The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 119: A New Play

Chapter 119: A New Play

The carriage was a cluttered scene of opposite sides. On one half, it was filled to the brim with purchases made by Xu Feng. Books, grains, and various groceries were neatly stacked, almost reaching the carriage’s roof, creating a wall of provisions.

Xu Feng was half crouched among this bounty, his head throbbing, and the limited space of the carriage felt even smaller with Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian hovering around him.

While one side was dedicated to their necessities according to Xu Feng, the other half was occupied by Xuan Yang alone for the moment.

Xu Feng had been slightly excessive today...only slightly.

His spending added up to a total of 1053 taels of silver. This included the sum of 150 taels for spices and herbs, 280 taels for clothing, 370 taels for books and various items to fuel his quest for knowledge like enlightenment tools, 100 taels for their personal food, another 50 taels allocated for livestock feed, and the final 50 taels for the mysterious seeds.

It was unlike Xu Feng to be such a big spender, especially considering the exorbitant prices of food and clothing during the middle of winter. Had he had the time to make preparations like to the locals, some of these expenses might have been avoided or significantly reduced.

However, their circumstances were unique, and he was planning for a prosperous year ahead where such high priced purchases wouldn’t be necessary.

For now, though, the cart was a jumble of goods, and it seemed like a jigsaw puzzle that needed to be solved. Xu Feng’s decision to go shopping without abandon had added a considerable load to their journey home.

Looking at the goods that filled the carriage, Xu Feng knew he had to be more practical, there were ways to cut costs. Springtime would bring opportunities to forage and farm, allowing them to save on grains and other food items.

He could reduce expenses by relying on nature for spices, herbs, and certain foods that grew abundantly during the spring.

The cost for clothing could also be trimmed down, as he would have more time to make garments rather than purchasing ready-made ones. Shopping for cloth during the off-seasons when prices were lower could help meet the needs of a household with servants.

Books and seeds, on the other hand, were worth the expense, and Xu Feng didn’t regret investing in them. They were essential for his journey towards living a carefree and exciting life in Nanshan.

He realized that running a large family came with major expenses, and the 400 taels a month from Lady Xuan was no longer a large amount to him. While a farming family could sustain themselves on just one tael a month, their situation was entirely different.

With numerous mouths to feed, including human and animal members of their family, they couldn’t expect to be as frugal.

Xu Feng looked up at the two men doting on him, a slight red bump on his forehead. He felt that the responsibilities of managing a large household were manageable, and he was willing to practice more financial control.

Even as the dizziness from earlier returned in full force, he knew it was all worth it.

Xu Feng winced slightly as Xuan Yang gently touched his forehead while Xuan Jian inspected the small bump at the back of his head. The slight pain served as a reminder of the clumsy accident.

"How does it feel?" Xuan Yang asked, concern evident in his eyes. Xuan Jian’s touch was gentle, his worry equally light and caring.

The incident had unfolded unexpectedly.

When Xu Feng and Xuan Yang were seated in the only available space in the carriage, Xuan Jian finally entered. Seeing them settle into the crowded carriage, Xuan Jian initially chose to retreat and ride in the front with Erlang.

However, Xu Feng couldn’t accept his plan failing before it began. In his hurry to fix the situation, he had acted too swiftly in the confined space.

With slightly sweaty palms, the silver haired ger jolted up too quickly and rammed his head into a very hard headed and grey eyed snake. The snake was equally surprised by the unexpected collisions.

The universe seemed to agree the first collision wasn’t bad enough, so, Xu Feng was somehow ricocheted off said hard headed snake, right into the opposite side of the carriage bumping the back of his forehead with an audible sound.

*THUNK

This led to the current situation, with both men fussing over him, their concern and care making him feel both embarrassed and strangely comforted.

Xu Feng managed to smile, despite the pain in his head, and he decided to proceed with his plan. Neither man should be too upset with him if they cared so much about a few bumps to his head.

He urged, "Hurry and sit," although his tone sounded somewhat weak. He clutched Xuan Jian’s wrist tightly, showing his skilled death, hoping it was enough to keep the other man inside the carriage.

Xuan Jian gestured to the cramped state of the carriage, indicating there was hardly any space left.

"I’ll go." Xuan Yang seemed resigned to move to the front of the carriage, but Xu Feng wouldn’t have it.

"No!" he called out, grabbing Xuan Yang quickly, despite the pain in his head. "You both sit, right now!" His patience was wearing thin with their fussing, and he was determined to see his plan through damn it.

With determination and a hint of nervousness, Xu Feng seated himself on Xuan Jian’s lap with a tense butt, as the carriage started moving. The sudden close contact seemed to catch both Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang by surprise, and they exchanged glances.

Xu Feng’s behavior raised questions and concerns in their minds. They wondered if something had truly happened this afternoon that made him look for physical comfort now.

Xuan Jian was determined to have a private conversation with Xu Feng’s servant boy, Erlang, once they returned to Nanshan estate. They needed to find out exactly what happened at Central Bookstore.

Unaware of the ongoing thoughts and concerns of his husbands, Xu Feng was focused on psyching himself up for the next step of his plan.

He was determined to see it through.