Chapter 69: Cooperate

In the afternoon, Kanghe took Zhang Shili’s suggestion and strolled around Xiao Huai Street. It really was as he said.

In this summer heat, the cold marinated meat stalls were bustling. Not only were all the shops thriving, but every cold marinated meat stall had a steady stream of customers buying meat.

He searched out a stall that seemed to have good business, bought some assorted meat, and brought it home for the family to try that evening.

Hearing Kanghe say it was from this particular stall, the whole family savored the marinated meat carefully.

After finishing, everyone agreed that the cold marinated meat from Xiong’s stall by the round well was the best. Next was Xiangxian’s, whose flavor was notably distinct. Fan Jing found Xiangxian’s taste suited his palate best.

Kanghe tried it too and agreed. Compared to Xiong’s salty and spicy flavor, Xiangxian’s was a bit sweeter and fresher — probably because they added some sugar to the marinade.

The other two stalls’ flavors were average; they weren’t unpleasant, and having been in business for a while, they had loyal customers who still bought from them.

This delicious marinated meat was truly mouthwatering. Those duck feet and pig trotters looked like they barely had any meat — just a thin layer of skin and tendons wrapped around the bones — but chewing them was so fragrant. Although not as satisfying as biting into fresh meat, the flavor was incomparable.

Back when the family was poor, if there was a plan to eat meat, no one would think to choose these bone-heavy, meat-sparse marinated goods. Fresh pork cooked up was the first choice, so they’d never tasted such delicacies.

They just couldn’t understand why some people liked to suck on those bones and skin so much.

Now that the family was running a pork business, eating meat two or three times a day, having cooked it in all sorts of ways — roasting, stewing, frying — with plenty of oil, they actually preferred these less greasy flavors.

The cold marinated meat was fatty but not greasy, and very aromatic — just right for their tastes. How could anyone not love it?

He thought it was because he hadn’t had good things before due to poverty. Now that life had improved, his tastes had changed too.

Chen Xiaofang smirked and said, “If you ask me, there are so many food stalls and shops in the market, but really tasty and well-known ones are rare.”

“Xiong’s and Xiangxian’s can’t be beaten. As for the others, I think their skills aren’t that great. Remember that wild boar marinated meat from before? It was just so fragrant!”

Fan’s father nodded in agreement and added, “I’d like to taste that marinated goose flavor you brought home earlier.”

Kanghe said, “Good marinated meat comes down to two things: quality meat and good marinade. The wild boar is fragrant because it runs around in the mountains all year, the meat is firm and not fatty like a pen-raised pig. The marinade masks any gamey odor, making it delicious.”

“The flavors differ mainly because of the marinade recipe. Each pot of marinade has over ten ingredients, which tests one’s skills. If even one ingredient is off, the taste changes. It’s hard to learn even if you try to steal the recipe.”

Chen nodded. That was why many family feuds arose from disputes over marinade recipes among siblings.

Kanghe continued, “In summer, leftover meat is inevitable at stalls. Smoking or curing is a good way to preserve it, but it can’t all be smoked. Rich families don’t like cured meat; poor families smoke it to eat themselves. Only those traveling far buy it.”

“If we stockpile too much cured meat, that’s no good. The best way is to sell as much fresh meat as possible.”

“I’ve been thinking of starting a marinated meat business — cold marinating some pork for sale. One, to diversify products and reduce leftover pork, and two, to attract more customers.”

“But whether this business will be a blessing or a curse is hard to say. Marinated meat business might earn more but also bring more trouble. For example, if it doesn’t sell well, we’ll end up with leftover marinated meat on top of fresh pork.”

Chen Xiaofang and Fan Shoulin understood the reasoning. Their family wasn’t new to running businesses and they knew these matters well.

Chen Xiaofang felt that if the family had gotten this far, it was largely because Kanghe had taken the initiative. Whether things succeeded or failed, no one could predict, but willingness and effort counted for more than a thousand words.

She said, “Just relax and manage it. Running a business isn’t about avoiding trouble. Farming at the village head, loosening soil, weeding, planting seedlings — every task is troublesome. You work hard and don’t even earn money, and if a disaster hits, it’s a total loss.”

“Doing business is the same. There are good times when you make money and bad times when you lose. No matter what, we support you. If it loses money, our family will cover it.”

Fan’s father agreed, “That’s the truth.”

Seeing the family all in agreement and aware of the risks, Kanghe felt more at ease.

That night, Kanghe shared his thoughts with Fan Jing.

“I’ve been thinking about the marinated meat business. Not for our family alone, but actually to partner with the He family.”

Fan Jing finished washing and lay down in bed. The room was hot. Kanghe, also feeling the heat, poured two buckets of well water into a basin. Whether it was psychological or real, it did seem to cool things somewhat.

Hearing Kanghe’s words, he asked, “Why partner with the He family?”

“I said before, the quality of marinated meat mostly depends on the marinade. The He family’s marinade technique is rare.”

“After tasting their marinated meat tonight, to be honest, it’s still not as good as He’s marinade for cold marinating. Their technique is subtle; it’s edible, but on the market…”

Kanghe was always thoughtful. Though he could control the process himself, doing it carefully and thoroughly was much harder.

“If we have He’s technique, our marinated meat would definitely be better and sell more than if we did it alone.”

“Also, He’s father is sick, his wife is mute, and you know He Xiaoqiu’s temper. They can’t manage business in the city right now. Partnering with us would relieve their immediate pressure.”

Fan Jing pondered silently. During the day, he had asked if He Xiaoqiu’s family was still managing financially. Though they said yes, he knew it was difficult.

His own family had been poor too, and he understood the hardship.

Their worst time was when he, Fan Jing, was injured hunting the bear cub, and had to rest at home for half a year. Unable to work, injured, taking medicine, the family was so desperate they couldn’t even keep the pot boiling.

There was no choice but to sell an acre of good land to get by.

If the He family continued to lose income, they’d surely hit rock bottom.

If the two families worked together, their family would earn money and help the He family. That was ideal.

He said to Kanghe, “If the He family agrees, then good.”

Kanghe smiled, “Since you think it’s a good idea, and He Xiaoqiu likes you, you talk to him.”

Fan Jing’s brow twitched, “I can’t say such complicated things clearly. You do it.”

Kanghe shook his head, “No, you do it.”

Fan Jing frowned. When he opened his mouth, good intentions somehow always ended badly. Why bother talking?

Seeing his pale face, Kanghe laughed and hugged him, rolling together. “Look how anxious you are. Teaching you to talk business is really as hard as teaching me archery.”

Two days later, Kanghe and Fan Jing bought a basket of fruit and two packages of snacks, and went together to the He family.

He Xiaoqiu was feeding geese in the field when they arrived and was very happy to see them.

Hearing they had come especially for him, he even helped lead them into the house to sit.

The afternoon heat was intense.

He’s father was resting, and his mother, Ye, was sewing inside, a cloth strip wrapped around her index finger. She had done many pieces of embroidery — likely part-time work.

Seeing Kanghe and Fan Jing arrive, she quickly tidied up her sewing basket. She and He Xiaoqiu exchanged a couple of gestures, then prepared tea and fruit.

He’s father must not have been asleep deeply because he came out upon hearing the voices. Seeing Kanghe and Fan Jing, he greeted them warmly.

Kanghe inquired about He’s father’s health but didn’t waste time.

He directly explained the purpose of their visit to He’s father and He Xiaoqiu.

“Business?”

He’s father was a bit surprised. Kanghe and Fan Jing were in the slaughtering business, so why did they want to partner in trade?

“How would we work together?”

Kanghe patiently explained.

“In summer, pork is hard to keep fresh. We slaughterers are always trying to find ways to sell meat quickly.”

“I thought, aside from smoking, cold marinated meat sells well in these months. Since we have pork ourselves, we can save on buying marinade externally and try a different way to sell pork.”

“But there are many cold marinated meat stalls in town, and their flavors are all good. Our Fan family doesn’t have good marinade techniques, but your marinated goose is exceptional. I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in partnering.”

He’s father and He Xiaoqiu listened carefully and understood his meaning.

They didn’t rush to agree or refuse, only asking how Kanghe envisioned the cooperation.

Kanghe said, “We provide the pork for marinating and handle the stall setup. You provide the skills and handle the marketing.”

He’s father said, “You mean you want us to do the marinating? Use our technique?”

Kanghe nodded.

He’s father glanced at He Xiaoqiu.

He Xiaoqiu was silent.

Not wanting to pressure them for an answer, Kanghe said, “We came over boldly just to share this with you. No need to decide right away.”

“If you’re interested, we can discuss details later. If not, just forget it. We’ll still visit as usual, and our friendship won’t be affected by business.”

Seeing Kanghe’s tact, the He family relaxed.

Their marinade technique had caused many troubles before, and talking about the recipe always put the household on edge.

He’s father said, “Thank you, little Kang, for thinking of us and coming all this way. Though this business isn’t big, for ordinary families, everything must be done carefully. We will consider it seriously.”

Kanghe nodded, “Exactly. Business, even small, must be cautious and proper. Our Fan family is just a poor, small household, so we appreciate your sincerity.”

After that, Kanghe and Fan Jing didn’t stay long and took their leave.

He Xiaoqiu saw them out, handing Fan Jing a cold melon freshly pulled from the well.

Fan Jing refused.

He thought Fan Xiaoqiu thought he was upset that the business hadn’t been settled, but He said playfully, “Business must be discussed and decided carefully. It’s still your father who calls the shots.”

“I know,” Fan Jing said. “Whether it happens or not doesn’t matter.”

“Then why don’t you take the melon?”

He said, “It’s from our sandy field. The skin’s thick and the flesh isn’t that red, not as sweet as the farmers’ melons, but at least it’s free.”

Hearing this, Fan Jing finally accepted the melon.

Kanghe got the cart ready and called, “Let’s go.”

Fan Jing nodded to He Xiaoqiu before climbing in and driving off.

He’s father stood at the doorway watching his guest leave. The sun was setting, but Fan Jing still stood in the courtyard.

He called them inside.

“I know you like the Fan family brother. He looks indifferent and doesn’t talk much — not the kind to charm others. But such a person is truly honest and kind.”

He said to He Xiaoqiu, “Our family hasn’t known the Fans long, but from what I’ve seen so far, they’re good people.”

“They told us about Zhu Fu’s whereabouts, always brought medicine for us, and never took advantage when we gave them things — always returned more.”

Because of these reasons, He’s father trusted the Fans.

“But we won’t rashly promise anything now. Business isn’t small matter. We must think it through carefully.”

He Xiaoqiu said, “Father, I understand.”

People are unpredictable. Back when the He family was close to the Lei family, He grew up with Lei Xiaoan. When they came of age, Lei’s family hired a matchmaker, and He married Lei Xiaoan early.

The families thought it was a good match, and indeed, they had some comfortable years.

After their first year of marriage, they had a child, and both families were happy.

He’s father said to He, once the child was born, they would share the marinated goose recipe with the Lei family.

But that year, Lei Xiaoan, who wanted to make money for the baby’s arrival expenses, fell in with gamblers and became addicted.

By the time the family found out, he owed over fifty guan at the gambling house, and the gamblers came looking for him, revealing the situation.

If they didn’t repay, the gamblers threatened to chop off legs as compensation. The family was terrified. Lei Xiaoan cried and swore never to gamble again, so both families scraped together money to repay the debts.

But less than two months later, Lei Xiaoan stole money to gamble again, losing their house and land.

Such a huge hole could never be filled.

With no money, the Lei family became heartless, forcing He to sell the marinated goose recipe to save Lei Xiaoan.

He was pregnant but Lei Xiaoan continued gambling. He had become bitter, refusing to sell the secret recipe to save a gambler.

He was determined to make Lei Xiaoan suffer to learn a lesson, but Lei Xiaoan, terrified of the gamblers’ methods, beat He when she refused to sell the recipe.

She lost the child and nearly her own life.

He’s father was so enraged, he fell ill for a long time.

The matter almost turned deadly and had to be settled by the village chief and elders.

Though the families separated, it took much effort and money to break free.

Heaven repaid them; Lei Xiaoan died in the gambling house, but the harm to the He family from this marriage was irreparable.

He’s father’s health declined. Relatives showed concern, but mostly for the marinated goose recipe — which only made things more disheartening.

He Xiaoqiu recalled these events and still struggled to sleep at night, even nearly two years later.

Those fists that struck her, the father who pretended not to know at home, the feeling of being utterly alone — she had never forgotten.

“Father, I know you fear making the same mistakes again and causing more trouble,” she wiped her eyes and said, “But people can’t always live in the past. You can’t be so scared of the well rope after being bitten by a snake. We can’t lose faith in people because of the Lei family.”

“Life goes on. There are still ten years ahead. Our family must live well like before.”

“Father is unwell and can’t manage the city business. Mother only does needlework for extra income. We’ve had no steady income.”

“If the Fan family wants to do business with us, it’s partly for their own benefit but also to help us.”

He’s father’s eyes reddened hearing He Xiaoqiu speak. He felt his brother had truly suffered.

He was frail and unable to protect the child, instead dragging others down.

“I know your thoughts. But let’s not rush. Let’s quietly find out more about the Fan family’s background. If they’re good people, we’ll risk it and partner with them. But if they aren’t…”

He Xiaoqiu took over, “I’m not a reckless child. Father, if the Fan family isn’t good, I know well enough not to do business with them.”

He’s father had once done small trades in the city and had some connections.

He spent money to have the Fan family carefully investigated.

With money comes efficiency; before long, a report was returned.

Though the private details weren’t clear, their basic background was found.

They learned the Fan family had several siblings; the parents were honest farmers. They had been poor before, mostly supported by eldest brother Fan Jing’s hunting in the mountains.

Later, they had a good son-in-law, a decent man. Over two years, their life improved, and Fan Jing learned pig slaughtering outside the mountains.

Their family had no criminal records and the eldest branch had even started a private school teaching children.

The Fan family had no outstanding special skills but no shady dealings either.

He’s father was especially concerned about gambling.

The investigation said no Fan family member had ever been seen in any gambling house.

He’s father breathed a sigh of relief and, after considering everything, believed the Fans were honest people.

Moreover, being a family of teachers, they valued reputation and had moral restraint more than ordinary folks.

Deciding, he was willing to discuss things with Kanghe.

That day, he took He Xiaoqiu specially into the county town.