To outsiders, Tang Yunshu said the rabbit and wild chicken were hunted from the mountain, since these ingredients didn’t exist in this era and she hadn’t yet introduced them otherwise.
Soon, Zhao Lanzhi arrived with Zhang Xiuxiu and her three sons.
Zhang Xiuxiu immediately went to the kitchen to help. The rice was a mix of polished and coarse grains. They planned to make: mushroom stewed with wild chicken, rabbit stewed with dried radish, scrambled eggs, and a fish soup.
The fish were caught by Tang Erzhang, his brothers, and Su Youtian’s three sons at the river. Though small, they were fine for making soup.
The entire yard was filled with the aroma of the meal, while the children played happily around.
Su Youtian’s sons were named Su Youtian Liang, Su Erlian, and Su Sanliang.
Su Youtian Liang was the same age as Tang Zhuan and already betrothed to him; their wedding was scheduled for autumn.
Since the families had a good relationship, the children got along very well.
Tang Yunshu was the head chef in the kitchen, Zhao Lanzhi handled the prep work, and Zhang Xiuxiu tended the fire. Each had a clear division of labor, preparing dinner efficiently.
The Tang family’s original table couldn’t fit so many people. With eight members in Tang’s household and five in Su’s, they arranged for the men to sit at one table and the three women at another.
Su Youtian Liang went home to fetch a few stools and extra bowls and chopsticks because they didn’t have enough at home.
Su Youtian looked at the table full of dishes and said,
“Dashan, you didn’t need to make such a lavish meal for us. Even during the New Year, we don’t eat this well.”
“Youtian, don’t be polite. Eat freely. These wild chicken and rabbit were hunted by Yunshu on the mountain, no money spent. Let’s toast to the hope that our families’ wealth continues to grow.”
“Alright!” Su Youtian raised his cup. “This wine is strong! It must have cost a lot?”
“I don’t know how much—it’s my daughter who bought it. Just drink and enjoy the food.”
“Did your daughter make all these dishes? They taste amazing!”
“Yes, Youtian, eat more. These were made by my daughter.”
“Oh, Yunshu’s cooking is really impressive—worthy of a restaurant chef!”
On the other side, Zhang Xiuxiu also praised,
“I never expected Yunshu’s cooking to be so good.”
The Tang brothers kept boasting about their talented sister, making Yunshu slightly embarrassed.
The dinner was lively and cheerful; both Su Youtian and Tang Dashan were slightly tipsy.
The wine Yunshu had bought online was a high-proof liquor, far stronger than what existed in this era.
When Su Youtian returned home, he staggered a bit, supported by his sons. Tang Dashan was similarly unsteady, assisted by Zhao Lanzhi.
The chores—cleaning the kitchen and washing dishes—were taken up voluntarily by the brothers.
Tang Erzhang said,
“Little Sister, you’ve worked hard. Go rest while we wash the dishes.”
Third Brother agreed,
“Yes, Little Sister, you take a break.”
The brothers were constantly attentive to their sister.
Originally, Yunshu had intended for her father to return the money owed to the Su family, but since both men were drunk, she postponed it for another day.
The next day, the Tang family woke early and went to gather herbs after breakfast.
Tang Yunshu led them in identifying honeysuckle, prunella, and purple coneflower. The father and sons recognized more and more herbs.
Later, Yunshu discovered yuan zhi (Polygala) on a shaded hillside.
The plant was short, with thin stems, narrow serrated leaves, and small pale purple flowers.
She quickly called out,
“Father, Brothers, come here!”
When the family gathered, she explained,
“Look, this is yuan zhi. Its roots can be used in medicine. Be careful when digging—it grows deep, thin, and long, and breaks easily. It’s twice as valuable as xi xin (Asarum).”
Tang Dashan was amazed,
“Wow, so valuable! Daughter, I’ll dig carefully—it’s like silver!”
He dug cautiously while the brothers watched closely, memorizing its appearance because of its value.
Fifth Brother said excitedly,
“I hope we can dig more yuan zhi!”
“Fifth Brother, it’s valuable because it’s rare and deep-rooted. If it grew everywhere, it wouldn’t be so expensive,” Yunshu explained.
Fourth Brother added,
“Fifth Brother, listen to Little Sister.”
“Fourth Brother, you don’t know either, yet you talk,” Fifth Brother retorted.
Second Brother intervened,
“Alright, stop bickering. Let’s find more herbs. Yuan zhi is rare, but there might be more elsewhere.”
Even without their father present, the eldest brother and Second Brother naturally kept the younger brothers in line.
Fourth and Fifth Brothers were only a year apart in age and lively, so they liked to bicker.
The eldest brother was 19, Second 17, Third 15, Fourth 14, Fifth and Yunshu 13. Fifth Brother and Yunshu were twins, though Yunshu was the family favorite, while Fifth Brother often got scolded by Fourth Brother. They often fought as children.
The family continued collecting herbs on the mountain. After dinner, Tang Dashan took silver to Su Youtian’s home.
He wanted to repay the money owed and also pay for the wheelchair craftsmanship.
Su Youtian worried,
“Dashan, if you insist on paying me, I’ll really feel bad! We’ve been brothers all these years—I can’t charge you for work, can I?”
“Alright, good brother, I’ll be shameless and not give it. Youtian, Yunshu said this wheelchair could be sold in the town or county. She wants you to make a sample to test the market.”
“Dashan, to be honest, I had thought about it, but Yunshu designed it. If I make it and sell it, it may not be right.”
“Youtian, don’t overthink. Yunshu won’t mind. The plans and method are yours now—use your skill to sell it. Don’t you know our relationship? You’ve helped our family countless times. Consider the plans and technique a gift.”
“Alright, Dashan. I’ll make another and test it. If it sells well, I’ll share some profit with Yunshu.”
“Don’t worry, Yunshu won’t want your share. Just go ahead and make it,” Dashan said.
After leaving Su Youtian’s house, Tang Dashan went to the village chief’s home to repay the money owed.