As long as the wages were reasonable, there would always be people willing to work. Shu Rui was willing to pay a bit more for a capable apprentice.
He hadn’t gone looking for someone yet, but someone came to him first.
The visitor’s surname was Xu, and his given name was Cheng. He was an apprentice cook, about sixteen or seventeen years old.
During the bustling business of the inn in the first month of the year, Shu Rui had to manage both lunch and dinner for the inn, as well as take outside orders. One person alone couldn’t handle the kitchen, so he had hired an assistant familiar with kitchen work—this was the same Xu Cheng.
When Xu Cheng arrived, he even brought a basket of fruit.
In the months that followed, they had little interaction. Seeing him arrive with gifts, Shu Rui suspected he had a purpose. He offered tea and invited him to sit.
“During the first month, I had the good fortune to work in your inn,” Xu Cheng said politely. “Today I come unannounced because I heard earlier that you were taking apprentices. I wonder if you are still accepting students, and whether you still need an apprentice.”
Xu Cheng spoke with great courtesy and diligence—a modesty born both of his age and his experience.
Shu Rui was curious. “I recall, when you first came to work here, you said you had already studied under a master cook for a few years. You seem skilled. Why seek another master?”
Xu Cheng hesitated, then said, “To be honest, I began learning at twelve or thirteen. My family saved money to apprentice me to a fairly renowned cook, and I studied under him for three or four years.
“But I’m slow and clumsy, not quick-witted, and never mastered his skills. I’ve grown older without fully learning, and I’ve been anxious. Though I may not be a prodigy in the kitchen, I enjoy this work, and I cannot give it up.
“I’ve heard that learning from a different master could open new opportunities. After much thought, I decided to leave my previous master and seek another chance.”
Shu Rui roughly understood the situation.
He had observed Xu Cheng’s work earlier: nimble hands, diligent, not the type to cut corners. His cooking skill was indeed passable—he could handle small dishes for the table—but for more advanced cuisine, he still had much to learn.
That Xu Cheng had already studied for several years but was leaving his master indicated some problem between them, though the exact cause was unknown.
The positive point was that Xu Cheng, despite leaving his master, did not speak ill of him; he remained grateful and blamed only his own shortcomings. This reflected well on his character.
Shu Rui said kindly, “You’ve worked here before, so you know this is only a small inn. I handle the kitchen myself. People outside wouldn’t know of me.
“Your skills are modest, and our neighbors support us. Even if you learn under me, you may not gain recognition elsewhere, and I may not be able to help you much.”
Xu Cheng replied, “Master, you are modest. Anyone in this trade with a discerning eye would recognize your skill. I would be satisfied to learn even a portion from you.”
He had chosen Shu Rui because of prior experience in the inn and seeing how patiently Shu Rui taught Dan Sanmei—a level of guidance he had never experienced with his previous master.
Shu Rui, seeing his determination, said, “I do accept apprentices, but the conditions are strict. There is no apprenticeship fee, but a contract must be signed.
“Once you complete your training, you will still work for me.”
Xu Cheng fell silent. Unlike Dan Sanmei, his family, though not wealthy, could afford apprenticeship fees. The concept of a binding contract required careful consideration.
Shu Rui continued, “Then, Xu, you should return home and think carefully. Apprenticeship is not a trivial matter, and you should discuss it with your family. I will consider it as well.”
Xu Cheng did not dare respond immediately. He had prepared some money for apprenticeship but had not expected a contractual arrangement. It was wise for him to reflect further before deciding.
He took his leave.
“Will he accept?” Lu Ling asked after Xu Cheng left.
Shu Rui said, “He might not agree.”
“Better if he doesn’t.”
Though he had spoken of taking an apprentice, the boy was older, male, and, though not striking, had decent looks.
Shu Rui noticed Lu Ling’s words sounded slightly off and looked at him. “You’re biased. If Xu Cheng comes to learn, we’ll save ourselves the trouble of finding another male helper. He already has some kitchen skill and can handle the morning meals. Once we move into the new house, he’ll arrive early for work anyway.”
Lu Ling’s eyes shifted slightly. “You think practically.”
“Then you can check Xu Cheng’s character for me, and the situation with his former master.”
Lu Ling agreed and went to make inquiries.
Xu Cheng came from a large family: five sons among eight children. He was the third, and at home he was called ‘Xu the Third.’ His father, a sauce maker, was skilled and earned well. He valued craft and saved some money to apprentice each child in a trade. Whether they excelled depended on the child; with so many siblings, the family could only support them so far. Before apprenticing, the children were told that the family was not wealthy and that they would need to work diligently to make a living.
Investigations showed the family to be honest and upright, without major faults.
Xu Cheng liked the cooking trade. At twelve or thirteen, his family apprenticed him to a somewhat renowned city cook. Unfortunately, his master was not suited to teaching. Though skilled, he took many apprentices and charged high fees, yet taught only minor dishes, keeping true techniques to himself.
Those few who received full instruction had to pay extra on top of the apprenticeship fee. Others, unable or unwilling to pay, learned little despite years of effort, sometimes suffering both financially and in lost time.
Xu Cheng, willing to work hard, had endured this, but without extra payment, he only learned the basics. He understood his master’s nature, worked odd jobs to save money, and gave small gifts on holidays, but could not graduate as a skilled cook.
After much deliberation, he decided to apprentice under Shu Rui instead.
Lu Ling added, “His former master, surnamed Che, is reputed for exceptional lamb leg dishes. While talented, his character is questionable. Many still seek him out despite his poor reputation as a teacher.”
“Despite that, there are still those who wish to apprentice under him,” Shu Rui said.
“Given all this, Xu Cheng is capable, willing to work hard, and has not gone astray,” Lu Ling noted.
Shu Rui had conducted the inquiry to assess character, for whether hiring staff or taking apprentices, he preferred long-term reliability.
Seeing Xu Cheng suitable, Shu Rui decided not to wait any longer. He extended an offer.
He told Xu Cheng that apprenticing under him would not hinder his prospects. If the inn business thrived, a branch might open, and his apprentice could manage the kitchen. If no branch opened, the connections at the inn would still allow him to find work once trained.
“Currently, the inn lacks a clerk. Before signing a contract, there is no wage. After signing, a monthly stipend of 200 coins will be provided.
“If you wish to also serve as an assistant, your monthly pay could reach one string of coins, plus the 200-coin stipend, totaling one string and two coins.
“I’m not flattering you to recruit you for my convenience. I’m merely assessing your suitability and explaining everything clearly. Whether you accept is entirely your choice—this is not a matter of forced agreement.”
Xu Cheng guessed that Shu Rui must have quietly made inquiries on his behalf, which is why he was willing to explain the details this time. The last time he had visited, he hadn’t committed to anything further.
Having suffered setbacks under his previous master, Xu Cheng approached Shu Rui only after carefully observing and gathering information, seeing that Shu Rui’s place was indeed reliable. Now, Shu Rui was even offering him the chance to learn the craft without going unpaid, while also working at the inn for a wage—this naturally stirred Xu Cheng’s interest.
At sixteen or seventeen, he was no longer a child. Many of his peers were already being matched for marriage; without family support and with no personal income, starting a household seemed far off. Moreover, as he grew older, expenses would only rise. The opportunity to learn his craft while earning was too good to pass up.
Xu Cheng did not hesitate long. After Shu Rui explained the arrangement, the next day he went to the inn and agreed to the apprenticeship.
With many children at home, his parents were busy and could not attend to every decision. After discussing the apprenticeship and contract with them, the elders said little—Xu Cheng was now old enough to decide for himself. Whatever losses he might suffer in the future would be his own responsibility.
Thus, Shu Rui gained another assistant at the inn. He asked Master Tong to help for a few days and set aside a small room for Xu Cheng. Slowly, Xu Cheng learned the inn’s routines. Shu Rui needn’t intervene much; Qing, the other assistant, already managed the basics. The work was not difficult—mostly cleaning, tidying, and occasionally attending to guests’ requests at night. Xu Cheng adapted quickly.
During this period, a humorous incident occurred.
A few days after Xu Cheng arrived, Yang Chunhua’s young uncle came calling, hoping to use her to reintroduce him for apprenticeship. He had visited several masters; outside, the options were either costly or the masters were poorly regarded. Despite months of effort, he had failed.
Circling back, he inquired again about Shu Rui’s inn, hearing praise for the bustling business and Xu Cheng’s skill. Excited, he came bearing gifts, hoping to have Yang Chunhua arrange the matter.
If he had stayed away, it might have been fine—but his visit only angered Yang Chunhua.
“What were you thinking, going around like that? You refused all my gentle persuasion and went to gossip with my parents, saying I looked down on your family! My inn already has apprentices—why do you think a good master waits for you to choose?”
Yang Chunhua scolded him thoroughly. She had already been humiliated running errands for him. During the New Year visit home, she overheard her parents muttering and realized her uncle was both stubborn and foolish: trying to help, yet going around blaming her family.
She refused to intervene further. Even if Shu Rui wanted more apprentices, she would not recommend anyone again. If her uncle caused trouble, it would strain her relations with Shu Rui.
Her uncle, undeterred after being scolded, went directly to Shu Rui’s inn to ask about taking an apprentice. Shu Rui did not initially know it was Yang Chunhua’s uncle. He simply said apprentices were no longer being accepted. Only after the man cited his family did Shu Rui understand.
By now, Shu Rui already had two apprentices. He could not manage more. After refusing twice, the uncle persisted, even threatening to kneel and prostrate, putting Shu Rui in an awkward position. In the end, Lu Ling intervened to escort the man away. Shu Rui felt embarrassed, understanding why Yang Chunhua had been reluctant to mention her uncle before.
After this, life at the inn settled down.
By July, in the height of summer, Shu Rui bought plenty of mugwort ropes for mosquito repelling, placing them in guest rooms under Qing’s supervision so that guests could use them at night.
Evenings were stifling. With doors closed and windows shut, no breeze came through. Shu Rui wore only a thin sleeveless vest, revealing his pale arms, sitting cross-legged on the bed flipping through a leisure book. With the inn running smoothly, he had more free time to read; the ledgers had grown worn from constant reference.
One night, he noticed a book that seemed innocuous at first, but as he flipped further, he found some passages rather risqué—likely from a set of books sent over by a storyteller working with the inn. Shu Rui blushed.
At that moment, Lu Ling emerged from the bath, wearing only knee-length shorts due to the summer heat. Previously, Shu Rui would have scolded him, but now he was too lazy. Seeing his bare upper body so casually, it was hardly embarrassing to look.
“You’re so hot,” Shu Rui remarked.
Lu Ling, noticing Shu Rui’s flushed face, crawled under the curtain. “There’s some wind outside—I think it might rain.”
Shu Rui quickly closed the book. “It always gets stuffy before a rainstorm. Didn’t you know that?”
Lu Ling looked at the book Shu Rui had set aside. “It’s so stifling, I can’t sleep. Read me a few pages.”
Shu Rui cleared his throat. “Not reading—sleep.”
Lu Ling reached for the book, but Shu Rui snatched it, tucking it under his rear as he sat.
“Hey!”
Before Shu Rui could move him away, Lu Ling flopped onto the bed, pressing Shu Rui’s book aside. Shu Rui tried to grab it back, but Lu Ling held firm.
“Why do you have to read in secret?” Lu Ling teased. He couldn’t reach the book, so with one hand, he flipped through a couple of pages.
Shu Rui raised his chin, noticing Lu Ling had gone straight to the part he had just been reading. His face flushed further.
“Hiss.”
Lu Ling, seeing Shu Rui give up trying to snatch it, smiled knowingly, confirming exactly what Shu Rui had feared.
“So, this is what you readers read?” Lu Ling remarked.
Shu Rui, still embarrassed, said, “It’s called appealing to all tastes.”
Lu Ling narrowed his eyes. “Fine, if you won’t read it aloud, I will.”
Shu Rui, knowing Lu Ling was capable of following through, quickly covered his mouth. “Have you no shame? Listening to this in my room—are you only satisfied with hearing a man’s voice?”
Lu Ling blinked innocently.
Shu Rui, seeing Lu Ling quiet, released his hand and snatched the book back. “Who knows which storyteller sent this. I picked one randomly from the big box and never expected it to be so explicit.”
Lu Ling said, “I’ve barely read a few lines. Let me see how explicit it is.”
Shu Rui pinched his arm. “You’re impossible.”
Lu Ling protested, “You say it’s refined, I say it’s improper! And now you’re unreasonable!”
“I started from the beginning—understanding the cause, process, and outcome. Those parts are just the developments in between. You’re just looking at the spicy bits—how can that compare?”
Lu Ling was speechless, having no rebuttal against Shu Rui’s logic.
“But my curiosity is sincere, not idle amusement. So who’s really more proper?”
Shu Rui turned his head to look at Lu Ling. “You… what are you learning?”
Lu Ling said nothing and lay back on the pillow.
Shu Rui leaned closer, eyes fixed on him.
Lu Ling made him uneasy, teasing, “I’ve never read these before. People, pictures, and words alike—I’ve never seen them.”
Shu Rui pursed his lips and nodded slowly.
Lu Ling, sensing disbelief on Shu Rui’s face, got up and said, “I’m telling the truth.”
“You didn’t see it when you were younger, fine. Later, training away from home among men—surely you weren’t completely innocent?”
Shu Rui believed Lu Ling hadn’t misbehaved and accepted that he hadn’t seen such things.
“You act like a pure little lamb. Am I supposed to appear reckless next to you?”
Lu Ling bit his lip. Shu Rui, still skeptical, was now being teased, which angered him. He folded his arms, turned his back, and lay down.
Shu Rui heard the bed creak, startled by the sudden movement.
He peeked at Lu Ling, who pursed his lips into a line, eyes cold—truly angry.
Shu Rui poked his arm. “Really haven’t?”
“Yes! I just hid and read these in secret. The few characters I know are just that few.”
Shu Rui laughed at the feigned indignation. “Alright, alright, I believe you.”
Lu Ling arrogantly pulled the thin blanket over himself, refusing to look at Shu Rui.
Shu Rui tugged the blanket. “Stop being mad. I know I was wrong.”
Lu Ling was silent for a while, then rolled over, saying, “Go find me two more volumes and books. I won’t be angry about today.”
Shu Rui raised his brows but did not respond.
Lu Ling poked his waist. “Will you or won’t you?”
“You could go yourself, instead of making me do it. You never cared before; why are you suddenly abandoning your innocence?”
Lu Ling replied, “If I keep doing this, will you marry me? I could go myself, but what I find may not be to your liking.”
Shu Rui’s ears flushed; he had no intention of arguing such matters here, and the situation made him feel embarrassed.
He drew the curtain, exhaled, and blew out the candle. “Sleep.”