Chapter Twenty: Shouldering the Heavy Burden

Unexpectedly, by accident, he had the fortune to encounter the legendary Physician Hua in this world. Perhaps it was because of the difference between the two timelines, or perhaps even Heaven could not bear to see such a renowned healer meet a tragic end in prison, so in this world, he was given a place in the Ming Dynasty. With such thoughts, Gou Ye felt a surge of excitement as he practiced the Five Animal Frolics.

Although there was now hope for Yun’s mother to recover from her illness, during this period she would be unable to work, and all household affairs would fall to Yun-niang. Despite Gou Ye’s eagerness to take on all expenses for Yun’s family, Yun’s mother graciously refused. Stroking the newly cut short jacket beside her, she said softly, “Gou Ye, I appreciate your kindness, but relying on you is not the proper way. You are still young, and earning a living is no easy task. Yun-er is also young and must learn a skill. Now that I am weak and exhausted, I can no longer sew dresses with my own hands. Let me teach Yun-er, and she can sell them. This will not only help with household expenses but, when I am better, I can resume my old trade.”

“Yun’s mother, your family’s affairs are my own. From now on, all heavy and tiring work at home will be my responsibility. You just focus on getting well, and don’t worry about household matters. As for selling goods, do it if you can, and if not, I will help Yun-niang find another way to earn a living. Rest assured, as long as I, Gou Ye, am here, you and Yun-niang will not suffer.” Hearing these words, Yun’s mother smiled contentedly, coughed lightly, and, under Yun-niang’s care, took her medicine and went to sleep.

Outside the house, the two sat on a wooden stump. For the first time, Yun-niang rested her head on Gou Ye’s shoulder. He was startled, but gently placed his hand on her shoulder in return.

“Brother Gou Ye, thank you. If it weren’t for you, I truly wouldn’t have known what to do today.”

“What are you saying? Didn’t I tell you before, you needn’t be so formal with me. I will always take care of you. Just focus on looking after your mother, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. If you’re short of money, just tell your brother Gou Ye. And if you don’t want to learn weaving, don’t force yourself—I’ll find another way for you to make a living.”

“Mm, you don’t need to worry about that, brother Gou Ye. I want to learn. I’m curious about those strange dresses you mentioned, and I’d love to wear one myself someday. Ever since I was young, I’ve helped mother sell clothes. Don’t underestimate my skills, brother Gou Ye.”

“All right, I won’t. Yun-niang is the most capable.”

“Brother Gou Ye?”

“Yes?”

“You’re so good.” With that, Yun-niang gently pecked his cheek and darted away, leaving Gou Ye sitting alone on the stump, covering his face in foolish joy.

In the days that followed, aside from focusing on writing, Gou Ye spent his time at Yun-niang’s house, fetching firewood and water, tidying up, and helping with everything he could see. The three of them spent so much time together, it was as if they were a family.

Early this morning, Gou Ye arrived at Yun-niang’s door as usual and happened to run into the village chief passing by. The old man, with his yellowed teeth and pipe in his mouth, grinned and said, “Gou, you’re here to help the young lady again today?”

Gou Ye smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond, but the village chief called loudly into the house, “Yun-niang, your little husband’s here to work for you! Hahaha!” At that, Yun-niang opened the door, blushing furiously.

“If Grandpa Li keeps teasing, I won’t ever visit your house again,” she said.

The village chief, still chuckling, waved his hand as he walked away. “All right, all right, I’ll leave you two alone. I won’t disturb you, young couple. Hahaha!”

Feigning annoyance, Yun-niang quickly regained her composure and said softly, “Brother Gou Ye, after several attempts with mother, we finally finished a dress. Come inside and see if it’s suitable.”

Indeed, Yun-niang had inherited her mother’s skills—her sewing was meticulous, almost as fine as her mother’s. Gou Ye nodded approvingly, even giving her a thumbs up. Yun-niang raised her chin and gave a little hum, as if to say, “See, you underestimated me.”

Gou Ye examined the dress from every angle, satisfied with the workmanship, though a few details needed adjustment. He discussed them with Yun’s mother and Yun-niang, and they agreed to make five dresses in this style. Once they were done, they would take them to the county to sell.

“Gou Ye! Yun-niang!” A voice called from outside—it was Gu Shen arriving in the village.

Gou Ye and Yun-niang went out to meet him, finding Gu Shen on his white horse, looking more spirited than before, though a hint of anxiety showed on his face. He quickly dismounted and said, “A few days ago, I went hunting in the mountains with some friends and only returned yesterday. When I got home, my father told me Yun-niang’s mother was ill, so I hurried over this morning to check on her. How is she now?”

Yun-niang curtsied and replied, “Don’t worry, my mother is much better. Please thank your father for us. If it weren’t for Physician Hua’s treatment, my mother wouldn’t have recovered so well.”

“There’s no need to be so formal with me. As long as your mother is better, I’m relieved. My father sent me with some tonic for her—please accept it. When your mother finishes it, I’ll bring more from the house.”

Yun-niang’s eyes reddened with gratitude; being cared for in this way moved her deeply. She accepted the box from Gu Shen without protest.

Gou Ye glanced at the box, thinking how different a duke’s household was—even the gift box was made of fragrant wood. Once her mother had used the tonics, he would ask Yun-niang to sell the box.

“Thank you, brother Gu Shen.”

Gu Shen grinned, then asked, “Brother Gou Ye, I stopped by the candied fruit shop while I was out. The scholar there wanted me to ask you—it’s been over half a month, when will the shop open?”

He must be worried I’ll default on his payment, Gou Ye thought. He pulled Gu Shen over to sit on the stump and said, “Go back and tell him I’ll be in the county in five days. Ask him to tidy up the shop in the meantime and stop selling candied fruit for now—I want nothing in the store but the counter when I arrive. Also, find a shop that makes signboards and have them prepare one.”

“What name for the shop?” Gu Shen asked.

“Don’t worry about that—just do as I say. I’ll draw a model for you to take to a mold-maker to produce a few samples. The rest—shop name, supplies—I’ll write on a list for you. Just buy what’s on the list. That’s it for now; go ahead and arrange it.”

“But—there’s one more thing…” Gu Shen scratched his head, embarrassed.

“What is it?” Gou Ye asked.

“I’m broke,” Gu Shen admitted with a sheepish grin.

Gou Ye sighed, closed his eyes, and nodded. “Fine, I’ll cover the expenses.”