Chapter 9: Tea Beverages (Revisions)
Miao Ge’er seems somewhat afraid of me.

Lin Guilan nodded: “I’ve noticed. In recent years, many families have been living better than before, and some have even built new houses!”

“Do you know why that is, my dear?”

Lin Guilan thought seriously for a moment, then shook her head: “I don’t. Don’t keep me in suspense, husband—just tell me!”

“Nowadays, north-south waterway trade is thriving. Our Xichun Town is right by the waterway. Although the dock built here years ago is small, it still allows some ships to berth, making our town an important stop along this route. During the hot summer, when ships dock, the crews want to rest and relax. My dear, your skills are so excellent—even Fan Cheng and the others praise your craftsmanship endlessly. Why not seize this opportunity and sell some refreshing tea beverages there?”

Jiang Zhimiao perked up upon hearing this. Wasn’t this exactly what he wanted to suggest to his mother? His father truly understood him! They really were connected by blood!

Lin Guilan, being quick-witted, also brightened at the idea. But then she hesitated: “It’s true that I can make those drinks, but they aren’t very complicated. Many women in this town know how to prepare them… If I set up a stall, would people be willing to pay for them?”

“Sometimes, value isn’t solely determined by rarity,” Jiang Qingshi said with a smile. “Business opportunities can depend on many factors. Travelers on long journeys crave a refreshing cold drink the most. At home, their wives naturally take care of such needs. But when they’re away, they can’t enjoy the same comforts. So, if they want a satisfying cup of tea, they must pay a higher price. Isn’t this the kind of opportunity we should capitalize on? Moreover, from what I’ve observed, no one in Xichun Town has yet noticed this opportunity. The teahouses, though aware of the logic, are too proud to set up stalls at the dock. This is our chance. Of course, if you sell well, others will surely imitate you. But summer is short—we just need to seize the moment.”

“You’re so clever, husband,” Lin Guilan said sincerely, full of admiration. “You’re absolutely right. This is much easier than making tofu. I’ll start preparing in the next couple of days!”

“You flatter me, my dear,” Jiang Qingshi replied with a smile. “I know tofu-making is your family’s traditional craft, and I don’t mean for you to abandon it entirely. It’s just that, given the summer heat, I think this is a great opportunity. Of course, if you’d rather not, we can explore other paths.”

“I think your idea makes sense,” Lin Guilan nodded. “Making tofu is indeed time-consuming and labor-intensive. Why not try your suggestion first? The only thing is, summer tea beverages taste best with ice. Although niter can be used to make ice, it’s hard to come by, and the amount of ice produced is too small… My brother’s family has an icehouse stocked with ice collected in winter to keep the tofu fresh. If only we had stored ice too… Well, I’ll think of something. I really think your idea is brilliant.”

Jiang Qingshi nodded: “My dear, it’s getting late. We’ve both had a long day and are exhausted. Let’s rest early.”

Lin Guilan nodded, handed Jiang Zhimiao to Jiang Qingshi, and went to tidy the bed.

Jiang Zhimiao suddenly found himself in Jiang Qingshi’s hands. The little child kicked his short legs restlessly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Ever since he learned that his father was cunning and scheming, for some reason he felt timid whenever he saw his dad. He always felt as if he were completely transparent before his father’s gaze, like he wasn’t wearing any clothes. Jiang Zhimiao deliberately avoided meeting Jiang Qingshi’s eyes, rolling his eyeballs around while inwardly wailing: Mom, hurry up and take me back when you’re done!

Jiang Qingshi had been noticing that since recovering from his illness, his son’s eyes had become much more lively. Previously, probably due to his weak constitution, his son’s gaze had seemed somewhat dull and wooden. Now those little eyeballs were darting around rapidly… indicating he would surely grow up to be quite clever.

Since their son took after both him and Guilan, there was no way he could be foolish. His previous lack of vitality was likely due to his poor health. Though Jiang Qingshi didn’t show it outwardly, Jiang Zhimiao was his and Guilan’s first child. When Jiang Zhimiao was sick, he had been worried all day long, unable to even focus on his studies.

Now seeing the boy had improved… wait, something wasn’t right… Why did he feel like the boy was deliberately avoiding his gaze?

“Wife, when you usually hold Miao Ge’er, does he also avoid eye contact like this?”

“Oh, that’s just Miao Ge’er being curious since we’ve just moved,” Lin Guilan said while making the bed, not even turning her head, completely dismissing Jiang Qingshi’s concern. “Miao Ge’er is clever – he’s just observing his surroundings. There’s no need to find it strange, husband!”

…

He didn’t think that was the case.

His father was indeed sharp! Jiang Zhimiao immediately grew tense. It seemed he couldn’t freely express his emotions in front of his father from now on!

“I really feel… this child is deliberately avoiding looking at me,” Jiang Qingshi murmured after a moment of contemplation. “Perhaps I haven’t spent enough time with Miao Ge’er. I get the sense he’s somewhat afraid of me.”

“Oh, Miao Ge’er is not even two years old yet. What could he possibly understand?” Lin Guilan finished making the bed and deftly took Jiang Zhimiao back into her arms. “Our Miao Ge’er is closest to you – how could he possibly be afraid of you? Husband, you must be tired from today’s events, that’s why you’re overthinking things.”

Whew~ Mom’s embrace felt so much safer!

Jiang Zhimiao snuggled his small body deeper into his mother’s arms, blinking his moist, innocent eyes at Jiang Qingshi.

His father was frighteningly perceptive. He was terrified that his father might discover he wasn’t the original Jiang Zhimiao and mistake him for some fox spirit or ghost – that would be disastrous!

“Perhaps you’re right,” Jiang Qingshi sighed softly. “Today has been particularly busy and tiring. Although this place is shabby and remote, it’s much more spacious. When Miao Ge’er gets a bit older, he can sleep separately from us.”

Lin Guilan, feeling protective of Jiang Zhimiao, held him tightly and teased deliberately: “They say fathers have cruel hearts – that saying is absolutely true! Our Miao Ge’er is still such a tiny little child, and you’re already thinking about how to send him away.”

“With Miao Ge’er nearby…”Jiang Qingshi deliberately leaned close to Lin Guilan, whispering lowly in her ear, ‘wouldn’t he interfere with our… private moments?”

The man’s voice was intoxicating and magnetic. In the dim candlelight, Lin Guilan felt her heart racing wildly.

There’s still a little one here!

Jiang Zhimiao was so embarrassed he wished he could clamp his hands over his ears. Once he could walk independently, he’d leave immediately without waiting for his parents to drive him away!

He absolutely wouldn’t stay to interrupt their intimate moment!

“Husband, Miao Ge’er is still here, we should…” Lin Guilan stammered nervously, “we should just go to sleep soon.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Qingshi responded with a light laugh. He loved seeing his wife shy like a little rabbit. Teasing his wife like this felt particularly amusing.

The firelight faded behind the old window lattice as the family of three drifted into dreams, wrapped in warm and sweet tranquility.

Author’s note:

Guilan: Husband, you’re really overthinking it!