Leaving the county office, the once quiet streets now buzzed with a bit more life. Lord Lu, dressed in a cotton-padded jacket bought from a local tailor, resembled a wealthy merchant from the area. He deliberately chose a sunny spot and leisurely settled onto a small stool.
The early-arriving townsfolk had already formed a line—some carrying baskets on their backs, others holding vegetable hampers. Those further back craned their necks, wondering why those ahead were taking so long.
The scene was lively.
Zhou Sanwei stood behind him with great interest, gesturing for those nearby to stay quiet.
"Your Honor, would you take a look at these baskets I wove myself? See if any catch your fancy?"
A frail old man set down the basket from his back and awkwardly clasped his hands in a bow toward Lord Lu.
"Oh, no need for that! No need! Elder, today I’m not here as an official. Just think of me as a buyer looking for gifts for my family. If something suits, I’ll take it. If not, no harm done, alright?"
The old man nervously nodded in agreement.
"Old man, the gentry usually prefer those fine white ceramics. Who’d want your straw-woven trinkets?"
Someone further back in the line couldn’t help but snicker at the items the old man had presented.
The old man’s eyes nearly dropped to the ground, his unease palpable. Though winter had already set in, he wore a thin, patched-up shirt. His hands, bruised and scarred from bamboo splinters, bore witness to his labor, his joints swollen and red.
"Elder, your weaving is excellent! This basket is tightly made!"
Praise brought a proud smile to the old man’s face, and he patted his knee.
"Of course! My baskets don’t even spill wheat flour!"
Lord Lu glanced at Uncle Zhong beside him and gave a slight nod.
"However, this basket would be hard to carry back—my carriage can’t fit so much."
The old man’s hopeful expression dimmed instantly. He sighed softly, not kneeling or pleading like others might, but simply slumping his shoulders and preparing to leave with his basket.
"Wait, Elder. You’re quite skilled—do you know how to make bamboo dragonflies or other small toys? My unruly son would love something to play with."
The old man’s weathered face brightened like a chrysanthemum in bloom.
"Yes, yes! I can! Bamboo dragonflies, bamboo lanterns, bamboo mantises..."
"Take your time and make about twenty of them—any animals or toys, as long as they’re delicate. Bring them back when they’re ready. Uncle Zhong, give him an advance."
An advance? The old man’s hands trembled as he accepted the copper coins.
"Kind sir, I only know seven or eight different designs. If they’re too similar, the young master might grow bored. How about you pay for just six? Five coins each, and I’ll throw in the extras as gifts for the boy."
He only took what he felt was fair, pushing the rest back.
"No need. My son has many classmates—they’ll want some too. Keep the payment."
"Elder, make a few more. I’ve got grandchildren at home too," Uncle Zhong added, unable to resist the old man’s honest demeanor.
The old man counted on his fingers—today’s earnings would be over a hundred coins. With another twenty pounds of coarse grain, he and his grandson could survive the winter.
"Thank you, kind sir! Don’t worry—my grandson says my mantises are one-of-a-kind! You won’t find them anywhere else! I’ll bring them tomorrow!"
With his sale secured, the old man regained some confidence, his laughter louder now.
"How many grandchildren do you have?" Lord Lu asked casually.
"Only one who made it."
The plain words left those listening heavy-hearted.
"Why haven’t you tried selling these toys before?"
"Who’d buy them? The rich don’t care for such things, and the poor can’t afford them."
The old man packed his samples back into his basket, hunched over, ready to leave. He needed to hurry home and start weaving—no time to waste the nobleman’s patience.
"I’ve got some useless ones at home too. Bring a dozen more tomorrow," Zhou Sanwei chimed in.
Hearing his voice, Lord Lu quickly stood and bowed.
"Lord Zhou."
Zhou Sanwei waved him off.
"Carry on. I’m just browsing. Heard you found some good buys—thought I’d pick up a few things to take back to the capital."
The accompanying soldiers, all selected from the Imperial Guards, were used to Zhou Sanwei’s informal ways. They squatted down, rolling up their sleeves to inspect the goods. With their arrival, the scene outside the county office grew even livelier.
Quick-witted officers had the waiting villagers arrange their stalls in order. The sharper ones had already dashed home to fetch more goods to sell.
"Sirs, I caught this hare in the mountains today—perfect for a winter drink!"
"Ah, this one’s plump! We’ll have to toast tonight!"
......
That day, the grain shops did unusually well, and the butchers packed up early, spared from standing in the cold until dark.
As dusk fell, chimney smoke curled into the sky.
"Something smells good! What did you buy today, Mother?"
A boy of thirteen or fourteen lay bundled in bed, sniffing the aroma wafting in—was that meat?
"It’s too cold out. I bought some pork bones to make soup. Maybe this’ll strengthen you."
The old woman lifted the pot lid, sprinkled in salt, and covered it again.
"Mother, where’d you get the money for bones?"
"Met a kind official today. Sold him that poisonous flowering tree in our yard."
"Cough! Mother! Aren’t you harming him? What if he eats the fruit?"
Hearing her son’s cough, the old woman’s hand shook. A few drops of broth spilled down the bowl’s side. Ignoring the heat, she wiped them with her fingers and licked them clean before carrying the full bowl into the room.
"Don’t worry, don’t worry! I told him—it’s not edible. He said he just wanted it for decoration! Here, taste it. Is it salty enough?"
"A bit too salty." The boy glanced at his mother’s eager face and took a sip.
"That can’t be! I barely added any salt! Did I put it in twice?" The old woman looked puzzled.
"Try it yourself."
She took the bowl and sipped. The steaming broth was rich and savory, making her crave another taste—just right, not salty at all. Was her son’s tongue off?
She looked up and saw her son’s thin face grinning. Ah, she understood now.
"You little rascal, tricking me! Wasted a good sip."
"Mother! Share it, or I won’t drink any!"
"Alright, alright. I'll go up the mountain again tomorrow to see if there are any unfamiliar flowers or plants. If the officials buy another one, we can afford a few more doses of medicine."
That day, the people of Yuxi County clutched the copper coins in their pockets, silently praying that the officials would stay a few more days.
After enjoying two meals of roasted rabbit and drinking heartily with the Imperial Guards, Lord Lu finally saw hope of returning home.
Earlier, Zhou Sanwei had summoned him to the study—likely to inform him of their departure.
"Captain Liu, feeding the horses some hay?"
Captain Liu smiled and nodded. Having shared drinks a few days prior, they were practically old acquaintances by now.
"It's a long journey. Might as well give them a proper meal first."
The joy of going home filled everyone's hearts.
When Lord Lu entered the room, his smile vanished in an instant, replaced by utter bewilderment.
"What??? Lord Zhou, who did you say will be the new magistrate of Yuxi County??"
