Chapter 24: Roast Chicken, Fish Cakes, and Wine to Banish Sorrow; Harmony at Home Brings Prosperity and a New Joy

“Who else could it be? The salt magnate, I suppose,” replied a diner nearby.

“I don’t care for these wealthy merchants. A bit of money, and they think the roads aren’t wide enough for them,” said Mr. Wu, lifting his cup and taking a hasty drink, which sent him into a brief coughing fit.

“Why trouble yourself, Brother Wu? We’ve seen our share of the rich and powerful here in Hexia, haven’t we? Red-capped merchants even carry weight in the court,” Mr. Shen laughed, offering comfort. “Come, try the house specialties.”

The two drank and chatted, savoring the richly flavored roast chicken and the fresh, delectable river fish, which brought a unique taste to their lips.

The riverside scenery was indeed extraordinary: a faint moonlight, a refreshing evening breeze, and the stone steps were busy with graceful ladies, their flowing dresses catching men’s eyes. The air rang with laughter like silver bells, and even these two men couldn’t help but glance over.

When friends meet over wine, a thousand cups are too few. The bond between Mr. Wu and Mr. Shen deepened as they talked. The moon climbed overhead, stars twinkled, and fireflies drifted past. From the canal came the gentle sound of string music, and the singer’s soft dialect instantly transported Mr. Wu to the dreamlike, poetic landscapes of Hangzhou, stirring childhood memories.

“Raising my glass to invite the moon, we three—my shadow, the moon, and I,” Mr. Wu stood up, swaying as he toasted the moon.

“How much sorrow can one bear? Like a river of spring water flowing east. Brother Wu, drink.”

As closing time approached, Mr. Shen settled the bill, and the two, arms linked, staggered out onto the broad stone street. Night enveloped the alleys of Hexia, and they walked northward under the moon…

Before them, winding alleys and smooth stone roads marked the ancient town, shrouded in mist and rain. Mr. Shen walked along Bamboo Lane, a street so familiar to him that he could traverse it blindfolded. The street was nearly deserted.

Bamboo Lane, once renowned for its bamboo, was dotted with workshops of basket makers. Each stalk was peeled, revealing hues of green and white, and the hard bamboo, held in practiced hands, became delicate and supple. The craftsmen’s fingers, touching the tangled forest, brought order out of chaos. Basket weaving required skill, but above all, a craftsman’s heart.

The Shen family’s business was tied to canal transport, and occasionally they sold woven goods. For decades, they had quietly thrived in Hexia. Today, the young master Shen had found his perfect match, and all they wished was for heaven to bless the family, let their branches flourish, and their business prosper.

“I am home!” Mr. Shen declared as he stepped into his house on Bamboo Lane.

“Master’s drunk again,” the steward reported to Lady Shen, closing the door behind him.

“Bring the sobering soup quickly,” she said, accustomed to the hardships men endured outside.

“I’ll fetch it,” the gentle new bride chimed in, heading to the kitchen, delighting the young master.

“Sit and rest,” Lady Shen helped her husband to a seat.

Soon, the young mistress brought the pot of soup to the table. Lady Shen saw her husband nodding off, quickly woke him, “Master, drink your soup, bathe, and get to bed.”

“Thank you, dear,” Mr. Shen gulped down the cooling soup, slowly regaining clarity.

The young mistress stood by, attending him, and the son asked, “Father, with your tolerance, you’re not drunk, are you?”

“Son, your father is happy today. My dear, am I right? Tell me, aren’t you happy?” Mr. Shen rambled.

“Happy, happy,” his wife replied, then turned to Xiaolong, “Go prepare the bath water.”

“Yes, madam.” Xiaolong glanced at Xiaoling by the young mistress’s side and ran off.

“I’ll help too,” Xiaoling said, following him. The young mistress watched, thoughtful.

Under Lady Shen’s care, Mr. Shen bathed and went to bed. She urged her son and daughter-in-law, “You two should wash and rest as well. Everyone’s tired today. Tomorrow, we visit your bride’s family.”

“You rest early, Mother,” the young mistress said sincerely, which delighted Lady Shen.

“Yes, I will.”

The couple retired to their room, and Lady Shen soon followed. At this hour, Hexia fell into a peaceful slumber, awaiting a new day.

“Ah—” Mr. Shen stretched, blinking at the bright daylight. “I overdid it last night.”

Scenes from the previous day replayed in his mind like film reels, though there were gaps, and he could only shake his head helplessly.

“Dear, did the children get up?” Mr. Shen asked, seeing his wife busy in the front yard.

“They went out to buy things. Today’s the day to visit the bride’s family.”

“Of course. I’ll head out.”

“Go on,” Lady Shen replied without looking up, knowing he would go for his favorite spring noodles, as was his unshakable habit.

In Hexia, the custom for newlyweds was to bring gifts to the bride’s family the day after the wedding—a tradition throughout Huai’an.

The young master and mistress strolled the street, dazzled by the abundance of wares, and she was overjoyed to have married him. His caring nature made her smile, a smile radiant and genuine, warm from within. Seeing her smile, he was filled with happiness.

“Mother, we’re off,” the couple said their farewells.

“Go on, come back early,” Lady Shen waved.

“Lift the sedan!” The newlyweds rode out in a sedan chair, soon arriving on Bamboo Lane.

The street bustled with basket makers’ cries, their finely crafted bamboo goods displayed outside the shops—baskets, hampers, sieves, and more. The exquisite craftsmanship made Bamboo Lane lively. No household could do without these items.

“Make way, make way,” the chair bearers shouted. Xiaoling followed closely, delighted for her mistress’s happiness, though lately she found herself drawn to Xiaolong’s company.

“Are you happy?” Inside the sedan, the young master held his wife’s hand, his affectionate eyes shining.

“As long as I have one true heart,” Miss Xu answered, radiant, for love makes every woman lovely.

“Until gray-haired, never parted,” he replied.

Joyful moments are fleeting. Soon, the sedan stopped at the Xu family’s door.

“Father, Mother, we’re home!”

Mr. Xu, reading in his study, was startled by his daughter’s voice and hurried out, his heart filled with unprecedented excitement. That voice told him she was happy, and at last, his worries could rest.

“Father, Mother, please accept my bow,” the young master knelt, following tradition.

“My good son-in-law, rise, sit and talk,” Mr. Xu welcomed him.

The young master presented gifts, and Miss Xu, now at home, felt at ease, nestling beside her mother, her cheeks flushed as she glanced at her husband. Father and son-in-law talked, while mother and daughter retired to the boudoir.

“Is he good to you?” Mrs. Xu asked gently.

“He is,” she replied, and her mother saw from her expression that happiness filled her heart.

As the saying goes, a woman fears marrying the wrong man, a man fears choosing the wrong path. Their children's happiness was the greatest matter, and now all was well.

“Have you consummated the marriage?”

“Mother—”

“Shy?”

“Mother, he’s in good health.”

“That’s good. Daughter, you’re the young master’s wife now, soon to be a mother. Remember what I’ve told you: respect your husband, be a caring wife, raise your children well—it’s a woman’s duty.”

“Yes, Mother.”

To learn what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.