Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 2 seems to really want a woman.
Cao Weida really liked the TV series "Glorious Times," and he even watched the finale.

The finale left a question open: the big boss, the migratory bird, never actually appeared.

Many people online have speculated that among the characters in the drama who fit the description of migratory birds, Wang Baye seems to be the most suspicious.

Of course, only the author himself probably knows who the migratory bird really is.

Although he was curious whether the other party was a migratory bird, he didn't foolishly insist on verifying it.

Curiosity often kills the curious cat!
If you foolishly go to investigate a suspected spy who is so deeply hidden, aren't you just asking to be killed?

He's not a dog of the Japanese devils; only a fool would do that.

As for whether it is or not...
Then there's even less reason to investigate. What's there to investigate about a hoodlum who hangs out on the overpass all day and acts like a good-for-nothing?

He neither deliberately avoided nor tried to please him, treating him as just an ordinary neighbor, albeit an annoying one.

"Bringing Eighth Master along will definitely not be a problem."

Just as Master Wang showed a hint of joy, before he could even speak, Cao Weida's next words immediately made him look gloomy: "But Du Yi Chu is so expensive, how can we afford it? So I just discussed with Master Duo about going to Du Yi Chu for a treat, and splitting the cost."

"If Eighth Master is interested, we can do it together, following the same rules as before, how about that?"

The smile on Wang Baye's face froze. He coughed and pretended to rub his stomach: "I was just joking with you. I'm so tired of eating at Du Yichu. I just ate until I was round and full. I'll get sick of it if I eat any more."

He looked exactly like a shameless local rogue who was obsessed with saving face.

Cao Wei Da smiled with narrowed eyes, "Yes, yes, that's why we have to say it's the Eighth Prince. The Eighth Prince is tired of eating it, and we can only taste it occasionally, and even then we're reluctant to part with it."

"Eighth Master, we're all neighbors. As the saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. Why don't you treat us to a meal?"

"Let's not have them all in one place. With your magnanimity, Eighth Master, you should invite Fengzeyuan Garden to match your status."

At first, Wang Baye's smile just froze, but the more he listened, the greener his face became.

When he heard that he was to treat everyone to a meal at Fengzeyuan Restaurant, his face turned completely green, like the Hulk. He immediately clutched his stomach in pain, "Ouch, I can't take it anymore, I ate too much and now I have an upset stomach!"

"No, no, I need to go to the toilet."

As he spoke, he bent over, covered his buttocks, and before he even entered the courtyard, he turned around and ran away again.

Cao Wei Da's smile deepened, and he called out from behind, "Eighth Master, is this matter settled then? When will you invite him?"

Wang Baye stumbled, but ran even faster, completely ignoring Cao Weida's shouts and pretending not to hear them.

Seeing that Uncle Wang had run away, Duomen shook his head with a smile: "You know, that mouth of yours really doesn't come cheap. I reckon Uncle Wang won't dare to greet you for days."

"It's better if he doesn't greet me; I can't be bothered with him anyway." Cao Weida said disdainfully, spitting in the direction of Wang Baye.
"He's shameless all day long. It's one thing if he's outside, but he's always gossiping in our yard. We only put him in our place because we're neighbors, otherwise we'd probably make him wear sunglasses!"

Fearing that Cao Wei Da would offend this unruly fellow and become like a leech, Duo Men quickly waved his hand.
"Hey, hey, Xiao Cao, Xiao Cao, don't be impulsive, we're all neighbors."

“If we fight, he’ll come after us. Let’s not stoop to his level. There’s no need.”

"I was just saying," Cao Weida chuckled. "I'd be afraid of getting my hands dirty if I fought him. That bastard hasn't showered in who knows how long."

"Hahaha~~ You're quite the smooth talker when it comes to insults." Domen laughed, but then immediately remembered that he hadn't showered for over ten days.
I took a sniff, and it did seem to have a scent.

He glanced at Cao Weida suspiciously. Was this kid trying to make a veiled attack?
He coughed awkwardly twice. "Hey buddy, come on over to my place for a quick bite, and I'll treat you to a bath later."

"Thank you so much, Master Duo," Cao Weida said with a beaming smile. "I haven't had a scrub in days, and my whole body is really itchy."

"Don't worry, once I get paid, I'll definitely treat you to a meal at Du Yi Chu!"

Duomen joked, "It's not going to be split equally, is it?"

Cao Wei Da became anxious, "Master Duo, aren't you contradicting me?"

"Just kidding, why did you take it seriously? Well, I'm waiting for you to treat me then, let's go."

Upon entering the courtyard, a woman in her thirties, with a certain charm, was washing clothes.

"Master Duo, Cao'er, you're back."

She was the wife of San'er, a rickshaw puller. His full name was unknown; he was usually called Third Sister-in-law.

“Yes, Third Sister-in-law is doing laundry.” Cao Weida nodded and replied with a smile. “Third Brother is so lucky to have married such a beautiful and virtuous wife. If I ever marry a wife, I’ll definitely choose one who meets your standards.”

Third Sister-in-law beamed with joy; who doesn't like to be praised?

She smoothed her chin-length hair behind her ear with her wet hand, and gave him a sidelong glance. "Don't just say nice things. These are things that we women should do."

Women stay home and do the laundry, while men go out to earn money—this is all perfectly normal.

It can be said that in this era, it is only natural for men to earn money to support the family and for women to do the washing and cleaning.

Unlike in later generations, she was truly pampered and never lifted a finger, lacking the life of a young lady but suffering the illness of one.

These days, if a woman can't even do housework well, she'll be talked about behind her back.

Duomen chuckled from the side, "What's wrong, man? Missing a woman?"

"That's true. We're all rough men, and it's really not good to be without a woman at home. You're not bad looking, and at least you have a decent job. This is a good opportunity!"

"Let me tell you, you've come to the right person. Our Third Sister-in-law knows every woman with a bit of looks in these dozen or so alleys around here!"

Third Sister-in-law smiled knowingly, “That makes sense. Cao’er is handsome and tall. Although your job doesn’t pay much, it’s enough to make a living.”

"I do have a girl here, she performs at the opera house, and she's incredibly beautiful, her name is Du Shiniang."

"Wait, Du Shiniang?!" Cao Wei Da was taken aback.

Du Shiniang, isn't that Zhang Chao's wife?
That woman who later became obsessed with the old woman who believed in the envelope!
"What, you know him?" Duomen asked, puzzled.

"I guess we know each other."

Cao Wei Da felt something was amiss, so he said, "So it was my third sister-in-law who introduced Du Shiniang to Zhang Chao?"
As if on cue, Zhang Chao, a white-faced, beardless man, walked in through the courtyard gate and greeted them with a smile: "Master Duo, Cao'er, Third Sister-in-law, you're all here."

Zhang Chao was carrying his clappers, his livelihood.

In the outer fifth district, Zhang Chao's clapper talk was top-notch; he was incredibly eloquent.

He frequented streets and alleys, wedding venues, and theaters.

Seven years later, because Du Shiniang believed in her mother, she was swindled out of a lot of money, and Zhang Chao even resorted to high-interest loans.

At this time, Zhang Chao was living a fairly comfortable life because he was no longer burdened by Du Shiniang.

Entertainment options were scarce these days, so listening to clapper talk became one of the few remaining forms of entertainment.

Zhang Chao, a well-known figure in the world of clapper talk, is quite popular. While he may not be extremely wealthy, he is certainly well-off.

so.
To prevent Zhang Chao from repeating his old mistakes and nearly having his hand chopped off several times, we intercepted Du Shiniang, all for his own good!
I'm so kind-hearted.
"Chao'er's back! Oh, I can smell the meat from far away, did you have a big sale today?"

"Master Duo, you know what, there was a newlywed couple today who asked me to go and call out a few times, and then they let me stay for a simple meal." Zhang Chao licked his lips, which were still greasy, and didn't even want to wipe them off.

These days, it's not easy to have a lot of oil in your belly.

"That's why having a skill means you'll never have to worry about food and drink. Look at how well-fed Chao'er is, so fair and clean," Cao Weida teased with a smile.

This kid has a weak and limp aura about him, he doesn't have a bit of manly spirit.

Someone online said that Zhang Chao might be a eunuch.

People who believe in these kinds of things are usually those who have unspeakable suffering in their lives.

Although Zhang Chao didn't have a lot of money, he was definitely not starving. So why did Du Shiniang become obsessed with some old woman?

Once material needs are met, the remaining concerns are spiritual and physical.

so.
If he were truly a eunuch, wouldn't that save Du Shiniang from her suffering?
Tsk, I, Lao Cao, am indeed too kind-hearted.
"Third sister-in-law, you must take that matter seriously. If it succeeds, you'll definitely get a red envelope."

Third Sister-in-law chuckled and teased, "Looks like Cao'er really wants a woman. Alright, leave him to your Third Sister-in-law, I guarantee you'll have someone to help warm your bed tonight!"

(End of this chapter)