After tidying up the pots and dishes, Yun Yin asked Zhang Lin,
“Did any caravans pass by today?”
Zhang Lin was tamping down the earth as he replied,
“Yes—more than one caravan passed today. My lady, you were right. Opening a food stall here might actually do very well.”
He added,
“Some people from the caravans even stopped to ask me when they saw me building the stove.”
“Oh? What did you tell them?” Yun Yin asked.
Zhang Lin scratched his head.
“Of course, I said what you told me to—I spread the word among them that there’ll be a food stall here.”
Yun Yin nodded.
“Good. Once the stove is finished, it still needs a few days to settle. After we sign the contract, you’ll handle purchasing supplies. I’ll take you to the town and the village first, and once you’re familiar with things, I’ll leave this responsibility to you.”
Zhang Lin paused.
“You’re entrusting something this important to me? But I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“That’s exactly why you need to learn,” Yun Yin replied. “When our stall expands in the future, you’ll have even more responsibilities.”
She looked at him seriously.
“I hope I’m not making the wrong decision. Of course, if you don’t do well, I’ll terminate the contract.”
Zhang Lin quickly assured her,
“Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll do a good job.”
When the sun was no longer so harsh, Yun Yin took Zhang Lin to Linjiang Village. The village was already busy—people were working in the fields as they passed by.
It was late February. In a little over a month, the winter wheat would be ready for harvest. The villagers were taking advantage of the remaining time to weed their fields, hoping for a better yield.
They went to Village Head Sun’s house. Sister-in-law Qian was sweeping the yard. Even the second son, who had been studying at home before, was gone—he had gone out to gather pig fodder.
Village Head Sun was resting in the main hall. Yun Yin brought Zhang Lin in to meet him, and soon Zhang Lin’s temporary household registration was completed. The employment contract was also arranged.
After thanking Village Head Sun, Yun Yin turned to Sister-in-law Qian, who had been waiting expectantly.
“Sister-in-law, I’ve come to buy vegetables.”
Qian immediately put down her broom.
“Coming! I’ll take you to the garden. If you see anything you like, take it. I’ll give you a good price.”
Yun Yin asked Zhang Lin to wait in the courtyard and followed her to the vegetable garden. When she returned with a full basket, Zhang Lin was already chatting with Qian’s husband.
They each carried a full basket—one filled entirely with pickled vegetables. Since Yun Yin hadn’t brought jars, Qian let her take them first and return the containers the next day.
Seeing how much they had, Yun Yin said,
“Sister-in-law, let’s leave these here for now. We still need to go to town. We’ll pick them up on our way back.”
Qian patted her chest.
“No problem. Just come back for them. If I’m not home, call out at the village entrance—I’ll come right back.”
From Linjiang Village, they headed toward Pingjiang Town. Traveling by boat along the river was faster than walking the official road, though not cheap—three wen per person, equivalent to two eggs. Most farmers preferred walking half an hour rather than spending the money.
Yun Yin paid six wen for both of them.
“You can take the boat when you go to town in the future,” she said. “It’s faster. Once we can afford our own boat, things will be even easier.”
Zhang Lin was surprised.
“You’re planning to buy a boat? That sounds expensive. I can just walk—I can still bring back whatever you need.”
Yun Yin gave him a look.
“It takes you an hour round trip on foot, but by boat it’s only half that. Which do you think is more efficient?”
She continued,
“We’re far from both village and town. Having a boat would be more convenient than a cart. Once we grow our own vegetables, we won’t need to buy from the village, but we’ll still need to go to town for meat.”
Zhang Lin grinned.
“I don’t understand these things. I’ll just follow your lead.”
“I’m only thinking ahead,” Yun Yin said. “Boats are expensive. I can’t afford one yet. I’ll have to earn more first.”
“I believe you can do it,” Zhang Lin said confidently.
After arriving in town, they went to the Luo Family Restaurant through the back door. The same worker greeted them and went to call the owner.
“Finally, you’re here!” Luo Man hurried over. “If you hadn’t come, I would’ve gone to find you.”
“The mushroom sauce you made is very popular. I even sent it to the county—it’s a hit with the scholars.”
She handed Yun Yin 2,600 wen.
“I’d like to order forty more jars—ten vegetarian and thirty with meat. This time I’ll pay in copper coins—it’s more convenient for daily use.”
Yun Yin accepted the coins.
“Thank you, Sister Luo.”
“So it’s being sold to students at the county school?” she asked.
Luo Man nodded.
“Yes. Their meals aren’t great, and they can’t go out often. Your sauce is perfect for them. And the price is affordable for their families.”
“I understand,” Yun Yin said. “I’ll deliver within ten days.”
She pointed at Zhang Lin.
“This is the man I’ve hired. He’ll handle deliveries in the future.”
Luo Man nodded in approval.
After leaving, Yun Yin decided to go shopping. She finally had money for new clothes.
They went to a ready-made clothing shop. She let Zhang Lin choose two outfits while she browsed. The clothing styles resembled those of the Tang Dynasty—women wore short jackets with skirts, and men wore simple work clothes.
They bought several sets for a total of 800 wen.
Afterward, they bought soap beans, jars for sauce, and other necessities before returning by boat.
By the time they got back to the village, it was nearly dinner time. They retrieved their goods and carried everything back to the hillside.
Exhausted, Yun Yin said,
“No cooking tonight. Let’s just eat the flatbread we bought.”
Zhang Lin didn’t mind, though he couldn’t help thinking about the delicious fish stew from lunch.
After organizing everything, Yun Yin said,
“Tomorrow, ask Sun Dalang if he can get mushrooms. Dried ones are fine too.”
Zhang Lin nodded.
After he left, Yun Yin stored the pickles and eggs, washed her clothes, and lay down on a pile of straw, gazing at the stars.
Looking at the half-built hut, she thought: We need to finish the house soon.
If necessary, she would hire workers from the village.
With that thought, she quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the leaves and woke her. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, she met Zhang Lin again.
She handed him money.
“Go to town and buy meat and bones. On your way back, ask if anyone wants to help build the hut—ten wen a day, meals included.”
Zhang Lin hesitated.
“I can build it myself.”
“I know,” Yun Yin said, “but you have other things to do. Let others handle the house.”