Chapter 21
"Husband, what if our parents ask us for money when the restaurant business takes off?"
Hearing this, he was taken aback, and then said, "If they really do speak up, come to me and I'll talk to them."
Yingxiang was immediately relieved. She returned to Wenshi's arms and, looking at her husband's handsome face, unconsciously kissed him.
Wen Shi unconsciously tightened his grip on the person in his arms.
If his family had to support him, his actions with Yingxiang would have been inappropriate. However, his family did not do so. He insisted on leaving home to study and worked as a porter at the docks to earn money. He copied books day and night, his hands were covered in chilblains in the winter and he was covered in heat rash in the summer. He couldn't bear to spend money to stay in hotels or rent rooms in town. In order to save money, he even slept on the streets.
The first few years were the hardest, and things got better later. He never told his family about these difficult days. He was naturally very proud of himself for supporting his family.
If it weren't for long-term considerations, he wouldn't have brought his family along. Being filial to one's parents is a duty, but he wouldn't be blindly obedient.
Especially now, compared to Wen Chuanzong, Old Man Wen's opinion of him has changed significantly, and Wen Shi is not so worried about his future life.
After the Lantern Festival, the New Year celebrations came to a complete end, and the county returned to its usual bustling state. The county school also reopened, and Wenshi went to buy gifts a day in advance.
Early that morning, the weather was clear, and he changed his clothes before going to the county school to register as a student.
"We can take our time finding a shop, there's no rush."
Choosing the right location is crucial for doing business, and Yingxiang understood this quite well. She lay on the couch, feeling some soreness in her body, but showed no intention of getting up.
Seeing Wen Shi getting dressed and washing up made me feel very happy.
She traveled to ancient times and met such a good husband. At present, he is very good, with excellent looks and talent.
It's clear that fate is still on her side.
The originally simple and clean courtyard has become very cozy under Yingxiang's care. The courtyard is not big, and she specially planted some vegetables in the empty space in the corner.
The other room couldn't be left empty, so she converted it into a study for Wen Shi.
Wen Shi had no objections. They didn't have the means before, but now they do. Having their own study is the best thing, as it's convenient for reading or copying books, and it won't disturb his wife too late.
He knew his ranking wasn't high, and his knowledge was definitely lacking compared to others. He had to continue studying hard to narrow the gap with other students.
The county's credit class rankings were based entirely on the previous lists. Wen Shi didn't get to study under the best teacher, nor was he assigned to a good classroom. But he wasn't discouraged because he was still young.
The teachers at the county school are definitely much better than the teachers he used to have in the town. Right now, he and Wen Chuanzong are on the same starting line. All he needs to do is study hard from now on.
Do your best and leave the rest to fate.
Before they knew it, it was almost mid-March. Wen Lao Si's wife had already married into the family, but there was still no news from Wen Shi's side.
Old Man Wen didn't show it on his face, but he was obviously a little anxious inside. He was also afraid that Wen Shi would change his mind in the end, which would really make him lose face in the village.
In the county, Yingxiang was never idle. This business was considered a small-scale operation, and when looking at shops, she had to avoid those bustling and lively places, otherwise the rent would be ridiculously expensive.
She left early and returned late every day, observing the area near the four main gates of the county.
Finally, she chose a two-story shop near the East Gate. After observing for a while, she found that the foot traffic was higher there, and most of the merchants stayed there.
People who are too poor will not spend money to eat out, while those who are too rich will probably look down on small restaurants and prefer to go to large restaurants.
She knew her target customer base. Although the place was some distance from where they lived, she wasn't afraid as long as business was good.
She is down-to-earth, takes things slowly, and walks step by step. She refuses to believe that she can't make a good life.
She'll only have to work a little harder for a while; from now on, she just needs to come and collect payments every day.
On that day, Wen Shi took a day off, and Ying Xiang immediately pulled him to reserve the shop.
"Let's go back and pick up our parents now."
After the lease was signed, Yingxiang said excitedly, and Wenshi did not refuse, seeing that it was still early.
Have you decided on the menu?
The two rented an oxcart to return to the village. Wen Shi suddenly said, "I've thought it through. Ordinary food will do. The price definitely can't be too high, otherwise business will be difficult. At the beginning, we can only make small profits and sell more."
Wen Shi nodded.
The two returned home very suddenly, but their families were very excited; heaven knows how long they had been waiting for this day.
“Father, Mother, Yingxiang and I have settled in the county. You should pack your things quickly. The oxcart is at the door. Take everything with you; you'll need it when you get there.”
The Wen family became instantly excited. Neighbors, seeing the oxcart that had suddenly appeared in front of the Wen family's house, all came out to look inside. It seemed that the Wen family was going to the county.
The villagers already knew the news, so they weren't too surprised. However, when they actually saw the Wen family carrying large and small bags out of the village, some people couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Yingxiang stood in the yard, originally wanting to help, but seeing that her family had already finished cleaning up, she thought it was fine, it would save her trouble.
"This is my third sister-in-law."
During this time, Wen Laosi pulled his wife, Ma, over and greeted Yingxiang.
Ma was a chubby little girl who looked very honest. Yingxiang smiled and said a few words to her.
In less than an hour, the oxcart was full of things, and the family squeezed onto the cart. Old Man Wen locked the door, and he was visibly happy.
On their way out of the village, they spoke and said goodbye to the villagers, their faces beaming with joy.
"By the way, third brother, how big is the apartment you rent?"
When Wen Shi returned to pick them up, Old Man Wen was finally relieved.
"Yingxiang and I lived near the county school. It was just two rooms: a study and our bedroom."
"Third Brother, where are we staying?"
Wen Xiaowu asked, puzzled.
“You’re still young. After you go there, stay with your parents for a couple of days. Then the three of us will help you find a school so you can study for a few years and learn to read. That would be good.”
Wen Xiaowu was always quick-witted. When Wen Shi said this, he remained silent and did not refuse.
Wen Xiaowu looked up at the blue sky and white clouds. A gentle breeze blew by, carrying a fragrance of flowers from somewhere. The trees along the roadside were lush and leafy, and wildflowers could be seen blooming on both sides of the road from time to time.
Wen Xiaowu thought that perhaps he could one day take the imperial examinations and become an official along with his older brothers.
Liu didn't mention the flowers. She hadn't been in a good mood lately, feeling marginalized by her family and having all her decisions rejected, which made her very unhappy.
But unfortunately, no one in her family paid any attention to her.
"Yingxiang rented a shop with two floors, intending to sell food. This will be her livelihood from now on. The second floor is for living, with three rooms, which should be enough for the next few years."
Hearing that Sister-in-law Wen was holding a child who was a little over a year old, Liu frowned.
“Your mother and I, the second son’s family, the fourth son’s family, and the fifth son going to school, that’s enough.”
If all else fails, you can stay on the first floor at night; you can just sleep on the floor. Wen Shi didn't say much about it.
With so many things and so many people, the oxcart moved very slowly. Fortunately, they arrived in the county before dark. When they got to the shop, they saw that it was still quite new, so the Wen family didn't feel too disappointed.
Especially Old Man Wen, he was quite satisfied with Wen Shi.
In the evening, people came and went on the street, and there were quite a few people. After going up to the second floor, the room was small, but it was enough to live in.
"Third sister-in-law, what are you planning to sell in the future?"
Wen Ersao put down her bundle and turned to ask.
"Selling breakfast."
"Steamed buns and porridge are easy to make. I also know how to make steamed buns; I'll teach you then, and we can open for business in a few days."
These dishes don't require much skill; it's just a matter of seasoning. Yingxiang plans to do it herself, while her family members can cook the rest.
Old Man Wen sat on the bed, looking around.
After settling his family in, Wen Shi and Ying Xiang went home. Once home, Ying Xiang lay on the bed and immediately got to work.
However, considering the potential to earn money in the future, she had no complaints.
In the following days, the family began to coordinate and allocate tasks. Since it was a small business, they naturally didn't need that many people. Wen Shi found the school for Wen Xiaowu. It wasn't big, but the teacher was quite famous, and he ate and lived there, which was good. The learning atmosphere was very important.
As for Sister-in-law Wen, Yingxiang thought that since she was taking care of a child and the child was not in good health, she should stop working for now and just focus on taking care of the child.
You know, there are all sorts of customers in the shop. It's one thing for a child this young to be in a village, but in a county, you still have to keep a close eye on him.
Liu wanted to argue, feeling that Yingxiang had usurped her right to be in charge, but before she could speak, Old Man Wen retorted.
“The third son’s wife is right. It’s better to be safe than sorry. He doesn’t know how to talk. If you have any objections, you can stay on the second floor and watch the children. Let the second son’s wife come down and do the work.”
Upon hearing this, Liu remained silent. The child was weak and not good-looking, and cried and fussed at the drop of a hat, so she didn't really want to look at him.
The fourth son was in charge of purchasing, the second son followed along, Old Man Wen and Mrs. Liu usually looked after the shop, and Yingxiang was in charge of collecting payments. However, when it came to preparing meals, the whole family would definitely be together.
Doing business seems simple, but it's really tiring once you open for business, especially making breakfast. You have to get up before dawn to prepare, and it's usually sold out by noon the next day.
When a new store opens, prices are very low to boost its reputation, and many people come to buy. Yingxiang doesn't know how she makes the filling, and some people just buy one to try because they are passing by.
But several times, people took a bite and then bought several more, and some even came back. Gradually, the business got better and better.
The seasonings are unique. Old Man Wen thought Yingxiang had a special skill, but in reality, it's just adding lard and special five-spice powder to the filling, stir-frying it, and the taste is naturally good.
Yingxiang keeps track of the accounts every day. The whole family does this, and after deducting costs, they can still make a little profit each day.
Half a month later, on a quiet night, Liu was lying on the bed when she suddenly said, "You spoil your third son's wife too much. She brings money back every day and gives the money she spends on shopping to the fourth son. We've all become her long-term servants."
Upon hearing this, Old Man Wen sat up and said, "You can't say that. Right now, the whole family is counting on her. If you want to go back to farming, I won't stop you."
"Besides, the third child's schooling also costs money."
“Eating, drinking, and using the restroom in the county all cost money, and this shop was also rented by her.”
"They didn't live together."
Liu was very dissatisfied with this.
“Tell me how we’re going to live. I originally thought the third brother would live with the eldest brother, but the eldest brother doesn’t want to bring these brothers along at all, and he’s not willing to contribute money either. The houses around here are so expensive.”
“If you feel uncomfortable here, you can go live with the eldest son’s family, go see the children, and let the eldest son’s wife take care of you.”
Old Man Wen was never satisfied with Yingxiang, but with Wen Chuanzong and Xiuyu as examples, Wen Shi and Yingxiang were a good match.
Wen Shi's studies didn't cost his family a single penny. Just for that, he couldn't really say anything. Right now, the two of them are also supporting the whole family, bringing them all to the county.
Although it was called a shop, he and Liu didn't have to do much work on a daily basis. They spent most of their day resting. He had money from renting the land, so he wasn't dissatisfied.
Liu's expression changed, and then she stopped talking.
"My third brother's wife told me that she will pay these brothers their wages every month. Don't worry, they won't suffer losses."
"As for your thoughts, you'd better put them away. The eldest brother doesn't care about these younger brothers at all, what more do you want?"
Old Man Wen now understands, especially since he has been in the county for some time now, but his eldest son and his wife have not come to visit them.
How could he not be heartbroken? He was even planning to go to his eldest son's house in a few days to ask for money.
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