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The Fang Family and the Zi Clan were surprised when they heard from the Li Family. The Fang Family felt curious and a bit jealous, while the Zi Clan was simply curious and happy for Xiao Lihua and her family. They hoped that Fourth Brother and Sister Four would do well, so that in the future, the brothers could help each other out.
Cuiya, the daughter of the Fang Family, and Hongya, the daughter of the Zi Clan, were quite curious and expressed a desire to go see.
The Fang Family was reluctant to go due to their pride and asked the Zi Clan to take them along since they had a good relationship with the Fourth Household.
The Zi Clan initially wanted to go but didn't want to take two little girls with them. These girls were the type who would ask for things, and bringing them along would be annoying. So she said there was still work to do inside and turned back into the house.
The Fang Family pouted and told their daughter and Hongya that if they wanted to go, they should go on their own. After all, they were young, and it wouldn't matter if they went. She actually hoped her daughter would bring something back. Although she cared about her reputation, she never thought it was shameful for her children to bring back things. The Li Family also allowed them to go and even let Shackles join them, so the four children ran off happily.
Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua had already returned home. When passing by Wang Dashan's house, they also brought Stone and Wood back on the Ox Cart, along with Copper Coin. They took a paper bag filled with snacks and candies from the Ox Cart to Wang Dashan's house. They quickly came out and invited them in, explaining how they acquired the cow and sheep. Wang Dashan and his wife immediately locked their door; buying a cow was a big deal, and they were curious.
Under the watchful eyes and inquiries of the villagers, they arrived home, drove the Ox Cart into the yard, and began moving things inside. It was then that Xie Youshun told Wang Dashan how they got their silver, mentioning that they had helped someone who then generously gave them one hundred taels of silver.
"Oh my! This is like money falling from the sky! You are good people; good fortune truly comes to you. If we could encounter such luck in the future as well... One hundred taels of silver! With that, you can buy cows and sheep, build a few more rooms, and even buy land. Your lives will surely prosper! Heaven is helping you!"
Zhang Lianxiang said enviously, wondering why she hadn't gone out today. If only she could have encountered such an opportunity; it seemed she lacked this kind of fortune.
Wang Dashan also felt envious, especially of the cow. He had always wanted to buy one but hesitated because buying a cow could mean building two rooms, plus cows are hard to raise—if one died, it would be a loss. He had been indecisive while others like Xie Youshun had seized their chance with silver to buy one; it showed real courage. If he had one hundred taels of unexpected wealth, he would definitely buy one too. However, he thought that when it came time to use a cow, he could rely on his relationship with Xie Youshun for convenience; paying rent for a cow would be easier if it went to a friend rather than someone else.
Hearing Wang Dashan mention renting his cow in the future, Xie Youshun immediately said there was no need for payment; just use it when needed. Xiao Lihua echoed this sentiment.
The Wang couple was pleased but insisted on paying; otherwise, if others became envious later on and tried to use their cow for free, it would cause trouble.
"When the time comes, we’ll say we paid them; how will they know whether we did or not?"
Xiao Lihua laughed as she spoke. She wasn't someone who liked taking advantage of others; however, there were some people she genuinely wanted to help, and the Wang family was one of those she was willing to assist.
Zhang Lianxiang held Xiao Lihua's hand and thanked her repeatedly, and everyone was quite happy. However, before long, some people came to visit, all inquiring about the cattle. Wang Dashan helped answer their questions but didn't disclose the amount of Silver they received. Those who came to visit were filled with envy and jealousy. After the children from the old house arrived, they first circled around the cattle and sheep for a while, then came inside and looked around, prompting Xiao Lihua to give them some snacks and candies to keep them entertained.
Xiao Lihua didn't want more people to come, especially not those from the old house, so she told Xie Youshun to take some things to the old house. Xie Youshun nodded, took out the snacks and meat for the old house, locked the door, and left. As they walked through the Village with these items, when others asked where they were going, they said they were delivering some things to their Parents, immediately earning praise for not forgetting their Parents after becoming wealthy.
Upon arriving at the old house, they set down the items and then chatted with Xie Shengcai and the Wang Clan.
At that moment, a few men who had been out in the fields returned and stood by listening. After hearing how Xie Youshun got that Silver, regardless of their thoughts, they all pretended to be happy for him.
Xie Shengcai smiled and said, "They say that surviving great calamities brings blessings; after such a disaster, Fourth Brother's Wife has indeed brought good fortune. From now on, live well; good days are ahead."
Wang Clan scoffed, "What good fortune she brought; it's my son who is fortunate."
Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua ignored her, simply smiling and nodding, saying they would definitely live well in the future.
Xie Youhe said, "Fourth Brother, you bought both cattle and sheep this time; you must have gained quite a bit of Silver. You should honor your Parents a little. Over these years, our Parents have suffered enough because of you all. Because of that Auspicious matter, we even lost money for building houses; can't you help out a bit?"
Wang Clan added, "Exactly! Fourth Son, how much Silver did you get this time? We won't ask for too much; just give each of your three brothers ten taels and ten taels for me and your father. As for your two sisters, forget it; when Ruyi gets married, just give her a set of headgear."
Xie Youshun's smile immediately faded. Xiao Lihua almost laughed in anger; this mother-in-law was something else—asking for forty taels of Silver just like that! A set of headgear would cost at least ten taels itself; altogether she was asking for fifty taels! Did she really dare to ask for that? Fifty taels of Silver was their family's savings over many years! After Xie Family married off four sons over these years, when they divided the family assets there were only thirty-some taels left. Now she opened her mouth to ask for fifty taels without knowing how much Silver they had—this woman was truly biased!
Xie Youtai frowned and said, "I don't want Fourth Brother's Silver. Fourth Brother didn't have a single cent when we divided the family; it was all borrowed money just to have a place to live. I'm the older brother; I can manage on my own!"
"Yes," another voice chimed in. "Fourth Brother has it tough too; how much Silver can he really give? He probably spent most of it on buying an Ox Cart or something else and is still in debt. We can't keep asking him for money anymore. Where would his pride go?" Zi Clan said from the side, infuriating Fang Family, Li Family, Xie Youhe, and Wang Clan who stared at her in disbelief.
"What Taihe and his wife said makes sense; how much Silver could he possibly have? Do you want him to borrow more money for you?"
Xie Shengcai felt a bit ashamed. He originally wanted to help his brother, thinking that since his wife needed more, he should ask for less. But after hearing what Second Son and Second Daughter-in-Law said, he realized he was truly confused.
The Wang Clan asked Xie Youshun how much Silver he had received.
Xie Youshun replied, "We have use for this Silver. The family has been divided, and they say we are a burden. When we split from the family, we took nothing with us, so we have paid our dues. If my brothers didn’t hand over the money to the public before Ruyi got married, they would definitely have a house to live in. If we can do it, they certainly can too. It's too hot today; let’s not crowd here and make you uncomfortable. We’re leaving."
As Xie Youshun spoke, he stood up and walked out, with Xiao Lihua closely following him. Staying here any longer would only make everyone feel stifled.
Xie Youhe wanted to chase after them but was stopped by Xie Shengcai, who still felt guilty. The Wang Clan cursed angrily but could do nothing; the Silver was in their son's hands, and they couldn't just take it back.
Xie Youtai and Zi Clan came out to see Xie Youshun and his wife off at the door, advising them to spend the Silver quickly, whether on building a house or buying land, so they wouldn’t keep worrying about it. Xie Youshun nodded and told Second Brother to speak up if he needed Silver. Xie Youtai smiled and quietly remarked that the couple had some private savings. Seeing Xie Youtai's usually serious face show a somewhat sly expression made everyone laugh, lifting their spirits a bit.
"Let’s buy land first. The rainy season is coming soon; if we want to build a house, we’ll have to wait until autumn. Besides, we have enough space to live in now; we can build in autumn or next spring. Let’s buy land first," Xiao Lihua said to Xie Youshun. In ancient times, farmers valued land as treasure; having land made one feel secure, and in the countryside, farmland was often more valuable than houses. It also symbolized a good life for the family.
"I was thinking of buying land too. Tomorrow we can go to town and ask the brokers to help us find out where there is land for sale. The Wheat harvest is coming soon; I expect there will be more Dry Land available for sale," Xie Youshun said.
He thought Dry Land would be fine since it wouldn’t require worrying about water.
Xiao Lihua believed that whether it was Dry Land, Paddy Field, or Shatian (sand fields), as long as the right crops were planted, it would be good land. She had farmed before and knew that fish and crabs could be raised in Paddy Fields while various plants could be intercropped in Dry Land. If done well, there would be a bountiful harvest. In sandy fields, watermelons, sweet potatoes, and peanuts could also be grown profitably. Farmland was full of treasures; it just depended on whether one was willing to put in the effort and thought.
When they returned home, the family of four closed the door and led the cattle and sheep into the backyard. They first caught all the chickens and put them in cages before tying up the cattle and sheep in the shed, thinking about building another straw shed when they had time.
"Mom, Lamb wants to play with Little Black Head and Little Black Leg."
The child tugged at Xiao Lihua's hand, unwilling to leave those two Lambs behind, his eyes fixed on them.
Xiao Lihua smiled so much when she heard her son name the two Lambs that her eyes turned into crescent moons. She thought the names were really good, hugged her son, kissed him a couple of times, and said she would milk the Sheep for them to drink.
Shitou asked, "If we drink the milk, will the Lamb still have food?"
"Yes, but the Lamb will slowly start eating grass. When that time comes, you can go get them some tender grass to eat, okay? They will be under your care."
Xiao Lihua assigned tasks to her two sons. In ancient times, children would help with work at a young age. Xiao Lihua loved her children but didn't want to spoil them, so she only gave them light tasks that they could do while playing. Of course, she planned to cut enough grass first before letting her sons go; this way, if they didn't cut enough grass, it wouldn't matter and they wouldn't get too tired.
"Okay! I'll get grass for Little Black Leg!" Mutou clapped his hands and said he liked Little Black Leg.
"Then I'll get grass for Little Black Head and Big White," Shitou remembered the big sheep.
"Then it will be hard work for my two little treasures. In the future, I will make you fragrant Sheep Milk to drink, with no fishy taste at all. I guarantee you will love it."
Xiao Lihua smiled and prepared to milk the ewe tomorrow, letting it rest today.
At that moment, Xie Youshun heard a knock on the door. He went to open it and saw Xie Qingfeng and his wife Yumiang. He quickly let them in. The couple looked at the cattle and sheep with envy. When they heard Xie Youshun say he wanted to buy land, they became even more envious, thinking how nice it would be if they could also establish such a family business in the future. Then Yumiang remembered something and said there seemed to be someone in the Village selling land, and it was quite good land—an above-average Paddy Field.
Upon hearing this, Xie Youshun quickly inquired and learned that a couple in the village wanted to sell their land because they were going to the city for business. He recognized this couple and had seen their field; it was indeed a very good Paddy Field with five acres. Xie Youshun's interest was immediately piqued.
The author has something to say: The third update is complete.
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