In this dynasty, men could marry as early as fourteen or fifteen. Sixth Brother worked at a furniture shop, diligent and hardworking, earning the highest wages among the craftsmen each month. Though his looks weren’t as striking as Eldest Brother’s, he bore a seventy percent resemblance to him. Such a handsome and capable young man naturally attracted many suitors. However, once people inquired about his family background—while his household was well-off, his parents were harsh and cruel, especially Lin Bosu, who had a terrible reputation. Every month when checking Sixth Brother’s accounts, Lin Bosu would spew extremely offensive words, earning no affection from anyone at the shop. Naturally, those who came to inquire about Sixth Brother heard nothing good, and over time, no one was willing to marry their daughter to him. The older he got, the fewer inquiries he received.
Sixth Brother had saved a modest sum from building houses and crafting furniture. Following Second Aunt’s advice, he didn’t hand all of it to his father, keeping a portion for himself. Previously, whenever he received wages from his employers, his father would interrogate him in detail and even verify the amount with the shop’s manager, leaving him with little pocket money. This time, however, Second Aunt was the one paying, and his father lacked the audacity to question her—even if he had, Second Aunt wouldn’t have minced words. Unbeknownst to him, his wages were actually provided by Eldest Brother, always generous, never short.
Having quit his job at the shop, Sixth Brother found himself temporarily without work. Sometimes he accompanied Eldest Brother and Guicheng to purchase cloth; other times, he helped at Second Brother’s restaurant. One day, a medicinal merchant, impressed by the exquisite furniture in the courtyard, learned that it was crafted by a restaurant worker and summoned Sixth Brother. He asked if Sixth Brother could make furniture beyond simple tables, chairs, and beds, presenting him with a design. Sixth Brother replied that as long as he had seen the actual item, replicating it wouldn’t be difficult. The merchant then asked if Sixth Brother would be willing to travel with him to his home, as his daughter was to be married next year, and the dowry furniture needed to be crafted from then on.
Having never ventured beyond Liangping Town in his life, Sixth Brother was unsure and said he needed to discuss it with his family—specifically, Eldest Brother and Second Aunt, both of whom had broad experience, with Eldest Brother having traveled extensively and Second Aunt being well-informed.
Returning to the small restaurant, he found Second Aunt there with Lin Wu and Lin Xia. As it was mealtime, Second Aunt asked him to deliver meals to Eldest Sister-in-law at the shop and Guicheng’s wife. Normally, the female attendant Yuan Li would deliver meals to Guicheng’s wife, but today, Li Cuimei was present. Worried that Yuan Li might accidentally offend Li Cuimei and stir gossip that could reach Eldest Brother and his wife, Second Aunt assigned the task to Sixth Brother. Since there were two attendants at the shop, he only needed to hand the meals to them, avoiding any rumors about a sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
What Second Aunt didn’t know was that Yuan Li, who worked at the restaurant, had frequent interactions with Sixth Brother and had developed feelings for him. Bold and straightforward, she couldn’t contain her emotions and eventually confronted Sixth Brother, startling the usually composed and aloof young man so much that he began avoiding her.
Seeing Sixth Brother leave to deliver meals, Yuan Li followed, intending to ask his thoughts. But Sixth Brother quickened his pace, eventually breaking into a run. Furious, Yuan Li chased after him, shouting angrily. The two arrived at Eldest Brother’s shop in a flurry, with Sixth Brother darting into the courtyard to avoid her, leaving Yuan Li stomping in frustration outside.
Catching his breath, Sixth Brother noticed the curious gazes of Eldest Sister-in-law and her daughter, while Dong Panyu, drawn by the commotion, emerged from inside, her expression mirroring Eldest Sister-in-law’s. Sixth Brother flushed, unsure whether to stay or leave. He couldn’t just walk away without delivering the meals, but Yuan Li might still be outside. Staying meant awkward silence with Eldest Sister-in-law and this unfamiliar cousin—Sixth Brother was naturally reserved and rarely spoke to anyone.
The shop attendants were quick-witted. Hearing Yuan Li’s shouts, the brother stayed at the shop while the sister hurried through the back door into the courtyard. She took the food box from Sixth Brother, invited him to sit in the guest hall, served tea, and began setting the table. Winter offered few fresh vegetables—cabbage and radishes were staples, along with dried wild greens preserved from summer and autumn. The meal was simple: stir-fried dried wild greens with pork, stewed lamb with carrots, and a bowl of minced meat egg custard specially made for Lin Fang, accompanied by a large pot of white rice.
The female attendant, seeing the shop owner’s wife for the first time, was taken aback—she hadn’t expected the strikingly handsome owner to have a wife of such plain appearance. However, Li Cuimei’s expressionless face gave no clues about her temperament, so the attendant remained silent, setting the table before standing aside.
Normally, this attendant would eat with Dong Panyu, but with the mistress present, she felt uneasy and prepared to leave after serving.
Noticing the ample portions—enough for four—Li Cuimei stopped her: “Join us. The food will get cold, and reheating ruins the taste. Set aside a portion for the front shop first.”
Dong Panyu had considered inviting the attendant but hesitated, unsure of Li Cuimei’s rules. Though not close to this sister-in-law, she knew Li Cuimei was kind-hearted. Relieved by her offer, Dong Panyu urged the attendant: “Why hesitate? The mistress has spoken. Hurry up—do you want us to eat cold food?”
In her past life, Lin Fang had been spoiled by her parents and two older brothers, developing a picky palate and a reputation as a true foodie. Over the past few months, the aroma of meals made her mouth water, but with no teeth, she could only endure. Even after her teeth began emerging, Second Grandmother and Aunt Hong only fed her soft foods like egg custard or mashed vegetables, seasoned with nothing but salt or sugar—utterly bland.
Eyeing the minced meat custard and the fragrant dishes on the table, Lin Fang decided to push her luck again after her earlier success. In a bold move, she snatched a piece of radish from a bowl and popped it into her mouth, chewing happily. She would’ve preferred meat but knew her teeth couldn’t handle it—swallowing it whole risked choking, and digestion would be another issue. The radish, soaked in meat juices and spices, was delicious enough.
Her joy was short-lived. To her dismay, her body reacted as it always had to spicy food—dizziness, followed by sleepiness, as if drunk. She soon dozed off.
Waking up, she found herself staring at two faces—her father and Second Brother—with an oil lamp lit, signaling evening. She had fallen asleep at lunchtime.
“Mm? Eee-ah!”
*Dad, Second Brother, what are you doing?*
“Mom, Sister’s awake!” Lin Wu announced.
“Fang’er, are you feeling unwell? Your mother was worried sick,” Eldest Brother Lin said, gently cradling her.
Li Cuimei rushed in and took her from him. “Fang’er, you must be starving after sleeping for hours.”
Remembering her earlier antics, Lin Fang flushed with embarrassment. She’d barely tasted the radish before passing out, missing the afternoon she’d meant to spend playing. Burrowing into her mother’s arms, she appeared to be seeking milk—which she genuinely needed after such a long nap.
Resolving never to repeat such mischief, Lin Fang reflected on the trouble she’d caused. Her family must have struggled to clear her mouth while she slept, and her long nap likely frightened them. Hurting those who loved her most was senseless—she wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
Once fed, her curiosity returned. *What happened to Sixth Uncle? Who was that fiery girl?*
“Cuimei, let me hold Fang’er. I’ve been out all day and haven’t held my treasure yet.”
“You’ve worked hard today—rest early.”
“No need. I’m used to it.”
In her father’s arms, Lin Fang felt grateful. Unlike the rigid, patriarchal figures in period dramas, her father was affectionate and indulgent with his children. Even when her mother scolded him, he’d laugh and say, “We must respect a child’s nature”—a progressive mindset even by modern standards.
“You never answered me about the girl chasing Sixth Brother,” Li Cuimei said softly, stroking their daughter.
*Ah! Just what I wanted to know!* Lin Fang perked up her little ears.
“That girl is the daughter of the shop’s former owner. Her parents had only her, and they sold the shop and some land due to her mother’s illness. She’s strong-willed and capable, having helped her father manage the shop and household affairs. From what Cui Hong and Second Brother say, she’s clearly taken a liking to Sixth Brother, making overt and subtle advances. But Sixth Brother, dense despite his cold exterior, remains oblivious.”
Unbeknownst to Eldest Brother, it was precisely her boldness that had startled Sixth Brother into avoidance.
“Ask Sixth Brother how he feels. He’s not young anymore. As the eldest, if he’s agreeable, you should propose on his behalf.”
“I’ll ask him tomorrow.”
The next day, Eldest Brother Lin set aside cloth purchases to have a serious talk with Sixth Brother about Yuan Li. Before he could broach the subject, Sixth Brother sought his advice about traveling for carpentry work. Having never left home, he was hesitant, but the promised wages—several times his shop earnings, plus potential bonuses—tempted him.
Eldest Brother, cautious, accompanied Sixth Brother to meet the medicinal merchant. After careful consideration, he deemed the opportunity sound. The merchant urged Sixth Brother to depart soon, citing his daughter’s impending wedding. The brothers returned home, Sixth Brother packed hastily, and set off—leaving Yuan Li forgotten for the time being.
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