Chapter 71. New Year's Eve
"It's been one month and twenty-two days since our snack shop opened. We've earned a total of five hundred and three liang!" In the dead of night, Mrs. Su, You Yin, You Zhu, You Bao, and You Jin were sitting in Su Family's main room. You Jin whispered to the four of them the results of the last few days' accounting: "Among them, forty-seven liang were from selling fragrant melon seeds. The remaining four hundred and fifty-six liang were earned by our snack shop!"
"So much!" Not only the children, but even Mrs. Su was dumbfounded: "You Jin, did you calculate correctly? Our family really made so much money?"
Mrs. Su couldn't imagine this. It turned out that her little skill can make so much money.
The four children also looked shocked: "Five hundred liang! So much silver!"
You Yin and You Zhu were working alongside You Jin every day, so they naturally knew that they were making money. But they didn't expect to earn this much money. Fast-thinking You Zhu thought: "Eldest Sister, how about we open another shop next year?"
Seeing that everyone was so shocked, You Jin grinned: "Although we earned more than five hundred liang, we spent almost two hundred liang to buy the shop and the labor. After cutting this off, there's not much left. If we rush to open another shop again, money and manpower are problems. If we go too far, we will have problems."
"I've already figured it out. Our house will have to be rebuilt when spring comes. Not only do we have so many people in the house, we sisters need a room for each of us, don't we?"
You Jin didn't plan to keep this sum. Rebuilding the house and buying more land all cost money.
When they heard that they could have their own room, the sisters were very excited. They didn't even have their own room when they grew up! So they chattered and began to suggest ideas to You Jin: "Eldest Sister, then we need a big kitchen!"
"Yes, we need a yard. And there are peach blossoms on the mountain behind. We can plant some peach blossoms!"
"Okay, okay. The more you talk, the happier you are. Go to bed early. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve." Mrs. Su smilingly calmed her daughters who were about to jump up.
You Jin nodded: "We'll start choosing a site to build a house after the spring thawing after the New Year."
After discussing with Mrs. Su mother and daughter for a while, she came out of the main room and went back to the east wing to sleep.
In the early morning of New Year's Eve, continuous firecrackers sounded from nowhere. After stretching her waist, You Jin climbed up from the warm kang. She saw figures swaying outside through the bright paper pasted on the window. It turned out to be Su Family's little girls playing in the yard.
"Ah! Third Elder Sister, don't throw the firecrackers at me!" You Bao, who was being chased by You Zhu with the firecrackers, kept screaming while dodging. The younger ones happily followed behind the two of them. The sound of laughter chimed in the yard. The snow-white house seemed to be full of vitality and very lively.
You Zhu, who was sweating slightly from running, lit a firecracker and quickly threw it beside You Bao. The firecracker wasn't very powerful. Still, it made You Bao scream. Seeing a savior come out, she hurried over: "Eldest Sister, Third Elder Sister is bullying me!"
"Su You Bao, aren't you ashamed? You can't run, so you ask Eldest Sister for help!" You Zhu made a cheeky face at You Bao. Her cheeks were rosy. Truly full of energy.
You Jin reassuringly patted You Bao's shoulder and grinned: "Alright, you're all sweating from running. Go in quickly and get a handkerchief to dry off. If you get sick during the New Year, you can't take medicine. Then you'll have to suffer."
At Eldest Sister's words, the children obediently went in to wipe off their sweat. Look at Younger Sisters who were all dressed in thick clothes and had grown up a lot after a year of eating and drinking. They bloomed a lot. Each and every one of them looked like little beauties. You Jin only felt a sense of accomplishment in her heart.
After wiping off the sweat and drinking some hot soup to ward out the cold, it was time for Su sisters to study again. According to Yu Lan's arrangement, Su sisters had an hour each in the morning and afternoon to study. Even on New Year's Eve, there was no day off. They still have to learn what they should learn.
Though Su Family sisters started to attend classes, Xin Yi, Shan Nai and others weren't idle. They were going to prepare tonight's New Year's Eve dinner.
Su Family had a lot of people celebrating the New Year this year. So You Jin bought a new year pig from a family in Wuliqiao. After killing it, some was given to Mrs. Su to make smoked bacon and two hams. The rest were all frozen and eaten slowly. Plus, there was the cabbage and potatoes that can be stored at home. The chickens that have been raised for a year can also be eaten. You Jin had also bought one mutton rib cage in Luohe Prefecture. There was no worry about whether New Year's Eve dinner would be bountiful or not.
Now Mrs. Su didn't have to do it herself. Still, she was used to cooking for her daughters. So she told Xin Yi to watch over the two little ones and started preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner in an orderly manner with the five maids in the kitchen.
Su Family's New Year's Eve dinner this year wasn't too small. There were Su Family's ten members and seven maids including Yu Lan. Plus Uncle Wang and Han Li's two brothers, there were exactly twenty people attending New Year's Eve dinner. Mrs. Su decided to prepare six dishes and one soup. Each dish was a big pot full. That way, there was fear of not being full.
On New Year's Eve, the weather was pretty good the whole day. As the sun was setting, You Jin took a few younger sisters and pasted up the couplets outside Su Family's courtyard. Then she stood at the door of Su's house and looked at Wuliqiao Village on the other side of the river. There was also smoke curling up from the kitchens. A faint golden light shrouds the vast land. The snow-covered land in the distance was also golden. From time to time, there were a few dogs barking, children's playful laughter, and the on and off sound of firecrackers.
Breathing out a breath of turbid air, it turned into a white mist in an instant before disappearing. You Jin turned around, entered the house, and closed the half-old wooden door to hide the warmth of the room from outsiders' view.
The new year's eve dinner was held in Mrs. Su main room. The sky was slightly darkened. After Bai Zhi brought the last bamboo shoot and chicken soup to the table, You Jin jollily picked up the teacup in her hand: "Today's New Year's Eve, I will replace wine with tea and thank you everyone's hard work this year. I hope that next year we can work together to earn more money, eat better food, and live in a bigger house!"
After listening to You Jin's words, everyone in the brightly lit main room cheere, "Yes! Earn more money!"
They also stood up with a clatter and toasted with tea instead of wine.
Uncle Wang was the only one who drank alcohol. You Jin specially brought back half a jin of quality Zhuyeqing for Uncle Wang to enjoy. After happily drinking a bowl of wine, Uncle Wang laughed: "I'm already old. Money doesn't matter. I'll be satisfied if I can drink better wine next year!"
"Okay! I will get you better wine next year!" You Jin responded with great enthusiasm. Then she announced: "Everyone pick up your chopsticks. If you wait any longer, it will be cold!"
Su Family's New Year's Eve dinner was rich and delicious. The kang was so burning that it even made the whole house very hot. Everyone's mouths were covered in oil as their bodies felt cosy. This meal took a whole half an hour to finish, leaving only leftovers on the table.
After the meal, Uncle Wang couldn't win against the alcohol. So he went back to the canal worker's dormitory to rest. Only Han Li brothers were left to watch the new year with everyone in Su's house.
"You Zhu, you take Er Hua and the others to the storeroom to take out the firecrackers and fireworks that were bought a few days ago and light them for fun!" Standing under the eaves of the porch looking at the clear starry sky, You Jin smiled and found something fun for the bored children.
Sure enough, after hearing You Jin's, the children cheered and went to the storeroom. Only the older ones like You Jin stood on the porch and watched.
"It's been half a year since you came to our house, are you accustomed to it?" You Jin and Han Li stood side by side a few steps away, watching the children in the courtyard. She merrily asked.
Han Li was a person of few words. He only replied with an 'en' and didn't say anything else. You Jin wasn't angry at all. She jollily said: "At first, I didn't want you to come to my house. I don't know your background. You were defensive and have attack power. But You Yin can't stand seeing you suffering, so she begged me for a long time."
Amused, she shook her head, "I can't do anything with her either."
This was the first time Han Li heard the origin of him coming to Su's house. It turned out that she had pleaded for him! Seeing the laughing figure in lavender clothes in the courtyard, Han Li's eyes were full of gratitude.
"Forget it. This is all in the past. Since you have come to my Su's house, you can just stay there. If you want to leave someday, please tell us in advance." You Jin sighed. She leisurely continued: "After all, there is friendship, right?"
Han Li and his younger brother didn't sell themselves to Su Family. If they want to leave, they can do it at any time.
"I won't go." How rare, Han Li expressed his stance. Seeing his response, You Jin just smiled lightly and didn't make any comments.
The New Year's Eve countdown was til midnight. Children seldom made it to this point. After playing until ten pm, they all start to get sleepy and want to go to bed. After carefully covering the younger sisters who were sleeping in a row with warm quilts, You Jin quietly exited Mrs. Su's room and came into the hall. At this time, Mrs. Su was whispering to Yu Lan. Seeing that she came out, they immediately shut up.
Seeing them like this, You Jin didn't say anything. She went out of the main room and back to her own room. She picked up an old book that was about to fall apart, went back to the main room to sit by the candle, and read it with relish.
Back to Yu Lan listening to Mrs. Su words. Instead, of having a happy face like Mrs. Su, Yu Lan frowned and shook her head instead: "Madam, you'd better ask Eldest Miss about this matter first. In my opinion, the two are not compatible."
"What? Do you think that You Jin isn't good enough for He Family's Eldest Son?" Hearing what she said, Su thought that Yu Lan felt that her family reached for a high branch like He Family, "Although He Family's Eldest Son is currently a Tongsheng, but our You Jin isn't much worse than him! Our current family business is much better than He Family's, no?"
"Madam, it's not us climbing a higher branch. I think it's He Family who climbed the higher branch. Eldest Miss crawled out of your stomach. Naturally, you know her mind and ability the best. Let's not talk about anything else and just Su Family's future matter. Our family's current situation is all built by Eldest Miss's bare hands. Looking at the whole Dafeng, is there any girl at the age of twelve or thirteen who has such great ability?" In Yu Lan's view, He Family's son was just a little Tongsheng. Not to mention the capital city, one can pick a field of them in Luohe Prefecture. However, the whole Dafeng, one can't find another person like her family's Miss! Naturally, it was He Family climbing to their Su Family's higher branch.
Yu Lan glanced at You Jin, who was sitting a little distance from the two of them and said in a hushed voice: "Eldest Miss is one with her own idea. If you set it without asking her, in the future when Eldest Miss finds out, she'll be displeased. And due to this matter, family becomes enemies!"
Hearing what she said, Mrs. Su sighed. She understood Yu Lan's rationality. You Jin had always been one with her own mind since little. If she directly arranged a marriage that You Jin didn't like, they might really end up as enemies. She responded: "You are right. I'll discuss it with her tomorrow!"
In the main room, Shan Nai and other young girls were talking and laughing while eating melon and fruit snacks. It was very lively, You Jin focused on the book. So she really didn't hear what Mrs. Su and Yu Lan were whispering.
Chapter 72. New Year's greetings
On the morning of the next day, the normally bustling courtyard of Su Family at an early time only started to liven up when the sky was bright. Although Su Family had no roots in Luohe Prefecture , no relatives to visit, and no ancestral hall to worship, Dafeng always had the custom of waking up early on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The meaning was that those who get up early can work hard, make a fortune in the new year, and get rich.
The children of Su Family also knew the custom of getting up early on the first day of the new year. But when they were in Cuifeng Village, the first day of the new year was the time when the sisters get beaten every year. All of them received a severe beating. Although no one will come to beat them this year, they all got up early and changed into new clothes. Then they lined up to kowtow to Mrs. Su to ask for new year's money.
"Mother, wish you a prosperous new year and good health." You Jin and You Yin led the younger sisters in two rows, properly knelt down, and kowtowed three times to Mrs. Su. Even little Eighth and Kang-er were held by and Bai Zhi and kowtowed.
Sitting at the top, Mrs. Su looked at the children who were wearing new clothes. All the daughters had changed from sallow and thin appearance to fair and lovely. Her eyes couldn't help but turn slightly red: "Oh! Get up. The ground is cold!"
Sniffing, she suppressed the tears that were about to overflow. She handed out the New Year's money that she had prepared a long time ago to the daughters who raised their hands for the New Year's money: "Be obedient and sensible. Eat more this year and grow bigger."
After Su Family's girls finished paying New Year greetings to Su Family, Yu Lan led Xin Yi, , and others to kneel down in two rows: "New Year greetings to Madam and all the misses."
"Teacher, what are you doing?" You Jin hurried forward to help Yu Lan up. However, Yu Lan slightly pushed her away: "Miss, this bow is what Yu Lan should have done a long time ago."
If it wasn't for Su Family, whether she could be full and warm would be a different matter. She was an official slave, so she can only be a lowly person her whole life. But since she entered the gate of Su Family, everyone in Su Family respected her as a teacher. It was like the grace of second life. Due to this, she should have done this a long time ago.
Seeing her insistence, You Jin could only take a few steps back. After receiving a half-bow from Yu Lan, she hurriedly helped her up. Mrs. Su distributed the new year money prepared in advance to all the girls one by one: "Save the money. A girl should have some assets."
"Yes, Madam." and the others merrily replied. On New Year's Eve, You Jin had distributed the bonuses that everyone had worked hard for over the last several months. and the others who made snacks in the kitchen got two liang. In the front line, Xin Yi and the others who greeted the guests got less. But there was one liang. Plus the two months' salaries they had received before, the little maids had some money in their hands. They were all overjoyed.
Su Family didn't need to worship their ancestors. After kowtowing to Mrs. Su to pay New Year's greetings, there were children from the village who came to pay New Year's greetings and ask for snacks: "New Year's greetings to Auntie Su!"
"Oh! Get up. The ground is cold!" Mrs. Su jollily stood up and came over with a bamboo basket filled with melon seeds and snacks: "Quickly grab some back to eat!"
Su Family's snacks being delicious have already been spread among the children of Wuliqiao. Seeing Mrs. Su being so generous, the little girls felt a little embarrassed at first. You Bao hurriedly whispered: "It's okay. We still have it at home. Take it!"
It turned out that the first group of children who came to visit for New Year's greetings were the little girls who often played with You Bao. Seeing You Bao saying that, the little girls shyly smiled and grabbed some melon seeds and put them in their pockets. Seeing how meek children were, Mrs. Su reached out and grabbed a couple handfuls and stuffed them into their pockets. After the New Year greetings, the little girls made an arrangement with You Bao to play together in a few days before happily leaving.
Sending away the group of children who came to pay New Year's greetings to Su Family, Mrs. Su family called You Jin to bring the few younger sisters to Lizheng's house to pay New Year's greetings: "Lizheng and your Auntie Zhao takes good care of our family. Kowtow them later, understood?"
"Don't worry, Mother. We understand." You Jin held little Seventh's hand. Chatting and laughing, she walked towards the east of the river with the few younger sisters. Xiao Hei and Da Huang followed the seven sisters. Two large wolfhounds with shiny coats and thick fangs looked extraordinarily majestic in the bright winter sun. As well as scary.
"Eldest Sister You Jin, your family's two big dogs won't go crazy and bite people, right?" Two little girls about seven or eight years old leaned against the houses on the side of the road and stared at the big wolfdogs next to Su sisters. A little scared and a little bit curious, they asked.
You Jin snapped her fingers to beckon Xiao Hei. Then she patted Xiao Hei's head and smilingly assured, "As long as you don't provoke it, it won't bite."
Only then did the little girl put down her guard, and cheerfully walked away.
Most of the villagers in Wuliqiao Village fled here in troubled times and took root here. However, in just 20 to 30 years, the ancestors of the villagers weren't the same. Therefore, most of the villagers just worship their ancestors before eating New Year's Eve dinner at home.
There was no ancestral hall to open on the first day of the new year. The children in the village were dressed up (at least better than usual) and ran around to pay New Year's greetings to the elders in the neighborhood. Many of them were picking up some last night's firecrackers that weren't lit and set them off. The sound of laughter and firecrackers was endless. It added a lot of vitality to the bleak winter day.
The whole, they greeted the villagers. After walking a while, they arrived at Lizheng's house. The door of He Family was open today, because there were too many people who came to pay New Year's greetings. So Mrs. Zhao directly left the door open. Seeing that the door was open, You Jin led her younger sisters into He's yard.
He Xiao Ning, who was standing in the corridor, saw You Jin and the others. She hurriedly greeted them in delight: "Elder Sister You Jin! You Bao!"
"Happy New Year, Xiao Ning. Where are your parents?" You Jin smilingly asked as she stroked her little head with two braids. After getting the answer, she led little Seventh across the threshold and entered the main house of He's house.
"You Jin (You Yin, You Zhu...) wished Lizheng and Auntie Zhao give New Year's greeting." She led her younger sisters to properly kneel down and then respectfully kowtowed three times.
Mrs. Zhao, who was sitting on the kang, hurriedly stood up and helped her up: "Enough, enough. On such a cold day, your mother is willing to let you come out. Little Seventh is blushing from the cold. Come here quickly and warm up."
After finishing speaking, she picked up little Seventh, who was in a pink cotton padded jacket embroidered with patterns of auspicious clouds, and sat down on the kang. Then she grabbed a handful of peanuts and melon seeds and stuffed them into little Seventh's hands: "Little Seventh, quickly eat some snacks before we talk."
You Jin sisters also stood up. Today, Su Family sisters were dressed a bit similarly. They were all dressed in red on top and white on the bottom. The skirts were embroidered with butterfly patterns. While walking, these butterflies seemed to fly up and down.
Looking at the large group of little girls who were once all sallow and thin when they first moved here in spring last year, He Hao couldn't help feeling that the old and weak women and children of Su Family were really capable. Thinking of what his wife said the night before, this marriage could work if Su Family really had such intentions.
At the moment, He Xuan Hai, who was studying in the study room, was dragged out by Xiao Ning who received a heavy responsibility and entered the main room: "Father, Mother." After respectfully giving a scholar's salute, he turned to Su Family's sister: "Who are these?"
"Xuan Hai, these are Su Family's sisters that Mother often mentioned to you!" Mrs. Zhao merrily introduced both sides: "You Jin, this was my eldest son who was studying in Luohe Prefecture, Xuan Hai."
"Eldest Brother He." Glancing at the young man in a scholar's green shirt, You Jin politely performed a female courtesy.
Xuan Hai had heard about You Jin's deeds. He had thought she would be a vulgar country girl. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a girl with bright eyes and bright teeth. This graceful figure was even more attractive than the girls in Luohe Prefecture. For a while, he was a little dazed. He stood still on the spot like a statue.
"Eldest Brother, Elder Sister You Jin had greeted you!" He Xiao Ning who was on the side looked at the most well-behaved eldest brother being dazed. So she tugged at his loose sleeves and called him in a low voice.
Only then did He Xuan Hai come back to his senses. A suspicious blush appeared on his face before he returned an equal bow: "Miss Su."
Seeing her son's hopeless reaction, Mrs. Zhao couldn't help showing a teasing smile. However, she still tried to save face for her son: "Xuan Hai, You Jin is three years younger than you. You will have to take care of her in the future. Don't bully her!"
Although he didn't know what Mother meant by this, He Xuan Hai still respectfully replied 'Yes'. After talking a bit, someone came to He's house to pay New Year's greetings. So You Jin took the opportunity to bid goodbye with her younger sisters and went back to the west of the river.
Back to He Family's side. After seeing off wave after wave of New Year's greetings, Mrs. Zhao whispered to He Hao: "Family Head, did you see how Xuan Hai looked standing with You Jin today? Is it like the golden boy and jade girl sitting down by Guanyin Bodhisattva?"
He Hao took a puff of tobacco. He neither agreed or disagreed. Just stated: "I don't think You Jin knows about this matter. Go to find out what Su Family had said in two days. If Su Family nods, then let's brign this matter out to the open and set the matter!"
Mrs. Zhao didn't expect that Family Head, who was opposed at the beginning, to turn around and agree today. Delighted, she acknowledged: "I will go to Su's house in two days and ask again!"
He Family nearly treated You Jin as their daughter-in-law, but on You Jin's side, she didn't know it yet.
Seeing her daughters come back, Mrs. Su, who was sitting on the kang teasing crawling Kang-er and little Eighth, asked, "Why did you come back so soon?"
"A lot of people went to Lizheng's family to pay New Year's greetings. We kowtowed and came back after talking for a while." You Jin helped little Seventh take off her thick cotton jacket before taking a sip of the hot tea handed over by Xin Yi. Only then, she steadily spoke.
Seeing her daughter's expression being the same as usual, Mrs. Su was a little disappointed: "Did you see the rest of your Auntie Zhao's family during your visit?"
"I met Xiao Ning's brother, what was her name Xuan Hai?" You Jin didn't have any other feelings for the goose-like He Xuan Hai who blushed when he saw a girl. Only impression was that he was dumb.
"Then what do you think of Xuan Hai?" Mrs. Su eagerly wanted to get to the bottom of this matter: "I've heard that Xuan Hai is already a Tongsheng at sixteen. He has a bright future ahead!"
"Having a bright future is their business. Why are you so agitated?" Sitting on the kang and making little Eighth giggle, You Jin became amused.
At this time, only Mrs. Su, You Jin, and ignorant little Seventh were in the main room. Mrs. Su thought about what Yu Lan said that day. She recounted what Mrs. Zhao had said before: "Then He Family's Eldest Son is good. What do you think?"
Chapter 73. Decline
You Jin was caught off guard by this unprecedented news. She showed a helpless smile: "Mom, I'm only twelve. Isn't it too early for you to worry about it?" One must know that she was twenty-eight and a single dog in her previous life. Was this life going to make up for being single for too long in her previous life?
"You will have your thirteenth birthday at the beginning of the year. How could it be too early?" Mrs. Su rolled her eyes, "That He Family's eldest son will be sixteen this year. You aren't in a rush but many people are!" Mrs. Su seemed to regard He Xuan Hai as a wealthy son-in-law.
It was only then that You Jin realized that things were going in a strange direction. She quickly stopped Mrs. Su's words: "Mother, I don't want to marry."
Seeing Mrs. Su's petrified expression, she quickly rephrased: "At least not in these few years. If I marry someone, then I will be someone else's wife. I have seven younger sisters and Kang-er. What will happen to you guys?"
"It's not like you're getting married now. We can set the matter now and get married when you reach of-age!" Mrs. Su argued in a low voice. She didn't think about the family's situation only getting better until her daughter mentioned it. In the end, the children were still young. If they were without You Jin, it would be difficult in the future: "We can't drag you down because of us, right?"
You Jin stared straight at Mrs. Su and seriously stated: "Mother, listen to me. I was the one who led our family from Cuifeng Village to Wuliqiao. It's my responsibility to bring up my younger sisters. Only when my younger sisters have a good home, can I feel at ease."
Hearing what she said, Mrs. Su sighed deeply: "You are still young, so naturally you don't know the importance of marrying a good husband. Mother has experienced more. So mother can't let you do things wilfully!"
"Now our family had earned such a large family business in less than a year. In two or three years, we can multiply it a few times. Wouldn't it be better to discuss marriage by then than now?" You Jin pointed out another fact. Their family was much better than He Family now. In two or three years, they will definitely make a fortune: "That's why raise head when marrying out a daughter, lower head when marrying in a daughter-in-law. It can't be that Mother wants me to marry down?"
It wasn't that You Jin looked down on He Family, but the difficulty of the imperial examination was really great: "There were too many people who are Xiucai in their forties and fifties. So what if he, He Xuan Hai, is still a Tongsheng until he is forty or fifty years old? Tongsheng, am I to bear it out with him for the rest of my life?"
Hearing that You Jin didn't hesitate to curse the other party failing the exam in order to reject this marriage, Mrs. Su was disgruntledly amused. Then she gave her an eye roll: "You are the only one who is so reasonable!"
Still, she accepted what her daughter said: "But since you don't want to, I won't force you. It's just a pity. Xuan Hai is such a good boy!"
In fact, Mrs. Su can't be blamed for being like this. After all, He Xuan Hai was indeed the best son-in-law candidate she had come into contact with so far in her life. It was a pity that she just missed it for nothing.
Mrs. Zhao didn't expect Su Family to reject this marriage. After hearing Mrs. Su tactful words, the smile on Mrs. Zhao's face faded a bit. Still, on the surface, she responded: "Indeed. This child is still young. It's not too late to check around again in a few years."
Both parties absent-mindedly talked for a while before Mrs. Zhao found a reason to go home. After seeing off Mrs. Zhao, Mrs. Su worriedly asked You Jin: "It seems a grudge has been formed?"
"No, it will be fine when Auntie Zhao's mind turns around. Besides, we didn't agree to this marriage, did we?" You Jin didn't think it was a big deal. After all, the layer of paper on the window wasn't poke through. However, she warned Mrs. Su in advance: "However, if such a thing happens again in the future, Mother can't set it without telling us. If the marriage is forced, no matter who it is, they will blame Mother in the future!"
Hearing the threat in her daughter's words, Mrs. Su didn't find it was unfilial. She nodded slightly: "I understand."
Falling flowers were affectionate, flowing water had no intention. The unpoked window paper silently turned over. At first, Mrs. Zhao felt a little disdain. After all, her most proud son was rejected. This matter was infuriating to her.
Later, it was He Hao who unknotted her with a few words: "The marriage between a man and a woman is based on affection and consent, isn't it? Oh, if you must force the other's consent, then you should stop selling buns. Instead, it would be better to be a bandit, no?" He Hao did find it a pity in his heart. After all, You Jin was indeed good. Since it can't be set now, his own son won't have any chance in the future.
After hearing his teasing, Mrs. Zhao rolled her eyes at him in irk: "You are the bandit!"
But the knot in her heart had disappeared. Family Head was right. The two families haven't started checking the other yet. Fortunately, this wasn't brought to the surface. Let the past be the past!
During the first month, needlework wasn't allowed. Su Family didn't have any relatives to visit. Su Family's sisters read books and practice calligraphy at home every day. They nurtured and recuperated until the eighth day of the New Year. Only then Su Family's snack shop reopened. After being lazy for several days, Su Family became busy again.
It was still the New Year period. There were quite a few people who came to buy snacks. On the first day of resumption of business, it was busy to the point that the feets didn't stop moving. It wasn't until sunset when the newly baked red bean paste pancakes were sold out did everyone dragged their exhausted bodies onto the mule cart and went back.
"After being lazy for a few days, we come back so busy that we almost lose our heads. It's really too much!" Sitting on the mule cart, she grinningly thumped her arms: "But if we are so busy every day, it's not bad!"
That's because You Jin gave them bonuses according to the sales of snacks. The busier they were, the better the business was. The better the business, the more money they could get!
"Earn more money to buy flowers and wear them?" The few girls giggled and laughed. Completely in joy.
At night, after little Sixth and little Seventh had all fallen asleep, You Jin sat alone by the candlelight after coming out of the bath and entered today's income into the account. Then she locked up the money, laid on the hot kang with her back on the pillow and hands behind the back of her head. She had been calculating non-stop. At an unknown time, she fell asleep. When she woke up again, the sky outside was already bright.
She gently covered little Sixth and little Seventh who were still asleep and changed her clothes quietly. She combed and tied two buns with a lotus-colored hair band. Then she tiptoed out of the east wing. Standing at the door, she embraced the hit of winter morning coldness. She let out a puff of breath and the cold drove away the sleepiness.
"Eldest Miss, it's time for breakfast." Dou Kou and Cao Guo were in charge of making breakfast today. Seeing You Jin freezing in the corridor, they hurriedly invited her in.
After breakfast, Han Li drove the mule cart and sent everyone into the city. In the rickety mule cart, You Jin told them what she had planned last night: "A few days will be the Lantern Festival. There will be a lantern festival in Luohe Prefecture. On that day our shop will also be open until night. We will hang up a few lanterns for guessing riddles. It will definitely attract many customers."
Hearing about the lanterns, the few girls were very excited. Bai Zhi, who had seen the lanterns before, merrily spoke, "Lanterns! When I was young, I followed my parents to the town to see the lanterns once. It was beautiful!"
"I haven't even seen a lantern yet!" The few girls bought by Su Family were all children from poor families. Of course, not all of them had the experience of going to the town to watch lanterns like Bai Zhi. For most of them, it was more bitter suffering.
Seeing the few's heavy hearts and the longing in the eyes of the two younger sisters, You Jin grinned: "How about this? On the day of Lantern Festival, we will close the door and watch the lanterns together as long as our pastries are sold out. What do you think?"
Hearing what You Jin said, everyone nodded in delight. They all began to look forward to the upcoming Lantern Festival.
Now Sujiaxiang's shop was basically fully staffed. In the back kitchen, You Zhu and You Yin were in charge of piecing together the recipe and mixing the ingredients. , Bai Zhi, Dou Kou, and Cao Guo were responsible for kneading the dough and putting it into molds. The front of the house was You Jin leading Xin Yi and Ding Xiang in welcoming customers and selling snack. They cooperated very well.
After the first scent wafted from Sujiaxiang's back kitchen, guests came to the door. Now Xin Yi and Ding Xiang were very proficient. They can wrap the snacks that customers want to buy in a moment. Then they hand the collected money to You Jin at the counter and send the guests away with a smile: "Go slowly, Madam. Come back after enjoying it!"
In the afternoon, when there were fewer visitors, You Jin took off the kerchief wrapped around her head and told You Yin to watch the shop front. She put on the working lotus-colored padded jacket and went outside.
Broker Chen, who was drowsy after lunch, saw a somewhat familiar figure. He hurriedly raised his spirit and greeted the visitor: "Su Family's girl! Long time no see, how's the business going?"
"Thanks to Uncle Chen, everything is going well." After greeting Broker Chen with a smile, You Jin spoke, "Uncle Chen, can we talk in another place?"
Broker Chen knew Su You Jin. Since she came to him, there must be another business coming. So he brought her into the tea room and poured her a cup of steaming fragrant tea: "Miss Su, do you want to buy a shop or land this time round?"
After drinking a sip of fragrant tea to drive away the cold, You Jin explained the purpose of her visit: "I want to buy some more fertile land nearby. Preferably not far from Houjiawan. By the way, I would like to ask if there was any suitable wasteland near the official road. I want to buy some too."
Hearing what she said, the remaining sleepiness in Broker Chen's mind disappeared. He hurriedly answered in mirth: "There are some. It depends on how big the land you want. Then I can help you to ask the price."
"Quality land, about 20 mu. As for the wasteland, as long as it was close to the official road, about 50 mu is suitable." This was the final decision that You Jin made after calculating the family's money.
"There is really a piece of land in Houjiawan. Just across the river from the one you bought last time, Miss Su. The land is in a good location. The price is right, but the seller said they would sell 40 mu together... ..." Broker Chen said with some hesitation. Then he glanced at You Jin's expression to see if there was anything unusual.
You Jin's expression was normal. She calmly asked: "I wonder how much the owner asked for?" Although forty mu was a bit much, all the savings of Su Family now add up to nearly one thousand liang. They can still afford this amount of money.
Chapter 74 Yue You Ting
Seeing that her expression was the same, Broker Chen couldn't help being startled. Since Su Family came to Luohe Prefecture, he had seen every step of their way. He never imagined that they were so rich that they could buy 40 mu in one go without even batting an eyelid!
However, he still kept his composure on his face, he replied: "If Miss Su, you sincerely want to buy it, we'll go by the price from last time?"
The price was quite reasonable.
You Jin gave a slight nod: "Uncle Chen, when it's convenient, you can also find nearby wasteland that can be bought. Let's make an appointment to have a look together."
Then she left the broker shop.
This can be regarded as a big transaction. After sending You Jin away, Broker Chen hurried out of the city to find a suitable place. Within a few days, he really found a barren hill facing the sun. He hurried to Sujiaxiang to find You Jin: "Miss Su, when is it convenient for you? Let's go and have a look?"
"There's no better day than today. Let's go there today!" Now that the snack shop was operating normally, You Jin went into the backyard to wash her hands. She gave You Yin a few instructions before following Broker Chen away .
Broker Chen was an attentive person. The barren mountain he sought wasn't too far from Houjiawan. It was on the sunny slope far away from Su Family's current location.
The two walked in a single file when checking the prospective land. Broker Chen pointed to the hillside about one or two miles away: "Miss Su, that is the wasteland I just told you about. The price is also suitable. One liang and a half per mu. But it is estimated that there isn't much food that could be grown on that barren hill."
You Jin was really satisfied with this stretch of 40 mu of fertile land. It was all fertile land deposited by river water. On top of that, it was close to water sources and official roads. So both transportation and irrigation were beneficial.
Looking at the mountains to the north, You Jin patted the dust on her hands: "In that case, let's go and have a look first. Uncle Chen, please lead the way."
After getting out of the field, they got on the mule cart again. It didn't take long for one to travel half a kilometer. It went without saying that the mule cart was faster. At this time, the snow on the barren mountain hadn't yet melted. Only the trees covered in snow stood upright. Everything beside them was covered by snow.
You Jin took a small hoe from the mule cart, which Broker Chen had kept behind the mule cart for emergency use. It happened to be handy at this time. She chose a field with shallow snow. She vigorously wielded the small hoe. A small hole was dug out in a short while and revealed the original color of the land.
She dug a small piece of frozen soil out and twitched her nose, which was a little red from the cold. She smilingly commented: "It really is a wasteland. I guess it will take a long time to clean up this soil before it can be used."
At the side, Broker Chen didn't expect You Jin to be so vigorous and directly grabbed a hoe to dig out a piece of land. Seeing that she said this, he repeatedly nodded: "Indeed. Girl, this land is going to be a waste if you buy it back. Wouldn't it be better to buy more fertile land?"
Broker Chen had done business with Su Family many times, and naturally hoped for it to be long-term. So he kindly persuaded her.
Throwing away the frozen soil in her hand, she clapped her hands before wiping her nose with the back of her hand. She smiled, "It's fine. I'm buying because it has use. However, can the price be lowered? Uncle Chen, you're have a broad horizon and naturally know that no one want such a wasteland even when given for free."
Broker Chen pondered for a moment and answered: "Since it's like this, I'll talk to Lizheng in Houjiawan later to see if the price can lowered."
"Sure. If you can get down to one liang of silver, then I will buy another fifty mu and make it a whole." You Jin walked down the mountain first. She continued, "Must trouble Uncle Chen to discuss with the Lizheng in Houjiawan. Once it's settled, I'll buy the 40 mu of land together with this side."
"Deal! I'll take care of the matter!" Broker Chen was grinning like a Chesire cat at the thought of the money he could earn from this deal.
Don't know whether it was Broker Chen's eloquent tongue or Houjiawan's lizheng was easy to talk to, she really bought the 100 mu of barren hills in Houjiawan at a price of one liang per mu in the end!
Seeing that more than three hundred and seventy liang were suddenly gone from her money box, You Jin only felt that her heart throbbed in pain. The money was earned from the pastry shop last year after the cost of buying the shop and people wasn't enough to spend..
However, in one goe, another 40 mu of fertile land was added to the collection. Now the family had 56 mu of fertile land plus nearly 120 mu of wasteland. Just relying on the land alone, they won't starve to death.
Thinking of this, You Jin felt much better. Humming a little tune, she locked the red deed into her special box for storing house deeds, land deeds, sales deeds and other documents and contracts. Then she carefully hid it in the innermost part of the cabinet before clapping her hands in satisfaction.
Su Family had left Cuifeng Village and Yue Family. This year had indeed been a prosperous and comfortable year. Back to hundreds of miles away in Cuifeng Village. Yue Family had a happy and fulfilling year this year. At least in the eyes of outsiders.
Only two months after Su mother and daughters left Yue Family, the news that the two grandsons of Yue Family achieved Tongsheng spread all over the surrounding area. Producing two Tongsheng in one go, Yue Family became famous in the surrounding area.
As for Yue Chang Lu, who drove away his bad wife, his life was getting better and better. Every day when he returned home, he held his precious son and refused to let go. Ever since he had a son, Yue Chang Lu's chest puffe out more and more. The gloom on his face had dissipated a lot too.
Yue You Ting's marriage was also set. But it wasn't Gentleman Zhou whom she had been thinking about before, but the only son of a family in Liutun Town who owned a grocery store.
Coupled with the good weather this year, the prospects in Yue Family's land were much better than in previous years. Old Mrs. Chen, who had a little more money in her hands, was sitting on the kang in the main room as she enjoyed the children and grandchildren kowtowing their heads to pay New Year's greetings. She proudly remarked to Yue Da Fu: "As expected, it's true that those few money-wasting things were our family's calamity. Once they left, Wen Tao and Wen Li passed the Tongsheng exam. And You Ting set a good marriage!"
However, Wan Niang and Mrs. Chen, who caused Su mother and daughters to leave Cuifeng Village, weren't so happy. Since second branch left, all the hard and tiring work at home fell onto them. In less than a year, Wan Niang's hands, which were originally as delicate as a flower, were rough and coarse. And she couldn't do anything about it. Every days, she was fighting with wits and courage with Mrs. Chen. She really regretted it.
Kneeling, Mrs. Han couldn't help showing a mocking smile when she heard old Mrs. Chen's remarks. She was the only person in this family who still had contact with You Jin. She received a letter from the south before the year end. The letter contained twenty liang of silver notes.
In the letter, You Jin only briefly mentioned that she settled down in the south. Although the rest weren't mentioned, You Jin's family's life in the south was ten times better than here, no? After all, she was able to take out twenty liang and send it back to her.
But no matter what, now that there were no money-wasting things that "hinder" their luck, everyone in Yue Family had indeed had a good year. Old Mrs. Chen and Yue Da Fu were currently looking forward to their two golden grandsons passing the exam earlier. That way their family can change their ways and enjoy the blessings.
If any one was said to be the most unhappy one in Yue Family, it would only be Yue You Ting. She clearly strongly opposed it and even went on a hunger strike to protest. Still, Grandfather settled on this marriage: "This matter is up to me. Since it's set, there is no further discussion."
After starving for a few days and having her complexion turned sallow, Yue You Ting didn't expect that it would end up like this. Unable to accept it, she wailed her heart out. She had to temporarily accept her fate. Throughout the first month, there was only a forced smile on her face. Even when the Chen Family's boy, whom she was engaged to, came to pay New Year's greetings, she didn't show any good attitude.
Toward the glamorous on the outside and messy on the inside Yue Family, this was the first time Mrs. Han felt disgusted. After the seventh day of the new year, she discussed with Yue Chang Shou. Using the pretext of returning to the city to open a shop, the left Cuifeng Village early.
"Mother, will Grandfather set a marriage for me like he did with Eldest Sister?" Sitting in the mule cart, Yue You He snuggled up next to Mrs. Han and asked with some concern: "That Chen Family's guy is more than ugly..."
Thinking of that boy from Chen Family who was pockmarked and not tall enough for Eldest Sister, Yue You He couldn't help but feel a chill down her spine.
Mrs. Han patted her daughter's back reassuringly: "No. Even if your grandfather wants to, Mother will not agree." Although she comforted her daughter like this, Mrs. Han still felt a little uneasy in her heart. She decided to look around for a prospective family for her daughter once she returned to the county. She must not let Yue Family ruin her daughter's life.
Back to Yue You Ting. Since young, she felt that she was good-looking. On top of that, she had met a gentleman like Zhou Jun Peng. How could she wronged herself and marry a dwarf with pockmarks?
After thinking about it for a good few days, she stole Mrs. Chen personal fund while the family was not paying attention. Using the excuse of going out to visit, she quietly left the village and got on a mule cart that transport people to Dingyuan County.
"Such a grown person, how can she be lost?" Sitting on the kang, Yue Da Fu was so infuriated that his beard was raised. He slammed the table and scolded Eldest Son couple: "Hurry up and find her now!"
"Father, I have searched all over. Some people in the village said that they saw her go to the town. The town is so big, how can I find her?" Yue Chang Fu drooped his head. He never expected that his always quiet daughter would dare to run away from home without permission.
On the other hand, Mrs. Chen didn't have too much anxiety on her face. She repsonded: "Perhaps You Ting felt stifled at home and went to the county town to play with You He?"
Actually, in her opinion, it wasn't a bad thing for Daughter to run away for home. If Daughter was smart enough, she should go to the county town to meet Gentleman Zhou and turned the raw rice cooked. Then the marriage with Chen Family can naturally be withdrawn, right?
While Yue's house was already in chaos, Yue You Ting, who got on the mule cart to go to the county, actually encountered Zhou Jun Peng.
As soon as she saw Zhou Jun Peng, Yue You Ting just wept silently. Zhou Jun Peng looked at the slightly unfamiliar woman in his arms. After thinking for a while, he remembered that she was a younger sister from Yue Wen Tao's family. He asked, "Miss Yue, why did you come to the county town alone?"
Looking at Zhou Jun Peng, who was like an orchid and a jade tree and then thinking about the pockmarked short wax gourd, Yue You Ting felt even more aggrieved. She blurted out a bold idea: "Gentleman Zhou, let's elope!"
It wasn't the first time for Zhou Jun Peng to hear a woman say she wanted to elope with him. He put his arms around the beautiful woman's slender waist and said softly: "Miss Yue, it's really inconvenient to speak in public. Where do you live now? I'll take you back first?"
Seeing her shaking her head, Zhou Jun Peng had no choice but to take her to the inn to open a room. Then he hugged her and softly comforted her. Gradually, the atmosphere became more beguiling. Under the candlelight's glow, the deed happened after half pushing and half letting.
Nestled in the arms of her lover, her delicate and bright red face was like a spring pistil after the rain as she bathed in the close contact between the two of them. No matter how ignorant she was, Yue You Ting knew that she and Gentleman Zhou had committed an intimate things: "Dear Zhou..."
As for satisfied Zhou Jun Peng, he stroked her tender skin with satisfaction and responded in a low voice: "Huh?"
"Let's get married! I only have you in my heart. I don't want to marry anyone else!" Yue You Ting felt disgusted when she thought of Chen Family's son. She would never let a flower like herself be stuck in cow dung.
How could Zhou Jun Peng possibly consider marrying her? If he wants to marry, he will marry a daughter of a scholarly family in the county, no? But the moment was still fresh, so he coaxed Yue You Ting: "Okay, let's get married. But before that, let's have our bridal chamber first!"
The already distracted Zhou Jun Peng turned over again and pressed her under the body. He wantonly enjoyed to his content.
Chapter 75 The Girl of Lantern Festival
Naturally, the wind and rain in Cuifeng Village and Yue's House couldn't reach Luohe Prefecture. When You Jin sent a letter to Mrs. Han, she only said that she had settled down in the south. No fine detail where she settled down. It wasn't her that she didn't believe Mrs. Han, but it was Yue Family who made want to desparately dodge. She really didn't want to get involved with Yue Family.
During the Lantern Festival, Luohe Prefecture was crowded with people. Bustling with life.
Six or seven lanterns of different shapes were also hung in front of Sujiaxiang's gate. Like Luohe Prefecture, which was full of lanterns, it was caught in the middle of the carnival. The sound of hawking and laughter on the street was endless The crowd of pedestrians with unknown starting point and destination brushed shoulder to shoulder. Smiles were pasted on everyone'sr faces. It made the severe winter cold that had not yet dissipated become warm.
"You Jin, don't go far with Kang-er in your hand." The whole Su Family also came to the city today. One, Su Family had never seen the lanterns. So they joined in the fun. Second, the business in the shop so good that Mrs. Su was pulled in to help out.
You Jin held Kang-er in her arms and looked at the jade rabbit lamp hanging under the eaves of theyr shop. Kang-er was fixated on it and kept trying to reach out to grab it. This made You Jin laugh: "Oh! I know!"
Little Seventh was firmly pigbacked by Han Li who was holding Han Er Hua's hands. Looking at the beautiful lanterns and tourists outside, she was overjoyed. Then she began to encourage Han Li: "ELder Brother Han Li, let's go see lantern!"
Han Li had been begging for food in Luohe Prefecture for two or three years. Naturally, he knew that some children would be abducted every year during the Lantern Festival. How could he possibly board little Seventh's sneaky boat. He just shook her head silently.
Seeing that he refused, little Seventh had no choice but to sigh like a little adult. No pestering to go out. Just obediently laid on Han Li's back and watched the bustling pedestrians outside.
"Miss Su." It turned out to be He Xuan Hai who was hanging out with his classmates. From a distance, he saw You Jin standing under the lantern with Kang-er in her arms. Perhaps it was the beauty of the Lantern Festival Lanterns. He Xuan Hai, whom was always joked around for having an unbloomed heart by his classmates, his mind was full of the girl with a soft smile on her face. Sky thundered, fire stirred. It was already out of control.
Hearing someone calling her, the smile on You Jin's face became sparse and polite. When she turned her head and saw that it was He Xuan Hai, she smiled and nodded: "Elder Brother He."
Seeing that the smile on her face was completely different from just now and seeing Han Li standing beside her like a green pine guarding her, He Xuan Hai felt an inexplicable sense of loss in his heart. Pursing his dry lips, he spoke, "Did Miss Su come out to watch the lanterns by herself? There are people everywhere during the Lantern Festival. Why don't I send you back?"
You Jin smiled and declined politely: "Thank you, Elder Brother He for your kindness. Han Li had came out in a mule cart. We will wait until there are fewer people before leaving." Seeing the disappointment on the young man's face, You Jin had no choice but to say sorry to him. She continued: "Elder Brother He, are the two over there your classmates? They are calling you!"
He Xuan Hai wanted to say something, but was diverted by You Jin. The thin-skinned him couldn't say anything any more. Holding it in until his face was red, the boy gave a peer salute to the girl he liked before escaping.
After He Xuan Hai left, You Jin breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't that she didn't see the suspicious blush on He Xuan Hai's face. She just thought he was a young man who was ignorant. So she didn't take this matter to heart.
"Trully a dense bookworm." On the other hand, Han Li suddenly said such a sentence for some unknown reason. It caused You Jin to look sideways, but no comment was made.
The Lantern Festival did not end until 10pm. The city gates of Luohe Prefecture were opened tonight until after the Lantern Festival ended. Seeing that the pedestrians on the street had almost dispersed, everyone in Su Family hurriedly packed up. Mrs. Su, Yu Lan , You Jin and the others were each holding a sleeping toddler. Because there were too many people, they rented an extra mule cart. The two mule carts headed to Luohe Prefecture one after the other.
Once back home, everyone washed up and fell asleep in a flurry. After all, today had been busy from morning to night. Xin Yi and others who were serving guests in front were hoarse from talking. While back kitchen staff like Bai Zhi, Shan Nai, and the others, their arms were too tired to even lift after all the dough kneading and making snacks.
But everyone's tiredness had paid off. Although it was a little exhausting, nearly four times the usual income was made. After You Jin recorded today's income into the account, she collapsed and fell asleep too.
After the Lantern Festival, the canal workers started to resume work. Su Family's silent for half a month canal worker dormitory was once again full of people. In Wuliqiao Village, there were many more families this year who freed up their courtyard or room and rented them out to the canal workers. There were many unfamiliar men in and out of the village.
In February, the spring breeze was like scissors. There were some blowing winds that made people's faces ache. Still, You Jin had to brave the cold wind and run around the market every day. She was looking for a suitable caravan to bring some things back for her. She had also asked Broker Chen to find a construction team. She planned to build a new house on the two mu of wasteland next to Su Family's current house.
Broker Chen had a wide range of connection. In two days, he found the construction team and then brought the leader of the construction team, a strong middle-aged man named Zhao Er, to meet You Jin.
After listening to You Jin's general request, Zhao Er patted his chest and accepted the job: "Miss Su, don't worry. The house built by me will definitely satisfy you!"
Zhao Er had been doing construction in Luohe Prefecture for more than 20 years. He had a very wide network in this industry. Those wood, tile, brick, and building materials were all delivered three or four days before Su Family agreed date to start construction.
After the second of February's dragon raising head day a.k.a little Eighth and Kang-er's first birthday,the construction of Su Family's new home officially started on the eighth day of February.
This time, You Jin had set aside enough money to build a new house. Zhao Er also knew how to act. Within the range that You Jin can accept, the materials he chose were the best. Because the new house of Su Family was built on a large scale, Zhao Er and his construction team of nearly 30 people rushed to build it. The last tile of Su Family's new house was put in place before the Dragon Boat Festival.
Although the construction period of nearly three months was a bit long, You Jin didn't spend much time on it because of Zhao Er's presence. She had been busy non-stop in the past few months; running around outside.
The 56 mu of fertile land that Su Family bought back was fully planted with grain at the beginning of spring. As for the newly purchased 100 mu of barren hills, You Jin had hired 20 people from Houjiawan to sort out the miscellaneous trees and weeds on the barren hills. After cleaning, all the 100 mu of barren hills around were planted with thorn rose trees as enclosures. It took more than half a month to tidy up the 100 mu of land.
After tidying up the barren hills, a small stream that originally flowed through the barren hills was diverted as much as possible so the 100 mu of land was included in the scope of irrigation.
After this side was almost cleaned up, the groups of merchants from the north that You Jin had found before brought back what she wanted. You Jin felt very distressed when seeing a good chunk of the money box gone..
You Jin had been occupied that her feet couldn't rest these days. Cart after cart, things were pulled back. Everyone in Su Family was puzzled. Even Mrs. Su, who didn't ask much about business, approached You Jin at the sight of unknown tree saplings piling in the courtyard and worriedly asked, "You Jin, what are you going to do? What kind of saplings are in this yard?"
After recording the newly spent money in the book, You Jin put down the brush in her hand and merrily answered: "There are the sapling to be planted in Houjiawan. There are sweet-scented osmanthus trees, peach trees, and magnolia trees. Also miscellaneous stuff like thorny rose tree."
"Are you going to plant these for our family's snack shop?" Mrs. Su was the one who taught You Zhu and others how to make snacks. Hearing what You Jin said, she knew what these were for: "But our family's snack shop is only that big. How can it use so much land?"
You Jin pushed Mrs. Su down to sit on the kang before roughly stating the plan she had in mind: "Mother, my future goal is not just this snack shop. When these flowers bloom, let's raise some bees. In a 100 mu flower forest, just collecting honey is a huge income. For example, the thorn roses. Not only can they be used to make snacks, but also be dried to make scented tea?"
You Jin's ambitions were naturally more than this. A snack shop can only annually make a few thousand liang max. She had seven younger sisters who needs to marry. And she had to support such a large family. Naturally, she wanted to scratch her head open and think of money earning way.
"Scented tea?" Mrs. Su was a little puzzled, "Can this flower be made into tea? That's quite novel!"
You Jin grinned: "Of course it's possible. I read from a medical book that thorn roses have the effect of beautifying the skin! Just think about how many rich wives there are in Luohe Prefecture! It goes without saying, they love beauty the most. This business haven't been done yet. Since we have so much land, why not try it?"
Mrs. Su had always been convinced by her eldest daughter. Seeing that she was so determined, she wouldn't obstruct her. Just let her do as she like.
Although You Jin currently had a hundred acres of land, she can't afford to buy so many saplings at once. So she had to plant the first batch of saplings this year in the already fertilized land. Peach trees, rose trees, magnolia trees, osmanthus tree and pear tree got two mu each. Each tree was separated by a distance of three feet. As for the rest of the land, just continue to compost and fertilize. She'll make plans after slowly raising the fertility of the land.
After You Jin finished all these tasks, the cold wind in early spring and February had long since disappeared. Now it was April when the grass grew and the warblers flew. Su Family's new house was still being worked on every day. The sunflowers and garlic seedlings planted in composted open space beside Su Family had sprouted green branches and leaves. It wantonly grew in the misty spring rain.
There were more and more canal workers at Wuliqiao. Perhaps it was an order of the imperial court, the speed of excavating the canal channel had been accelerated. In just over two months, the digging reached the swale in front of Su Family's house.
Because the people outside were all adult men, Mrs. Su and Yu Lan governed over the little girls at home even more, for fear that something will happen. Su Family currently had six adult and strong wolfdogs guarding the home. No one would dare to idly provoke Su Family.
However, there will always be people, who want money and not life, testing it out.