In this family full of love and care, everyone encourages one another in their own way. They believe that regardless of age, as long as one has dreams and puts in the effort, they can surely be realized. This small decision would become a precious experience on Shi An’s path to growth and would draw the bonds of the family even closer.
Seeing Su Yu support Shi An’s idea, Deng was filled with joy and moved. She immediately began meticulous preparations, packing the unused wild vegetables into a basin and carefully placing it in the well, hoping this would keep the greens fresh. Her heart was full of anticipation, looking forward to turning these vegetables into delicious food the next morning and trying to sell them on the street.
Thinking of this, a comforted smile appeared on Deng’s face. After the family had their fill, there was still about a pound or two of flour left, enough to make forty or fifty cakes when paired with the wild vegetables. She made up her mind to start this small business early; beginning a day sooner meant earning money a day sooner. Even if they couldn’t sell them all, they could always eat some themselves, which was a good backup plan regardless.
During these difficult times, Shi An thought of using her wisdom and diligence to find a glimmer of hope for her family. Her persistence and hard work were not just for herself, but for the happiness of her family. Although life was bitter, being together with her family made her feel incredibly warm.
In particular, the details of these past two days were full of her love for life and her longing for the future, making one feel the warmth and strength deep within her heart.
The next day, just past the hour of Chou, when all was silent, Deng was already awake. She tossed and turned in the darkness, unable to sleep. Perhaps it was the worry that the wild vegetable cakes wouldn’t sell the next morning, or perhaps the pressures of life left her unable to find peace. Su Yu, who was lying beside her, was woken by her movements. Instead of showing the slightest bit of annoyance, he comforted her softly, "My dear, don’t worry. Even if they don’t sell, it is a lesson for the children. Rest assured, I won't let you and the children go hungry."
Deng wanted to say something but hesitated. Su Yu gently patted her hand to put her at ease. Under his comfort, Deng’s mood calmed slightly, though the anxiety still lingered. However, physical exhaustion gradually took hold, her eyes grew heavy, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.
The reason Su Yu dared to say this was not just to comfort Deng. He earned one and a half taels of silver a month teaching; because he was a working student, his pay was much lower, but he did not need to pay tuition fees. He also earned money by copying books, usually around two taels of silver, which was the confidence behind his promise to give the elder Su couple one tael of silver as a maintenance fee. Furthermore, he received a grain subsidy from the imperial court, which saved them some money on food.
Shi An woke up to the sound of Su Daya calling her. "Xiaoya, get up! Mother has already finished making the wild vegetable cakes, we have to hurry to the street to sell them..." The important task of earning money made Shi An's sleepiness vanish instantly. She sprang from the bed like a spring, quickly put on her clothes, and replied, "All right, I’m getting up now!"
Shi An’s heart was full of anticipation. She knew that these vegetable cakes were the family’s hope, and every single cake contained the hard work and effort of her parents. She hurriedly washed up and, together with her older brother and sister, helped load the cakes into a basket. They walked with firm steps toward the street, hoping for a good harvest that day.
After the family’s discussion and pricing, the final price for the vegetable cakes was set at three for one copper coin, a decision made after they had inquired about the price of steamed buns.
The morning sun shone on the flagstone road of the small town. Su Daya carried the bamboo basket and led Shi An toward the bustling main street. Her pace was firm and powerful, her face radiant with a love for life and anticipation.
Su Shikuan and Su Shirong chose a different route. They silently walked through the alleys, harboring the same goal—to sell the cakes and get home early. Shikuan walked with steady steps, and Shirong followed closely behind her brother; their figures gradually faded into the narrow alley.
The main street was crowded with carriages and people moving busily to and fro. Su Daya wore a smile, enthusiastically calling out to passersby to sell their cakes. Her voice was crisp and clear, filled with such sincerity that people couldn't help but stop to buy a couple. Shi An stood to the side helping to hand out the cakes, her eyes filled with focus and seriousness.
Seeing an elderly woman passing by, Shi An’s eyes suddenly brightened, and she called out with full enthusiasm, "Granny, please come and take a look, buy some cakes! These are cakes my mother pan-fried with sesame oil this morning, they are so fragrant."
Hearing the call, the grandmother’s somewhat shuffling footsteps slowed. She turned slowly, her gaze first assessing Su Daya and Shi An, before shifting to the cakes in their basket. When she gently lifted the lotus leaf covering the basket, a rich, savory aroma wafted out instantly.
Shi An looked at the grandmother with full anticipation, her eyes sparkling, hoping the woman would like the taste of the cakes. Su Daya stood by the side, nervously twisting her fingers, silently praying that the grandmother would buy their cakes.
Shi An pulled the lotus leaf back hard so that the people behind could also see and smell. "That’s right, Granny, look." She said softly.
"Fine, how much are they?" Su Daya replied, "Three for one copper coin."
"That’s not exactly cheap! Plain buns are four for a copper coin..." the grandmother muttered, appearing somewhat dissatisfied.
At this moment, someone behind suddenly chimed in, "Old Lady Li, if you aren't going to buy, then move aside. I'm hungry and was planning to buy some to try." The person speaking was a young man of about twenty, his tone tinged with a hint of immaturity.
"Chen Dabao, doesn't your family cook for you? Why are you buying food on the street first thing in the morning?" the grandmother asked with some dissatisfaction.
"Mind your own business!" Chen Dabao retorted.
Someone else chimed in, "Old Lady Li, stop blocking the way..."
"Stop blocking what! Little girl, pack three cakes for me. Here is one copper coin..." As the grandmother spoke, she tossed the money into Shi An’s hand. Su Daya quickly wrapped the cakes in a lotus leaf and handed them to her.
With the grandmother leading the way, Su Daya and Shi An’s cakes sold out quickly. Some people even asked where they lived, though there was no malice in it. Those who ate quickly finished their cakes on the spot, and upon finding they were sold out, began asking if they could buy more in the future.
Su Shikuan and Su Shirong, in the alley, were not to be outdone. Su Shikuan walked along, calling out loudly; his voice echoed in the alley, drawing many residents out of their homes. Su Shikuan looked at every passerby with his clear eyes, hoping they would stop and buy a few cakes.