"Auntie Douban wants a rabbit. Just chop the vegetables, I’ll go slaughter one for her and deliver it," Shen Xuanqing called through the window after playing with the baby.
"Got it." Lu Gu finished chopping the cabbage and tofu shortly after. They could wait for Ji Qiuyue and the others to return before cooking.
Once done, he went back inside for the baby. Shen Xuanqing lingered a moment. "I’m delivering rabbits to town tomorrow. Want anything?"
Lu Gu’s eyes curved. It had been ages since he’d visited town - first, pregnancy made long trips and bumpy cart rides unwise, and after the birth, he hadn’t dared leave. Lingjun often cried upon waking up, and only Lu Gu’s presence soothed him.
"Buy some pears for sweet soup, and a roast chicken." He didn’t hold back, listing his cravings before adding, "Ask Mother and Yan Yan if they want anything too."
"Alright." Shen Xuanqing smiled, finally releasing the gentle pinch he’d been giving Lu Gu’s earlobe.
The weather had been decent lately - no snow, so the roads were manageable. Early the next morning, Shen Xuanqing loaded the cart and set off for town.
Lu Gu stayed behind with the baby. With so many helpers in town, his help wasn’t needed.
The sun rose, but Little Lingjun still slept bundled under thick quilts. Lu Gu retrieved the tangpozis under the quilt. By morning, the water inside had gone cold.
He refilled it from the large pot, sealed it, and tucked it back near the baby - not too close, since a baby's skin was delicate. Adults could handle the cold, but Little Lingjun couldn’t.
Earlier, Shen Yan had only swept the yard. Seeing the baby still asleep, Lu Gu washed some milk fruit, then used a feather duster to dust the furniture.
Guaizi lay curled on a sack, lazily rising only after the dusting to stretch and yawn before wagging his tail against Lu Gu’s leg.
"Hungry?" Lu Gu smiled. With Ji Qiuyue and Zhao’er staying at the new house overnight, and Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan gone to work there, only he, Lingjun, and Guaizi remained.
The bowl on the table held leftover peanuts from yesterday afternoon, when Wei Lanxiang and Zhou Xiangjun had snacked while sewing. With nothing urgent to do, Lu Gu set aside the duster, grabbed a handful, and sat peeling them - some for Guaizi, some for himself. They were this year’s fresh harvest, with just enough kept for the family after selling the surplus.
It had been a while since he’d made bean rice. After finishing Guaizi’s share, he fetched a half-full basket of peanuts from the storage room. He left one door slightly ajar to block the chilly draft, then sat to peel peanuts. Guaizi lay at his feet, nibbling the shelled nuts. Anyone seeing this would say the dog lived better than most, even its peanuts were shelled for it.
Of course, Lu Gu only pampered Guaizi like this when alone. He didn’t give too many, as peanuts were family provisions. Back in the Lu family, getting any at all had been a rarity.
While peeling, he kept an ear out for the baby. He emptied the bowl into the basket to peel the peanuts together, using the empty bowl for shelled peanuts. These would be stored for future use, he'd just grab a handful when making bean rice.
They still had red dates and adzuki beans at home, and the brown sugar Shen Xuanqing bought last time wasn’t finished. Maybe he’d cook some at noon, sweetened with sugar, the bean-and-rice porridge would be delicious. Last time, Zhao’er had loved it.
Outside was cold, but clever Guaizi only left to relieve himself before returning. After the peanuts, he reluctantly gnawed on two coarse steamed buns. There was no bones today, so he had to make do.
Seeing the dog’s unimpressed look, Lu Gu chuckled. "I know you’re craving meat. When Erqing returns with the roast chicken, you’ll get bones."
Hearing "bones," Guaizi perked up, tail wagging faster.
Lu Gu grinned wider, about to tease more, when Lingjun’s cries came from the room. He hurried in, brushing off peanut shell fragments.
Little Lingjun had gained weight since last month, and the red mark between his brows had darkened slightly, no longer so faint. Babies ought to grow plump—otherwise, the family would worry.
The crying soon stopped—no tears today. Once soothed, Lu Gu’s eyes crinkled with smile. Their little shuang’er was growing more beautiful by the day, with big, bright eyes that melted hearts. Even the red mark resembled the prettiest floral adornment.
After cuddling the baby awhile, with the others still absent, he had to lay Lingjun down briefly to fetch a milk fruit.
Now slightly older, Lingjun nursed with stronger sucks.
Lu Gu was an experienced caregiver, though managing alone could be tricky. Fortunately, Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan returned before long.
Meanwhile, Shen Xuanqing first delivered rabbits to brothel to lighten the cart before heading to Jixing Town. By his return, the midday sun shone brightly, though the north wind kept people bundled tight.
He stopped at Fenggu Town’s dockside roast chicken vendor. Along the way, he bought half a basket of winter pears from a street hawker and, lured by the aroma, added ten crispy oil cakes.
Yesterday, Shen Yan had mentioned wanting new silk flowers and hair ribbons. With so many women and shuang’er at home, and winter’s dull grays everywhere, a bright hair ornament would be a cheerful sight.
And Little Lingjun, with his thick black hair, would look even more adorable with a tiny flower.
With that thought, Shen Xuanqing stopped by Yunxiu Embroidery Shop, which he was familiar with from past dealings selling handkerchiefs and knots.
But upon entering, he froze. Xu Yanrong was just stepping out from the back room. Both men paused, having not crossed paths since their last encounter.
Ignoring each other would be awkward, so Shen Xuanqing gave a slight nod before moving to browse silk flowers, saying nothing more.
Xu Yanrong did the same. Their connection was tenuous at best. After learning of Lu Gu’s existence during their talk at the tavern, he’d considered making amends for Yu Zhen’s chile but ultimately refrained. Even without his help, Lu Gu’s embroidery had caught Sun Yaofu’s eye. No need to interfere needlessly. Seeing Shen Xuanqing’s disinterest, he bid Sun Yaofu farewell and left.
Though the unwanted encounter briefly soured his mood, selecting two small silk flowers - one pale yellow and one lilac, for Lingjun soon restored Shen Xuanqing’s smile. Short hair or not, the child could still be adorned.
As the cart rattled back home, laden with food and trinkets, his thoughts turned to schooling.
Fenggu Town was closer, but between the Li family, Lu Wen, and Xu Yanrong - though no ties remained, running into them would be annoying. Lu Gu especially loathed Xu Yanrong, stewing for hours at mere mentions. Moving to town would mean unnecessary strife.
Their region fell under Yuqing Prefecture. Whether in Jixing or Fenggu Town, all were Yuqing natives, so relocating to Jixing wouldn’t require residency changes. Perhaps schooling there would be better, his master's family could provide support.
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