Lu Amian was unaware of all this; she only knew that she had been confined to her home for three days.
She originally intended to sell those pears, though they wouldn't fetch much money—about one coin for three or four.
After all, wild fruits grow naturally and are readily available everywhere. At the market, Ah Mian's basket of them would only sell for a maximum of fifteen coins.
After breakfast, everyone went about their own business.
Although A-Mian was told not to go out, it was clear that no one was watching over her. However, she was still very afraid of Meng Chijian, so she pretended to be obedient and cleaned the yard at home.
When Meng Jing returned after washing the clothes in the afternoon, A Mian finally had a free hand.
She brought a basin of clean water, sat on a small wooden stool, and washed the pears one by one. Then she peeled off the skin, cut them in half, scooped out the cores with a spoon, and cut them into roughly the same size pieces.
Meng Jing was a little curious, "A-Mian, you really know how to make strange and unusual things."
"I'll need your help with this later," A-Mian said, as she found some dried red dates in the kitchen.
Place the pear chunks and red dates into a pot, add water to fill about half the pot, and then simply cover the pot and simmer.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it emits a delightful, sweet aroma.
"This drink was taught to me by my mother. It's not only delicious, but it also nourishes the lungs and relieves dryness... Maybe your brother won't have that long face all the time!"
Amian was busy with her hands, first serving out three bowls, which she then shared with Meng's mother and younger sister.
"How does it taste?"
Meng Jing savored the taste for a moment, "It's quite good. Eating pears alone is a bit astringent, but this sweet drink isn't cloying and is very refreshing."
"Then..." A-Mian whispered a few words in her ear, then looked at her expectantly, like a newborn puppy, "Okay?"
"Won't I get scolded again?"
Amian shook her head. "No way! He told me two rules, but he didn't say I couldn't do business."
As the sun sets, people who went to town to do odd jobs or business are gradually returning home.
This dirt road is not an official road; it was trodden out by passersby day after day. However, it is still a dirt road, and it becomes very muddy and difficult to walk on when it rains. If it is sunny and windy, it becomes dusty.
As a result, people were in a hurry, and most of them were in a bad mood, just keeping their heads down and rushing on their way.
Meng Chijian carried a bundle on his back. He was tall and his trousers were neatly tied up. He moved much faster than the other pedestrians.
As he approached the village entrance, he suddenly heard a clear, crisp sound:
"What a wonderful drink! A refreshing and thirst-quenching drink! A big bowl for just one coin, pear and red date soup!"
He leaned closer and saw that it was his young wife, who was still under house arrest—her face was flushed from busy work, but her eyes were as bright as if they had been washed with spring water. Next to her was a bucket from the house, covered with an oilcloth (he didn't know where she got it from), and a wooden lid on top.
She only opens the bowl and scoops out a portion with a spoon when someone buys it, thus keeping it very clean.
There aren't many bowls available, so most people will carry their own water in their own water pouches, which is more economical.
Their home was relatively close, but there were also many travelers from more distant villages. In addition, a penny was really nothing; it only cost a penny to buy candy for the children. Therefore, travelers who were already thirsty and bored from their journey came to buy some.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed that A-Mian had tied one of her feet with a hemp rope, the other end of which was attached to the handle of a water bucket. When she saw Meng Chijian, she argued confidently, "This is still considered being confined! This is the family's water bucket; it's the same as staying at home."
Meng Jing, who helped carry the buckets, nodded guiltily in agreement.
Meng Chijian first took out a handkerchief from his bundle, poured out all the water from his water bag to soak the handkerchief, wrung it out, and then bent down to wipe his face, which was covered in mud and sweat, clean.
"Then give me a bowl too."
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