Chapter 156: The Three Children of the Great Liang Dynasty
Back in the Great Liang Dynasty, Taoya was currently cooking while Xingya and Brother Shu were in the courtyard washing clothes and drying withered vegetables.
Every time Lin Sanniang clocked out from her shift, she would bring some wilted vegetables back from the manor. According to Owner Xiaxia, these vegetables couldn’t be sold for money or served to the guests. But to the people of the Great Liang Dynasty who had not yet survived the famine, these withered vegetables were still wonderful. Every day, they would receive three to five catties at the very least, and seven to eight catties at most.
As Xingya turned over the drying vegetables, she chatted with Taoya. “Sister, what on earth does that manor look like? These vegetables are perfectly fine. They were just left out for a couple of days, and they don’t want them anymore?”
Taoya thought about it and said, “Mother said that the guesthouse at the manor has opened for business, and the ones coming these past two days are all distinguished guests. You certainly can’t serve wilted vegetables to distinguished guests. Think about it—when Mother delivers vegetables to the city, doesn’t she always have to pick them fresh, tidy them up, and deliver them without a moment’s delay? The vegetables are best when they still carry the morning dew upon arrival. Sister Xiaxia’s manor is wealthier than the richest household in the city; they must use the best and freshest vegetables to receive their guests.”
Xingya grinned. “That’s fantastic then. Mother brought back so many vegetables yesterday. We’ll eat some, and dry the rest to keep. If the harvest isn’t good again this year, we’ll still have vegetables to eat.”
Taoya’s expression stiffened. “Don’t talk nonsense. This year, the government troops are guarding the fields outside the city, forcing the prisoners to water, weed, and catch insects. Anyone who dares to harvest early will be seized and beaten with rods—all to ensure there’s a harvest this year.”
It was almost May, and the grain wasn’t ripe yet, but the melons, fruits, and vegetables could grow, which could at least fill their bellies with water weight.
Brother Shu didn’t care about any of that, darting back and forth beneath the drying clothes and duvet covers. If a small insect landed on the clothes, he would reach out to pluck it off.
Ever since Mother brought back that vast amount of fabric, Auntie and Aunt Hehua had been constantly stitching clothes. Once completed, they were sent to the city to be sold. When Lin Sanniang wasn’t working at the manor, she would pick a day to visit the Zhang Estate. She now knew two managers at the Zhang Estate and could speak directly with Manager Zhang and Manager Fang, providing a steady market for fine rice, white flour, and Western cotton garments.
After selling a few batches, the famine at home was resolved. When Lin Sanniang obtained money, she would also spend a couple of wen at the market to buy a few pieces of malt candy or a handful of roasted fava beans to satisfy the children’s cravings.
Brother Shu hadn’t remembered anything else, but he firmly remembered: Finished clothes = candy, fava beans, or flatbread to eat. Therefore, he guarded these clothes and duvet covers more fiercely than anything else.
As the three little ones were working and playing at home, Taoya, who was stoking the fire, suddenly shuddered and rushed out of the kitchen.
“Sister? What’s wrong…”
“The Mountain Goddess has spoken!”
“Huh?” Xingya set down the withered vegetables in her hands, and Brother Shu also crawled out from beneath the clothes. “Sister, you’re going to the manor?”
Taoya nodded vigorously, the pleasant surprise and smile in her eyes impossible to hide. “Sister Owner called for me to go!” She wished she could sprint straight out the door.
Xingya grabbed her. “Sister, wait! Mother said that if you ever have the chance to go again, take the clothes we made for Sister Owner with you!”
“Oh my, I completely forgot! Xingya, you’re the best!” Taoya pinched Xingya’s face, then felt a bit self-conscious. “It’s a pity you and Brother Shu can’t go… I’ll bring delicious food back for you!”
Brother Shu looked up, his face written with pure grievance. “Sister, I want to go too.” His sister always talked about how wonderful that manor was, making him incredibly envious inside.
Xingya grinned and took Brother Shu’s hand. “Be good, Brother Shu. It’s enough for Sister and Mother to go. The two of us are still too small and can’t perform labor. It’s bad manners to eat other people’s food for nothing.” Xingya carried immense confidence in herself. “But I already know how to sew purses now. Once I practice a bit more and my skill becomes as good as Aunt Hehua’s, I’ll have Mother speak to Sister Owner so I can go too.”
Brother Shu grew anxious. “Then what about me? Second Sister, what should I learn? I don’t know how to sew purses yet!”
While the two were debating, Taoya had already packed her things, hoisted her basket onto her back, and prepared to head out.
“Xingya, the food is in the pot. You and Brother Shu eat it. Mother and I will return as soon as we finish the labor. If anyone asks, say we are doing needlework at home. Don’t open the door for anyone except Auntie.”
Xingya nodded vigorously.
Now that green shoots were appearing in the fields, the people on the roads had instead become increasingly vicious. Pairs of eyes gleamed with green light like wolves. Mother had said that some people couldn’t bear to see life getting better; they wished for the times to remain chaotic so they could find opportunities to make matters worse. After all, during good years, those who worked honestly had food to eat, while they were just idle loafers. During bad years, honest workers couldn’t eat either and wouldn’t rob, making the loafers look like they fared a bit better. At a time like this, they had to be even more careful.
Taoya hid her hair inside her cap, smeared soot from the bottom of the hearth onto her face, and wore her most tattered clothes. Her clean clothes were hidden inside the back basket, covered by withered vegetables.
Fortunately, it was broad daylight when she went out, and government troops were patrolling the streets. Once out of the city, she could also see troops guarding the prisoners as they worked. Taoya hid amidst the crowd, went before the shrine of the Mountain Goddess, and knocked her head three times before heading into the mountains.
Offered before the Mountain Goddess were green bristlegrass stalks—no fruits or pastries, suggesting she must have run completely out of food as well. Taoya murmured silently, hoping this person could also navigate the crisis. With that, she ducked straight into the mountain cave that only she could see.
