In ancient tis, eating at was considered a luxury, and having at in soups was better than what many wealthy families enjoyed.
"The radish stew is almost ready. Brother Wei, please taste it and check the seasoning."
The kitchen fire was blazing, and Wei Tu adjusted the stool, stepping back a few paces to stop adding firewood.
At that mont, the cook, Xinghua, looked at him with a smile and ladled out a bowl of the stew, handing it to Wei Tu.
It was often said that:
"A cook who does not steal is rare; five grains are not harvested without so theft." {1}
It is almost impossible to stop a cook from nibbling on food. Xinghua’s sneaking bites were sothing Madam Li turned a blind eye to.
After all, it’s not like she could steal much.
“This is good.” Wei Tu, eyeing the pieces of cooked pork in the bowl, swallowed a few tis and quickly glanced outside. Seeing no one around, he took large mouthfuls of the stew.
In a short ti, the bowl was licked clean, with no traces left of the radish or at.
“What’s the occasion today that we’re having radish and at stew?” Wei Tu placed the bowl on the counter and curiously asked Xinghua.
at was a rarity in the Li household, consuming only once every five days. Since it had only been two days since Xinghua last prepared at, it was unusual.
The Li family had the funds for at but considered frequent consumption a waste that could lead to ancestors’ reproach after death.
The Li family's fortune, accumulated over roughly a century, was built by the family’s ancestors starting as traveling rchants.
"The eldest young master returned from studying in the capital, and the madam was pleased, so she had buy two pounds of at from the butcher yesterday," Xinghua replied.
“The eldest young master?” Wei Tu’s heart stirred, rembering his childhood playmate.
Unfortunately, ti had passed, and the distinction between master and servant had beco more pronounced. Despite past friendship, he would still have to address the eldest young master as "Young Master" in deference to their roles.
“Please let Madam know I’m taking a short leave. I have so matters to attend to,” Wei Tu said, brushing off the ash from his clothes after adding more firewood.
The madam of the Li household was strict, but as long as duties were fulfilled, taking so ti off was not a major issue.
Wei Tu’s request was rely a formality to notify the household.
“Certainly…” Xinghua replied, beginning to stir the next dish with a tal spoon.
However, just as she finished speaking, she let out a small "ouch," blushing and glaring at Wei Tu as he left the kitchen.
Earlier, Wei Tu had pinched her bottom.
In rural areas, there was little concept of propriety. Xinghua and Wei Tu had been close for years, awaiting the madam's consent to marry.
…….
Leaving the Li residence, Wei Tu didn’t rush to the Huang family but first went to the rouge shop with the savings he had accumulated over the years.
In the early years after his second aunt, Wei Hong, married into the Huang family, she stayed close with his family, visiting periodically.
However, in recent years, their interactions had dwindled. After the death of their grandparents four years ago, she had only returned to Wei’s family twice, once for a funeral.
Since Wei Tu was asking his second aunt for a favor, he didn’t want to appear empty-handed. It was better to bring a gift than to show up with nothing.
While the Huang family lacked for nothing in terms of rice, grain, and cloth, all he could offer were costics for won.
“Shopkeeper, what affordable rouge or powder do you have?”
After a mont’s hesitation, Wei Tu gritted his teeth and entered the shop to inquire about prices.
Costics were always pricey, and with his savings, he couldn’t afford high-end products.
“Affordable ones?” The shopkeeper assessed Wei Tu, noting his patched, rough clothing, and imdiately understood his situation.
He took a brocade box from the display case and said, “This is the Golden Swallow Rouge. One box costs five coins and should last for two months.”
“If you’re buying a gift, this Golden Swallow Rouge is quite suitable.”
The shopkeeper paused and added, “We also have cheaper rouges, like Purple Cloud Rouge, priced at three coins per box, but that might be less appropriate for a gift…”
“Then I’ll take the Golden Swallow Rouge.” After a brief consideration, Wei Tu nodded and placed five large coins on the counter.
His second aunt, Wei Hong, was a lady of the Huang household, and she frequented the rouge shop more than he did. If he brought the Purple Cloud Rouge, she might not appreciate it, even if she didn’t show it outwardly.
The more substantial the gift, the more sincere the gesture!
Additionally, since Purple Cloud Rouge was the cheapest option available, it would likely be used even less by soone of Wei Hong's standing, possibly ending up in storage.
As for bargaining...
In rural areas, people were generally honest. Shopkeepers rarely cheated local custors because their reputation depended on it.
In this ancient setting, Wei Tu appreciated the credibility of local businesses, as deceit was rare among townsfolk.
Such establishnts rarely allowed bargaining; prices were usually fixed.
Wei Tu was short on money but wasn’t about to waste ti haggling over a few coins.
"I’ll pack this up for you," the shopkeeper said with a smile.
Soon, Wei Tu, carrying the gift box, arrived at a street lined with official residences.
Compared to the Li residence, the Huang family, led by Master Huang, was far wealthier and more affluent. Their estate was located in Shengye Lane, a place where high-ranking officials of Qingmu County resided.
Finding the residence with the ‘Huang’ plaque, Wei Tu knocked on the side door and explained his purpose to the gatekeeper.
"Are you from the second madam's family? Please sit in the waiting hall while I inform a maid in the inner courtyard."
The doorman stepped aside, allowing Wei Tu to sit in the waiting hall, and then proceeded towards the inner courtyard.
The waiting hall was where large households kept their carriages, typically situated in the front courtyard.
After a short wait, Wei Tu was led by a maid nad Qinghe to a side room in the front courtyard to wait for his second aunt, Wei Hong.
Strict protocols in large households prevented outsiders, especially n, from entering the inner court.
After about fifteen minutes, a beautiful woman with skin like white jade entered the room, followed by two maids, one of whom was Qinghe.
“Wei Tu, what brings you to see ? Is everything alright at ho?” Wei Hong, sitting on a stool by the table, sipped her tea and asked with a warm smile.
"Everything is fine at ho." Wei Tu stood up, refraining from sitting, and slightly bowed. "I ca to ask for a favor from you, Second Aunt."
Although he had been sold to the Li household by his father, his connection with his family was not entirely severed.
His father, Wei Bao, had sold him out of desperation. Six years ago, during a severe drought in Qingfeng Prefecture, their family faced starvation, and finding work at the Li household was better than starving at ho.
Wei Hong’s smile faltered slightly as she set her teacup on the table, her gaze becoming stern. Though she didn’t say anything, her deanor made her stance clear.
If Wei Bao had a problem, she, as his sister, might consider helping out due to family ties. But a nephew was another matter.
“This is so rouge I’ve bought. Please accept it, Second Aunt.”
Wei Tu took out the gift box and placed it on the table, pushing it towards Wei Hong.
Seeing the gift, Wei Hong’s expression softened, understanding that Wei Tu was not ignorant of manners and propriety.
After many years of being married into the Huang family, she was now a Huang family matron, not a Wei family mber.
“What is it that you need?”
“If I can help, I will do my best. If not…”
Wei Hong shook her head, not elaborating further.
Translator notes:-
The saying underscores the idea that the integrity of those in charge of essential tasks (like cooking) is crucial for ensuring that resources are properly managed and utilized.
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