“Because she came from an alley, she guessed that he might be someone who lived in the alley. So, based on her memory of his appearance, she asked around and found Yu Tongsheng’s house and returned the book.”

“Yu Tongsheng thanked her and recognized that Sister Shuangye was someone who worked at Su Ji. Later, he often came to Su Ji to eat and buy food. Over time, they became familiar with each other. Later, Yu Tongsheng said that he would teach the children in the neighborhood to read when he had time and asked Sister Shuangye if she wanted to come along. Sister Shuangye agreed and often went to Yu Tongsheng’s house to learn to read with the children.”

“That’s roughly the situation,” Ai Cao said. “Oh, right, speaking of which, it was Aunt Zhao who suggested that Yu Tongsheng teach the children to read at home. She said that whether they study or not, whether they take the imperial examinations or not, is secondary; the key is that they can recognize some characters so they won’t be blind, and it will be easier for them to do things.”

Su Yujin nodded again. “Aunt Zhao is a sensible and kind person.”

In this era, anyone who could say that whether one studied or pursued scholarly honors was only of secondary importance possessed insight far beyond that of most people.

A woman with such understanding was probably not the kind of person who was unreasonable and would deliberately torment her daughter-in-law.

Judging from the general situation, they seem to be a good family.

However, the final decision depends on Shuangye and Yu Xiucai’s intentions.

This was a major life event and shouldn’t be rushed.

Su Yujin picked up the rock sugar chrysanthemum tea beside her to drink.

—

Shuangye and Hu Qiaohui came out of the cloth shop.

Hu Qiaohui carried a small, exquisitely crafted bamboo basket on her arm, filled with small pieces of fabric and various threads. Her face was beaming with smiles. “The colors of these threads and fabrics match perfectly. Sister Shuangye has such good taste! I’m sure you’ll love the tiger-head shoes and hats I make.”

“I’m sorry for keeping Sister Shuangye company for so long; I’m afraid it might have delayed your work in your shop…”

Hu Qiaohui stopped, took off a pair of silver earrings from her ears, and placed them in Shuangye’s hand. “I’m giving these earrings to Sister Shuangye as a token of my appreciation for your hard work today.”

“Why are you being so polite?” Shuangye quickly stopped her. “You often come to Su Ji to help out and do so much for us. It’s just helping you choose some silk thread and fabric; there’s no need to accept anything from you.”

Ignoring Shuangye’s objections, Hu Qiaohui simply put the earrings on Shuangye’s head. “Sister Shuangye teaches me needlework, and my mother often says that my needlework has improved a lot, all thanks to you. I wanted to thank you, so please don’t refuse. If you do, I’ll really get angry.”

“If you don’t take them, it means you think these earrings are something I’ve worn. They look so beautiful on you. You should wear them often so people know we’re good sisters.”

Seeing Hu Qiaohui’s attitude, Shuangye had no choice but to give in. “Alright then, but I can’t just take your things for free. I’ve embroidered a few handkerchiefs these past few days; I’ll bring them to you tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Hu Qiaohui replied with a smile. “No need to trouble Sister Shuangye to deliver it. I’ll come find Sister Shuangye to pick it up when I have time. My younger brother loves Su Ji’s wontons, so I often go there too.”

“Alright, then remember this.” Shuangye nodded.

“Don’t worry, I promise I won’t forget.” Hu Qiaohui slung the bamboo basket back over her arm. “It’s getting late; Sister Shuangye needs to hurry to the shop. I’ll go see you and chat with you for a while.”

Hu Qiaohui’s older sister, Hu Qiaolan, married into the Guo family, which lived three or four alleys away. The Guo family ran a small business and were quite well-off. She became pregnant six months after her marriage. Her in-laws took good care of her, not letting her do any work and allowing her to rest at home.

Hu Qiaolan was a little bored at home with nothing to do, so she often asked Hu Qiaohui to keep her company.

“Go on, drive carefully,” Shuangye instructed, and only after seeing Hu Qiaohui walk away did she return to her shop to continue her work.

Hu Qiaohui walked towards the Guo family’s house.

Along the way, she encountered several acquaintances who greeted her with, “Qiaohui, where are you going?”

“To my sister’s house, to chat with her for a while, and also to discuss making tiger-head shoes for my nephew. I’ve already bought everything.”

“This child is truly sensible, filial, and thoughtful. She even considers her nephew’s needs so thoroughly. You two sisters have such a good relationship.”

“Of course. We’re sisters, after all.” Hú Qiǎohuì lifted her chin, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

When she arrived at the Guo family’s house, Hu Qiaolan was sitting on a recliner in the courtyard, basking in the sun.

It was autumn; the sun was gentle, and a light breeze was just right. Looking up, one could see the pomegranate tree laden with bright red pomegranates and the persimmon tree by the wall, its branches laden with persimmons.

On the small table next to the recliner were tea and some snacks.

The pastries were from Yunzhizhai, and they weren’t cheap.

Hu Qiaohui pursed her lips, her eyes filled with complicated emotions, before finally speaking, “Sister, why are you home alone? Where are your husband, uncle, and aunt?”

“They went to pick up goods. They said they wouldn’t be back until evening.” Seeing her younger sister arrive, Hu Qiaolan handed her some pastries from the small table. “Try some of your favorite mung bean cake.”

“These aren’t cheap, sister; just eat them,” Hu Qiaohui smiled.

“Whether it’s cheap or not, it’s all food; why can’t we eat it?” Hu Qiaolan stuffed the mung bean cake into Hu Qiaohui’s hand, noticing her bare earlobes and looking somewhat surprised. “Where’s the earring I gave you? You usually treasure it so much; why aren’t you wearing it today?”

“I just went with Sister Shuangye to pick out some thread to make tiger-head shoes and a tiger-head hat for my nephew. Sister Shuangye said these earrings of mine are pretty, and since I saw she liked them, I gave them to her.”

Hu Qiaohui explained, “Sister, please don’t blame me for taking the liberty. I think Sister Shuangye really likes those earrings, and we’re good friends…”

“But Sister Shuangye also said she’d give me a few handkerchiefs later.”

“Those earrings aren’t cheap, and handkerchiefs are only worth a few coins. I think you’re a bit too honest.” Hu Qiaolan reached out and tapped Hu Qiaohui’s forehead. “As for Shuangye, I think she’s incredibly shrewd. If you’re with her, you’re bound to suffer a lot of losses.”

“I heard she’s still constantly bothering that Yu Xiucai these days? I think she’s just taking advantage of his interest in you, finding all sorts of ways to bully you. You’re a gentle person who doesn’t like to fight, so this can’t go on.”

Hu Qiaolan thought for a moment. “I’ve been quite free lately, so I’ve been going home more often to talk to my parents about this and also to Aunt Zhao so she can put your relationship with Yu Xiucai on the agenda sooner rather than later.”

(End of Chapter)

---