I wasn't saying all of these would be sent to Jiangnan to exchange for grain. These two will go to you and Baolin, one for each. We can't have you contributing people for nothing, can we? The rest can then be exchanged for grain.
Fang Er casually took two mirrors from the box and handed them to Cheng Chumo.
Now it was Cheng Chumo's turn to be excited.
Brother Fang, are you joking? Baolin and I get a share too?
Cheng Chumo took the mirror, not daring to believe it, and asked Fang Er.
Don't make such a fuss. I have plenty of good things, brother. This is just the beginning. You'll have more to be amazed by later. Alright, put them away. I'll have you deliver Baolin's later. You should go back and pick your men.
Fang Er patted Cheng Chumo on the shoulder, signaling him to accept it with peace of mind.
Then I won't stand on ceremony. Such precious items, it would be too formal to say thank you. If you ever need me or Baolin, just call on us. I'll be going now.
Cheng Chumo patted his chest to make a promise, then took the mirrors and left.
Upon returning to the Cheng Residence, Cheng Chumo found Cheng Yaojin watering flowers.
Father, look at this.
Cheng Chumo took out the mirror and handed it to Cheng Yaojin.
Hmm?
Cheng Yaojin took the mirror and looked at his son with surprise. Where did this come from?
When they had confiscated the pawnshop earlier, they had also found a mirror like this. He had been contemplating whether to present it to Li Er, and only two days later, his son had produced another one.
Where did such a treasure come from?
Father, I just returned from Brother Fang's. He gave this to your son.
Then, Cheng Chumo explained Fang Er's plan.
Upon learning that Fang Er had given away three mirrors at once, with even a young maid receiving one, Cheng Yaojin was at a loss for words.
Since it was given by young brother Fang, you should keep it. Also, for the matter of purchasing grain, select ten skilled men from the household and bring them with the family's token. This way, they won't be coveted by any foolish bandits on the road. Such precious items cannot afford any mishaps. Since Fang Er trusts you, help him with all your heart. Besides, this is also our own family's business. Alright, you can go now.
Cheng Yaojin instructed Cheng Chumo in a serious tone, then returned the mirror to Cheng Chumo.
Yes, Father, your son has noted it!
Cheng Chumo gave Cheng Yaojin a military salute and then left.
Cheng Chumo did not go out but instead went to find his mother.
Mother, your son has something good to present to you.
Madam Sun, Cheng Yaojin's wife and Cheng Chumo's mother, was sitting on the edge of the bed chatting with a maid when she saw her son enter the room.
Oh? What treasure has my son acquired?
Madam Sun smiled as she looked at her son. This son of hers was usually very composed in front of her and had never acted like this today. She was very curious as to what extraordinary treasure could make her dear son lose his composure.
Mother, look!
Cheng Chumo took the mirror out from his embrace and held it out to Madam Sun with both hands.
Seeing his careful manner, Madam Sun took it with both hands and leaned in to take a closer look. Whoa!
Madam Sun was startled by her reflection in the mirror.
Never before had she seen herself so clearly.
Her once beautiful face was now covered in wrinkles, her hair was streaked with silver, and even her teeth had become sparse. Although she had maintained herself quite well, time was indeed relentless.
Putting aside her fleeting sadness, Madam Sun looked at her son in astonishment. This item must be very precious. Where did this child get it? With the Cheng family's wealth, it was probably not something they could afford!
Chumo, tell your mother, how much silver did you spend on this? Madam Sun asked calmly.
As expected of someone from a distinguished family, even though she was not entirely calm inwardly, she showed no outward sign.
Mother, this item cost no money. It was given to me by that Brother Fang. It's not just me, even Baolin has one. Here, this is Baolin's. I'll deliver it to him later.
Fearing his mother might not believe him, Cheng Chumo took out the other mirror.
Seeing that there was indeed another mirror, Madam Sun believed Cheng Chumo's words.
If there were only one, she might have suspected Cheng Chumo had bought it. But two mirrors were absolutely impossible. Her Cheng family could definitely not afford it!
Why did they send you such a valuable item? Is there something they need from you?
Madam Sun asked, puzzled.
The matter of the Cheng, Yu Chi, and Fang families partnering in business had not yet progressed, so Cheng Yaojin had not mentioned it to her upon his return. Thus, she was completely unaware.
Cheng Chumo quickly explained the reason.
After listening to her son, Madam Sun finally felt at ease. As long as it was a business partnership, she didn't care about anything else.
In that case, you should do your best. Go find Baolin. I'll take care of this mirror for now. Later, when your wife enters the household, I'll give it to her.
Mother! Marriage is still a long way off. This mirror is my filial gift to you.
Cheng Chumo was a little exasperated. He was only fourteen years old, and he hadn't really thought about marriage.
Alright, alright, it's a filial gift to Mother, and Mother will accept it. Hurry and attend to your important business.
Madam Sun smiled, waved Cheng Chumo away, and urged him to go handle the matters Fang Er had entrusted to him.
When Cheng Chumo arrived at the Yu Chi Residence and presented the mirror, Yu Chi Baolin and his parents were also amazed by the mirror's wonder. When Cheng Chumo stated Fang Er's request, Yu Chi Baolin, without waiting for his father's command, immediately went to select men.
Before long, the two of them, along with twenty carefully chosen household servants, set off in a grand procession towards the Fang Residence.
The sky was already nearing dusk.
Fang Er was in the kitchen teaching Xiao Qing how to cook. Xiao Qing was learning quickly and had already mastered many dishes in the past few days.
Today, Fang Er was teaching her Braised Pork Belly and Beggar's Chicken. Both dishes were being prepared simultaneously. The Beggar's Chicken was not buried, but coated with a thick layer of mud mixed with salt and then placed directly into the stove.
Fang Er stirred the large chunks of meat in the pot with a large spatula. There was no white sugar or rock sugar, but rather maltose, which he had specifically asked a servant to buy from the East Market.
Looking at the bright red chunks of meat in the pot and smelling the aroma wafting towards him, Xiao Qing's mouth watered uncontrollably.
Soon, the Braised Pork Belly was out of the pot, and then Fang Er served a plate of Steamed Perch from another pot.
He extinguished the fire in the stove and used a hook to pull out the dried mud casing from inside.
As the mud casing fell from the stove onto the ground, it cracked open with a "pa" sound, releasing a refreshing scent of lotus leaves mixed with the unique aroma of chicken, filling the entire kitchen.
Xiao Qing was utterly impressed by her young master. In such a short time, he had prepared three dishes, and each one looked so delicious.