14 Let Anger come to help with the work.

“Can’t you come and sit for a while when you have nothing to do?” Zhu Erhong feigned anger as she spoke, then was about to leave.

Qin Jin smiled. “It’s rare for you to come, Aunt. Sit for a bit.”

At that moment, Zhao Feng also urged her, and Ye Miao brought over a small stool to the courtyard gate. Zhu Erhong took the opportunity to sit down on it.

When country folk chat idly, they either talk about the fields or gossip about neighbors. Since Qin Jin had just married, Zhu Erhong’s topic naturally turned to Ye Miao, praising him for his good looks and diligence.

Ye Miao sat quietly beside them, looking both obedient and shy.

Suddenly, Zhu Erhong changed the subject, sighing deeply. “If An’er were even half as outstanding as Miao’er, I wouldn’t be so worried that my hair’s about to turn white.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin inwardly scoffed.

Qin An wasn’t unattractive; his features could be considered above average, but that was partly because he always dressed in drab clothes. If he tidied himself up properly, he could certainly be called outstanding.

However, Qin An’s broad shoulders were an issue.

Nowadays, slender shoulders are considered beautiful—what people call ‘beauty shoulders.’ Qin An had square, broad shoulders wider than those of most girls and boys. This gave him a large frame, so from afar, he looked almost like a man.

But if Zhu Erhong truly wanted to marry Qin An off, it wouldn’t be difficult.

After all, Qin An was diligent and capable, which was a definite advantage in the countryside.

Yet Zhu Erhong refused to let Qin An marry an ordinary rural man.

Qin Shuli was currently a manager at a brick kiln in the county town. He dealt with many people daily and was well-informed. Any family buying bricks from the kiln to build their house was not poor.

So Zhu Erhong hoped Qin Shuli could find a good match among such families for Qin An. This would bring a substantial bride price and help support Qin An’s family in the future.

For this reason, matchmakers had come knocking four or five times over the years but were all turned away.

In the past, Qin An was too young, so there was time to be picky. But now at eighteen, though not much older, it was still not too late. If Zhu Erhong was sincere, Qin An’s marriage prospects wouldn’t be a problem.

Yet now Zhu Erhong’s manner suggested something else.

Qin Jin was puzzled but, on the surface, offered comforting words: “Aunt, An’er is diligent and capable; surely matchmakers will come again.”

“Oh, what good is it if they come on their own? Either widowers or families so poor they don’t know where their next meal comes from. An’er is my darling; how could I bear to let him suffer in such a household?” Zhu Erhong’s face wrinkled like dried bark, as if she were truly worried sick.

“...That’s a bit of an exaggeration, isn’t it?” Ye Miao couldn’t help but speak.

How could it be so bad?

“Not at all! If it weren’t for their poor backgrounds, I wouldn’t be losing sleep over it every day,” Zhu Erhong said, then looked at Qin Jin. “Xiao Jin, I, as his aunt, have spent my whole life working the fields. I’m illiterate and have no special skills. I have no means to find a good match for An’er.”

“He’s growing older by the day. After the new year, he’ll be nineteen, and it’ll be even harder to find a good match. I truly don’t know what to do, so I’ve shamelessly come to you. You’re successful in business; why not let An’er come help you out?”

“If he earns a steady wage every month like your brother Shuli, then when I talk to matchmakers, I can hold my head high and expect better offers. Isn’t that how it should be?”

“You’re his cousin; you have to help him. It’s a lifetime matter—we can’t just let him marry a widower or a pauper, can we?”

Qin Jin suddenly understood. After all this talk, she was actually angling for a spot in his small business.

Ye Miao’s expression remained unchanged, but he clenched his teeth. How shameless—worse than Zhang Xiaohua, who still hadn’t managed to get close.

Qin Jin frowned, troubled. “Aunt, I do care about An’er’s future, but I don’t have any work for him here now. Our family business is handled well by me, Miao’er, and father.”

Seeing Zhu Erhong about to speak, he quickly added, “Besides, I still owe my three older brothers several taels of silver. If I didn’t have debts, I’d surely find some work for An’er. But right now, I’m barely managing myself.”

“My three older brothers don’t rush me, but I have to take it seriously. My nephews and nieces are growing up, and there are many expenses. I need to repay the debts first. Isn’t that reasonable?”

“I understand, Aunt. You know I’m not an easy person either. How about this: let An’er come do some work for now, and once your debts are paid off, I’ll start paying him wages. How does that sound?”

Zhu Erhong seemed to have anticipated this and immediately said so.

“Well... that’s acceptable,” Qin Jin replied after a brief pause, not refusing outright.

“But there really isn’t much business work. Father and I work the fields every day. If An’er comes, he’ll have to join us in the fields.”

“If you agree, Aunt, let him come later today. It hasn’t rained for a few days, and the crops are a bit dry. Our farm is large, and with just me and father, it’s a bit overwhelming.”

Hearing this, Zhu Erhong’s expression stiffened imperceptibly. She cursed inwardly: When did Qin Jin become so slick? He used to act shy even when she greeted him, now he left her speechless!

Ye Miao almost laughed at Zhu Erhong’s look, his eyes flickering slightly. He said, “Aunt, since you’ve put aside your pride to speak to us young ones today, it’s clearly because you care for An’er.”

“I also hope An’er finds a good match. For him, nothing is more empowering than a generous dowry. If he works for you, it’s better to keep his wages on your accounts and give them to him when he marries, just in case something unexpected happens. Don’t you agree?”

Zhu Erhong was speechless.

Her mouth twitched with suppressed anger.

Qin Jin looked at Ye Miao with some surprise.

His little husband’s mind was quick.

On the surface, it was for Qin An’s good, but really, it was a veiled rebuke directed at Zhu Erhong herself.

What unexpected harm could come from directly giving Qin An his wages? Most likely, Zhu Erhong would snatch them away.

Quite bold.

Seeing Zhu Erhong silent, Qin Jin cleared his throat. Though being mocked by the younger generation, he didn’t lose his temper immediately. No wonder he could pull off the rare feat of asking his eldest brother for money and only giving five copper coins.

Still, he would stand by his little husband: “Aunt, I think Miao’er has a good idea. Don’t worry. As his cousin, I won’t shortchange An’er. When he marries, Miao’er and I will make sure he receives a generous red envelope.”

“Alright, it’s settled then. Let him come over later. You can tell him.”

Zhu Erhong took a deep breath and forced a somewhat stiff smile. “That’s a bit inconvenient now. We’ve just started watering the crops. After a few busy days, I’ll send him over.”

Regardless, she had to let An’er come and see for herself.

According to Qin Jin, though there wasn’t much work, the business was thriving. How exactly were those pea cakes and tofu sheets made?

“All right, we’ll do as you say,” Qin Jin nodded decisively, as if Zhu Erhong had made the final call.

Zhu Erhong couldn’t help but curse silently again. Today was rushed—she got nothing out of it and was made a laughingstock by these three!

She stormed off.

Watching Zhu Erhong’s retreating figure, if not for Qin Jin’s presence, Ye Miao would have definitely rolled his eyes.

Suppressing the urge, he looked at Qin Jin. “Brother Jin, it’s getting late. You and father should head to Wangjiatun.”

Qin Jin gave a grunt of agreement, taking in Ye Miao’s obedient demeanor. With a raised brow, he turned to push the cart.

Zhao Feng followed him.

Ye Miao locked the courtyard door and went to Zhang Qi’s house to buy tomorrow’s tofu pudding.

---

The tofu sheets sold well, so more tofu pudding was needed for the next day.

Wuligou lay southwest of the county town, and Wangjiatun was to the southeast—a half-hour walk away. Upon arrival, Qin Jin quickly located Wang Yongshu’s home.

As landlords, the Wang family had the grandest house in the village.

Qin Jin now understood why Gu Nan was so generous—his family was truly wealthy.

Gu Nan happened to be home and warmly welcomed Qin Jin and Zhao Feng, praising the deliciousness of the tofu sheets wrapped like dumplings.

Wang Yongshu, Gu Nan’s husband, looked honest and simple. He weighed the peas and helped load them on the cart. Qin Jin handed him the counted copper coins.

Three hundred jin of peas, at three wen and three li per jin, totaled nine hundred ninety wen.

Such a large sum of cash required not only using Ye Miao’s dowry but also borrowing a little from Wang Xiuqin.

Despite all the busy days, their family debt was mounting.

But with so many peas and continuous praise for the tofu sheets, Qin Jin felt both secure and motivated.

However, thinking back to Ye Miao’s sharp words toward Zhu Erhong today, he found himself distracted. Whether on the way home or working in the fields, Ye Miao’s small, delicate face kept flashing through his mind.

He always knew his little husband was handsome and perfect in every way, but until today, he hadn’t realized how quick-witted he was.

It was a pleasant surprise.

Usually, he treated Ye Miao like a younger child, pampering him without much curiosity. Ye Miao’s past and thoughts were simple and transparent.

But today was different.

After washing up at night and getting into bed, he didn’t blow out the oil lamp and fall asleep as usual.

Instead, he lay on his side, propping his head on his arm, eyes fixed on Ye Miao lying beside him.

Ye Miao had gotten into bed first, planning to snuggle in once Qin Jin joined him. Seeing Qin Jin’s posture, he looked puzzled. “Brother Jin?”

His beautiful eyes opened wide, his fair face filled with confusion.

Strangely, Qin Jin felt as if feathers were brushing against his heart.

He reached out, pulled Ye Miao close into his arms. He was familiar with the warm, slender body, but this time, his large hand couldn’t help but gently stroke his back, as if soothing the itch that the feathers had stirred within.

Ye Miao held his breath, his heartbeat quickened. This was...

“Sleep now. We have to get up early,” Qin Jin’s voice sounded above him.

...

Ye Miao puffed out his cheeks, a little discouraged. He raised his right hand to reach down but hesitated for two seconds, then softened his body and obediently lay in Qin Jin’s arms.

Oh well.

Today’s work had indeed been hard; he wouldn’t let Brother Jin keep working after getting into bed.

A day or two wouldn’t make a difference.