NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Eccentric Neighbors
The people of this era lived in a constant state of apprehension, fearing the return of chaos and war. Though they despised the monotony of their daily lives, they lacked the imagination or courage to change. Their world revolved around scholarly pursuits and martial training, as these were deemed the safest paths.
Occasionally, someone rediscovered a craft passed down through their ancestors. If mastered, it often brought them fortune and status, as wealthy elites clamored to invite such artisans into their circles.
Jiang Huaiyu lay on the hard wooden bed, her body aching in every joint, but her mind was alert and brimming with ideas. She realized that the knowledge from her own world, with its rich five-thousand-year cultural heritage, might become her greatest asset in this unfamiliar land. Fortunately, this society didn't enforce restrictive norms that would prevent women from participating in public life.
She resolved to create a better life for Tangbao. At the very least, she'd secure a home, acquire farmland, and set him up to marry comfortably when he grew up.
But first things first—she needed to make breakfast for her "son," visit the neighbors to establish relationships, and figure out how to earn her first silver coin.
Watching Tangbao happily gulp down his bowl of porridge, Jiang Huaiyu's heart melted. Despite knowing he wasn't her biological child, she had already come to see him as her own.
Strapping him onto her back with the clean but worn cloth from the day before, Jiang Huaiyu decided her first stop would be a household near the village entrance known for making syrup candies. Spending ten coins for two packs of the sweet treat pained her frugal heart, but it was a necessary gesture. Visiting empty-handed was out of the question.
Her first destination was the house on the left—the source of last night's yelling. Standing in front of a door riddled with wormholes, she knocked gently and called out, "Auntie, are you home?"
After some shuffling noises, the door creaked open, and the lady of the house emerged. She gave Jiang Huaiyu an appraising look, then smiled broadly.
"You must be the young lady who just moved in next door! Come in, come in! Oh, and you brought something? That's too kind of you, especially when you're alone with a child to care for!"
Though her words were polite, Aunt Xu's eyes betrayed a trace of disdain as she glanced at the syrup candies. To her, such things were frivolous compared to, say, a few pounds of pork. Syrup candies were just for children.
"This is just a small token," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a polite smile. "By the way, Auntie, did you hear someone shouting and cursing last night? With so many children in the village, it wouldn't do for them to hear such things—it's damaging to their character."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Aunt Xu's face. She didn't take kindly to Jiang Huaiyu's refined demeanor, which only highlighted her own shortcomings. But greed quickly took over as she noticed Jiang Huaiyu's soft, finely embroidered clothing.
"Oh, that's just how people are here," Aunt Xu said with a strained smile, grabbing Jiang Huaiyu's hand and holding on a little too tightly. "By the way, are you here alone with your child because… your husband is no longer around? Don't worry, if you need anything, you can always come to me for help!"
Jiang Huaiyu managed to free her hand, noticing the red marks Aunt Xu's grip had left on her skin. Suppressing her irritation, she made a few more polite comments before excusing herself.
As soon as Jiang Huaiyu left, Aunt Xu's three children came running in, muddy from playing by the stream. Their eyes lit up at the sight of the candies on the table, and they clamored for a taste.
Aunt Xu doted on her youngest son and immediately broke off two-thirds of a candy for him, leaving the remaining third for the other two to share.
Watching her children relish the treat, Aunt Xu's thoughts turned back to Jiang Huaiyu's beauty and poise. She scowled.
"You listen to me," she snapped at her children. "Don't talk to that woman next door, and don't play with her child either!"
"Why, Ma?" her youngest son asked, licking the oversized piece of candy.
"She's just like those women from the brothels—probably full of filthy diseases!" Aunt Xu hissed, her jealousy bubbling over.
Unaware of Aunt Xu's two-faced nature, Jiang Huaiyu approached the house on the right with the second pack of candies.
"Who is it? I'm coming, I'm coming—stop knocking already!"
The door swung open to reveal a sharp-featured woman whose frown gave her an unfriendly air.
"You're the young lady from next door, aren't you? Come in," she said, her tone curt but not hostile.
Jiang Huaiyu followed her inside, noting how tidy the home was compared to Aunt Xu's. There was no lingering smell of sweat or dirt here—just clean, orderly living.
"It's hot these days," said the woman, introducing herself as Zheng Xiaoyue. "Have some herbal tea to cool off." She handed Jiang Huaiyu a bowl of amber-colored tea without any unnecessary small talk.
Jiang Huaiyu's impression of Zheng Xiaoyue immediately improved. Her straightforward nature was refreshing after Aunt Xu's saccharine pretense.
"Thank you, Sister Xiaoyue," Jiang Huaiyu said with a smile. "I wanted to greet my neighbors since I just moved in. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"No trouble at all," Zheng Xiaoyue replied, though her expression suggested she wasn't used to such courteous speech. "I was just thinking about what to do next anyway."
Encouraged by Zheng Xiaoyue's openness, Jiang Huaiyu asked, "I'm still settling in and need to buy things like bedding. Could you recommend where I might find some?"
Zheng Xiaoyue studied her for a moment, noting the delicate features and well-kept appearance that hinted at a privileged past. She assumed Jiang Huaiyu must have fallen on hard times—perhaps widowed or abandoned.
"Well, I have an extra set of bedding," Zheng Xiaoyue offered. "You can take it if you need it."
Jiang Huaiyu was touched by the genuine gesture but insisted on paying. "I couldn't possibly take it for free, Sister Xiaoyue. Just tell me how much you paid for it."
Zheng Xiaoyue hesitated, then nodded in approval. "You've got principles—I like that. I'll tell you what: save your money for the market day in a couple of weeks. Buy some chicks and seeds. Chickens can lay eggs to eat or sell, and when they grow, you can sell them for a good price."
Jiang Huaiyu's eyes lit up at the practical advice. "Thank you so much for your guidance, Sister Xiaoyue. I'll do just that."
With her spirits lifted, Jiang Huaiyu returned home carrying the bedding. After setting up her room, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Nights in this era were cold, and having proper bedding would keep her and Tangbao safe from illness.
She began preparing dinner, first extracting lard from pork fat over the fire. The rich aroma filled the kitchen and wafted outside, catching Tangbao's attention.
"Such a little glutton," Jiang Huaiyu teased as she saw him sniffing the air eagerly.
The rendered lard was stored carefully to keep it safe from pests. With the leftover pork bits and cabbage, she cooked a simple but delicious meal that filled the house with a mouthwatering scent.
Next door, Aunt Xu's youngest son sniffed the air and tugged at her sleeve. "Ma, what smells so good? I want some!"
Aunt Xu's face darkened, but she didn't reply. All she could think about was how her new neighbor might be stealing the spotlight she so desperately craved.