Divorced woman with child travels through time

Once inside, everyone was back with the old crew. Chen Wenfang and Wang Erniu took out silver from a basket they had prepared earlier—real silver, one or five taels each, twenty taels per person—and distributed it as a bonus. As for the snacks, no one wanted them; they worked there every day and weren't short of food. However, Chen Wenfang said, "Whether you want them or not, give me one each. It's a token of my appreciation." Aunt Liu and Uncle Liu Hai could only accept them with smiles.

Camellia and Brick took their money and went home with their belongings, leaving only Aunt Liu and Brother Nie with a group of children.

That evening, Wang Hanyang and his group brought over the people from Chen's Teahouse in several horse-drawn carriages. Chen Wenfang and her entourage prepared another lavish meal, with Wang Erniu personally cooking. Wang Erniu was particularly helpful in this regard; whenever Chen Wenfang cooked, he would always be there to assist. Chopping and washing vegetables, passing ingredients, tending the fire—the two worked together seamlessly. He thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of cooking with Chen Wenfang; it was just the two of them in the kitchen, immersed in their own world, chatting about everyday things, doing simple yet enjoyable tasks.

Fortunately, several skilled martial artists in the household were available, so Cheng Wenfang asked them to knead the dough and make hand-pulled noodles. A whole large iron basin was used. Normally, Cheng Wenfang wouldn't ask them to make hand-pulled noodles because it would be too much work for so many people. Making steamed buns and kneading dough was much easier; the women, with their many strengths, could finish quickly. Hand-pulled noodles were different; the longer they were kneaded, the more elastic the dough became. It required a lot of hand strength; even skilled men couldn't handle it.

I killed two old hens; one for chicken soup, and the other for stir-fried chicken with dried tofu. Then I made a large pot of braised pork. There was also a plate of twice-cooked pork with chili peppers and garlic sprouts. I pan-fried two carp, made a plate of braised fish, and cooked a pot of fish head and tofu soup. Then I killed a duck and made a braised duck with tofu. There was also a roe deer that a hunter from the forest brought over. I specially cooked the roe deer meat; it was very delicious.

Another old farmer brought over two geese. He had raised one, slaughtered the other, and made a stew of goose in an iron pot, with flatbreads on the side. It was winter, and it was quite cold, so he also made a small hot pot and cooked it nearby. The men who were drinking could eat while it cooked, and if the food got cold, they could reheat it with the hot pot.

They also heated up a pot of leftover steamed buns from lunch and cooked a pot of rice. A charcoal brazier was placed under the table, with two more around it, making the hall warm and cozy. Everyone sat down and enjoyed a delicious meal. As usual, Chen Wenfang gave each person at Chen's Teahouse twenty taels of silver, even Old Wang, Xiao Lingzi, and Xiao Ke received some. However, the children received less, five taels each.

Old Wang was quite surprised. He was just a porridge cook, a doorman, yet he was given twenty taels of silver. He declined for a long time, but finally couldn't resist everyone's persuasion. The boss said that everyone who worked would get a share. Old Wang, with tears in his eyes, accepted the money, secretly vowing to treat Chen's porridge even better in the future. Little Lingzi was also surprised that she, so young, could receive a five-tael bonus. Little Ke, on the other hand, was overjoyed and happily accepted the money.

After the meal, Wang Hanyang, along with his wife, children, and Old Wang, returned to Chen's shop. This time, Wang Erniu discreetly gave him an extra fifty taels of silver, a reward for his hard work, which he deserved. The same applied to Lü Xiong. Wang Erniu also mentioned that Chen's workshop had reserved a small building for him, which he could stay in if he wished.

Back at Chen's Teahouse, Wang Hanyang gave the silver to his wife, who was startled. "Husband, where did you get so much money?"

Wang Hanyang said, "You should keep it. It's a small token of his appreciation. Don't worry, it's from your own brother, so just take it."

Madam Wang didn't ask any more questions, nodded, and accepted the money. She had earned so much that year; she could buy some nice things for her children.

After everyone left, and the children had finished washing up and gone to bed, Chen Wenfang and Wang Erniu lay in bed. Wang Erniu asked, "Wife, you received so much bonus money today, are you heartbroken?"

Chen Wenfang laughed and said, "How could that be? We can all make money together, and we'll give what we're owed."

Wang Erniu nodded and said, "The weather is so cold this year, there must be quite a few disaster victims. Those wealthy families should be distributing porridge, and the Chamber of Commerce should have some disaster relief plans. We should also have a share."

Chen Wenfang nodded, "That's only right. We're capable, so it's only right that we help out."

Wang Erniu said thoughtfully, "Helping is certainly the right thing to do, but if the Chamber of Commerce asks for help, I'm afraid they'll cut corners. The money and grain we provide probably won't reach the disaster victims. That's how things are. Does my wife know about this?"

Chen Wenfang asked with a smile, "This has certainly been the case in every dynasty. Does my lord have a solution?"

Wang Erniu looked at her affectionately and said, "This year, our business has grown bigger and bigger, and I'm sure many people have their eyes on us. Now, taking advantage of this winter, we can personally distribute porridge and build a good reputation. Then others won't be able to do anything to us. What do you say, my wife?"

"I think my husband's words are excellent, his ideas are superb, and he is incredibly intelligent. How can my husband be so smart? How can I be so blessed to have such a wonderful husband? It must be the Bodhisattva protecting me and all the gods and Buddhas taking care of me. How could I not have thought of such a great idea?" Chen Wenfang said earnestly and repeatedly.

Wang Erniu was amused. "You, you, what's this? My wife is such a little rascal." He then pounced on her again. "My wife praises me so highly, I must reciprocate. I must thank my wife properly."

"Mmm..." Chen Wenfang didn't finish her sentence before he pulled her into the blankets, and they both sank into an ocean of love...

The Liu family of four sat in the room warming themselves by the fire, chatting away. It was a rare occasion for them to gather together. Aunt Liu smiled happily and said, "Why don't you tell me how much money you have on you? I'll see how much money our family has made this year. You two, especially you, Dazhuang, when are you going to find me a wife? I've already started looking for some for you. See if you've found a girl you like, and tell me."

Dazhuang hurriedly said, "Mother, I'm only sixteen, it's still early, there's no need to rush. But I've saved quite a bit this year, I have almost a hundred taels of silver now." His smile revealed a lot of pride.

"Wow, you're really something, Dazhuang! You're so capable. But it's also thanks to our generous employer that you're paid so much," Uncle Liu praised. "Unlike your dad, I've saved up fifty taels, haha!"

Stone said indignantly, "If I hadn't started school late, I could have earned that much too! Humph! But I have about thirty taels of silver now. But Mother, this money is still mine, you can't take it away."

Aunt Liu laughed and said, "Alright, alright, keep it for yourself when you get married. I won't take yours. Old man, give me your money!"

"Sigh," Uncle Liu sighed, touching the silver he had just divided up after settling the accounts, letting it warm up for a moment. "Alright, alright, you can keep it all. I don't really need it!"

"Why are you sighing? Look how worried you are. Here, take this ten taels of silver. Use it for your own expenses. Buy whatever you want, okay? I've been generous, haven't I?" Aunt Liu said to him with a smile.

"Oh, my wife is so good, you're the best! Gentle and virtuous, number one in Wangjiazhuang!" Uncle Liu Hai showered her with compliments...

"Hehehe..." Aunt Liu was a little embarrassed by her husband's straightforward praise at her age. The family was very happy, and after putting away the money, they went to sleep happily.