Jin's House that Evening
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THE ZHAO FAMILY HOMEwas one of the newer houses built into the cliff face, with a small terrace garden and windows that overlooked the lower town.Two years old, paid for by his father's successful expansion into the luxury goods trade.
Jin could remember when they'd lived in three cramped rooms above a shop.His mother never forgot either—which was why she was so determined that her children marry well.
"You were late tonight," his mother said as Jin entered the dining room.She was setting out dishes—fragrant stir-fried vegetables, braised pork, steamed buns, a fish soup that smelled incredible.
"Work," Jin said simply, washing his hands at the basin.
His father, Zhao Wei, looked up from where he was pouring tea."Trouble?"
"Nothing serious.Checking on the new resident at the cursed farm."
His younger sister Mei-Lin perked up from where she was setting out rice bowls."The plant magic girl?Sara told me about her.Said she's nice.Pretty, too," she added slyly.
"Mei-Lin," their mother said sharply.
"What?I'm just saying what Sara said,” she said innocently.
Jin sat down, accepting tea from his father.The dining room was warm, comfortable, with good furniture and proper dishes—all things his mother took great pride in after years of making do.
"I heard there was a scene in the market," his mother continued, serving soup."That foolish woman made a spectacle of herself!Using magic in public like some common brawler."
"Lyra was upset," Jin said neutrally.
"Upset because Viktor Andersen finally showed some sense."His mother set down her ladle with emphasis."That girl was never suitable.Weather magic is flashy, but what use is it really?And her family is drowning in debt, everyone knows it."
"Mother—"
"I'm just stating facts.Viktor courted her for two years and she never once considered that she should make herself actually useful to him.She expected her magic and her looks to be enough."She served rice with slightly more force than necessary."Meanwhile, she could have learned business management, could have built connections, could have done a dozen things.Instead she spent money on dresses and parties."
"The cursed farm girl seems practical, at least," Mei-Lin offered, clearly trying to help."Sara says she's already established regular trade.Good quality goods, reliable supply."High praise in a merchant’s house.
Their mother's expression tightened."Yes.I've heard."
Jin caught his father's eyes.Zhao Wei gave a tiny shrug—you know how she is.
"The wash drum I ordered was delivered today," their father said, changing the subject smoothly."Should arrive by week's end.Your mother's been wanting one for months."
"Finally!"his mother said."The maids will appreciate it.Hand washing is brutal on the hands.I don't know why we waited so long."She’d washed her own laundry for many years, so she knew exactly how hard it was.
"Because they're expensive and we just bought this house," Mei-Lin said, reaching for a bun.
"We can afford it now."Their mother's tone was proud."Your father's business is thriving.We're not scrambling anymore."
No, they weren't.The luxury goods trade had been very good to them.Silk, fine ceramics, jewelry—items for the wealthy families in town and the surrounding estates.
Which was exactly why his mother had strong opinions about suitable marriage partners.
"Speaking of which," his mother said, and Jin suppressed a sigh.Here it came."Chen Lian's daughter asked about you at the market yesterday."
"Mother—"
