Sunday 30 June 2019

VGAFH 84

84. Buying Seeds

Then Uncle Li spoke out, "How about this? Since the wood supply is enough for 2-3 rounds, there's only the trivial matter of overnight watch and sealing the kiln left. Your aunt, your brother San He, your Sao-zi and I can do it! You can carry on doing your stuff! Later we'll still split our sales equally!"
  
Lian Fang Zhou rushed to speak, "This can't do! I--"

"From what I see, it's reasonable. I also have the same thought!" Aunt Zhang cut her words. She spoke with no room for argument, "The charcoal method is your and Ah Jian. How would we know what to do? We wouldn't have been able to earn this money! Don't mention you taking half, even taking more than half is right! Not only this year but also every year from now on. As long as we have, you also have a share! Don't refuse! Otherwise, what kind of people will we become!"
   
Uncle Li also nodded at the side.

 Seeing that they spoke like this, Lian Fang Zhou have nothing else to say and inclined her head with a smile, said, "Then many thanks, Uncle, Aunt, Brother, and Sao-zi! For now, we'll leave it like this for this year. As for the future, we'll talk again then!"

"That's the way it should be!" Uncle Li and Aunt Zhang beamed.
  
"Fang Zhou ah, you really want to plant that cotton? This, I heard you borrowed from whichever cousin in Shuang Liu County. In case it fails, what will you do?" Aunt Zhang couldn't help ask.

Lian Fang Zhou knew she had good intention, patiently replied, "You can rest at ease, I feel it'll be like before when the government spread sweet potato. It shouldn't go wrong!"

 "How could it be the same?  Before the government spread sweet potato, our town already sold them. That time, it was quite rare good! Despite knowing this, those who try growing them were little at the start. The main reason was that they didn't know how to handle them. This potato and something cotton... from the sound of it, it's not reliable!" Aunt Zhang knitted her brows.
   
Lian Fang Zhou lightly sighed out, explained. "Aunt Zhang, you also know my family situation! Ah Ze and the others are still young. In the future, they need to marry a wife and need dowry. I also want to provide for Che-er's study! Inside and out, many places use the money! Just relying on the little produce from the field, even exhausting ourselves to death, we won't be able to do it! I can only go all out and give it a fight! If there wasn't this opportunity, then there's nothing to say. But since the opportunity is here, I'm afraid of missing this one and won't get another chance!"

Aunt Zhang's heart ached when hearing this, subconsciously nodded. She sighed, " What you say got some reason! Oh, it's tough on you! Child, you got a lot to shoulder ah!"

"This is cause there's no other way!" Lian Fang Zhou smiled,  she initially wanted to persuade Aunt Zhang and the others to plant cotton and potato as well, but after some pondering, she decided to drop it! Otherwise, wait until everyone witness it next year, and it'll be hard to explain her foreknowledge.

Aunt Zhang and Uncle can only lament and remain silent.

"Then I'll leave first! I still need to head to Zhang Li Zheng's home and inquire about the seed matter!" Lian Fang Zhou smiled. 

"Alright, I won't make you stay then!" Aunt Zhang responded. 

Uncle Li also spoke, "You go then. If you need our help, tell us!"

"En" Lian Fang Zhou uttered in response and left.
  
Naturally, she can't go empty-handed to Zhang Li Zheng's place. However, there was nothing presentable, so she packed another big sack of charcoal pieces over again.
   
She can tell that Mrs. Niu was especially pleased with those charcoal pieces. And what's more, her words were all laced with the meaning the more, the better.

Anyhow, it doesn't cost anything, might as well send some again.
  

"What did you say?" Zhang Li Zheng suspected there were problems with his ears. Suprised her questioned, "You, you are willing to buy all the cotton seed? Do you know how many there are? Over a thousand jin!"

At this, Lian Fang Zhou was secretly delighted, 'afraid over a thousand isn't enough!'

She nodded, responded, "As long as they have no objection, I want it. This matter, I need to ask you to help tell everyone! People won't believe my words, ah!"

Lian Fang Zhou giving flattery made Zhang Li Zheng's heart more comfortable, but Zhang Li Zheng was a clever man. He didn't immediately promise Lian Fang Zhou, instead asked the reason.
   
She's willing to plant that many cotton for no reason at all, who would believe it?

Then Lian Fang Zhou repeated the exact same explanation she gave Aunt Zhang.

Zhang Li Zheng couldn't help feel some empathy.
  
While Mrs. Niu deeply sobbed, glares at Zhang Li Zheng as she spoke, "Fang Zhou, this child, doesn't have it easy! Since she already said it like this, then we'll help her! Isn't it just a matter of passing on words. Whether they are willing or not, everyone decides for themselves! Only, "
  
Mrs. Niu paused, then said, "Fang Zhou ah, with this many seeds, how much land will be needed to plant them ah. You will buy land, right?

The meaning was, where did you get the money?

Zhang Li Zheng's gaze also flashed, stared at Lian Fang Zhou for her answer.

By land, buy seeds, hire people, it's a large sum of money ah!
  
Lian Fang Zhou replied, "I borrowed from a relative. It's my cousin, who married over to Shuang Liu  County. My mother and her mother were extremely close in the past. A few days ago, I made a trip to go borrow money."

"Oh, " Mrs. Niu uttered and did not continue to ask.
    
Zhang Li Zheng considered a moment, then half-seriously and half-jokingly questioned, "Why do you just want cotton seeds, and not want it with the potato seed as well?

Lian Fang Zhou smiled, "Didn't they say cotton can turn into yarn to make clothes? I think this is more suitable to grow!"

"Haha," Zhang Li Zheng laughed and nodded. "You put some thought into it!"

This reason doesn't count as a reason, can own say it's their own assumptions. However, can't also say it's not a reason.

"Alright, " Zhang Li Zheng dipped his head and declared. "I'll notify everyone!"

Lian Fang Zhou nodded, grinned, "Uncle Li Zheng, can you word it like this to everyone: If any family doesn't want to plant cotton, they must come to your place within three days and let you know. This counts as everyone giving it to me. I won't let them do it for nothing. For each jin, I'll pay two wens, and let them get it from you here. And in passing, provide a signature! Later on, I'll send the money over to you!"
  
Zhang Li Zheng couldn't resist looking at Lian Fang Zhou a few more times, dipped his in acknowledgment, "You have it thoroughly thought out ah! This way is better, saves a lot of future problems!"

Zhang Li Zheng agreed outright.

Initially, he had some doubts. The proverb is right, the same rice raised one different person. Which village and which place doesn't have a few shameless rascals? Those on top were forcefully distributing the seeds and spread it to each and every household. If he were to sell all the seeds to Lian Fang Zhou, and by chance, there are those crafty fellows wait until Lian Fang Zhou buy the seeds and then come looking for a commotion to buy. At that time, where can he go find seeds for them?

Zhang Li Zheng definitely won't do this kind of helping others and trouble comes looking matter.

Since Lian Fang Zhou was willing to buy each jin for two wens, and also take signature, then there's nothing to be afraid!

"Then I'll bring over the money tomorrow!" Delighted, Lian Fang Zhou quickly thanked him.
  
"Okay!" Zhang Li Zheng said, "When you bring over the money, I'll let everyone know at once!"
   
Without demur, she thanked again said a few words and then took her leave.

Previous
  


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Tuesday 25 June 2019

VGAFH 83

Surprise chapter! Our site reached over 1 million views! This is a milestone!
Enjoy ^-^


83. Reached home

She heard Third Aunt randomly guess, "Kapok? Reed flowers?" Her mind moved and inserted, "Should be silk!”
   
“Right, right, right! It is silk! ” Third Aunt couldn’t resist rubbing it. She enviably sighed, “Long heard that rich people’s winter quilt are out of silk and besides the different kinds and type of fur clothes, there's also cut out from embroidered embossed silk filled with woolen material. Just never seen it before. So this is what it looks like! Aiya, just looking at it I can feel the warmth! So light and soft! Those rich people really know how to enjoy!”
  
Lian Fang Zhou took a glimpse. Besides the five pieces of fur, this stuffed silk, thick clothing material had a bolt of light blue, a bolt of dark blue, a bolt of lilac as well as that bolt (under Third Aunt's hand). All had dark embroidery design, the embroidered threads were closely pressed together. She smiled, "As it happens, it's about to Year-end. It's perfect to use it to cut out some winter clothes! Cousin Fang Qing had it all well thought out!"


Image result for longevity lock in ancient china
Lock Charm in Ancient China
*Wiki got a great explanation on the locks and its symbolism
Besides these materials, there were also five-six pieces of headwear, few handkerchiefs, and some exquisite purse. Quite appropriate for the rural area people to use. In addition, there were also two seek longevity locks*, a pair of silver bracelet, a set of the four stationary treasure-- presumably that they heard Lian Che will go to school next year and specially prepared it. 
   
Image result for 如意长命锁
This lock charm is still kept in modern times.
They're so dainty and cute.
So, I had to display a modern version.

When Third Aunt heard that it was to be made into clothes, she stared at Lian Fang Zhou with eager eyes.

Lian Fang Zhou just smiled, “We’ll have to make them quickly. Should be able to make a set for each person.”

“Definitely enough! There’s a lot of material!” Third Aunt became overjoyed and said, "Just that it’s too bland. Next time we’re at the town, we’ll get some bolt of bright fine cloth to make outerwear. Perfect for this month to wear!”
  
Lian Fang Zhou’s eyes dimmed, lightly sighed, “That’s not possible. Third Aunt did you forget? Us siblings are in mourning.”

Once the words were out, Third Aunt uttered out ‘Eh’ feeling a bit ashamed. Lian Ze and the others also bared out grieved expressions.

“Didn’t think it’s only half a year since Father and Mother was gone. It felt like it was a long, long time ago!”Lian Ze lamented
   
Lian Fang Zhou gently spoke, “No matter where Father and Mother is, they are thinking of us and hoping we are well. That's why we need to be well to let them be at ease!”

“Sister, I will definitely study hard. Be better than cousin! In the future, nobody is allowed to bully Sister and also little sister!” Lian Che stated.
  
“Sister, I’ll be obedient too! I can help with lots of things! Won’t let Sister worry!” Lian Fang Qing also voiced out.

Lian Fang Zhou’s heart warmed and smiled. “En, Sister knows you are good kids! Our whole family’s day will get better and better! Come, look at the pastries Cousin Fang Qing gifted. Let’s try them!”
  
Lian Fang Zhou didn't want to continue that oppressive topic and genially distracted.

Rural area kids rarely get any kind of snack at the year-end, lt alone pastries which only wealthy can buy. Lian Fang Qing’s eyes lit up and clapped her hands as she agreed in delight. Even Lian Che couldn't help widened his eyes.


   Image result for nine compartment food box
Two square boxes with grid compartments. One was colorful with different kinds of delicacies; water chestnut cake, white sugar sponge cake, sweet-scented osmanthus cake, mung bean slice, milk curd, etc. The other one had different kinds of preserved fruits and candies; dried apricots, peach preserve, candied dates, raisins, pine nut sweet, etc. Each was exquisitely made.

“It’s really pretty! It must be yummy!”Lian Fang Qing's eyes curved in delight.

Third Aunt couldn’t resist smacking her lips, exclaimed, “Our mouths are in luck! ”

Lian Fang Zhou, Lian Ze and the others don’t like eating snacks much. Lian Fang Qing really love them, same with Third Aunt. When the two of them have nothing to do, they will fry some old pumpkin seed or chestnuts to snack on for half a day.
   
As for Lian Fang Zhou, Lian Ze and others, they sometimes ate a few pieces. The rest was left for Lian Fang Qing, and Third Aunt to slowly consume. Lian Fang Zhou called Ah Jian over to have a taste.
   
Ah Jian politely refused, “I don’t really like sweet stuff! Leave it for Qing-er and Che-er!”

Lian Fang Zhou just smiled and let it be. But she mentally considered, ‘Ordinary people can't afford to eat sweet food since sugar is costly. There's not many who don’t like it. Ah Jian never lies. From the looks of it, his identity isn’t low …’

“Ah” Lian Fang Zhou was deep in thoughts when Third Aunt suddenly touched her lightly and pulled her to one side. She quietly inquired, “How did it go? Did you see your cousin? Were you able to borrow money?”
    
It goes without saying that Lian Fang Zhou won't tell Third Aunt she was able to borrow ten thousand liang. Third Aunt would have never imagined it’ll be such a large amount of money.

Wealth can make people go crazy. Not even mentioning the problem of would Third Aunt having thoughts on it, what if she accidently let it slip? It’ll definitely cause a lot of trouble. Uncle and Aunt will be the first to harass them like devil-may-care.

“En, I borrowed enough,” Lian Fang Zhou responded. “Tonight we need to have a discussion. Third Aunt this time you won't stop me, right? ”
   
“You---” Third Aunt originally wanted to ask how much was she did borrow. But Lian Fang Zhou’s answer just now was clearly not wanting to tell her the amount, so she tactfully didn’t ask. Just uttered, “You won't let it go? Going to plant that whatever cotton for real? In my opinion, better to buy some fertile land!"
  
“Don’t dissuade me anymore. I still want to give it a go!”Lian Fang Zhou shook her head, responded, “I feel like we can give growing cotton a try.  The money borrowed still need to be returned!”
   
“Ah? Need to be returned?” Third Aunt cried out in disappointment. “That Su Family, aren’t they really rich? In the past, your mother and your cousin’s mother had such a close relationship. After your cousin’s mother passed away, your mother had helped your cousin! Now she's reluctant to help you guys…”
   
Lian Fang Zhou then stated, “Cousin is a really nice person, but borrowing is borrowing. Since it's borrowing then naturally I will return the money. I’m not willing to owe her too much! In this age, you’re fortunate if someone is willing to lend money!”

“Hearing you say like that, it’s true!” Third Aunt became merry, and her mind was put to ease. Maybe Lian Fang Zhou didn’t have that meaning, but she could hear that if it couldn’t be returned, Su Family probably won't force them to return.

 After dinner, Lian Fang Zhou selected a few pastries, packed them up and sent it over to Aunt Zhang's family for them to try. And why she's at it, she discussed the charcoal matter.

During this period, she needed to buy land, and then buy people, hire people, buy fertilizer, and prepare the ground way, so the seed can be smoothly sowed. That's why they can't participate in the charcoal process.
  
As a girl, it wasn't convenient for her to run around and handle matters outside. Ah Jian is the most suitable and unsuitable to accompany her.

Suitable because Ah Jian was adult and from a glance, he gives a steady and trustworthy vibe. There's also his highly skilled martial arts, so if they run into some trouble, he can suppress it. At least, won't let Lian Fang Zhou suffer.

Unsuitable because he's neither relatives or friend, and as a single man and a lone female, it'll be inconvenient. Gossip is a fearful thing.

So, will need Lian Ze to accompany them.
   
Traveling with three people was the optimal way. 

Lian Fang Zhou gave a lengthy explanation. Aunt Zhang and Uncle also expressed that's the way it should be.

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Sunday 23 June 2019

VGAFH 82

I'm back from Lisbon! ^-^ Meaning back to real life T.T How I wish, I can go back in time and stay in the days of exploring. Then again, I killed my feet there rather than my hands. Anyway, time to type away!

And many thanks to Jason for becoming VGAFH's patrons! 



82. Ex-fiance's bridal procession

"It's really lively! And also really extravagant!" Lian Fang Zhou jollily commented and put down the curtain.

Lian Ze gave a low snort, declared, "In future, when Sister marry, it'll definitely be more lively and more extravagant!"

Thanks to Hua Family women's haughty big mouth, Ah Jian also knew a little about the matter. He stated, "Ah Ze is right. Yang Family don't want you is because they have no eyes. They can't match up to you! A better man will definitely marry you!"

"Brother Ah Jian is most certainly correct!" Lian Ze beamed.
  
Lian Fang Zhou felt warmed up on the inside, faintly smiled

Actually, she had already prepared to not marry at all this lifetime. She has siblings that need to take care of, and also she had an engagement broken off. When her siblings all grown up, her age will be pretty high. How many people would be willing to marry her? Want her to make do? Not possible!

So because of that, she had no misgiving when she fell toward Ah Jian in Ming Yue Restaurant last night. Anyway, she doesn't plan on marrying, so why have misgiving?

The distinct horn blares passed by. The bridal procession's footsteps, peals of chatter and laughter acutely sounded out from the obstructing, thin curtain. The entertaining group had passed, and Lian Fang Zhou couldn't resist curiosity and lift opened the curtain, put out her head to have a glance.

Somehow, the groom on horseback in front suddenly turned his head around at that moment. With no chance of hiding, Lian Fang Zhou straightforwardly met up with his gaze.

Both of them froze.

Startled, Lian Fang Zhou hurriedly withdrew her neck. Yang Huai Shan's mind buzzed, his chest was like it was heavily hammering. 'It's her! It's really her!'

Today, he came to welcome the bride. His eyes unconsciously wondered around the crowd, planning on finding her figure. But it wasn't there. Not only was her silhouette not there, but even her siblings were also not there either. He was secretly depressed. Presumably, she was crying at home now? It's all his fault, having no courage to fight until the end. In the end, he married someone else. He wronged her!

He never thought he would see her at this moment!

So previously she wasn't at home! They still have a great fate, no? Otherwise, how else did they bump into each other at the last minute?

A strange excitement emerged within Yang Huai Shan. It was a euphoric feeling. His chest cavity was dominated by this weird feeling, became overflowed with it and his brain overheated. He subconsciously pulled the reins, then turned around to head over to her!

"New Son-in-law, why did you stop! Quick go, quickly go wa! Don't miss the auspicious time ah, it'll be unlucky!"In a complete gaudy red clothing, a matchmaker with a round bun garnished with two large red flowers, smilingly looked at him.

Yang Huai Shan heart cooled down, instantly became a bit more clear-headed.

He raised his eyes to look again, the carriage she was in had already slowly moved. Not long later, it disappeared from sight.

Yang Huai  Shan secretly sighed, with no other choice, he turned around and continued forward. The joyous music in his ears and the crowds' merry suddenly become faint as if it was far away from him,  far away...

The carriage was swift. Not a moment later, it had reached Lian Fang Zhou's home

Third Aunt, Lian Che, and Lian Fang Qing, who were within the house, heard the movement, lifted up their head and saw the three of them getting off the carriage. All three faces' displayed delight and went to welcome them. Lian Fang Qing cried out in rejoice, 'Sister! Second Brother! Brother Ah Jian!' and dashed out to the most front.

Lian Fang Zhou opened wide her arms, hugged Lian Fang Qing who dived into her embrace with a grin. She endearingly asked, "Did you miss Sister?" 
   
"En! When Sister wasn't home, I couldn't sleep last night!" Lian Fang Qing looked up, continuously nodded, and pouted her mouth as she replied.

"Sister also missed you all! It's still my Qing-er, who love Sister the most!" Lian Fang Zhou smiled as she pinched her cheeks. She cheerfully greeted Third Aunt and Lian Che.

"Oh, there's this many presents! I'll do it!" Third Aunt saw Ah Jian and Lian Ze carried down the parcels and boxes from the carriage, and her eyes lit up, reached out her hands to take it.

Lian Fang Zhou held Lian Fang Qing, called out to that driver. "I have troubled Big Brother! Come inside, have some tea! Our place is simple, so there's not much good stuff to serve. Do forgive us!"
   
How could the driver look upon their home? He was anxious to get back, so he patted the water bag at his side, smiled, "I still have water here, so won't delay stay! Miss Lian, no need to be polite! This one will take my leave!"
   
Seeing the situation, Lian Fang Zhou couldn't really force the other person. She inclined her head and smiled, "Since it's like that, I won't make you stay!"

As she spoke, she dug out loose silver which was around three-four coin, stepped forward and handed to the driver. She said, "The journey was strenuous, here's some money for you to buy a pot of spirit  to drink and warm up!"
  
The driver faintly paused, obviously didn't expect that Lian Fang Zhou would reward him. Immediately he felt a bit embarrassed, somewhat pretend to refuse, then just accept it. He apologetically smiled, "Many thanks, Miss! Miss, please return, this one will take my leave now!"

Lian Fang Zhou smiled, watched him turned around to leave, and just entered the house with Ah Jian and Lian Ze.

"How much did you give him just now?" Third Aunt saw that Lian Fang Zhou gave silver nuggets rather than copper coins, her heart ached. She moved closer, continuously asked a series of questions, "Did you see your cousin? Were you able to borrow money? What was Su Family like? Are they exceptionally wealthy?"

Lian Fang Zhou just voiced out, "Let's go inside first! We'll slowly discuss it later!" 

Apparently, Third Aunt was dissatisfied with Lian Fang Zhou's response, grumbled with the desire to say more. Lian Ze then indicated, "Third Aunt, Cousin Fang send a lot of presents!"

"Aiya, I need to go see. Those two little ones better not randomly open and waste the things!" Third Aunt rushed inside.

Just now, Lian Fang Qing and Lian Che had carried in some present inside.

Lian Fang Zhou chuckled, "Let's also go in!"

The things that were brought back were piled on the table. Third Aunt rubbed this, rubbed that as she mumbled, "The prominent households are not the same! Just the look of the boxes is gorgeous! I wonder what these are! Fang Zhou, I can open it?"

Usually, Third Aunt was noisy and dared say anything, but on the inside, she had long been afraid of Lian Fang Zhou. Without Lian Fang Zhou's word, she dare not touch.

"Open it then! Cousin said they're clothing material. That's right, there are also two boxes of snacks!" Lian Fang Zhou said.
    
With those words, Third Aunt uttered 'oh' and with Lian Fang Qing, she started opening them. Lan Fang Zhou also helped out on the side. Soon the few boxes and parcel were all opened.
   
"Really are fabric materials. So thick and solid, yi!  Here's some  pelt!" Third Aunt was surprised and delighted. Grasped within her hands were silvery grey and brown pelts.  She carefully felt them and then felt the rest. Grinning, she listed, "Ermine, Eurasian Squirrels, angora, cashmere wool. Oh, we won't have to worry about winter, when we used these for layered clothes and sleeveless jacket!"
  
"What are these here? It's so soft!" Lian Fang Qing's held a bolt of dull bean green material with embroidered entwined branch pattern as she questioned.

Lian Fang Zhou and Third Aunt also felt it. Third Aunt exclaimed in amazement, "It really is! This material is so thick and solid. What is inside? Why is it so soft?"
  
Lian Fang Zhou's first thought was cotton but after a second thought --Not possible ah!

Previous

Sunday 16 June 2019

VGAFH 81

I was hungry after finishing this chapter 🤤 





Image result for 蛋黄南瓜酥
Yolk & Pumpkin biscuit
recipe in Chinese- https://z.xiziwang.net/nangua/7385/
(can't guarantee the taste or validity,
never had or made it before)
  81. Leaving


“Was last night words true?” Cui Shao Xi softly asked Lian Fang Zhou.
   
“What words?”Lian Fang Zhou responded with a blanked face. What exactly is he asking out of nowhere? Is he not fully awake? 
  
“Haha!”Cui Shao Xi burst into laughter. In a more joyous tone, he exclaimed, “I understand! You go, then!”
  
“Ha?”Lian Fang Zhou paused. However, since he let her go, she’ll definitely won't stay. So she inclined her head as she took her leave and went with Li ma.
   
Only now did Li ma let out a breath and relaxed as her expression loosen up.
When Lian Fang Zhou arrived at Fang Qing’s courtyard, Su Jing He already went to do who knows what, leaving only Fang Qing there.

Fang Qing who saw her come, very politely smiled as she greeted and instructed the maids to bring over the breakfast. With a smile, she spoke, “I don’t know what you like, so I had prepared a few more different stuff! At Ah Ze and Ah Jian side, I have already ordered someone send it over! You ah, peacefully eat with me! I already got someone to prepare the carriage. Guaranteed not to delay your matter!” 

This made them both burst in peals of laughter.
  
“Cousin, I have bothered you a lot!”Lian Fang Zhou smiled.
  
“Don’t say it like that!”Fang Qing waved her hands, pulled her to sit.
Image result for 马蹄糕
Osmanthus water chestnut cake
In front on the green floral cloth covered round table, porridge selection and over ten different kinds of snack were spread out. There were some Lian Fang Zhou recognize and others she doesn't. The set of white porcelain ware holding it was very refined.

Lian Fang Zhou chose half bowl black rice porridge. Fang Qing used the public chopstick, picked yolk & pumpkin biscuit, orange osmanthus & water chestnut cake, wolfiporia cocos slice, steamed dumpling with pheasant meat filling  and pancake with roe deer meat filling for her to try, benevolently smiled, "I don't know what taste Qing-er and Che-er likes, so I got them to pack two boxes to bring back for them to try!"
This was Fang Qing’s consideration, Lian Fang Zhou couldn’t really refuse and thanked her with a smile.

After having breakfast, rinsed mouth and casually sat for a while, Lian Fang Zhou then stood to take her leave.
Fang Qing didn’t ask her to stay. She counted the ten thousand liang of notes in front of her clearly, separated into two envelopes and passed it to her. She smiled, “I'm handing this to you. Next year I want to see a great change from you!”
“Many thanks for Cousin’s blessing!" Lian Fang Zhou was slightly hesitant, then asked, “Cousin, should I leave an IOU…”
  
Image result for 茯苓薄饼
Wolfiporia cocos slice
(Not too confident on the picture accuracy)
Not waiting for her to finish, Fang Qing fiercely stared at her and interrupted, “What IOU, I trust you!”

Lian Fang Zhou smiled, and no longer mention this matter. 
She trusted her to definitely payback. It was rare for Fang Qing to believe in her, so why would she break that trust?

Fang Qing led her again to the table in the side hall, pointed to the pile of securely packed bundles and box and informed.  “Besides the two boxes of pastries, there's also cloth and a few pelts. New Year nearly here, I didn’t gift you much. Take them and turn them to clothes for the New Year. It's better than buying from outside.”
She said as she received a delicate elongated scarlet box from Li ma, lightly opened it and inside was cushioned with a bright red soft silk. On top rest a pair of golden hairpins with the design on the tip couldn't be discerned, one encrusted with pearl and the other inlaid with a ruby. With one look, you can tell they are valuable items.
  
Lian Fang Zhou was shocked, not waiting for Fang Qing to open her mouth, she immediately declined, “Cousin, the is too precious. I can't accept it! And also there’s no place to wear it to in the countryside!”
“Then, leave it as dowry!” Fang Qing persisted, closed the case and stuffed it into her hands. She grasped her hands and lightly sighed. " This isn't just my idea, it's also your cousin-in-law. Last night, oh, I'm embarrassed to mention it! Xin-er has that kind of temper, so don't take offense! These two items consider them an apology! If you're not willing,  our hearts will feel guilty!"

Since Fang Qing said it like that, then even more reason to not accept, she affirmed with a smile, “Cousin you also say Miss Su temperament is like that, that implies she words weren't on purpose. I really don’t blame her a single bit!”
 Fang Qing tried to persuade for the third time. Lian Fang Zhou still won't budge, leaving Fang Qing helpless and couldn't only let it drop. Then she personally sent her to the inner entrance, lamented, "When will you have free time and come over to for a visit? Next time bring Qing-er and Che-er to stay over for a few days! We can have a good long talk!"

Naturally, Lian Fang Zhou agreed. With Lian Ze and Ah Jian, she bid Fang Qing farewell and entered the carriage.
Image result for 小笼包子
Steamed dumpling
  
Fang Qing watched the carriage leave, declared ‘let's return’ and turned to go back.

Li ma supported her hand, remarked, “This Miss Lian isn't bad! Lian gongzi and that Ah Jian is also good!”
  
Fang Qing glanced at Li ma, “Isn't that right! Much better than my own maternal family!”

Li ma, didn’t respond, instantly just appropriately smiled, “Young Madame’s mouth really don’t hide words!”

Fang Qing smiled, “What is there to hide? Who doesn’t know? This cousin of mine isn't a simple person!”

Li ma then said, “Oh, if we are talking not simple, old servant believe Young Madame is number one.”
Fang Qing smiled, lightly spoke, “In future, you’ll if I spoke right or not!”
  
Su Family's carriage is quite exquisite. Sitting inside, one can't feel any jolting. It was really soft and comfortable, and the horse pulling the carriage was excellent quality. With a quick horse and light carriage, a familiar scenery entered into view when the curtain was raised, within a half-day effort. Not much longer, they'll enter the village.

The three of them were extremely thrilled.

Lian Ze was still pining on being able to enter the mountain to make charcoal in the afternoon!

The carriage turned on a bend, and at once, a showy sound of beating drums and blowing trumpets emerged. Each note connected and become a piece of music that carries joy-- there is someone who was marrying.
As long as one meets with an oncoming red or white occasion (i.e red wedding, white funeral), it was established to yield to them. So that why the driver automatically drove to one side to steer clear without waiting for  Lian Fang Zhou and the others to say anything.

The joyous music became louder and louder. The group of colorfully dressed marriage escorts also got closer and closer. Seeing the man dressed in all red on the horse in front of the bright red bridal sedan, "Lian Fang Zhou uttered 'ah' and hit her head. She exclaimed with a smile, "So it's him marrying today. I nearly forgot!"
On the horse was her ex-fiance. Yang Huai Shan.
Image result for 肉馅饼
Meat filling pancake
Today Hua Family's daughter was getting married. Hua Family's women had long already made a lot of fanfare about it to make it known to the world. Hua Family's daughter-in-law even purposely ran over to Lian Fang Zhou's entrance to clamor. The three Lian siblings and Third Aunt were exasperated. Third Aunt had wanted to dash out and argue with them but was stopped by Lian Fang Zhou.

Instead, Lian Fang Zhou was steady and calm. She has no feeling for Yang Huai Shan's whole family, and even if she did for a tiny bit, the two families have already broken the engagement. Meaning it got nothing to do with each other who they marry. So, in other word, sooner or later, Yang Huai Shan will marry, what does she have to mope about?

Hua Gamily was really bored. She has no energy to accompany them in their ruckus. She still needs to earn money and become well off.

Lian Ze, who was at the side feeling extremely anxious on inside when he saw Lian Fang Zhou picked up a corner of the carriage curtain to peer outside, scowled his face and called out, “What is there to see? Don’t watch sister!”



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