LGSLAW : Chapter 64 – Neighbors

It turned out that the serious foodie Xu Ming had indeed talked to his older brother, Xu Huan, about moving next door. Or rather, for their family, it was just a matter of building another villa for summer and winter retreats.

 

However, Xu Huan wasn’t the type to build on a whim just because his younger brother suggested it. He managed many businesses. The main reason he was persuaded was because the jars of pickled plums Xu Ming sent back had actually improved his wife’s poor appetite. This really moved him, especially since Xu Ming kept mentioning it. Thus, Xu Huan acted decisively.

 

So, Xu Ming proudly introduced the two sides. Xu Huan, being more cautious, asked Elder Qu to make the introduction to avoid appearing too presumptuous or casual.

 

Elder Qu was happy to oblige. The Xu family, bearing the title of Imperial Merchant, was one of their major ice customers. It was interesting that the ice formula they sold ultimately benefited them.

 

After the introductions, Xu Huan, being a seasoned businessman, quickly made the atmosphere pleasant and relaxed.

 

Miao He had a good impression of Xu Ming and saw that despite the lively conversation, he was still restrained and didn’t ask about the pickled plums on the table. So, he offered, “We’ve just pickled these plums, and they’ll soon be on sale at the tea house. Young master Xu, would you like to try them and tell us how they taste?”

 

Xu Ming’s eyes lit up. Xu Huan quickly apologized for his brother, “He’s quite the foodie. Don’t laugh at him, He Ge’er. Just call him by his courtesy name, Ming Xi, and remember to offer him some food.”

 

Just as he said this, Xu Ming was about to reach for a plum, but stopped, glaring at his brother, making everyone laugh.

 

The pickled plums quickly won over all the guests. Even Elder Qu couldn’t resist taking a third one. Xu Huan, who had been teasing his brother, coughed and said he wanted to pre-order a few jars, predicting they would be in high demand.

 

Miao He, beaming with joy, replied, “No need to pre-order. We’re neighbors now. You can take a few jars home today.” Besides, they had brought proper gifts when they came.

 

Xu Huan, curious, pointed to the jars on the table, “He Ge’er, you mentioned selling these at the tea house. Are you planning to use these small jars for packaging?”

 

“Yes. This way, they can be kept for longer. I was just discussing with Dalang what price to set.”

 

Xu Ming quickly responded, “I think they should sell for one tael, maybe even more!”

 

Xu Huan knocked his brother on the head, “You went out on your own, and you’re still so rash. Did you ask about the climate, quantity, and harvest?”

 

“I’m not talking business, brother. I’m saying these pickled plums are worth one tael to me. I’d definitely buy them to eat!” Clearly, he was giving a foodie’s perspective.

 

“Ha, thank you, Ming Xi, for your high praise. You can take three more jars with you.”

 

To Miao He’s surprise, Elder Qu also supported a higher price. He said eight jiao was too low and suggested starting at two taels with the tea house’s reputation backing them. The Xu brothers nodded in agreement.

 

So, that’s how shrewd businessmen can turn something worth a few jiao into a high-priced item…

 

The visit didn’t last long since they weren’t well-acquainted yet. The Xu brothers soon took their leave, carrying five jars of pickled plums. They agreed that once the Xus officially moved in, Yang Dalang would take them to visit the village head. Although not necessary, it signified a desire for closer ties and respect.

 

As they saw the guests off, Miao He blinked, “Was this a coincidence? Or is beggar’s chicken so good that it made them move here?”

 

Yang Dalang patted his head, “No matter. We’ll see. If they’re friendly, they stay. If not, they go.”

 

Miao He’s eyes lit up, “Wow! Dalang, your reading has really improved!”

 

Yang Dalang, who had been diligently self-studying and had already gone through many books, looked a bit uneasy. Miao He, grinning, leaned closer, ending up in a warm embrace and a kiss.

 

Held tightly and comfortably, Miao He rubbed against him, “There’s no need to be shy. I love seeing you read.”

 

Yang Dalang lowered his eyes, “I love you in every way.”

 

His dark eyes were full of tenderness and happiness, making Miao He even more dizzy.

 

Even the babies woke up and were wide-eyed, watching secretly, but the adults didn’t notice.

 

***

 

The Xu brothers had a discussion after parting ways with Elder Qu.

 

“Brother, I was right this time, wasn’t I?” Xu Ming said proudly. “I told you they’re not the type to curry favor. We don’t have to worry about making friends with them!”

 

Xu Huan looked at his puffed-up little brother and laughed, “You’re right. Anything else?”

 

“What else?” Xu Ming looked puzzled.

 

Xu Huan sighed, his little brother still had a lot to learn. “Did you notice the window outside?”

 

“Outside? Isn’t that just the backyard? It seemed similar to what Master Zhu did,” Xu Ming recalled.

 

“The flowers outside were more colorful than those in our courtyard. There was a book on the tea table under the osmanthus tree. Two rocking chairs with cushions, and a cat sleeping on one, with a few dogs dozing nearby. There was no smell of chicken coops or sheep pens.” Xu Huan narrowed his eyes in thought. “This shows they know how to enjoy their leisure time and are not ordinary farmers.”

 

“Elder Qu said they’re shareholders in the tea house. With dividends, living leisurely is natural, right?”

 

“How long have they been receiving dividends? How could their yard be so well-established in just a few months?” Xu Huan shook his head. “They must have been well-off even before. Even the small porcelain jars they use for pickled plums aren’t something ordinary households would use.”

 

Indeed, most would sell such snacks by weight from large jars.

 

“…So, are you saying they’re not trustworthy?” Xu Ming frowned.

 

“Don’t jump to conclusions. They just don’t need to show you everything about their home. Noticing these details isn’t about prying,” Xu Huan advised. “It’s about being observant and careful not to offend people.”

 

“Oh. See, that’s why I’m not suited to take over your position, brother! You need to have another son with Sister-in-law.”

 

Xu Huan sighed at this.

 

“Don’t talk about this with her. Just remember, her health is the priority.”

 

“I know,” Xu Ming waved. “I just think moving here might help her recover. These pickled plums are as good as the pickled plums we had before! Sister-in-law will love them.”

 

“That’s why I got these jars for her and you,” Xu Huan teased.

 

Remembering how his brother had reacted to the half-empty jar of pickled plums last time, Xu Huan laughed.

 

Xu Ming hesitated but nodded generously, “Since we’re moving next door, there’s no need to worry!”

 

Soon, a line of fully loaded carts passed through Miaojia Village, heading south. The commotion finally revealed that a grand, beautiful house had been built next to Yang Dalang’s place, even grander than his! And the carts all entered this impressive house!

 

“Who had moved in? A wealthy family from town?”

 

“How come there was no prior news? Village head, did you know about this?”

 

The village head was initially baffled but planned to ask Yang Dalang. When Yang Dalang arrived with the well-dressed brothers and confirmed their land deeds, he saw it was another whole mountain!

 

The village head was shocked but quickly put on a more enthusiastic smile.

 

“So, esteemed guests from Sucheng! Ah, Sucheng is one of the biggest cities, even bigger than the county! Brother Xu, you have a keen eye to choose our village! Indeed, our village is quiet and the people are honest! If you need anything, just ask for help, no problem at all! Of course, I, the village head, will be more than willing to help!”

 

Xu Huan smiled and cupped his hands, “The village head is right. We’ve already troubled Brother Yang a lot these past few days.”

 

The village head paused, then forced a laugh, “Yes, Dalang is a bit reserved but very helpful.” Wondering if Yang Dalang had spoken ill of him, he decided to show off his connections and usefulness.

 

“How about I introduce you to some key families in the village? Whenever there’s an issue, the elders of these families discuss it together. Meeting them and getting acquainted would be beneficial.” The village head eagerly suggested.

 

Although unnecessary since it wasn’t a whole family move, Xu Huan didn’t refuse and politely agreed. Before leaving, he turned and said, “Brother Yang, come along.”

 

Xu Ming, unaware of his brother’s intention, happily said, “Yang Dage, after this, can I come over for more pickled plums?”

 

Yang Dalang nodded.

 

Recently, Xu Ming frequently brought Sucheng pastries and fruits in exchange for pickled plums and peanuts. The little foodie enjoyed it and was happy to have new fruit cores. After a few times, Miao He couldn’t help but tell him to just bring money next time to avoid the hassle. Xu Ming was delighted and started placing orders directly.

 

The straightforward, food-loving kid got along well with Yang Dalang, who then asked, “There aren’t many pickled plums left, will two jars be enough?”

 

“What!? Not many left!? Isn’t the season just starting!?”

 

“Not many planted.”

 

“Ah!! Then I want five—no, ten jars!! Brother, does Sister-in-law need any? Separate orders!”

 

“Uh, then I’ll take ten jars too. Sorry, and thank you, Brother Yang.”

 

“No problem.”

 

Leading the way, the village head felt envious. Yang Dalang had already gotten so close to them. How could he let him get all the benefits? He then put more effort into introducing the Xu brothers to the villagers.

 

This tour, however, stirred up some unexpected romantic interests.

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