The Fugitive's Wife (1)
The market in Peixian was bustling with people exhaling white puffs of breath. Hot steam rose like a haze above the frigid air.
“Fresh duhwa! The famous melt-in-your-mouth duhwa from the Lü family has arrived!”
Lady Cao’s booming voice sliced through the winter chill. The front of her stall was already packed. A hunched grandmother clutching her coin purse, a mother carrying a child on her back, even a silk merchant passing by—everyone was jostling for those soft, white lumps.
The large tray emptied in the blink of an eye. But there was no need to worry. Behind Lady Cao, five more trays of duhwa sat neatly covered with white cotton cloth.
The scene reminded me of a 21st-century restaurant opening day frenzy. I stood in the shade beneath a distant eave, watching the heartwarming spectacle of capitalism with satisfaction.
It’s selling well.
My bold business expansion had been a resounding success. In the beginning, I’d misjudged demand and had to throw out spoiled batches with tears in my eyes, but word-of-mouth proved remarkably effective. Even without any advertising, news that the delicious Lü family duhwa was always in stock spread like wildfire. It wasn’t just the neighboring villages anymore—traveling merchants from farther away were now showing up after hearing the rumors.
Of course, wrestling with five massive cauldrons every morning was backbreaking labor… Still, nothing restored one’s energy like financial therapy. I didn’t feel tired at all.
“Sister-in-law.”
At that moment, Xiahou Ying approached, his body puffed up like a ball in thick padded clothes. He looked like a sturdy, rolling bear. I straightened my clothes and gave him an elegant nod.
“Lord Xiahou.”
“You’ve been working hard again today. The merchant Cao from the western market has placed an additional order for straw sandals. Will you be able to meet the quantity?”
“An additional order for straw sandals… One moment.”
I pulled out my bamboo accounting slips from my sleeve and unrolled them with a soft rattle.
“It should be possible. How much does he need?”
“Double the previous amount.”
“Double… Very well. We’ll reflect that in the next shipment.”
Construction on Jeonunchang was still underway, but our house—now that Liu Bang had left so abruptly—was fortunately empty. The space that had once felt overwhelmingly large was now filled with straw sandals and ropes.
It’s a bit pitiful… but what can I do? I’ll just have to make the sacrifice.
It was the dead of winter; farming was impossible, let alone field work. The idle labor force of the women huddled indoors to escape the cold had reached its yearly peak. Money had to be earned when the opportunity presented itself. I nodded and pressed a note into the bamboo slip with my fingernail.
“And, sister-in-law.”
Xiahou Ying spoke again. I folded the slip and looked up.
“Yes?”
“A traveling merchant over here wants to ask about wholesale.”
“A traveling merchant?”
I tilted my head and turned my gaze. From behind Xiahou Ying, an unfamiliar middle-aged man stepped forward. Sun-baked bronze skin, a large bundle on his back, well-worn straw sandals. And above all, those eyes—eyes that looked like they would sell you their liver and gallbladder for profit, yet would never lose a single penny. He had the sharp, gleaming gaze unique to seasoned merchants. Anyone could tell he was a veteran trader.
The moment our eyes met, he bowed with a voice as smooth as if it had been oiled.
“Pardon me. I am Li Dan, a merchant from neighboring Danfu County.”
“I am Lü Zhi. What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to discuss business. Would it be possible to purchase duhwa in bulk?”
“In bulk?”
“Yes. I’d like to introduce this incredible flavor to the people of Danfu County as well.”
Danfu County. It was the neighboring town to Peixian where the Lü family had lived before moving here. A two-day journey by carriage—close enough to transport the duhwa while maintaining its freshness.
“Hmm…”
I fell into thought for a moment. Wholesale to a neighboring county. This was the first step toward franchising. Until now, we had only played inside the well that was Peixian. Now came the chance to extend our straw into the next village. A quantum jump in sales lay before my eyes. This was also the second stage of the master plan I had prepared when starting the duhwa business.
But.
If this expansion wasn’t to become a flash in the pan, risk management had to come first. I looked at Li Dan with a calm expression.
“Lord Li, may I ask you one thing?”
“Please, go ahead.”
“How do you plan to manage quality control?”
“Pardon?”
“Freshness is the life of duhwa. The taste changes after four days, and it spoils after five. If you get greedy and sell product that’s on the verge of spoiling, who do you think the arrows of criticism will point toward?”
Li Dan’s pupils trembled slightly. I continued without hesitation.
“Rumors like ‘The Lü family duhwa doesn’t taste good’ or ‘They’re selling spoiled goods’ spread in an instant. I have no desire to see my product’s reputation tarnished.”
It was a preemptive strike. I was showing that I cared this much about my goods. That I was not the soft, sheltered woman of the inner chambers I appeared to be. Only then did the obsequious smile disappear from Li Dan’s face, replaced by the calculating expression of a true merchant.
“I understand what you mean. Please state your conditions.”
“I’m glad. It seems we can communicate.”
I crossed my arms and lifted my chin slightly. To make it clear that in this deal, I was the one in control—not some madwoman of the martial world—I hardened my expression.
“First. The wholesale price is two coins per piece. No bargaining.”
“Two coins? That’s too harsh, madam! After coming all this way, I won’t even make back my travel costs!”
“That is the price of my quality guarantee. This is an item people in Peixian can’t even buy because it sells out so fast. If you don’t like it, you’re free to leave.”
The ‘If you’re not buying, get lost’ tactic. It was the privilege of a supplier with a monopoly. If you’re upset, go grind your own beans. I continued without pause.
“Second. When you sell it, you must clearly state the origin as ‘Peixian Lü family duhwa.’ You are merely a distributor selling my product on my behalf. You are not the maker.”
The importance of brand marketing went without saying.
“Third and last. If you sell duhwa with quality issues and complaints arise, the deal will be terminated immediately. Not only will there be a penalty, but I will recall any carts that have already departed.”
“……Hah.”
Li Dan clicked his tongue in amazement.
“Such boldness is wasted on someone living in the inner chambers. If you had been born a man, you would have become a great merchant.”
His tone was close to mockery. I paid it no mind.
“I’ll take that as a compliment. Will you accept?”
I stared at the merchant with an expression that demanded a yes or no. Li Dan remained silent for a moment. I could almost hear the abacus beads clicking in his head. But the answer was already decided. Duhwa sold well even at four coins apiece. A merchant skilled enough to recognize its value would never abandon this goose that laid golden eggs.
“……Very well. Let’s go with those conditions.”
Li Dan nodded, smacking his lips with a hint of regret. Only then did I smile brightly. A perfectly professional business smile.
“A wise choice. We can discuss the detailed terms tomorrow morning once the fresh batch of duhwa is ready.”
“Agreed. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The deal was closed. Li Dan looked somewhat aggrieved, but he had no choice. He trudged away with heavy steps. Once he was gone, Xiahou Ying, who had been watching from the side, muttered in admiration.
“Sister-in-law, your business acumen is truly remarkable.”
“Is it?”
“Absolutely. To handle such a slippery merchant with just a few words.”
“That’s why I nailed down from the start that there was ‘no room for negotiation.’ Merchants always dig for any opening they can find.”
“Hmm…”
Xiahou Ying stroked his beard as if fascinated.
“But sister-in-law, where did you learn such techniques? I thought this was your first time running a business.”
“……I learned it from my father. Just by watching over his shoulder.”
Once again, I summoned the all-purpose Father-in-law Shield.
“As expected of Lord Lü Gong.”
Fortunately, Xiahou Ying nodded without any suspicion.
It feels like I’m only getting better at lying.
But what could I do? My very existence was one big lie.
“Then I’ll head back home now. Please take care of the afternoon deliveries as well.”
“Ah, yes. Have a safe trip. I’ll help Lady Cao with her stall a bit longer before returning by cart.”
I gave Xiahou Ying a light bow and turned away. On the way back, I pulled my clothes tighter against the biting winter wind. Not long after, I spotted a flag that caught my eye and suddenly stopped.
Superior Aged Liquor Now Available
Superior Aged Liquor. The finest rice and water, brewed and aged deep underground. And if it was the fine wine produced in Xiao County, it was a rare item that was nearly impossible to obtain in Peixian even with money.
Liu Bang once sang about it.
Of course, I hadn’t begged him to buy it in earnest. It was the same feeling as when I, in my previous life, had idly searched for Michelin-starred restaurants I could never afford—just poking at something out of reach.
“……”
But the current me had spare funds. Even today’s sales alone would be enough to buy three or four bottles of the stuff and still have plenty left over. Silently, I took out my coin purse and checked its contents. Then, struck by a sudden wave of reality, I bit my lip hard and closed my eyes.
You’re going to buy alcohol for that drunkard? Have you lost your mind?
My reason screamed. The annoying image of him stumbling home reeking of liquor and collapsing into bed flashed through my mind. That damn old man who snored, ground his teeth, and had terrible sleeping habits. The ugliest side of the man named Liu Bang, the one I truly never wanted to see again.
Then why…
I had already imagined it. The expression he would make when he returned covered in dirt and saw me waiting with that bottle. His eyes widening, jumping around like a child in delight.
[My wife is truly the best in the world!]
He would probably shout that and even kowtow. Then he would scurry over, set up a drinking table, and inevitably place a cup in front of me as well.
[You can’t refuse a cup offered by your elder. Here, take it! The night is long!]
The clink of cups. Our faces quickly flushing from the strong liquor. Liu Bang would surely grin like a fool in high spirits. Then he would slyly slide closer, gently wrap an arm around my shoulder. And after that…
“……Excuse me.”
When I came to my senses, I was already standing in front of the liquor merchant. The string of my coin purse had already been loosened. My hands had moved faster than my brain.
“Yes? Ah, yes. Are you looking for something?”
The sight of a young woman in fine silk clothes peering at his liquor stall seemed to puzzle the merchant. I deliberately ignored his gaze and held out my purse with as much dignity as I could muster.
“Superior Aged Liquor. Give me all of it.”
“All of it? All three bottles?”
“Yes. All of them.”
This was… yes, it was lobbying for the future emperor who was currently suffering through hell on Mangdang Mountain. No matter how much 400 coins I had given him, that man was undoubtedly enduring tremendous hardship. Feeding him delicious food, letting him sleep under warm blankets, and giving him the kind of fine liquor he could only dream of before. These were all merely props for the perfect wife cosplay. There wasn’t a single shred of personal feelings mixed in. None whatsoever.
……Yes, this is a sophisticated strategy to raise Liu Bang’s loyalty. It’s HRM—Human Resource Management. You know how it works.
Repeating that to myself desperately, I quietly cradled the three bottles of Superior Aged Liquor in my arms.
It was late December. The first snow from the previous night had turned the world pure white, as if dressed in mourning clothes.
“So you’re recommending someone to take charge of the practical operations of the Abundance Society?”
I was currently sitting across from Xiao He, sipping tea. Xiao He took a sip, then nodded with his characteristic faint smile.
“Yes, madam. For now, Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo have been helping in turns, but both have their own livelihoods. Frankly, they are men better suited to clubs and flutes than to brushes.”
“Mmm, I can’t deny that.”
It was impossible to entrust accounting ledgers to a butcher and a musician. Those loyal men might not embezzle, but they would almost certainly mess up the addition and subtraction and make my hard-earned money vanish into thin air.
“Once the Abundance Society begins actively managing funds, we will need a professional administrator to handle the books and documents. Someone discreet, sharp-minded, and above all, capable of faithfully carrying out your will, madam.”
“Indeed.”
Certainly, literacy was essential for managing anything. Since both Xiao He and Cao Shen were busy with county office duties, the time had come when I desperately needed a capable, dedicated secretary to act as my hands and feet.
“That makes sense. So, who is the talent that Lord Xiao has been keeping an eye on?”
“Yes. A man from Peixian, surname Shen (審), given name Yi—”
“My lord! Sister-in-law!”
At that moment, a panting voice tore through Xiao He’s calm tone. Bang—! The door burst open as if it would shatter. A rush of cold air and snowflakes swept into the room.
“T-this is terrible!”
It was Xiahou Ying. Covered head to toe in snow, he looked like a snowman that had rolled inside.
“Ying? What’s all this commotion about?”
Xiao He set down his teacup and frowned. Xiahou Ying braced his hands on his knees, breathing raggedly, then looked at me with a deathly pale face.
“B-Brother Ji….”
“My husband?”
“Brother Ji has disappeared along with the prisoners!”
The devastating news echoed through the room. The surface of the tea in the cups on the table rippled faintly.
“……”
I swallowed hard. Xiao He also drew in a sharp breath, then immediately turned to look at me. The hand holding his teacup was trembling slightly.
“Madam, this is…”
“Yes, I understand.”
He was gone. Liu Bang. Together with the prisoners. In other words, he had fled.
Just as history recorded…
I had known this moment would come. Liu Bang releasing the prisoners at Fengyi Marsh and becoming a bandit on Mangdang Mountain. Being led by fate to slay the great white serpent and beginning the legend of the ‘Son of the Red Emperor.’ All of it was content from the Records of Chu and Han that I had memorized thoroughly.
So there was no surprise. It was all according to plan. Everything… was proceeding exactly as history dictated….
So he really didn’t come back.
For some reason, a corner of my chest throbbed painfully. Perhaps, deep down, I had harbored the tiniest sliver of hope. That the 400 coins I had given him might twist the wheels of history just a little. That Liu Bang, having solved the problem in some miraculous way, would suddenly appear with a goofy grin and say, “Zhi! I’m back!”
It seemed the soul of this thirty-year-old uncle had been clinging to such complacent, foolish expectations.
“Haa…”
But history was ruthless. Liu Bang had become a ‘fugitive.’ And I… had become, as scheduled, ‘the fugitive’s wife.’
“Sister-in-law…”
Xiahou Ying looked at me with a face on the verge of tears. Xiao He also waited for my next words with a hardened expression.
“I’m fine.”
I smiled. Of course, it was a forced one. The back of my neck went cold, and the corners of my mouth trembled. But getting flustered wouldn’t change anything. Smile, Lü Zhi. And think. To survive, your head must stay cool while your actions burn hot. Sadness or disappointment were luxuries. Not now.
“Then the county magistrate will move immediately.”
Now, the first real test was beginning. According to history, Lü Zhi, the fugitive’s wife, would now become a top-priority investigation target. A fish caught in the net of collective punishment. Soon, the magistrate himself or the jailers he dispatched would come bursting in. And then…
I’ll get beaten like a dog.
This was the third century BCE, where a criminal’s human rights were worth less than a neighborhood mutt. Moreover, Lü Zhi’s charge involved the ‘possibility of colluding with a traitor.’ Even if she wasn’t immediately imprisoned as a rebel, there was no denying she would face intense interrogation. The label of being a daughter of the Lü family would not protect her from the jailers’ clubs.
It’s okay. I won’t get hit. I’ve been preparing for today.
It wasn’t as if I had spent the past month just selling duhwa and playing with money. There was Plan A, which I had outlined and Xiao He had filled in with details. Inside it was a clear scenario prepared exactly for today.
I rose slowly from my seat. My silk skirt rustled as it dragged across the floor. Hiding my trembling hands deep inside my sleeves, I looked straight at Xiao He.
“Lord Xiao.”
Then, with a cool smile on my lips and a voice completely free of fear, I declared:
“From this moment on, we will execute the first phase of the welcoming ceremony.”