Chapter Thirty-Eight: Brewing Wine

Having studied the method of brewing medicinal wine, she knew she must practice it herself. After consulting with Madam Fang, Xu Ruojin took the list of ingredients she had prepared and added the name of a medical book at the top.

Madam Fang nodded in agreement but cautioned Xu Ruojin not to act rashly; before making medicinal wine, she must discuss it with her. Xu Ruojin was well aware of her own abilities. In her previous life, she had only memorized theoretical books and never conducted experiments or had any clinical experience. She had not even fully understood the incense residue Bi Lady gave her last time, so she was all the more careful with medicine.

She could afford to be bold in anything else, but when it came to medicine and saving lives, caution was imperative; it was a matter of life and death, and negligence was unacceptable. Even for something as simple as medicinal wine, she was determined to master it thoroughly before beginning.

Taking the list to look for Madam Huang, Xu Ruojin intended to ask her to instruct a servant to purchase the needed items. Before she reached the main courtyard, she saw Xu Zimo approaching from afar. Spotting her, he immediately waved and called out, “Second Sister, so you’re here!”

“You’re looking for me, Third Brother?”

Since the teacher Wang no longer tutored them, Xu Ruojin had not seen Xu Zimo. He hurried over, panting, “My courtyard is too noisy. I wanted to go to yours for a quiet cup of tea. Where are you headed?”

“I’m taking this list to Madam Huang so she can have the buyers bring back some things for me.”

Xu Ruojin hadn’t expected that Xu Zimo had come looking for her. Ever since Lianqiao was dealt with, two young maids had been added to his courtyard, though she had never seen them.

Xu Zimo glanced at the list nonchalantly, handed it to his servant Qi Er, and said, “Go buy these and deliver them to Second Sister’s courtyard. No need to bother the buyers—I’ll handle it.”

The servant took the list and left before Xu Ruojin could stop him.

“It’s not right for you to spend your own money,” Xu Ruojin felt embarrassed, as her monthly allowance had been withheld and she didn’t have a single coin to her name.

Xu Zimo dismissed her concern, “Consider it a gift from your brother.”

“But my courtyard is under renovation; it’s not quiet…”

Her words made Xu Zimo’s face fall, “What’s going on? Is there no peaceful corner in this house?”

“Though there’s some hammering and construction, it’s fine for tea and conversation, all thanks to your suggestion last time to plant those hibiscus trees and set up a tea table.”

Suddenly, Xu Ruojin sighed, “But I don’t have any good tea—only scraps.”

Xu Zimo exhaled in relief, “I brought some myself. Let’s go, quickly—I get dizzy just looking at books.”

Watching her brother dart ahead, Xu Ruojin and Chun Cao were left puzzled. What was the matter? He wasn’t fond of studying, preferring birds and flowers, but this seemed more like avoiding creditors. Had something happened at home?

With a head full of questions, Xu Ruojin followed Xu Zimo back to her small courtyard.

Beneath the lush trees, three embroidered screens had been set up, the stove burned with silver charcoal, and a kettle simmered with tea. The tea master was, of course, Xu Zimo; Xu Ruojin was content just to taste, for she lacked the skill.

After some tinkering, they tasted the tea. Xu Zimo sat with one leg crossed, thoroughly relaxed. Seeing his color return, Xu Ruojin finally asked the question on her mind, “Third Brother, aren’t you supposed to be at the county school? Why do you say there’s no peaceful place at home? Has something happened?”

“Second Sister, you don’t know?” Xu Zimo’s eyes widened. She shook her head. “No.”

“It’s Eldest Sister-in-law’s family. Her elder brother became a scholar last year and is taking the provincial exam this year. He was studying in town, but upon hearing about your engagement to the Zhang family, he came to our house.”

“He said, with Eldest Sister-in-law about to give birth and your engagement, there are double joys and he wants to catch some of the good luck.”

Xu Ruojin was astonished, “But that won’t happen until next year! Why did he come now?”

Li Qiuping was only four or five months pregnant; even if she gave birth, it would be after the New Year…

“He’s living here, eating and playing at our expense—how much money does that save?” Xu Zimo was indignant. “I don’t dare return to my courtyard; whenever I do, he comes looking for me. If it’s not my trinkets he’s after, it’s my octagonal teapot. In just two days, I’ve lost several unique items!”

“Mother hasn’t intervened?” Xu Ruojin was even more surprised. Everyone knew how calculating Madame Yang was—how could she tolerate their in-law’s brother pilfering Third Brother’s things?

The sun hasn’t risen in the west yet…

Xu Zimo snorted, “Mother certainly isn’t pleased, but she says she’s powerless. Grandfather’s family does business in the neighboring county, and Sister-in-law’s father is the magistrate there.”

Xu Ruojin nodded in understanding.

No wonder—if they needed favors from the in-laws, letting them stay and eat for free was reasonable. Still, to covet even a child’s belongings was disgraceful.

But thinking of her sister-in-law, Xu Ruojin was not surprised. Li Qiuping could stir up trouble over two new dresses; her brother could hardly be any better.

Setting aside the unpleasant topic, the siblings continued their tea conversation. Xu Ruojin listened as her brother chattered endlessly about the art of tea and tried to learn earnestly.

Meanwhile, Madame Yang was at her wit’s end, angrily smashing her favorite lacquer box.

“Outrageous!” she fumed to Madam Huang. “He’s just a magistrate’s son, yet he acts so sanctimoniously and secretly takes Zimo’s things. It’s intolerable!”

“Go tell Eldest Daughter-in-law to send Li Zhonglin away at once. The house is already so busy—who has time to look after her brother?”

Madam Huang didn’t budge.

Madame Yang was just venting; she wouldn’t actually do it. Otherwise, if her family’s business suffered, what then?

The Li family was like a pack of hungry wolves—if they caught any weakness, the expenses would only increase.

“Madam, it’s better to avoid trouble. Just pretend not to see it. He wouldn’t dare covet Eldest Young Master’s things, and Third Young Master listens to you. At worst, speak with the Master and arrange a room for Third Young Master at the county academy. If he comes home less often, their in-law’s brother won’t bother him.”

Madame Yang sighed deeply, “It seems that’s the only option…”

A maid entered, “Madam, Eldest Young Mistress sent me to ask if tonight’s welcome banquet for her brother can be held in her courtyard. Will the whole family attend? She needs to prepare the feast.”

Madame Yang’s suppressed anger flared once more, “Do as she likes; this time, everyone will go.”

“Should Second Miss be notified as well?”

“Yes!” Madame Yang’s gaze was cold. “Bring all the maids, too. If Eldest Young Mistress is willing to spend money, I’ll give her this honor as her mother-in-law. Tell her not to be stingy and shame the Xu family.”