LGSLAW : Chapter 41 – Half and Half

Thank you carpang for the kofi support ?

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The awkwardness at Miao Liang’s wedding banquet, how it was resolved, and any subsequent effects are not the focus for now. When Yang Dalang returned home, still simmering with anger, he was immediately calmed upon seeing Miao He happily preparing to cook green bean soup. He quickly took over to help.

 

“While you were away, Old Master Qu sent some saltpeter,” Miao He said with a smile. “Once I make the soup and freeze it, we’ll have ice-cold green bean soup to enjoy!”

 

Yang Dalang frowned slightly. “Did you touch the saltpeter?”

 

“No, I didn’t. I had them move it straight to the cellar along with the jars they made.”

 

Satisfied, Yang Dalang patted Miao He’s head. 

 

“Was the banquet lively today? Any interesting stories?” Miao He asked casually.

 

Yang Dalang didn’t mention the unpleasant incident. “Miao Ping’s Ger wants to know about your pregnancy.”

 

Miao He was puzzled. “Chen Rong? What’s there to ask?”

 

“About supplements. Gers usually take supplements before getting pregnant.”

 

Yang Dalang’s explanation reminded Miao He of this detail. But what supplements could he have taken? Oh, right, before that day, he had been eating chicken stewed with Codonopsis pilosula grown using the fertile soil! So his sudden pregnancy was actually due to the fertile soil!

 

Seeing Miao He’s beautiful face gradually turning red, Yang Dalang knew his little brother occasionally felt awkward about the pregnancy. Although he didn’t fully understand, he couldn’t help but gently touch Miao He’s face. “Do you want to help? Miao Ping has been married for five years without children.”

 

Miao He looked at Yang Dalang. “Chen Rong did speak up for me before. He seems like a good person.”

 

“If you’re willing, I can find a way.”

 

Curious, Miao He asked, “Is Miao Ping’s family very anxious?” It was rare for Yang Dalang to actively offer to use the fertile soil.

 

Yang Dalang lifted Miao He effortlessly, holding him like a child. “Being able to have children is a joyful thing.”

 

The implication was that he was so happy about their pregnancy that he wanted his friends to experience the same joy. 

 

Miao He, feeling touched, snuggled against Yang Dalang’s neck. “Then let’s help them.”

 

He trusted that Yang Dalang would protect the secret of the fertile soil.

 

Feeling the trust and affection from the person in his arms, Yang Dalang’s heart softened.

 

After putting Miao He to bed and fanning him to sleep, Yang Dalang went to check on the saltpeter in the cellar. Without wasting time, he fetched water, filling a large specially-made jar and a smaller one inside it. After adding saltpeter to the water in the large jar, the reaction caused the water in the smaller jar to freeze. Witnessing this wonder, which the little brother (Ger) had brought into his life, occasionally made Yang Dalang feel a bit uneasy. Miao He was so good, too good for him. How could he keep him by his side forever?

 

With these thoughts, he went back inside to check on the sleeping Miao He, wiping the sweat from his face. Then he returned to the kitchen to tend to the green bean soup, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking, letting it cool in bowls afterward.

 

In the evening, Miao He woke up groggily. He ate well, slept well, and had gained a bit of weight, becoming plump and soft like a pampered young master from a wealthy family.

 

Yang Dalang, seeing him awake, brought a bowl of ice-cold green bean soup and fed him a spoonful.

 

The cold soup in the porcelain bowl immediately formed a layer of condensation. The green beans were cooked until they melted in the mouth, sweet and refreshing. Just one sip brought a refreshing coolness that made Miao He’s eyes light up.

 

“It’s delicious! Have you tried it yet?”

 

Yang Dalang shook his head. “You drink.”

 

Knowing that he had probably been busy until just now, Miao He took the spoon and offered him a sip. “Let’s drink it together. Half for each of us.”

 

Touched by the gesture, Yang Dalang obediently opened his mouth to accept the offering.

 

“…Meow?” What about me?

 

The cat, Da Bai, pitifully squatted by the bed. It knew it wasn’t allowed on the bed recently and behaved well.

 

Unfortunately, the affectionate couple took a while to remember the cat.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, far away in the county, Young Master Xu, the one who had previously criticized the tofu pudding, suddenly received a gift.

 

“Young Master Xu, the clerk from the Ji family’s clinic brought a gift for you, along with a letter,” the inn servant said respectfully as he entered the most luxurious room. Xu Ming, who was directing his servants to pack up, took the letter and read it. After a moment, his eyebrows shot up.

 

“Trying to barter for our tribute wine? This old man is interesting; he really doesn’t give up.”

 

Old Doctor Ji, a wine enthusiast, and Xu Ming, a foodie, had struck up a friendship by chance. After learning about Xu Ming’s imperial merchant status, Ji Wang had persistently sought to obtain some of their tribute wine. Tribute wine, however, was strictly rationed and not easy to come by, even if there were extra bottles. It was reserved for emergencies. How could he just give it away?

 

Xu Ming thought for a moment and then had the servants open the box that came with the letter. The letter had straightforwardly asked if the contents could be exchanged for some tribute wine.

 

Peering into the box, Xu Ming was curious. “What could possibly be as valuable as our tribute wine?”

 

When the servants opened the box and pulled out three earthy, unassuming jars tightly sealed with red oil paper, Xu Ming’s eyes lit up. It must be something rare! If Ji Wang had sent silver to trade for wine, Xu Ming would have had to reconsider their friendship.

 

Expectantly, he had the servants remove the seals. The moment the oil paper was removed, a familiar, rich, tangy aroma filled the room!

 

Xu Ming sniffed, “Isn’t this the smell of pickled plums?”

 

Unconvinced, he looked inside and saw that it was indeed pickled plums!

 

“Did that old man think he could trade these for my wine!?” Xu Ming stared in disbelief.

 

The aroma of the plums made the maidservants in the room salivate.

 

A quick-witted maid named Xue Qing suggested, “Young Master, why not try them first? Doctor Ji wouldn’t send them without reason.” Though this kind of sweet and sour treat was typically liked by girls, and Xu Ming might not enjoy it, she hoped he would at least let them have a taste if he didn’t.

 

Despite his disappointment, Xu Ming nodded. The gift had been sent, so it wouldn’t be polite not to try it.

 

However, when clean dishes and chopsticks were brought and the glossy, translucent pickled plums were served, the vibrant yellow and red hues with their sparkling sugar crystals immediately drew everyone’s attention.

 

Everyone at the table gulped.

 

Knowing better, Xu Ming quickly grabbed a plum with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth. 

 

His eyes widened with delight, and his thick brows and eyes narrowed in pleasure. Xue Qing, seeing his reaction, felt her mouth water. “Young Master, are the plums very sour?”

 

If they were too sour, they could help eat them!

 

But Xu Ming didn’t answer, just mumbled in enjoyment, finishing one plum and reaching for a second.

 

Xue Qing sighed. If he was eating a second one, it meant he liked them. She shared a look of disappointment with the other maids.

 

Moments later, however, Xu Ming put down his chopsticks and looked thoughtfully at the opened jar, then at the two unopened ones.

 

Xue Qing’s spirits lifted, thinking perhaps he didn’t like them after all. “Young Master?”

 

“These jars and this dish, pack them up for me to take on the boat! Carefully store the rest and send someone to buy a box of ice from the Qu family to keep these plums cold!”

 

“Yes, Young Master!” the personal servant replied crisply, to the disappointment of the maids.

 

After giving the orders, Xu Ming suddenly remembered something and quickly reread the letter.

 

What? There’s something even better if I bring the wine?

 

This old man, so cunning! He really knows how to tempt people!

 

***

 

Seven days after Miao Liang’s wedding banquet, it was Miao He’s turn to host the housewarming.

 

The delay was to allow Aunt Guo’s family, who were handling the banquet, to rest and prepare.

 

Yang Dalang had been busy delivering invitations. Besides inviting Aunt Yang and the Miao He’s family, he also invited about eight or nine of his friends. Although Miao He was reluctant, they also invited Miao Min, as he was unaware of the incident at the wedding. Lastly, they had to invite the village chief.

 

They also invited several people from town: Magistrate Liang, Doctor Ji and Ji Guang, Manager Jin, Apothecary Fang, and Li Ming. If these people attended, Yang Dalang wasn’t worried about their dealings with the Yangshui Teahouse being exposed. The village chief had already caused a scene with the workshop and soybeans, and they had already conceded their land, so there was nothing left to criticize.

 

However, Yang Dalang overlooked one thing: Miao Jue’s petty nature.

 

At Miao Liang’s banquet, Miao Jue’s scolding had been redirected at the village chief and Miao Li’s family by Yang Dalang. Although it didn’t directly concern Miao Jue, he was used to being respected and pampered in the village. Reflecting on it later, he felt Yang Dalang’s retort was disrespectful and rude, and it had unintentionally embarrassed Miao Li.

 

Miao Jue knew Miao Li’s family’s true intentions and had given his approval for their actions. Even if he didn’t suspect Yang Dalang knew too much, he knew they harbored resentment. The presence of the detestable He Ge’er didn’t help. 

 

Now, Yang Dalang was planning a housewarming feast. Miao Jue smirked, thinking it was time to teach this troublemaker a lesson.

 

After all, Aunt Guo, who was catering the event, had previously sought his family’s help for her grandson’s education.

 

If Miao family  decided to host an event on the same day, what choice would Aunt Guo make?

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Keep me fueled with caffeine! Support me on Ko-fi! ?~(????)

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D-day 10 !! ?o?.(??? ??)

You can also give me your suggestions for my next project (September). I’ll be happy to work on it ?