Chapter 207
It was early summer, and as the sun rose, the heat gradually intensified. Everyone had switched to lighter clothing.
At noon, the breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. Both neighboring yards had flowering trees, and their scent drifted over faintly with the wind. After lunch, Shen Xuanqing went to check on the shop, while Lu Gu patted the drowsy Lingjun, coaxing him to sleep.
The weather was pleasant, and as he patted the child, he himself grew drowsy. In the end, he simply pulled up a thin quilt, covered himself, and slept alongside the little one.
The butcher shop’s business had stabilized, and they had gradually grown familiar with the people and affairs of Xixing Street and Nanji Street. Both of them had adjusted to town life, and by now, they knew nearly every corner of Jixing Town, no longer feeling the unease of being newcomers.
When Lu Gu woke up, the breeze drifted in through the half-open window. The leaves of the persimmon tree in the yard swayed gently, and on the empty plot to the east, a small vegetable garden had been tilled—three rows of spring greens, which grew easily and thrived with just a little watering after planting. There was also a row of leeks, with scallions and garlic sprouts each taking up half a row.
The space wasn’t as ample as their home in the village, but it was enough for the two of them.
Through the window, he saw Guaizi lying on his side, napping comfortably under the shade of the tree. People often said: spring brings drowsiness, autumn fatigue, and summer calls for naps—even dogs were no exception.
There was still a small empty spot at the edge of the vegetable garden. As he put on his shoes, he thought that later, he’d ask Shen Xuanqing to either stick in a bamboo pole or set up a trellis to grow some luffa and long beans. Those two yielded abundantly and grew quickly, so they wouldn’t have to buy them from outside.
As for winter melons and pumpkins, there was no need to plant them, because those vining plants sprawled too much. They could just bring some over from village once they bore fruit. There wasn’t enough space to grow them here anyway.
The backyard still had some room, and since the chickens, ducks, and rabbits were kept there, their droppings had been piling up, making it convenient to fertilize the soil. In a couple of days, once Shen Xuanqing had time, he’d have him clear another patch in the backyard. It’d be good to plant some more greens and vegetables.
Life was pretty quiet and ordinary. Sometimes, Shen Yaoqing came to deliver rabbits, and when he had spare time, he’d also bring firewood and vegetables by mule cart. Wei Lanxiang had tagged along a few times to visit her little grandson.
Old Man Yang, whenever he had nothing better to do, would wander over to the shop for a stroll. Whenever Lu Gu cooked, he’d invite the old man to eat with them, and if he stewed chicken or duck, he’d send some over to the Yang family.
The Yang family was busy too. Though the old couple didn’t have to work at the tavern, their grandchildren (from their sons) and even their daughter’s children were all in Jixing Town, so they helped their sons and daughters with childcare.
Most of the time, it was just him, Shen Xuanqing, and Lingjun.
The child hadn’t woken up yet. Seeing that Lingjun was still sleeping soundly, Lu Gu sat in the room embroidering a handkerchief. After having a child, he could only do needlework in stolen moments.
Thankfully, their Lingjun was well-behaved. Once fed, he rarely cried or fussed. When Lu Gu cooked, he’d pull out the wooden rocking cradle and place it by the kitchen door, chatting and playing with the child while chopping vegetables—somehow, he managed just fine.
Of course, Lingjun had his moments of mischief too. Sometimes, right in the middle of cooking, he’d start crying and refuse to stay in the cradle. Lu Gu would have no choice but to carry him on his back, switching to boiled or cold dishes—blanched or dressed with sauce, to avoid splattering oil that might scald the child. Other times, he’d just make a simple dough-drop soup with vegetables and noodles—as long as it filled their stomachs, it was enough.
Just as he finished embroidering a flower, there was movement from the bed.
Lu Gu set down the embroidery hoop and went to pick up the child. The midday heat had left little Lingjun’s cheeks flushed in his sleep. Lu Gu gently felt the child's face and forehead, detecting a slight sheen of sweat, and confirmed his suspicion when he checked the child's back and found it slightly damp.
The quilt covering Lingjun was a bit too thick. Tomorrow, he’d switch to a thinner one, just enough to cover his belly and prevent a chill.
"Time to pee." He carried the child under the eaves to relieve himself, whistling a tuneless shh-shh sound.
Guaizi, lying under the tree, cracked open an eye to look but, seeing nothing of interest, closed it again, not moving a muscle—the picture of laziness.
With meat and vegetables already at home, there was no need to go out shopping. Wanting to finish the handkerchief, Lu Gu didn’t go to the shop. Instead, he moved the cradle under the shade of the tree and let the child sit inside to play. The occasional breeze made it wonderfully comfortable.
After finishing the handkerchief, he fetched water to wash the diapers and the clothes he and Shen Xuanqing had changed out of. By mid-afternoon, as he was hanging the damp laundry, he suddenly heard knocking at the back door and Shen Yaoqing's voice.
Guaizi barked toward the back and ran into the rear yard ahead of him.
Lu Gu hurried after him but didn’t forget to carry the child. Last time he’d gone to open the door without Lingjun, the boy had burst into loud sobs the moment he walked away.
Before even opening the door, Lu Gu called out while walking, "Eldest Brother?"
"It’s me." Shen Yaoqing answered, then added, "I chopped some firewood yesterday and set fishing nets last night. This morning I caught a few fish brought you two."
As he spoke, Guaizi recognized him and stopped barking. Lu Gu opened the back door.
Without needing to be told, Lu Gu stepped back, and Shen Yaoqing lifted the wooden threshold himself, first leading the mule cart inside before closing the door behind him.
"Is Erqing at the shop?" Shen Yaoqing asked casually after securing the door.
"Mhm, he went over after lunch," Lu Gu replied. Seeing him start unloading the firewood, he said, "Eldest Brother, take a rest. No rush, let me pour you some tea."
Shen Yaoqing untied the ropes on the cart and chuckled. "Just drove the cart here, didn’t run a step. Not tired. Once I unload, it’ll be done."
"Alright then, I’ll get your tea." Lu Gu quickly went to the front to fetch the teapot and a bowl. The day was hot—after the trip, he must be thirsty.
