My Husband is a Drama King [Book Transmigration] 4

Chapter 4: Going to Town

The well outside the village was too far away. By the time Song Changxu filled the buckets and hoisted the carrying pole, his forehead was soaked with sweat.

The sun wasn’t as strong as it was at noon, but it was still annoyingly hot. There weren’t many people in the village; the children were all playing and cooling off under the large trees in their courtyards. Song Changxu managed to fetch the water without being seen.

He carried the water to the Xu residence and poured it into the water vat. He straightened up and rubbed his shoulders to ease the soreness.

Xu Zhizhou brought over a teacup. “This is herbal tea my elder brother made. Have some and catch your breath.”

Seeing that Song Changxu was out of breath, Xu Zhizhou looked at him with a hint of worry. If one trip for water was enough to tire him out like this, and the family’s water vat wasn’t even full yet, he couldn’t let him get too tired.

Song Changxu pulled over a stool, sat down, took the teacup from Xu Zhizhou, and drank it all in one gulp.

“…Your family’s water vat is really big,” Song Changxu said, glancing at the vat and realizing he would have to make three or four more trips.

“I know, right? I think it’s too big too, but there’s nothing to be done about it. Our family has always used a large water vat. I’ll have another cup of herbal tea ready for you when you get back,” Xu Zhizhou said, initially commiserating with Song Changxu about the large vat, but then his tone shifted to one of urging.

Song Changxu: “…”

It’s not like I’m doing this for a bowl of herbal tea.

He felt indignant but resignedly picked up the carrying pole from the ground.

He swore to himself that he would never listen to Xu Zhizhou’s nonsense again. Acting like this was just making himself look cheap.

Song Changxu made three or four trips for water, becoming much more familiar with the village roads in the process. After the last trip, he felt dizzy.

I’m probably getting heatstroke.

If I get heatstroke, it’s all Xu Zhizhou’s fault.

“Have some more to drink. Look at you, getting into this state after just a few trips for water.” Xu Zhizhou only knew how to pour him herbal tea. Now he was secretly observing his expression, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Song Changxu saw the look in his eyes and felt a little better. So he does have a conscience after all, worrying about my well-being.

“Have you always been in poor health?” Xu Zhizhou hesitated for a moment before asking tentatively.

Song Changxu finally understood and was nearly angered to death. To think he had just felt that Xu Zhizhou had a conscience. He shot up from his seat, gritting his teeth. “What do you mean by that?”

Seeing his reaction, Xu Zhizhou felt a pang of guilt, but on the surface, he poured Song Changxu another bowl of herbal tea. “I don’t mean anything by it. Sit down. I’m just worried about your health.” And by extension, my own future. There was nothing wrong with that thought.

“I’m not drinking any more. I’m going back.” Song Changxu was afraid that if he stayed at the Xu residence any longer, he might either be angered to death by Xu Zhizhou or be roped into doing more chores.

Xu Zhizhou felt a little regretful. There was still firewood at home that needed to be chopped. Asking someone in the village to chop firewood would mean owing a favor or paying them. Having Song Changxu do it cost nothing but a bowl of herbal tea.

Having a fiancé doesn’t seem so bad after all, Xu Zhizhou thought seriously.

“Alright then. Be careful not to be seen on your way back. And don’t forget to bring me mung bean cakes tomorrow. I’ve been thinking about them for a long time,” Xu Zhizhou reminded him.

Song Changxu didn’t stop walking, leaving Xu Zhizhou with a view of his back. He waved his hand to show he had heard.

Be careful not to be seen. Song Changxu felt like he was doing something shameful.

When he reached the gate of the Xu family’s courtyard, he still peeked through the crack in the gate to see if anyone was outside. Only when he was sure there was no one did he sneak out of the Xu residence. He let out a sigh of relief when he reached the village path.

It’s just like being a thief.

“Changxu, what are you doing out here?” Liang Feng was surprised to see Song Changxu. With the sun so strong, Song Changxu was usually at home reading. Why was he out, and so far from home?

“My head was spinning from reading, so I came out for a walk to see if it would help,” Song Changxu’s mind worked quickly.

Liang Feng’s doubts were dispelled. He sighed, “Auntie letting you study doesn’t seem like an easy task either. It’s so mentally taxing.”

Liang Feng had come back to carry manure. He didn’t say much more to Song Changxu. “I have to get back to work. You study hard.”

Song Changxu acknowledged him and returned home, his spirits finally relaxing. He drew some water, wiped his body with a cloth, and changed into an old long robe from the wardrobe.

He had been drenched in sweat and had felt sticky on his way back. He felt much better after changing. He washed the long robe with soapberries, wrung it out, and hung it up to dry.

He had lived in a university dormitory, so washing clothes was a small matter. He liked to be clean and felt that washing machines didn’t get clothes clean enough, especially since several people shared one. He usually washed his clothes by hand.

With that matter finally over, Song Changxu sat back down in his chair, let out a breath, and continued to read.

He read for a while, then practiced his calligraphy. Time flowed by like water.

By the time Song Changxu came back to his senses, it was already evening. The sky was filled with a reddish sunset glow.

He went to the wardrobe to look for the money the original owner had left behind and was delighted to see a blue purse. He opened it and counted only fifty copper coins inside.

His parents had given him so much money, yet the original owner hadn’t saved any. He couldn’t rely on the original owner’s savings; he would have to find a way to earn some money himself.

Movable type printing was well-developed in the Ningxing Dynasty, which had basically eliminated the possibility of earning money by copying books. The cost of movable type printing was lower, and bookstores preferred to buy directly from printing workshops rather than hiring people to copy books.

However, printing workshops only printed popular books. Things like storybooks were rarely printed. The Ningxing Dynasty stipulated that certain books were to be published by the state, and private publication of books involving astronomy, divination, and occult arts was prohibited. There were strict controls on various collections of writings published by officials, especially those involving politics. Additionally, the spread of heretical cults was forbidden.

As for storybooks, the court turned a blind eye and let them pass.

Tomorrow, when he went to Shuibo Town, he would visit a bookstore. He could also write letters for people. He could use his skills to find work and earn some money for daily expenses.

Song Changxu was too embarrassed to ask Song Ye and Liang Su for money.

“Father, you’re back!” Xu Cheng’s voice came from the doorway.

Song Mingyan was carrying a basket on his back, filled with fresh grass. He said, “Cheng Ge’er, feed the chickens and ducks first. I’ll go make dinner.”

He had cut the grass for the chickens on his way back from the fields.

Song Changxu came out of his room. A young woman came over with a handful of fiddlehead ferns. “Oh, Changxu’s here. I picked these fiddlehead ferns from the back mountain myself. They’re delicious blanched and served as a cold salad.”

As Wang Yan spoke, she stuffed the ferns into Song Changxu’s hands. “Take these for your family to make a cold dish.”

It was rare for Wang Yan to catch Song Changxu, so she couldn’t help but chat for a bit.

“It’s good that you’re engaged to the Xu family. I thought you wouldn’t get married for a few more years. I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”

The children in the village had all grown up together. Wang Yan had married Li Hu from the village, and the two of them were living a happy life.

Song Changxu replied, “I’m already twenty-one.”

In ancient times, this age was neither too old nor too young; it was the right time to start a family. Wang Yan didn’t chat with Song Changxu for long. She said, “I haven’t seen you in a long time. We should get together more often in the future. Or, after you get married, Hu-zi and I will treat you both to a meal.”

Xu Cheng looked at Song Changxu. He reached out and patted his nephew’s head.

He handed the fiddlehead ferns to Song Mingyan.

“That Wang Yan is really something,” Song Mingyan said happily. “I was just thinking of going to the back mountain to pick some myself when I have time. I mentioned it to her in passing, and she brought some over.”

Xu Cheng threw the grass into the chicken coop, standing on his tiptoes to get a closer look.

The chickens and ducks in the coop squawked and clucked, lowering their heads to peck at the grass.

The sound of muffled conversations came from outside the courtyard gate, a lively scene that brought a sense of community to the village.

Plumes of smoke drifted straight up into the air as every household returned home and started preparing dinner.

Children ran around outside. Xu Cheng emptied the grass into the chicken coop.

Song Ye and Liang Su came back, put down their hoes, and sat down to rest. A breeze blew by, drying the mud on their feet.

Dinner was simple. They finished the leftovers from lunch, with an added dish of cold fiddlehead fern salad. Whenever there were wild vegetables in season, every household in Qishan Village would have them on the table.

Song Changxu drank a bowl of loofah soup. Song Mingyan’s cooking was light, and the soup was exceptionally delicious and flavorful.

He looked up at the sky, which was filled with stars. Tomorrow would be a rare day of good weather. The sky was high and clear, dotted with stars.

He had felt hot right after dinner, but now, after stepping out into the main hall and feeling the breeze, he felt much cooler.

“Changxu, take a few of these steamed white flour buns to the village head’s house,” Liang Su called Song Changxu in to take the plate.

The Song family had gone through a difficult period, and the village head had helped them a lot. They remembered his kindness.

Song Changxu took the large bowl and went to the village head’s house.

“Why did you bring these? You must be tired, Changxu. Have some tea first,” Liu-shi said, pouring him tea.

“I’m fine, Auntie.” He wasn’t tired from walking a few steps, only from fetching water.

The village head was smoking a pipe. He said a few words and sent Song Changxu on his way.

Song Changxu walked along the village path, the houses on either side lit by candlelight. He was walking with his head down when he heard a familiar voice.

“There are no snakes here at all,” Xu Zhizhou said.

“I saw one yesterday,” another unfamiliar voice said.

“Alright, alright. It’s getting late. I’m heading back,” Xu Zhizhou said, emerging from the tall grass.

The moonlight was bright, casting a thin layer of coldness on everything. Xu Zhizhou was startled to see a tall figure standing there.

Upon closer inspection, he saw it was Song Changxu. He chided, “What are you doing standing there without making a sound? You’re so scary.”

Scary? That’s right.

Song Changxu: “I didn’t notice.”

In the shadows, Xu Zhizhou could see the smooth line of Song Changxu’s jaw. He said, “What are you doing wandering around at night? Remember to bring me mung bean cakes tomorrow morning.”

Song Changxu was speechless at Xu Zhizhou’s accusation. He had come out to deliver something. If anyone was wandering around at night, it was clearly Xu Zhizhou.

.

When Xu Zhizhou got back to his room, he washed up but couldn’t fall asleep. He opened the small window and saw that the light was still on in Xu Zhici’s room. He hugged his pillow and went to knock on Xu Zhici’s door.

Xu Zhici was looking at the hairpin Xie Huaichuan had given him, his eyes glistening. Hearing the knock, he quickly put the hairpin away, threw on an outer robe, and went to open the door.

“Elder Brother, I want to sleep with you tonight.”

The Xu family only had two ge’ers. Their house was a blue-tiled one. The two young brothers had shared a room when they were little, but as they grew older, they got their own rooms.

When they built the blue-tiled house, it was the Song family who had helped them find the workers. When hiring workers, it was best to have an acquaintance make the introduction; otherwise, there could be issues with shoddy work or inflated prices.

Xu Zhici knew that at this hour, only Xu Zhizhou would come over. He led him to the bed. “As if I would turn you away. Lie down and cover yourself properly so you don’t catch a cold.”

“I knew Elder Brother was the best. You’re still awake so late. Are you thinking about Elder Brother Xie?” This was his elder brother’s only worry, one that was always on his mind.

“I’m afraid he’ll be hurt on the battlefield, where swords and blades have no eyes,” Xu Zhici said, his brow furrowed with worry.

Xie Huaichuan didn’t have to join the army. It was his uncles who had signed him up for the military enlistment bonus. Xie Huaichuan’s parents were both gone, and he was the only heir. His uncles, with their vicious hearts, had done this to get him killed so they could seize the family property.

When Xie Huaichuan left, only Xu Zhici had gone to see him off. Though he was only a sixteen-year-old boy, he was already taciturn and as silent as a mountain.

His back was straight as he carried his bundle, only saying that he would come back and telling Xu Zhici to wait for him.

“Elder Brother Xie is young and strong. He must have become very capable after so many years in the army,” Xu Zhizhou said.

“As long as he is safe,” Xu Zhici said, unwilling to say more.

The candle in the room was blown out.

“Elder Brother, can you teach me how to make herbal tea?” Xu Zhizhou fiddled with the corner of his quilt.

Xu Zhici: “Of course. I’ve told you to learn from me before, but you never wanted to. What made you change your mind today?”

“I think herbal tea tastes pretty good.”

“Alright. I’ll teach you after we’re done with the busy work of the next few days. Speaking of which, the water vat was full today. You used to only fill it halfway to be lazy.”

Xu Zhizhou’s heart skipped a beat. “Elder Brother, I was diligent for once, and you still have to ask? It’s so embarrassing. Let’s go to sleep. We have work to do tomorrow morning.”

The room fell completely silent.

…

The next day, Song Changxu said he was going to town.

Liang Su gave him some copper coins. “Since you’re going to town, you can buy a jar of salt on your way back.”

Song Ye: “And get me a jug of yellow wine.”

Liang Su glanced at Song Ye and gave her son more copper coins. She then thought of something and said, “Also buy some pastries and fruits. Cheng Ge’er can have some, and we’ll need them to entertain guests.”

Song Changxu took the copper coins and asked a crucial question, “Is Mother in charge of the family’s money?”

Liang Su: “Otherwise, should I let your father manage it? He’s a spendthrift.”

Song Ye gave an embarrassed smile.

“You’re a spendthrift too. After you get married, you’ll need someone to keep you in check,” Liang Su said as she went back to her room to hide the money.

To get to town from the village, one had to take an ox-cart. The Song family’s old ox had been sold, and they hadn’t bought a new one yet, as they were saving all their money for their son’s wedding.

A ride on the ox-cart to town cost three copper coins. After the cart was full, it would slowly make its way to Shuibo Town.

Besides the money his mother gave him, Song Changxu also brought the fifty copper coins to buy mung bean cakes for Xu Zhizhou.

The moment Xu Zhizhou mentioned the mung bean cakes from East Street yesterday, Song Changxu had estimated they wouldn’t be cheap. It was better to bring more money when going out, just to be safe.

When they arrived at Shuibo Town, Song Changxu got off the cart. The town was bustling with activity.

Vendors were hawking their wares. The town was filled with blue-tiled houses and various shops. As soon as he entered the town, he smelled the aroma of noodles.

He had eaten two white flour buns for breakfast, so he wasn’t hungry yet. He first went to the bookstore to ask the owner about copying books.

“You’ve come at a good time. There’s a storybook that needs to be copied. Write a few characters for me to see,” the owner said.

Song Changxu did as he was told and wrote a few large characters. They were neat and elegant, good handwriting.

“Good. In that case, I’ll pay you six hundred copper coins to copy one book.”

Song Changxu agreed, gave his address and name, signed a contract, and the owner gave him the storybook and sent him on his way.

He then asked about writing letters for people. They charged ten copper coins to write one letter.

Song Changxu was dumbfounded.

He went to buy the pastries and fruits Liang Su had mentioned, and also got a jug of yellow wine, spending a total of one qian.

Then he went to East Street to buy mung bean cakes for Xu Zhizhou.

He didn’t wander around the town and took the ox-cart back to Qishan Village. The tightness of his finances made Song Changxu even more determined to earn money. He couldn’t just sit around and deplete their savings.

Calming his mind, Song Changxu decided to focus on his studies and find some odd jobs to earn money.

.

Xu Zhizhou worked in the fields today and was nearly exhausted by the time he got home at noon. His parents went to take a nap. Xu Zhizhou heard a knock at the door and immediately got up to open it. He didn’t see anyone, only the fragrant smell of pastries on the ground.

It was the mung bean cakes he liked.

He looked left and right but saw no one. He picked up the pastries and closed the courtyard gate.

Song Changxu, hiding nearby, saw the oil-paper package being taken. He scraped the mud off his shoes and went back.

Author’s Note:

Little Song: Why is the market for book copying so depressed? [Crying loudly]

Little Xu: Eating pastries [Laughing out loud]

Translator’s Notes

1. Qian (钱): A unit of currency. 1 qian of silver was typically equivalent to 100 copper coins, though this could vary. It’s also referred to as a “mace.”