Chapter 76 Ganef's bad start
The fact that Su Family opened a snack shop in Luohe Prefecture can't be hidden from the villagers of Wuliqiao. Most people were just envious of Su Family's situation. But when it came to stealing and robbing, ordinary people really can't do it .
But there was always someone who dared.
Ever since old Third Chen tricked a few silver liang from those outsider canal workers, he really lived a nourishing period of time. However, old Third Chen was a qualified rascal, who enjoyed their food, drink, prostitute, and gamble. For other people, those few silver liang may be enough for the whole family to chew on for a whole year. While in old Third Chen's hand, it was already spent before the New Year celebration ended.
The days without money in hand were too difficult. Old Third Chen and his cronies made a plan. They set their sight on the west side of the river's Su Familyr: "Su Family is all old and weak, women and children. As for those dogs guarding the house. let's get some rat medicine and give the dogs some medicine first. Then we're going to get the money and the shop!" After a pause, he continued: "Let's not mention Su Family's other things, just the snack shop opened in Luohe Prefecture can earn at least more than a dozen liang a day at least!"
As soon as old Third Chen finished speaking, the others were all red-eyed. Earning more than ten silver liang a day! What was this concept? These people had never spent more than ten silver liang in their lives! "Deal! Third Elder Brother, just say what we need to do, us brothers all listen to you!"
So on the day when Su Family all went to Luohe Prefecture to spend the Lantern Festival, old Third Chen and the others had already tried it once. Unfortunately, just as they climbed over the fence, they were discovered by the guarding dog. They rushed to the bottom of the wall and barked at old Third Chen and others.
Looking at the big dog with thick fangs and already half a person's height, old Third Chen was so frightened that his legs went limp and his hands kept shaking. He took out a few pieces of meat bones covered in rat poison from the bag he had prepared in advance and threw them down: "Good dog, good dog, eat some meaty bone!"
However, Su Family's dogs were all carefully trained by You Jin. How could they possibly eat the bones thrown by old Third Chen? Not a glance was spared to the fleshy bones that were on the ground. They all eagerly jumped up to get a bite out of old Third Chen and the others.
"Third Elder Brother, what, what's going on here?" All the people straddling the wall were so frightened that their legs were limp. Looking at the big dog below, they only felt chills on their backs: "If they keep barking like this, it'll attract people's attention!" Su's house was only a few hundred meters away from the canal worker dormitory. So if this stirred into a big mess, it was possible for someone there to find out.
In a dilemma, old Third Chen had a very ugly expression on his face and viciously spat: "It's bad luck today. Let's come back next time!"
After saying that, he led the few people down the fence and took advantage of the night to quietly go back to the east of the river. The story of being nearly ransacked just silently turned the page.
It was the early morning of the next day, when You Jin saw a few pieces of meaty bones by the wall and a dead mouse that was foaming at the mouth on the bottom of the wall. She felt it was a little strange. When she asked Mrs. Su, Mrs. Su said that it wasn't someone from the family who poisoned the mouse. Suspicious, You Jin led Xiao Hei out of the yard. Sure enough, she found a few different size of adult men's footprint by the bottom of the wall behind the west wing.
You Jin's heart sank. Now it reached this point, she didn't need to use her brain to know that there were ganefs who wanted to sneak into the house last night to steal. However, You Jin didn't tell Mrs. Su Family and the others about this. Instead, she called Han Li and his brothers over to live in the east wing of Su's house. From then on, Han Li had the additional task of night watch every night.
As old Third Chen and the others, they didn't make a comeback so quickly after this incident. He had come up with a way to restrain Su Family's dog before he could enter. If not, it'll be giving his life instead of getting money. This transaction would be a big loss then.
Although everything was calm, You Jin seriously began to ponder about how to better protect the whole family after this incident. After she finally finished her work in Houjiawan and Su Family's new home was completed, she spent another sum of money- to buy people.
This side, You Jin spent money like running water. Fortunately, the snack shop's business was getting better and better. On a whim, You Zhu and the others came up with a simple version of the oven.
Under You Jin's suggestion, it was changed to burning coal to better control the temperature. The coal-burning oven was officially put into use. Now Sujiaxiang's snack shop began to sell baked snack. This was one of a kind in Luohe Prefecture. Of course, it went without saying how great the business was.
This time, You Jin found Broker Chen again. He helped her buy a family of five and four women capable of hard work from the human market. In one go, there was an increase of nine people.
Su Family's new house was built big. According to You Jin's request, the two mu of wasteland were all included in the scope of the new homestead. The walls were also built with bricks to a height of nearly two people.
The house had double entry and double exit. The first and second entrances were to the spacious and bright main hall and main room. East and west wings each had three rooms. The second entry area was slightly larger. It had Su Family's study, storeroom, and two small compound houses. Inside one compound house were two obvious and two hidden rooms.
Everywhere in the house was paved with flat bluestone slabs. Even if it was raining, there was no fear of getting muddy. Several rooms had glazed windows that cost a lot of money. Although they were a bit more expensive, the light was obviously much better.
You Jin didn't have much research on ancient time architecture. While Zhao Er, he had once built a house for a wealthy family. So You Jin handed this over to Zhao Er and Yu Lan. The final product was satisfactory to You Jin.
In the first entry yard, only four one-person-high white magnolia trees were planted. The surroundings were flat. While in the second yard, a few red plums, sweet-scented osmanthus, and two clumps of plantains were planted. The winding cobblestones were around the courtyard with a view every three steps. A pavilion was very elegantly built in the courtyard. In Yu Lan's words: "Appreciate peaches in spring, rain in summer, osmanthus in autumn, and snow in winter." ".
These saplings were all readily provided by Su Family. It didn't cost much money. Because the place was adequately huge, whether it was the parlor, the girl's boudoir or the storeroom, they were large enough. After the house was built, a total of one hundred and forty silver liang was spent. Including the new furniture purchased, the total cost was two hundred liang.
"Eldest Sister, our new home is so beautiful!" Today was the first time for Su Family to come in to see the new home after everything had been arranged. The little ones chattered non-stop: "Yes! That's right! There is also a pavilion!"
She knelt down to wipe off the sweat on little Seventh's face one by one before grinning: "That's right. You have seen everywhere, right? Did you choose a room?" The first entry's main room was Mrs. Su, little Eighth and Kang-er. The second entry's large room on the east side of the main hall was You Jin's bedroom and personal study. The rest were left to the sisters to choose by themselves.
"I've made my choice. You Bao and I will live in the same courtyard!" You Zhu giggled out. Although she and You Bao always quarreled, the twins still had the best relationship. You Yin had made her choice: "I'll live with little Seventh. She is still young and dare not live alone!"
In the end, You Zhu and You Bao lived in the east compound house. You Yin took little Seventh to live in the west compound house. You Ling and You Luo live in the two rooms on the west side of the second main hall.
The newly bought family of five was a couple in their 40s with a 14-year-old son and two daughters aged 11 and 7. Their family surname was Song. Song Family were originally servant slaves. But after the decline of their master's family, they were transferred to Luohe Prefecture. Afterward, they were picked by Broker Chen and entered Su Family's door.
Uncle Song and Auntie Song were both good housekeepers. So You Jin handed over the dormitory of the canal worker to Uncle Song. While Auntie Song took care of the running of the house and the staff. The family of five lived in the few rooms next to the kitchen.
In addition to Song Family, Yu Lan and two labor women lived in the new house. The rest of them were arranged to live in the original old house. Although it was an old house, You Jin had spent money to get Zhao Er and his people to tidy up and renovate the old house. A side door was opened between the two houses, making it very convenient to enter and exit.
Now the monthly income of Sujiaxiang snack shop had stabilized between four and five hundred silver liang. Although You Jin overspent a little on building a new house, it wasn't too bad. At least not to the point of making ends meet.
Su Family's housewarming banquet date was set on 19th May,. The main guests invited were people in Wuliqiao Village who have had some contacts with Su Family in the past. The total number was only six or seven tables. In addition, You Jin had handed over an invitation to Second Master Huang in Luohe Prefecture. That was it.
Su Family's house's construction was witnessed by the villagers of Wuliqiao every day. Although the wall was built first and the high wall blocked people's prying eyes, it couldn't stop their curiosity. One must know that the courtyard wall alone was built so high and with blue bricks. It was basically building with gold bricks and silver bricks! How much did it cost?
On May 19th, the people who received the invitation from Su Family all arrived at Su's house early. They were also quite curious! As for the villagers who didn't receive the invitation, they could only eagerly speculate outside as they mentally grumble how stingy Su Family was for not inviting the whole village to the housewarming banquet.
You Jin didn't care about this. Enough food and drinks were prepared early on. She didn't need to hire anyone. Sujiaxiang shop was closed for a day, so the family's hands was enough.
The banquet was decently set up. The high-end version of the eight great bowls had all the invited villagers's mouths covered in oil. They wished that their stomachs would be bigger so they could eat more.
While some people ate to their heart's content, naturally some people didn't. Mrs. Zhao finally understood what Family head meant back then. The orphans and widows of Su Family lived in such a grand house within a year. What need was there to wait a few years? Right now, they were beyond their reach!
Mrs. Zhao felt that they were climbing a higher branch. But there were always people who would be blinded by the sight of wealth and honor: "Our boy will be fourteen this year. Do you think I should go to Su Family to try to propose a marriage?"
"Quickly rest that thought! Look at Su Family's girls. All of them are wearing quality clothes and jewelry. Have you ever seen such fine things? Your son isn't a gentleman of Luohe Prefecture. Isn't this whatever toad wants to eat something meat?"
The woman had just finished speaking when another young woman with a thin face at the same table retorted.
"Maybe she'll set her eyes on him!" The woman wanted to say something. But seeing You Jin not far away with a calm smile on her face and then recalling her useless eldest son, she indeed wilted. Though she didn't want to admit it, she really felt that Su Family wouldn't set their eyes on their family.
Chapter 77 Wealth and honor make people jealous
Today was a big day for Su Family. Naturally everyone in Su Family dressed up. The fine cotton clothes mixed with silk threads were slightly shimmering in the sun. After a year of nurturing care, all Su Family's daughter had become fair and cute. Even Mrs. Su body had been recuperated for a long time. Her complexion was much better now. One can see the beauty of her youth.
And the two eldest daughters, thirteen years old You Jin and eleven year You Yin had sprouted a lot. Their peach eyes, which look exactly like Mrs. Su, were slightly raised. There were gentle and polite smiles on their fair and beautiful faces. In a group of country girls with tanned skin, thin skin and rough hair, they really stood out.
Looking at You Jin who gracefully interacted with everyone, Mrs. Zhao sighed deeply again. In the end, there was no fate!
During this housewarming, everyone had different thoughts. Su Family was all happy. Especially when a figure they hadn't seen for a long time appeared outside the door. You Jin's mood became a little better. She quickly went over to greet him: "Young Gentleman Xiao, why are you here?"
You Jin quite liked this frivolous little kid. Although he was half a year younger than her, in You Jin's eyes, Xiao Lin Feng was just like a child.
Xiao Lin Feng, who was still dressed in white, took in the messy crowd in the yard with some distaste. Only when he saw You Jin come out did he show a smile on his face: "Su Family's lass, you are too unfair. You're having a housewarming banquet and didn't call me! It is too noisy here. Is there a quieter place for me to rest my feet?"
You Jin wasn't angry with his behavior. She smiled and led him to the backyard: "Today's housewarming banquet is neighbors in the village coming to have fun. I never thought Young Gentleman's noble steps would touch these lowly land and made no preparation."
She took him to sit in the parlor in the front yard. After a while, a girl came up with tea and snacks: "Eldest Miss."
She personally carried the tea and put it in front of Xiao Lin Feng. Afterward, she smilingly apologized: "Young Gentleman, drink a cup of tea to relieve your fatigue. This place was fairly quiet and clean. Didn't Young Gentleman go back to the capital? Why did you return to Luohe Prefecture?"
She remembered nearly half a month before the New Year, Xiao Lin Feng dragged Xiao Lin Yu to the snack shop to buy some snacks. He had said that he was going to eat them on the way back to the capital. Why did he come back after less than half a year?
Xiao Lin Feng first took a slow sip of the tea. Then he picked up a piece of soft and delicious sweet-scented osmanthus mung bean cake, put it in his mouth and savored it slowly. Only then, he replied: "Eldest Brother wants to go back to Luohe Prefecture to deal with some matters, so I came along. What, you have an objection?"
Actually, You Jin wanted to ask why Xiao Lin Yu didn't come. After all, Xiao Lin Feng was just a little handsome man. Xiao Lin Yu was the big handsome man! However, she swallowed these words back and jollyly responded: "Our shop had launched a few new flavors of snack this year. I was thinking how Young Gentleman haven't tried it yet!"
"Really? What flavor?" Xiao Lin Feng still had a good impression of the food produced by Su Family. After all, the taste was great. As soon as he heard that there was something to eat, he immediately changed his attitude: "Then why don't you hurry up and serve some for Young Master to try?"
You Jin said apologetically, "Today we are warming up the house. I didn't know that you would come, Young Gentleman and didn't prepare them. When the shop opens tomorrow morning, how about I send it to your house when it's ready?"
Xiao Lin Feng sat upright and casually waved his hands: "It's okay. I'll go to your shop to eat tomorrow."
After all, freshly baked ones were the best!
Just now, Mrs. Su didn't see it in person. She only heard that a very good-looking young gentleman arrived and was taken to the parlor by You Jin. So hurriedly came over: "You Jin, this is?"
Seeing Mrs. Su coming, You Jin hurriedly stood up and introduced the two of them: "Mother, this is the Young Gentleman from Xiao Family who bought our sour plum soup recipe."
Then she turned to Xiao Lin Feng and introduced: "Young Gentleman Xiao, this is my mother. Family name is Su."
When it came to elders, Xiao Lin Feng knew the boundary. He obediently stood up and gave a younger generation bow: "Greeting, Auntie Su."
This was the first time that Mrs. Su was greeted by others like this and was somewhat flustered. She frantically urged him to not be reserved: "Then, You Jin, properly entertain Gentleman Xiao. I will not disturb you." At this time, Mrs. Su forgot it was inappropriate for a lone male and lone female to be in the same room. She smiled a little stiffly and exited the parlor.
Fortunately, You Jin hadn't forgotten. She got and Song Hua to stay behind and serve. Song Hua was Uncle Song's eldest son. Now, he can help with many things.
Xiao Lin Feng didn't stay for long. He sat for a while, drank tea and ate a few pastries. Leaving the congratulatory gift he brought, he took the snack box specially prepared by You Jin for him and contentedly went back to the city.
After the housewarming banquet ended, the four labor old women quickly cleaned up the leftovers together with Song Family's wife, Mrs. Li and Bai Zhi. Mrs. Su sat in an armchair in the main hall and enjoyed a cup of tea. Then she sighed: "I never imagined that we are living a good life when we just came and settled down in Luohe Prefecture at this time last year!"
Standing behind Mrs. Su, You Jin was vigorously massaging her shoulders. Hearing what she said, she couldn't help laughing: "This is just the beginning. After two years, we will definitely have an even better life!"
"I believe you." Mrs. Su heart was really satisfied now. The older daughters in the family were more capable than the other. The younger ones were all well-behaved and sensible. Recalling the past ten years of hell-like life in Yue Family, she really didn't know how they survived in the first place!
After moving into the new home and having many more people at home, You Jin still didn't dare to relax her guard. She sought a blacksmith and order a batch of hard iron spikes to surround the walls of the old and new houses.
Old Third Chen, who deliberately passed by Su's house on the west side of the river, looked at the sharp iron thorns on the high courtyard wall. Remembering the villagers' talk of how good the food and wine were during the housewarming and a noble son from the city giving them congratulatory gifts such as brocade, old Third Chen felt frustrated. He became more determined to net a fortune from Su Family: "As long as this succeed, we can all live in a big house like Su Family and buy a bunch of people back to serve us!"
Hearing his words, those cronies' heart moved. Still, there was hesitation: "But Third Elder Brother, won't we become bandits who rob houses?"
He was used to petty theft. But old Third Chen's intention of kidnapping Su Family's lass and ask for ransom was a completely different nature!
He patted the head of the man who thought of retreating: "Truly unpromising! Now that the wall of Su Family courtyard is so high and there are iron spikes on it, how do you plan to get in? Besides, you don't know where they put money after you get in."
Old Third Chen was so desparate for Su Family's money that his eyes turned red: "As long as we kidnap Su Family's eldest lass, the ransom will be up to us to get!"
Old Third Chen's appetite had been greatly nourished by Su Family's glorious. He can no longer be satisfied with ten or so silver liang: "When the time comes to kidnap her, I will ask for one thousand liang! No, two thousand liang!"
"Two thousand liang!" These were all the local countryside ruffians. How could they possibly seen so much money? When they heard that there was so much money, they also became red-eyed. One with guts slapped his thighs: "Sure! Third Elder Brother, I do it with you! I will listen to your orders!"
Once one showed support, everyone else agreed. Only the hesitant one received everyone's gaze on him. So he gritted his teeth and stomped his foot. He nodded in agreement!
A group of people got drunk at old Third Chen's house. All of them were imagining how to squander it after they had two thousand silver liang. What they didn't even notice was a thin figure huddled in the darkness outside the broken window of Chen's house and listen to all their conversations.
Old Third Chen's family had two sons and two daughters. The two sons had exactly the same temperament as old Third Chen. The eldest of the two daughters was fifteen years old. The youngest was only eight years old. From a young age, she was treated like an animal by old Third Chen couple and two brothers. Naturally, a lot of resentment towards this family brewed in her heart.
Chen Xiao Cui was old Third Chen's youngest daughter. Hearing that old Third Chen and others planned to kidnap Su Family's eldest girl, she was shocked and frightened. She didn't know what to do, so she told Chen Family's eldest daughter, Chen Xiao Hong: "Eldest Sister, is father really going to kidnap Su Family's sister?"
She liked the eldest sister from Su Family who had a beautiful smile. The last time she saw her, she gave her a piece of pastry that she had never eaten before. The fragrant taste in the mouth made her unable to forget it for a long time. Last night, she dreamed about it and drool a lot!
After listening to Chen Xiao Cui's words, a strange gleam flashed in Chen Xiao Hong's eyes. She had no way out now. That beast old Third Chen often spouted about the matter of selling her. It seemed he might really have this plan.
Seeing that Eldest Sister being silent, Chen Xiao Cui pushed her slightly: "Eldest Sister, what are you thinking? What should we do?"
"Xiao Cui, if you have the chance, would you like to run away with Eldest Sister?" Chen Xiao Hong really couldn't stand it any longer. It was enough that she didn't have enough food to be full and clothing to keep warm. She happened to have such parents, who never treated her like a human. She really didn't want to live a day like this!
Chen Xiao Cui was only eight years old. How could she possibly understand these? She didn't even understand why Eldest Sister had the idea of running away: "Eldest Sister, where do you want to run to? If Father know, he will definitely beat you!" She only remembered that Chen Xiao Hong had escaped once the year before last. After being found and brought back by old Third Chen, she was ruthlessly beaten up and starved for a good few days before the matter was over. Why did Eldest Sister still have this idea now?
But Chen Xiao Hong didn't want to suffer this pain anymore. Rremembering the beating she had endured the year before, she wanted to bite her lips until it bleed. Suddenly, an idea came to her: "Xiao Cui, I want to tell Su You Jin about this!"
This way, she helped Su Family. Su You Jin must be able to help her too!
After finishing speaking, she gave no regard to what Chen Xiao Cui wanted to say. Only instructed her pay attention to the main room before quietly slipping out. After leaving the gate of Chen's house, she ran like the wind all the way to the west of the river, as if there was a vicious dog chasing her behind. Or as if there was something in front that attracted her to chase desperately.
Chapter 78 The Whistleblower
"Your father wants to kidnap me. Why did you come and tell me?" Sitting at the top of the parlor, You Jin looked at the girl standing in front of her with burning eyes: "What are you aiming for?"
Taking in this ragged and disheveled person, You Jin couldn't help but think of her days in Cuifeng Village. It wasn't that she was unwilling to help someone with the same fate as her. What if it was a cover-up? You Jin was very familiar with old Third Chen's 'great achievement'. In addition, You Jin deeply suspected it was old Third Chen who wanted to sneak into her house to steal things last time!
Standing in this parlor with warm candles and a faint fragrance, Chen Xiao Hong glanced at defensive Su You Jin. Her initial courage had long since disappeared. Now she only felt she was impulsive for a moment and resulted in her neither being able to leave or stay.
Unconsciously, both her hands grabbed the cuffs of her coarse linen clothes that had been washed white. Chen Xiao Hong lowered her head. After a long time, she murmured: "I don't want to live in this house anymore..."
Although her voice was low, You Jin's ears were very sharp. Hearing what she said, she asked: "You don't want to live in your house anymore, so you want to exchange this news for me to help you escape from Chen's house?"
After a pause, she looked Chen Xiao Hong up and down: "Or do you want to come to our house?" Chen Xiao Hong felt a little guilty when she asked such a straightforward question. Naturally, she dared not say that she had truly wanted to rely on this news to exchange for her to stay in Su's house to live a good life.
Looking at Chen Xiao Hong with guilt written on her face, You Jin sneered: "Just now you said that your father wasn't human and wanted to kidnap me for money. Are you the same, using this news to kidnap me now, so that you can live a better life?"
Hearing Su You Jin classifying herself as the same kind as the beast she hated the most, Chen Xiao Hong clenched her hands tightly into fists. She gritted her teeth and stated, "I'm not!"
As always, You Jin only cared about her own family's affairs. She never wanted to meddle in other people's affairs. After all, kindness had been regarded as a donkey's liver and lungs since ancient times. Seeing that she said this, You Jin uttered: "Then what do you want? A debt of kindness be repaid? If it is true, the favor I should repay will naturally become true."
At the beginning, Chen Xiao Hong just wanted to rely on this news to climb onto Su Family's boat. But before she could say this, mighty Su You Jin blocked off this route. Except for this, she couldn't think of any condition so suddenly.
Seeing that she hesitated for a long time without saying a word, You Jin sighed. In the end, her heart softened a little: "It's getting dark now, go back and think about it slowly."
After finishing speaking, she asked Uncle Song to send her out.
"Eldest Miss, from what I see, Chen Family's lass seems to be telling the truth. Old Third Chen would really be bold enough to come and kidnap you?" After sending Chen Xiao Hong away, Uncle Song worriedly asked You Jin who was still sitting in the parlor: "Why don't we report to the official! Let the officials arrest them?"
However, You Jin solemnly shook her head: "We don't have evidence now. No one will care about it even if we got a hold of an official." She didn't miss the hatred for old Third Chen in Chen Xiao Hong's eyes just now. Although she couldn't be 100% sure, she felt Chen Xiao Hong's words were probably true. After thinking for a while, she spoke: "We can only take one step at a time. Now we know their plan, we can take precautions in advance."
This matter was of great importance. It went without saying You Jin didn't hide it from Mrs. Su. Attracting more problem by avoiding Mrs. Su from worrying was a case of loss outweighing the gain.
Sure enough, as soon as You Jin finished speaking, Mrs. Su was already grasping her chest and looked at You Jin with panic: "Then what should we do?"
She was used to asking her daughter for help. Her first reaction was always to pin all her hopes on You Jin.
"Mother, what do you think should be done?" You Jin naturally discovered this. Since moving to Luohe Prefecture, Mrs. Su had never regarded herself as the backbone of the family and relied on her for everything. However, there were too many matters at home before. You Jin didn't have time to slowly guide and correct Mrs. Su's shortcoming. Now that she was free, she naturally wanted to start cultivating Mrs. Su's independence.
Hearing her daughter ask her opinion, Mrs. Su was stunned. How could she know what to do? But seeing her daughter's eyes burning with expectation, Mrs. Su felt a flash of embarrassment. Her face was slightly hot: "I don't know what to do..."
In fact, Mrs. Su can't be blamed. After all She had been relying on others all her life. Even when it came to leaving Yue's house, it was only under the strong instigation of You Jin and other children that she had the courage to do something that she never dared to think about in her life.
You Jin sighed slightly. Haste makes waste! Sitting next to Mrs. Su, she poured a cup of hot water for her: "There's a high probability that old Third Chen had set his eyes on our family. Our family's You Ling, You Luo, and the few are still little. I'm currently busy every day. I have to trouble you, Yu Lan, and Auntie Song to worry about the affairs at home. Watch them closely."
In the end, You Jin was more worried about the younger ones in the family. If old Third Chen made a move on her, she had the confidence to escape the danger. But the little ones? Although they have practiced some boxing skills with You Jin, they were all a few years old. There was hope of winning when it came to same-age bullying. Old Third Chen and the others were all grown men. How can they beat them?
"En! I know!" Mrs. Su vigorously nodded. Although she couldn't help Eldest Daughter much, she tried her best not to hold her back. The mother and daughter talked for a long time before You Jin dragged her heavy feet back to her room to rest.
Old Third Chen's greedy group were really the men of action. Within two or three days, they were ready. They even bought low-quality drugs, which might come in handy.
You Jin had to go to Houjiawan every two or three days. Old Third Chen had been strolling along the river for several days, watching Su Family on the other side of the river with his eyes. Finally, he figured out Su You Jin's trip schedule. He and his cronies discussed it and decided to wait until the next time Su You Jin went out.
Su Family now had two mule carts. One was driven by Han Li, who was responsible for transporting You Yin, You Zhu and others to and from Luohe Prefecture every day. The other was driven by Song Hua, who was responsible for transporting You Jin around every day. Today was the day when You Jin was going to Houjiawan to check the growth of the saplings.
The season had entered June, the heat was high. Cicadas on both sides of the official road were very noisy. You Jin, who was sitting in the mule cart, had also closed the curtains. When she got up early, she took a gourd of sour plum soup and hung it in the well overnight to relieve summer heat.
"Eldest Miss, it's getting hotter and hotter today. Thankfully, there's enough water on the mountain, so it's not dry." This was Hou Wei, the oldest of the five long-term workers hired by Su Family. He wore a straw hat and followed beside You Jin who was carefully inspecting the situation of the saplings and jollily commented. This Hou Wei was nearly forty years old. In front of Su Family's young eldest girl, he was full of respect.
After carefully inspecting the growth of the supplementary seedlings, You Jin nodded with satisfaction: "This time the supplementary seedlings mostly survived. The last fertilization was about half a month ago. Too much fertilizer will easily burn the roots. So don't worry about fertilizing." After Su Family moved to a new home, You Jin replanted two mu of thorn roses and sweet-scented osmanthus. Now they had established roots and were growing gratifyingly, You Jin was very satisfied.
After wandering around the mountain, they came down. The sweaty people sat in the grass hut built at the foot of the mountain and heartily drank a few bowls of water. You Jin took a handkerchief and wiped off the beads of sweat on her forehead one by one. She spoke: "This composting work can't be delayed. Except for the field where saplings and sunflower seedlings have been planted, we should pay close attention to composting the other places. Those areas will be planted next year."
Although there were only four long-term workers in Su Family's 100-mu barren hill, it wasn't a problem. Minding the saplings wasn't as strenuous as minding the crops. The main work of the four was actually composting and nourishing the land. Hearing what You Jin said, Hou Wei frowned and complained to her: "Miss, it's not that we are slow in composting. The branches and leaves for composting are simple matter. It's just that the dung is difficult. In our village, we don't have enough for ourselves. Buying it is also a problem.
"This is indeed a problem. Uncle Hou, since you bought it up, do you have any idea?" You Jin didn't consider this problem before. Now that Hou Wei said this, she realized that this was really an urgent matter that needed to be considered in the long run. The biggest issue was that without fertilizer, this hundred mu of wasteland was really going to be wasted.
Hou Wei smoked a tube of dry tobacco before hesitantly responding: "Our land is so big, why don't we raise some pigs and cows ourselves. This way, dung supply problem will be
solved? What do Eldest Miss think?"
As soon as Hou Wei opened his mouth, You Jin's eyes lit up. After hearing what he said, You Jin approved: "Then we have to find food to feed the pigs. We are short of too many things now. It's better to raise some chickens and let them run in the mountains. In such a big forest, would there be a lack of food?"
After listening to You Jin's words, Hou Wei clapped his hands in delight. He grinned: "Eldest Miss has thought it through. If it was up to me, I would never have thought so much."
Hearing Hou Wei's obvious flattery, the smile on the corner of You Jin's mouth faded a little. Although she didn't like this kind of style, she didn't comment about it. She just uttered: "Then, I will leave this matter to you, Uncle Hou. See if anyone in our village is willing to hatch chicks and sell them. I'll go by the market price. How about three or four hundred chicks first?" You Jin was well aware of the principle that when water was clear, there will be no fish. To boost the underling's morale, she can accept it when the commission is within a reasonable range.
Hou Wei was naturally willing to take on such a job, even when it was at the market price, he can earn some money from it, no? Then he patted his chest and agreed to the matter: "Deal, I will help Miss with this matter for sure!"
You Jin nodded. Then she talked with him for a while about the chicken pens that need to be prepared for raising chickens on the mountain. The early stage food that the young chickens need to be prepared, etc. This made the other long-term workers jealous. Everyone secretly scolded Hou Wei in their hearts and envied him for getting this oil content task and gaining limelight in front of the employer.
Chapter 79 Pretending to be a bandit
After avoiding the sun's peak time at noon, You Jin led Song Hua to continue to circle around the mountain. Song Hua wiped the sweat from his forehead. He couldn't help admiring Su Family's Eldest Miss whom he had looked down upon before. On such a sunny day, her face had two big blushes, and the hair on her temples was also sticking onto her forehead. Still, she ran around with such vigor, as if she would never be tired!
"Song Hua, why are you in a daze?" You Jin called him a few times and got no response. Looking back, it turned out to be him standing by the stream in a daze!
Song Hua, whose thoughts were interrupted, looked at You Jin who was ten steps away in panic. He asked, "Huh? Eldest Miss? You called me?"
Thinking that he was still slandering the big girl just now, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty. However, flushed cheeks from the sun didn't reveal his guilty conscience.
"What were you thinking that had you so preoccupied?" You Jin amusedly gave him an eye roll. Then she spoke: "I was asking you, what are your thoughts on me putting you here to learn to manage things?" After all, the long-term workers weren't bought. You Jin was really worried about leaving all the money matters to Hou Wei and others to manage. The only people around her who she can use were Han Li and Song Hua. But Han Li was bottled up. Not many words can be pulled out of him. It would be better for witty Song Hua to step forward.
"M, me, me?" Song Hua didn't expect Eldest Miss to drop such a big news so lightly. He hadn't reached fifteen years old. Previously, he was just doing odd jobs in the previous master's house. Now he was going to be in charge? Having such happy thoughts, a silly smile appeared on Song Hua's face.
You Jin sighed. He was still tender. However, there was no one to use right now. Song Hua was barely suitable. She'll make do! Once again, she called him, whose mind had wandered far away, back to reality: "I just want to ask you what your thoughts are first. If you are willing, I will discuss it with your father when we get back today. You should learn some things about managing people from your father first. If you learn something useful, I'll let you? How about it?"
How could Song Hua listen to anything else that You Jin said now? Nodding again and again, he agreed: "Sure, I'll listen to Eldest Miss."
The two walked one after the other and chatted. When the sun was setting, Song Hua felt that his body was covered with the smell of sweat. Only then, You Jin gave approval and they made their way home.
In the afternoon of June, the sunset turned red like a red heart and hung in the sky like an egg yolk. Still, the power of scorching the earth hadn't diminished. The hot wind blew by and made people feel stuffy. Not relieving the heat the slightest.
Old Third Chen and the other five people had been hiding in the grass by the roadside for a long time. There the sun, heat, and mosquito bites. Although the environment was difficult, the few local ruffians who usually eat and do nothing were all thinking about the two thousand liang they were about to get and endured the pain for a while. Each unblinkingly stared at the corner of the intersection, waiting for the figure of the blue-top mule cart.
Old Third Chen, who came back after going to pee, frustratedly cursed: "Damn, why is the little b*tch still not showing up! I'll give her a good sorting later. Let her know how powerful I am!"
He already put the blame of their suffering on You Jin's head.
"Third Elder Brother, here they come!" Just as old Third Chen was thinking about how to deal with Su Family's little b*tch, a bright, joyous low voice rang out in his ear: "Third Elder Brother! Third Elder Brother!"
"Here they come! What's so pressing about it!" Old Third Chen disgruntledly rolled his eyes. Still, he quickly squatted down. Then he picked up a stone and threw it down to Ge Jia Hong and the other two on the opposite side of the official road. signaling that the fat sheep was sending itself to the door.
Old Third Chen and the others deliberately chose an official road in the middle of nowhere. Today, taking advantage of no one on the road, they quietly buried the tripping rope in it. Just waiting for Su Family's mule cart to pass by and they can immediately pull the rope to trip. Seeing the mule cart getting closer, everyone hurriedly wrapped their faces in sackcloth. Extremely nervous, their hands that were holding the rope were sweating.
The mule cart was less than a foot away from the rope buried by old Third Chen and the others. Since it was the first time they committed this kidnapping and extortion, they were afraid and nervous. So they pulled up the rope ahead of time. Song Yang, who was driving the mule cart, saw the hemp rope suddenly appearing in front of the mule cart and hurriedly stopped the mule's progress. You Jin inside noticed the mule cart stopped, and asked, "Song Yang, what's wrong? "
"Don't know who got a hemp rope to block the road here. I'll go down and deal with it. Eldest Miss, please wait a moment." Song Yang briefly explained the situation. Then he prepared to jump off the mule cart to solve the rope blocking the road.
You Jin's eyebrows twitched and she hurriedly said: "Song Yang, don't go down, let's turn around and go back!"
You Jin thought, in all likelihood, old Third Chen and others were making their move. Now that the number of enemies was unknown, it was really inappropriate to take action. So they should hurry up and evacuate quickly. As soon as Song Yang heard this, he led the mule and hurriedly prepared to turn around and head back.
Seeing the mule cart that had firmly stopped and not tripped, old Third Chen was so vexed that he spat out the dog's tail grass in his mouth heavily on the ground: "Do you have any brains?" At the sight of the kid turning the mule cart around, old Third Chen raised his arm and yelled out: "Go!"
Before the mule cart could turn around, five men masked in linen surrounded the mule cart. Old Third Chen complacently chuckled: "It's rude to walk up into us brothers' territory and leave without saying hello?"
Song Yang, who was sitting outside the mule cart, was terrified when he saw five masked men coming out of nowhere. Now hearing what they said, he was so frightened that his legs trembled. Voice trembling, he conveyed to You Jin in the mule cart: "Eldest Miss, it's bandits..."
Song Yang didn't know that old Third Chen was going to kidnap You Jin, so he thought it was bandits who had gone down the mountain. But You Jin knew very well in her heart that it was old Third Chen who used the name of bandits to kidnap her! In this way, if they were to be investigated in the future, all the crimes will be pushed to the never seen 'bandits'.
She quietly hid the self-defense dagger she had put in the mule cart into her cuff. Then lowering her voice, she instructed Song Yang through the door curtain: "Listen to me. In a moment, I will tell you to run. Run back quickly. There is a village across the mountain pass. Go ask for help." Song Yang had no fighting power. Staying here will only drag herself down. He might as well ask for help.
"What about you, Eldest Miss?" Song Yang currently only felt that her whole body was trembling. It was five masked men. If he runs away, what will happen to Eldest Miss?
Seeing that the two people in the mule cart remain unmoved, old Third Chen impatiently gave one of them a wink. The man nodded, walked forward with a thick wooden stick in one hand, and lifted Song Yang off the cart: " Brat, don't stand in the way."
Song Yang was directly thrown to the ground. The target of the few people wasn't him, so naturally no one would pay attention to him. Back to old Third Chen and the others. They assumed Su You Jin was just a slightly stronger little girl. So they were cautious at the moment. Just directly raised the curtain of the mule cart.
Unexpectedly, a gust of sharp wind rushed towards him. A dagger swung out from inside, directly cutting the sackcloth on old Third Chen's head and left a blood mark on his face. How could it ever cross old Third Chen's mind that this was a cutting good? He yelped out. A burning pain stung his face. He stretched out his hand to touch it. The sticky blood stain clearly told him the fact that he was disfigured.
"You little b*tch! Brothers, advance!" Old Third Chen fiercely gritted his teeth. He was completely pissed off. Initially. he just wanted some money. Now, he got to torture this b*tch!
Back to You Jin who scratched old Third Chen's face. Afterward, she threw out an leg toward the other man's chest. After the people on the left and right moved away from the mule cart, You Jin swiftly flipped over and got off the mule cart. Holding the dagger tightly in her hand, she had her back against the mule cart and quickly took in the situation. Besides the one kicked to the ground, four other people gradually surrounded him.
Seeing that what they were holding were all wooden sticks and their auras weren't like skilled fighters, You Jin was relieved. Still, she didn't dare to relax her vigilance. The blood-stained dagger in her hand seemed frightening under the afterglow of the setting sun. As if she didn't mind opening a few more holes in old Third Chen and the others if they dared to come forward.
Noticing that the few people flinched, old Third Chen berated a bit: "Isn't it just a little girl? What do we have to be afraid of her for? Do you want money or not?"
Although old Third Chen's own hands were shaking slightly, one couldn't tell if it was out of fear or excitement. Since things had reached this point and the two thousand liang were about to be obtained, how can he tolerate running away?
As soon as old Third Chen mentioned money, they felt five big men would never lose to a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl. They swallowed hard, gritted their teeth, and stomped their feet. Then they began to gradually encircle You Jin's direction.
Seeing that the five people's attention was on her and Song Yang who was pushed to the ground beside her also got up, You Jin hurriedly signaled with her eyes to Song Yang, who had picked up a small wooden stick and was about to sneak attack, to go seek for help. Song Yang saw Eldest Miss's determined eyes and then recalled how Eldest Miss kicked the man just now, he turned around and ran to ask for help. He knew that he couldn't help Eldest Miss much by staying, so he might as well call for someone quickly.
Song Yang fell down after only a few steps. He didn't care about his sore knee and got up and ran like crazy. Naturally, someone noticed the movement behind. Old Third Chen stopped the two who wanted to catch him: "Our target is this little b*tch. He is just a driver. Don't worry about him!"
Old Third Chen's vision was red now and stared straight at You Jin. The rift between the two had taken root. Old Third Chen had already made up his mind. Once he gets the money, he will sell this little b*tch, who dared to hurt him, to a brothel. With this appearance, it was estimated that she could be sold for a good price!
Surrounded by five people, You Jin was thankful that she was going to go to the ground today and wore clothes with narrow sleeves that were convenient for movement. Once she fights, it will not be in the way.
Previous
Chapter 80 The Embarrassing Reunion
The few men waved the wooden sticks as thick as an adult's arm and slowly approached You Jin. Old Third Chen stood at the outermost edge and declared: "Little lass, it's five of us against one of you. I advise you not to struggle. You are delicate and tender. If you bump into something later, you can't blame us brothers."
After more than a year of careful nurturing and continuous training every day, You Jin had grown a lot taller. She had a somewhat girlish and graceful posture. On top of that, there was a slight blush on her fair little face from being exposed to the sun for the whole day today. Who knows how much better than the prostitutes and widows that people like old Third Chen group had seen. It aroused the few's evil thoughts. Hearing old Third Chen speak like this, a few lewd smiles appeared. It would be nice if they could play around with this appearance!
"Pah!" You Jin spat directly on old Third Chen's face, "Why don't you look at yourself and see what kind of thing you are. It's still unknown who wins or loses!"
Originally, You Jin thought that Chen Xiao Hong was holding bad intention and wanted to use herself as a bridge. Unexpectedly, old Third Chen was this bad. Seeing his gaze sizing up her body become more and more explicit, the killing intent in her eyes gradually emerged.
"Give face and don't want face little b*tch! Brothers, advance!" Old Third Chen resentfully wiped the saliva that You Jin spat on his face. Feeling that he was being slapped in the face, he had to give this little b*tch a good sorting!
Before old Third Chen and the others could make a move, You Jin saw an opportunity and struck first: the dagger in her right hand swung forward quickly, directly cutting through the sleeve of Wu Er who was standing closest to her. The blood quickly stained the old linen clothes.
Before Wu Er could cry out in pain, he was kicked by You Jin in the crotch, a vital point. You Jin's kick was with all her strength, Wu Er felt dizzy in pain, collapsed to the ground, and howled: "Ah!"
The other four didn't expect this thin little girl to be so vicious. Looking at Wu Er, who was lying on the official road, covering his crotch and screaming, the men swallowed at the same time. and felt that something was following him. They felt an ache in a certain part of the body and unconsciously took two steps back.
Seeing the situation reversed, old Third Chen's eyes popped wide open. Seeing that the three of them had all retreated, he hurriedly pushed them from behind: "What are you afraid of? Let's go together!" This time, old Third Chen couldn't hide at the back anymore. He waved his stick toward You Jin and the four surrounded her.
You Jin pursed her lips tightly, not daring to relax at all. She had already angered old Third Chen and these bums. If she fell into their hands, it would be a disaster. She dodged to the side and avoided the stick that old Third Chen swung at her. She grabbed old Third Chen's left arm and then used all her strength to break it with her backhand. Old Third Chen's arm dislocated with a crack. Then she kicked him hard to the ground. In an instant, only three of the four people in the circle were left standing.
You Jin had received professional fighting training in her previous life. Although it was a little difficult to fight against five grown men, fortunately these men could only fight blindly without any tricks. That was why they couldn't hurt You Jin for a while. On the contrary, it was a few of them on the receiving end. One of them was knocked down by You Jin in an instant, leaving only two people standing there trembling and not knowing what to do.
Seeing that the situation wasn't good, old Third Chen, who was lying on the ground, took out the things he had prepared in advance from his pocket and motioned to the person standing in front of You Jin. That person saw old Third Chen taking out that thing and agitatedly noded.
Unexpectedly, the two of them suddenly got immersed in the fight as if they had been injected with steroids and they entangled You Jin. When You Jin swung the dagger in her hand, it only scratched one of them. That man withstood the pain and then got a hold of the hand with the dagger.
The other person also grabbed You Jin tightly from behind. Even if You Jin had some skills, her strength wasn't comparable to two grown men. So she had to outsmart them. She lifted her knee up high and swung it upwards with strength. The man in front of her fell down in response. Just as You Jin was about to counterattack the latter one, she was covered by a piece of something with a pungent smell. After breathing in two mouthfuls, her consciousness began to be confused. The two figures in front of her gradually turned into four and then eight double figures.
You Jin struggled to stay awake. In the end, she passed out with a "plop".
Old Third Chen, whose left arm was dislocated, persisted until he made the other party unconscious. Only then, he sat down on the ground in pain. He instructed He Liu, who was the remaining one without much injury: "Quickly help the brothers up. Tie up this little b*tch with a rope! Hurt me? I'll properly sort her in a while!"
The people who were kicked in the crotch felt the most painful area eased up. Although they still had a dull pain, they could barely stand up and walk around with He Liu's support.
Seeing that the b*tch who had cut them and kicked them in children roots was unconscious and tied like a rice dumpling, the few people felt pleased in their hearts. They viciously kicked the young girl lying on the ground a few times: "Little b*tch, weren't you so powerful! Come on!"
"Enough. Hurry up and put her on the mule cart. If someone comes and sees it later, it will be over." Beads of sweat on old Third Chen's forehead had already stained the sackcloth covering his face. Old Third Chen angrily took off the sackcloth. His face was very pale: "Hurry up and take me to the doctor! Why are you still standing there!"
The few injured cronies supported each other and moved slowly. They filled up Su Family's mule cart and prepared to rush to the pre-discussed hiding location.
Back to Song Yang. He ran to the nearest village to ask for help according to You Jin's instructions. But the place where old Third Chen and the others ambushed was more than a mile away from the nearest village. Song Yang stumbled countless times along the way but hadn't seen a shadow of the village yet.
At this time, he saw a passing convoy not far away and rushed over to ask for help: "Elder Brothers, please help my family's Miss!"
The guards guarding around the carriage saw someone rushing out suddenly and thought it was an assassin. So they hurriedly reined in the horse and waited for the battle. Unforeseen, it was just a fourteen or fifteen-year-old young lad begging them to save some girl. The leader of the guards turned to the carriage behind and stated: "Young man, we are in a hurry. You can go to others for help!"
Eldest Young Master was rushing into the city. If they got delayed, they may have to sleep outside the city. They got rough skin and thick flesh, so it didn't matter. However, the two Young Masters were both noble and precious. If the capital finds out, wouldn't they be skinned?
Sitting in the carriage, bored Xiao Lin Feng noticed the carriage had stopped and faint voices were emitting from the front. So he poked his head out and asked, "What's going on in front?"
The nearest guard responded at once: "Don't know which footboy is blocking the way., Commander Xiao will solve it soon." Hearing what he said, Xiao Lin Feng boredly acknowledged. He had thought that there was something exciting to watch!
"Gentleman Xiao! Gentleman Xiao!" Song Yang saw Xiao Lin Feng from a distance and hurriedly shouted: "I am a footboy man from Su Family at Wuliqiao! My Eldest Miss was taken away by bandits. Gentleman Xiao, quickly save her!"
Song Yang shouted loudly. Naturally Xiao Lin Feng heard it too: "Go and bring him here."
That little lass from Su Family was taken away by bandits? What happened?
Disheveled Song Yang was brought to the front of the carriage. He briefly explained the ambush just now: "Gentleman Xiao, I beg you to save my Eldest Miss!"
After finding someone for help with much difficulty, Song Yang clenched his teeth tightly and refused to budge. He fell to his knees with a plop and continuously kowtowed.
Xiao Lin Feng frowned. Although they brought about twenty guards out this time, would there be many bandits? What if they can't beat then? Then he turned her head to look at Xiao Lin Yu who was looking at the ledger in the carriage: "Eldest Brother, why don't we go and save that lass from Su Family?"
Xiao Lin Yu never took his eyes off the ledger. It didn't mean he didn't hear the movement outside. He quite liked that surnamed Su lass very much. She dared to venture out at such a young age. Many men can't compare to her. He nodded slightly: "Tell him to lead the way!"
"Thank you, Gentleman Xiao, for your benevolence!" Song Yang wept with joy, hurriedly climbed onto the shaft of the carriage, and sat down. Then he showed the way for everyone. The carriage was extremely fast. It arrived at the mountain depression where Song Yang and You Jin had stopped earlier. At this time, old Third Chen and the others had just boarded the mule cart. Before they could leave, they were surrounded by Xiao Family's guards.
"Who were you?" He Liu, the only one who was uninjured, was sitting outside the mule cart and was about to drive away. Being stopped by a sudden group of guards with swords at their waists, he panicked.
Song Yang hurriedly jumped out of the carriage, pointed to He Liu and the others, and stated, "They are the ones who stopped us just now! Our family's Miss must still be in the carriage!" Seeing Xiao Lin Yu's eyes indication, Xiao Family's commanding guard waved: "Go!"
In a few moves, all these fake bandits who had been mostly taken care of by You Jin were taken down.
Cold water was sprinkled on You Jin's face, which had two big slap marks on it. The unconscious You Jin let out a comfortable moan. As if knowing the clear water could ease her pain, that person covered her face with a wet veil for a long time before removing it.
As if wanting to see who was the person who brought the rain to her, You Jin opened her heavy eyelids with all her strength. She could only see an unfamiliar middle-aged woman smiling at her. Seeing that she woke up, she jollily spoke, "Miss, you woke up?"
"You are?" You Jin felt a splitting headache right now. Looking at the surrounding environment, it turned out that she was still in her own mule cart. So who was this woman in front of her?
"Old slave is a servant of Xiao Family. Family name is He. Just now, your family's footboy asked my family's master for help. The villain was stopped and Miss was saved." The married woman smiled and helped her to sit up: "Miss, drink some water."
"Thank you." You Jin accepted the celadon bowl she handed over, sipped a bowl of water carefully, and said, "Auntie He, please help me out of the cart. I would like to thank your master for saving my life."
"Su Family's lass, you're awake!" Xiao Lin Feng, who was half squatting as he examined the bandits, ran over with a grin as soon as she got out of the car: "This time, you owe me your life again. Let's see what you'll repay!"
You Jin didn't expect that the people who saved her were Xiao Family's brothers. First, she respectfully curtsied to Xiao Lin Yu who was standing behind Xiao Lin Feng. Then she smiled and responded to Xiao Lin Feng: "Life-saving grace can never be repaid. I could only knot grass into a rope to save the benefactor in next life?"
Seeing two big slap marks on her face and the dusty clothes on her body, Xiao Lin Yu knew that she had suffered a lot. A little distressed emerged in his heart. However, thinking of what the guard commander had just said to him, Xiao Lin Yu knew that this little girl was much stronger than those 'bandits'. In a one against five match, she could actually cause such a great loss to the opponents. This showed that this person's fighting power wasn't trivial.