The next morning, Shu Rui woke a little later. No fever, head clear, though still weak and lightheaded.
He stepped out and saw Qing tending the stove with a palm fan, a faint medicinal aroma wafting from a small clay pot.
“You’re up so early?” Qing exclaimed. “Al Brother said the inn won’t open for lunch today. He told me to let you rest properly.”
Shu Rui turned his head to look around. “Where is everyone?”
“They went early to the martial hall,” Qing replied.
“Are you feeling any discomfort? It rained all day yesterday, and today is even colder. You should wear another layer,” Qing continued.
Shu Rui glanced at the bright morning sky. Lu Ling must have already left for the martial hall. “I’m much better. I just got sick for a bit. I’ve slept long, and haven’t eaten, so I feel a little weak.”
“Your breakfast has been kept warm in the pot—it’s the pork bone porridge Madam Liu specially sent for you,” Qing said as he went to bring it. “She came early to check on you, but you were still asleep, so she didn’t disturb you.”
Shu Rui was surprised. “Madam Liu knew I had a fever?”
“Lu Ling probably told her,” Qing explained.
Shu Rui took a ladle of porridge. The rice was soft, with the fragrance of pork—it smelled appetizing. Though still a little weak, he ate a few more spoonfuls, thinking that Madam Liu had prepared it specially for him.
After finishing breakfast, he pinched his nose and took his medicine. Madam Liu came in again, and they spoke privately. She held his hand, inspecting him from left to right. “With powder on your face, it’s hard to tell your complexion. My son, are you still uncomfortable?”
“Just an ordinary chill. It’s nothing. The fever broke last night, and I’m completely fine this morning,” Shu Rui reassured her.
Seeing her worry, he added, “Lu Ling really… even reported a minor headache and fever to you.”
“He wouldn’t have mentioned it himself. Last night I asked if there were any leftovers from the kitchen. Your uncle had some business and got hungry, so he wanted a bit of late-night food. Not finding you, he asked Lu Ling, and was told you’d gone to sleep. I insisted on checking, but he persuaded me to wait until this morning.”
Hearing this, Shu Rui felt warm in his heart. “I’m no good at taking care of myself, and yet I’ve caused you worry, Madam.”
“Since the inn opened, you’ve been getting up early and working late. I feel so sorry for you. I wanted to help, but it wasn’t convenient. You’ve even fallen ill from overexertion,” Madam Liu said.
Last night, she had spoken to Master Lu about this, and scolded him a little too, saying that if Shu Rui and Lu Ling were married, it would be easier to look after them. Of course, that matter would take time; correspondence with Shu Rui’s family back home was also necessary.
“Well, I brought porridge early this morning. Lu Ling said he would quit his work at the martial hall and help you manage the inn. That puts my mind at ease.”
Shu Rui remembered what Lu Ling had said the previous night and thought, This young man really has made up his mind to come back.
He only replied, “I’ve discussed with Lu Ling, and we’ll hire more helpers for the inn, Madam. No need to worry.”
“Business is important, but health is the top priority. I often tell your uncle and Er Lang the same. Don’t be like A-Yu, who focused solely on one thing and ignored his health—later, illness strikes, and it’s too late for regrets.”
She continued, “It’s gotten cold lately. I bought some fabric and cotton. In my spare time, I sewed a few garments. I’ve finished two sets for you and will bring more once they’re done. Dress warmly in this weather.”
Shu Rui felt a warmth in his heart. Though his body was still weak from illness, being cared for by so many was incredibly comforting. At the Bai family, even small ailments were hardly treated with such attentive care.
Even if a minor illness doesn’t warrant a fuss, a weak body leaves the mind less steady than usual. Whether someone shows concern or not makes a world of difference.
After talking for a while, Madam Liu left to continue sewing. Recently, Master Lu had been busy at the office, only just handling the repair of the city gate—long days, early mornings. Lu Yu had resumed his studies at the Dongshan Academy after his examination social duties. The entire Lu household was busy in their own affairs.
Once Madam Liu left, Shu Rui spoke with Qing. “After this chill, the household is concerned and has told me not to overwork. Though I think it wasn’t severe, I plan to hire two more helpers—one to lighten your load, and two, more hands will better serve the guests.”
“Business has been good lately. Guests come in large numbers. Even with our best effort, busy times inevitably lead to lapses in service, and some guests may leave,” Qing reflected.
He recalled times when he couldn’t leave the kitchen to greet guests. Hesitant visitors might turn away, or enter and see the hall full, unattended, and leave.
“However, stable staff are expensive. It’s more practical to hire short-term workers for set hours—one for lunch, one for dinner.”
Shu Rui nodded. “There are plenty of people in your alley. Last time, Lu Niangzi worked for us—diligent and meticulous. Perhaps you can ask around for temporary help.”
Qing, pleased to be trusted, didn’t let his happiness show. “Any special requirements for these short-term workers? What tasks? And wages?”
“Not much. Just reliable and willing to work. They’ll clean tables, wash dishes, and assist in the kitchen during meals. That’s all.”
Shu Rui added, “One thing: they must be healthy. We serve food; any illness could spread to others—it would be a serious offense.”
“For wages, I’ve checked the going rate. Usually twenty to twenty-five coins per hour. We can settle on the middle. One hour at lunch, one at dinner.”
Qing noted everything carefully. “Alright, this should be easy to find.”
Shu Rui smiled. “I saved the hiring fees by having you handle this.”
Qing grinned. “I’m not foolish. You could hire elsewhere, but you entrusted me. That’s a special favor. Since I brought Lu Niangzi here last time, neighbors have treated us differently—once indifferent or even resentful, now they greet us warmly and even bring produce. Things have become more cordial.”
Shu Rui laughed. “Good thinking on your part.”
It was clear Qing could be nurtured into someone reliable. With proper guidance, he could shoulder responsibilities in the future.
“Short-term hires are easy. I’m also thinking of taking one or two apprentices. With the inn doing well, much of the credit goes to the food. If I can train apprentices, it’ll ease my workload.”
Shu Rui explained, “I cook alone now, so I can’t always step away. Teaching apprentices will make things more convenient.”
Apprentices weren’t as easy to find as temporary workers. They had to commit to working exclusively at his inn, signing a contract—binding, though not as severe as servitude, restricting free employment.
Those willing to sign were either from poor families seeking a livelihood for their child, or apprentices drawn to a master with a solid reputation who could ensure meals.
Shu Rui’s plan was both to lighten his current load and prepare for the future. Teaching skilled apprentices meant that if the inn prospered, he could even open a branch, requiring capable staff.
For now, it was just planning—he couldn’t assume too much since the inn had only been open a few days. But it’s better to be prepared. Skilled apprentices would always have a use. The inn’s food had already earned praise; hosting small banquets would not be difficult. There were brokers who didn’t cook but managed business connections, taking a cut.
With skilled apprentices, he could earn more reliably.
“They’re harder to find than temporary workers. I’ll keep this in mind and look carefully,” Qing said.
“Hiring apprentices isn’t urgent. I just wanted to mention it in case someone interested comes along. Once we hire short-term workers, the inn won’t be so busy, and we can later bring in apprentices.”
Qing agreed.
Shu Rui then considered going to the market to buy ingredients for dinner, only to see Lu Ling arrive. He had quickly resigned from the martial hall, already collected his wages, and returned.
“I thought the martial hall would take time to release you. Why so quick?”
“I was just an assistant instructor, mostly helping others, not like the head instructor, so it’s less important,” Lu Ling replied.
Lu Ling explained to Shu Rui, “I haven’t been at the martial hall long—not even six months. Usually, an assistant instructor has to work three to six months before officially teaching the martial students. Before that, it’s just trial work and chores. At this stage, resigning is easy and fast. Once you’re in charge of students, you have to give at least a month’s notice.”
The hall director had indeed hoped to promote Lu Ling. After three months, he intended to let him lead some students. Unfortunately, Lu Ling left early—he still had half a month to go before reaching that point.
When Lu Ling submitted his resignation today, the director was surprised, thinking perhaps he had a disagreement with Wei Jin and wanted to leave because of that. But Lu Ling’s intentions were genuine; he hadn’t left Wei Jin with any blame, only saying honestly that he wanted to return home to help his family.
He went early to resign, hoping to speak with the director before leaving, as he would otherwise be unable to see him for a few days. Knowing Lu Ling’s family background, the director understood and did not press further. He guessed Master Lu had arranged better work for his son, which explained the urgency.
Honestly, the director was reluctant to see him go—not because of Lu Ling’s family, but because of Lu Ling himself. Though he hadn’t been at the hall long, his skill was evident while assisting others. He would be an excellent instructor in the future, and if he stayed, he would surely rise within the hall.
It was a loss for the martial hall, as skilled instructors suitable for teaching students were rare. The director earnestly tried to persuade him to stay.
Lu Ling had made up his mind. Whatever the director said would not change it. But he remembered the hall’s kindness; even though they would not work together in the future, he retained gratitude for it.
The director had no choice but to let him go, assuring him that if he changed his mind, Zhang Shi Martial Hall would always welcome him back.
“Just make sure to resign properly. As long as you leave no trouble behind, it’s fine.”