The Family Had Split, Why Should I Care if They Go Broke? - Chapter 15

Aunt Zhu’er quickly agreed as well.

Zeng Xiaoyan didn’t think it was necessary to pay her husband wages.

“I’m already getting a share of the profits,” she said. “No need to give Mingliang wages too—that would feel too distant.”

Liang Mingliang, enjoying the perks of being married to her, was always slacking off at home except during the busy farming season. His two older brothers usually turned a blind eye to it. He was more than happy to tag along and help rather than go up the mountain or work in the fields.

“Yes, yes,” he chimed in quickly. “Why would I take wages for helping Xiaoyan? No need for money.”

What if they insisted on paying, and his wife got annoyed with him and told him not to come next time? That would be terrible.

Lady Zhao grew anxious and couldn’t hold back from speaking up.

“Father, rules are rules. Since it’s been said that wages will be paid, they should be paid—otherwise they’ll feel uneasy about it.”

After all, if they’d agreed to wages, then they had to give them. Most of that money would naturally go into the household fund anyway, and she’d be happy to see it there. Whether they could actually earn the money didn’t matter—what mattered was that the wages weren’t short.

Chief Liang shot her a cool glance, making Lady Zhao shrink her neck.

“Even if you’re going to pay, not today,” he said. “Today, just try it out first—we can talk about money in a couple of days.”

Xu Zhichun felt a warmth in her heart and smiled. “How about this—if we don’t make any money today, we shamelessly won’t pay. But if we do make money, then we’ll pay.”

Chief Liang thought for a moment and could only nod in agreement.

With everything settled, Liang Mingliang happily hitched up the ox cart and helped load on the konjac tofu, konjac knots, and ice jelly. The three women climbed aboard, and off they went in high spirits toward the city.

Three women together could put on a whole play—this being their first time doing something like this, they were a mix of nervous, excited, and full of anticipation. They chatted endlessly along the way, their laughter like a flock of sparrows.

Liang Mingliang didn’t mind the chatter—in fact, he occasionally turned his head to join in with a grin. Even when Zeng Xiaoyan rolled her eyes and scolded him, he didn’t take offense, still smiling cheerfully.

Xu Zhichun found it amusing—clearly, Zeng Xiaoyan’s married life in her husband’s family wasn’t too bad.

Once they entered the city, everyone subconsciously became more tense. The laughter stopped, and they didn’t know where to go or what to do. All six eyes turned instinctively toward Xu Zhichun, as if she were their anchor.

Xu Zhichun was a little nervous herself but said with a smile, “Let’s ask where the market is and head over there.”

“Alright, alright!”

The market had a designated area for rural folk to sell their produce. For two copper coins, you could claim a stall for the whole day.

But the ox carts couldn’t enter. They had to be parked in an enclosed area outside the market, guarded by men sent by the authorities. For one copper coin, you’d get two numbered tags—one for the cart owner to keep, and the other tied to the cart.

They had plenty of people, so it wasn’t a problem.

After paying the fees, they set up Aunt Zhu’er’s small rectangular folding table, placed two basins on it—one filled with konjac tofu and the other with konjac knots, both soaking in clear water. A big bucket sat on the ground, also filled with konjac tofu.

Shouts from other vendors rang out all around. Xu Zhichun took the lead in calling out, and Zeng Xiaoyan soon joined in. Aunt Zhu’er, being a little shy, was given the easier task of watching the goods while the others did the hawking. She felt relieved and nodded gratefully, promising to keep everything safe.

They were selling something entirely new—something the locals had never seen before. It happened to be peak shopping time, and the market was bustling. Soon, a woman carrying a vegetable basket came over to ask.

The konjac tofu was cut into squares slightly larger than regular tofu, about half an inch thick. Each piece cost three copper coins—the same as tofu—but since two pieces were enough for a dish, it was actually more economical than tofu, which required three pieces for the same.

Plus, it was something new. Why not try it?

The konjac knots were even more appealing—pure white, like delicate bundles of noodles tied into little knots, clean, neat, and adorable. They looked delicious.

When someone asked, Xu Zhichun warmly introduced the products—how to cook them, their taste, and what dishes they suited. She described them vividly, sparking curiosity and making people eager to give them a try.

After all, buying vegetables was part of daily life. It was always the same dishes day after day—so when something new came along, affordable and tempting, why not try it?

“Will you be selling here tomorrow? And after that? If it’s good, I’ll come back next time,” a customer asked.

Xu Zhichun grinned. “Yes, yes, I’ll be back—maybe every other day, maybe every two days, but definitely regularly. Sister-in-law, you must keep your word and support our business often! This gray tofu and gray noodles are guaranteed to be delicious.”

The fifty-something auntie practically glowed at being called “sister-in-law,” laughing heartily.

“Alright! If it’s good, I’ll come back. You said it keeps well, right? Give me two more pieces, then!”

“Of course, Sister-in-law.”

New things naturally drew attention, even in the city where novelty was scarce. Soon, people gathered around their stall. About half of those who stopped to look ended up buying.

The three women quickly became busy.

“Sister-in-law, here you go—come again if you like it. We’ll be here often.”

“Granny, I’ve put it in your basket. If you can’t finish it in one meal, soak it in water and rinse it before slicing thin or cutting into strips.”

“Yes, this is gray tofu—it’s good stir-fried alone or with meat, and also works blanched in salads. If you like spicy food, add some chili—it’s great with rice.”

“Gray noodles can be braised or made into spicy dishes—they’re really appetizing.”

“…”

Xu Zhichun’s sweet talk left customers feeling warm and satisfied. Zeng Xiaoyan watched with admiration, her eyes shining. She imitated Zhichun’s style—at first a bit stiff, but gradually becoming natural. Seeing the products selling fast and the coins piling up made her overjoyed, her smile growing brighter.

Aunt Zhu’er remained shy, but her sincere smile, quick hands, and gentle, friendly demeanor made her well-liked by the older women.

As for Liang Mingliang, he stood quietly behind them, beaming as he watched them take in the money. Just by being there, he deterred any local ruffians from making lewd jokes or causing trouble.

Business was better than they had imagined. They’d thought selling half would be a good start, but in just over an hour, all five-plus jin of konjac noodles and over fifty jin of konjac tofu were gone.

Each of them ended up with a heavy pouch of coins, which they placed in the bucket and covered, feeling a bit nervous about carrying so much.

“Zhichun, should we head back now?” Zeng Xiaoyan asked.

Xu Zhichun smiled and said, “Didn’t we set aside a few pieces of konjac tofu? And we still have the ice jelly—let’s go ask at the restaurant. We’ll start with Four Directions Restaurant.”

Zeng Xiaoyan’s face was worn down, but she answered with a subdued, “Mm.”

Four Directions Restaurant belonged to the Zeng family, and she didn’t want to go there. But since she had a share in the business, she couldn’t refuse—otherwise, people would gossip. She knew Sister-in-law Zhichun meant well.

Xu Zhichun patted her hand gently. “Don’t worry—you don’t need to show your face. We’re here to make money. As long as the price is right, what does it matter who we work with?”

“You’re right,” Zeng Xiaoyan agreed quickly. “And Sister-in-law, don’t lower the price just for my sake.”