The two buckets, heavy and brimming with water, looked like toys in Huangfu Tieniu’s hands. Both wooden buckets seemed a size smaller than usual.

Tang Xianling followed behind. “Don’t you need the pole?”

“No need. Not heavy.” Huangfu Tieniu said, then glanced back and saw Tang Xianling holding the pole. He changed his tune: “I’ll use it after all.”

Tang Xianling: …

“I can still carry the pole.”

“Let’s go.”

Tang Xianling walked beside Tieniu, carrying the empty pole. “Seriously? It doesn’t feel heavy? When I first learned to carry water, I could only manage half a bucket. I’d wobble just walking. Later, when I carried two full buckets, if someone spoke to me, I could only reply quickly—I couldn’t set the buckets down, or I’d lose my balance.”

A few times, water splashed out, leaving only half a bucket by the time he returned. He had to refill them.

That’s why Tang Xianling focused intensely when fetching water. Carrying water demanded “swift, fierce, steady”—being fierce meant being hard on yourself, avoiding delays, pushing through in one go. Finish quickly, then rest.

“I’ll fetch water from now on,” Huangfu Tieniu declared. The words left his mouth as if he’d been scalded. He’d imagined that after their marriage, all the heavy labor would fall to him—after he and Tang Xianling were wed.

Just the thought of it made Huangfu Tieniu’s ears burn.

Tang Xianling chuckled and agreed cheerfully, completely unaware of the weight behind Tieniu’s words—their married life after the wedding.

This was just casual chatter.

With Tieniu fetching water at lightning speed, he didn’t even carry the carrying pole on the second trip. Their roles were clearly divided: Huangfu Tieniu fetched and carried the water, while Tang Xianling clapped beside him.

Before long, the water jar was full, and the sky was just beginning to lighten.

“We won’t be eating breakfast out today. I’ll make it myself.” Tang Xianling washed his hands and started cooking. It was a bit late to make dough, so they’d have to settle for something simple. He thought for a moment. “I’ll make some pancakes, wrap some greens, and fry some eggs.”

Huangfu Tieniu agreed to whatever Tang Xianling suggested.

“I’ll go buy some fried dough twists to make pancake wraps!” Tang Xianling began scooping beans, intending to grind more bean flour on the stone mill for multigrain pancakes.

Hearing this, Huangfu Tieniu offered, “I’ll push the mill.” This would save Tang Xianling some effort.

“Great.” Tang Xianling then said to Jiang Yun, “Mother, could you go buy some fried dough sticks later? They taste great wrapped in pancakes. Make sure to get them extra crispy.”

Fried dough twists were youtiao, sold by the Hutu Tang shop. Tang Xianling had seen it while passing by—it resembled a spicy soup, containing tofu, dried tofu, bean curd skin, seasonal greens, and diced meat. Hutu Tang also sold fried dough twists and crispy dough rings, both meant to accompany the soup.

Jiaoquan rings are thinner, with a denser dough texture that offers more chew. Nianzi are crispier and hollow inside.

Jiang Yun glanced at Wu-ger, then at Tieniu. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Alright, I’ll go.” She’d previously been uneasy about Wu-ger and Tieniu sharing the same roof, but now she saw there was no other option.

She had no choice but to follow Wu-ger’s lead.

Jiang Yun took the money and headed out, still pondering Wu-ger and Tieniu’s situation. She thought that if they were serious, they should settle things sooner rather than later. She feared that delaying might stir up trouble. The Hu family would suffer, and then there was Old Tang’s health. If Old Tang passed away, Wu-ger wouldn’t just mourn Hu Kang—he’d have to observe three years of mourning for his father.

These thoughts quickened Jiang Yun’s pace. She’d have to speak with Tieniu later.

“Hey, Old Tang’s wife!”

Someone called out to Jiang Yun. She paused, looked up, and saw the woman from the Zhao family’s sugar-oil pancake shop. Though the shop bore the Zhao name, it was now run by Old Zhao’s eldest son. The younger son had bought land and built a house outside the city, leaving the shop to the elder.

This was common among merchants in Fengyuan City. The eldest son took over the family business, saving up property and dowries for the younger siblings and ger early on. When the elderly parents could no longer work, they mostly moved in with the eldest son.

Those with ability and skill might rent a shop in another district, allowing the younger sons to establish themselves too.

But most bought land and houses outside the city. Merchants weren’t considered high-status folk, especially those in small food businesses like theirs. They earned their money through hard work, lacking the gold and jewels of the wealthy merchants. Some elders had lofty hopes, wishing their descendants wouldn’t all be registered as merchants. Among the four occupations—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—farmer status was preferable.

“What brings you here, Mrs. Zhao?” Jiang Yun approached to ask. Her family lived midway down the main street, and while relations with the older Zhao family ahead were merely polite—no close ties—they were familiar faces.

“The other day, Wu-ger stared at the locust blossoms for ages,” Auntie Zhao said cheerfully, taking Jiang Yun’s hand. “I thought I’d let them grow a bit longer before picking them, so I could bring some to Wu-ger for his wheat porridge.” She added, “You’ve raised your children well—so filial and hardworking. I took a liking to them the moment I saw them.”

At first, Jiang Yun genuinely thought the Zhao family was offering acacia flowers—Wu-ger had mentioned it earlier while fetching water, saying he felt awkward picking from someone else’s tree. She’d explained that flowers growing in public spaces belonged to everyone, though the Zhaos were particularly protective of this particular tree.

But when she heard the latter part, Jiang Yun’s heart skipped a beat.

She wasn’t inexperienced in such matters, especially having already married off three daughters. Whenever matchmakers came to discuss suitors for her girls, it always started this way.

Yet the Zhao family’s eldest daughter and both sons had long since married off.

Was she overthinking this? Jiang Yun suppressed her doubts and replied, “Yes, it’s just my husband and I who are a burden.”

“What nonsense! I see Wu-ger is filial. The marriage was difficult back then, but thankfully, it’s all behind us now. How wonderful that he remains by your side.” After pondering for several days, Aunt Zhao now saw Jiang Yun’s kind-hearted nature. She recognized the potential for a future in-law relationship. Jiang Yun’s gentle temperament was half the neighborhood’s common knowledge. Even with Old Tang’s explosive temper, Jiang Yun never once said no.

Jiang Yun didn’t want to linger in polite chatter. She gave her basket a shake and said, “Auntie, Wu-ger asked me to buy fried dough twists. I need to get those first—he’s waiting at home.”

“What fried twists? Try my sugar-oil pancakes—the first batch is the best.” Auntie Zhao insisted on giving Jiang Yun some sugar-coated pancakes.

Jiang Yun dared not accept them—she feared her suspicions were true, and this was something she absolutely couldn’t take. Her Wu-ger had his own mind, and it was clear he’d taken a liking to Tieniu. She dared not make any rash promises, so she waved her hands in refusal.

In neighborhood exchanges, people typically engage in polite back-and-forth refusals. Mrs. Zhao assumed Jiang Yun was just being courteous, so she grew even more enthusiastic, insisting on giving her the pancakes. Terrified, Jiang Yun, forgetting the heat and social niceties, pushed Mrs. Zhao’s arm away, grabbed her food basket, and hurried off.

Mrs. Zhao: Eh?

“She really doesn’t want it? Such politeness. She’s just a soft-hearted soul, afraid to take advantage of others’ kindness.” After muttering to herself, Mrs. Zhao promptly returned the sugar-oil pancake to the winnowing basket.

Customers waiting to buy sugar-oil cakes frowned. Especially when Zhao Daliang tried to serve him the cake his mother had touched, he immediately declared, “I don’t want it!”

He turned to buy something else.

Zhao Daliang called out “Hey!” twice, still confused as to why the customer had left.

“Mother, did you speak to Sister Tang?” Zhao Daliang asked his mother.

“I just brought it up, but she ran off.”

His wife chimed in from the side, “Could it be she’s unwilling—”

“Her Wu-ger is a widower who’s cursed his husband’s family to death. What more could she want? Daliang’s cousin may be a bit simple-minded, but he’s honest and hardworking. He’s not too old either—twenty-seven or twenty-eight—perfect for Wu-ger.”

Wu-ger also has a father who’s paralyzed and gravely ill. Jiang Yun is just a woman. If she’s unwilling or uneasy about Wu-ger marrying outside the city, Daliang’s cousin could come live in town. Then I’d be here, Daliang would be here, and the Hu family wouldn’t dare bully us. A household still needs some men around.”

With Aunt Zhao speaking thus, it was only natural that once Wu-ger married Daliang’s cousin, they’d become family. If Wu-ger couldn’t manage the food stall alone, her second son lending a hand would be only right.

The eldest daughter-in-law understood her mother-in-law’s scheming. She spoke sweetly now about helping and supporting, but later on, all that “helping” would be about helping the second son snatch things from the Tang family. What did that simpleton cousin know?

The daughter-in-law observed how, living with the eldest branch, whenever anything good happened, they always prioritized the second son. Now, with no good fortune in sight, they were scheming and plotting to “create” some.

The eldest daughter-in-law felt a twinge of resentment. Part of her secretly wished her mother-in-law would be rebuffed by the Tang family. Yet she also knew Sister Tang and Wu-ger had personalities as pliable as dough—they’d likely crumble under her mother-in-law’s persistence. And Wu-ger’s knack for making money? If it didn’t stay within the Zhao family, other families would covet it. If other families gained the advantage, it would be better for the Zhao family…

At least then, their main branch could get a share of the benefits.

Yet she also didn’t want the second son to outshine them, her heart churning with jealousy and bitterness.

Though nothing was certain yet, the Zhao family members each harbored their own thoughts. Mrs. Zhao hadn’t mentioned this to her younger brother’s family outside the city yet, but she doubted they’d refuse—this was a tremendous blessing. Once the groom’s family sent a matchmaker, she’d ask Jiang Yun’s opinion and see when the betrothal could be finalized.

Jiang Yun bought fried dough twists, dodged the sugar-oil pancake shop, and hurried back home.

“Mom, who was chasing you out there?” Tang Xianling asked curiously.

Jiang Yun looked as if she’d been chased by a dog, her face pale with fear.

“A dog on the street?” Tang Xianling asked again.

Huangfu Tieniu had already checked outside the shop before closing the door. “No dogs.”

Tang Xianling nodded solemnly, his face beaming with amusement. He’d only been joking to lighten the mood earlier, but Tieniu had taken his words seriously and gone to look outside—it was truly hilarious.

Jiang Yun watched the two converse, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She couldn’t wait any longer and blurted out, “Tieniu, do you have any elders at home who could arrange a betrothal for you?”

“If you like our Wu-ger, you should settle the marriage early.”

Tang Xianling: ???

Wait, did his mom get soul-transferred while buying fried dough twists?

Before, she’d always say not to rush it, to wait a year or two.

Huangfu Tieniu froze in place, glancing at Tang Xianling for guidance.

“I went to buy fried dough twists, and I don’t know if I’m overthinking it, but the Zhao family—you know, the old lady from the sugar-oil pancake shop—approached me. From what I gathered, she wants to arrange a match for Wu-ger.” Jiang Yun paused here, then stated firmly, “It definitely won’t be anything good.”

“Both their sons are already married. Probably some distant relative.”

Jiang Yun was usually quiet and didn’t like gossiping with neighbors. Now, her eyes reddened as she said, “People used to look down on your father and me. Your father said that since we had no sons, people laughed at him. They didn’t say it to his face, but when they arranged marriages for the first, second, and third daughters, they were all leftovers from other families. They treated your three sisters as favors…”

As she spoke, Jiang Yun began to cry. Thinking of the injustices her family had suffered in the past, Old Tang had wanted to find a respectable, capable, and formidable match for Wu-ger. Little did he know he’d ended up with a thankless, heartless wolf.

He truly misjudged the situation.

Regardless of Jiang Yun’s sobbing here, Tang Xianling grew furious upon hearing words like “bullied for having no sons.” It was an inexplicable rage. You belittle yourself, placing yourself at the bottom of the entire street. Whoever has sons stands a head above you—who could possibly respect you then?

What utter nonsense.

Huangfu Tieniu’s face was already frosty cold, his brows tightly furrowed. He then solemnly bowed to Jiang Yun, saying, “Auntie, my adoptive father has passed away, leaving no elders in my family. Coming to Fengyuan City today, besides bringing deer to Tang Xianling, I originally intended to seek out a matchmaker to arrange a betrothal.”

He turned to see Tang Xianling’s brows furrowed in uncontrollable anger.

“Tang Xianling, I know you rely on yourself. It’s me—I admire you.” Huangfu Tieniu’s face flushed at the word “admire,” yet his gaze remained resolute as he bowed: “I’ve invited the official matchmaker to present the betrothal gifts. Tang Xianling, will you marry me?”

Jiang Yun wiped her tears, her eyes fixed on Wu-ger. She, too, was startled by Tieniu’s words. She’d thought he’d hire an ordinary matchmaker, but never imagined he’d seek out an official matchmaker—showing such high regard for Wu-ger.

Now, all that remained was for Wu-ger to give his consent.

Tang Xianling: “… …“

He had only intended to pursue a proper courtship with Tieniu first.

But this rocket-speed proposal?

”I accept.” Tang Xianling couldn’t bring himself to say ‘no’ to Tieniu’s handsome face, especially as Huangfu Tieniu gazed at him with such eager anticipation. Naturally, he knew that even if he refused, Huangfu Tieniu wouldn’t sever ties with him completely.

“But—” Tang Xianling’s gaze darted around before grabbing a fire poker. “First, I need to settle accounts with that old hag at the Zhao household!”

Jiang Yun jumped in fright, literally leaping up. She hurriedly stopped Wu-ger, pleading, “You absolutely mustn’t go.”

“That old hag never means well. I told her I was going to fetch water at night, and she was so ‘kind’ to offer me a lantern. Turns out she was just waiting for me here—”

“Wu-ger, Wu-ger, listen to your mother. Don’t go yet.” Jiang Yun held him back tightly. “Perhaps I’m wrong.”

“Mother, you never misjudge. You might not always discern genuine kindness, but when it comes to malice—scheming to gain something—your instincts never fail.”

Tang Xianling declared with conviction. Jiang Yun’s keen, perceptive mind—how could she possibly misjudge another’s malice?

Jiang Yun longed for peace and quiet, wishing the Tang family and herself could simply fade into the background.

“But… but you still shouldn’t resort to violence.”

“If I don’t take action, I’ll just stand outside her shop with a stick and yell insults.” Tang Xianling had already mastered the basic rules of the streets: handle trivial matters yourself.

Jiang Yun still didn’t want her Wu-ger stirring up trouble. She was used to being timid. She looked at Tieniu, signaling for him to persuade and stop her Wu-ger.

Tang Xianling’s eyebrows shot up. “Huangfu Tieniu, you dare stop me?”

“I won’t stop you.” Huangfu Tieniu affirmed first. “If you go, I’ll go with you. I can even join you in cursing him.”

Though not skilled with words, he intended to stand shoulder to shoulder with Tang Xianling.

“But I’d rather you hold off for now. Success depends on secrecy. I fear our marriage might face complications. Besides, we have no proof yet. Bide your time a few days, then we’ll go.” After analyzing the situation, Huangfu Tieniu added, “Or… why don’t we go right now?”

Tang Xianling: ???

“So do you want me to go or not?”

How could Tieniu be so unpredictable, flip-flopping with every word?

Huangfu Tieniu honestly replied, “I think we should plan first, but when you get angry, you look so fierce, I can’t bear it. Let’s go together—let you vent your anger. It’s better for your health.”

Tang Xianling: …

Complimenting him on looking good when angry? Is this really the time for that?

I’m laughing so hard I’m furious.

Tang Xianling tossed aside the fire poker, clapped his hands, and cheered up. He told Huangfu Tieniu, “Let’s go back inside for lunch. After we eat, I’ll make some steamed dishes at home. You go find the matchmaker. This afternoon, I’ll treat you to a bath.”

“Alright.” Huangfu Tieniu smiled too, picking up the fire poker from the ground and returning it to its place.

Jiang Yun was already chanting “Amitabha Buddha” in relief—she’d finally managed to stop her Wu-ger. As for his later mention of bathing with Huangfu Tieniu that afternoon, Jiang Yun couldn’t even remember it anymore, breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Now, Jiang Yun thought to herself: Mrs. Zhao mustn’t get any more foolish ideas. Her Wu-ger wasn’t the type to swallow his pride and take a loss. Otherwise, it wouldn’t end well for anyone.

The fried dough sticks she’d bought were still crispy, likely because Jiang Yun had run all the way home.

Tang Xianling was frying pancakes on the large iron wok. Various grains had been ground into flour, mixed with water, and stirred into a batter. The wok was deep, making it challenging to pour the batter smoothly and spread it evenly. But for Tang Xianling, it was child’s play. A ladleful of batter slid down the pot’s edge, flowing obediently as if it had legs, spreading exactly as Tang Xianling envisioned.

He cracked an egg into the batter, then used an iron spoon to spread the mixture. Soon, a thin, slightly concave pancake took shape. He sprinkled it with toasted sesame seeds and brushed on a sauce he’d just whipped up—a quick mix of whatever condiments he had on hand. Next came the fried dough sticks. He wrapped a leaf of bright green, tender Chinese cabbage around one, then split it in half, revealing the crispy fried dough inside.

“Done! If I have time later, I could add some pork tenderloin inside.” Tang Xianling scooped out the first one, wrapped it in oil paper, and handed it to Huangfu Tieniu first. “You’re the guest. You eat first.”

Huangfu Tieniu took it and took a bite. Tang Xianling leaned closer and noticed Tieniu’s surprisingly long eyelashes. When lowered, they made his nose bridge appear even more prominent, while his brow ridges and eye sockets formed a beautifully deep-set curve. Was this what people online called “facial folding height”? He didn’t understand. 

Huangfu Tieniu felt so flustered under Tang Xianling’s gaze that he couldn’t even breathe properly.

“Is it good?” Tang Xianling asked. Huangfu Tieniu nodded first, then savored it carefully before adding, “It’s good.” 

He’d been so preoccupied with nervousness and thoughts of Tang Xianling that he’d forgotten what it tasted like.“That’s good. Well, of course—nothing I make is bad.” Tang Xianling’s confidence soared, and he promptly whipped up two simplified versions of jianbing guozi for him and Jiang Yun. 

Jiang Yun had only bought fried dough sticks and no drinks, so they quenched their thirst with tea. Tang Xianling and Jiang Yun were full after just one each. Without asking if Huangfu Tieniu was satisfied, he made two more for him. “You can have them all.”

“Alright.” Tieniu was thrilled. “I’ll process the deer later. I’ll take the hide back to tan it myself and bring it over to you.”

Tang Xianling: “Fine.”

“Wu-ger, there’s too much venison. We can’t finish it all. Why not let Tieniu—” sell it for money, she wanted to say.

Tang Xianling: “If we can’t finish it, I’ll dry it. When my eldest sister visits later, I’ll give her some jerky. Is that alright, Tieniu?” This was the deer Tieniu had given him; even if they couldn’t finish it, he didn’t want to sell it.

“Fine, you decide,” Huangfu Tieniu said.

Jiang Yun heard this and had nothing more to say. As for the half-packet of peach cookies, she’d have Qiao’er bring them back when she came up with the children.

When it came time to process the deer, Huangfu Tieniu feared he might frighten Tang Xianling. But he discovered Tang Xianling wasn’t afraid of killing. Tang Xianling said, “I eat meat too, and I love meat. Killing is fine as long as it’s not cruel.”

Tieniu’s knife was swift, nearly a single fatal blow, sparing the deer much suffering.

“Want the deer blood?”

“Yes!” Tang Xianling recalled having tried sheep’s blood tofu before, but never deer blood. He held out a bucket.

Huangfu Tieniu studied Tang Xianling, then finally said, “Eat less of it. This stuff’s fiery.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Foodie Tang Xianling’s eyes were now fixed on the deer, forgetting to start his beat-up car. He hadn’t even considered what his honest classmate Huangfu Tieniu meant by that warning.

You know what I mean!

Before long, Huangfu Tieniu had the deer processed. He rolled the hide into a bundle for the basket, then separated the meat and bones. After washing his hands and face, he went to fetch water, bustling about with efficient, skilled movements.

Jiang Yun grew more and more pleased with what she saw. Naturally, when Huangfu Tieniu was butchering the deer earlier, she had been a bit nervous. She always felt Tieniu was too tall, fearing that if he ever got into a fight with her Wu-ger, who had a fiery temper, her Wu-ger would be at a disadvantage and definitely couldn’t beat Tieniu.

“Mother, what are you thinking about? One moment you’re all smiles, the next you’re frowning at Tieniu,” Tang Xianling asked only after Tieniu had gone out to fetch water. “What did Tieniu do wrong?”

“No, no, it’s not that. He’s a skilled worker and incredibly strong.” Jiang Yun praised him before voicing her worry.

Tang Xianling frowned upon hearing this. “Did Old Tang ever lay a hand on you before?” That would explain Jiang Yun’s concern.

He’d always been told to find someone shorter, smaller.

Jiang Yun didn’t state it directly, but resignedly said, “What couple doesn’t get physical when they argue? It’s just how it is.”

“…” Tang Xianling clenched his fists, declaring firmly, “I’m not like that.”

“If Huangfu Tieniu dares to do the same—”

Hanging two buckets, Huangfu Tieniu hurriedly shouted, “No, no! I wouldn’t! If you’re angry with me, hit me! I’m tough—pain doesn’t bother me!”

“???” Tang Xianling muttered behind him, but Tieniu showed no embarrassment. “Why are you back so early?”

“No one was at the well. I finished fetching water quickly. Someone spoke to me, asking whose family I belonged to, but I didn’t answer.” Huangfu Tieniu had actually glanced deliberately at the sugar-oil pancake shop. He thought to himself that next time he saw someone, he would loudly declare: he belonged to Tang Xianling’s family.

Sure enough, tall and lanky, he moved fast. 

Tang Xianling: Envy!

Jiang Yun felt embarrassed about her earlier muttering. She quickly said, “Nothing, nothing. You two should get along well. Fighting isn’t good.”

“Understood, Auntie,” Huangfu Tieniu replied.

After filling the Tang family’s large water jar, Huangfu Tieniu didn’t linger. He led his mule out of the shop. “I’m off to hire a matchmaker. Tang Xianling, I’ll be back this afternoon.”

“Got it. Remember to eat lunch.” Tang Xianling saw him out.

He still had to steam vegetables and prepare the venison—plenty to keep him busy.

Life, beyond romance, mostly revolved around striving for success and putting food on the table.

Huangfu Tieniu mounted his mule only after exiting the main street. Tall and lanky, he swung his long legs over with agility, then pulled the reins as he headed toward the Auxiliary Administration Quarter. With his handsome features and graceful bearing, at first glance, the patrol officers mistook Huangfu Tieniu for a young master riding a horse.

But upon closer inspection, his attire and demeanor didn’t quite fit the bill.

“What? You didn’t look closely? That’s a mule beneath him.”

“Huh? I really didn’t look closely. I was just admiring his figure, wondering which young master it might be.”

The constable exchanged a few idle words, muttered “How peculiar,” and returned to his duties.

Fengyuan City was vast, bustling with people. Perhaps some young master from somewhere had taken a fancy to dressing so inconspicuously for amusement. Who could say?

Huangfu Tieniu arrived at the Auxiliary Administration Quarter, dismounted his mule, and began asking around.

Matchmakers were divided into official and private practitioners. Both roles were filled by men and women alike. Even official matchmakers held a rank, though it was the lowest, ninth grade, carrying little real authority. It offered only a respectable title and a meager stipend. Yet for the husband-and-wife practitioners, this was a tremendous blessing.

They held office!

Thus, matchmaking was not considered a lowly occupation in the Rong Dynasty.

Huangfu Tieniu knocked on the small gate of the household registry office, clasped his hands, and said, “I’ve come to hire an official matchmaker. I request the official matchmaker to arrange a match for me.”

“To hire an official matchmaker, it’s five taels of silver, you know?”

“I know. I brought it.”

“Then come in. First, I’ll record your identity. Currently, the office has two official matchmakers: Master Yuan Heqing, a gentleman, and Lady Hua Ziwang, a lady. Which one would you like to speak with?”

“Generally, if a young man has a lady in mind, he chooses Lady Hua. If he has a young ger in mind, he chooses Master Yuan.”

Huangfu Tieniu replied, “I’m seeking a husband. Please assign me to Master Yuan. I was just about to ask—since he has a divorce decree, does he need to register it officially here?”

The clerk was astonished. The youth before him looked barely seventeen or eighteen—and he was already pining for a husband? A divorced one at that? Could it be that the older man, relying on his age and experience, had lured this inexperienced youngster?

He must speak carefully with Lord Yuan, lest he ruin the youth’s marriage prospects.