Just past the hour of mao, the sun had barely risen in the east, hanging like a large egg yolk atop the willow branches at the mouth of the alley. Its rays, strand by strand, dispelled the thick veil of night, casting a soft bluish hue over the tightly packed, uneven rooftops of Willow East Lane.
The Bian River shimmered with rippling waves, its surface glimmering faintly under the dawn light.
Aunt Li’s porcelain mending shop was unusually closed this early in the morning. Li Tiaozi hadn’t taken his mending tools out to roam the alleys either. Instead, he was wiping down the newly built two-wheeled cart at the doorstep.
With a damp cloth, he carefully cleaned the cart from the front to the wheels, wincing with every stroke. His wife had insisted on having one made after seeing how useful the Shen Family’s new cart was, claiming it would make selling chicks and eggs at the market much easier.
Li Tiaozi couldn’t argue with her and had reluctantly agreed.
The cart had cost him a hefty three hundred and twenty coins! He wondered how much the Shen Family had paid for theirs.
Li Tiaozi wasn’t much of a talker, but Aunt Li had insisted on getting one just like the Shen Family’s. When they went to inquire with Old Man Yang—who was usually just as tongue-tied—the old man suddenly became a smooth talker.
“This cart is sturdy and light, perfect for a woman to use,” he’d said, followed by, “See the Shen Family’s cart? That’s my handiwork!” Then, “Order now, and I’ll throw in two extra baskets and an umbrella! If it breaks within a year, I’ll fix it for free!” And finally, “I’m just finishing up work on the Shen Family’s house, so if you place your order now, I can have it ready in half a month. I’ll even knock off twenty coins—this price is just for you, so don’t go spreading it around.”
Aunt Li’s eyes had lit up, convinced she was getting the deal of a lifetime, and she’d insisted on placing the order.
Now that the cart was delivered, Li Tiaozi had to admit it was sturdier and more finely crafted than the usual single-wheeled ones, which cost only about a hundred coins. But he was slowly realizing—how did adding one wheel, two baskets, and a coat of paint suddenly triple the price? It didn’t feel like much of a bargain after all!
But there was nothing to be done now. He’d just have to swallow the loss.
Just as he was stewing over this, the courtyard gate creaked open. Aunt Li stepped out, leading her precious son, Li Gou'er, by the hand. The boy hopped onto the cart and settled in, while Aunt Li—usually so sharp-tongued and calculating with others—gazed at him with doting affection. She ruffled his hair, placed a woven rattan book box on the cart, and even tied a bundle of oil-wrapped flatbreads to it.
“Study hard, Gou'er. Eat these if you get hungry—I woke up early to make them, kneaded some salted egg yolk right into the dough,” she said.
A while back, while lounging outside, Aunt Li had overheard a scholar visiting the Shen Family to order something called “egg yolk pastries.” That was how she’d learned that Eldest Sister Shen had been buying salted eggs from her for this very purpose. But she had no idea what these pastries looked like, because—to her astonishment—Eldest Sister Shen had turned the customer away!
She’d refused, saying the recipe wasn’t hers to sell. She’d make them for herself, but not for profit.
Aunt Li had eavesdropped as best she could, scoffing inwardly—what harm would it do to secretly sell a few? Just tell the customers to keep quiet, and who’d ever know? Eldest Sister Shen usually seemed so shrewd—why was she being so foolish about this?
The young scholar had left dejected.
Their conversation had been hushed, so Aunt Li only caught bits and pieces. She hadn’t dared get too close—Eldest Sister Shen kept a fierce guard dog tied up outside. These days, Aunt Li would rather take the long way around through the next alley than pass by the Shen Family’s gate. If not for the fact that the dog rarely barked, barely moved, and was always leashed, she’d have reported it to the local authorities already.
What if it bit someone?
She’d complained to Li Tiaozi about it, but he’d shaken his head and said, “Why would the patrol officers care about something so trivial? Half the households in Bianjing keep dogs, and most don’t even leash them. Eldest Sister Shen isn’t letting hers run wild—don’t stir up trouble and ruin the neighborhood’s goodwill. She’s been buying our salted eggs and regular eggs, putting plenty of coins in our pocket. We shouldn’t repay kindness with spite.”
Aunt Li had pinched his arm in frustration. “You’re always taking their side!”
But she’d dropped the matter.
Still, the thought lingered—if customers were seeking out the Shen Family for food, those egg yolk pastries must be delicious. Since Eldest Sister Shen had clammed up after refusing the order, Aunt Li could only imagine what they tasted like. So today, she’d tried mixing salted yolk into the dough for Li Gou'er’s flatbreads.
Now, she clung to her son’s hand, fussing endlessly. “Gou'er, remember—write slowly during the exam, nice and neat. Do the questions you know first, don’t rush. We paid two hundred coins for this chance—don’t let your mother down! Don’t let our money go to waste. Keep your exam tag around your neck, don’t lose it!”
Li Gou'er, used to his mother’s nagging, grew impatient. “Alright, Ma, I’ll be late if you keep this up.”
“Ah, yes, yes, go on then.” She turned to her husband. “Push the cart carefully—don’t let him fall.”
Li Tiaozi, equally tired of her fretting, quickly lifted the cart handles and set off.
Only then did Aunt Li fall silent, smoothing her hair and bracing herself to follow them to the alley’s entrance—which meant passing the Shen Family and their dreaded dog.
Just then, the Shen Family’s gate swung open.
Before it even fully opened, the large black dog lying on the doorstep suddenly lifted its head, shook its fur, and stood.
As they drew closer, Aunt Li pressed herself against the cart, veering as far from the dog as possible.
Li Tiaozi tried to reassure her. “What’s there to fear? Our own son’s named ‘Dog,’ yet you’re scared of one.”
Aunt Li wasn’t listening—her steps had gone stiff with nerves.
In all of Willow East Lane, only the Shen and Li families had children sitting for the exams. Some households had no school-aged children, while others, even if they did, saw no point in funding years of study. Two hundred coins just to take the exam! And who knew how much more in tuition after that? Better to send a child to some struggling scholar’s cheap school, learn just enough characters to avoid illiteracy, and take over the family trade—like the Gu Family’s son. At least that way, they could contribute to the household instead of wasting money on lofty ambitions.
Li Tiaozi and Aunt Li were different—they were cousins within five degrees of kinship, making their marriage a well-matched union that strengthened family ties. Although the Song Dynasty had laws stating, "Those of the same lineage and surname may not marry; violators shall be exiled for two years," there were no restrictions on maternal cousins. Some regions even upheld traditions like "a maternal aunt’s daughter must marry her uncle’s son" or "flesh and blood returning home."
The couple had originally borne three sons and a daughter, but the children either died at birth or succumbed to illness by the age of four or five. Thus, by their forties, they had only managed to raise one child—Li Gou'er. Because so many of their children had perished, they gave him this humble name, hoping it would ward off misfortune, and their expectations for him were naturally extraordinary.
Even if it cost two hundred coins—or even two strings of cash—Li Tiaozi would grit his teeth and willingly pay for his son’s education.
As the family of three pushed their cart out, they happened to run into Shen Miao and her two siblings. Aunt Li’s nose was sharp, and she immediately caught the unmistakable aroma wafting from the Shen Family’s courtyard—rich, savory, and with a hint of chicken bone broth.
"Eldest Sister Shen, you’ve already cooked soup and rice this early? Young folks sure have energy. I barely managed to get up and make pancakes before dawn." Though too fearful to approach, Aunt Li’s curiosity nearly overpowered her dread. Peering over the cart’s shaft, she strained to catch a glimpse inside the Shen household.
The fire-ravaged Shen Family home had transformed. Three large tiled houses now stood tall, their pillars erected and walls raised, with only the roof beams and tiles left to complete. The courtyard had a small pond, chicken and dog pens, and two vegetable plots... A quick glance made Aunt Li’s heart sour with envy. The new houses looked splendid—fresh walls and tiles, so beautiful. And Eldest Sister Shen had spared no expense—the roof even had corbel brackets and a single-layered upturned eaves, ensuring rainwater wouldn’t seep inside but drain straight into the ditch.
How carefree it all seemed.
To spend their windfall on such a fine house—wouldn’t that drain all their savings? Youth truly didn’t know how to manage a household. Aunt Li thought of her own home, nearly thirty years old, though repainted and repaired many times, and felt a pang of bitterness.
"Aunt Li, Uncle Li, good morning! I didn’t wake early—I prepared everything last night and just reheated it this morning." Shen Miao smiled as she turned to close the gate, careful not to mention what they’d eaten or cooked.
"Uncle Li, Aunt Li, good health to you both." Ji Brother and Sister Xiang stood beside her, greeting them cheerfully.
"Morning to you all." Li Tiaozi replied warmly. He rarely lingered in the alley, so he knew little of Aunt Li’s petty rivalries or the neighborhood gossip. Having lost many children himself, he was always kind to the local youngsters, eager to chat. Noticing Shen Miao carried only a basket, Ji Brother held a simple book satchel, and Sister Xiang clutched a massive flatbread, he asked gently, "Are you also seeing Ji Brother off for the exams? Why not take the cart? Should Ji Brother ride with Gou'er? I can pull them both..."
Li Gou'er waved eagerly at Sister Xiang.
Frail and somewhat timid, he struggled to bond with boys his age but got along well with Sister Xiang.
Her cheeks bulging with flatbread, Sister Xiang grinned up at him. "Gou'er, Gou'er! May you pass the exam with flying colors!"
The phrase was something she’d picked up from Shen Miao, mimicking her sister’s well-wishes for Ji Brother.
"Sister Xiang, Gou'er is about the same age as your brother Ji Brother. You should call him Elder Brother Li, not ‘Gou'er’—it’s disrespectful!" Aunt Li scolded, arms crossed, her expression stern. When Li Tiaozi suggested Ji Brother ride with them, her eyebrows shot up. With her already high cheekbones, the glare sent a chill down Li Tiaozi’s spine, and he swallowed the rest of his offer.
Sister Xiang, unbothered, tilted her head. "But... Gou'er said it’s fine to call him that."
Li Gou'er nodded. "Yes, I did. She can call me whatever."
Aunt Li rolled her eyes, but since it was her own son’s words, she had no retort. She could only urge Li Tiaozi to hurry along.
Li Tiaozi glanced back at Shen Miao. "Sure you don’t want a ride?"
Shen Miao waved with a smile. "Thank you, Uncle Li, but we’ll take the long-distance carriage at the horse market. We wouldn’t dream of troubling you—pushing two would be too much work."
Aunt Li felt slightly mollified. Eldest Sister Shen might not know how to manage money, but at least she had some tact.
Her gaze returned to Eldest Sister Shen, who had dressed up today—her hair styled in the fashionable "flower-wrapped bun," where folded cloth and colorful threads adorned the knot like petals. She wore a pale green narrow-sleeved tunic embroidered with crabapple blossoms, paired with pink-white culottes and clean, plain cloth shoes.
A large basket hung on her back, its opening covered with coarse cloth, hiding its contents. But the slight hunch in Shen Miao’s posture suggested it was heavy. A thought struck Aunt Li, and she asked in surprise, "Eldest Sister Shen, you’re not planning to set up a stall outside the Imperial Academy, are you?" Wouldn’t that embarrass Ji Brother?
Shen Miao nodded frankly. "I am."
Since she was sending Ji Brother off for his exam, she didn’t plan to return home until evening, meaning she couldn’t set up at Golden Beam Bridge today. But Shen Miao couldn’t stand idleness—a day without earning money would leave her restless. So, the day before, she’d used the clay oven in her yard to bake a hundred mulberry-peanut soft loaves. She intended to sell fresh bread outside the academy while Ji Brother took his exam.
To save costs, she’d made them whole wheat, low-oil, and sugar-free—marketing them as "healthy treats for the people of Bianjing."
That morning, she, Ji Brother, and Sister Xiang had eaten the same bread. Even after a night, a quick reheat in the oven restored its softness. The toasted peanut crumbs lent a rich nutty flavor and just enough oil to keep it from drying out. Mulberries, nearly out of season, had been dirt-cheap at the market. She’d bought them all, chopping the fresh fruit to mix into the dough—their juice tinting it faintly purple, while their sweet-tartness added depth to the bread’s flavor.
The process didn’t require kneading the dough until it formed a gluten film, nor did it demand any elaborate shaping techniques. The wheat flour had only been sifted five or six times, deliberately leaving some coarseness in the texture to ensure the bread wouldn’t taste bland. Instead of proofing the dough in a warm place, Shen Miao opted for overnight fermentation, allowing the residual bran to soften the dough until it practically melted in the mouth.
Though the ingredients were cheap and the method simple, Shen Miao planned to sell each loaf for twelve coins.
First, the entrance of the Imperial Academy would surely be bustling today. Families who could spare two hundred coins for their children’s exams were at least comfortably well-off—too low a price might even make them look down on it. Second, she had dyed the bread purple with mulberries and sprinkled a ring of crushed peanuts in the center. Once baked, the golden specks stood out against the purple, inspiring her to name it the "Purple Robe and Golden Belt" bun.
Purple robes and golden belts were symbols of high-ranking officials. Selling such bread during the exams? What could be more auspicious?
Third, her craftsmanship was worth twelve coins. She had stayed up late the previous night perfecting these loaves!
Of course, she didn’t plan to explain all this. She could sense Aunt Li’s unspoken disapproval, but even if the Song Dynasty wasn’t particularly disdainful of merchants, Shen Miao wouldn’t have felt ashamed even in modern times.
If Ji Brother ever found this embarrassing, he wouldn’t be her brother anymore.
So she simply acknowledged Aunt Li’s words and bid farewell to the Li family of three.
Turning back, she called out to the little dog in the yard, now noticeably bigger, with three chickens perched on its back. "Take good care of the house, we’re leaving!" The dog barked brightly, wagging its tail so hard it nearly turned into a propeller.
Shen Miao then turned her attention to Thunder, stroking its head. "And you, keep an eye on them too, alright?"
Thunder didn’t wag its tail. Instead, it tilted its large head, gave her a glance, then lowered its eyes and stretched its front paws forward in a lazy sprawl—as if to say, Why even bother mentioning such a trivial task?
Shen Miao smiled.
Thunder had been with the Shen Family for some time now. Though it still refused to enter the yard, stubbornly waiting by the gate for Auntie Wu’s return, its attitude toward the family had softened considerably since its arrival. It now allowed Shen Miao, Ji Brother, and Sister Xiang to pet it freely.
Every day, after returning from the morning market, Shen Miao would take it for a walk, and again after dinner.
Having owned a dog in her past life, she knew large breeds needed plenty of exercise. But unless she led it out deliberately, Thunder barely moved. Even during walks, it never strayed far from Willow East Lane—as if an invisible boundary existed in its mind. Once they crossed the bridge, it would stubbornly turn back, nudging Shen Miao home.
At first, Sister Xiang had been afraid of it. But after tentatively tugging its ears and beard without provoking a reaction, the girl grew bold enough to sprawl across Thunder’s back, hugging its thick neck while singing a nursery rhyme:
"Get a pup, pick the best,
Mine’s so big but lacks zest.
Won’t bite thieves, just pecks hens—
What a silly, silly friend!"
After singing, she’d lean into Thunder’s ear and whisper, "You better not bite our chickens, especially Rong Rong!"
Once, while preparing for their walk, Shen Miao had unleashed Thunder—only for chaos to erupt in the yard as the little dog and the white rooster started a squabble. As she rushed to break it up, Sister Xiang seized the chance to dart toward the well at the end of the lane, a place Shen Miao usually forbade her from approaching.
Thankfully, Thunder needed no command. It silently followed, and when Sister Xiang leaned over the well to play with the bucket rope, it clamped onto her pants and dragged her back, refusing to let her near the edge. It only released her once the pouting girl was safely returned.
The scene reminded Shen Miao so much of Ji Feng that her feelings toward Thunder grew complicated. She knew it wasn’t him—yet the longing remained.
Before leaving, Shen Miao peeked into the yard’s newly built brick doghouse. The arched entrance had bowls of food and water, both filled to the brim. They’d be gone all day, but the little dog and chickens wouldn’t go hungry.
Thunder’s bowls were just as full.
Satisfied nothing had been overlooked, she locked the door and hurried off with Sister Xiang and Ji Brother.
The carriage wouldn’t wait—they couldn’t afford delays.
Aunt Li watched them leave, finally muttering to Li Tiaozi, "Taking a long-distance carriage? How extravagant. Eldest Sister Shen must’ve gotten a hefty sum from that Xie family steward to splurge like this. Why is she the only one with such luck, cozying up to nobles?"
Li Tiaozi sighed. "That’s just her skill. Every dawn when I leave with my load, every house in the lane is dark—except the Shen Family’s. Their lamp’s lit, smoke’s already rising from the chimney. What hour even is that? You’re still snoring in bed while she’s toiling. Hard-earned money, that’s all. Come on, stop grumbling. Our priority is Li Gou'er’s exam."
Aunt Li finally helped push the cart, accompanying them all the way to the inner city gate before turning back.
The Shen siblings soon reached the carriage stop.
The crowd was thick, the roads clogged—but their early departure paid off. By the time they arrived at the Imperial Academy’s grand entrance, the timing was perfect.
The line outside the academy grew rapidly. Security was tight, with green-uniformed garrison soldiers patrolling the gates. Young examinees underwent two rounds of searches at the checkpoint before being allowed inside with only their exam baskets.
Shen Ji, face tense, merged into the stream of candidates.
Carried forward by the crowd, he glanced back—his sister and Sister Xiang still stood watching. When their eyes met, Shen Miao grinned, rising on her toes to wave.
"Ji Brother, don’t stress. Just do your best!" she called. "Take deep breaths. No matter the result, I’ll be right here! Sister Xiang and I aren’t going anywhere! Just relax and focus on the exam! Tonight, we’re having chicken soup—I already started the broth before we left!"
Sister Xiang jumped, shouting, "Big Brother! Crush the exam!"
Shen Ji chuckled. After one last look at them, his expression steadied, and he turned to follow the crowd.
Aunt Li, like any mother, had pressured Li Gou'er to excel, hoping for glory. But his sister? She only promised to wait—no matter what—and to have warm soup ready.
He quickly wiped his damp eyes with the back of his hand and marched on.
After that, he walked forward to the shed beside the door. There, the military guards searched him from head to toe with the scabbards of their swords. They untied his outer robe, took off his outer trousers, and even peeked at his underpants. Shen Ji blushed with embarrassment. After getting dressed, he was finally ordered to open his examination basket.
His examination basket was one size larger than others', which was specially bought by his elder sister.
There were only two writing brushes, a stack of white paper, an ink stick, and an inkstone in the basket. Then there was a large wide - mouthed pottery bowl with a lid and a pair of chopsticks. The military guard ordered him to lift the lid for inspection, and he did so.
Inside the bowl, there was a ball of deep - fried dried noodles, a half - cut soft - boiled egg, a handful of chopped and dried vegetables, and several slices of marinated pork. Besides, there was a large block of brownish - red congealed meat sauce at the bottom of the bowl, and a pile of chopped scallions and coriander...
What's more, it smelled really good.
The rare and rich food stunned the military guard.
He looked up at Shen Ji.
Shen Ji also looked back at him and blinked innocently.
"Are you planning to cook noodles inside?" the military guard wondered. He rummaged through the bowl and even broke the deep - fried noodles in half. Since there was really no hidden stuff, he couldn't help but remind him, "There are no stoves or charcoal inside. Each person is only provided with a pot of hot water. These noodles can never be cooked. You'd better ask your family to buy you a couple of buns before you go in. Otherwise, you'll surely go hungry today!"
"Thank you, sir. Hot water will be enough," Shen Ji bowed deeply. After thinking for a while, he didn't forget to say, "My family runs a noodle shop in Yangliu East Alley, Jinliang Bridge. If you're free someday, sir, please come and have a taste. My elder sister's skill in making noodles is truly excellent. You won't regret it when you come."
His elder sister said that after the house was tiled, she wouldn't go to the morning market to set up a stall anymore. The family's shop was going to open. These days, she had gone to Old Man Yang to order a lot of tables, chairs, and counter tops. She had also ordered a kiln of coarse pottery bowls engraved with the words "Shen's". Everything was in preparation.
Shen Ji always wanted to help his elder sister, so he seized every opportunity to promote the family's shop.
Since this young lad wouldn't listen to the advice, the military guard just threw the lid back casually and waved his hand to let Shen Ji in. Looking at the back of the young boy walking away, he was quite speechless.
You're here for the exam, but you're still doing business promotion.
After inspecting several more people, the military guard always felt an itch in his heart. He still seemed to smell the spicy fragrance from the boy's examination basket at the root of his nose.
How could the noodles smell so good even before being cooked? What on earth were they made of? He had never eaten such delicious - smelling noodles before. He began to have some doubts and wavered.
Is it really as delicious as he said?
When I'm off duty next time... maybe... I should really go and give it a try.
