Chapter 81: Entering Su's house for the first time
Seeing Xiao Lin Yu's pondering gaze on her, You Jin couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. She dryly coughed and spoke, "Thank you Gentleman Xiao for saving my life. The sun has already set. It seems you won't be able to reach the city in time. How about staying a night at our house?"
On the dim official road, people were standing on both sides. The hot summer wind had cooled down a bit, Xiao Lin Yu nodded: "Then we'll have trouble you. What do you plan to do with these bandits, Miss Su?"
"Gentleman Xiao, don't make fun of me. I don't have the skills to fight bandits. It's just some well-known hooligans around Wuliqiao. He just wants to kidnap me for some money." You Jin explained: "Tie them up first and send them to the government early tomorrow morning! It's just that I have to trouble Gentleman Xiao to come forward on my behalf."
Since he saved her, Xiao Lin Yu didn't mind sending the buddha to the west and nodded, "No problem. I happened to be acquainted with Luohe Prefecture's magistrate. I think he will be happy to help me with this. "
Xiao Lin Yu made it sound like it wasn't a big deal. However, in the ears of old Third Chen and the others, it exploded like thunder on the ground! The man who saved Su Family's little b*tch knew the official! It seems this time luck wasn't on their side! The guards stuffed the despondent old Third Chen and other five people into Su Family's mule cart. You Jin got into Auntie He's carriage which was following Xiao Lin Yu's carriage. Group of twenty-thirty people headed back towards Wuliqiao.
On the mule cart, tightly bound He Liu had a crying face. He asked old Third Chen with a trembling voice: "Third Elder Brother, do we have any chance of escaping this time?"
It wasn't like they haven't done anything terrible before. However, when had they ever hit such a hard iron board? From what the rich man in the green gown conveyed, it seems they were goners?
The ashen-faced old Third Chen with an unfixed dislocated left arm slumped in the mule cart and said nothing. This time they were going to be doomed!
Back to Mrs. Su and the others who were waiting at home for a long time but didn't see You Jin and Song Yang. They were extremely anxious. When they were about to send someone out to look for them, the woman who was guarding the door came in three steps at a time: "Madam! Madam! Eldest Miss is back!"
When she heard that You Jin had returned, Mrs. Su breathed a sigh of relief: "What's the matter with this child? Why did she come back so late?"
Though she verbally blamed her , she still walked forward.
Seeing her daughter take Song Yang out and now bringing back a few dozens of people, Mrs. Su was a little frightened: "This is?"
With Auntie He's support, You Jin got off the carriage. When she saw Mrs. Su coming out, she spoke, "Mother, this is not a place to talk. Let's go in first and then talk about it!"
Saying that, she quickly got people to open the gate to let Xiao Family's carriage in.
The light at the gate was dim earlier, so Mrs. Su didn't see the wound on You Jin's face. When they returned to the main room, she discovered her daughter was injured and nervously asked, "What's wrong with you? Didn't you go to Houjiawan to check the saplings? Why did you get hit on the face?"
You Jin was exhausted. Her head was still groggy. Seeing Mrs. Su's anxiousness, he hurriedly comforted her: "Mother, I'm fine. Thanks to these two Gentleman Xiao who saved me. I'll go take a bath and change clothes first. Mother, please get someone to clean up the guest room and ask the kitchen to serve some food."
"Oh! Alright, you go!" Mrs. Su sent You Jin away with great concern. Then she paid her attention to Xiao Lin Yu: "Thank you, Gentleman Xiao, for saving You Jin."
How could Xiao Lin Yu accept a bow from elders? He quickly dodged away and signaled Auntie He to go and help her up: "I have had business dealings with Ms. Su. Since she is in trouble, I just lend a hand. I really dare not accept such a great bow from Elders."
Although he put it like that, Mrs. Su was very grateful. She hurriedly invited the two to sit down in the main hall and then instructed people to serve tea and snacks: "There is nothing good at home. The food will take for a while. Gentlemans, have some snacks first!"
In the front yard, Su Family entertained Xiao brothers. In the back yard, Su sisters heard their eldest sister was injured and all ran to the main room of the second yard to see You Jin. Yu Lan had carefully smeared medicine for reducing swelling and blood stasis on You Jin, who came out of the bath: "Fortunately, it's only surface wounds. Aftering smearing some medicine, it will clear up in a few days."
Seeing the large bruise on the waist under the clothes of You Jin and the severe redness and swelling on the face, she felt shocked but also very heartbroken.
"Eldest Sister, are you alright? Does it still hurt?" Seeing the injuries her body, You Zhu and the sisters couldn't help but frown. All of them felt distressed: "Who did it?"
After Yu Lan finished applying the medicine, You Jin drank another cup of hot tea. The fatigue and splitting headaches had greatly reduced. She comforted her younger sisters with a few words: "It's fine. Fortunately, I encountered Gentleman Xiao and got saved. The wicked people are already caught. They are now locked in the firewood shed."
As soon as she heard that the villain was locked at home at this moment, You Zhu quietly grasped You Yin's hand. The two sisters reached a tacit understanding in an instant and found an excuse to go to the front yard. Gritting her teeth as she walked forward, You Zhu viciously declared, "Second Elder Sister, we must teach those villains a lesson! Take revenge for Eldest Sister!"
In fact, You Yin's temperament was much calmer than that of You Zhu. But seeing how seriously her eldest sister was injured, she followed You Zhu's steps without hesitation.
Han Li was standing guard at the door of the firewood room. When he saw You Yin sisters coming, he silently took a step back. Seeing how Han Li knew how to act, You Zhu smiled. She tested out the weight of the stick in her hand a few times. Then she pushed open the door of the firewood shed to enter.
At the other end, in the main room. Mrs. Su was talking with Xiao Family brothers, when she suddenly heard men's screams from outside. She hurriedly asked Auntie Song, "What happened? Go and have a look!" Something better not happen!
Receiving the order, Auntie Song hurried out to have a look. She came back shortly later. With guests' presence, she leaned over to Mrs. Su's ear with some hesitation and whispered: "It's Second Miss and Third Miss. they are in the firewood shed, venting anger on Eldest Miss's behalf!"
After hearing this, Mrs. Su couldn't help frowning: "These two children, why are they acting like this? Go and call them out. Don't let them mess around."
Mrs. Su understood that the two daughters were venting anger for Eldest Daughter, but the severity of Eldest Daughter's injuries had her heart on edge. What to do if something happens to these two children.
Not long after Mrs. Su's words were spoken, a refreshed You Jin came to the front yard's main hall with two sweaty younger sisters in tow: "Thank you, Gentleman Xiao, for today."
Mrs. Su secretly glared at the two daughters hiding behind You Jin. You Zhu soundlessly stuck out her tongue, not feeling that she was wrong.
Seeing that Su Family's mother and daughters were all 70% similar, Xiao Lin Yu couldn't help but smiled back: "Miss Su is being polite. It's just a matter of lifting a hand. I must thank Miss Su for letting us stay overnight."
Seeing Eldest Brother and Su Family's little lass making polite exchanges, Xiao Lin Feng quietly rolled his eyes. This Su Family's lass really had no conscience. It was him who brought people to rescue her. Why didn't she come to him and give a few words of thanks?
There were many people in Su Family now. Still within a half an hour, four dishes and one soup were prepared and put on the table. As for Xiao Family's guards, their meals were also prepared. But they could only make do with where Su Family's servants normally ate.
Xiao Lin Yu brothers were both people who were used to delicacies from mountains and seas. Although Su Family had already used their own best raw materials to prepare this table of meals, it wasn't much in Xiao Family brothers' eyes. You Jin knew this very well, so she picked up a cup of tea: "You Jin replaced wine with tea and once again thank you Gentleman Xiao for saving my life. Family conditions don't allow it, so I can only entertain you two nobles with simple tea and light meals. I am really sorry."
After taking a sip of tea, Xiao Lin Yu smilingly raised his chopsticks and clipped up some fried vegetables to taste them. The taste was quite delicious. He remarked: "It's no problem. Farmer's is wildly interesting. It's a rare experience." Su Family's servant woman was taught by Mrs. Su. On top of that, her culinary skills was considered passable. Although the raw materials were common in the countryside, the taste was no worse than that of ordinary restaurants.
Xiao Lin Feng wasn't as picky as his eldest brother. He tasted two mouthfuls of each dish and nodded in satisfaction. He didn't eat well at noon today, so he was starving now! He ate like a storm until his belly was full. However, his eating appearance had no fault.
After the meal, the servant woman in the kitchen brought up the sour plum soup that had been hanging over the water for a long time. You Jin jollily spoke: "Now we don't sell sour plum soup. Only cook some to drink in summer. It can also relieve tiredness after a meal."
Xiao Lin Yu accepted the sour plum soup and sipped it twice. Then he nodded slightly: "Sure enough, your sour plum soup is better."
After having their fill, Uncle Song arranged everyone's accommodation. He arranged Xiao Family brothers to stay in Su Family's guest room. Because there were too many guards, they could only make do for one night.
There were constant cicadas and frogs cries outside the house. Still, Xiao Lin Yu had a rare good sleep. When he opened his eyes again, dawn had arrived for a long time. Hearing little girls' laughter from outside, the slender figure put on his outer clothes. He opened the window facing the main courtyard and saw two little girls around their teens with three children ranging from four to seven years old playing in the garden. It was unknown what they were playing, but the laughter never stopped.
Xiao Family's branches were sparse. In Xiao Lin Yu's generation, there were only two brothers. The age gap between him and Lin Feng was more than six years. His parents had raised him as the next generation head of Xiao Family since childhood. Xiao Lin Yu had never enjoyed this kind of happy time between siblings. The childhood in his memory was full of all kinds of study. This kind of carefree playful smiling face was really enviable.
Seeing the distinguished guest who stayed overnight coming out, You Bao bowed to him with some embarrassment: "Did we disturb Gentleman Xiao's rest?"
Xiao Lin Yu picked up little Seventh who was never afraid of strangers and stretched out her arms for a hug from him. He replied with mirth: "It's fine to call me Eldest Brother Xiao. You didn't disturb me. You got up so early. Don't you want to rest more?"
Being embraced by this good-looking big brother, little Seventh lovingly rubbed him a few times before responding in a childlike voice: "Eldest Sister said, An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. We all came back from practicing!"
"You guys do practices? That's amazing!" Xiao Lin Yu grinned. His eyes scanned around the front yard of Su's house. It was too dark last night, so he didn't notice it. Now it seemed that this was indeed a well-organized one small farmyard.
After taking the younger sisters back from a morning jog, You Jin had gone back to the backyard to bathe and change clothes. Once she came out, she found little Seventh on Xiao Lin Yu and hurriedly said, "Little Seventh, don't disturb the guests."
Since Eldest Sister spoke, she wriggled to get down despite being reluctant to part with this good-looking big brother. Seeing that she wanted to go down, Xiao Lin Yu carefully put her back where she was for fear that she'll fall.
Chapter 82. You reap what you sow
Su Family's breakfast today was personally cooked by Mrs. Su. Although they were all simple meals, they tasted much better than the dishes the two of them had last night. Xiao Lin Feng nodded while eating: "Delicious! "
Xiao Lin Yu's appetite had been whetted and drank two bowls of fragrant and delicious round grain rice congee before putting down the porcelain bowl in his hand: "Thank you, Auntie Su, for your hospitality."
His impression of Su Family was getting better and better. Though their origin was a small countryside household, the sisters were all literate and knew some self-defense skills. This goes to show the family head had a long-term vision. The eldest daughter was only twelve or thirteen years old. There was no man in the family, but they can still have this family business. In time, Su Family might also have a piece of the fat in Luohe Prefecture. It was really worth socializing with this family.
Mrs. Su had a wide grin and said: "Gentleman Xiao saved our family's You Jin. It's us who should thank you. This is what we should do." The breakfast ended happily in a very harmonious atmosphere. After the meal, You Jin and Xiao Lin Yu had a private conversation for a while. Only then Xiao brothers bundled up the locked up in the firewood room five pigs who starved all night and were bitten by mosquitoes with nowhere to hide and went to Luohe Prefecture.
With Xiao Family's face, even a small crime can be a big crime. What's more, it was bandits who were blocking the road and committing robbery? Lord Qin, the magistrate of Luohe Prefecture, naturally wouldn't offend the famous Xiao family for a few fake bandits. So he sentenced old Third Chen and the group to fifty hits and ten years' imprisonment on the spot.
He Liu and the others who heard the verdict all collapsed on the ground as if their strength had been sapped away and then began to cry loudly. Some even directly kicked old Third Chen: "It's all your fault! ! If you hadn't said you wanted to rob Su Family, how could we have ended up like this!"
Old Third Chen's arm was broken now. And he still had to suffer 50 board hits and be imprisoned for ten years. He felt the world was spinning and couldn't even remember his last name. How can he feel anything else? Seeing the five wailing men, a few jailers disgruntledly dragged them away. Smelling the stench of excrement from their bodies, they couldn't help spitting: "With this little capability, you learn to be a bandit! "
Beaten bloody with only half their lives left and thrown in the big prison, the five men looked at the dark and narrow cell. There was also the sound of rats squeaking coming from all around. No matter how they refuse to accept this reality, they can only accept it.
Back to old Third Chen's wife. She didn't know that old Third Chen and others conspired to kidnap You Jin for silver. It was common for old Third Chen to stay away for a day or two. So she didn't think much. It was when old Third Chen didn't come back on the fifth day that she belatedly realized that something might have happened to old Third Chen!
Old Third Chen's wife went to the homes of the people who were normally close to old Third Chen and discovered that those people had disappeared in the past few days. Only then was old Third Chen's wife convinced that something happened to them!
Old Third Chen and the others were all penniless and the magistrate gave instructions to 'serve them well'. It went without saying no jailer would be so kind as to report to their home. Even if old Third Chen's wife had grown wings this time, she still wouldn't know where old Third Chen was. Later, news from an unknown source said old Third Chen and others were going to do a transaction that can earn two thousand liang silver. Only then, Old Third Chen's wife beat her chests and cried at home: "This unscrupulous guy got the money and eloped with that b*tch!"
It wasn't that she didn't know that old Third Chen had a concubine outside. She had cried and quarreled, but old Third Chen refused to stop. She can't cut him, can she? In order for the family to live on, old Third Chen's wife felt that she had endured a lot of anger. Unforeseen, that heartless old Third Chen ran away with that little vixen as soon as he got the money and left behind them widow and orphans. The family didn't even have a few mu of land, so how can they survive?
Poor old Third Chen, whose ass was smashed. He was in a half dead state in prison due to the high fever caused by the ulceration of the wound. What's more, he got caught in the poo basin.
Old Third Chen's wife didn't know about it. But Chen Xiao Hong did. Ever since she knew about old Third Chen's plan, she had been paying attention to his movements every day. On the day they took action, she waited until old Third Chen and the others stealthily snuck away before heading to Su's house again. Sure enough, Su You Jin wasn't at home. But she came back without saying anything. For some reason, she was inexplicably hostile to Su You Jin, who was two years younger than herself but much stronger than herself. If that beast old Third Chen really did something and her reputation got damaged…Just the thought made Chen Xiao Hong feel inexplicably happy.
But on the second day, when old Third Chen didn't come back and Su You Jin was strutting around the village, Chen Xiao Hong knew that old Third Chen and the others had turned in. Although Su You Jin didn't suffer any loss, old Third Chen's disappearance solved her top problem.
The disappearance of old Third Chen was a good thing for the vast majority of people in Wuliqiao. Not to mention that, even a few other well-known rascals had disappeared. The villagers in Wuliqiao except their family members all clapped their hands to celebrate.
However, these ups and downs didn't affect Su Family. After old Third Chen and others disappeared, You Jin stayed at home for a few days before she started to manage the family's business again. On the other hand, Chen Xiao Hong came to ask for money on the third night after old Third Chen disappeared. This time, she straightened her back with force and looked at You Jin who was sitting at the top: "I want one thousand liang. "
You Jin let out an exasperated laugh at the same shameless gene of Chen Family: "What makes you think I will give you one thousand liang?"
Initially, when You Jin knew that Chen Xiao Hong sisters had similar experiences as her, she was empathic. She was thinking that if she was a talented person, she wouldn't mind lending a helping hand. But now it seemed she was no different from old Third Chen? One was kidnapping and extortion, the other was blackmailing!
"If you don't give it to me, I will tell others your secret." Chen Xiao Hong felt that she had caught Su You Jin's achilles heel, thinking that it would be a kind of enjoyment if she could see her deflated reaction: " You killed old Third Chen and the others. Don't think I don't know! If this secret is known to others, see what will happen!"
"Why do you think that I killed old Third Chen?" You Jin originally didn't understand what secret she was talking about. Didn't expect it to be a 'big secret' imagined by the other people! A sneering smile can't help but appear: "You and old Third Chen are really one family!"
Chen Xiao Hong saw that her face didn't change and that sarcasm appeared, her displeasure aroused. Feeling anger from embarrassment: "Su You Jin, don't think that you live happily after killing someone! If you don't give me a thousand liang silvers, I will tell my mother about it when I get back!"
Even now, she still firmly believed that she grasped Su You Jin's weakness. It went without saying she can't give up the huge sum of money that she was about to get.
You Jin picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea slowly before answering: "Why should I be afraid of things I haven't done? Chen Xiao Hong, I have to say that you are really brainless. Use your brain to think about it. How can a young girl who hasn't come to age yet be able to fight old Third Chen and the others? What's more, kill them?"
She shook her head. Being ambitious was good, but it was a pity that she used her ambition in the wrong place!
You Jin didn't bother to talk to Chen Xiao Hong anymore. She told Uncle Song to send her out.
Uncle Song took Chen Xiao Hong outside. His face was very ugly. At first, he thought the little girl was a good person and felt that Eldest Sister was a bit harsh before. He didn't expect this girl to be no worse than her black-hearted father. Naturally he didn't have a good attitude. After sending the person outside the gate, he closed the gate at once and left Chen Xiao Hong staring at the big red-painted wooden door of Su Family with hatred in her eyes.
"Eldest Miss, this girl from Chen Family won't cause any trouble for us, right?" Uncle Song, who had returned, thought about the hatred in Chen Xiao Hong's eyes when he went out just now. He couldn't help but worry that she would stir trouble: "Old servant feel a little uneasy."
You Jin, who stood up and stretched her muscles, had a different idea: "Chen Xiao Hong daren't spread this rumor. If she tells others, she can't come out cleanly. Besides, since she said this today, she will be the first one I'll put the blame on if there are any gossip or rumor in the future. Although she is stupid, she shouldn't be that stupid."
After some pondering, it was better to prepare than sorry. She continued: "But Uncle Song, you and Auntie Song are at home. Keep an eye out and be on guard. If she dares to target our family members, then I will not tolerate her anymore."
In conclusion, Chen Xiao Hong's previous tip-off was of no use. It was like telling the unreliable weather forecast that there will be a typhoon this year. But when the typhoon will come and where it will land, it was all unknown. The news was basically nonsense. Chen Xiao Hong was even delusional enough to think about blackmailing a thousand liang with this unreliable news. What a fool's dream!
Sure enough, Chen Xiao Hong only knew to put down such a declaration in front of You Jin. She didn't dare to spread the news that Su Family had killed old Third Chen. But in her heart, she noted Su Family's 'ungratefulness'.
This incident had left a wake-up call for everyone in Su Family. Even little Sixth and little Seventh, who were always slacking when exercising, stopped complaining about suffering and tiredness. They all gritted their teeth and insisted on practicing. Although it was just boxing skills, it was really useful if they encountered a critical situation. To defend against an in-case situation, You Jin didn't dare to relax even when it meant hardship.
Back to Xiao Family. Since Xiao Lin Feng tasted Mrs. Su's cooking, he felt that something was missing when he tasted Xiao Family's villa's cook's cooking. So he came to Su Family to eat and drink from time to time. At first, Su Family was a little unaccustomed to it. Later, they gradually got used to it.
Toward Xiao Lin Feng's arrival, You Jin welcomed it. After all, such a diner with rich ingredients wasn't common. Although You Jin didn't know how rich Xiao Family was, she felt they were a golden thigh since the two brothers actually brought more than 20 guards on outings and had connections with Luohe Prefecture's magistrate. If she could hug, she'll hug properly.
Chapter 83 Watermelon
Xiao Lin Yu knew about Youngest Brother's 'bad' behavior, but he didn't pay much attention to it at first. But after less than half a month, he realized that Youngest Brother had already gotten plumper: "Lin Feng, it's less than half a month. How did you gain so much weight?"
The initially handsome young man with sharp edges and corners now had a rounded face. He took a bite of a piece of red bean cake newly developed by Su Family and squinted his eyes in delight: "If it weren't for Eldest Brother being busy with general affairs every day, we should go to Su's house to eat together."
The red bean cake newly created by Su Family was really delicious. Cool, sweet, and delicious. A small plate of cakes was only four or five pieces. He finished them in a few bites.
When Xiao Lin Yu heard Youngest Brother's hate-garnering words, he couldn't help feeling envious that Youngest Brother could live as he wanted. As the eldest grandson of Xiao Family, he shouldered the future of Xiao Family. From his birth, he was destined to not have a happy childhood like others. Let alone now, right?
Smiling, he patted Youngest Brother's head and spoke, "Eldest Brother can't leave. It's not that you can't go to Su's house for meals. You must remember not to cause trouble to Su Family, understand?"
In fact, for a moment, Xiao Lin Yu wanted to nod and eat and drink with Youngest Brother. It was just a fleeting thought though.
Xiao Lin Feng sympathetically looked at him when he thought that there were so many delicious things in Su's house that Eldest Brother couldn't eat it. Then hurriedly held up the last piece of red bean cake left in the delicate small plate: "Eldest Brother, try it. The new cakes made by Su Family's lass aren't bad."
This was a pastry specially made by Su Family for Xiao Lin Feng to eat. Naturally, they all use the best ingredients that they can afford. With Mrs. Su's skills, it was flawless.
Xiao Lin Feng smilingly picked up the last piece of red bean cake and put it in his mouth. The aroma of red beans mingled with the aroma of sweet-scented osmanthus. The cool texture was really novel and delicious. He nodded in agreement: "It's really good."
Thinking of those pretty eyes that always curved up slightly and the grin that was always on the lass's face, Xiao Lin Yu couldn't help but wonder what kind of family raised such a witty and courageous girl.
Seeing that Eldest Brother really liked it, Xiao Lin Feng clapped his hands and decided: "Su Family's lass said that something hibiscus cakes will be made tomorrow. I will ask her to make more and bring them back for Eldest Brother to try!"
Xiao Lin Feng knew Eldest Brother didn't have it easy. Although he was a little rowdy sometimes, most of the time he was still very sensible and considerate.
The canal digging project had been going on for nearly a year. Due to the Emperor's decree to speed up the process, Xiao Family's Second Uncle, one of the leaders of the water conservancy project, naturally took on this task. Xiao Lin Yu also had honor and rank. He had donated a nominal job to the imperial court. So, it was very convenient to travel outside. That was why he came to Luohe Prefecture to supervise the work instead of the Xiao Family's Second Uncle.
The digging distance of the canal in Luohe Prefecture wasn't too long. only 25km. In addition, both ends were dug together. Although it had only been less than a year, a lot of manpower and material resources had been invested. The process was considered to be fast. At the current speed, it was estimated that the two ends can be connected this winter. Once the ice and snow melt in the spring of next year, it can be put into use.
The current patriarch of Xiao Family, that was, the father of Xiao Lin Yu brothers, was in his prime. He managed most of the family business. Before Xiao Lin Yu came to Luohe Prefecture, he studied business with his father every day. But freeing himself for half a year was no problem. Before the two brothers left, Xiao Family Patriarch's specially called the two brothers to the study and had a long discussion: "It's good for you two brothers to go out to practice. Xiao Family and I can't protect you forever. Being outside can't compare to being at home. You have to think more about everything and don't act too hastily. Especially Lin Feng, he's still a child at heart. Lin Yu, as the eldest brother, you have to bear the responsibility of his discipline."
Because this time's stay in Luohe Prefecture was into the winter before they could return to the capital, Xiao Family's old Ancestor was worried about the two grandsons. So servants and guards who were used to serving the two in the past were chosen. A group of 25 guards and a group of 36 people followed to Luohe Prefecture.
"When you come back at the end of the year, we will almost finish our filial piety. Bai Family's girl is already sixteen. It's time to arrange your marriage." Xiao Family's Mistress suddenly mentioned this before sending Eldest Son away.
Xiao Family's old Ancestor also nodded and said: "Bai Family's girl is wonderful. She is knowledgeable in books and etiquette. Her character and appearance are both outstanding. The marriage between us two families was set for you when you were young. If your grandfather hadn't passed away and you had to keep your filial piety for three years, I might have already held my great-grandson by now."
Bai Family's Patriarch was an official in the court. Although he was only a civil servant of the fifth rank, it was a scholarly and noble family. If it weren't for Xiao Family's Old Master and Bai Family's Old Master being close friends this marriage may not get set. After all, no matter how rich Xiao Family was, Bai Family was noble. They always felt that Xiao Family stunk of money.
Standing in front of the window and looking at the bright moon in the night sky, Xiao Lin Yu felt inexplicably irritated. It wasn't that the girl from Bai Family was bad. He and her always can't see eye to eye. It seems the talented girl who was brought up by the pure noble literate family would always look down on money-smelling Xiao Family?
Xiao Lin Yu didn't have much affection for Bai Ya-er. It was just a marriage arranged by Xiao Family's Old Master when he was still alive. Since Bai Ya-er was well educated and reasonable, she must be a good mistress for Xiao Family. There were too many things that Xiao Lin Yu couldn't decide for himself in this life. A lifelong matter like marriage might as well join the list. It wasn't that Xiao Lin Yu hadn't thought about this problem before, but this was the first time he felt weariness.
"If it were her, how would she deal with it?" For some reason, Su You Jin with two big slap marks on her face and a pair of beautiful eyes that glowed flashed passed Xiao Lin Yu's mind. He shook his head with a smile and said to himself: "If it were her, I'm afraid she wouldn't accept this marriage from the beginning?"
After dinner at the other end, You Jin was training with the few younger sisters in the yard. She violently sneezed and rubbed her nose: "Strange. It's not cold!"
She didn't pay too much attention to it.
The summer days were long. In the past two years, merchants from the Western Regions returned to the Central Plains to sell some melons and fruits from the Western Regions. This included watermelons. No one grew watermelons in the Central Plains and the distance to the Western Regions was far away. On top of that, watermelon tastes sweet. It was top notch good to cool off the summer heat. In Luohe Prefecture, it was quite popular .
Looking at a watermelon that could be bought for only a few yuan in the previous life but now costs seven or eight liang, You Jin felt that she can't even swallow this watermelon. She was reluctant to buy it. However, there was always someone willing to buy it, right? The willing person waved his folding fan and walked in very domineeringly: "Su Family's lass, look at what good thing I bought you?"
He bought five watermelons in one go and put them in his villa to ice chill before bringing it over to Su's house.
Seeing Xiao Lin Feng with a smug face, You Jin couldn't help remark: "Xiao Lin Feng, you are really a fool with a lot of money!"
After more than a month of getting along, the relationship between the two wasn't as rigid and polite as it was at the beginning. Now Su Family's little girls liked this wealthy Xiao Family's big brother very much. Ths made Xiao Lin Feng, who had no younger siblings, very proud. His only dissatisfaction was You Jin. She was obviously half a year younger than him, but didn't call him big brother like other girls in Su Family. Instead, she called him by his proper name.
"Watch your words!" Mrs. Su cautiously reprimanded her daughter a little. After all, Gentleman Xiao was here as a guest. Daughter was really blurring the boundary now. She can't just keep spoiling her like this.
Before You Jin could speak, Xiao Lin Feng hurriedly stood by Mrs. Su's side and sat on the top seat, waving a folding fan as he showed off his might: "Auntie Su is right. I am older than you, after all. Hurry up and call Elder Brother first!"
You Jin didn't pay any heed to raving Xiao Lin Feng, took a piece of watermelon that Auntie Song had cut and served, and had a small bite. The sweet and refreshing watermelon juice instantly spread in her mouth. She sighed heavily in comfort. "Iced watermelon is still the best."
Although Xiao Lin Feng was like a proud peacock, the watermelon he brought this time was indeed delicious. Crumbly, sweet, and cold.
It goes without saying Su Family wouldn't act polite to Xiao Lin Feng. After all, this was not the first time he had brought delicious food to Su Family. On the other hand, Mrs. Su mumbled a few words out of habit: "This watermelon is expensive. So we can't always have Gentleman Xiao spend..."
"It's okay, Auntie Su. I come to your house every day to eat and drink. If I come empty-handed, my eldest brother will probably punish me if he finds out." He bit a crumbly watermelon with a crunch and squinted his eyes contentedly: "If only we could grow watermelons too! Su Family's lass, would you like to give it a try? Your family has a lot of land!"
Hearing Xiao Lin Feng's casual suggestion, You Jin's eyes lit up: "We can try this. If I successfully grow it, how about I send you watermelons every year?"
Afterward, she hurriedly got Auntie Song to wash all the watermelon seeds that were spat out on the plate and put them away.
"Eldest Sister, can we really grow watermelons? Then we can eat watermelons every year?" Little Seventh, who was next to You Jin, had starry eyes when hearing that watermelons were going to be planted. Watermelon was truly delicious, but it was so expensive that Eldest Sister said they couldn't afford it. It would be great if they could grow it at home!
Gently squeezing little Seventh's fair face with the hands that had been wiped clean, You Jin amusedly responded: "Yes! When Eldest Sister grows watermelons, little Seventh can eat until your belly is round!"
"Su Family's lass, it's too early to say that. If you can't grow it, then don't blame me for laughing at you!" In Xiao Lin Feng's opinion, no one in Luohe Prefecture had ever grown watermelons before. How can she, Su You Jin, a little girl, really successfully grow it?
"How will you know if I don't try?" Even though she said this, Xiao Lin Feng was inexplicably irked by You Jin's confident reaction. This little girl clearly had a small stature. Why did she always have high spirit and full of confidence?
She had said she wanted to grow watermelons. But it was late summer and early autumn now. Not the time to grow seedlings. You Jin could only have the seeds from the five watermelons washed and dried. Then they were stored in bags and sealed up. It could only wait for next spring to plant.
Chapter 84 Going to the ground for "transformation"
At Houjiawan side, Hou Wei moved quickly. In one month, he bought enough chicks and dumped them all into Su's 100-mu wasteland to raise them.
However, when the chick were still small at the beginning, they were raised in a pen on the barren hills for nearly a month before they were released to run around the mountains. Since the chicks were still small, naturally they didn't produce much natural fertilizer. NRight now the raw materials for composting on the barren hills were mostly from someone You Jin hired to pull waste from Su Family's canal worker's dormitory every second day. It was barely enough for a while.
It was the golden autumn season. In a blink, the harvest season came. This year, Su Family had more than two mus of sunflower seeds to harvest. The rice and wheat in the forty-six mus of fertile fields had already matured. Although Su Family can afford long-term labor now, You Jin still took a few younger sisters to Houjiawan to work when it was time for the Su Family's reaping.
This time, Su Family hired twelve short term laborers. Without any mishap, it should only take two or three days to harvest all the 46 mu of grain. The sisters set aside about half an mu of land: "Although our family's life is better now, I'll still take you to do farm work together, just to let everyone remember that we had lived in hard times. No matter how we live in the future, it won't be worse than living in Cuifeng Village."
Holding a sickle in their hands, Su Family sisters who were wearing thick cotton narrow-sleeved clothes and straw hats nodded seriously. Among them, a youth in wide-sleeved silk clothes stood out and wore a straw hat. He panted: "Su Family's lass, Young Master is here to eat. Why do I have to work in the fields?"
How could Xiao Lin Feng, who was well-clothed and well-fed since he was a child, do such rough work? He started to cry tired before he even went into the field.
You Jin had a malicious smile on her face and responded: "Your Eldest Brother specifically told me to. If you have any objections, go talk to him!"
From the beginning, this delicate noble son wasn't included in the ranks of labor. However, she met Xiao Lin Yu when she was shopping in the city the day before yesterday. He knew that Su Family was going to reap. So he specially asked You Jin to bring Xiao Lin Feng with them.
At that time, You Jin was a little shocked after hearing this: "Gentleman Xiao, it's not fun to work in the fields. Xiao Lin Feng had never worked before. I'm afraid that he will not be able to bear it?" It wasn't that she looked down on Xiao Lin Feng. He truly looked like a weak chicken.
"That's the reason I want to ask Miss Su. Lin Feng is just a little mischievous. Not malicious at all. It'll do him good if he can grind a little bit." Xiao Lin Yu cupped his hands and smiled gently.
Since he said that, You Jin agreed to the matter: "Since Gentleman Xiao said so, I will naturally not refuse."
Perhaps Xiao Lin Yu was too gentle and polite like an elegant gentleman, You Jin always had an indescribable feeling in front of him. A little fearful and a little cautious. Unlike with Xiao Lin Feng, whom she always treated as a little kid when she got along with him. She was much more at ease.
It was the two's conversation that day that caused Xiao Lin Feng, who was going to comfortably cross his legs and tease the dog in Su's house, to be 'exiled' to Houjiawan to harvest rice. Not knowing the inside story, Xiao Lin Feng cried without tears. Why did he also come to harvest rice! Eldest Brother was trying to kill him?
"Don't just stand there. Dawdling is useless. If we don't finish reaping this piece of land today, no one can leave." You Zhu patted Xiao Lin Feng's shoulder like brothers-in-hardship. The little person acting like an adult sighed greatly: "It's fate!"
She, who was working hard on making pastries in the city, was dragged back to work. Xiao Lin Feng wants to escape this? Not happening!
There was only half an mu of land and Su Family's seven sisters. Even little Seventh, who was only four years old, wobbled to the ground with a sickle. Xiao Lin Feng wiped his face and resignedly followed into the field in the end. The servants and guards of Xiao Family followed behind Youngest Young Master. They couldn't bear watching Youngest Young Master and turned their heads away. When did their precious Youngest Young Master do such a thing? Eldest Young Master was really too cruel!
This time, apart from Mrs. Su, Yu Lan, and Shan Nai and the others who opened the shop in the city as usual,all the servants of Su Family were also pulled to work in the fields. Although You Jin didn't expect them to do much work, it would be good to grind their temper.
After an extremely miserable day in Houjiawan, Xiao Lin Feng had changed from a beautiful boy in fluttering white clothes to a sweaty, muddy kid. Sitting weakly on the ground, he took the gourd filled with clear water handed over by the guard, gulped it down, and then sighed: "It's finally over."
Uncle Song brought all the grain back to Su's house with the short term laborers. You Jin sisters weren't as exhausted as Xiao Lin Feng because they had been exercising for the past two years. Little Seventh handed the clean handkerchief to Xiao Lin Feng: "Big Brother, let's go home and eat!"
Now that the sun had set to the west, the laborers still had to light up the lamps to continue to work. You Jin brought a few people to finish the collection of this half mu of rice. Only then, she had the mercy to let everyone in Su Family to go back.
With the help of his own guards, Xiao Lin Feng barely stood up and tremblingly got into the carriage. Afterward, he collapsed inside. So draining. He felt so tired that even moving his fingers was an effort! He'll never come again. Never ever again!
However, Xiao Lin Feng, who made up his mind to eat and drink at Su's house after autumn harvest, was bundled into the carriage by his Cheshire cat Eldest Brother Xiao Lin Yu and got sent to Su's house in Wuliqiao early in the morning. Before leaving, Xiao Lin Yu didn't forget to instruct him: "When you get there, work hard and don't be lazy!"
Through it all, he acted that he didn't see the despairing expression on Youngest Brother's face. Xiao Lin Yu sent Youngest Brother away and got into a carriage himself. Today, he had an appointment with a merchant in the Western Regions to negotiate a deal.
"Eldest Young Master, won't it be too hard for Second Young Master to collect the grain? This old servant can see a layer of Second Young Master's face peeled off from the sun!" Auntie He stood outside the carriage and felt distressed as she pleaded for Second Young Master.
Xiao Lin Yu, who was sitting in the carriage, heard what Auntie He said. He opened the curtain of the carriage window and smilingly responded: "Lin Feng had been pampered since young. It is good to suffer a little bit. Besides, he has no good friends in Luohe Prefecture. The only ones who get along with him are the little girls of Su Family. Although Su Family is poor, those children are well-educated. It's not a bad thing for Lin Feng to play with them."
"But there is always a difference between men and women. Also, Second Young Master had never suffered any hardship!" Auntie He watched Xiao Lin Feng grow up. She had long regarded him more important than her own flesh and blood and already doted him as the pearl of her eyes. How can she bear for Second Young Master to suffer like this?
"Auntie He, don't worry, that Su Family's lass knows." Xiao Lin Yu still had unexplainable confidence in Su You Jin's perception. He comforted Auntie He abit and went out in the carriage.
You Jin didn't fail Xiao Lin Yu's trust. Today only Uncle Song took Song Hua to supervise the work at Houjiawan. The rest stayed at home to dry the millet. Xiao Lin Feng heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the news: "Thank God!"
Letting him go to work in the fields would cost his life!
Pushing a sieve into Xiao Lin Feng's hand, You Jin grinned, "Why is Gentleman Xiao willing to let you suffer?"
Not to mention Xiao Lin Feng, even You Jin felt that Xiao Lin Yu was cruel to let him suffer. Yesterday was enough to suffer. Never thought he'll come here today?
Holding the sieve and not working, Xiao Lin Feng sighed: "Who knows?"
After a hard day yesterday, he found several blisters on his hands when he returned last night. They were still stinging! He simply threw away the sieve and ran to the parlor to rest.
Shaking her head, she helplessly chuckled. You Jin never thought of getting Xiao Lin Feng to work today. So she let him go.
Su Family had enough sun-drying area now. The 46 mu of fertile land had been harvested in just three days. The short term laborers moved onto the barren hills of Houjiawan, where there were still 20 or so mu of sunflowers planted by Su Family this year.
After the autumn harvest, the straw and sunflower stalks were reserved for composting. Everything was all used up. The half month of good sunshine allowed the farmers to dry all this year's harvest and put it in the storeroom. It was the first time that Su Family didn't rely on grain purchases to fill up the empty granary.
"In the future, we don't need to buy any more grain!" You Jin looked at the already full granary with her hands on hip. She felt relieved. Now that the number of people in the family was increasing, the rations alone consumed a lot of silver in a day. She had been looking forward to the autumn harvest for a long time.
Now Su Jiaxiang's business was getting better and better. Basically, it reached a net profit of more than 20 liang a day. In You Jin's opinion, it still wasn't enough. She was really afraid of being poor. She knew that poor and lowly couples suffer all kinds of sorrows. For the sake of her seven younger sisters, she needed to expand the family business.
Nearly 20 mus of saplings had survived on the barren hills of Houjiawan. Although none of them had bloomed yet, they were growing very well. It will take another year or two for them to bloom. By then, the majority of the raw materials needed by Sujiaxiang will be available.
After half a month of fine weather, it began to rain continuously in autumn. Everyone in Su Family had now changed into quilted clothes to ward off the coolness of autumn rain. After the autumn harvest, the matter of finding 30 mu of fertile land that had been entrusted a long time ago to Broker Chen by You Jin had results. This time, the 30 mu of fertile land was on the edge of a village more than five kilometers west of Luohe Prefecture. It was also nearly ten kilometers away from Wuliqiao.
The land bought this time was directly under You Yin's name. She didn't mention it to her family. Everyone in Su Family thought that the land bought this time was also under You Jin's name. Currently the head of Su Family was You Jin. So it was normal for it to be in her name.
"Miss Su, you're buying land and buying people. Your situation must be getting better and better. If you have any business in the future, please take care of me." Broker Chen was now more and more interested in Su Family's business. As long as it was You Jin who entrusted him with the work, the quality and quantity was fulfilled. After all, this seemed to be a long-term business. So he had to properly uphold it.
You Jin put the land deed into her sleeve and cheerfully nodded: "Definitely, I will trouble Uncle Chen in the future!"
After the trees on Houjiawan Mountain bloomed, You Jin still wanted to find a few old beekeepers. Taking advantage of today's meeting, she mentioned it to Broker Chen.
"Beekeepers aren't so easy to find, but I will try my best to find them." After hearing You Jin's request, Broker Chen pondered for a long time.
You Jin understood and replied: "It's fine. If you really find beekeepers, they don't have to sell themselves. I can hire them to work at a high price."
How many people were willing to sell themselves? You Jin was aware of this point. So she used a roundabout tactic. As long as they can be hired, it'll work out.
Chapter 85 Little Fox
In a blink of an eye, it was mid-winter again.
"Su Family's lass, Eldest Brother and I are going back to the capital tomorrow. When I come back next year, I will bring you all the novelties of the capital!" Xiao Lin Feng, who spent half a year eating at Su's house and became a white dumpling, was sitting in the small pavilion in the backyard of Su's house. The youth emphasized his worries: "This Luohe Prefecture is still too poor. There are many novelties in the capital! You must go to the capital to play when you have time. I will take you around when the time comes!"
You Jin made a pot of her freshly fried osmanthus oolong for Xiao Lin Feng to try out. Listening to him talking about the capital, You Jin smiled slightly and replied: "Sure! When we go to the capital, we will definitely look for you to do the honors."
Xiao Lin Yu picked up the steaming teacup, put it under his nose, and smelled it. He remarked, "Is this the smell of sweet-scented osmanthus?"
You Jin nodded slightly: "Exactly. This tea I created in my free time. For own use, it's not bad. Gentleman Xiao, try it." Picking up the celadon teacup on the stone table, she slightly raised it towards Xiao Lin Yu as a signal.
Xiao Lin Yu found it novel, so he sipped it. It was an unprecedented experience for the taste buds. He nodded with a smile: "The aroma of sweet-scented osmanthus mixed with the elegance of tea leaves. It certainly works. Miss Su, do you plan to sell it?" Xiao Lin Yu was a qualified businessman. when there was something novel and good, the first feeling was naturally to think about how much money it can earn.
"Gentleman Xiao thinks if this tea is on the market, there be a market?" Of course, You Jin's tea wasn't brewed for nothing. After six months of contact with Xiao Lin Yu, she had to admit that he was indeed more business-savvy than herself. This pot of tea was naturally used as a stepping stone for success.
The fair jade-like fingers were slightly curved and knocked on the stone table. Xiao Lin Yu contemplated for a while before conveying his rough plan in his heart: "The fragrance of tea is clear and the fragrance of flowers is strong. The combination of the two complements each other, but the quality of the tea that Miss Su chose is slightly poor. But if you sell it at a low price, it can pass. But if you want to make fine and top-notch tea, use Wuyi's tea and the quality will be better. Not to mention the price."
You Jin nodded in acceptance to these points. You Jin knew that the quality of the autumn tea she used this time wasn't great. But it was a tea made in a hurry to seize this opportunity to ask Xiao Lin Yu for advice. She filled the half-full teacup in front of Xiao Lin Yu to nearly full: "Gentleman Xiao is right. But Wuyi is thousands of miles away. My funds are not enough to support me to buy tea from Wuyi. If it is nearby, are there any desirable tea mountains?"
The two of them got carried away when they talked about business matters. Bored, Xiao Lin Feng went to the front yard.
"Four or five days' journey to the south of Luohe Prefecture, there is a small village called Chaxiang in Hancheng County. There, the villagers relied on tea to survive. The tea there can't compare to Wuyi's but it is much better than Luohe's side." Xiao Lin Yu had traveled outside for more than a year and had some knowledge of the customs and culture of many places in Dafeng. He happened to pass by a village called Chaxiang. The tea there was quite good. Due to this, it left some impressions.
Toward the living map Xiao Lin Yu, You Jin was very grateful: "If this is the case, the four-five day journey is quite cheap!"
The tea business that You Jin planned wasn't limited to osmanthus oolong. She was planning to make scented-tea business big. Needless to say, a stable and cheap supply of tea was required.
"I once made friends with a scholar named Zhou in Chaxiang. He is honest. I might as well write a handwritten letter. If you find him in Chaxiang, he may be able to help you." Xiao Lin Yu looked at the girl in front of him whose eyes lit up from listening to him. He couldn't help but grin. "Just take it as a little repayment for Lin Feng's eating and drinking at your house for the past six months."
"Then I'll trouble Gentleman Xiao." Although You Jin wanted to be polite, she really needed this letter. "Actually, when Xiao Lin Feng ate at our house, our family only contributed some firewood at most. It's more like us who benefitted and ate a lot of good things!"
"You and Lin Feng are so familiar, so you don't have to be too reserved with me. Just call me Eldest Brother Xiao." Xiao Lin Yu looked at the girl who smiled like a little fox who tasted meat. He couldn't help but think of the white fox he raised when he was little. He couldn't resist reaching out and pinching her beautiful cheek.
The instant he pinched, both the 'victim' and the 'perpetrator' were stunned. Xiao Lin Yu withdrew his hand a little shyly. However, the girl's unique skin that was as smooth as a peeled egg left a deep impression on him. impression. Xiao Family's family education was very strict. Xiao Lin Yu himself wasn't very keen on the affairs of men and women. He even faintly disliked having too close contacts with women. The boy who was nearly nineteen years old was still a boy now. He didn't expect to be 'touchy' with a little girl who had yet to come to age. It was insulting the word gentlemen!
You Jin let out an awkward laugh before quickly changing the subject: "I wonder when ELdest Brother Xiao will return to Luohe Prefecture after going back to the capital?"
Xiao Lin Yu hid the hand that pinched You Jin's face behind his back and rubbed his two fingers gently, as if he was savoring the wonderful feeling just now. Hearing her question, he responded: "I'm afraid I won't come back. After the New Year's Eve, my marriage will also be put on the agenda..."
"Then I'll congratulate Eldest Brother Xiao now. I didn't prepare a congratulatory gift at this moment. Certainly quite rude of me." Hearing that he was getting married, You Jin felt an indescribable feeling in her heart. Still she smilingly gave her blessings .
As soon as Yu Lan with an oil-paper umbrella entered the backyard, she saw one male and one female. One red and one white sat in the small pavilion. The man was tall and handsome, while the woman was bright and attractive.
After Xiao Family brothers left, Su Family returned to the old days, as if Xiao Family brothers had never appeared in their life. Occasionally little Eighth, who was already able to speak briefly, would shout 'Elder Brother' towards the direction outside the door a few times.
This year, Su Family had planted 20 or so mus of sunflowers. Nearly 3,000 jins of seeds were harvested after drying. Now that there were many people in Su's house, frying seeds wasn't too difficult. From the tenth day of Decmber, Sujiaxiang Shop launched four flavors of seeds: walnut, green tea, five-spice, and original flavor. making two-thirds of Luohe Prefecture's melon seeds. In one fell swoop, it monopolized two third of the sale of the snacking seeds in Luohe Prefecture.
Now Sujiaxiang had became a very well-known snack shop in Luohe Prefecture. It made those who looked down on Sujiaxiang for being run by a few little girls feel regretful. Looking at their increasingly quiet business and then thinking of the long queue at Sujiaxiang, they felt jealous.
However, before Xiao Lin Yu left, he specially went to Official Qin's house to give a gift. During the banquet, he specifically mentioned that Sujiaxiang was opened by a younger sister who was very close to Xiao Family and requested Official Qin to take care of them. Under the care of Official Qin, it can be said that Sujiaxiang had the biggest backer in Luohe Prefecture. Even when there were occasional people who didn't have eyes and made trouble, there was no need to alarm the magistrate. The patrolling constable below would take care of those people properly. It went without saying that Su Family's business was getting better and better.
On the twenty-sixth day of December, a few carriages parked outside the gate of Su Family. Flags embroidered with the word 'Xiao' were on the carriages. The leading man got off his horse and knocked on the gate of Su Family.
From today, Sujiaxiang will suspend its business and will not resume until the eighth day of the new year. You Jin and others were all at home. When she heard the woman guarding the door come in to report, You Jin was playing with little Eighth in her arms. Hearing that someone from Xiao Family in the capital had come, she handed little Eighth to Yu Lan before ordering: "Take him to the parlor. Bai Zhi, go and bring some tea. Then prepare some food to keep out the cold."
Afterward, she put on a thick woven satin cape and went to the parlor.
"Miss Su, this one was ordered by my family's master to bring you the New Year's gift." Standing in the parlor was the leader of the guards who came to Luohe Prefecture with Xiao Family brothers that day.
Seeing that the not-so-small parlor was filled with all kinds of gift boxes, all kinds of materials, and even high-quality hides, You Jin felt her brows twitch slightly. Was there any need to be so prodigal? However, she kept a smile and declined: "So many new years gifts. It is too expensive. We can't be rewarded for nothing. Please send the things back, Elder Brother Guard!"
Guard Xiao cupped his hands respectfully and stated with a serious look: "Miss Su, I'm only acting on the order of my master. My family's master only told me to send it. He didn't say to take it back." Then he took out two letters: "Miss Su, these are letters that my family's master and Second Young Master want to send to Miss."
You Jin, who was blocked by his words to the point of speechlessness, didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Was forcing her to accept the gifts? She accepted the letter from Guard Xiao, put it aside, and sighed: "In this case, I will not put Elder Brother Guard on the spot. There are hot dishes and hot soup in the kitchen. Elder Brother Guard, you and the brothers had worked hard all the way. Eat something to relieve the fatigue and take a rest?"
"Thank you Miss Su! This one has to rush back to the capital to report on task completion. So we won't stay overnight." Guard Xiao thanked her and then followed Uncle Song to the kitchen. Naturally, good wine and food were served to Xiao Family's guards.
In the parlor, You Jin couldn't help but sighed again at the sight of the mountain of ceremony gifts. Then she opened the handwritten letter sent by Xiao Lin Yu brothers.
Xiao Lin Feng didn't say much in his letter- only said that he had prepared some novelty toys and food for her. Looking at the things that Shan Nai and the others were arranging, You Jin burst into a chuckle: "This Xiao Lin Feng!"
After reading Xiao Lin Feng's letter, she opened Xiao Lin Yu's letter. This was already the second time You Jin had read Xiao Lin Yu's letter. As the saying goes, the writing was like the person. Xiao Lin Yu neatly wrote slightly angular characters. Before You Jin finished Xiao Lin Yu's letter, Shan Nai came to her with a box in hand: "Miss, there are bank notes!"
Listening to Shan Nai's words, You Jin finished Xiao Lin Yu's letter. In Xiao Lin Yu's letter, he had mentioned the money: "Treat the ten thousand liang as a loan from me or as an investment in your tea business."
Irked, You Jin slapped the letter onto the wooden table: "Is 'short of money' written on my face?"
You Jin didn't want to owe favors to others, especially when it was a large amount like ten thousand liang. It would be fine if the tea business worked out. But what if it failed? At that time, even if the whole family sells themselves together, they won't be able to compensate it, right?
You Jin felt that this was an untimed bomb. So she took the box that Shan Nai handed over with a sullen face. Inside were ten 1,000 liang silver notes as well as a long and narrow wooden box. You Jin's curiosity piqued: "This money box can put other treasures in too?"
Hearing Missl's irritated response, Shan Nai and the others couldn't help covering their mouths and laughing.
When she opened it, she looked. It turned out to be a jade stick. A white jade hairpin that had a warm feel. There was also a cute little fox carved on one end of the hairpin. Quite interesting.
"What a beautiful hairpin!" Not only Shan Nai and others were amazed, but even You Jin was amazed. There was a note under the jade hairpin. Once opened, it was Xiao Lin Yu's note. It said: "You are half a year younger than Lin Feng. When it's time for your coming-of-age, we will miss it. Sending your coming-of-age gift first."
You Jin only felt her face was slightly hot. She closed the box containing the hairpin with a snap. Then she rolled her eyes at all the dazzled girls: "Don't be dazed. Hurry up and tidy the things up. Put it in the warehouse."
When Xiao Family's captain guard came to bid farewell to You Jin after finishing their meals, You Jin took out the box containing a stack of banknotes and jade hairpins: "Uncle Guard, this is too expensive, I can't accept it. I need to trouble you to bring it back to Gentleman Xiao."
The captain guard had received Young Master's instruction before he set off. He was not allowed to bring back anything sent by their family. It went without saying, he shirk away in every possible way.
You Jin had no choice but to write another IOU, put it in an envelope, and hand it to the guard captain to take it to the capital along with the new year gifts prepared by Su Family.