Chapter 575: Making Candles
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Luo Jin’an held Su Binglan’s hand as he spoke. His heart clenched when he realized her palms were cold. Immediately after, he gently placed her hands in his and warmed them for her, saying, “Come inside. It’s cold out here.”
“All right, let’s go inside the house.”
After returning to the house, Su Binglan looked at the candle on her husband’s table. When she noticed there was only one remaining candle, she asked, “Don’t you have any more candles?”
Su Binglan thought the light from the candle was too dim. It was not good for her husband’s eyes if he worked with such dim lighting.
Luo Jin’an was stacking his papers when he paused and said softly, “l only have this candle left. I’ll get someone to buy more tomorrow.”
For the safety of his subordinates, Luo Jin’an told everyone to live at the foot of a very remote mountain. There was a long distance between here and the nearest market.
Therefore, one would only return late at night if one went out in the morning. Hence, one might not be able to get what one might need at night. After all, things were chaotic outside, with bandits and spies hiding in the darkness.
Luo Jin’an’s subordinates might get in trouble if they accidentally exposed themselves. Moreover, the Hongs of Beishao Country were looking for Luo Jin’an and his people.
So, Luo Jin’an thought he should finish using his only remaining candle for now. He did not want anyone to leave the premises and risk getting in trouble.
“Is that because I’ve been using up the candles?” Su Binglan said with self-blame. She had used many candles after teaching everyone to cook at night. She also lit candles to illuminate the place whenever she was busy at
‘Indeed, it was a waste of candles.’
“No, it’s not you. Don’t blame yourself.” Luo Jin’an shook his head.
After some thought, Su Binglan said, “Fortunately, I can get some oil for us to light oil lamps.”
She felt using candles was much more convenient because lamps tended to burn oil and go out faster. She could use a candle for a long while to save resources.
After more thought, she said, “It would be great if I could make candles.”
‘Candles are too expensive in this era.’
Su Binglan’s eyes instantly lit up. She exclaimed excitedly, “Jin’an, I have an idea! I have an idea!”
Luo Jin’an’s mood improved when he saw how happy his wife was. He asked, “What’s your idea?”
“We can make our own candles!” Su Binglan’s eyes brightened even more.
“Make our own?” Luo Jin’an raised his eyebrows. As far as he knew, making candles was not that simple. However, his wife could always surprise him.
‘Since she said that, she can undoubtedly do it.’
Luo Jin’an’s eyes also lit up.
“Yes, that’s what we’ll do,” Su Binglan said solemnly, “Everyone uses beeswax now, but we can make white candles from white wax. Certain insects secret the wax I mentioned.’
She had not considered that before. Still, she felt she had a huge business opportunity if she could make white candles.
Luo Jin’an turned thoughtful upon hearing his wife’s words. “It would be great if we could make candles, but where do we find those insects you mentioned?”
“These insects live in places with high temperatures. They typically produce white wax during spring.”
“So, we must go somewhere warm to get these things, right?” Luo Jin’an asked thoughtfully.
Su Binglan nodded. “Yes, but it’s too cold here, so it’s unsuitable for harvesting white wax. We’ll go to the south to look when we have time. There will also be plenty of business opportunities in the south.”
“Yes, but there’s no rush in making white wax now,” Luo Jin’an said softly.
“Since I can’t make candles now, I can make you an oil lamp.” Making oil lamps was easy, so Su Binglan made a simple one for her husband. That way, the room would be brighter, and Luo Jin’an could continue reading the information he had received.
“Are you going to burn all those after reading them?” Su Binglan asked.
It was vital information if Luo Jin’an burned them after reading them.
“Yes, we cannot allow these pieces of information to fall into the hands of others.’
“Can I see them?” Su Binglan blinked.
“Of course, you can. You’re my wife. You can see all of these.”
Still, there were some things he could not tell Su Binglan since he did not want her to worry about them. Although he could not trust others, he knew he could trust his wife. Moreover, Su Binglan had nothing else to do at that moment.
She felt her heart ache for Luo Jin’an when she read the messages he received. She just wanted to do something for him. “I’ll help you on the sidelines by burning the ones you think you should burn.”
Since she had nothing else to do, she decided to help her husband however she could.
Luo Jin’an’s hands paused when he saw the messages. He turned to look at his wife and said, “You’ve been busy all day. You need your rest.”
“But I’m not tired.” Su Binglan shook her head.
“How can you not be tired? You haven’t rested since returning from Black Mountain Forest. Plush, you’ve been busy making dumplings with the others until now.”
Luo Jin’an did not want his wife to tire herself like that, if possible. However, she was insistent, and he could only accompany her.
‘As long as she’s happy, I guess.’
Su Binglan did not feel tired because she would feel accomplished if she helped her husband.
“l wasn’t tired even after visiting Black Mountain Forest. Besides, you know how one’s mood will improve after harvest. Then there was the dumpling making, where everyone helped. I only moved my mouth and gave instructions. I quite enjoy this lively atmosphere.”
Su Binglan also enjoyed helping her husband.
Luo Jin’an recalled his subordinates’ happiness and said, “Everyone has been smiling non-stop since you arrived. Aunt Songs and the others’ children were frightened initially, but they enjoy being close to you now.” He was attentive and noticed the changes in everyone.
“Those kids remind me of Xuexuan and Xuehai,” Su Binglan said.
Her nephews were sensible and obedient. Su Wenzhe and Liu Yinyin did not even have to keep such a close eye on the two little ones. Sometimes, Su
Xuexuan and Su Xuehai even offered to help Su Binglan when she was busy
cooking.
“Are you homesick?” Luo Jin’an asked softly.
Su Binglan shook her head. “I’m all right. I just came here not too long ago.
Besides, I already settled everything at home before leaving. My family should be okay without me for a while.”
She had not grown accustomed to being away from home but felt better since her husband was beside her. That was mainly because the young couple had known each other since Su Binglan was Lan Ruobing.
Su Binglan still felt a sense of familiarity when facing Luo Jin’an. She might have treated him as her brother when she was Lan Ruobing, but things had changed since he became her husband..