Chapter 49: Why Don't You Come Along Too

"Uncle Zheng, I'm here!" Wen Yao called out to Zheng the butcher from afar.

There were still customers at Zheng’s stall. When he saw her approaching, he quickly cut the meat for the customer, packed it up, sent them off, and finally turned to Wen Yao who had reached the stall. "Little Yao, what brings you here today? I was just about to close up this afternoon and deliver meat to your father."

Wen Yao began to pick through the meat on his chopping board. Zheng the butcher laughed, "All your family's meat is at home, I didn’t bring any over."

Before his words finished, Wen Yao had already chosen a piece of pork tenderloin. "Uncle Zheng, I'll take this one."

She knew Zheng always reserved big belly cuts, pig heads, intestines, and stomachs for their family, but she planned to make sweet and sour pork tomorrow for Wen Jun to bring and share with Doctor Jin and his colleagues. The idea had struck her the moment she saw the tenderloin.

"Alright." Zheng quickly weighed it, tied it up, packed it in her basket, and said, "I’ll settle the bill with your father later."

The Wen family ordered in bulk and regularly, so the price had dropped to ten coins a pound for them, regardless of the cut.

After thanking Zheng, Wen Yao mentioned she’d help her aunt’s family prepare dishes in a few days and asked him to collect more pig intestines.

Zheng agreed, and after another thanks, Wen Yao wandered about, bought some vegetables, then headed to the docks to find Wen Xiu Yi and the others.

By the time she arrived, the busiest part of the day at the dock was over. Only a few people lingered around, resting at the stalls. Behind the stall, Wen Xiu Yi was teaching Wen Nong to read, with Liu Zi tagging along beside him.

Seeing Wen Nong’s furrowed brow, looking as though he could crush a fly between them, Wen Yao spoke up to rescue him.

"Father, Father..."

Hearing his daughter’s voice, Wen Xiu Yi immediately put the book aside and went out to meet her, with Wen Nong sighing in relief and following.

"Where’s your brother?" Wen Xiu Yi asked, not spotting Wen Jun.

Wen Yao put down her basket and replied, "Doctor Jin has taken my brother in. I let him stay at the Hall of Benevolence and told him to meet us this evening. I went to buy stationery for Da Tou and got some vegetables so we can celebrate tonight as a family—my brother’s apprenticeship was a success!"

Wen Xiu Yi uncovered the cloth on the basket, glanced at the meat and vegetables, then covered it again. "Have you eaten lunch yet? If not, I’ll make you something."

"I haven’t, just had a sesame cake. Father, I want braised pork fried rice," Wen Yao requested.

Without delay, Wen Xiu Yi tied on his apron. Wen Nong, knowing his role, got the fire going. Soon, a bowl of fragrant braised pork fried rice was served.

Wen Yao took a bite—each grain was distinct. Her father’s fried rice skills were truly reaching new heights.

"Father, your cooking, it’s just..." Wen Yao spoke as she ate, giving Wen Xiu Yi a thumbs up.

Wen Nong, puzzled, asked, "Uncle, what does Yao Yao mean?" Thumbs up? What was that about?

Wen Xiu Yi explained, "Your sister is praising me. Look, the thumb is the biggest finger—raising it means something is excellent."

Wen Nong scratched his head, thinking it made some sense, though it felt oddly off.

Wen Xiu Yi didn’t give him time to dwell. Pointing to the line in the book, 'At birth, man’s nature is good,' he said, "We’ll stop here for today. Later, take a stick out back and practice writing these six characters."

Wen Nong’s heart sank, but faced with his uncle’s stern gaze, he dared not protest. He miserably picked up a stick and went outside to practice writing, with Liu Zi gleefully grabbing a stick to join him.

Wen Xiu Yi let them go and turned to Wen Yao, "Tell me, was the apprenticeship ceremony smooth?"

Professor Wen had confidence in his son. Wen Jun, a medical prodigy, was not someone any doctor could refuse; accepting him as a disciple was like finding a treasure.

Wen Yao glanced around—no one was nearby, Wen Nong and Liu Zi were far off. She lowered her voice, "Father, today’s ceremony was simple, lacking any real sense of ritual. I think you should personally take my brother to the Jin family and deliver a proper apprenticeship gift to be respectful."

"And most importantly, we need to confirm if Doctor Jin is actually Jin Xiu Yi’s grandfather, and see what Jin Xiu Yi is like now, so we can prepare ourselves and prevent him from becoming a lovesick fool."

Sacrificing one's career and medical reputation for a woman—pathetic.

Wen Xiu Yi nodded, it was wise to take a look.

"Did you buy the apprenticeship gift?" he asked.

Wen Yao pursed her lips and shook her head. "What’s the point? Good gifts are too expensive for us, and ordinary ones won’t do. Let’s see tonight if we can... get something from there," she winked at her father.

Wen Xiu Yi immediately understood. "Smart. We’ll discuss it with your brother tonight."

Thus, father and daughter reached an agreement.

Later that afternoon, Zheng the butcher delivered the meat. Wen Xiu Yi took out his accounting book, noted today’s quantities and prices, both signed, and the transaction was done.

The payment would be settled at month’s end, as agreed.

When the sun set, Wen Jun arrived, bringing with him a medical book from Doctor Jin.

"Master told me to take it home and read first," Wen Jun said.

Wen Xiu Yi nodded, encouraging, "Study well, little Jun. You’ll be a master of both Chinese and Western medicine one day."

Wen Jun nodded, "I won’t let you and Wen Yao down."

Wen Yao cheerfully added, "And Da Tou too."

Wen Jun smiled gently, like a warm breeze. "Yes, Da Tou as well."

Seeing his son so spirited, Wen Xiu Yi finally relaxed. He waved his hand grandly, "Come, let’s tell your grandparents the good news. Tonight, Wen Yao will make something delicious—we’ll celebrate!"

"Alright!" Everyone cheered, packed up, and joyfully headed home.

On the way, Wen Nong pestered Wen Jun about what he did at the Hall of Benevolence, full of curiosity. Wen Yao teased him, "Wen Nong, maybe my brother can ask Doctor Jin to take you in as well."

Wen Jun played along, "Yes, then we brothers would have company."

Wen Nong waved his hands frantically, "No, no, I’m happy learning fried rice from Uncle."

He’d heard Wen Jun say there were hundreds of medicinal herbs in the cabinet, each one to be memorized—their names, effects, appearance, taste. Mistakes could be fatal.

He couldn’t even master the Three Character Classic, let alone remember all that.

The siblings burst into laughter.

They went home to drop off their things, then headed to the old house together.

Dinner wasn’t ready yet; Madam Li and Madam Cai were still busy in the kitchen, but nearly finished.

In the past, Madam Luo would never have let Wen Xiu Yi’s family inside at this hour, but today was different.