A huge, huge thanks to KoshkaHP on Kofi for the Kofi. Enjoy the bonus chapters!

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“That… that’s a lot!”

Upon hearing that someone was going to order five thousand trays of mosquito coils from them, Zhang Xiaoyi was so surprised he started stuttering. That meant they’d get ten taels of silver right away—this was the biggest order he and Ning-ger had ever landed since they started doing business together!

Zhang Xiaoyi jumped excitedly onto Zhou Ning’s back, “Ahhh! Ning-ger, we’re going to strike it rich!”

Shen Linchuan’s face darkened as he shooed Zhang Xiaoyi off his Fulang. What a disgrace! Just because he’s a young ger doesn’t mean he can jump all over his Fulang like that!

Zhang Xiaoyi shot Shen Linchuan a sly, rolling-eyes look. What a tightwad—he couldn’t let Ning-ger see that, or he’d definitely take Shen Linchuan’s side!

“That’s all there is? How are the three of us—me, Ning-ger, and Uncle Zhang—supposed to handle that?”

“I’ve talked it over with Shen Linchuan. He’s off the day after tomorrow, and Uncle Zhang and my dad can all pitch in. Five thousand plates should be done in about three days.”

Hearing Zhou Ning say this, Zhang Xiaoyi was even happier. “Three days! We can earn ten taels of silver!”

Once we finish this big order, I’ll go with Ning-ger to town to eat some ice-crusted pastries!

“Uncle Zhang, I’d also like some of that improved cooling ointment. How many wen would be a fair price to sell it to them?” 

“Oh, you want that cooling ointment again.”

He hadn’t planned to get involved in the youngsters’ playful little business, but now that they’d asked about the cooling ointment, Doctor Zhang took an interest. The ointment worked exceptionally well after adding some medicinal herbs, and if more people could use it, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.

“If it’s a small box, about fifteen wen—with a few wen of profit margin.” 

“It’ll need to come with a small porcelain box; I’d estimate that’ll cost a few wen as well.”

The Xu family intended to take these goods south, so small boxes folded from oil paper simply wouldn’t do. They’d need fine porcelain boxes—no need to paint flowers, birds, fish, or insects on them; just stamping a mark would suffice. This would also help cut costs, ensuring the price wouldn’t be too steep for ordinary folk.

Zhou Ning recalled the kiln where he and Shen Linchuan had bought coarse porcelain bowls earlier. “We could have the Zhao Family Pottery Kiln make them. They’re quite honest.”

“Alright. Tomorrow I’ll first discuss the price of this cooling ointment with the Xu family. If they find it acceptable, we might even land another order.”

“We… we might land another order?”

Zhang Xiaoyi was overjoyed. A ten-tael silver deal already seemed like a huge deal to him—far more than his father ever made from treating patients!

“By the way, don’t touch those ten taels of silver just yet. If the Xu family decides to go into the Cooling Ointment business, they’ll inevitably need that money to buy herbs.”

Shen Linchuan made a point of reminding them. The Cooling Ointment contained some expensive herbs that would definitely need to be purchased, not to mention the porcelain boxes. There would be plenty of expenses coming up, and he didn’t want the ten taels of silver to suddenly disappear just because these young ger got excited and spent it on snacks.

No sooner had Shen Linchuan finished speaking than Zhang Xiaoyi was the first to look dejected. He’d actually been planning to go to town to buy some ice-cream pastries, but now it seemed that wasn’t going to happen.

After settling the matter, Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning headed back. When they returned to the school, Shen Linchuan mentioned the cooling ointment to Xu Zhifan. Like his father, Xu Zhifan thought the ointment was a promising business opportunity. “Shen Linchuan, why don’t you come over to my house at noon? You can discuss this with my father.”

“Sure.”

It was better to discuss it in the morning so it wouldn’t delay him from going home after school. Otherwise, if they waited until after school to talk, it would surely be dark by the time he and his Fulang made it home.

Xu Zhifan took a few copper coins and found a child outside the school to send home and let his father know, so his father wouldn’t be too busy at the shop to come back.  When school let out at noon, the sun was at its peak, scorching the flowers and plants in the courtyard until their leaves curled up. Xu Zhifan held a fan over his head, “It’s really hot today!”

Shen Linchuan, too, could barely keep his eyes open from the heat, and he hurried toward the exit. Zhou Youcheng saw this and sneered under his breath, “Just as I thought—off to suck up to someone.”

The Xu family was well-to-do in town; rumor had it they ran several shops. Xu Zhifan was also quite generous, so many people gravitated toward him. It was unexpected that Shen Linchuan had actually managed to curry favor with Xu Zhifan.

Once they were in the carriage and out of the sun, it finally felt a bit cooler. Shen Linchuan sighed inwardly. Having to wear a long robe and trousers in such sweltering heat, he really wished he could just wear a T-shirt and shorts!

Xu Zhifan was quite pleased to be taking Shen Linchuan to his home for the first time. “My parents are very kind, though I do have a younger sister who’s a bit of a handful.”

This visit to the Xu household had been rather rushed, and Shen Linchuan felt a bit embarrassed about arriving empty-handed. “Stop by the fruit shop in a moment; I’ll pick up some gifts to take with me.”

“Ah, don’t bother. It’s sweltering out there in this heat—no need to be so formal.” 

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony, Brother Xu.”

“We’re friends, so there’s no need to be so formal.”

Upon arriving at the Xu residence, Xu Zhifan led Shen Linchuan toward the flower hall. Shen Linchuan glanced around; the Xu family was certainly considered one of the wealthier households in town; the three-courtyard compound was quite elegant.

“Father, I’m back. This is Shen Linchuan, the one I told you about.”

Shen Linchuan stepped forward and bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Uncle Xu.”

Mr. Xu also took a good look at the young man before him. He’d heard the boy came from a rural family and was a son-in-law by marriage. Though he wore a simple blue scholar’s robe, he carried himself with poise and grace. Mr. Xu couldn’t help but feel a sense of goodwill toward him; he was certainly far better than the unsavory crowd his son used to hang out with.

“Have a seat. Zhifan rarely brings friends home, so it’s clear he truly cares for you.”

Mr. Xu was a seasoned veteran of the business world. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he broached the subject of the cooling ointment with Shen Linchuan. Shen Linchuan made a few token offers to lower the price, and they finally settled on twenty wen per box. Mr. Xu placed an initial order for five hundred boxes to test the market in the south; if sales went well, he would place further orders.

Watching his father haggle back and forth with Shen Linchuan over a few wen, Xu Zhifan propped his head in his hand and yawned. “Father, have you two finished your discussion yet? We’ve got to head to school with Linchuan right after lunch.”

Mr. Xu just wanted to kick his son, who thought of nothing but food. Comparing people was enough to drive one mad. After talking with Shen Linchuan for a while, he felt even more that the young man before him was shrewd—truly cut out for business. What a pity—why wasn’t he a son of the Xu family?

Glancing at his own son across the table, who was nearly nodding off, Old Master Xu could only sigh. He’d known hardship in his youth—his father had been a peddler. It wasn’t until he was a teenager that they’d saved up enough to open a shop. By the time he took over, they’d established a merchant caravan. The Xu family’s fortune had taken two generations to build.

There are always those more accomplished than oneself. Once they left Qinghe Town, the Xu family would be nothing more than rootless merchants. He was counting on his son to pass the imperial examinations, so that the Xu family could be counted among the ‘scholars.’

“Please, then.”

Shen Linchuan naturally could not walk ahead of Old Master Xu. After exchanging polite courtesies, he followed him into the small flower-adorned parlor next door. Mrs. Xu and the Xu sisters were seated nearby. Old Master Xu smiled and said, “There are no outsiders here, so consider this a family gathering. Please don’t be so formal.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Xu.”

Mrs. Xu served Shen Linchuan a portion of food with her chopsticks. “Zhifan told me that at school, he owes a great deal to your guidance, Linchuan. My husband says Zhifan’s studies have improved significantly lately.”

“It’s Brother Zhifan who is bright; we’re simply learning from one another.”

Hearing her son praised, Mrs. Xu was even more delighted. Though she didn’t understand much about academic matters, she could tell from her son’s recent behavior that he’d been studying hard, and she was deeply gratified.

After finishing their meal at the Xu residence, Shen Linchuan and Xu Zhifan headed to the academy together. Mr. Xu quietly advised Xu Zhifan to avoid offending anyone outside the home, as they might need to rely on those people someday.

Xu Zhifan gave a casual nod and ran off. His father was really something—the way he was acting, it seemed he’d taken a liking to Shen Linchuan and wanted him to befriend him. Did he really need him?

—as if he needed to be told. He already liked Shen Linchuan quite a bit; he was far better than those who only knew how to flatter.

While Shen Linchuan was busy negotiating business deals, Zhou Ning and the others weren’t idle either. Early that morning, Zhou Xiaonan had delivered a basketful of mugwort and mint to Zhang Xiaoyi’s house. Upon hearing that Zhang Xiaoyi had landed a ten-tael order, Zhou Xiaonan was stunned—ten taels of silver! He’d never seen that much silver in his entire life!

Zhou Xiaonan worked even harder, gathering several baskets of mugwort and mint in just the morning, sweating buckets in the sweltering summer heat.

Granny Diao was gathering some tender grass by the stream to take home for her chickens. Seeing that Zhou Xiaonan had gathered quite a bit of mugwort, she asked, “Nan-ger, what are you going to do with all that mugwort? You don’t need that much just to keep mosquitoes away.”

Zhou Xiaonan smiled and said, “It’s for Doctor Zhang’s family. He asked me to help gather some for them.” 

“Doctor Zhang wants it? How many wen per basket?”

“It’s free. Doctor Zhang treated Gouwa before without charging a consultation fee, so I’m gathering some mugwort to give to his family.”

“Oh, I see.”

The basket on the ground was already full. Zhou Xiaonan slung it over his shoulder and walked away. Granny Diao didn’t buy it for a second. She’d seen Zhou Xiaonan gathering mugwort by the creek often these past few days. Today alone, he’d gathered three or four baskets’ worth—he must have been paid for it. He was just afraid he’d lose this job to her.

Zhou Xiaonan now had a few copper coins in his pocket. He didn’t dare tell his father, and he hadn’t even let his younger brother, Gouwa, know. He’d just bought some rice and flour, which was enough to feed both of them.

If his father found out he had money, he’d surely snatch it to buy liquor, and once he drank, trouble would follow. Zhou Xiaonan was actually hoping his father wouldn’t come home from his travels.

In the afternoon, Zhou Ning and his father, Yi-ger and his father, plus Zhou Xiaonan—five of them in all—got to work. They split up to handle different tasks; Zhou Da took on the heavy lifting, leaving the boys to do the lighter work.

They wound quite a few coils of mosquito incense that afternoon. As the sun began to set, Zhou Ning packed up and drove the mule cart into town to pick up Shen Linchuan from school.

Shen Linchuan brought home quite a few books this time. With the school on break, he’d be able to rest at home for a couple of days; even the rural students who lived at the school had packed their bags and headed home.

As Shen Linchuan climbed onto the mule cart, a classmate surnamed Wang called out, “Shen Linchuan, isn’t your home in Dayangshu Village? Could you give me a ride since it’s on your way?”

“Sure, is anyone else going that way? Let’s head back together.”

Hearing Shen Linchuan say this, two or three more classmates heading the same way came running over, laughing. They first bowed to Zhou Ning, saying, “Thank you very much, Brother Shen and Zhou Fulang.”

“No problem. My mule is as strong as an ox.” Zhou Ning gave the reins a light flick and set the mule cart in motion.

Someone called out from the schoolhouse doorway, “Zhou Youcheng, I remember your family is from Dayangshu Village too. You might as well ride along on Brother Shen’s mule cart!”

“No, thanks. I’ve got some business to take care of in town.” Zhou Youcheng slung his bundle over his shoulder and hurried off to the side.

“What business could Zhou Youcheng possibly have? He used to be the first one out the door whenever he had a day off.”

“Brother Shen, Zhou Youcheng is from Dayangshu Village too. I saw you greet him at the market before. It feels like… did you do something to offend him?”

Shen Linchuan chuckled. He hadn’t just offended him—he’d really crossed him if he hadn’t married into the Zhou family, who knows how comfortable Zhou Youcheng’s life would be right now.

“I must have offended him at some point.”

Zhou Ning and Shen Linchuan sat up front driving the mule cart, while several classmates traveling the same route sat in the back—all young men in their twenties. They chatted back and forth, making for a lively atmosphere.

Shen Linchuan chimed in from time to time. He’d originally planned to go with his Fulang to the Zhao family’s kiln after school today to discuss buying some porcelain boxes, but since it happened to be a day off, he decided to head home first. He’d deal with the porcelain boxes tomorrow when he went to town.

Zhou Youcheng didn’t ride on Shen Linchuan’s mule cart. He deliberately walked in the opposite direction for a while, waiting until he was sure Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning had gone far enough before turning back. It was just a mule cart—who needed to ride on his family’s anyway?

Zhou Youcheng carried a bundle on his back filled with clothes for changing. Although the sun was already setting, it was still quite hot. Walking along the road, he was drenched in sweat, and he felt more and more that his father was right—this Shen Linchuan was a bad omen for his family!

As soon as Shen Linchuan got home, he told Zhou Ning about the cooling ointment. Xu Zhifan’s father had given him the silver today—ten taels of silver for five hundred boxes of cooling ointment.

“That’s a lot all at once.”

“Yeah. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to town to place an order for the porcelain boxes.”

Zhou Ning nodded.

After dinner, Shen Linchuan took a bath, closed the door, and finally slipped into the short-sleeved shirt and shorts he’d been longing for. He and Zhou Ning had sewn them together. Zhou Ning wasn’t very skilled with a needle and thread, but making a short-sleeved shirt and shorts was simple, so even Shen Linchuan had picked up a few sewing tricks along the way.

Shen Linchuan had originally wanted to buy some gauze to make the short-sleeved shirt, but Zhou Ning refused outright. “It’s fine for underwear, but who would make outerwear out of that?” So Shen Linchuan had no choice but to use cotton fabric to make the short-sleeved shirt and shorts.

As soon as night fell and the courtyard gate was locked, Shen Linchuan changed into his short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Zhou Ning had made a set for himself as well. Although they left their arms and legs exposed, there were no outsiders in the house, so they didn’t feel self-conscious; on the contrary, they actually quite liked them—they were cool and comfortable.

Shen Linchuan had just taken a bath and was feeling fresh and clean. With a mosquito coil burning beside him, he fanned himself with a palm leaf fan in one hand while scribbling on a piece of paper with the other. The cool night breeze had blown away the heat of the day.

After washing up, Zhou Ning sat down beside him and poured Shen Linchuan a bowl of iced tea. He sat there, propping his chin in his hand as he watched him, but Shen Linchuan didn’t even look up. “What are you looking at?”

“Shen Linchuan, you’re so pale.”

Shen Linchuan felt a surge of pride. Not only was he pale, but his skin was smooth too—his Fulang loved to touch him.

“Come here. I’ll teach you how to keep the books.”

Zhou Ning moved closer, and the two squeezed together. Shen Linchuan’s body felt cool and comfortable.

“I don’t need to learn bookkeeping. With just those two businesses, how could I possibly mess up the records?” 

“So how are you and Yi-ger planning to split the profits from the cooling ointment business?”

“Fifty-fifty? Wouldn’t that be a bit too much of a bargain for me? After all, Yi-ger’s father helped tweak the formula.” 

“Then let’s go sixty-forty—we take sixty, his family takes forty.”

“Hmm, our families are close—we don’t need to be so strict about it.”

Shen Linchuan tugged at Zhou Ning’s cheek. “You’re such a fool. It’s precisely because we’re close that we need to be clear about this. If there’s any imbalance, it’s bound to cause trouble.” Zhou Ning shook his head. “Stop tugging my cheek.”

He had no sense of propriety. Even though he was Shen Linchuan’s Fulang, he was still a year older than Shen Linchuan.

“Alright, alright. Move over a bit. I won’t pull your face anymore. With an oil lamp this small, how can you see clearly from so far away?”

Zhou Ning moved closer again, and Shen Linchuan began explaining to him in detail, “This cooling ointment is divided by net profit. The herbs and such all come from Yi-ger’s shop—how much was used and at what price must be recorded clearly. That’s called cost. And the porcelain boxes, labor, and all the rest must also be recorded clearly…”

Although Zhou Ning was a bit confused at first, Shen Linchuan explained it to him in detail, and he eventually understood. It was just that there were some terms he hadn’t heard before—things like “cost,” “profit,” “waste,” and “inventory”—all words he’d never encountered. Scholars really do know a lot.

Shen Linchuan wanted to teach Zhou Ning bookkeeping. For now, he’d start with single-entry bookkeeping and take it slowly. If the business truly grew and prospered in the future, he’d teach him double-entry bookkeeping.

Although Zhou Ning had never dealt with bookkeeping before, he grasped the concept as soon as Shen Linchuan began teaching him. To Shen Linchuan’s delight, he discovered that his Fulang had an exceptional ability for mental arithmetic—he was actually quite a natural at accounting.

The two of them studied with their heads pressed together until midnight, then went off to rest hand in hand. Zhou Ning yawned, and Shen Linchuan could tell he was almost asleep. As Zhou Ning drifted off, he mumbled, “Shen Linchuan, do you want to make a baby today?”

Shen Linchuan patted Fulang’s back. “Go to sleep. It’s getting late.”

When the person beside him went still, Shen Linchuan felt a pang of jealousy. He squeezed over and pulled him into his arms. Zhou Ning frowned. “It’s hot. Don’t hold me.” Shen Linchuan clicked his tongue. “Why are you so hard to please?”

He’s allowed to touch him, but not to hold him. As soon as summer rolls around, he’s not allowed to hold him anymore. Sure, it’s hot, but Shen Linchuan just loves holding his Fulang.

“Zhou Ning, Ning-ger, Xiao Zhou,” Shen Linchuan called out softly a few times, but the person beside him seemed to have already fallen into a deep sleep.

Shen Linchuan was almost laughing in exasperation. Just a moment ago, he’d been saying he wanted to have a baby with him, and now he’d turned his head and fallen asleep. Shen Linchuan squeezed in and nuzzled him a few times, causing Zhou Ning to roll away in annoyance, but Shen Linchuan squeezed in again.

“Zhou Xiaoning, do you like me?”

In his sleep, Zhou Ning felt like Shen Linchuan was constantly talking to him. He was so sleepy and just wanted to sleep, but Shen Linchuan wouldn’t let him be. Seeing that he wasn’t getting an answer, Shen Linchuan asked again, “Zhou Ning, are you with me just to have a baby, or do you actually like me?” 

“To have a baby.”

Shen Linchuan was exasperated. He’d been asking for ages and gotten no response, but the moment he mentioned having a baby, it was as if he’d triggered some kind of keyword mechanism—Zhou Ning immediately shot back.

Shen Linchuan turned him around. “Say it: Zhou Ning loves Shen Linchuan.”

The person in his arms fell silent again. Shen Linchuan bit Zhou Ning’s nose. “Why are you so naughty? Well then, Shen Linchuan likes Zhou Ning.”

“I do, Shen Linchuan.”

Shen Linchuan had already closed his eyes, ready to sleep, when he heard a low murmur from the person in his arms. He snapped his eyes open. “What did you say?”

When he asked again, the person in his arms was still silent. By now, the moon was high in the sky. Shen Linchuan chuckled softly. He knew Zhou Xiaoning liked him—otherwise, why would he want to have a baby with him?

It was just that he’d gotten shy after getting out of bed; no matter how many times he coaxed him, he refused to say it to him. Shen Linchuan fell asleep contentedly, holding him close. Next time, he was definitely going to make Zhou Xiaoning tell him he liked him all over again!

After a restful night’s sleep, Shen Linchuan rose at first light as usual. He fetched water, went through his martial arts and sword-fighting routines, then settled down to recite his texts. Hearing Shen Linchuan’s voice, Zhou Ning also got up. Yawning, he put on his short tunic. He hadn’t slept well—last night he’d dreamed that Shen Linchuan kept talking to him, though he couldn’t remember what they’d said.

After getting up and washing up, Zhou Ning first boiled the pork belly in a pot, then began making flatbreads on a small stove nearby.

These days, Zhou Da helps manage the pork business—he’s even more dedicated to it than Zhou Ning is. First thing in the morning, he goes out to gather some fodder for the mule, and when he returns, he helps him with the preparations.

“I just saw Nan-ger gathering mugwort by the river, too. That kid works so hard—as soon as he made some money, the first thing he did was pay off his debt.”

Zhou Da chatted idly for a moment.

Zhou Ning hummed in agreement. “Nan-ger’s a good lad.”

After breakfast, Zhou Da drove off in his mule cart. As he passed by Zhang Xiaoyi’s house, he called out to him. Zhang Xiaoyi came running out carrying two baskets of mosquito coils. “Nan-ger, I’m heading out now!”

“Alright.”

Zhou Xiaonan replied. He’d been working since early morning—first gathering mugwort, then, after eating, coming over to roll the mugwort into fluff and grind elm bark powder.

Zhou Ning jumped down from the mule cart, carrying some snacks and candied fruits he’d brought from home. “Nan-ger, don’t rush. You should take a break—we’re all family here.”

Zhou Xiaonan nodded with a smile. “Ning-ger, I know. You and Yi-ger should go ahead—Uncle Zhou and the others are waiting.”

After delivering the goods, Zhou Ning climbed back onto the mule cart. Zhou Xiaonan watched until the cart at the gate was out of sight, then lowered his head and got back to work. This wasn’t exactly hard labor, but compared to going hungry, the life he had now was something he’d never dared to dream of before.

That was a big order worth ten taels of silver! Plus, Ning-ger and Yi-ger went out to sell things every day—just from that, they could make about a hundred wen a day!

Shen Linchuan hadn’t been to the market in a while since he started going to school. He first helped his father set up the pork stall. An old man selling baked buns nearby called out, “Mr. Shen, long time no see. Why haven’t you been coming to town lately?”

“I’ve been busy at home,” Shen Linchuan replied.

The family stall hadn’t even been set up yet, but many regular customers were already waiting in front of it. Seeing Shen Linchuan arrive today, they all greeted him one after another, and Shen Linchuan politely returned their greetings.

After helping his father set up the stall, Shen Linchuan went off with Zhou Ning to sell mosquito coils. As they passed by the Lu family’s fabric shop, Fulang called out,

“Ning-ger, give me five bundles of mosquito coils.”

“Right away!” Zhou Ning deftly wrapped the mosquito coils in paper. The fulang had his son bring over the copper coins. “Ning-ger’s husband is here today, too. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Shen Linchuan smiled and simply said he’d been busy at home, then walked on with Zhou Ning.

Mr. Lu had been buying mosquito coils from Zhou Ning often lately; they were cheap and worked well. A coil cost only two copper coins, and lighting them meant he could finally get a good night’s sleep.

The Lu family’s young lad ran into the shop holding the mosquito coils. “Here you go, Dad.”

Lu Fulang took it and placed it on the counter. Noticing the writing on the wrapper, he remarked, “Ning-ger has quite a decent hand.”

“You wouldn’t know that, but I heard Zhou Da say his son-in-law studied in town for a few years.” The shopkeeper replied casually.

Lu Fulang muttered, “It’s just that writing takes a lot of paper, and that costs quite a bit of silver.”

Shen Linchuan was helping Zhou Ning sell mosquito coils when, barely two steps into their walk, they were stopped by someone. “Young Master Ning, give me those few bundles of mosquito coils.”

As soon as Zhou Ning stopped there, many people spotted him and crowded around. “One tray for me, two for you”—the basket was packed with mosquito coils, and in no time, they were all sold out.

This was Shen Linchuan’s first time selling mosquito coils, and he hadn’t expected them to sell so well!