Chapter 9
Edward Quan ·
From then on, Huixiang House became famous throughout the city. Those looking to cause trouble no longer dared to act recklessly.
Dongfang Heng held a jar of wine and a recipe for brewing in his hands, lost in thought.
Anhe had grown up. That precious jade was one he had thrown away himself. Thankfully, he could still be her older brother.
Even as the world changed beyond recognition, their bond would remain.
19
Sister Hui said, “We’ll never make enough silver to get rich from brewing wine. It takes too much time and labor, and the costs are high. Giving some to the Crown Prince and the imperial family is just a way of returning a favor.”
“This is an age of peace and prosperity, and this emperor is decent enough. A brewing method in exchange for smooth business in the future is a fair trade.”
I looked at her, speechless for a long moment.
“How lucky I am to have met you, Sister.”
“You could become the chief minister at court, or run a business so smoothly the world seems to move out of your way. You’re truly amazing.”
She rubbed her hands together, her eyes brightening. In a blink, she changed the subject.
“By the way, which of your brothers has the biggest feet?”
“Your cousins all have their own charm, too. How did your whole family turn out so handsome?”
Me: … I take back what I said earlier. Even fine jade has flaws. Lin Hui, however, is flawless.
She’s a flirt. That doesn’t count.
20
While Dongfang Heng assisted the Emperor with state affairs at the Hall of Diligent Governance, Huixiang House, owned by Sister Hui and me, gradually blossomed everywhere.
The two of us were busy from dawn to dusk.
And there was always a little shadow following behind us.
When I got hot, he brought me a handkerchief to wipe my face and cool water to drink.
When I got tired, he offered me his shoulder to lean on.
Lin Zheng was skilled at mathematics. Sister Hui said he was the chief financial officer for the two of us.
Whenever he tasted something I had cooked, his eyes lit up. After praising it, he tucked it away against his chest. No matter who asked, he couldn’t bear to share it.
Not even his own sister could get any.
Sister Hui teased him. “There’s someone who looks like my younger brother, but he abandoned his own sister long ago to become someone else’s puppy.”
“Sigh, my naturally obedient little servant has found himself a new master.”
“He must have been planning to become her puppy from the moment he first met her. Hmph.”
I didn’t understand. “Sister, what’s a ‘puppy’?”
Lin Zheng’s whole face turned the color of a ripe peach. He looked so tempting I wanted to reach out and pinch him.
Our carriage raced toward the next city.
Once again, the flowers of spring bloomed red, and the sunlight was warm and gentle. The days ahead only grew brighter and more full of promise.
——— THE END ———
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