Chapter 50: Growing Mushrooms and Supporting My Husband

Father Jiang walked ahead, while Jiang Chengyan carried Bai Yan on his back, trailing behind. As soon as they stepped into the Jiang family courtyard, Madam Zhao bustled out excitedly.

“Girl, did you pour the prepared sheep’s milk powder into the pot? Come and have a taste! The tofu I cooked has a special fragrance today.” Madam Zhao’s face was alight with delight as she offered a small bowl.

Bai Yan was still lying on Jiang Chengyan’s back, but as soon as the bowl approached, she scooped up a spoonful and began to eat. The tofu melted in her mouth, even more tender than what they’d made the day before—smooth and supple, carrying a faint trace of milky aroma.

“Your mother is already simmering some soup with it, and there’s a big piece left. Take it home and let the girl have it as a snack,” Father Jiang said with a hearty, honest smile.

Jiang Chengyan said nothing but, at Bai Yan’s urging, set her gently down.

“The sheep’s milk powder is too expensive, but we can use regular goat’s milk instead. Tomorrow, I’ll buy some soybeans and try it out,” Madam Zhao explained at the table, her thoughts clear and methodical. Goat’s milk has a gamey taste, but the powder removes that flavor.

“Tomorrow I’ll start growing mushrooms too! Once they come up, I’ll bring some for you and Father,” Bai Yan said with innocent determination.

“Mushrooms aren’t easy to grow,” Father Jiang cautioned, worried she’d be disappointed.

“It doesn’t matter, as long as she enjoys herself. Besides, even if we lose money, Master Jiang can handle it,” Madam Zhao snorted.

Master Jiang himself sat quietly, watching Bai Yan eat.

...

Madam Zhao’s tofu business was going smoothly. Not long after Jiang Chengyan and Bai Yan returned home, Bai Yan suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand.

“What is it?” Jiang Chengyan raised his brows.

“Husband, from now on… don’t do those shady businesses anymore!” Bai Yan pouted, troubled. “I’ll grow mushrooms and take care of you.”

Jiang Chengyan’s expression was momentarily indescribable, but very soon, a smile flickered in his eyes. He agreed with surprising ease, even sounding a little pitiful as he replied, “Alright, I’ll leave it to you then.”

Seeing his ready acceptance, Bai Yan was delighted. She bounced with happiness, her bright eyes fixed on him. “That’s better. That money wasn’t honest!”

Jiang Chengyan was speechless inside. It was all perfectly legitimate business, but his wife always thought he was up to no good.

“We have plenty of expenses, so you’ll have to work hard,” he teased, pinching her cheek.

Bai Yan nodded solemnly.

Outside, Zhaojiu, who had accidentally overheard their conversation, was stunned. Outrage! Sheer shamelessness! His big brother was actually asking a little wife to support him? Unbelievable!

“Brother! I need to talk to you!” Zhaojiu’s booming voice called from outside.

...

A large hand landed gently on Bai Yan’s head. “Go play on your own,” he said, then went out to speak with Zhaojiu.

Left in the courtyard, Bai Yan cheerfully picked up a large basket with one hand and carried it to the spacious storage room. She found a small stool, sat down, and began working with the soil.

She wrapped thin sheets of oil paper into rings, glued them into shape, and started filling them with earth.

When Jiang Chengyan returned, he found his once tidy and spacious storeroom in utter disarray. Resigned, he was nonetheless surprised to see her moving nimbly, filling the last tube with soil, then easily lifting the paper tube and placing it on a nearby shelf.

“Husband, fetch me some water,” Bai Yan called, waving her mud-stained hands at him.

Before Jiang Chengyan could react, she added, “Never mind, I’ll do it myself.”

Then, he stood there and watched as she deftly carried a huge bucket of water into the room—all with one hand.