were now turning their little heads to take in the scene inside the restaurant. Soon, the waiter brought over the hot pot base and the ingredients they’d ordered.

So the four of them began to eat.

Eating hot pot at home really does taste different from eating it at a restaurant; the broth at Banxianju was simmered in chicken stock, giving it a richer flavor.

The two little ones ate with great enthusiasm, eagerly dipping and scooping up meat, all while taking in the increasingly lively atmosphere inside the restaurant—they were truly kept very busy. The meal lasted nearly half a shichen.

After the meal, Ye Li went to pay the bill. With a 50% discount, Deputy Manager Zhang charged him just over six hundred wen.

After paying, he asked Deputy Manager Zhang to send his regards to Yu Cai, then he and Jiang Ji led the two little ones out of the shop. By now, Bao Beiyuan was surely still out selling milk tea.

So Jiang Ji drove the mule cart to the vegetable market.

Tomorrow was Jiang Dahu’s birthday, so they had to buy a birthday gift today. While they were at it, they’d pick up some pastries and pickled snacks for Bao Beiyuan as well.

After finishing their shopping, they went to look for Bao Beiyuan.

Barring any surprises, Bao Beiyuan should be heading home at this hour.

Sure enough, when they arrived, Bao Beiyuan was in the kitchen munching on the fried dough sticks he hadn’t finished that morning. As soon as Ye Li saw what he was eating, his face lit up with joy.

When he asked if he’d been busy these past few days, he shook his head: “Not really. I took the glutinous rice to the mill to have it ground, which saved me a lot of effort and time.” 

“I also had the clerk at the goat milk shop deliver the goods right to my door.”

“That way, I can make 150 cups of milk tea a day. I send half to Banxianju, and instead of selling the other half individually, I deliver it directly to my regular customers, so I can handle it all by myself.”

Ye Li:“……”

Jiang Ji:“……”

Wow, he’s really got himself all tied up in knots.

Seeing the two of them at a loss for words, Bao Beiyuan smiled and said, “I know you’re looking out for me, but I can’t find anyone suitable to help me right now.” 

“We do have someone suitable.”

Ye Li said.

“Who?” Bao Beiyuan asked curiously.

“Datong’s younger brother, Jiang Shun. He’s fourteen. If you’re willing, I’ll have him come help you.”

Ye Li said.

The workshop is currently fully staffed, so Jiang Shun can’t work there.

Besides, now that Jiang Tong’s family’s circumstances have improved, he’s become as restless as any boy his age. Rather than having him cooped up at home making wind chimes, it would be better for him to come to the county town and get some fresh air.

Seeing how Bao Beiyuan had been so busy he was spinning like a top—eating fried dough sticks in the morning and leftovers in the afternoon—Ye Li was truly afraid that his recent illness might strike again. Upon hearing this, Bao Beiyuan hesitated.

He knew Ye Li was looking out for him. He had even found someone to help him by now.

But sometimes he really just wanted to be alone and have some peace and quiet…

Just then, Ye Li added, “I’ll tell him not to bother you unless it’s urgent. You two will each have your own room, so he won’t bother you too much.” 

Bao Beiyuan: “……”

He let out a wry smile.

His virtuous brother-in-law had thought everything through so thoroughly; if he refused again, he’d be ungrateful. Besides, he’d already asked Ye Li to help him look into a marriage match.

It was time for him to try to move on from his grief.

Give it a couple of years; by the time the mourning period is over, things should be back to normal…

He took a deep breath and said with a smile, “All right, let him come.” 

“…You just agreed to that?”

Ye Li was surprised, then frowned and said, “Don’t force yourself. If you really don’t want to, then forget it—don’t try to suppress your pain.”    

“No, I’ve truly come to terms with it.”

Bao Beiyuan said with a smile.

“You’ve really come to terms with it?” Jiang Ji asked.

“I really have. I need to give my father peace in death, and I can’t let my future wife and family down. Once I’ve brought her home, I have to take responsibility—I can’t keep wallowing in pain like I am now.”

Spending every day wallowing in pain. That reason was genuine.

Ye Li thought for a moment and said, “All right, Jiang Ji and I will bring him over the day after tomorrow.” Let’s give it a try first.

If it doesn’t work out, we’ll send Jiang Shun back home.

As for whether Jiang Shun would be willing to take this job, there was no need to doubt it—he’d definitely be up for it. Coming to the county town was surely better than staying home making wind chimes, wasn’t it? Plus, he planned to pay him a wage comparable to that of a workshop.

Thirty wen a day!

With the business settled, Ye Li and Jiang Ji didn’t linger. Winter days are short, and even during the brief time they’d been talking, the sun was already setting. The family of four bid farewell to Bao Beiyuan and headed home by mule cart.

By the time they reached the village entrance, it was already getting dark.

They returned the mule cart first, then the four of them walked home.

Ye Fulang had already prepared dinner. Earlier that morning, Ye Li had specifically asked Jiang Ji to tell him to make something light for tonight. So Ye Fulang made sour and spicy cabbage and scrambled eggs, with white flour steamed buns as the main dish.

They enjoyed a comfortable dinner, and afterward, Ye Li and Jiang Ji didn’t rush to wash up; instead, they went to the small living room to settle accounts.

Tomorrow wasn’t just Jiang Dahu’s birthday; they also planned to settle the previous wages with everyone.

They’d been busy setting up the village workshop a few days ago, then delivering goods after it was finished, and right after that, Jiang Ji returned—so the matter of wages had been put off until now. They couldn’t delay it any longer, especially since the village workshop was now up and running smoothly.

Payments will be made tomorrow!