The woman shifted her gaze to the right and was instantly drawn to the two lifelike large dolls on the red paper.
”Oh my, I’ll take this one. Pack six for me.”
The woman looked on with a broad smile and, without saying a word, took out her money pouch.
Meng Wan said awkwardly, “Auntie, there are only five of these ‘Child-Giving Picture’ images, and each one costs thirty-eight coins.”
”What!!!”
”What the hell is this? Thirty-eight coins?”
”What utter nonsense! I’d like to see what kind of painting could be worth so much money!”
Before the woman could speak, the four old women around her became displeased.
They were either literate when they were young, or they were taught a few words by chance, or their children were literate and wrote books for their fathers to sell.
Having made a living by calligraphy for so many years, his calligraphy varied in quality, but he generally sold each piece for six coins. This time, the arrival of a young scholar was already unusual, as there had been only a few precedents of scholars setting up stalls in previous years. This time, however, he even brought along a young man.
And this young man asked for thirty-eight coins, such big mouth!
The four elderly men, all over fifty, stopped looking at the stalls, especially the old scholar from Hongmiao Village, who insisted on coming over to see Meng Wan’s paintings.
”These few strokes of the brush capture the essence of clouds, nothing more.”
”Is this a snake? With just a few strokes, it’s drawn in a rather endearing way.”
”Who is this deity? His smile is so benevolent.”
”Didn’t you see the banner he was holding? And the gold ingots scattered beneath him?”
”Wealth gathers from all directions; it seems to be a god of wealth. The painting is truly excellent.”
”These are the best of the five pictures of a child being delivered to the baby. Each one is different, but this one of a qilin delivering a child is the most wonderful!”
Four gray heads were gathered around. People who came into the alley to buy Spring Festival couplets were all confused. “Where are all the people? Where did they all go?”
The old scholar waved his hand without turning his head, “Wait a moment.”
The man also came over, asking, “What are you all looking at?”
It’s human nature to watch a spectacle, and soon more and more people gathered in the alley.
The woman who initially wanted to buy New Year pictures became impatient, saying, “Young man, first give me a picture of a Qilin bringing a child, and then two couplets.”
Meng Wan rolled up the painting for her and took out two couplets. “Eight coins for each couplet, that’s fifty-four coins in total.”
Knowing the price beforehand, the woman still felt a pang of regret when she pulled out the painting. But once she had the painting in her hands, her regret turned to joy. This painting was so lifelike! Those two chubby babies were so festive; wouldn’t hanging it in her home bring her a pair of such adorable children?
The moment the woman took out her money, the people around seemed to wake up and all took out their wallets.
”Hey, give me two of those snake ones.”
”I wish for good fortune from the snake, and also for a daughter to be born.”
”Two pairs of couplets with auspicious clouds, and thirty-eight coins for the chubby baby? I’ll pass for now.”
This was the first time Song Tingzhou had ever seen such a scene. Apart from selling New Year pictures as a child, he had never done the job of collecting money before. He was flustered and almost lost his composure.
”Cousin, I’ll take the money, you give the paintings… two auspicious snake paintings.”
The two switched positions and their movements became much faster. Meng Wan told Song Tingzhou what the customer wanted, and Meng Wan received the money and the goods at the same time.
”Two auspicious snake-year cards.”
”Uncle, please take this. It’s thirty-six coins in total.”
”One card brings a thousand gold coins and a son; one card brings good fortune with a snake.”
”Two auspicious cloud couplets.”
”Yes, eight coins a piece. We sell paintings.”
”It’s okay, it’s fine if you don’t want it, it won’t affect our ability to sell it again.”
”Auntie, this is yours. Walk slowly and be careful, there are people behind you, don’t trip.”
Meng Wan smiled and spoke gently, showing no sign of getting angry whether or not she bought anything.
Some people came over to watch the commotion, but ran away after asking the price.
Ordinary people would be reluctant to spend that much money on meat or candy on ordinary days, and at most they would only buy a couplet with auspicious clouds when the New Year is approaching.
Some of the wealthier families couldn’t resist buying several of the New Year pictures at Meng Wan’s stall.
People kept coming and going, some to give as gifts, others to keep for themselves.
The bookstore owner, Mr. Huang, squeezed through the crowd and called out to Song Tingzhou, who was engrossed in his work, “ScholarSong, do you still have many God of Wealth cards left? Save five for me.”
He didn’t pay much attention to the painting when he received it in the morning, but when he casually opened it in his spare time, he was immediately amazed. What set him apart from ordinary people was that he was often in contact with calligraphy and paintings. Although he had never seen any original works by great calligraphers and painters, he had seen quite a few ordinary pieces. Meng Wan’s painting was not very detailed, but in terms of skill and style, it was extraordinary.
Song Tingzhou glanced through them and replied, “There are still more than ten.”
Twenty-eight coins a piece was still a bit expensive, so few people bought it. Instead, more people bought auspicious cloud couplets, the character “福” (fortune), and spring snake pictures.
”Twenty-eight coins a piece, right? Then I’ll take the rest. Also, please reserve ten of these Golden Snake Bringing Blessings for me. There are a lot of people here. If you two trust me, come to my shop after you’ve sold your New Year pictures, and I’ll settle the bill for you.” Manager Huang had already heard the price in the crowd. It was indeed a bit expensive, but it was a good gift. He really couldn’t afford a cheap gift.
Song Tingzhou took the painting that Manager Huang had asked for and handed it to him. Meng Wan and Manager Huang were polite to each other, saying, “What are you saying? Please take the painting first. My cousin and I will come over when we’re done with our work. If it’s not enough, I’ll paint another one for you.”
Shopkeeper Huang happily walked away with the painting in his arms, but once inside the shop, he realized something was amiss.
”Did that young man say he’d draw another one for me?”
”These were made by him?”
”Impossible, right?”
Not to mention that when Boss Huang got home, he found it more and more unbelievable, the four old men who had set up stalls in the alley, fearing that they would interfere with Meng Wan’s business, had long since gone back to their own stalls to guard them.
Today, villagers from all over Shuiquan Town, near and far, came to the town to buy things. Everywhere was crowded. This place wasn’t usually that crowded, but once people gathered, it attracted everyone to squeeze in. When they saw that Meng Wan’s New Year pictures looked nice, they wanted to buy a couple. Those who couldn’t bear to spend a few extra coins just bought their usual ones.
Meng Wan’s appearance also boosted the popularity of the entire alley, with more people buying New Year pictures than in previous years.
”It’s inappropriate for a young man like you, an unmarried man, to show your face in public like this!” Meng Wan was busy with his work when a spoilsport voice reached his ears.
He had just handed two “Fu” characters to an old man when, amidst his busy schedule, he looked up and glanced at the person who had spoken.
A scholar dressed similarly to Song Tingzhou, wearing a cotton robe and a headscarf, with small eyes and a large head, held a book in his left hand and tapped the back of his right hand in a pretentious manner. His back was stiff and his belly was big. Meng Wan was afraid that he would faint.
With a smile and a calm tone, Meng Wan asked, “Uncle, may I ask which branch of my family you are related to?”
The moment he looked up, the pot-bellied scholar was stunned, his soul seemingly adrift.
“I…I have never…met you before.”
”Wait, what uncle? Who are you talking to?” The scholar came to his senses and looked around, thinking that Meng Wan was not speaking to him.
Meng Wan’s smile vanished. “I was talking to you. Since this uncle isn’t a relative of mine, why do you care what I do for a living? I’m just selling some ‘Fu’ characters at the fair to supplement my family’s income. I’m not stealing or robbing. There are many young men and women on the street selling their own embroidered handkerchiefs and tassels. Are you going to go around telling them that I’m being uncivilized?”
In such a remote little place as Quanshui Town, some families are so poor that they have to sell their children. Who has a son and daughter who are idle at home and never leave their house?
Even a widow like Chang Jinhua, who was very traditional and afraid of gossip, stopped caring about gossip once she could make money and opened her door to sell tofu without any hesitation.
This scholar is just trying to get attention because there are so many people gathered around him. He’s just showing off his supposed nobility in front of the disadvantaged!
Everyone around was watching. The scholar’s face turned bright red. Although he was plain-looking, his skin was surprisingly fair. His face turned red all the way down to his neck, making him look like a fire hydrant that had come to life.
”I…I’m not yet twenty, I’m only nineteen.”
Meng Wan was speechless. He had given a long speech, while this man had only argued about the age issue.
They are easily defeated.
“Brother Zhang, since you’re not buying anything from my shop, please move over.” Song Tingzhou, who had been squatting on the ground handing Meng Wan a painting, couldn’t help but speak up when he saw an acquaintance.
”Brother Song, what are you doing here? Is this your brother? I’m so sorry, I really didn’t know…”
Being scolded by a ger is embarrassing enough, but who would have thought that the seller was actually a classmate!
After watching the commotion, the crowd around him grew impatient seeing him dawdling.
”Young man, if you’re not buying, move aside. I need to buy meat from the butcher after I buy the New Year couplets.”
”Make way, make way!”
”A scholar, yet so ignorant? Is he perhaps the child of a wealthy family?”
”Hurry up and get me the painting, I still have other things to buy, there’s no time to waste.”
The scholar surnamed Zhang covered his face and stepped back. Perhaps because he had a genuinely good relationship with Song Tingzhou in the past, he didn’t forget to apologize before leaving, “Brother Song, please don’t be offended, I really didn’t know.”
Apart from this little incident, Meng Wan’s stall had been doing well. Around noon, all the “Fu” characters, Spring Festival couplets, and Spring Snake paintings on the stall were sold out.
Meng Wan’s legs ached from standing, so he quickly sat down to rest after seeing that all the Spring Festival couplets were sold out. The other stalls in the alley were also mostly sold out, except for the old man from Hongmiao Village who had a lot of customers, and there were still a few people buying.
Song Tingzhou gathered up the apricot-yellow cloth spread out in front of them. The basket on his back, which had been used as a money box, was piled up with copper coins an inch high.
Seeing him tidying up, Meng Wan moved over as well, saying, “I’ll hold the cloth over it, and you can pour it up.”
He carefully picked up the yellow cloth, made it into a bag, placed it between his legs, and gripped the cloth tightly with both hands. Song Tingzhou lifted the basket on his back and poured copper coins into the yellow cloth bag. The crisp, clattering sound was pleasing to the ear, but it also attracted several prying eyes.
This isn’t some law-abiding society with cameras everywhere these days. Meng Wan rubbed his aching forearm, poked Song Tingzhou’s strong arm worriedly, and said in the softest voice, “Cousin, isn’t it a bit unsafe for us to keep the money like this?”
Because the voice was so low, the first word “Cousin” was almost inaudible. Song Tingzhou was bending down to put on his basket when he heard “Cousin” from behind. His heart skipped a beat and his expression softened. “Don’t worry, I’ll go to the bank to exchange some silver first, and then we’ll go to the market.”
He couldn’t afford to lose the money he had worked so hard to earn, so Meng Wan followed closely behind Song Tingzhou, keeping a close eye on the basket on his back.
The bookstore was right outside the alley, and the two of them went inside. Unexpectedly, the scholar surnamed Zhang from before was also there. Meng Wan had been so preoccupied with money that he forgot to ask Song Tingzhou if he knew him.
”Brother Zhang’s name is Zhang Jizu. We studied together in the same private school for seven years.” As if sensing his doubt, Song Tingzhou explained softly to Meng Wan.
Meng Wan had his own guesses; there was only one private school in the town, and the scholars must have studied there.
In fact, he had always doubted the teaching quality of the private school in town. Song Tingzhou was so diligent, studying from dawn till dusk, so how come he hadn’t passed the imperial examination for the title of Xiucai after so many years?
This year it’s fine, but if he still hasn’t passed the exam next year, Meng Wan is thinking of earning more money to transfer Song Tingzhou to a private school in the county town.
”Brother Song, I’m truly sorry. I really didn’t know this young ger was your brother.” Zhang Jizu seemed to have changed his tune, apologizing to Song Tingzhou again, and even flicking his not-so-wide sleeves, trying to appear more dignified.
When Manager Huang saw Meng Wan and the others come in, he was about to settle the bill for Chun Tu when he overheard Zhang Jizu’s words. So he shut his mouth and stepped aside.
Song Tingzhou pursed his lips and remained silent. Zhang Jizu was also a farmer’s son from another village in the town. They were close friends and classmates for seven years without ever having a disagreement.
(Meng Wan suspected that Song Tingzhou was quiet and therefore never argued with anyone.)
In Song Tingzhou’s eyes, Zhang Jizu had always been an upright and diligent student, and he had never seen him act so aggressively as he did today.
Although Meng Wan extinguished his anger with a single sentence, it left Song Tingzhou with a strange feeling, and his gaze towards him unconsciously carried a hint of scrutiny.
”This is not my brother, but my fiancé.”
Meng Wan, just like Shopkeeper Huang, stood quietly behind Song Tingzhou, a stark contrast to his eloquent and persuasive demeanor in the alley just moments before.
”Oh, I see.” Zhang Jizu’s gaze was somewhat lost in thought.
”I came to the bookstore to look for a book, so I’ll head back now. Let’s meet again at the bookstore after the New Year.”
Zhang Jizu smiled and spoke in a warm tone, but Meng Wan felt that his attitude was different from before, as if there was something strange about it.
Song Tingzhou seemed to have a really good relationship with the other party. He even went out to see Zhang Jizu off for a few steps before returning to the bookstore.
”Manager Huang, what book did Scholar Zhang buy just now? Could I take a look at it too? If it’s helpful, I’ll buy a copy for my cousin as well,” Meng Wan asked Manager Huang. He had a bad first impression of Zhang Jizu, and upon hearing that he was Song Tingzhou’s classmate, he inquired out of curiosity.
Shopkeeper Huang said with a smile, “He bought the latest storybooks from the prefectural city. Scholar Song probably won’t want them, but lord can take a look in his spare time.”
He pulled a brand-new book from the bookshelf and handed it to Meng Wan. The book had four large characters written on it: “Ancient Temple Romance”.
Meng Wan casually flipped through two pages and read the ending, his lips twitching more and more as he read.
In short, this book is about a down-on-his-luck scholar who is struggling in his official career and comes from a poor family. His talents go unappreciated, but by chance, he meets the daughter of a high-ranking official in a temple. The two fall in love, but the high-ranking official’s father does not agree to his daughter marrying the poor scholar. I didn’t read the middle part, but in the end, the scholar marries the princess and takes the high-ranking official’s daughter as a concubine.
What kind of nonsense is this? Is this what Song Tingzhou’s classmate is looking at?