Only when Shen Linchuan went to the market to buy bottle gourds did he realize why his Fulang had asked him that earlier—it turned out he’d mistakenly thought Shen had been hanging out with those rich young masters and had grown accustomed to fine things!

This pair of bottle gourds was actually fifty wen! Was this robbery? How could they be so expensive?

And they were sold individually! Two gourds barely weighed over a pound. Shen Linchuan felt the sting in his wallet. “Ning-ger, why are these gourds so expensive?”

Could it be that gourds were some rare delicacy in the Da Feng Dynasty?

“It’s only just the beginning of April. Gourd season has just started, so naturally, they’re pricier. After eating dried vegetables, radishes, and mustard greens all winter, maybe we should skip them. They’d cost as much as two catties of meat.”

Zhou Ning also felt the pinch. Thinking of Shen Linchuan burning the midnight oil, rising early each morning to study, and still helping earn coins for the household, she knew their money was hard-earned. Better to save it for buying his father a mule.

“Sir, you must not frequent the market often. How can these gourds be considered expensive? Only twenty-five wen each! I hear the Moonview Pavilion in town has started using lettuce—that’s lettuce, commonly called ‘thousand-gold greens’—far pricier than these. These bottle gourds are just coming into season. Enjoy them fresh now—they’ll be cheaper soon enough.”

Shen Linchuan never imagined these April-harvested bottle gourds would be so pricey. Back home, a single stalk of lettuce cost two yuan, and two bottle gourds maxed out at five yuan. Here, they demanded fifty wen—nearly fifty yuan! Pure robbery!

Zhou Ning tugged Shen Linchuan away. “Forget it. We’ll buy some later.”

“Buy? We can’t afford two? Then let’s just get one. My dear Fulang will have to make do. Once your husband here earns some silver, we’ll eat as many bottle gourds as we want!”

The gourd vendor grumbled inwardly. “Eat as many as you want?” He’d grown a few gourds himself—difficult to tend in the chilly spring weather—and only managed two baskets. They weren’t selling well at the market, so he’d soon head off with his baskets to try his luck at the wealthy households.

That man sure knows how to talk big. He grows these gourds himself—he wouldn’t dream of eating as many as he wants with prices this high. Better to sell them for some grain instead.

Shen Linchuan ended up buying just one bottle gourd. He’d boasted earlier about making his Fulang cold-stirred bottle gourd salad, bottle gourd scrambled eggs, and even bottle gourd pancakes. Now, this single gourd would barely stretch for two eggs.

“Here, take it. We’ll eat it together when Father gets home tonight.”

Zhou Ning felt the sting of parting with twenty-five copper coins. He regretted mentioning eating bottle gourd—it had been an offhand remark. Shen Linchuan had simply said he’d earned coins today, so buy it.

Shen Linchuan noticed Zhou Ning clutching the bottle gourd as if it were gold. The boy’s solemn expression amused him.

“Alright, bought it, bought it. Just one gourd. That vendor said they’d be cheaper soon, so we can buy more then. Besides, you probably earned quite a few coins today. Think of it as treating ourselves to some fine spring greens.”

Zhou Ning stared blankly at the bottle gourd and nodded. “I didn’t realize bottle gourds were so expensive.”

“The vendor also mentioned a thousand-gold vegetable. Now that’s what I call pricey.”

The two headed back to the meat stall. Zhou Da immediately spotted his young master cradling a bottle gourd in both hands. “You bought a bottle gourd? Looks like you’re craving it.”

Shen Linchuan smiled. “Father, you and Ning-ger are thinking alike. Ning-ger wants some too. Let’s all have it together tonight when you get back.”

“Alright.”

Shen Linchuan told his father about the earthenware bowls—all they needed was for the apprentice to deliver them tomorrow. He and Zhou Ning packed a few more to take home; having his father carry them all back would be too heavy.

Zhou Ning carefully placed the bottle gourd into the basket, afraid to bump or scratch such an expensive vegetable.

The two headed home with their purchases, carrying the money box along. After a morning of work, the sun now hung high in the sky—likely past eleven o’clock. By the time they reached home, it would be nearly one.

Though the bottle gourd was pricey, Zhou Ning was genuinely pleased to have something different to eat. His fondness for Shen Linchuan grew even stronger.

As they passed through the village path, they happened upon Zhou Xiaonan returning from foraging for wild greens. Zhou Xiaonan spotted them too, but without a word, he lowered his head and hurried past.

“Nan-ger.”

Zhou Ning called out to him, but Zhou Xiaonan only quickened his pace.

Zhou Ning saw clearly that half of Nan-ger’s face had swollen up overnight. Seeing him like this, Zhou Ning felt a pang of sadness.

Shen Linchuan tugged at Zhou Ning’s sleeve. “If you’re worried, we could send him some healing medicine later. We still have some longan and red dates left over from our wedding—we could send some of those too.”

Zhou Ning nodded. “Mhm.”

The two returned home. That morning, they made minced pork noodles. Zhou Ning enjoyed them immensely, polishing off two large bowls.

While digesting, Shen Linchuan emptied the copper coins from his money box onto the table with a clatter. Zhou Ning, curious about their earnings, exclaimed, “So many!”

“You bet. This business of ours is practically no-cost—we’re actually profiting off Dad’s resources,” Shen Linchuan quipped.

It really was no-cost. The pig offal was cheap enough, but yesterday he’d prepared ten pounds of pork belly. He hadn’t dared make too much at once, worried it might not sell out the first day. Little did he expect the minced pork business would be so booming.

Counting it up, they had 730 wen left. The offal was sold out today, so tomorrow they’d just sell pork belly. Making more could easily bring in another 500 wen tomorrow.

“That’s more than what Dad makes from a whole pig!”

Shen Linchuan chuckled. “With all that pork belly cut, I bet Dad’s pig sale ended up costing him money.”

“It’s all family earnings—no need to talk about losses,” Zhou Ning retorted, his expression stern.

Shen Linchuan chuckled. How could his straight-laced Fulang not catch his playful teasing? Shen Linchuan rose and hooked his arm around Zhou Ning’s neck, leaning in for a kiss, only to be shoved backward again. This time, however, he landed on a stool instead of the floor.

“R-R-Rogue…”

“Fine, fine, I’m a rogue.”

Shen Linchuan kissed his Fulang again, feeling utterly delighted. Especially seeing Zhou Ning’s flushed face and furrowed brow—it was simply adorable!

Shen Linchuan cleared his throat to get down to business. “I’ll give our elder brother seven hundred wen as a deposit first. I have no idea how much silver a cart frame will cost. Husband, what do you think? Your husband needs to spend some money.”

“If… if that’s not enough, there’s still three taels of silver left.”

Zhou Ning’s expression grew even sterner, though his ears were flushed crimson. After all this time together, Shen Linchuan knew Zhou Ning wasn’t truly upset. It was just that the more nervous his Fulang got, the more solemnly serious he acted—enough to make anyone think he was genuinely angry.

Zhou Ning just thought Shen Linchuan was being ridiculous. In broad daylight, calling him “Fulang” in such a roundabout way—what kind of man was acting so coy?

Did Shen Linchuan use some kind of magic when he called him “Fulang”? Why did it make him feel a bit dizzy?

Seeing Zhou Ning’s face turn as grim as a coffin lid again, Shen Linchuan teased him even more. “You’re the head of our household, my dear Fulang. My father says he wants to discuss something with you. I’m just a weak, easily bullied son-in-law who married into the family. Fulang~ what do you say—should we let them use the silver or not~?”

As he spoke, Shen Linchuan settled into Zhou Ning’s embrace. His fulang’s thigh muscles were rock-hard. Shen Linchuan laughed, his expression fluttering like a blossoming flower, as he wrapped his arms around Zhou Ning’s neck. “Fulang~ tell me~”

Zhou Ning felt his head grow even more dizzy. His little Fulang was skilled at coaxing, a scholar with a frail frame and hands too weak to even tie a chicken’s legs. He had to protect him well.

“I’ll get it for you. I’ll get it.”

Zhou Ning felt his soul drifting away. Forgetting that Shen Linchuan was sitting in his lap, he abruptly stood up. The sudden movement sent Shen Linchuan off balance, and he landed face-first against Zhou Ning’s chest. Shen Linchuan fought back laughter, his shoulders trembling. “Husband~ you scared the life out of me.”

Zhou Ning hastily untangled the hands clasped around his neck. Shen Linchuan’s skin was so pale, his fingers slender and long. Startled by his own thoughts, Zhou Ning took a sharp step back. Without his support, Shen Linchuan nearly stumbled to the floor. This time, even Zhou Ning was alarmed, rushing to steady him. “I’ll… I’ll get the silver for you.”

He straightened his back and marched into the inner room with purpose. Shen Linchuan clutched his stomach, laughing. Teasing his Fulang was simply too amusing.

How clueless could he be? Just a couple of teasing words and he was already overwhelmed. He certainly wasn’t like this in bed.

Zhou Ning floated over and retrieved their shared stash of silver. “Here, just take it.”

Judging by his expression, Fulang’s mind had already drifted off to who knows where. He’d forgotten everything he’d just said, handing over their secret stash after a few sweet words. Fulang was far too innocent. He’d have to teach him a thing or two about navigating the world, lest some scoundrel take advantage of him.

Shen Linchuan cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “I never said I wanted to use our private savings. If Father found out you gave me everything, he’d be furious. I meant to use the remaining seven hundred wen to pay my elder brother’s deposit today. Our private savings won’t be needed.”

“Then… then give it all to Brother. Since it’s for the family, there’s no need to mention deposits.”

Shen Linchuan chuckled softly. His silly Fulang was far too honest-hearted. Of course, he knew it felt awkward to give a dowry within the family—either give it all upfront or wait until everything was settled. But he didn’t want to touch their private savings. At their current earning pace, they’d have enough once the carriage frame was finished.

Zhou Ning clutched the small cloth pouch filled with silver coins, forcing it into Shen Linchuan’s embrace. “For my brother.”

Shen Linchuan patted his hand. “No need to touch our private savings. I’ve calculated it—the copper coins earned from our business should cover the cost of building a carriage frame.”

“But that’s your hard-earned money!” Seeing Shen Linchuan refuse to take it, Zhou Ning grew anxious and shoved the silver harder into his embrace.

Shen Linchuan hissed sharply. His Fulang’s grip was unusually strong. “You’re choking me.”

Only then did Zhou Ning hastily release his hold. “Father won’t be angry.”

Zhou Ning’s sincerity made Shen Linchuan’s heart burn. How could anyone be so kind to him?

“I know. I want to use the silver we earned together to build the cart frame. Think of it as a gift for Father. He’ll be so happy.”

Only then did Zhou Ning stop insisting on forcing the silver into Shen Linchuan’s hands.

Shen Linchuan asked, “Are you coming with me to my brother’s place later, or are you going to Zhou Xiaonan’s?”

Zhou Ning really wanted to see Shen Huzi and Shen Xiaoyu, but Nan-ger’s face was badly injured. “I’ll go check on Nan-ger. I’ve packed your things. Go early and come back soon.”

“Alright. Bring Yi-ger along, too. The two of you can go together.”

Though his Fulang was strong, Old Old Zhou was a notorious scoundrel. Having both of them go would provide some protection and allow them to check on Zhou Xiaonan’s face.

Zhou Ning agreed it was safer to bring Yi-ger along, though he wasn’t sure if Nan-ger’s father was home. His father, Old Zhou, was notorious in Dayangshu Village for being a lazy bum. Even without money, he’d still hang around drinking and gambling with others.

Zhou Ning went inside to gather supplies. Shen Linchuan was heading to the Shen household, so they packed a basket of red dates and peanuts for him to take. Since they’d just slaughtered a pig, fresh pork was essential—he went to the kitchen to prepare some choice cuts.

Shen Linchuan hurriedly stopped him. “Just take the red dates and peanuts. Also, I’ll bring the seventy-five wen I get back from the school last time to give to Big Brother and Sister-in-law. No need for the meat this time. It wouldn’t be right to bring meat every time I visit. If the villagers see it, they’ll say I’m favoring Big Brother and his family.”

“Who dares say that? I’ll teach them a lesson for you!”

Zhou Ning hadn’t thought that far. They were family—what was wrong with bringing some meat? Eldest Brother’s household had two little ones, and the children loved meat.

Zhou Ning pointed to the prime cut from the front leg and said, “Then take a little less. Sneak it over. Xiao Yu and Huzi will be delighted.”

Shen Linchuan chuckled as he pulled Zhou Ning back. “You don’t know my brother and sister-in-law at all. If we brought meat every time we visited, she’d definitely scold me for being wasteful. And since you’re not coming with me this time, where would I hide if she started lecturing me?”

Shen Linchuan mimicked his sister-in-law’s tone, “This is all business stuff. Who spends like this? Now that you’re married, you should plan for the future. How can you live like this, being so extravagant?”

Zhou Ning’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “We’re all family. Why be so fussy?”

“It’s not about being frugal, dear Ning-ger. My brother and sister-in-law are worried that living well here might make me get too big for my britches. Then they’ll scold me for not knowing how to manage a household. There’s no need to bring such lavish gifts. We still have tofu and pig’s blood sausage at home. I’ll cut a few pieces to bring over so my brother and the others can enjoy some fresh food.”

“Alright, go quickly and return swiftly. Make sure you’re back before dark.”

Zhou Ning was concerned about Shen Linchuan, a scholarly and delicate young man, traveling alone at night. That was why he gave him this special reminder.

Shen Linchuan agreed, then took scissors and cut four sections of the tofu blood sausage. The sausage hadn’t been fully cured yet; it would develop a richer flavor after a while.

Shen Linchuan packed up his things and hurried out the door. His Fulang had told him to return early.

Shen Linchuan, basket in hand, left before Zhou Ning. Passing through the village, he greeted everyone he met—whether acquaintance or stranger—with a warm smile and a cheerful “Hello!” People responded cheerfully, “Just heading out, I am.”

“Ah, just heading out.”

The village entrance was bustling with more people. Around noon, the sun was high, and a few loafers gathered in a circle rolling dice. Some women and Fulang sat together gossiping, some sewing clothes or stitching shoe soles, others cracking melon seeds.

Shen Linchuan nodded cheerfully as he passed by and hurried on. The Intelligence Bureau at the street corner and alley entrance—they’d even determine the gender of passing dogs.

Several women and Fulang watched Shen Linchuan’s receding figure and remarked, “Off to his mother’s house again.”

Someone chuckled. “Mother’s house? That’s not it. He’s a son-in-law by marriage.”

“It’s all the same.”

“But I hear the young couple started a small business with Zhou Da. His butchery skills are a good trade—I doubt he’ll find an heir.”

“Well, there’s still Ning-ger. He’s learned most of his father’s craft.”

“At least he’s a skilled craftsman. If my son could learn butchering, that’d be something. He’d definitely bring home meat in his basket when he goes to Xinghua Village.”

“If I had in-laws like that, I’d be smiling in my sleep.”

“Then why didn’t you let your son marry Ning-ger back then? Now you’d be the one eating meat, ha ha ha!”

The woman shot a glare at the gossipy old woman who’d exposed her shortcomings. “My son deserves the best, of course.”

They dared only whisper these things behind closed doors. Zhou Da’s butcher’s knife wasn’t for show—he fiercely protected his own. Someone murmured, “Heard Old Zhou got drunk again yesterday and beat up Nan-ger. Had to be Zhou Da who went over to sort things out.”

Granny Diao lived right next door to Old Zhou, so she knew all about it. “That’s right. My eldest son was the one who called for help. That Old Zhou can’t hold his liquor. When he drinks, he causes such a ruckus that several households can’t sleep at night.”

Granny Diao’s loud voice reached the men gathered nearby, rolling dice. One asked, “Oh, Old Crook, did Zhou Da give you another beating last night?”

“Nonsense! I’m perfectly fine!”

“Then what’s that bruise on your face?”

“I tripped in the dark and fell on the road.”

The men burst into loud laughter. Old Zhou, at his age, was a lazy good-for-nothing. The younger fellows naturally didn’t think much of him. Everyone in the village knew Old Zhou didn’t do any real work and loved to drink. His family was so poor they couldn’t even afford to fix the holes in their roof.

Granny Diao craned her neck and said, “That Nan-ger must be sixteen this year, eh? Hey, Tiedan’s mother, why not let your son take a look?”

The mentioned woman rolled her eyes. “My boy isn’t the only eligible lad in the village. Stop meddling.”

She knew Granny Diao was just making conversation. Fifteen or sixteen was the prime age for village gers and girls to be matched up. Once a match was made, it usually took a year or two before the girl was married off.

Who in the village didn’t know Nan-ger had a drunkard for a father and a younger brother who followed in Old Zhou’s footsteps? Old Zhou was a good-for-nothing rogue. What family would dare associate with such a household? Once married, freeloading would be the least of their worries—they’d likely bring nothing but trouble to the entire family.

Old Zhou, standing nearby with his hands behind his back, overheard. “My son Nan-ger will surely find a good match someday.”

Hearing this, the women and men present all sneered. With a father like that, what respectable family would want to associate with them? Take Zhou Da over there—he was honest and capable. Even though Ning-ger had been delayed until nineteen, he still managed to marry a fair-skinned scholar who had married into the family.

As for Old Zhou the Beggar? Forget it. Nan-ger was cursed for eight lifetimes to have a father like him.

Zhou Ning wrapped some red dates and peanuts in a small cloth bundle. He also packed a few pieces of the red bean cake they had at home. They were from the same village, shared the same clan, and had even played together as children. Since Nan-ger’s family was poor, he wanted to send him some small treats.

After hearing Shen Linchuan’s words, Zhou Ning first went to find Yi-ger. Zhang Xiaoyi was lying in a rocking chair basking in the sun, a book draped across his face, a rice ball clutched in his hand, swaying back and forth in perfect contentment.

“Yi-ger,” Zhou Ning called out.

Zhang Xiaoyi shot upright, the book tumbling into his lap. Recognizing Zhou Ning’s voice, a bright smile spread across his face before he could speak. “Why did you think to come find me today?”

Zhou Ning handed him two red bean cakes. “I want you to come with me to see Nan-ger.”

Zhang Xiaoyi took a bite of the red bean cake and said with a pout, “I knew you wouldn’t come looking for me unless you had something to say.”

Zhou Ning blinked. “Didn’t I bring you persimmon cakes last time?”

“Oh, come on, how can you remember that clearly? You just came over to hang out with me because I was bored at home alone. Aren’t we still good friends? Now that you’re married, you come by even less often.”

“Good friends?”

Zhou Ning muttered under his breath, keenly aware he couldn’t let Yi-ger hear that—otherwise he’d get a punch. So he and Yi-ger were good friends, huh? Even though they went weeks without exchanging a word.

Both were busy—Zhou Ning followed his father to the market to sell pork, while Zhang Xiaoyi often accompanied his father on house calls. They’d grown up together since childhood.

Zhou Ning was slow to grasp emotions. So he and Yi-ger were good friends, huh?

That day when Shen Linchuan asked if he had any friends to chat with or visit, he’d said no. But now he did. A surge of joy welled up inside Zhou Ning, silently claiming this outsider—after Shen Linchuan—as his own territory.

Zhang Xiaoyi devoured a red bean cake in a few bites, then wrapped the remaining piece and set it aside for his father’s return.

“Zhou Xiaoning, what are you muttering to yourself about? Didn’t you say you wanted to visit Zhou Xiaonan? Let’s go.”

Zhang Xiaoyi stood up and brushed off the crumbs from his clothes. “I heard his father beat him again. Tsk, that Old Zhou—first he beat Zhou Xiaonan’s mother, now he beats Zhou Xiaonan. I’ll stick him with a needle and immobilize him.”

Zhou Ning had some copper coins tucked away. He pulled out a few and handed them to Zhang Xiaoyi. “Here’s the consultation fee. I’ll cover it.”

“Come on, we don’t need to be so formal. Just massage it and apply some medicine. It’ll be fine in a few days.”

“Alright.”

The two headed out together. Zhou Ning towered a full head above Zhang Xiaoyi, making him look especially petite. Though Zhou Ning was a bit slow when it came to emotions, he shared his father’s protective streak. Once he considered someone his own, he gave them his wholehearted loyalty.

“When did we become best friends?” Zhou Ning asked cautiously.

Zhang Xiaoyi turned, looking utterly baffled. “What are you talking about? We grew up together—what else would that make us? But you’ve always been so solitary, unlike the other gers and girls who love embroidery and sewing.”

“I remember when we were kids, you were the tallest among all the boys and girls in our village. You were a few years older than us anyway. Whenever those bullies picked on us, you’d always charge right at them.”

After saying this, Zhang Xiaoyi chuckled to himself. Ning-ger was clearly a ger, yet he never seemed to think of himself as one. When they played together as children, he always protected them.

As they chatted, they arrived at Zhou Xiaonan’s house. Zhou Ning lifted his leg to enter, but Zhang Xiaoyi pulled him back. “Just call Nan-ger out. Who knows if his drunkard father is home or not?”

Zhang Xiaoyi stood at the doorway and called out, “Nan-ger! Nan-ger! Are you home?”

Zhou Xiaonan was inside the house picking wild greens. Hearing the calls, he came to the doorway, not wanting anyone to see his injured face. He stayed there, not stepping out. “Ning-ger, Yi-ger is here. What’s up?”

“Ning-ger said he came to see you. Come out! Is your dad home?”

Zhou Xiaonan shook his head. Having been called out, Zhou Ning handed him a small cloth bundle. “Here, some snacks for you.”

Zhang Xiaoyi peered in, making Zhou Xiaonan flinch away in embarrassment. Zhang Xiaoyi steadied his chin. “Why hide? Let me take a look. Tsk, your deadbeat dad really laid into you.”