Chapter 89: Dealing With It

Tang Yixiao returned from outside, his face clouded with displeasure.

Qin Huiyin was making pea starch noodles when she saw his expression and asked, “Who has upset our dear Yixiao?”

“I went to wash some pork intestines, but as I passed by, people pretended to exchange pleasantries—they were really just probing into what business our family is doing.”

“That’s to be expected. We go to town every day, constantly hauling things home. At first, they managed to hold back their curiosity, but as time passed and our loads increased, more people just couldn’t resist asking. You’re a boy, still young, so not as many people question you. Sister Luwu and I weren’t idle today either; quite a few came to our door or stopped us outside to ask questions. I suppose the whole village is speculating whether our family has come into some fortune.”

“So, what did you tell them?”

“Sister Luwu said nothing and told them to ask my mother. I made up a story, whether they believe it or not is their business—my answer stays the same.”

“These people have too much free time. How much our family earns is none of their concern. What, if we make more money, are we supposed to share it with them?”

“People’s hearts are complicated. If we were struggling, they’d sigh and show a little pity. But if we’re doing too well, envy turns their eyes green. Still, most will only say a few sour words; it won’t affect us. There’s no need for extra caution.”

Li Peach Blossom and Tang Dafu returned from the fields and, after hearing the children’s words, said they too had encountered villagers fishing for information today.

Qin Huiyin shared her version of events.

Li Peach Blossom said, “I asked directly if they wanted to buy something—if so, bring out the money.”

Tang Dafu, a bit embarrassed, added, “I said I’m just the handyman and know nothing else.”

“A little caution never hurts. Let’s all be careful these days and keep an ear out,” Qin Huiyin said. “If only we could get two dogs.”

“I can handle that,” Tang Dafu said. “I know a dog seller whose dogs are all trained—either for hunting or guarding homes. But those aren’t cheap; one costs five or six hundred copper coins.”

“That’s expensive,” Li Peach Blossom noted.

“Good dogs fetch a high price,” Qin Huiyin replied, interested. “Uncle Tang, is this dog seller in town?”

“Yes, he sells dogs all year round.”

“We’ll be going into town for supplies tomorrow. We can stop by and pick one out.”

The next day was market day, and many villagers headed to town to shop. Third Uncle Tang first took some people to town, then came back to fetch Li Peach Blossom’s family.

Knowing they needed to buy foodstuffs, Third Uncle Tang drove the ox cart to the market, ready to load everything up once they finished shopping.

“Aren’t that Tang Dafu and Li Peach Blossom? They’re buying meat,” someone remarked.

“I’ll go see what else is on their cart.”

Madam Wang and Madam Zhang brought eggs to sell at the market, and upon spotting the family, abandoned their eggs to sneak over and inspect the ox cart, curiosity burning.

“What are you doing?” Third Uncle Tang returned with a bucket of pig intestines and saw Madam Wang and Madam Zhang lifting the old cloth covering the cart, trying to peek inside. He set the bucket down with a thud.

The juices from the pig intestines splashed onto both women, the stench so overwhelming it nearly made them retch.

“We were only having a look! Why so nervous? Third Uncle, you’re acting more and more suspicious,” Madam Wang said. “Anyone would think you’re their servant!”

“Nonsense,” Third Uncle Tang spat. “Dafu’s family isn’t like you, always spouting filth. You think these pig intestines stink? Your mouths are worse! Get lost and stay away.”

“Didn’t their family say they’re selling pancakes and meat? What are these pig intestines for?” Madam Zhang asked.

“What business is it of yours?”

“Brother, you’re always with them. You must know. Tell us, we won’t spread it around,” Madam Zhang pressed.

Qin Huiyin came over carrying a pig’s liver and, seeing them, said, “Aunt Wang, Aunt Zhang, if you have any questions, just ask me. Don’t trouble Third Grandpa.”

“Huiyin, why buy so many pig intestines and livers?” Madam Zhang asked with a sly smile. “They aren’t tasty—always have a smell.”

“They’re for the chickens,” Qin Huiyin replied. “Boil them, chop them up, mix in some rice bran—it’s a great supplement for the hens, helps them lay eggs sooner.”

“You actually buy this for your chickens?” Madam Zhang was astonished. “Or did someone give it to you for free?”

“All this cost five copper coins.”

“So you paid! Your chickens are truly living well,” Madam Wang mocked. “But your family’s rich now; a few coins are nothing.”

“Aunt, you’re right. We can afford a few coins,” Qin Huiyin said calmly. “My mother’s coming. Is there anything else you want to ask her?”

“We have to go,” Madam Zhang said, pulling Madam Wang away. With Li Peach Blossom, that shrew, approaching, she didn’t want any trouble. Anyway, she hadn’t discovered anything useful.

“What a waste of money, buying pig intestines for chickens. That family must be insane,” Madam Wang grumbled.

“Let’s hurry and sell our eggs. We reek,” Madam Zhang agreed.

Madam Zhang still found their family odd, but pig intestines seemed unfit for human consumption—what else could they be used for besides feeding chickens or dogs? She refused to believe Li Peach Blossom would eat something like that.

“Oh my, did you crawl out of a cesspit?” a woman pinched her nose in disdain as she passed by. “Go on, shoo! The stink is unbearable.”

Madam Zhang, noticing the woman’s fine clothes—no patches, a lovely silver hairpin—forced a smile. “Sister, I just rushed here after work, hoping to sell some eggs and buy half a pound of meat to nourish my eldest grandson. You look so grand, surely you can afford some eggs…”

Madam Wang was ready to snap back, but upon seeing Madam Zhang fawning over the woman who’d just insulted them, her eyes filled with contempt. Yet Madam Zhang’s humility paid off—the woman bought her eggs.

Madam Wang tried her luck, but the woman left with the eggs, still wearing a look of distaste.

Madam Wang approached other customers, but they all steered clear at the smell, not even giving her a chance to speak.

Besides, Madam Wang didn’t have Madam Zhang’s knack for acting. Madam Zhang, older with an honest, kindly face, could pull off the role of a pitiful widow. Madam Wang, with her sharp, severe features and downturned eyes, looked fierce and unapproachable; no one took her words seriously or let her play the victim.

As the time to return to the village approached, Madam Wang’s eggs remained unsold. Madam Zhang advised her to lower the price—ten eggs for eight coins—and sell them off quickly. Madam Wang refused, storming back to the village with her eggs.

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