WSMTATMC C26

Chapter 26

Wang Ying could not tell Li Shi the truth about the experimental field, so he lied: “The vegetables actually come from the manor.”

“The manor still has greens at this time of year?”

Wang Ying’s mind raced. “There’s a warm spring on the hill at the manor. The climate is mild there, so last autumn I had the steward plant some vegetables nearby. When I last checked, the crops looked promising, perfect for winter sales.”

“I see.”

“Keep this quiet, though — if those with ill intent find out, our business will be ruined.”

Li Shi nodded repeatedly. She understood business matters and naturally listened to her son-in-law’s instructions.

Wang Ying wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved to have smoothed things over.

Soon guests arrived — friends familiar to Li Shi’s mother, ladies from well-off families who naturally bought fresh vegetables.

“These vegetables are really fresh, look like they were just picked.”

“But you’re strange; we never ate cucumbers in summer, but when it gets cold, we crave these.”

“Same here; when fall comes and tomatoes are gone, I start craving them. Usually, we had servants preserve tomatoes, but this year we are lucky to have fresh ones!”

While weighing their purchases, Wang Ying said, “If you like these, we’ll have fresh vegetables like this every day once the shop opens.”

One lady knew the etiquette well — curious about the origin, but no one dared ask too much. After all, this was their business; if they revealed the source, how could they make a profit?

Prices were quite high, too — much more than in summer. Tomatoes sold for 28 cash per jin¹, green beans at 20 cash (jin), so buying a pound cost over a hundred cash. Occasional treats were fine, but daily purchases were only for the wealthy.

After sending off the two ladies, Wang Ying tossed the money into the box and called Qingyun over.

“Did you note down all the prices?”

“Yes!” The girl was quick-witted, having listened carefully once and remembered most.

“If I’m busy, you’ll manage the shop’s business for me.”

“Don’t worry, Sister-in-law! I’ll do a good job!”

Li Shi hovered nearby, hesitant to speak. In her upbringing, “A woman without talent is a virtue.” Unmarried women and ge’er rarely appeared openly; refusal might lose favor with their future husbands.

But since the old master passed, she had gradually realized there were gaps in her education.

Without her son-in-law’s support, the family might have already fallen apart. She silently acknowledged Wang Ying’s teaching method; having her daughter gain early experience might be a good thing, sparing her the troubles she’d faced trying to grasp everything herself.

Two ladies from the Feng family grain shop, among the town’s richest, came to visit. Knowing Wang Ying’s vegetable shop had opened, of course they wanted to see it.

“Do you still have those red fruits? My child tried one and loved it, asking me every day to buy some.”

“Yes, I’ve kept some for Sister-in-law!” Wang Ying hastily fetched a small basket of tomatoes he hadn’t yet displayed outside, partly because strangers might not buy, partly to command a high price.

“Tomatoes have high moisture and spoil easily during transportation, so prices are bound to be high…”

“How much?”

“One cash each.”

“Oh! That’s not expensive! Give me some.” Mrs. Feng waved to have her servant pay. Wang Ying carefully picked a large, ripe tomato for her basket.

Mrs. Feng’s second wife also bought some. Wang Ying took the opportunity to teach them a warm dish — stir-fried tomatoes with eggs.

“You cook tomatoes?”

“Of course, stir-fry them slightly sweet and sour; children love it!”

Mrs. Feng smiled happily, eyes twinkling. “Alright then, if it tastes good, I’ll buy more.”

Seeing more vegetables nearby, the two ladies each picked some more, spending over four hundred cash total.

After seeing them off, more customers arrived, some balking at the price and leaving, while others bought a little to try.

At noon, Chen Qingyan carried his food box and saw the large shop sign from a distance. He entered to find Wang Ying teaching Qingyun bookkeeping.

“How’s business?”

“Big Brother, this morning we sold more than 700 cash worth!”

Wang Ying smiled with pride. “Not bad for the first day.”

Qingyan clasped hands, playing the part. “Good! I congratulate you.”

“Keep in mind, this is just the first day — everyone wants something new. I expect fewer sales tomorrow.”

Qingyun’s face fell. “What do we do? These vegetables will spoil if they sit too long.”

“Think — what can we do?”

Qingyun scratched her head, then said, “Sell the vegetables at low prices?”

Qingyan replied, “If you lower prices, even fewer will be willing to pay the higher price and order out.”

Wang Ying nodded at Qingyan. “Discounting to clear is fine, but only for ordinary townsfolk. The town’s restaurants and inns need vegetables too — they’d probably buy.”

Just then, a man arrived. Wang Ying put down his chopsticks and greeted the customer.

One man stepped forward and said, “Are you Wang Ying?”

Wang Ying was surprised. Looking closely, he saw it was his biological older brother and sister-in-law.

If their parents had been collaborators with the enemy, his big brother Wang Suo was the tyrant himself. The memory was filled with beatings and verbal abuse, as if Wang Ying had been a punching bag. Even just seeing his face turned Wang Ying’s color pale.

He quickly calmed himself. “What do you want?”

Wang Suo smiled with ill intent. “What do you want? You’ve been married this long and never come home? Father and mother miss you.”

“Missing me for what? A wife is like water spilled — consider me gone.”

“That’s nonsense.” Wang Suo rubbed his hands and entered, while his wife tugged his sleeve with a stern look at Wang Ying.

Only Wang Ying’s wife, Xu Shi, was reasonable. Since she married in, Wang Ying had fewer beatings. Whenever Wang Suo tried to strike, she found excuses to pull him away.

That day, they’d been going to the town market after selling the autumn harvest to buy cloth for new cotton clothes.

When Wang Ying suddenly appeared by the shop door, Wang Suo immediately confronted him.

He walked around the shop once, picked up a cucumber and munched it.

“Cucumbers are 20 cash per jin,” he said. “This one’s two jin, so give me seven cash.”

Unexpectedly, Wang Suo slapped Wang Ying across the face. “Dare you charge me money! You’re crazy!”

The sudden incident stunned Wang Ying, who covered his face, dizzy, with ringing in his ears.

Qingyun screamed in fright. Qingsong grabbed a door latch and tried to charge forward, but Wang Ying stopped them. “Both of you get home and ask Chen Bo and Ershun for help.”

Wang Suo looked like a raging beast. Fighting the two children would be a losing battle.

“Sister-in-law…” Qingyun’s eyes were red with worry. She thought about staying to help, but she pulled her brother home.

“Big brother, what are you doing? I haven’t provoked you.”

“So? Married into town and now I beat you?” Wang Suo spat hatefully. “Last time you tricked our parents — I haven’t forgotten.”

This was after Wang Ying had written a letter of severance. After the incident, the whole village scorched their backs, whether wedding or funeral, calling them all sorts of names.

Wang Suo turned his anger toward Wang Ying instead.

Trying to reason with such a man, Wang Ying narrowed his eyes. “Do you still think I’m the old Wang Ying, easy to hit or scold?”

“Do you need to check the weather before hitting me?” Wang Suo swung to hit again.

Wang Ying dodged and grabbed a bamboo stick used for firecrackers to strike at him. Wang Suo, addicted to bullying, had beaten little Wang Ying often; now being fought back, he was off balance.

Known for fighting since childhood, Wang Ying had grown up with his grandparents in the village, where children lacked manners and fights broke out at small provocation.

Without parents, ill-fitting clothes, Wang Ying was often bullied — once he fought back fiercely and emerged top dog.

Thinking of those childhood beatings, Wang Ying’s rage flared, and his bamboo rod landed relentlessly. Wang Suo fled with his hands over his head.

At the height of the fight, Qingyan dashed out.

His younger sister and brother, seeing Wang Ying’s scuffle and hearing Qingyun’s cries, dropped their books and ran after him.

He regretted having gone to deliver food that day, wondered why he’d gotten angry, and feared for Wang Ying’s safety.

The fight was nearly over; vegetables were strewn about the shop. Wang Suo was bruised and cursing, thoroughly beaten.

“Xu, protect my husband!”

Wang Ying was startled to hear this and looked up to see Qingyan holding a piece of cloth, turning away, chest rising and falling steadily.

“What’s wrong?”

Qingyan hurried inside, shielding Wang Ying and glaring at Wang Suo. “Who are you? Why did you attack my husband for no reason?”

Wang Suo was also startled — was this boy not near death? Why was he out and about?

He instantly changed his expression. “That’s your brother-in-law, right? I’m your eldest brother-in-law. We’re family now.”

“Get out!”

Wang Suo quickly left. Just then Chen Bo and Ershun arrived with officers.

“Who’s causing trouble here?”

Seeing the officers, Wang Suo’s legs went weak, and he dropped to his knees. “It’s a misunderstanding. The man inside is my own younger brother, my blood kin. I just came to visit.”

Wang Ying rushed in curses. “Hmph! Who says we’re family? Shameless—letters of severance were sent long ago. You still deny it?”

Wang Suo stumbled over his words. Wang Ying’s wife Xu knelt and begged the officers, “It was our fault. Please forgive us, and we beg Second Brother to be lenient.”

“If it were for Big Sister-in-law’s sake, I’d send you to the yamen today!”

The constables, familiar with Wang Ying, scolded him, “If you cause trouble here again, we’ll throw you in the prison!”

“I will! I won’t dare again!”

“Get out!”

Wang Suo staggered to his feet, nearly losing a shoe. Xu looked back at Wang Ying with a wry expression.

After the officers left, Qingyan hurried and took Wang Ying’s hand. “Where did it hurt?”

“Nothing serious.”

“Your face is swollen!” Qingyan touched it.

“Ouch.”

During the fight, the pain hadn’t been too bad — now it burned like fire.

“Quick, let’s go to the clinic. Chen Bo, help tidy up the shop and lock the door.”

“Don’t worry, young master. I’ll take the master to the clinic.”

“No need for such fuss. A bit of medicated oil will do…”

Qingyan picked up the pace, dragging Wang Ying to the clinic. Neither spoke a word all the way.

The old doctor was out on a call. They waited a long time before he returned, examined Wang Ying, and prescribed an ointment to be applied twice a day. It was the first time the swelling had touched water.

On the way back, Qingyan held Wang Ying’s hand. His palm was sweaty. Wang Ying tried to retract his hand, but Qingyan squeezed tighter.

Looking at the sky resignedly, Wang Ying let it be.

At last home, Qingyun and Qingsong were already waiting at the gate, rushing to meet them. “Sister-in-law, are you okay?”

“Fine, really.”

Qingyun, eyes brimming with tears, tugged his sleeve painfully. “Why did that person beat you for no reason?”

“Sigh… it’s a long story…”

“Later, later — let’s get inside and put on the medicine.”

“Yes.”

The children followed quietly back to the rear courtyard.

Wang Ying tried to apply the ointment, but Qingyan waved him off, taking a small lump of green paste from the lid and applying it to his cheek.

The ointment smelled of fresh herbs and felt cool, relieving the pain somewhat.

Wang Ying took a moment to explain Wang Suo’s background. “That’s my eldest brother — but I’ve long cut ties with him. He’s mentally ill and always bullied me at home, even physically. I remember the worst time, when he cornered me at the riverbank and beat me with a club the thickness of a finger.

“It was late autumn, the river ice was frozen, and my feet nearly lost feeling. When I tried to get up, he struck again and again — hard enough to leave marks. Neighbours finally saw and pulled me out.”

“Sorry,” Qingyan interrupted, gently blowing on his aching cheek.

Blushing, Wang Ying said, “It’s okay, really.”

“Alright, enough. You two, go on out. Let Sister-in-law rest.”

The children obediently nodded. After they left, Wang Ying cautiously asked, “Still mad? Such a little thing to be angry over so many days.”

Qingyan sighed. “Not mad at you — angry at myself.”

“Nah, it’s no big deal. Got a slap, true, but I did hit him with a bamboo stick a good few times.”

Their eyes met, and Wang Ying suddenly felt his heart race. He quickly dropped his gaze.

Qingyan said, “Get a new shopkeeper for the shop. You just go check on it when you have time, no need to be so busy.”

“I have too much free time at home anyway, and hiring someone means extra expense. I trust him.”

“What if he causes trouble again?”

“No problem. Wang Suo is tough, but scared stiff of the officers. If he causes trouble again, I’ll just have Bailiff Huang haul him off.”

“I’ll come find you after class.”

Wang Ying scratched his head. “Fine.”

Meanwhile, back at home, Wang Suo immediately told his parents what had happened that day.

“Really that Second Brother?”

“Of course! He’s enjoying himself now and even became shop manager! And the chongxi⁽⁴⁾ with the Chen Manor’s eldest young master wasn’t a fake — he’s alive and well!”

Wang Suo’s mother sprang up from her seat. “The Chen Young Master isn’t dead? Then the chongxi worked after all.”

Wang Lao Shuan frowned heavily. “I knew he was scheming. That letter of severance was just waiting for me.”

His mother anxiously asked, “What do we do now?”

“I’ll go to town tomorrow and see for myself.”

Wang Suo hesitated. “Father, Mother — maybe it’s better if you don’t go…”

“Why?”

“Second Brother’s wings are spreading — about six or seven li now. I went to the shop with Cui Yun today. After eating a cucumber, he demanded seven cash — I slapped him, and he actually dared to hit me back! See, my shoulder is still blue!”

“What?! He hit you?!”

“Didn’t just hit me — he called the officers to arrest me! If I trouble them again, they’ll throw me in prison.”

Xu, standing nearby, wanted to object but remained silent — her voice meant little in this family.

Wang Lao Shuan mused for a while, then said, “When one is strong, sometimes you must be soft. I’m his father — what can they do if we take this to the magistrate?”

The old man spoke again. “Second Brother hates our family — even if we go, maybe he’ll forgive us.”

Wang Shi pointed at her son’s forehead. “You know nothing. That’s the manor’s ge’er; there’s bound to be more money in his pocket than we could spend in a year. If he smells a thing, it’s trouble.”

Wang Su muttered softly, “However much money it is — it’s still ours.”

Wang Suo’s mother raised her hand to strike, and Wang Su escaped. Since Second Brother married in, half the burden had fallen to him.

Their parents favored the eldest; Wang Suo bore the brunt of it, and only now realized how well-off his Second Brother had been.

Early the next morning, Wang Ying got up early to tidy the shop.

Yesterday’s fight had wrecked some vegetables; he sorted through the remainder.

Before leaving, Qingyan called after him, pulling a thick sable cloak from a chest. “My father bought this in Pingzhou years ago. He left it to me before passing. I rarely wear it. It’s cold — you take it.”

The cloak was thick and warm, instantly dispelling the chill.

“Keep it.”

“I’m warm at home. You take it.”

“Thanks.”

Qingyan adjusted the collar. “No need to be so polite with me.”

“You’re too kind.”

His face immediately flushed. He headed out toward the main courtyard.

At the schoolroom, Qingsong was already sweeping.

“Brother, Sister-in-law—how are you?”

“Called ‘Master’ in the classroom.”

“Huh? Sister-in-law isn’t hurt?”

Qingyan changed the subject loosely. “Did you memorize yesterday’s homework?”

“Not yet.”

“Then hurry and memorize it. You’ll deliver lunch today.”

“Okay.” Qingsong obediently took out his book and sat in the last row to study.

Soon the Feng brothers came. Though they looked rather different, they resembled each other closely—more like cousins than unrelated boys.

Feng Zhang was the most lively, giving a quick “hello” to Qingyan before diving for yesterday’s homework in the basket.

“Master, my mother made bean cakes for you and Uncle Wang to try.”

“Please thank your mother.”

“It’s nothing; my mother made the dough and filling, but the servants wrapped them.”

The boy was honest — Qingyan wrapped the bean cakes in oiled paper, planning to share them with Wang Ying at lunch.

As more students arrived, Qingyan began teaching the day’s lessons. Unlike before, he created a separate class schedule for each student’s needs.

Qingsong prepared for the imperial exams, so Qingyan focused on the Four Books and Five Classics. The Feng brothers were learning the business of the grain shop, focusing on arithmetic and abacus use. The younger beginners mostly focused on literacy.

They held two sessions each morning: one for new material, followed by a review of the previous day’s homework.

More than two hours flew by. After class, Qingyan hurried to the kitchen.

“Auntie, is lunch ready?”

“Yes, young master—are you taking lunch today?”

“I have to memorize.”

“I’ll just be free today.”

Auntie packed up the lunchbox, and Qingyan hurried out.

“Wait, young master—didn’t bring your chopsticks…” She called after him but he was already gone.

With light steps and happy heart, Qingyan suddenly felt the truth in the Book of Songs line: “She gathers kudzu, seeing her once a day, like the moon!”⁽⁵⁾

Near the vegetable shop, two older men were standing by the gate, peering inside.

Footnotes:

1. Shuxiu (束脩) – A traditional entrance fee or tuition paid by students to their teacher in imperial China.
2. Chen hour (辰时) – The time from roughly 7 to 9 AM in traditional Chinese timekeeping.
3. Mu (亩) – Traditional Chinese unit of area, about 666.7 square meters or 0.165 acres.
4. Chongxi (冲喜) – A marriage arranged to bring “joy” to a household in hopes of dispelling illness or misfortune.
5. Reference to a line from the Book of Songs (Shijing), symbolizing longing and love.