Liu Yuan soon received the news that he could officially take up his post. With the County Magistrate's order, everything went extremely smoothly. The Head of Beisi Outpost even came to the Liu residence personally to tell Liu Yuan to report for duty the day after next.

The Liu family's previously gloomy atmosphere was completely reversed. Liu Yuan and Madam Zhang were both beaming with joy. Especially Madam Zhang; Liu Zhen felt her attitude toward the children that day could only be described as being bathed in a spring breeze.

It was no wonder. People in ancient times married early. By careful calculation, Liu Yuan was only approaching thirty this year. For an able-bodied man to be cooped up at home all day with nothing to do, scorned by the townsfolk... even if he didn't feel bad, Liu Zhen felt bad for him.

But Liu Zhen discovered that her father had a good quality: his mental fortitude was superb, and his skin was incredibly thick. No matter how his own father and half-brother found fault with him, he would just smile without responding. When he received cold stares from the townsfolk outside, he never brought his temper home.

But while his mental resilience was strong, Madam Zhang was different. Who wouldn't want their husband to be successful? She was truly fed up with being called "Liu the Useless's wife" behind her back every time she went out.

Before, Madam Zhang even had some complaints about Liu Yuan. She felt he couldn't accomplish anything. Although she was the daughter of a merchant, her standard of living hadn't been this low before she was married. But after marrying into the Liu family, she received not a single benefit, but instead endured endless cold stares and ridicule, and even had to use her dowry to support the family. Looking at her sisters from her maternal family, they had either married merchants or farmers. Their husbands' families' status were all inferior to the Liu family's, yet none of them lived as miserably as she did.

But now, things were better. Her luck had finally turned. Madam Zhang's constantly furrowed brows finally relaxed. After confirming that yesterday's events were not a dream, even the corners of her mouth held a contented smile.

After seeing Liu Yuan off, before Liu Zhen could follow Liu Nan out to catch fish, she instructed Liu Nan and Liu Zhen to look after Liu Wan. Then, taking the newly woven straw mat, she brought her youngest daughter, Liu Zhuang, and headed for her parents' home.

Madam Zhang's parental home was in the same Xiang Town as the Liu family's. It was just that the Liu family was in Chunze Village, while Madam Zhang's parental home was in Xiangkui Village. The Zhang family had four sisters, and Madam Zhang was the eldest. When this marriage was arranged back then, Madam Zhang had even become the object of her sisters' envy and jealousy. This was because the Liu family had quite a reputation in Xiang Town. Liu Yuan's grandfather was Elder San, and his father was a Town Officer. Even though Liu Yuan himself was the son of a concubine and Madam Zhang would have to be a stepmother after marrying him, it was still much better than marrying an ordinary farmer.

Who knew that fortunes would turn? Liu Yuan was not valued at all in the Liu family. He had the Liu surname in name only. In the end, he had to join the army himself to exchange for his birth mother's freedom from servitude. After he returned, the Liu family neither allocated him any fields nor helped him find a job. With four children under his roof waiting to be fed, their lives became worse day by day.

In contrast, Madam Zhang's three younger sisters had married either merchants or farmers. Although not as renowned as the Liu family, their lives were practical and real. At the very least, they could eat a meal of millet rice every three to five days, which was much better than Madam Zhang's family.

Previously, Madam Zhang had used her dowry to supplement the family's expenses. Whenever their income fell short, she had no choice but to brazenly return to her parents' home to ask for help. Although the Zhang family was in commerce, they could only be considered small artisans—the major merchants had all been exiled to the frontiers by Qin Shi Huang. As Madam Zhang returned to her parents' home more frequently, even her parents didn't give her a pleasant look. When her sisters occasionally gathered, she was still the one who stood out as the most miserable. The neighbors all said that not only was Madam Zhang stuck with a lazy good-for-nothing, but she also had to be a stepmother. Her own parents and sisters had said no few things about her behind her back. This made Madam Zhang both angry and embarrassed, yet she still had to swallow her pride and ask for help from time to time. The feeling was simply indescribable.

This time, when Madam Zhang returned to her parents' home, more than a month had passed since her last visit. Besides bringing the mat she wanted to ask her father to sell, she also brought a chicken.

The Zhang family members were not surprised to see her arrival. Madam Zhang's youngest sister had just married not long ago and was back at her parents' home for a visit. Seeing the situation, she smiled and said, "Is it that the Liu family has nothing for the pot again, and Elder Sister has come back to our parents' home to get things?"

Madam Zhang was angry at her sharp tongue and didn't bother to reply. Holding her little daughter's hand, she saw her mother and, smiling, handed over the cage with the chicken in it. "Mother, this chicken is for you."

Her daughter had been married for several years but had never brought anything to her parents' home. It was good enough that she didn't take things away. Her mother looked at the lively little rooster in the cage and asked in surprise, "What's happened? Has something happened at my son-in-law's home?"

Seeing her younger sister beside her also pricking up her ears, Madam Zhang smiled faintly. "Something has happened, but it's not a bad thing, it's a good thing."

She then recounted the story of Liu Yuan getting a job.

The members of the Zhang family were all overjoyed to hear it. Madam Zhang's youngest sister was especially envious and jealous. She had thought her eldest sister's family would never be able to turn their fortunes around for the rest of their lives. Who knew that such a good thing, like a pie falling from the sky, would happen?

A minor officer like a Constable might be nothing to a true official or noble, but to common folk who had been law-abiding for generations, it was already a very big deal.

Her mother asked, "Was it the Liu family's old master who helped?"

Madam Zhang pursed her lips. "For them to help, you might as well hope for the sun to rise in the west. It was my husband's sworn brother who helped."

Her mother smiled and said, "No matter what, this is a great thing. Let's see who dares to call my son-in-law a good-for-nothing now!"

Madam Zhang's sister could not hide the envy on her face. "How come I've never heard that brother-in-law had such a friend?"

If she had married later, perhaps she could have made a match with him.

Madam Zhang did not particularly like this youngest sister. When she was in her most difficult times, it was this sister who ridiculed her the most with her words. Hearing her say this, she smiled. "Little Sister, the An family is also a scholarly family. It's just that that uncle's family fell on hard times when he was young, and it was thanks to my husband's help that he managed. Now, he has long been married with a child, and the couple is very loving!"

The implication was, even if you weren't married now, you shouldn't even dream of it.

Madam Zhang's sister's expression changed, and as expected, she said no more.

On this trip home, Madam Zhang returned feeling refreshed and invigorated. Not only did she entrust her father with selling the mat, but she also got a boost of accomplishment. Seeing the gazes of her parents and younger sister change from shock to pleasant surprise, and then to various forms of envy and relief, she felt extremely satisfied. In her good mood, she even bought a few portions of malt sugar on the way back. She gave one to her youngest daughter Liu Zhuang, and wrapped the other portions in reed leaves, preparing to bring them home for the little ones.

When she returned home, an even bigger surprise awaited her. Liu Nan and Liu Zhen's haul was two fish and a small basket of early-ripened apricots. For a family still struggling on the poverty line, this meant they could eat well for at least two meals.

Madam Zhang smilingly distributed the malt sugar to them. Liu Wan's portion had been eaten on the road, and she was now sucking her fingers, staring eagerly at her siblings. Liu Zhen had no interest in this simple snack and passed it to Liu Wan. The latter's eyes lit up, and before Madam Zhang could stop her, she had already taken it and licked the malt sugar all over.

"Slow down, you look like a starving ghost!" Madam Zhang chided with a laugh, but in her heart, she was very pleased with Liu Zhen's loving behavior towards her sister. "Where did you all go to play?"

Liu Zhen said, "It was that apricot grove not far from our house. Elder Brother said there were apricots to pick there, so he took us..."

Before she could finish speaking, a shout came from outside, "Ah Nan—Ah Nan—!"

"It must be that fool Ji Ci!" Liu Nan giggled.

"Elder Brother, aren't you going to see!" Liu Zhen pushed him.

"You go if you want to! He didn't even catch a single fish today. Maybe he's here to beg for fish from us!"

"The Ji Family's circumstances are much better than ours. Who would care about your fish!" Liu Zhen shot him a look. Seeing that he wouldn't go out, she had no choice but to go out herself.

As soon as Liu Zhen walked out of the house, she saw a boy standing outside the fence.

The fence could be easily pushed open from the outside, but Ji Ci refused to enter without asking, insisting on standing outside and shouting.

"Ah Ci," Liu Zhen walked over. "Why haven't you gone home yet?"

The boy had refined features, was only about eight or nine years old, but his clothes and appearance were much better than all the Liu family children.

"You left this behind when you left just now. I brought it over for you." He held up two small fish strung together with a grass rope.

Liu Zhen glanced at it and smiled, "Thank you so much. But your home is quite a distance from here. Now that you've delivered the fish, it must be late for you to go back, right?"

"It's no matter, I'll just walk back now," Ji Ci smiled.

He was Liu Nan's classmate at the village school. The group of boys led by Liu Nan thought Ji Ci was too dull and always put on airs. Ji Ci also felt that Liu Nan and his group were noisy all day long and did not like to mingle with them. Today, his companions had urged him to go catch fish by the river. He hadn't wanted to go originally, but he couldn't suppress the playful nature of a young boy in his heart, so he ended up going along. Unexpectedly, he ran into Liu Nan's younger sister, and after a bit of conversation, they hit it off surprisingly well.

Liu Zhen's young body housed a mature soul. Even though she sometimes tried to hide it, her speech was still more mature than that of an ordinary child, and she had no communication problems when talking to adults. She had also heard from Liu Nan that Ji Ci came from a scholarly family and usually clutched bamboo slips, never letting go. Since she happened to want to learn to read, she asked him many questions. The two hit it off immediately. Even for today's spoils, the small basket of apricots, it was mostly she who climbed the tree to pick them while Ji Ci helped catch them below.

After half a day, the two had become much more familiar with each other.

"It's already getting late. If you don't mind, why don't you have a simple meal at my house? Fill your stomach first, so you don't hurt it." Since he had delivered the fish, Liu Zhen was too embarrassed to just send him away, especially since he had helped her answer many questions.

Ji Ci wasn't polite either and accepted generously, "Then I shall impose."

Over there, Madam Zhang had long learned of Ji Ci's existence from Liu Nan. The Ji Family's reputation in Xiang Town was even greater than the Liu family's, because the Ji Family had served as officials in the Chu State for generations. Their ancestors had even held high positions like High Minister and Grand Master. Later, when the Chu State was destroyed, the family scattered like monkeys when a tree falls. The Ji Family fled and went into seclusion here, not daring to seek the limelight anymore, instead becoming dutiful scholars. But in the eyes of the people of Xiang Town, the Ji Family was still an incredible scholarly family. At a young age, Ji Ci was already highly praised by the teacher at the village school.

Thinking of this, Madam Zhang's smile deepened. She said to Ji Ci, who had followed Liu Zhen inside, "Thank you, Young Master Ji, for bringing the fish over. If you don't mind, why don't you stay for lunch before you go?"

Ji Ci bowed deeply. "Thank you, Madam Liu. Ji Ci imposes on you."

His extreme politeness made Madam Zhang chuckle. "It's just a simple meal, why must you be so polite, Young Master!"

Since a guest had arrived, the fish that was originally planned for two meals would have to be made into one. Although Madam Zhang felt it was a bit of a pity, she could still tell what was more important. One had to know that the Ji Family was much more prominent than the Liu family. Because of this, she even felt that serving bean rice was too shabby.

Behind them, Liu Zhen walked into the kitchen carrying the small basket of apricots. "Mother, let me help."

To be honest, from Liu Zhen's perspective, she felt that Madam Zhang's cooking skills were merely average, and could even be described as terrible. But this was not surprising. They were a humble family; being able to eat one's fill each day was already good enough. How could they afford to be particular?

For the sake of her own appetite, Liu Zhen had often followed Madam Zhang in and out of the kitchen since last year. She called it helping with the cooking, but in reality, she was taking the opportunity to give some pointers, hoping to improve their food and flavors.

Of course, bean rice was just bean rice; no matter how you fiddled with it, you couldn't make it into anything fancy. Tofu had not yet appeared in this era, and Liu Zhen certainly didn't know how to make it. She could only try her best to improve things with the existing ingredients. Of course, she was very careful when she spoke. For example, when she saw Madam Zhang washing shepherd's purse, she would use a suggestive manner like, "Mother, can shepherd's purse be cooked with eggs?" However, most of the time, Madam Zhang couldn't pick up on such hints.

So, when Liu Zhen turned five this year and her physical coordination improved, she began to try taking charge of some of the kitchen work. Children of the poor mature early. In Xiang Town, there were five or six-year-old girls from families with similar circumstances to the Liu's who helped with farm work. Liu Zhen's behavior was not conspicuous; on the contrary, it made Liu Yuan and Madam Zhang feel that she was sensible.

At first, Madam Zhang didn't really intend to let her help, but under Liu Zhen's repeated insistence, she let her be. And gradually, the Liu family all discovered that as long as there were ingredients, the food Liu Zhen made tasted really good.

However, most of the time, ingredients were lacking.

So it was just the same few things over and over again.

But today, there were four more fish.

Liu Zhen scanned the kitchen. "Mother, the four fish are all quite big. We can make four dishes. Let me help make two of them, shall I?"

Madam Zhang had never really thought of making four dishes. In her opinion, one was enough. Just descale and gut the fish, put it in the pot to boil, and at most throw in some patchouli. Four dishes? What was there to make?

But she knew this daughter of hers was clever and resourceful, so she asked with a smile, "What do you want to make?"

Liu Zhen told her one by one. The more Madam Zhang listened, the more amazed she became. By the end, even she could barely control her saliva. This was all because the family was poor. She remembered that when she was at her parents' home, she could eat meat every three to five days. It was nothing like now, when they could only have meat on rare occasions.

Madam Zhang was moved and sighed, "It must have been hard on you, to be able to think of so many different ways. But now that your father has found a good job, our family's life will be much better! I wonder how he's getting along with his colleagues, whether he's getting used to the work, and whether he'll be bullied?"

Liu Zhen smiled, "Father is so good with people, and he himself is capable. How could he be bullied?"

In her opinion, her old man seemed honest and kind, but was actually cunning. It would be good enough if he didn't bully others; for him to be bullied was a huge joke.

A personality like Liu Yuan's, if placed in later generations, would be suited for business or navigating bureaucracy. He could thrive anywhere. He was truly not suited to be a farmer at home. But in this era, the status of merchants had been repeatedly degraded by Qin Shi Huang, which was why Liu Yuan was unwilling to go into business. Moreover, Liu Zhen could also see that this father of hers was simply the restless type. To put it bluntly, he was a bit too ambitious for his own good. If not for a decent job falling into his lap now, who knows how long he would have continued to live off his wife at home.