Li Feng had a very good impression of He Qingzao—diligent, grateful, willing to learn, able to endure hardship, and only twenty-four. Aside from his unreliable family, everything else was quite good.
He said, “Once he makes up his mind, let me know. I’ll help you look around.”
Li Feng knew more men than Lu Liu did.
The couple’s voices gradually softened, and both eventually fell asleep.
Elsewhere, Shun Ge’er and Hai Youtian sat stiffly on the edge of the kang. They stared at each other, exchanging words sparingly, often falling into long silences.
It was even more exhausting than during the day. Shun Ge’er, unable to bear it, asked, “Do you know what’s going to happen today?”
Hai Youtian did, but he didn’t dare move. He sensed Shun Ge’er’s restless mood and feared he might lash out.
He stammered out the truth. Shun Ge’er tapped his own finger. “Me? Lash out? Who would I hit—would I hit you?”
Hai Youtian edged toward the corner.
Shun Ge’er frowned, speechless.
Hai Youtian was clever, though, and tried to engage him. “Are you upset today?”
Shun Ge’er shook his head, insisting he wasn’t.
“Are you afraid?” Hai Youtian asked again.
Shun Ge’er’s proud, upright posture betrayed him—he was afraid, like a timid creature with little power, trying to look fierce to ward others off.
Hai Youtian tried to lighten the mood. “Maybe I’m the one afraid of you. If you barked, even your dogs would come kick me a few times.”
This gave Shun Ge’er confidence. Seeing Hai Youtian keeping his distance, he challenged him, “You’re the one who’s scared, right?”
Hai Youtian thought for a moment and admitted plainly, “Not really afraid. I just wanted to stay a little away from you today.”
Shun Ge’er wasn’t fully prepared, but Hai Youtian’s words stoked his competitive streak. He glanced at the table, poured two cups of slightly cooled wine, and offered them to Hai Youtian for a cross-cup toast.
This was something his elder brother couldn’t teach him. His mother had been discreet, only saying that everyone’s personality and choice of partner were different, and that married life required gradual adjustment.
His sister-in-law was gentle; he had learned mostly passive habits. Now, unable to act coquettishly, he stiffened unconsciously, trying to appear capable.
So he sought advice from Brother Yang, who told him to speak plainly about what he wanted, never leaving others to guess. If he didn’t, Hai Youtian would have no idea, which caused anxiety.
Shun Ge’er, asserting himself, drank the cross-cup wine, then invited Hai Youtian to the shared room.
Hai Youtian stepped forward, and Shun Ge’er changed his mind, asking him to bring the wine. They poured another cup and finally tested a kiss.
The night passed quickly. Both were careful, anxious, questioning every action and word. By dawn, hearing voices outside, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
Hai Youtian urged Shun Ge’er to sleep longer, then quickly dressed and went out to help with chores, anticipating the morning’s tasks.
Li Feng met him early, paused as his gaze lingered on him, then silently took him to feed the dogs and horses, helping clean up, letting the dogs get familiar with him.
Hai Youtian was accustomed to such things; growing up at the tooth merchant’s, he already knew that wealthy families’ dogs lived better than some people. He liked Erhuang, was unfamiliar with Weifeng—Li Feng’s dog princess—who was off-limits.
That morning, Lu Liu also rose early, leaving with Li Feng, taking the children to his mother’s house. Seeing Hai Youtian feeding the dogs, he went to knock on Shun Ge’er’s door.
Startled, Shun Ge’er asked, “Who is it?”
Lu Liu answered, then waited for consent before entering.
Shun Ge’er, fully dressed, was still curled up on the kang.
Lu Liu checked his forehead and cheeks, then explained the day’s plan.
“He’s feeding the dogs with your elder brother. If you’re okay, get up. Marriage is just living together—someone to warm the bed, someone to discuss matters with, someone to help with chores. Nothing more. The more embarrassed you feel, the harder life becomes. Treat it as normal—do what needs doing, and life will flow.”
Shun Ge’er listened, descending awkwardly. Lu Liu let him take it slow.
“Today stay home. After breakfast, go to your mother and do some needlework with her. I’ll take him to the snack shop; we’ll have lunch, and by the morning, you’ll settle in. In the afternoon, if you’re not tired, the two of you can stay at the shop. I’ll have Zao Ge’er rest. Tomorrow, you’ll go to the shop together, and the day after, it’s the formal return visit. That’s quick, isn’t it?”
Hearing this plan, Shun Ge’er felt reassured. He went out to see Hai Youtian, who had finished feeding the dogs and was now chopping fodder for the horses.
Previously, these tasks had fallen to his elder brother; with help, chores went quickly. By the time he washed up, the water barrel was full.
After breakfast, with Li Feng out, Hai Youtian busied himself cleaning the stables and dog kennels. When Lu Liu finished in the kitchen, he took him to the snack shop, though Hai Youtian glanced back briefly.
Lu Liu reassured him, “Don’t mind him. Shun Ge’er is shy; newly married couples are like this. It will ease in a few days.”
Hai Youtian scratched his head. “I know. I’m still adjusting too, worried about idling.”
Though familiar with the household, the sudden shift in relationship made him uneasy; he felt safer keeping busy.
Lu Liu advised, “You’re both too polite these days. Don’t just follow him; talk about your thoughts too. You grew up at the tooth shop, so household matters may feel strange, but really, it’s just eating, drinking, sleeping, and chores. Marriage is sharing life. Express likes, express feelings, but don’t overthink repeating them. Live practically.”
“You’re older, more mature. I’m not favoring Shun Ge’er—you just need to guide him. He’s anxious now; only by interacting naturally will he relax. Talk about household matters, inside and out, food, drinks, chores—he’ll adjust, and you two will be fine.”
Hai Youtian listened carefully. Already married, the Li family treated him warmly; he felt secure.
The snack shop tasks were simple; with a good memory, he quickly became familiar. He had a natural charm and cleverness, greeting customers and speaking pleasantly with everyone.
In the afternoon, Shun Ge’er joined him at the shop.
After the lunch rush, they relaxed indoors, warming by the stove, making tea, roasting peanuts and beans.
Hai Youtian shelled peanuts for Shun Ge’er, saying, “It’s my first marriage too. If you have thoughts, tell me, and I’ll adjust. Let’s live well together.”
Shun Ge’er peeked at the door—no customers.
He took the warm peanuts, feeling safe here. His speech was calmer than last night, without the forced self-encouragement.
“I thought I knew how life would be before marriage, but now that I’m married, everything feels different… all at once.”
He would work alongside Hai Youtian, learning to manage the shop and eventually become the head steward.
Of course, having children couldn’t be delayed. He wanted children soon, before his skills fully matured and before the family opened a grand restaurant.
Hai Youtian nodded repeatedly. The newlywed couple spoke about their daily life with flushed cheeks, yet discussed plans for children with calm, rational detachment, as if it were not their own matter.
