Chapter Seventy-One: Allowance from Third Brother

Lin Sangqian had also prepared chili powder and cumin powder so that anyone who wanted could sprinkle them over their food. As she brought out the fried chicken, everyone stirred with excitement.

Even Aunt Liao Shuxia came out from the house, asking, “Little Dog, did you make fried chicken?”

“Yes,” Lin Sangqian replied with a smile. “Everyone, stop what you’re doing and come have lunch.”

The crowd gathered around her, and Lin Sangqian said, “Just grab it with your hands. Wash up after you’re done. Sprinkle chili and cumin as you like.”

Aunt Niu curiously picked up a drumstick and took a bite. It was a little hot, but the rich aroma made her reluctant to swallow.

“This is the first time I’ve seen wings and drumsticks cooked this way!” someone exclaimed. “Miss Lin, how did you make this? What’s coating the outside?”

“It’s a secret,” Lin Sangqian winked.

That afternoon, she planned to make some breadcrumbs herself. After all, if she wanted to open a fried chicken shop, she couldn't always rely on the system.

The large basin of fried drumsticks and wings disappeared in the blink of an eye. Everyone licked their fingers, still craving more.

Lin Sangqian urged them to go wash their hands, then rest before continuing with the chicken feet.

She had saved some fried chicken, laying it on oiled paper in a basket, intending to deliver it to her second and third brothers at the academy.

Laifu Lane was close to Haixing Academy, and she arrived quickly.

The students were enjoying their midday break, some strolling in small groups. At the academy gate, a group of children surrounded a seated figure. Lin Sangqian glanced over and saw that the one in the center was her third brother, Lin Beitao.

“Brother Bei, are you telling us a story today?” one child asked.

“Don’t rush! Same rule as always—if you want a story, it’s one coin each!”

Living in town, a coin meant little to these children, so most eagerly began to pull out their money.

Just then, Lin Beitao spotted Lin Sangqian and hurried over.

“Sister, what brings you here?” he asked in surprise.

“I brought you some food. Third brother, what are you doing?”

“Heh, just keeping busy and making some money.”

Lin Sangqian sighed, “Third brother, don’t worry about making money. Just focus on your studies with second brother.”

Lin Beitao scratched his head, embarrassed. “Honestly, I don’t think I’m cut out for studying. Once I learn a few more characters, I’ll stop attending the academy. Second brother is better suited for it.”

“How’s second brother lately?”

“He’s really smart! Sister, you don’t know—Master Ge always praises him, saying he’s the brightest student at the academy.” Lin Beitao spoke with a hint of pride. “He’s only been here a few days, but he already knows so many characters!”

Lin Sangqian nodded, “Second brother is certainly a promising scholar.”

“As for me, I’d rather go into business with you,” Lin Beitao stuck out his tongue.

“You still need to learn all the characters first. Otherwise, you won’t even be able to read the ledgers.”

“I know that. Sister, what delicious food did you bring? Second brother should be sleeping now.”

“Then don’t wake him. Take it back and share it with him when he wakes up. Eat it while it’s hot—it’s not as good cold.”

Lin Sangqian handed him the basket. Lin Beitao lifted the lid curiously, “These are… wings and drumsticks? Why are they so golden?”

“You’ll know when you try them.”

“Heh, anything you make is always delicious,” Lin Beitao said, accepting the basket. He pulled a coin pouch from his chest and handed it to Lin Sangqian.

“Sister, this is the money I’ve earned these past days—about thirty coins. Take it.”

“Why give it to me? Keep it for yourself,” Lin Sangqian protested. “You earned it.”

“This is your pocket money from third brother,” Lin Beitao smiled sheepishly. “It’s not much, but it’s from the heart. You must take it.”

Lin Sangqian felt warmth blossom in her chest as she put the pouch away.

“Thank you, third brother.”

“Don’t worry, sister. I promise I’ll earn even more for you in the future! Do you believe me?”

“I do!”

…

Leaving Haixing Academy, Lin Sangqian touched the coin pouch Lin Beitao had given her, a smile blooming on her face.

This must be what it feels like to be cherished by a brother.

At that moment, she heard the sound of a carriage approaching from behind. Turning, she saw a carriage not far away. Judging by its decorations and the maid walking alongside, it likely carried a lady.

Lin Sangqian’s eyes brightened. She took out the embroidered purse Liao Shuxia had given her and let it “accidentally” fall to the ground before walking ahead.

As expected, as the carriage passed, the maid picked up the purse.

“Little girl, you dropped your purse,” the maid called.

Lin Sangqian turned quickly, walked over, and smiled, “Thank you.”

“This purse is quite pretty,” the maid remarked, surprised by the carp design. “Did you embroider it yourself?”

“No, my mother did,” Lin Sangqian replied confidently. “My mother’s embroidery is amazing.”

Just then, a woman’s voice sounded from the carriage, “What purse?”

“Madam, look, this purse is beautifully embroidered.”

The curtain was lifted, revealing an exceptionally beautiful lady, dressed as a noblewoman, likely not yet thirty.

The maid handed over the purse, and the lady’s eyes flashed with admiration.

“The carp is so lifelike—truly impressive.”

“Beautiful sister, if you like, my mother has several more finished purses, or you can request any pattern you like. The price is negotiable,” Lin Sangqian said with a smile.

The lady laughed, amused by her. “You’re quite sweet, little girl. All right, have your mother embroider one with mandarin ducks and another with gardenia flowers. When they’re done, deliver them to the Yu residence.”

Yu residence?

Wasn’t that Yu Jingxiao’s home?

“Remember, bring them to the west side gate, not the main entrance.”

“Understood.”

The maid returned the carp purse to Lin Sangqian and whispered, “No rush, but make sure the embroidery is as good as this one. You’ll be well rewarded.”

“Absolutely!” Lin Sangqian replied cheerfully, “You can count on us!”

The maid nodded, and the carriage rolled away.

Lin Sangqian hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly.

Perhaps, Liao Shuxia could use this opportunity to introduce her embroidery into the town’s noblewomen’s circle.

However, the lady’s identity did pique Lin Sangqian’s curiosity.