Eldest Sister, Why Haven’t You Married Yet

by Usui Takumii

not mine, explore. Waiting for the translator to update.

19. 91 to 100

Chapter 91 You He's Marriage (part 2)

The second day of May was suitable for getting married.

Su Family's marrying off daughter banquet was arranged at noon. Along with it, was the dowry parading. However, Su Family didn't have many relatives and friends in Wuliqiao. Only five-six tables were set up for a little liveliness.

Today's main star, You He, had been prepped by the matron of honor long ago. Wearing heavy makeup, her appearance was very different from her usual simple and elegant appearance. Still, she was extremely beautiful. Her pair of watery red phoenix eyes was full of joy and shyness. Su Family's little girls couldn't keep their eyes away: "Elder Sister You He is so beautiful today!"

"Alright, alright, girls, Liu Family's wedding procession is coming soon. Girls, quickly halt them!" The matron of honor jollily walked in and coaxed everyone out. Afterward, she served the glutinous rice balls to You He: "Bride, have something to eat first. If not, you'll starve."

You He accepted the glutinous rice balls brought by the matron of honor. She took a few mouthfuls before putting them down. Hearing the sound of gongs and drums getting closer outside, she was both nervous and excited.

From the start, Liu Zhuo Ting was handsome. Today, he was wearing a red gown. Due to passing a minor examination, his face was full of joy. Appearance-wise, he was very suitable for You He. But at this moment, Su Family's son-in-law was stopped by his little sister-in-laws outside the door: "If you want to marry Elder Sister You He, you have to pass our test first!"

The matron of honor invited by Liu Family hurried forward. She handed out sweets and spoke pretty words. Su Family's sisters halted them for a good while before letting them go under You Jin's signal. The new son-in-law entered the house.

Standing outside You He's boudoir, Liu Zhuo Ting's face flushed. Still, he shouted loudly according to the custom: "Wife, Husband is here to pick you up!"

Hearing the shout from outside, the matron of honor put the nearby red veil with mandarin duck playing with water design on You He's head. The door of the bride's boudoir opened with a creak after the groom shouted the third time. The bride with her head covered came out: "The bride is coming out!"

Taking the end of the red ribbon that the matron of honor handed over, Liu Zhuo Ting stood beside You He and firmly held her: "Don't be afraid."

You He, who was initially nervous, relaxed a lot when she heard what he said. She didn't know where she was going and just followed the footsteps of her future husband. Under the support of Sister-in-law Ge and Chun Hua, she bowed farewell to Mrs. Su. After leaving the gate of Su Family, she boarded the wedding procession's bridal sedan chairs. lAccompanied by the sound of firecrackers and joy for a long time, they left Wuliqiao and headed for the city of Luohe Prefecture.

Standing outside the gate, Mrs. Su watched the wedding procession heading to the distance and felt a little s for some reason, Mrs. Su felt a little sense of loss: "In the future, she will be the daughter-in-law of another family. Don't know if Liu Family can treat her well?"

This was just marrying off her niece. How sad will she be when it comes to her daughters in the future?

You Jin, who was snuggling beside Mrs. Su, said in a low voice: "Our two families lived close, so Elder Sister You He won't be wronged."

To put it bluntly, as long as the maternal family was tough enough, Liu Family will never dare to bully You He.

Backt to Liu Family. Seeing Su Family's dowry being carried into the house one after another and the bride was followed by two servant-like people in light red clothes, they felt a little uneasy. They feared that the bride was spoiled and the family will be in chaos from now on.

Both sides were a little uneasy. Though they saw the new daughter-in-law was dressed luxuriously the next day, she was very submissive. Liu Family's two elders felt relieved: "In the future, you must serve Zhuo Ting well and soon spread branches and scatter leaves for our Lir Family."

Today, You He was wearing a water-red thick jacket and skirt and had a set of gold plated head accessory. It was quite glamorous and charming. Accepting the teaching, she nodded her head. Everyone in Liu Family except Liu Zhuo Ting heaved a sigh of relief.

Liu Zhuo Ting was quite satisfied with his newlywed wife and was protective of her: "You He is wonderful, Father, Mother, you can rest assured."

Thinking about how the girl who was like a white lotus in the early summer when he first met her on the street became his wife, Liu Zhuo Ting inexplicably felt proud and satisfied.

The overall layout of Liu Family's house was similar to that of the houses in the countryside. There were east and west wing rooms on both sides of the main house, but it occupied a smaller area. The east wing was Liu Zhuo Ting's bedroom and study. The west wing was the residence of his two younger sisters. As for the two servants that You He brought, they were also arranged to live in the lower room of the West Wing. Although it was a bit crowded, it was passable.

The first three days of marrying in, there was no need to establish rules. In addition, the two people selected by You Jin for You He were both good at housework. Elder Sister-in-law Ge was good at cooking. After discussing with Liu Zhuo Ting, You He told her mother-in-law, Mrs. Qin about it- it was decided that Sister-in-law Ge would be in charge of Liu Family's works like laundry and cooking in the future, while Chun Hua would follow and serve You He.

Mrs. Qin wasn't someone who made things difficult for her daughter-in-law. On the contrary, she was inexplicably in awe of You He. After all, she was the daughter of a rich family. She fully supported You He's considerate thought of contributing her accompanying servants to the main labor force of the family: "Since they are your people you brought in, you can arrange them yourself."

"Also, when I got married, my family prepared ten mus of fertile land for me. Mother, do you think it's better for us to hire people to farm the land, or to rent it to tenants?" Don't know if she trusted Mrs. Qin too much or she was truly stupid, to actually reveal all the dowry that You Jin gave her in private.

Mrs. Qin knew that Su Family was rich, but You He's surname wasn't Su. So she assumed the gold plated head accessory was the biggest asset. Never thought there were also these! She stuck out her tongue and licked her somewhat dry lips. After a while, she replied: "This matter, you should decide for yourself."

If she intervenes and something happens in the future, Su Family would say that she had embezzled Daughter-in-law's dowry. Then, it'll be bad. In conclusion, the gap between the two families was quite large. If it wasn't for Mrs. Qin knowing her son's thoughts and asking a matchmaker to inquire, she wouldn't have dared to set her eyes on a family with such conditions as Su Family.

In fact, this was only a small part of You He's dowry. Because of the kindness of Mrs. Han who gave charcoal in the midst of snow and You He's own good character, Mrs. Su and You Jin didn't want her to be wronged. So they prepared a decent dowry: It wasn't just ten mu of fertile land. There was also a set of gold-plated head accessories, two sets of sterling silver head accessories, six sets of clothes for each season, and fifty liang in the fund box. Altogether, it was nearly two hundred liang. On top of that, when You He was about to travel afar, Mrs. Han gave her twenty liang. Now You He had seventy liang of cash in her hand.

If Qin Family were to find out, they might really be startled. You He wasn't so stupid as to reveal her dowry and the whole story. She just brought up the ten mu of fertile land to let Liu Family know that she also had money and avoid some trouble in the future.

No matter what, Su and Liu families were satisfied with this marriage. Everyone in Su Family waited eagerly for the third day. On the morning of the Dragon Boat Festival, they finally waited for the arrival of their new son-in-law, who brought back married off cousin miss for the third day return.

Liu Zhuo Ting was pulled aside by Mrs. Su to speak in the front yard, while You He was dragged into the backyard by Su Family's sisters. Seeing the young couple's eyes full of reluctance of parting for even a moment, Mrs. Su was very delighted. It was evident that Liu Zhuo Ting loved You He very much. She spoke: "I am You He's aunt (from father side). In a way, you can still use that. How about I call you Zhuo Ting?"

"Aunt is being excessive with me!" Liu Zhuo Ting wore a bamboo green gown today. He looked as good-looking as a clump of green bamboo. On the wedding night, he knew Su Family's kindness to his wife and knew that his wife regarded Su Family as her maternal family from the bottom of her heart. So he also respected Su Family.

Mrs. Su signaled Auntie Song to bring some tea and snacks and urged Liu Zhuo Ting to sit down. She merrily chatted: "Those girls are reluctant to part with You He. They had been expressing how much they missed her every day these days. I'm afraid the sisters have a lot to say. Zhuo Ting, you may as well rest in the front yard. We'll talk."

"Since it's like this, I'll will be noisy." Liu Zhuo Ting cupped his hands and acknowledged. Sitting very dignifiedly, he seriously listened to Mrs. Su's words.

While the two people in the front spoke cautiously, You He's former boudoir in the backyard was very lively. Su Family's girls formed a circle and stared at the married-off cousin without blinking. Little Eighth pulled You He's sleeve to express that she wanted a hug.

You He held up two years old little Eighth and sat her on her lap. She smilingly asked: "Does little Eighth miss Elder Sister?"

Currently, Little Eighth liked shiny things the most. She childishly answered that she missed. Seeing the gold plated hairpin on her head, she reached out to grab it: "Elder Sister You He, little Eighth wants it!"

Afraid that she would mess up You He's bun, You Jin hurriedly carried her away: "Take Eighth Miss to the front yard to talk to brother-in-law."

As soon as this was said, little Sixth and little Seventh also followed over to see brother-in-law. Only the few older ones were left sitting in You He's room.

Seeing that You He, who had just become a married woman, was as beautiful and charming as a lotus flower in full bloom in the early summer morning, You Jin knew that she was mostly likely living well in Liu Family. She was quite relieved: "If Elder Cousin Sister suffer in Liu Family, you must come back and tell us. We will definitely back you up."

With a chuckle, You He poked You Jin's head: "Marriage is a good relationship between the two families. Why do you say it like I married over to be bullied?"

You Jin didn't get angry. The sisters chatted for a long time; until Qiao-er came in from outside to invite them. Qiao-er notified them the food was ready. The sisters held hands and went to the dining room in the front yard.

You He couple had dinner at Su's house before rushing back before it got dark. Liu Zhuo Ting hired the mule cart back to the city early in the morning. In order not to let Liu Family look down on You He, Su Family stuffed half a cart full of things for the two of them to take home. You He was moved and dissuaded for a long while. Seeing that the time was getting late, the young couple rushed to the city.

At night, in the east wing of Liu's house.

In the room, the word '喜' was still posted. The curtains on the bed swayed without wind for half an hour before gradually stopping. Liu Zhuo Ting hugged his lovely wife into his arms. Stroking You He's back lightly, he savored her tenderness with greed and said in a hoarse voice: "He-er, your aunt's family treats you very well."

"I know." The blush-faced You He leaned in her husband's arms. Still immersed in the earth-shattering excitement, she couldn't catch her breath. Even his kind act of helping her breathe made her tremble. Her voice was like a kitten scratching someone: "Aunt's family allowed me to be reborn. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be able to marry you..."

The husband and wife quietly had an evening conversation. Liu Zhuo Ting's initially well-behaved hands became more and more naughty under the constant shrinking of his wife. Finally he turned over at once and blocked the red lips that were still whispering. Another round of red waves began.

Mrs. Qin, who was up at night and outside, heard the subtle movements coming from the east wing room. It was very clear in the silent night. She couldn't help showing a satisfied smile. It seemed that she would be able to hold her big fat grandson soon.

---

Chapter 92 Capital City

Before You He got married, You Jin had got someone to send a letter to Mrs. Han in Dingyuan. Two days after You He's third day return, a reply from Mrs. Han came.

In the letter, Mrs. Han expressed her gratitude to You Jin and Mrs. Su for taking care of You He. She had also mentioned many things that happened in Dingyuan in the past few months after You He disappeared: Yue Wen Tao married the daughter of a wealthy family in the county. Although he didn't marry into the female's family, he lived in his father-in-law's house just like Yue Chang Shou back then. Yue You Ting got married the year before last and gave birth to a son who looked nothing like Chen Ma Zi. However, last month her tryst with Zhou Jun Peng was encountered by someone. People also noticed Yue You Ting's son looked like Zhou Jun Peng, as if they were carved out of the same mold...adding these up, one needn't be detailed.

At the end of the letter, Mrs. Han had specially instructed: "Everything is very chaotic at home now. No matter whether it is You He or You Jin, don't come back at all. Also, don't send letters back. This is to avoid revealing clues and be discovered by Yue Family."

Listening to You Jin reading out the letter, Mrs. Su felt very emotional: "Why did a perfectly fine family become such a mess?"

You Jin put down the letter. A mocking smile hung on the corner of her mouth: "Mother really thinks that family was perfectly fine?"

In You Jin's view, Yue Family was already a mess of filth; only glamorous on the outside! This was most likely just the beginning!

After her birthday in April, it was now mid-May. Since the beginning of spring, You Jin had never been free even when excluding You he's matter.

In March, she went to the tea village in the south. She had found the scholar named Zhou that Xiao Lin Yu mentioned. The matters at tea village side was entrusted to Scholar Zhou to help. The letter sent two days ago said it was mostly sorted. In two days, she should make a trip to the tea village.

And Xiao Lin Yu in the capital, didn't know what was up. He wrote letters to her every few days. Every time she received his letter, You Jin always mentally chanted 'People die for money, birds die for food' a few times before secretly suppressing the helplessness and frustration in her heart. Did this elder brother think that she was a little too idle and play pen pal with him every day?

Every time she imagined Eldest Young Master Xiao with his legs crossed in the capital and maybe having his lovely wife and beautiful concubine in his arms as he wrote letters to her every day just for fun, You Jin felt a burst of fire with nowhere to vent. Truly, same people, different fate!

At this time far away in the capital, Xiao Lin Yu put the ink-dried letter paper into an envelope, sealed the letter with his special wax seal, and handed it to the study attendant to take it to Luohe Prefecture. He sneezed heavily for no reason.

Due to the reluctance of both Xiao and Bai Family, the wedding was finally set on August 19th. It was currently May, only three and a half months before the wedding of the next Patriarch of Xiao Family. Naturally, the whole Xiao Family arranged it in full swing. Even the current Patriarch of Xiao Family, Xiao Hai Chao's normally stern look on his face recently carried a hint of joy.

Out of the whole house, the only exception was probably the groom-to-be. Since returning to the capital half a year ago, Xiao Family's old Ancestor ordered him not to leave the capital because of the approaching wedding. Under the arrangement of his family, he met his fiancée Bai Ya-er a few times.

In the past, Xiao Lin Yu only thought that Bai Ya-er would be qualified to be the mistress of Xiao Family. But after half a year of contact from time to time, Xiao Lin Yu discovered a problem: when he was with Bai Ya-er, he always subconsciously felt very restrained. In addition, Bai Ya-er looked at him with more and more disgust. This always made him feel very confused. Was such a marriage really what he wanted? Does he really want to spend his whole life with a woman who despises him?

Dafeng Dynasty treated merchants preferentially and merchants' families could also participate in the imperial examination and become officials in the court. But since ancient times, literati were noble. They had always looked down on merchants. Let alone, literati like Bai Family with a legacy of poets and writers? But this marriage was decided by the former head of Xiao Family who had passed away. Unless Bai Family withdraws first, it is absolutely impossible to withdraw from this marriage.

But Bai Family's old Master was a different kind of literati. He was a close friend of rich and powerful Xiao Family's old Master back then. How could he possibly reject the marriage that was formed with his old friend before his death? Even when Bai Ya-er had cried so much that her eyes were red and swollen and knelt down in the main courtyard until she fainted. Her knees were red and swollen for several days before she could recover. Still, old Master Bai didn't even open the door. He only told his personal housekeeper to pass a message: " A gentleman honors his promise."

Bai Ya-er was spoiled and delicately raised since she was little. On top of that, she had read too many romantic narratives about love in poems and books. She already had someone who she wants to grow old with forever. How can she marry someone who smells like money all over? Wasn't that sunny spring's snow her falling into the mud?

Bai Ya-er, who woke up after being in a coma for half a day, knew that it would be impossible to get her grandfather to budge on this matter. Now that the two familie's agreed wedding date was only three months away and if it drags on, she and Darling Xu will really miss their fate in this life!

In fact, in all fairness, Bai Ya-er's ideal person was far inferior to Xiao Lin Yu in terms of appearance or family background. It can only be said that love makes people blind. It was just a concubine born of an eighth rank official. Xu Zhi Tong whose appearance can only be regarded as fair and elegant, was unparalleled in the world as an exiled immortal in Bai Ya-er's eyes.

The teary-eyed Bai Ya-er recalled her first encounter with Xu Zhi Tong. In the misty and rainy early spring, at the Bodhisattva Temple's flower flying ridge, outside the winding corridor, a scholar in white sat under a pear tree in full bloom. Completely fascinated with an unknown book, he didn't even notice the pear blossoms floating in the wind covering his head. But for some reason, he suddenly looked back, and found her, who staring blankly at him. Ignoring her own embarrassment, he gave a scholarly salute from afar in a graceful manner instead.

The first glance at the first meeting was already shocking. Afterward, she learned from the other party that he was a concubine-born son of an eighth-rank official family in the capital. Although he was not loved by his legitimate mother since childhood, he was excellent in poetry and books. At seventeen, he was already a Xiu Cai. Compared to the incompetent legitimate son, he garnered more of Official Xu's favor.

There were often poetry gatherings in the circle of nobles in central the capital. It wasn't that Bai Ya-er hadn't attended those in the past. She didn't know Xu Zhi Tong before. But after a quick glance on flower flying ridge, she unexpectedly encountered him several times. It was only until late spring in April, the two talked to each other about their feelings and made a private engagement for life.

"Darling Xu..." Tightly grasped in her hand was an average quality jade pendant in the shape of a lotus flower. This was the only relic left by Xu Zhi Tong's deceased concubine mother. It was also a gift from him as a token of love. Thinking of Xu Zhi Tong who was still waiting for her outside the manor, Bai Ya-er felt sad again.

Xiao Lin Yu waited for many days without and never got a reply from You Jin. He seemed a bit out of place in the manor of joyous family members. So instead of hiding in the study every day to read, he made appointments with three-five friends every few days to gather in the teahouse in the capital to talk about poetry and books. It made the boring time fly by.

In May, the capital city was already getting a bit stuffy. The girls put on the summer clothes that were in fashion this year. The streets were very lively with people bustling around. Sitting in the water-facing suite on the second floor of the teahouse, Xiao Lin Yu sighed leisurely as he watched the sparkling inland river under the sun.

"You are sighing more and more in the past two years." A man sitting beside Xiao Lin Yu, who was about the same age as Xiao Lin Yu, poured him a cup of green tea: "But since we met, you looked young but acted mature."

Picking up the teacup, he took a sip and looked at the children on the other side of the river who were playing with joy. Xiao Lin Yu felt a little envious and remarked, "It's just that there are some things I can't figure out. When you got married last year, didt you have any other thoughts back then?" Feng Hua had been Xiao Lin Yu's friend for many years, but compared with the older leftover man, Feng Hua was now a soon-to-be father.

Hearing his question, Feng Hua knew that he had second thoughts about this marriage and helplessly shook his head: "For people like us, we have no say in marriage. It's just an exchange of benefits." Feng Hua and his wife were also joining of two surnames. Although it can't be said to be very loving, since the wife married in, she was filial to her parents-in-law and dedicated to serving him. The young couple can be regarded as honey-flavor oil.

Hearing what Feng Hua said, Xiao Lin Yu unhurriedly sighed. So what if he was so rich? He had no freedom!

The two sat in the teahouse for half an hour before saying goodbye. After sending Feng Hua away, Xiao Lin Yu was left alone in the suite on the second floor. Quietly listening to the noise on both sides of the riverside, he only felt a little dazed. Inadvertently, voices came from the suite next door.

"Bai Family is well-known in the literati circle. Although Official Bai is only a civil servant of the fifth rank now, the reputation of Official Bai cannot be underestimated. If Brother Xu can confidently board the boat of Bai Family this time, you will be able to show your full talent. Naturally, there was something to show for it!" A young man's voice became louder and louder; don't know whether he was envious or jealous of 'Brother Xu' he was talking about.

A lower male voice sounded, as if responding to that man's words just now: "Bai Ya-er is utterly devoted to me now. As long as we sort her out, it won't be a problem to get under Official Bai's wings." Although he spoke calmly, faint arrogance and complacency in his voice had already exposed his current pride.

"When the time comes, Brother Xu will have a beauty as well as gaining both fame and fortune. Really make others envious!" A third unfamiliar voice uttered.

How smart was Xiao Lin Yu? On top of that, the words of the people in the next room were quite obvious. At this time, Xiao Lin Yu was sure that Brother Xu and his fiancée have some secrets. The frustration within suddenly decreased a lot. He called in the guard at the door: "Go and find out who the people in the suite next door are. Especially the one with the surname Xu, find out his origin."

"Yes." The guard cupped his hands and exited. Shortly later, he brought back the news.

"A concubine born of the Astronomical Directorate's Recorder, Xu Chang Shen's family?" A concubine born of an eighth-rank little official's family had some involvement with Bai Ya-er? Sitting at the round table, Xiao Lin Yu didn't know what to say for a while. It wasn't that he didn't notice Bai Ya-er's deep-seated dislike for him when she met him those few times. He never expected the legitimate daughter of a noble literati family would give him such a big green hat before she married into Xiao Family!

Don't know if the people in the room next door were drunk or if Xu Family's concubine born son was trying to show off his strength; he told all about his and Bai Ya-er's private tryst and provoked those young and energetic literati and students into lewd laughter. In the end, they arranged to find a good place to 'cool down their anger fire'.

Sitting in the tea house as he watched the water reflect the bright sunlight which gradually turned into a setting sun, the formerly befuddled for a long time Xiao Lin Yu now had bright and firm eyes. As if he had made some decision, he brought people back to Xiao's manor.

---

Chapter 93 Chaxiang

Back to Luohe Prefecture. After receiving Scholar Zhou's letter, You Jin hastily sorted the affairs in hand. On the third day, she took Uncle Song, Qiao-er and the newly recruited driver, got on the newly bought horse carriage, and went south.

As the name suggests, Chaxiang made a living by growing tea. Compared with the tea gardens in Suzhou and Hangzhou, the tea leaves in Chaxiang were picked later. It had the difference between a clear day and rainy day.

You Jin had already visited Chaxiang in February; the time when spring tea was budding. It was impossible to buy suitable tea mountains. In addition, most people were used to growing tea by themselves. Unless there was an emergency that needed money, they wouldn't think about selling the tea garden that the whole family depended on for survival. That was why You Jin stayed in Chaxiang for more than ten days and couldn't find a suitable tea garden. So she had to change her plan. She requested Scholar Zhou to look for a hill suitable for a tea plantation near Chaxiang and find a few experienced tea growers. She wanted to build a Su Family's tea garden in Chaxiang.

Although Scholar Zhou was a scholar, he knew that his talent was only to the level of Tongsheng. After passing the entrance examination of Tongsheng, he no longer focused on studying. He did some small business in Chaxiang area and had a wide range of connection. What You Jin entrusted him to do was done quickly.

"As Miss Su requested, here are all hills that are connected together. A total of 379 mu of hills. If tea trees are planted here, the cost of the saplings alone may be a large expenditure." Scholar Zhou took You Jin along the uneven mountain path one after the other. He introduced the situation of this tea mountain to her: "This tea mountain was originally an unowned wasteland. I had inquired with someone from Yamen. The land taxes and fees cost is one liang per mu of land.Do Miss Su have any thoughts of buying it?"

The price of buying barren hills was about the same. But the hill Scholar Zhou chose was in a very good location. Bypassing the hill in front of them was the official road. If she wants to transport tea in the future, it will be very cheap.

You Jin nodded slightly and asked, "Where is the water source?"

If there was no water source for the nearly 400-mu tea mountain, the irrigation of tea gardens will also be a big problem in the future.

"The source of water is just ahead. There are several springs in the hills. We just need to dig bigger ones and the water will be enough." Since Scholar Zhou was able to choose this place, he naturally went through many considerations.

The two walked around the mountain one after another with one asking and one answering. When they came down from the mountain, Uncle Song, who tagged behind his Eldest Miss, felt that his back was sweating profusely and was extremely hot. Seeing his Eldest Miss glowing with health and radiating vigor, Uncle Song couldn't help feeling that he was getting old. Seeing his master walking away again, he hastened to follow.

Scholar Zhou had acquaintances in Yamen. You Jin had made the decision to buy this land. Within two days, the red deed was exchanged and handed to You Jin. In addition, many part-time workers were found to start tidying up the tea mountain.

It took a lot of effort to tidy up the nearly 400-mu tea mountain. Still, Chaxiang's nearby short term laborers had experience in sorting the tea mountain. Under the discussion of Scholar Zhou and You Jin, all the work was done in an orderly manner.

Scholar Zhou had already sourced the saplings needed for tea tree planting. As long as the tea mountain was sorted and the manure that had been retting the day before yesterday had been buried, the planting could be arranged.

You Jin didn't know much about tea tree planting. She only learned some knowledge about tea tree planting in the past two months. For the general direction, she still had to rely on Scholar Zhou. According to the saying, use the person, don't doubt them; doubt them, don't use them. You Jin adopted most of the reasonable opinions put forward by Scholar Zhou. The cooperation between the two was very pleasant.

This time, You Jin stayed in Chaxiang for nearly a month. Not only was the tea mountain sorted, the newly bought Big Leaf Oolong and Biluochun each occupied 100 mu. Big Red Robe tea and Silver Needle Tea each occupied 50 mu. Another 70 mu were planted with a kind of tea tree called Oriental Beauty, which was popular in Chaxiang.

They also found someone to build a big house with two entrances and two exits at the foot of the tea mountain. The area was about the same size as Su's house in Wuliqiao. It wasn't have much detail; just looked like a clean and flat farmyard. Two rows of blue brick and tile houses were built next to the house as the dormitories for the tea workers of Su Family Tea Garden. After all, Su Family Tea Garden was so big that it took at least a dozen people to take care of the growth of the tea trees on most days. It seems there will be more people.

Under the suggestion of Scholar Zhou, a tea frying workshop covering an area of about three mu was built to prepare for tea picking next year. All these were too numerous to count. During the month of staying in Chaxiang, You Jin had already spent one-third of the 10,000 liang that Xiao Lin Yu lent to her.

"Miss, should we leave someone here to watch? After all, there was a tea garden of three or four hundred mus!" Uncle Song was still a little worried. The people recruited here were local. Once they return to Luohe Prefecture, there is a chance that all the tea saplings get pulled out!

You Jin nodded. Although there was Scholar Zhou who can occasionally help a bit, it was still necessary to have their own people here. So she said what she planned in her mind: "Before I wanted to send Song Hua to Houjiawan. Now this side has more priority. Song Hua had been training with you for a while. What does Uncle Song think?"

When he heard that Eldest Miss was going to hand over such an important matter to his son, Uncle Song replied: "Thank you for favoring Song Hua, but that child isn't always steady. I'm afraid he will cause trouble for Miss... "Although he knew this was a rare opportunity, but if his son messes things up, it will be a greater sin.

"Song Hua is almost sixteen now. It's time to come out and practice for a while. Besides, Luohe Prefecture isn't far from here. It's convenient to get someone to send a letter back if something happens?" You Jin felt this was a very good opportunity to practice. Song Hua was smart and knew how to interact. With experience, he may help out a lot in the future.

Uncle Song heavily kowtowed: "I thank Miss on behalf of Song Hua!"

You Jin hurriedly called him up: "Uncle Song, you are too polite!"

After the discussion here, a letter was sent to Wuliqiao immediately. Ten days later, Song Hua arrived at Chaxiang in the horse carriage with a bundle on his back.

In the past ten days, You Jin, Scholar Zhou, and Uncle Song had bought back 17 young and strong laborers and hired four old tea farmers in Chaxiang to teach these workers how to care the tea trees. Once Song Hua arrived, he saw a piece of bare hills and a group of people scattered on it doing some unknown task.

"Elder Brother!" At the foot of the mountain, Qiao-er was the first to see her elder brother whom she hadn't seen for nearly a month and a half. She happily waved to him before jogging over: "I heard from Eldest Miss that you are coming. You're finally here."

Panting, she took her elder brother into the newly built house and placed the baggage in the house in the front yard that Eldest Miss had already arranged for him. Only then, she led him up the mountain.

Seeing that his little sis, whom he hadn't seen for more than a month, became quite tanned, Song Hua asked in mirth, "Qiao-er, what are you doing with Eldest Miss? Why did you turn into a briquette?"

Although Qiao-er was still young, which girl didn't like being pretty? Hearing what he said, she pursed her lips: "Elder Brother!"

The two siblings cheerfully messed as they headed up the mountain. At this moment, You Jin was leading a group of workers to study hard alongside a few old tea farmers. Seeing Song Hua coming, she hurriedly waved to him: "You came at a perfect time. Quickly listen with us."

When Song Hua saw Miss, the playful smile on his face became serious: "Yes!"

Then he squatted down in a position that was freed up among the tea workers and listened. Although he didn't understand, he remembered a bit.

You Jin specially bought three middle-aged women who were responsible for cooking. They were responsible for cooking for their family's workers every day. This was very convenient. On the night Song Hua arrived, the four master and servants had a sumptuous dinner together. Then You Jin rested early. On the contrary, Uncle Song talked with his son, Song Hua until late in the night. Uncle Song knew that his son had been by his side since he was young. His personality was great and was a smart lad. Just the thought that Son will be staying far away from him, he couldn't be at ease.

Song Hua was was given a tour at Chaxiang's side and was introduced to Scholar Zhou and others. Because Song Hua was a confidant left by the owner and was quite sociable, he became familiar with Su Family Tea Garden's workers in a few days. After staying for a few days and seeing Song Hua settling in, You Jin's master and servants returned to Luohe Prefecture.

Once You Jin and others returned to Wuliqiao, they had already been gone from Wuliqiao for two months. During this period, there were already five or six letters from the capital. Mrs. Su and the others were also eagerly waiting for You Jin to come back every day. After all, no one thought that it would take so long for her to come back from this trip.

"When you left, you were traveling light with few attendants. I thought you would come back after a few days. Never thought you would be gone for two months! Your whole person became darker and thinner!" Looking at Daughter who was a few shades darker and a lot of skinnier, Mrs. Su complained in distress: "It seems away from our sight, you were so busy that you didn't even eat?"

Sitting next to Mrs. Su, You Jin obediently listened to the lecture. Seeing the fatigue on her daughter's face, Mrs. Su couldn't bear to be more harsh and said: "Alright then. Quickly go back and wash up and rest! Once dinner is ready, I'll call you again."

You Jin, who had been sitting in the carriage for a good few days, was naturally happy to be relaxed. She took a bath first. Then she put on thin clothes and prepared to go to bed. However, a bundle of letters on her desk caught her eyes. Out of curiosity, she picked them up. Sitting on the kang, she casually flipped through them. She discovered that all of them were letters from Xiao Lin Yu: "This person is really free!"

After berating in amusement, she didn't read the letter and went to sleep.

You Jin left a few days after the Dragon Boat Festival .When she came back, the Ghost Festival was coming up. The eager Su Family's little girls naturally wanted to see Eldest Sister, but Mother said Elder Sister had traveled for a few days and shouldn't disturb Eldest Sister .So they could only obediently wait in the front yard for Eldest Sister to get up.

"Eldest Sister wake up!" Little Eighth, who had snuck into the backyard at some point and entered You Jin's room when no one was noticing, sat on You Jin's bed with her round eyes open. Looking at sleeping Eldest Sister and seeing her open her eyes, little Eighth threw herself into her arms in delight.

Only after opening his eyes, You Jin had just regained her energy when she was startled by the little thing that suddenly jumped into her arms. Instantly, her senses were wide awake: "Little Eighth, let Eldest Sister get up first, okay?"

Little Eighth lolled in her arms for a long time before reluctantly letting her up. Squeezing little Eighth's chubby face, You Jin sat up. She looked through the glass window and saw the already semi-dark sky outside. Only then, she realized that she had slept for half a day. She slept until her bones were laced with tiredness.

The maid outside, Cao Guo heard the movement in Eldest Miss's room and brought hot water in: "Eldest Miss woke up?"

Seeing one big and one young sitting on the bed, she grinned: "Just now Madam said Eighth Miss disappeared with a turn of a head. Turned out that she ran to Eldest Miss's place."

"Take Miss to the front first. I'll tidy up and go over after." She handed little Eighth to Cao Guo. She accepted the hot handkerchief that Cao Guo handed over and wiped her face. Once she freshened up, she headed to the front yard.

---

Chapter 94 Watermelon

Su Family's watermelon had ripened.

Mrs. Su originally thought that her daughter wouldn't be able to grow anything with those black melon seeds. At that time, You Jin had confidently vowed: "This watermelon is similar to a pumpkin. Maybe it can be grown?"

Nearly three mus of watermelon seeds were planted on the hills in the bay. Unexpectedly many of them survived.

Nourished by spring rain and irrigated in summer, it had produced a field of watermelon. Mid-July was the time when the watermelons were ripe. You Jin didn't forget that she had promised Xiao Lin Feng that she would send a batch to the capital for him once they ripened.

So a horse carriage from Wuliqiao staggered away. It pulled a cart of nearly ripened watermelons with green vines and patterned skins and headed for the capital. Along with them were some new teas that You Jin had made in Chaxiang in the past two months and a reply letter to Xiao Lin Yu.

But before Su Family's watermelon was delivered to the capital, Xiao Lin Yu had already arrived in Luohe Prefecture.

"Eldest Brother Xiao?" Today, she had nothing to do. She remained at home and trained the few big and handsome wolfhounds at home and brought the dogs back from the navigable Luohe Prefecture Canal. This was when she saw a person she hadn't seen for months riding a white horse. He grinningly looking at her.

Xiao Lin Yu had already seen her from a distance. You Jin, who was wearing a water-green narrow-sleeved slanted-lapel gown dress and matching loose trousers. Used to seeing delicate noble daughters, Xiao Lin Yu felt that she was pleasing to his eyes. He cheerfully spoke: "Long time no see. You haven't changed at all."

What Xiao Lin Yu meant by she hadn't changed wasn't about her appearance. But the tenacity and the light in her eyes were the same as when he first met her. On the contrary, the girl whom he hadn't seen for more than half a year had now appeared more and more graceful. Xiao Lin Yu realized that You Jin's coming of age was approaching. He felt somewhat restless.

You Jin didn't think too much about it. She called the big dogs to a halt. Smiling, the peach blossom eyes turned into crescent moons: "Long time no see. How are you doing, Eldest Brother Xiao?"

Xiao Lin Yu got off the horse, handed the reins to the study attendant who was riding behind him, and stood beside You Jin. The two of them intentionally or unintentionally kept a distance of half a foot apart. Slowly, they walked towards Su's house on the river bank. The few wolfhounds were taught to be intelligent. Seeing their master walking slowly home, they also walked leisurely behind the master on four legs.

You Jin glanced at the one study attendant and one guard following behind. She was a little surprised: "Eldest Brother Xiao just came from the capital? Why did you only bring two people this time?"

"Came out to relax. It's too restrictive to bring so many people." Xiao Lin Yu explained with a faint smile on his face.

Seeing that he was very tired, haggard and lonely, You Jin knew that he had something on his mind. So she changed the subject without asking any more questions. The two chatted. Taking in the ships that were approaching from a distance in the canal and the lively two sides of the canal, Xiao Lin Yu sighed leisurely: "In less than a year, you guys have also undergone major changes. Things have really changed. Things change with the passing of years."

Because the berth of the Luohe Prefecture Canal in Luohe Prefecture was established half a kilometer south of Luohe Prefecture City and two kilometers away from Wuliqiao, the traffic on the waterway gradually gathered more people nearby. The west side of Wuliqiao River, which was initially somewhat desolate, had become much more lively.

"It's indeed much more lively than before." Smiling and nodding to a passing villager, You Jin responded with a smile.

There was nothing to say for a while. After a while, Xiao Lin Yu asked: "Why haven't you replied to my letter for these two months?"

For some reason, he was a little disappointed due to You Jin not replying to his letter.

You Jin sighed and responded, "Eldest Brother, not everyone can stay at home and write letters every day, okay? I went to Chaxiang in May and worked hard for two months straight. I just came back. I didn't receive the letter at all, so how can I reply?"

Comparison makes people miserable. How can people who were born with a golden spoon in their mouths understand the misery of ordinary people?

Seeing her disappointed expression of 'you're still too young' toward him, Xiao Lin Yu's frustration was swept away. He smilingly apologized: "So, it's my fault."

Chatting and laughing, the two walked for a quarter of an hour before returning to Su's house.

Since Xiao Lin Yu didn't mention it, You Jin didn't ask him why he suddenly came to Luohe Prefecture. Mrs. Su Family welcomed Xiao Lin Yu's arrival. After Xiao Lin Yu made a request to temporarily live in Su's house, she readily agreed. Somewhat apologetic, she spoke: "It was our honor for Gentleman Xiao to live in our countryside folks' place, but our small place is inconvenient. I'm afraid of making Gentleman Xiao aggrieved."

"Although the countryside isn't as prosperous as the city, it still has a bit of rustic charm. I often hear from Lin Feng that Auntie Su's cooking is excellent. This time, I boldly bother you." Xiao Lin Yu respectfully saluted as a younger generation and jollily responded.

Although Yu Lan and Auntie Song felt it was a little inappropriate, but since the person himself said so, they naturally had nothing to say. Xiao Lin Yu was arranged to live in a guest room in the front yard. The two people he brought lived in Su Family's old house separated by a wall. Little Seven and Little Eighth had some recollection of this big brother whom they had met two or three times. They were overjoyed.

"From what you said, you have been tossing a lot in Chaxiang for the past two months." After tasting the new tea brought back from Chaxiang by You Jin, Xiao Lin Yu forever had his light like a breeze smile: "Not bad. This time's tea is much better than the one you gave me last time."

You Jin poured another half cup of tea for him and replied with a slight smile, "It's thanks to Eldest Brother Xiao's help. If not, I wouldn't be able to do this." Back then, when Xiao Lin Yu suddenly stuffed the money, there was a knot in You Jin's heart. Now that she thought about it, the money that Xiao Lin Yu lent to her on his own initiative was indeed a great help. So she sincerely thanked him.

"You are quite perceptive today." Xiao Lin Yu put down the teacup in his hand and caught little Eighth who was waddling towards him. Without looking at You Jin, he spoke: "In the letter from back then, you wished to berate me until my head is bloody. Why have you changed your temper now?"

She watched him hold little Eighth and both of them laughed happily. It was the first time for You Jin to see him laughing so happily. She responded: "You are born with a golden spoon in your mouth. So naturally you don't think it's a big sum. However, Gentleman Xiao, the total wealth of our family isn't that much. If it were you, what would you do?"

Xiao Lin Yu fed little Eighth a piece of green plum cake newly developed by Su's kitchen. Only then, little Eighth followed Auntie Song out of the parlor in content. Picking up the handkerchief on the table, Xiao Lin Yu gently wiped his hands: "In this case, I really didn't think carefully."

"Still, I must thank Eldest Brother Xiao. If it weren't for your money, I'm afraid it would take a good few years to start this stall." You Jin wasn't a person who didn't know good and bad. Her faint self-esteem was unintentionally hurt a little by rich and powerful Xiao Lin Yu for a while. No matter what, Xiao Lin Yu did it with good intention. She couldn't treat him like a donkey.

The wind in Luohe Prefecture blew day after day. The lotus planted by You Jin sisters in front of their house bloomed brilliantly all summer.

Unknowingly, Xiao Lin Yu had lived in Su's house for more than a month. Letters from the capital came every other day. But Xiao Lin Yu always remained like an old god. He didn't say when he'll leave. He even taught Kang-er and little Eighth on learning to read every day. Putting it nicely, it was called 'imparting rudiment knowledge'.

The first crop of watermelons grown by Su Family this year had brought a large amount of income to Su Family. Those melon and fruit sellers, restaurants, teahouses, and some wealthy people knew that Sujiaxiang snack shops sold watermelons. Many of them directly found You Jin and bought the goods. After all, the taste of the watermelons from Su Family was almost the same as the watermelons from the Western Regions. The price of the Su Family's was ten percent cheaper than the price of those brought back from the Western Regions. In the long term, it wasn't a small sum.

You Jin was naturally happy to do big business. Each picking took less than half an hour to be transported to Luohe Prefecture. Dozens of watermelons can be sold out. This saved a lot of trouble.

Now You Bao was learning account management by You Jin's side. You Jin's requirement for several younger sisters was that they all have at least one skill. Since childhood, You Bao had a quiet temperament and didn't like to interact with outsiders. But seeing her elder sisters running around for the family every day made her feel very uncomfortable. So when You Jin said that she should learn to manage accounts, You Bao agreed without a second thought.

"Eldest Sister, we sold out this season's watermelons and earned a lot of money!" You Bao's abacus never left her hands every day. Although she can't compare with the three elder sisters in using abacus, she wins because of her hard work. So she did it like an experienced one: "Our watermelon only sells for five liang. Since we didn't invest much money in the first place, it's all pure profit then!"

You Jin flipped through the account book with immature handwriting that had clearly jotted down every income and expenditure. She nodded with satisfaction: "The accounts are clear. It seems that it won't take long for you to do better than me. I was afraid that your health would not be able to bear it. From the look of it, I was worrying too much."

Standing in front of You Jin, You Bao's fair face flushed slightly from hearing Eldest Sister's praise. She smiled a little shyly and continued what she hadn't finished: "This year our family only planted less than three mu of watermelon. A total of two thousand and forty-nine were sold. Eighty-seven were eaten by the family or given away. If we grow a few more mu next year, we will earn more money!"

You Jin was also a little shocked. This was due to the difference. Although the average price of their own watermelons was only four liang, the income had reached more than 8,200 liang in one summer. Excluding the few hundred liang silver cost, the final net profit was as high as 8,000 liang!

"Since it's like this, let's grow more watermelons next year." You Jin closed the ledger and asked, "Is there enough seeds left?"

In You Jin's opinion, germinating watermelon seedlings wasn't difficult. As long as there were enough seeds, then it was feasible to plant more than ten mu. But seeing You Bao's excited face, You Jin had to pour cold water on her: "Although this year we can still sell it for four or five liang silver each, it will be hard to say next year. After all, planting this kind of watermelon isn't difficult."

Sure enough, when You Bao heard what Eldest Sister said, her excited mind that was planning to plant more than ten-twenty mu of watermelon next year to make a fortune instantly dropped a lot. Soon, she recovered her spirit: "It's okay. Even if the price is half of this year's, we can still make a lot of money. I have asked Elder Brother Han Li and Er Hua to properly store away the watermelon seeds. We can plant more than ten mus!"

While she excitedly talked, she grabbed the abacus and sat directly next to Eldest Sister. Clicking away the abacus, she muttered to herself: "If fifteen mu are planted next year and one mu produces eight hundred, it means twelve thousand watermelons. One watermelon is set at three liang. Therefore, a profit of 36,000 liang. In the worst case scenario, one sells for one liang, then we can still earn as much as this year!!"

Seeing her younger sister's shining eyes, the smile on You Jin's face deepened: "So, we still have a lot of money, don't we?"

You Bao nodded like a chicks pecking at rice: "Eldest Sister, I'm going to find Elder Brother Han Li and get him to find a way to find me some more seeds. Let's plant more seeds next year."

---

Chapter 95. Pregnant

"Even You Bao is capable now!" Today You He returned to her maternal home. She was happily sitting in the main hall, talking to Mrs. Su: "This summer our family relied on You Bao to buy watermelons at a low price. We actually earned a lot of money. Before I came today, Mother-in-law told me that I must thank Second Aunt and You Bao!"

It had been more than three months since You He married into Liu Family. Everyone's character and appearance was good. Although Mother-in-law couldn't compare to her own mother, she still treated pretty nice. Her husband Liu Zhuo Ting loved her dearly. Younger sisters were also very sensible. Coupled with the support of her maternal family, Su Family, You He's life in Liu Family was quite comfortable.

This summer, with the help of Su Family, they bought a lot of watermelons at two coins lower than the market price from Su Family and resold them. After one summer, they earned nearly thirty liang silver. Because of this incident, You He's mother-in-law, Mrs. Qin, treated her even better. Knowing that she was going back to her maternal home today, she had specifically instructed her to properly thank Su Family.

"We are all one family, why are you saying such polite words!" Mrs. Su amusedly scolded her: "You child, you're becoming more and more polite."

The two sisters who were doing accounts in the backyard knew that You He was coming. They both came to the front yard after the accounts were settled. You Jin greeted You He with a smile: "Haven't seen you for half a month and you look much better, Elder Sister You He. Life in Liu's house must be good." Although You He wasn't as resolute as Third Aunt, Mrs. Han, she was also very generous and courteous. Although she was close to Su Family like family now, she never covet anything from Su Family. So You Jin was very willing to associate with this elder cousin sister. This time the idea of selling watermelons was first mentioned by You Jin. Only then, You He implemented it.

"You Jin, your mouth is getting more and more powerful." You He smilingly glanced at her: "My in-laws are great. Besides, don't I have the two people you prepared to protect me. How could I possibly suffer? "You He's temperament had indeed changed a lot since she got married. She used to be a bit childish, but now she had gradually become calm and generous. Quite like Mrs. Han's style from back then.

Although this was what was said, since she got married, You He had returned to her maternal home every ten days to half months. At first, her mother-in-law felt a little uncomfortable. She complained to her old man in private: "Which married woman returns to maternal home every day? Isn't this letting people see a joke?"

"Old woman, your eyesight is too shallow. Is Su Family an ordinary family?" Liu Da He smoked a tube of tobacco. His deep voice responded, "Su Family lives in such a glorious lifestyle. They are willing to marry their niece into a family like ours because they set their eyes on us treating her well. Besides, the more Daughter-in-law interacts with her maternal family, the looser Su Family's finger joints will be. This way, there will be a subsidy, right?"

Although Su Family was not comparable to the wealthy families in Luohe Prefecture, Liu Family didn't have much wealth either. Plus they both do business in the city. Liu Da He didn't know how good the business of Su Family's snack shop was. Just look at the dowry brought by Daughter-in-law when she entered the house. Let's mention other things, just the ten mu of fertile land was enough for the whole family to eat for a year. Where can one find such a good matter?

"I'm afraid that people outside will talk about us. Those who don't know think that we are bullying our daughter-in-law, since she goes back to her maternal home so often..." After listening to Liu Da He's words, Mrs. Qin's mind naturally turned around. But still she feel a little unhappy in her heart. Which daughter-in-law returns to her maternal home every three days!

However, the unhappiness in Qin's heart soon disappeared. Not long after the watermelons first came into the market, You He brought the good news home. Not only did Su Family give the goods to them at a lower price than the market price, but their family could pay for the watermelons after they were sold out. Liu Family was naturally delighted.

Having taste the sweetness,it went without saying that Mrs. Qin won't prevent You He from returning to her maternal family. That's why, when knowing that You He was going back to her maternal family today, she prepared a present for her to bring back long ago and specifically told her to thank her maternal family.

The sisters merrily chatted away. Quite harmonious. Seeing that the children in the family were doing well now, and You He had grown up a lot, Mrs. Su couldn't help sighing: "If your mother knows that you are living so well now, she must be very happy, right?"

Hearing Mrs. Su mention Mrs. Han who was far away in Dingyuan, the smile on You He's face faded. She sighed faintly: "Last time I secretly asked someone to deliver a letter back, Mother replied to me. She didn't bring up matters at home. Just repeatedly told me to not send letters home. Nor was I allowed to go back."

Speaking of Mrs. Han, You He was still very worried: "At the beginning Father must have made things difficult for Mother back when I ran away like that. I'm really anxious, but Mother didn't say anything. I really don't know what to do!"

"Third Aunt doesn't want you to go back. She must be afraid that you will fall into the fire pit after you go back. How about this? I will find a traveling merchant heading to Dingyuan in the next two days and ask them to find out some news. If something happens in Dingyuan, we will come up with something then."

Even now, You Jin was very grateful to Mrs. Han. Mrs. Han did a favor to their family back then. Although now she had repaid a little, You Jin really can't bear to watch such a kind woman fall into the fire pit.

"All in all, us mother and daughter owe your family." You He wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and sincerely thanked her second aunt's family for their kindness.

Seeing that she was crying, You He's accompanying little maid quickly comforted her in a low voice: "My lady, you can't be like this now. Your health is important."

You He nodded slightly: "I can know."

Seeing the two of them talking like this, Mrs. Su had a flash of surprise in her eyes and asked with some doubts: "You He, are you..."

You He's pretty face was slightly red and an indistinct nod: "I was a little unwell before. Only after inviting a doctor over did I know it's almost two months now."

"This is wonderful news!" Mrs. Su was overjoyed. Taking You He's hand, she spoke, "Child, now you are pregnant, you got to pay attention to these things. Coming here from such a long distance, what to do if you get tired? Really, this child. You don't understand and your mother-in-law actually let you go back and forth?" Mrs. Su was both happy and worried. Happy because You He was pregnant, worried because no one took good care of her.

"Don't worry, Aunt, I'm in good health! Mother-in-law is taking care of me very carefully. My share meals are specially cooked on normal days. Right now, I can't sit still. Telling me to be idle at home until the time of delivery is going to suffocate me!" Seeing her react like this, You He hurriedly comforted her softly.

When they heard that You He was pregnant, You Jin sisters were also overjoyed. Although You Jin privately thought that it wasn't good for You He's body to have a baby when she was under seventeen years old. But this was the case in this era. If one really waits until their twenties to have a baby, there will be problems.

"This won't do. Your mother-in-law is busy with the noodle stall business every day. There is still a shortage of people to take care of you at home. Auntie Song, go to our kitchen and choose someone. From now on, they will follow You Yin and the others into the city every day to take care of You He. Since she ate and lived in our home, we need to take good care of You He." After thinking about it, she still felt that she should take better care of her. So she asked Auntie Song to go to the kitchen to choose someone to take care of You He.

Seeing her like this, You He hurriedly stopped her: "Aunt, don't get yourself worked up. Right now, there are two people at home doing things and my fingers aren't getting dirty. If you get one more person to serve me, I'm afraid people will start mocking me!" Although she rejected Mrs. Su, You He was still very grateful in her heart and understood that Mrs. Su treated her like her own daughter.

You Jin doesn't understand these things, but she thought of another thing: "Once Elder Sister You He have a baby, I'm afraid there will be more areas to spend money in the future. Why don't we give the vacant storefront to Elder Sister You He and she can do whatever business she want first? It'll be more or less a subsidy."

Sujiaxiang's business was getting bigger and bigger now. On the 20th of last month, it had moved to the more prosperous East Street. The newly opened shop was more than double the size of the original one. The business had reached a higher level than before. Nowadays, in Luohe prefecture, when it comes to snack, everyone mentioned Sujiaxiang.

The snack shop had moved away and the original small shop became vacant. You Jin hadn't considered selling it. So it came to use now.

However, You He shook her head and refused: "I already owe you too much. Although you always say you're repaying the favor, but I believe that my mother pity you back then because we are a family. Not to get you to repay the kindness. Besides, from matchmaking to marrying into Liu Family, you have already helped me a lot. I can't be too greedy."

"Why are you acting like an outsider, child?" Mrs. Su felt that her daughter's idea was pretty good: "In the future, when the child is born, there will be a lot of expenses! Besides, Zhuo Ting will also take the imperial examination. Your sister-in-laws will be getting married in a few years. All these areas will spend money!"

You He knew how to advance and retreat. She maintained restraint while being intimate with Su Family and never asked for favors in return. Precisely due to this, You Jin was willing to think for the best for her: "Elder Sister You He, although we are women, we got to have money in hand to toughen up, no? Although it's fine now, but people's hearts are fickle. Money will not change."

Hearing what she said, You He couldn't help thinking of her parents who were far away in Dingyuan. THat's right! When Maternal Grandfather was alive, Father and Mother had a very close relationship. Half a year after Maternal Grandfather passed away, Father had completely changed. He drank and had fun outside every day. He quarreled with Mother a few times and even beat her!

Thinking of her father, whom she hadn't clearly understood after fifteen or sixteen years, You He took a deep breath before nodding slightly: "If it's like this, I won't be able to pay back what I owe You Jin."

She was willing to accept the store and do some small business.

"We're all one family, what owe?" Seeing You He being so sensible and soothing, Mrs. Su's heart warmed up. She felt such a good girl must not be wronged.

Although it was said that she wants to do some small business, You He didn't know what to do. Although her family opened a grocery store before, she had never got involved. After returning from Su's house, she discussed it with her husband for a long time and there was no result.

"Although Husband is two years older than you and our family makes a living from noodle stalls, I have never been good at common affairs. So I really can't think of any good ideas." Sitting on the edge of the kang with his wife's slender waist in his arms, Liu Zhuo Ting was also helpless.

You He snuggled into his arms and sullenly remarked: "It would be great if my mother is here. She will definitely have a good idea."

Liu Zhuo Ting knew that his wife had become sensitive and easy to cry since she became pregnant. Seeing that she missed his mother-in-law who was far away in Dingyuan so much, he feared her crying and said, "I'm afraid you're tired after going back and forth to Su's house today. Get some rest early. You will have time to think about what you want to do tomorrow."

The couple had a hushed conversation. Shortly later, You He fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing that she was asleep, Liu Zhuo Ting carefully covered her with a thin quilt. He sat back by the oil lamp for another night of battle. He hadn't gotten admitted in this year's government examination. He had to race for the examination in spring next year.

---

Chapter 96 Little fox

"Eldest Brother Xiao, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival in ten days or so. When are you going to leave for the capital?" Although You Jin didn't intend to drive him away, the letter from Xiao Family in the capital had already been delivered to her. The woman who was the mistress of Xiao Family was nearly pointing her finger at her, saying that she was a vixen who seduced her precious son to happily stay in this poor and remote area of Luohe Prefecture. Although she was very grateful to Xiao Lin Yu for helping her with money and business in the past few months, she had no intention of being a vixen and robbing others of their son.

Xiao Lin Yu put down the ledger book in his hand. He had nothing to do in the past few months and was ignoring Xiao Family's affairs. So he had a lot of free time and he volunteered to help Su Family with checking the ledgers. You Jin was also big-hearted. She didn't guard against him. As proven, Xiao Lin Yu was indeed a person who had been in the business industry for several years and had a few skills.

Xiao Lin Yu smiled and called You Jin by her boudoir name: "You Jin feels that I eat more and work less? Or do you think that I am eating and drinking at your house for nothing is a loss of money?"

In a blink of an eye, Xiao Lin Yu lived in Su's house for more than a month. He became very familiar with Su Family. The more he stayed, the less he wanted to leave. The warm and lively family atmosphere of Su Family was something that Xiao Lin Yu had never experienced before. Everything was so strange, but it still attracted him to stay. Day after day, letters from the capital urging him to go back came one after another, but he didn't want to go back to the capital at all.

You Jin helplessly shook her head: "Eldest Brother Xiao, you and I both know that nothing in this world can be avoided. The responsibility that one should shoulder, one should always bear it."

She never asked why Xiao Lin Yu silently came to Luohe Prefecture. But she did know that Xiao Lin Yu was the next head of Xiao Family. What he had to bear was the future of Xiao Family. Although it had nothing to do with her, she never wanted to bear the label of a vixen.

Sighing, Xiao Lin Yu realized for the first time that the little girl in front of him was on the same road as him. Each shouldered the future of a family. However, You Jin could always see things more clearly than himself. Truly a fine minded odd person. With a wry smile, he responded: "You always have a bunch of preposterous reasoning that I can't rebuke. Fine. I have stolen a life of idleness for a while. I should go back."

Standing up, he stared deeply at You Jin: "If... nevermind..."

Seeing Xiao Lin Yu's hesitant expression, You Jin felt like a cat scratching her heart and asked, "What if?"

With a small smile, he shook his head: "It's nothing. I'm afraid I won't come back to Luohe Prefecture for a long time after I leave. You are a girl, you have to take care of yourself. From what I see you're still short of guards despite having a lot of people. I will send you a few people from Xiao's villa tomorrow. They are good at watching the house."

You Jin frowned, and felt that Xiao Lin Yu was changing the subject. But since he didn't want to say anything, she couldn't ask any further questions. So she accepted his thoughts: "I was thinking of finding some guards for the house. If Eldest Brother Xiao is willing to part with them, I'll respectfully comply."

Seeing her smiling sweetly, Xiao Lin Yu stretched out his hand as if urged by ghosts and gods.

The slightly cool left cheek was completely covered by the man's warm and wide palm. You Jin was stunned for a moment and stared blankly at Xiao Lin Yu who was less than half a meter away from her. This scene felt familiar.

From the palm of his hand was the touch of the girl's cheek that was as delicate as a peeled egg. Xiao Lin Yu felt that he was in the sky full of fireworks during the Lantern Festival; bright and soul-stirring.

The two were speechless for a while. Their hearts were like stormy waves. The inexplicable emotion exploded in their minds like a fire tree and silver flowers regardless of night and day.

An unknown amount of time passed before You Jin recovered her voice first: "It's getting late, I'll go back first."

After saying that, she turned and fled back to the backyard in a hurry.

Looking at the figure of the girl who fled, Xiao Lin Yu felt an inexplicable emptiness in his heart. He had never understood love, but at this moment he knew that he was attracted to the girl whom he had always regarded as a junior.

The empty hand that was raised in the air looked as if wanted to grab the faint fragrance emanating from the girl's body. But in the end he had no choice but to put it down.

Back to You Jin, who self-consciously returned to the backyard, felt her heart beating for a long time. Sitting in front of the bronze mirror and looking at the dim reflection, she had her hands on her face. She sighed: "In the end, you aren't from the same road. Why get your heart moved?"

You Jin's soul wasn't an ignorant girl. She naturally knew why her heart felt so chaotic just now. Putting aside the fact that Xiao Lin Yu had a fiancée from a noble literati family, this was an age of well-matched position pair together. She was just a rural girl, how can she climb up to the lintel of Xiao Family?

Weakly slumped on the bed covered with soft cotton cushions, she stared blankly at the ceiling. Muttering to herself: "If it isn't for..."

Under the crescent moon in early autumn, men and women who have just discovered love tossed and turned and were sleepless all night. Both were ruefully about this love that was doomed to die before it even began.

The two's out-of-sort emotion disappeared along with the early autumn night's falling stars that night. When they woke up the next day, they looked calm and polite again and seemed normal to outsiders. Only the involved parties saw the difference in each other's eyes.

"These eight people are all guards selected from my Xiao's villa. I will leave them all to you." Xiao Lin Yu was a man of action. He said he would choose people for her and soon brought them here.

Su Family wasn't a family that can't afford guards now. But the profession of guards was different from others. If they don't clearly judge people and choose the bad ones, then they will lure wolves into the house. It was for this reason, You Jin hadn't found suitable candidates for a long time.

The eight guards that Xiao Lin Yu gave her were all young people in their early twenties. There was only one guard leader who was about 30 years old. They all entered Xiao Family since childhood. Naturally, there was no objection toward the order from the next Patriarch. You Jin can feel at ease with such people and kept all eight of them.

"I have troubled Eldest Brother Xiao to worry about everything for me. So I'll respectfully go along." After ordering Uncle Song to take them down and settle them down, You Jin bowed to Xiao Lin Yu to express her gratitude.

Xiao Lin Yu nodded slightly and responded: "There was no need to be so polite between you and me." As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere between the two of them immediately became a little awkward. Xiao Lin Yu coughed twice and dryly changed the subject.

"I'm going to leave early in the morning. Once I leave here, I'm afraid we won't see each other again for a long time in the future. Once your tea is made, you must remember to give me a share to sample."

"Of course. I'm afraid I'll have to rely on Eldest Brother Xiao for help then! I can't waste you, a rich man right?" Chuckling, You Jin stood beside Xiao Lin Yu. Half a meter was between them as they walked slowly along the Luo River where the boats come and go. Four-five guards followed from a distance and didn't dare to disturb the two of them.

Xiao Lin Yu didn't say anything, just watched the blood-red setting sun reflected in the gurgling river in the distance. Though the two of them were silent, he felt at ease. He softly asked: "If there is a chance in the future, You Jin, would you go to the capital?"

"The capital city is the most prosperous place in Dafeng. I naturally want to go. Not only the capital city, but also the great rivers and mountains in Dafeng. I have never seen it. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely have a detailed trip. Although I can't become someone great, life is so short that I have to make something out of it!" You Jin took a deep breath and raised her voice and said, "Although I am a female and can't make career achievements like a man, I don't want to rush living this life. Although I can't leave a name in history, I still have to leave a mark!"

Looking sideways at the young girl in the setting sun talking about the long-term ambition in her heart, Xiao Lin Yu couldn't help lowering his head and chuckled: "You always have your preposterous reasoning."

You Jin looked at the man with gentle glint in his eyes who was only one step away from her, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly covered up her oddness with a smile and looked at the endless rice fields in the distance. She smilingly remarked: "Life in this world, one won't be able to do what they want nine out of ten cases. For one in ten, it's appropriate to indulge."

The man was tall and handsome, and the woman was tall and pretty. They walked side by side on the embankment of the Luozhou River as the setting sun dragged their shadows long. The shadows clinging to each other were like the most well-matched couple in the world; making others envious.

The two of them stayed by the river bank until the setting sun disappeared into the sky, and the Milky Way appeared bit by bit in the east. At dusk, when the coolness of early autumn hit, thinly dressed You Jin couldn't help shivering.

Xiao Lin Yu was naturally aware of her movement, and spoke up: "It's a bit cold after dusk, shall we go back?"

Initially, You Jin was dragged out by him to have a stroll. When she heard what he said, she eagerly nodded. The two turned around and went back in the direction of Su's house.

The night wind was rustling. The oncoming cool wind was blowing in the direction of the girl, but was ruthlessly intercepted by the tall man and had no choice but to divert.

The two walked side by side. Xiao Lin Yu turned sideways to block the night wind's attack. The two walked in the direction of Su's house one after the other. The guards still followed from a distance and not one dared to go forward to disturb their master. Occasionally, a man's chuckle was carried along the autumn night's wind.

Walking along the river, they can see a pair of lanterns already lit in front of Su's house from a distance. The farmers on the other side of the river were returning until the cover of the night and the moonlight. The crickets in the early autumn were tirelessly chattering in the fields. There were fishes jumping out of the water in the canal from time to time. It sparkled under the moonlight, which was a beautiful sight.

The young servant who was sent out to look for You Jin held a lantern and saw Miss and Gentleman Xiao from a distance. So he stood in front of Su Family's gate, asked Uncle Wang to open the door, and waited quietly for Eldest Missl to come back. Uncle Wang worked in Su's house and now still lives in the same room with Han Li brothers. The relationship between the old and the young was tight. Now board and meals were taken care of by Su's house, countless villagers in Wuliqiao envied him.

"The night breeze is still a little cold. Miss is young. Ask the cook in the kitchen to cook some cold dispelling soup for Miss." Uncle Wang, who was standing at the door, squinted at a pair not far away. He couldn't help sighing in his heart. Eldest Miss was almost fifteen now. This interaction between men and women should always be avoided to prevent suspicion!

Although Uncle Wang was just a gatekeeper, he was with Su Family when they started building up. Su Family's subsequent servants, including Housekeeper Uncle Song, respected him very much. Needlessly to say these little ones. The little servant respectfully acknowledged and didn't dare to forget about it.

"Uncle Wang, it's a cold night. Why are you still standing here?" You Jin asked with concern when she saw one old and one young waiting at the door as soon as she got home.

When Uncle Wang saw Miss return, he hurriedly instructed the little servant to lead the way with a lantern: "Miss knows that the night was cool, so why are you still standing outside? Come inside."

On the side, Xiao Lin Yu noticed despite having rules between the masters and servants of Su Family, they were sincerely close like family members when they got along with each other. When he thought that he would leave tomorrow, he felt a little bit more reluctant.

---

Chapter 97 Choice

After Xiao Lin Yu left, the usually peaceful Su Family became even more peaceful.

The business of Sujiaxiang shop was getting bigger and bigger now. There were ten people making snacks in the back kitchen. You Jin had specially found a woman surnamed Chen who had done some small business to be in charge at the front. Sister-in-law Chen was a quick-witted person who knew how to interact. Since the front shop was handed over to her, the business had improved a bit and there were more repeat customers.

Now You Yin was only in charge of the shop's daily accounts. You Zhu tightly held the grasp of the snack recipes. The two sisters were more capable now. You Jin simply participated in the major matters of hiring for the shop and the monthly accounting. The rest of the business and its trivial matters were left to You Yin two sisters to discuss, so You Jin was free.

Now that the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, Sujiaxiang had made mooncake molds and placed them in front for customers to choose and order. Currently, there are still ten days before the Mid-Autumn Festival. More than 700 orders for mooncakes had been received. Sujiaxiang's mooncakes were divided into three grades per set; which were four coins, eight coins, and two liang silver. One set was six pieces. It can be said to be expensive.

But there were many people in Luohe Prefecture and no shortage of rich people. In addition, when it came to snacks in Luohe Prefecture, everyone knew Sujiaxiang. Those wealthy people naturally didn't care about this small amount of money. After all, moon cakes were for gifting people and what they wanted was face. If they gifted others stuff, it can't be shown off. Then they'll lose value! Therefore, the most expensive two liang silver set accounted for more than half of the seven hundred orders.

You Yin at the front happily worked away on the abacus. In the back kitchen, You Zhu led a snack team of ten people and started working overtime to make mooncakes. Although it was tiring, there was the worker incentive formulated by You Jin three sisters after discussion at the beginning of this year. For every snack sold, the front and back chefs can get a corresponding commission. The people in the back kitchen were a bit tired, but now the money they can get every month is almost two liang. This was more than double the salaries of snack shops outside! So no matter whether they have sold themselves into Su Family or not, all of them were determined to work under Su Family.

"Just now there is news from the front. Another thirty orders of mooncakes worth two liang silver had been received. From today onwards, we will have to stay in the store for food and lodging. We will make all the mooncakes at the latest by the thirteenth. Second Elder Sister and I had discussed it. Once the busy period is over, we will give everyone a three-day vacation in turn and properly rest!" You Zhu measured out the honey osmanthus into the red bean paste, handed it over to the others to mix it up and cheered everyone up. When Sujiaxiang changed the shop, You Jin purposely found a rather large shop. In addition to the kitchen, there were eight rooms in the backyard. Two of which were used to store the ingredients needed for making snacks. The remaining five were converted into a general shop and one room was used by Su Family sisters to rest on normal days. All the objects and furnishings were readily available.

"Third Miss, don't worry, we will definitely finish it!" A married woman patted her chest through a lotus-colored mask and declared, "Not for anything else, we sisters have to do it for money, right?"

Everyone also nodded in agreement. The tasks at hand were completed a little faster.

Now the back kitchen had formed a tacitly coordinated assembly line operation. Those who were responsible for mixing stuffing, kneading dough, and molding had a clear division of labor and cooperated with each other. The work of the snack kitchen took a whole day. In order to reduce the burden on everyone, You Zhu specially customized a long workstation table and stools that perfectly matched the height. Everyone sat on the stools when working. The days of not needing to stand the whole day and getting their feet swollen was much more comfortable.

Another fair-born woman grinned with curved eyebrows and remarked: "Not to mention other things, the honey from our family alone is much better than others!" Sujiaxiang's bean filling snacks had the addition of honey from Su Family's beehives on Houjiawan Mountain. There weren't many beekeepers in Dafeng. There were even fewer people like Su Family who could add honey to make snacks. The unique sweet smell of honey mixed with the aroma of osmanthus. Countless people's cravings were stirred up by it. Now bean paste snacks have become a must-buy snack for Sujiaxiang's customers.

There was a faint smile on the corner of You Zhu's mouth. She didn't comment though. Right now only Mother, Eldest Sister, and her in the family knew the snack recipes. Although the people in the shop knew the ingredients, the specific ratio formed by Eldest Sister and her from staying up many nights. They tasted all those snacks with only subtle differences in taste until they vomited before perfecting the recipe. This was the recipe that her family relied on for a living. She couldn't leak it out.

You Jin was the one with the sharpest tongue among the people in Su Family. Even if it was a little sweeter or the heat was a little overdone, Eldest Sister can always taste the difference. So every time You Zhu had a new idea, she would pull her in for advice and ideas. Although the food cooked by You Zhu was still not good, she was creative and daring to be innovative. Sujiaxiang had a few well-selling snacks that were all made by her sudden ideas and experiment. The conditions at home were getting better and better. So, You Jin can be rest assured to let her toss around.

The fact that only a few girls in Su Family knew about Sujiaxiang's recipes was known to everyone who worked in Sujiaxiang. It wasn't that other snack shops hadn't tried to bribe some people who worked in Sujiaxiang to steal recipes. All of them failed. Some were even caught by Eldest Miss and directly driven out of Sujiaxiang.

With those lessons learned from the past, the workers didn't dare to inquire about it despite being curious. For a while, it was peaceful.

"Miss, this year our saplings in Houjiawan have all grown up. Sweet-scented osmanthus and thorny roses have a good harvest. The hundreds of chickens from before have also grown a lot. From the looks of it, we will be able to sell them to the slaughterhouse at the end of the year." After Song Hua went to Chaxiang, Uncle Song was now in charge of the affairs of Houjiawan. He was very busy every day.

You Jin looked through last month's account book carefully and nodded slightly: "It's autumn now. The cold-warding work for the trees and adding cover to chicken pens should be kept up. Now there are many matters at home, and I have to trouble Uncle Song to work hard."

Now that Su Family's business was getting bigger and bigger, there may not be many people to use. In total, there were only a few. So Song Family's father and son had it hard.

"It's what old servant should do. It's our good fortune to be heavily favored by Miss. I never found it hard." Uncle Song cupped his hands and said with a smile. Although he had worked in a rich household before, he wasn't as comfortable as he was in Su's house now. The masters trusted and respected him, so he naturally put in more effort.

You Jin closed the account book and looked at Uncle Song, "I sent someone to deliver a letter to Chaxiang a few days ago. Song Hua will definitely not miss the Mid-Autumn Festival. When the time comes, your family will be reunited and have a good Mid-Autumn Festival." You Jin had her own plans. Calling Song Hua back this time was also to arrange for one more person to go to Chaxiang. One was for them to help and rely on each other. Second, the sky was high and the emperor was far away. Two people were better than one.

"Thank you, Miss!" Uncle Song only had one son, Song Hua. It went without saying he hoped that the family would be reunited during the Mid-Autumn Festival. But they sold themselves as slaves. Whatever the master said was whatever goes. So he didn't dare mention the request of his son to come back for the festival. Since Eldest Miss brought it up first, it went without saying he was grateful.

The old and the young talked for a long time in the study dedicated to You Jin before Uncle Song was sent out.

As soon as he left the door of the study, he saw Han Li standing at the door wearing a chinese style jacket and pants. He nodded with a smile and went out.

Han Li didn't know why Eldest Miss called him here. But as instructed, he waited at the door for several minutes. Shortly after Uncle Song left, Eldest Miss's voice came from inside: "Come in!"

Then he walked into the study.

Qiu Fen came in to refill the tea. She silently retreated under the signal of the Eldest Miss's eyes and stood guard at the door. Qiu Fen and seven others were maidservants bought back by Su Family. You Jin was too lazy to come up with names and named them after eight of the twenty-four solar terms. After entering Su's house and receiving Auntie Song's teaching for more than ten days, Qiu Fen was assigned to take care of Eldest Miss because of her prudence and honesty. After Qiu Fen entered into Su Family, she knew that the business of Su Family was run by Eldest Miss. Although Eldest Miss was about the same age as her, she was always in awe of Eldest Miss. Whatever Eldest Miss said, she treated her like a bellwether and complied.

"You've been with our family for almost two years?" You Jin gently blew the steaming tea in the cup. Looking at Han Li who was standing a little awkwardly, she softly asked.

Han Li was almost sixteen now. In the past two years, he had eaten well and dressed warmly in Su's house. He had grown into a handsome and strong young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes. Normally, when he was moving around outside, he attracted the gaze of many young girls in Wuliqiao. Hearing Miss's question, Han Li was a little puzzled, but he replied honestly: "Replying Miss, it's been two years and three months."

"It's been so long?" You Jin put down her teacup, remembering when Han Li and Er Hua came to Su's house and they were still two dirty little beggars. Unexpectedly, two years passed in a blink of an eye. Time passed so quickly !

... Han Li didn't know what to say, so he simply stopped talking.

Looking at Han Li with his head lowered, You Jin smiled and said, "Don't be nervous. Sit down first. Let's have a good chat."

"Yes."

Seeing that he didn't say a word, You Jin sighed slightly. Why did You Yin set her her eyes with such a blockhead goose? That's right, although You Jin was busy every day, she knew something about the relationship between this pair of young children who can be regarded as childhood sweethearts.

It wasn't that You Jin didn't like Han Li. On the contrary, after getting along with him for the past two years, she had a general understanding of Han Li. He was honest and frank and had no evil intentions. The point was that he was parentless. You Yin had always been a little weak-natured. If she marries far away, she may not be able to protect her if she was bullied in the future. But if marrying Han Li, it would be a good choice.

"You're also sixteen, the age to talk of marriage. What's your plan?" Although she asked straightforwardly, You Jin was a little embarrassed. She coughed with slight self-consciousness after asking.

Han Li, who was sitting awkwardly, didn't expect that Eldest Miss would call him over to ask this question. A suspicious blush appeared on his tanned face. He stumbled over his words and couldn't speak: "I, I , I..."

His heart was also turbulent. His first reaction turned out to be a guilty conscience. He felt that Miss had discovered what was hidden deep in his heart.

---

Chapter 98 Mid-Autumn Festival

"Don't be nervous, I'm just casually asking." Seeing his bewildered look, You Jin couldn't help but laugh a little. She felt Han Li thought of herself as a bad guy who separates mandarin ducks: "You are sixteen now. If you are an ordinary person, you've reached the age to talk about marriage. If you have any ideas, why don't you tell me?"

Han Li shyly rubbed the back of his head. Thinking of the difference between himself and the person he loves, he couldn't help but feel a little dejected: "I have no parents and no family business. How can anyone be interested in me?"

The more Han Li thought, the more lost he felt in his heart. Afraid he was the toad who wants to eat swan meat!

You Jin didn't care what he was thinking and just stated: "Since you came, you had been reading and practicing calligraphy with our family. Why should you underestimate yourself? I currently have an idea. I want to send you to Chaxiang to help manage things, what do you think? "

"Go to Chaxiang?" Han Li understood Eldest Miss was promoting him. But at the thought that Er Hua would be left alone in Wuliqiao after he left, he still felt a little bit reluctant.

You Jin knew his worries and assured: "Just go with peace of mind. Er Hua will not be wronged in Su's house. Right now, there is only Song Hua in Chaxiang. He has no one to consult with when something happens. You have studied with Uncle Song for a while. It's time to put it into practice."

In fact, You Jin's expectations for Han Li were more than that: "Besides, you can't relax your study when you go to Chaxiang. You're currently not a lower class. It's better to be a Tongsheng than to have a clean background."

According to Dafeng's law, lower class people who sold themselves cannot participate in the imperial examinations. When Han Li entered Su Family, he didn't sell himself. Now it seems that it was a good thing.

After talking for a long time and seeing Han Li's entangled reaction, You Jin decided to increase the medicine dosage: "You can't possibly think of proposing marriage to our family with nothing, right? It's not that I don't know how you feel about You Yin. You Yin is my younger sister. I naturally hope for her to not suffer in the future. With your current state, what do you use to propose marriage?"

"Eldest Miss?!" Han Li was so frightened that his eyes stared straight at her. He didn't know what to say.

You Jin waved her hand and didn't bother with him anymore: "Just think about it carefully."

Then she sent him out. When Han Li left the study, his mind was like a puddle of paste, not knowing what to do.

Only You Jin and Han Li knew about this matter. Both tacitly never mentioned it like they had forgotten about it.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was getting closer. On the eleventh, Song Hua who was in Chaxiang returned to Wuliqiao after a few days of traveling.

"You've gotten thinner, darker, and taller" Looking at her son whom she hadn't seen for nearly two months, Auntie Song's eyes couldn't help but turn red.

On the side, Uncle Song also teared up, but he suppressed his emotions and spoke, "It's a good thing that Son is back. Old woman, why are you crying so much? You must have been tossed around all the way back, go in and quickly rest."

Hearing what her man said, Auntie Song remembered that her son had been traveling a long way and was probably very tired. She hurriedly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes: "Oh! That's right, Miss said that you just need to rest when you are back. Go in and have a rest, Son. Wait for Miss to come back before reporting for duty."

It turned out that You Jin went out early this morning. The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching. She wanted to give some gifts to customers for their custom. Putting aside the rest, the magistrate, Official Qin's family was a must-send.

Xiao Lin Yu stayed in Su's house for more than a month and it was not for nothing. With his string connecting, You Jin can be regarded as tying on the magistrate's big tree. In addition, the magistrate's wife Mrs. Wu loved to eat. She was full of praise for Sujiaxiang's cakes. Mrs. Wu only gave birth to two sons, but didn't have her long desired cute and well-behaved daughter. It went without saying she took a liking for Su Family's girls who can make such delicious cakes and were pretty.

Sure enough, less than a quarter of an hour after Su Family's two large food boxes were delivered to the magistrate manor, the servants of Qin Family who sent the food boxes in came out with the gift that Mrs. Wu had asked someone to prepare: "Miss Su, my family's Madam specially instructed to give this gift to you."

Mrs. Wu was originally a miss from a wealthy family. So naturally the things she gave away wouldn't be carelessly chosen. You Jin didn't refuse: "Please help me to thank Madam for the reward."

You Jin knew that as a person of this level can't see Mrs. Wu as wished, so she won't push and pull on such a trivial matter. She got the people around her to accept Qin Family's gift and left.

After giving gifts to the customers whom they had business dealings, You Jin started to prepare gifts for her employees: two mooncakes and five jins of pork. As for those who sold themselves to Su Family and those who lived and boarded at Su's house, five jins of pork were changed to fine cotton material of the same price.

"How much do these things cost?" Looking at the mountain of gifts, You Zhu couldn't help but click her tongue: "Eldest sister, you are too generous!"

After counting the numbers correctly, You Jin responded with a smile: "People's hearts are something that needs to be won over. It's worth spending a little money to stabilize the hearts of dozens of people in our family. If people's hearts part away, then no amount of money can be exchanged back for it. A harmonious family can make everything prosper. You Zhu, do you understand?"

In the past two years of opening a snack shop in Luohe Prefecture, You Zhu had met many people despite not often being in the front shop. She understood the importance of disciplining subordinates, so she naturally accepted this lesson: "I understand Yes, Eldest Sister."

Seeing that there was no dissatisfaction on You Zhu's face, You Jin nodded and said no more. She knew that You Zhu was a smart little girl. There was a limit to everything.

You Jin paid great attention to the upbringing of her younger sisters, whether it was reading and writing, dealing with people, or even building a strong body. She did her best to teach them herself and spent money to ask others to teach what she couldn't understand. Mrs. Su had never intervened in the education of the children from the beginning to the end. After these years, she had already known that if her several daughters were like her, then big troubles would happen in the future. Although You Jin was stronger than most ordinary girls, it was better to not get bullied.

After a busy few days before the festival, Su Family held a family banquet on Mid-Autumn Festival. The masters and servants gathered together and enjoyed a sumptuous Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet.

"When I was little, I didn't know what the moon was, I called it a white jade plate. I had suspected that the celestial tower's mirror flew into the blue clouds." After the family banquet and all the servants dispersed, only ten members of Su Family were sitting in the gazebo in the backyard to enjoy the moon. Under the instigation of several sisters, little Seventh's immature and clear voice spread in the quiet night. Looking like a little lady, she stood upright with her hands folded obediently in front of her body as she recited the poem Teacher Yu Lan got her to memorize a few days ago.

After reciting it, she proudly puffed her little chest as she looked at her mother and sisters with a 'quickly praise me' expression. After getting the unanimous affirmation from them, she grinned and sat back beside You Jin.

Su Family's moon-watching activities continued until 10pm. The young ones couldn't win the sleepiness. Their eyes had long been dazed and couldn't keep open. In You Jin's arms was little Eighth, who was breathing steadily and deeply asleep. Kang-er was sleeping in Mrs. Su's arms.

"It's getting pretty dark and everyone is tired. Better go back earlier and have a rest!" Mrs. Su whispered. The older ones nodded at this. You Jin beckoned the women who were specially assigned to take care of the children: "Take the girls and Kang-er back to bed, Be careful and don't let them catch a cold."

"Yes." The few women took little Fifth, little Sixth, little Seventh, little Eighth, and young master who had fallen asleep from the arms of the masters and wrapped them with a thin cloak to protect against the night wind.

The night became more and more quiet. Everyone in Su Family had dispersed.

After taking a bath, You Jin wore a fine cotton jacket with patterns of auspicious clouds embroidered on the cuffs and corners. She sat on the kang by the window, looking out through the glazed window at the bright moonlight quietly filling Su Family's courtyard. Currently everyone had rested. Only the room where You Jin lived was still bright from the burning candles.

Maybe due to being down after the fun, You Jin thought of the man who had lived in her house for more than two months. After disturbing a pool of spring water, he really disappeared without news after his departure. She could not help but secretly berated: "If I had known earlier, I would have charged him more money!"

And the person she was thinking about was now sitting alone under the moon, drinking a little wine and getting a little drunk. Raising his wine glass with reddish cheeks, he invited the moon to drink together: "Raise a glass to invite the moon, and the wine will become three people. I'm afraid it's only you to accompany me tonight."

When Xiao Lin Feng escaped from the banquet in the front yard and slipped quietly to the backyard, he found his normally fallen celestial who didn't indulge in mortal fire Eldest Brother sitting on the ground and pouring himself a drink with his back against the rockery. From his back, he appeared a little lonely. The little white jade dumpling was wrinkled into a bun: "Eldest Brother, how much wine have you drunk? Where are the servants in your yard? Why is there no one to serve you?"

Listening to the younger brother's concern, Xiao Lin Yu smiled: "It's fine, Eldest Brother is in a good mood tonight. Why did you sneak away from the banquet?"

After finishing speaking, he poured another glass of wine into the white jade cup and drank it all in one gulp. The combination of spicy and mellow taste stimulated the taste buds. He couldn't help sighing: "It's truly a good wine!"

Xiao Lin Feng had never seen his eldest brother lose his composure like this. Worried, he sat beside him: "Eldest Brother, why don't I get someone to wait on you for a rest?"

Xiao Lin Yu shook his head. Looking at his worried younger brother, he sighed lightly: "It's fine, it's fine..."

Xiao Lin Feng tilted his head and had a sad expression. As soon as his eldest brother arrived home yesterday, he was called to the main room by old Ancestor and talked from the sun hanging in the west until the moon came out. Only then, the sandalwood door of the main room slowly opened. The formerly high spirited and vigorous Eldest Brother actually looked a little depressed. He didn't talk to anyone and went back to his courtyard by himself. Tonight was the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, but Eldest Brother drowned in wine by himself here and no one in the family came to look for him. Xiao Lin Feng didn't know what happened and the always mischievous him obediently sat beside his eldest brother and guarded him without saying a word.

"Lin Feng, have you thought about what to do in the future?" After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Lin Feng was so sleepy that he was nodding off when Xiao Lin Yu, who hadn't opened his mouth for a while, solemnly asked.

His head bobbed once more before he woke up with a startle after hearing what his eldest brother said. He rubbed his eyes and pondered for a while. However, he couldn't think of anything. In the end, he shook his head: "I don't know..."

He was pampered and spoiled since young. The next head of Xiao Family was Eldest Brother. Even if he drinks and has fun every day, he can live in prosperity and wealth for a lifetime. When he suddenly heard Eldest Brother ask this question, he really didn't understand why and didn't know how to answer it.

Glancing at Youngest Brother, Xiao Lin Yu shook his head and smiled helplessly: "Forget it. Just go back to sleep."

After saying that, he beckoned to Xiao Lin Feng's study attendant who was guarding not far away: "Take Youngest Young Master back to rest!"

Song Yan saluted and acknowledged. Afterward, he helped Xiao Lin Feng, who was already in a ball, out of the Jinyan Courtyard. Leaving only Xiao Lin Yu, who was already 70% drunk, to drink alone.

---

Chapter 99. Turned bad

Shaking the empty white jade bottle, Xiao Lin Yu sighed and simply lolled against the edge of the rockery. Looking at the bright silver moon, he recalled what old Ancestor said to him yesterday.

"Lin Yu, you are the next head of Xiao Family. You can't do whatever you want in many things. Doing what you want will only harm yourself and Xiao Family." Xiao Family's old Ancestor, Mrs. Song married into Xiao Family over forty years ago. Since Xiao Family's Grand Master passed away a few years ago, old Ancestor had become more and more reclusive. However, no matters in Xiao Family could be hidden from her. It went without saying, she knew that her most important Eldest Grandson had changed in the past year. He was more and more alienated from them and more and more disobedient.

Xiao Lin Yu had been tired of hearing the words 'You are the next Patriarch of Xiao Family', 'You must be steady', 'Be obedient' and so on since he was young. Hearing old Ancestor once again repeating these, he recalled the days in Luohe Prefecture. Although Su Kang was the only son of Su Family, whether it was You Jin or Auntie Su, they never restricted him. He lived in Su Family for more than a month and he never heard anything like that. With a wry smile, he spoke, "Grandmother, is this the only way I can live my life?"

No matter what he says or does, it was for Xiao Family. What about himself? What about his life? What about his emotions?

"I shouldn't have allowed you to leave the capital for so long. After being outside for a long time, your heart had become wild!" Lin Yu's marriage with Bai Family had indeed put shame on Lin Yu's face. It was why Mrs. Song let him be and allowed him to leave the capital. Unexpectedly, this planted the root of disaster. Seeing the sullen expression on Eldest Grandson's face, Mrs. Song sighed, "In the past two months, Bai Family hadn't had a good time. Your second uncle had pulled Bai Family out numerous times and Bai Family had suffered a lot in front of his Majesty. Although you have been wronged in this matter, you still have to take care of Xiao Family, don't you?"

Closing his eyes and not looking at the lonely moon anymore, completely drunk Xiao Lin Yu murmured to himself: "In conclusion, I'm just a pawn of Xiao Family! What patriarch? What wealth and glory? It's just a prison cage... ..." After a while, he leaned against the rockery and fell into a deep sleep.

In his sleep, Xiao Lin Yu dreamed that the night before he left Luohe Prefecture. Under the glowing sky, a girl was slowly walking toward him. His heart skipped a beat for an instant.

Unfortunately, sweet dreams were short and good nights were rare. When Xiao Lin Yu wanted to reach out to hug the girl in front of him, he was awakened by a sound. It turned out that the servant found him drunk and slumped to the ground. Not daring to do anything to him, the servant invited the mistress of Xiao Family to come over.

"It's just a muddy leg from a poor country. Is it worth your obsession?" Seeing her eldest son who was drunk and out of control, Mrs. Yu couldn't help feeling a little heartbroken: "Lin Yu, you have turned bad. If I had known this, I shouldn't have let you out of the capital!"

Recalling her son who was drunk on the ground just now and muttering the name of that little vixen, Mrs. Yu couldn't help but be infuriated. Sure enough, a lowly worm was a lowly worm! The eldest son she was most proud of was seduced until he lost his soul!

Having his dream disturbed, Xiao Lin Yu opened his eyes and heard that his mother disregarded the rules of being a lady and gnashed her teeth as she scolded the far away Su Family Luohe Prefecture. He couldn't help frowning and indistinctly moved his position a little farther away from Mrs. Yu. The drunkenness between his brows was gone. The cold expression returned to his face: "What's the reason for mother coming late at night?"

Seeing his alienated reaction, Mrs. Yu wanted to open her mouth to say something, but didn't know where to start. She could only give up in the end and said: "The servant came to report that you passed out in the yard drunk. If I don't come to see you, I wouldn't know you are so out of control!"

Xiao Lin Yu heard his mother's remarks and stood up with the help of the rockery. He staggeringly bowed: "Son knows his mistake. If Mother has no other matter, Son will leave first."

Seeing his flushed cheeks and frivolous feet, Mrs. Yu sighed and waved her hand to signal the servants in Jinyan courtyard to help him: "Nevermind. It's getting late. You can go back and rest."

Xiao Lin Yu nodded slightly and staggered back to his room without needing support. A sad face Mrs. Yu and the servants who were at a loss were left in the courtyard looking at each other, not knowing what to do.

No one knew why the engagement between Xiao Family and Bai Family was annulled. After Xiao Family broke it off, Bai Family's talented and beautiful daughter, Bai Ya-er hastily married Xu Family's concubine-born son. This marriage was bizarre and had aroused many people's gossipy heart: "Bai Family is a noble family and there are so many unmarried daughters in the family. This Bai Ya-er started this marrying down act, I'm afraid it will affect the rest of Bai Clan's girls' marriages in the future!"

"Ain't that right? I heard that Bai Ya-er and Xu Family's concubine-born were kicked out without even entering the gate of Bai Family on the third day return! Official Bai had declared that there will be no more Bai Ya-er in Bai Family in the future. It seems the relationship is going to be severed!"

All kinds of rumors spread throughout the capital. Bai Family had been latched on by Xiao Family in court. Even many of the family's assets were targeted by Xiao Family and lost a lot of money. It can be said they were getting impeded at every corner.

"Master, we only have one daughter, Ya-er. She has been spoiled and raised with care. How can she bear this bitterness? Go and beg Father again!" The mistress of Bai Family begged Master Bai countless times on her daughter's matter. When the incident first happened, she was hit hard and fell ill a few times. Now that autumn had come, her health was getting worse and worse. Her heart wholly missed her daughter who was cut off: "She only have a few servants with her now. What's more Xu Zhi Tong is a concubine-born. If we don't help out a little bit, how can she survive this life?"

"Help her? How else should I help her? She did such a thing without shame. I already considered our father-daughter relationship when I didn't beat her to death!" Official Bai was so upset when thinking about all these troubles caused by his daughter who had no sense of proportion and shame. His fury exponentially grew: "Could it be that I have to sacrifice the whole Bai Family to help her to be satisfied?"

Although Bai Family was a noble literati household and Official Bai looked down on Xiao Family, no matter how bad Xiao Family was, it was better than a low-level official position Xu Family's concubine-born, wasn't it? Furthermore, Xiao Family's old Second held a lot of weight in the court. The current emperor was very fond of him. Not to mention other things, just old Second Xiao alone was enough. Once he catches a weakness, their entire Bai family will pay for it!

"I told you long ago to discipline her well. But this is how you disciplined her into? Yu dare to ask me to help her! You should give up on this thought. If she still dares to come to the door, I will get people to drive her out!"

Thinking of the mess in Bai Family caused of Bai Ya-er's scandal, Master Bai flushed with anger: "Since she dared to do such a thing back then, she should have thought about the today's result!"

Thinking of what the dignified eldest son of Xiao Family said when he came to withdraw from the marriage, Master Bai's beard could still stand up with anger: "As a girl, she doesn't know how to self respect and self love. What's more, she let the fiancé catch her in the act. This kind of daughter, what do I need her for?"

The more Master Bai spoke, the more furious he became. In the end, he got up from the bed, ordered someone to light the lamp, and went to sleep in the concubine's room; leaving only the mistress of Bai Family sobbing silently.

After last night's sweet dream was disturbed, Xiao Lin Yu never dreamed about people and things in Luohe Prefecture again. He had no dreams until dawn.

Hearing the commotion in the room, the little attendant quickly came in: "Eldest Young Master, get up, Master had sent a message that he wanted to see you after breakfast."

Sitting on the bed, the brocade quilt still covered his body. The neckline of the satin jacket was slightly open and the ink black strands scattered around the back. The normally well-dressed person who always woke up in the morning was so decadent and appealing to the eyes. Xiao Lin Yu stretched out his hand to press the slightly aching head as he replied, "Understood. Arrange for someone to bring in the meal."

After washing up, he wore a moon-white shirt with a blue jade hairpin and regained his princely appearance. While drinking the fragrant and delicious bird's nest, Xiao Lin Yu regretted that he drank too much last night. He secretly vowed that he can't be like this in the future.

"I heard from your mother that you passed out drunk in the yard last night?" Xiao Family's Patriarch was nearly forty years old this year and fifty percent similar to Xiao Lin Yu but with stability and years of experience etched on it. "Now that Bai Family matter is over, your marriage should be put on the agenda. I will tell your mother that you can stay in the capital with peace of mind. Luohe Prefecture will be passed to the people below to handle." Xiao Hai Ru naturally knew what happened last night and what happened to his son in Luohe Prefecture. As expected, he had to make him come to his senses.

Xiao Lin Yu let out a self-deprecating chuckle: "I'm afraid our Xiao family has become the laughing stock of the whole capital now .What kind of marriage is there?"

"Bai Family did such shameless things. It's their Bai family's face that's lost. What's does it have to do with you?" Xiao Hai Ru put down the brush in his hand and looked at the eldest son standing in the middle of the hall with eyes that looked exactly like his. Sighing, he said: "Father knows your thoughts. No matter how good the little girl is, she comes from a background that can't be shown off. It's fine for her to be a side mistress. The main mistress of our Xiao Family must be a daughter from a known household."

Xiao Lin Yu stayed in Luohe Prefecture for nearly two months. The elders of Xiao Family naturally couldn't leave him alone in Luohe Prefecture. They had already investigated the details of Su Family in private. It was just a girl from a rural family that can't be shown off. Can't believe it was worth their son to make the journey out of the capital! No one in Xiao Family believed Son really fell in love with a wild country girl. They only assumed that he was fascinated for a moment and would forget about that girl after a while.

Xiao Hai Ru felt if Son really liked her it was fine to bring her in as a concubine as long as it can bring back his heart and inherit the family business. After all, their Xiao Family had a big business. It wasn't a big deal to raise another concubine. However Mrs. Yu had a different opinion. She had long believed that the little vixen of Su Family had seduced her son's soul. She was unwilling to let anyone from Su Family enter the gate of Xiao's house no matter what.

"Father, Su You Jin and I aren't what you think. I only treat her as a younger sister." It was undeniable that when Xiao Lin Yu heard that Father agreed to let You Jin into the family's door, he was moved. From what You Jin said to him that night, Xiao Lin Yu knew that she would never enter the house as a little wife.

Thinking of the concubines at home who could only stay in the backyard all day long as they looked forward to the arrival of Father and get beaten by the mistress to set rules, Xiao Lin Yu dared not think how much that bright and free spirited girl would hate him when she become like that. He didn't want to wrong her either. Better let her go free!

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Chapter 100 Bountiful Harvest Season

After listening to Son's words, Xiao Hai Ru was a little surprised. He thought that his son could live in Luohe Prefecture for so long because someone must have seduced his soul and made him be in bliss. Never thought he treated the other as a younger sister. The father and son have never had a heart-to-heart conversation. Since the son had said so, Xiao Hai Ru had nothing to say. So he picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and firmly lower it on the rice papee. 'Endure' was written with the brush. Then he spoke: "You have always been resolute. I know that Bai Family matter was just an excuse for you to leave the capital. Since you have been outside for so long, it's time you settle down."

"Father, I have been living step by step according to your ideas all my life. You asked me to take the academic examination, I studied hard day and night to get the rank of Juren. You hoped that I would inherit the family business. As soon as I could read, I began to learn how to use the abacus ...Father, I'm just tired and want to take a break. Can't I just take a break?" Xiao Lin Yu felt rather uncomfortable. The smile on his face became more bitter.

Xiao Hai Ru never thought that his son would say such a thing. He put down the brush in his hand and looked at him with a sad expression on his face: "Since you were born, you were destined to be the next head of Xiao Family. The future of the entire Xiao family was tied to you. Now you are really more and more presumptuous. Go to the ancestral hall to plead guilty to your ancestors. Once you figure it out, then you can get up!"

Xiao Lin Yu wanted to say something else. But seeing his father's expression of hating iron for not being steel, he sighed lightly, bowed his hands in agreement, and then backed away.

In the end, Xiao Lin Yu knelt in the ancestral hall for seven days. Old Ancestor felt distressed for her eldest grandson. She couldn't stand it any longer and called Xiao Hai Ru for a lecture. Only then Xiao Lin Yu's kneeling in the ancestral hall was dropped

Back to Su Family in Luohe Prefecture. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Han Li followed Song Hua to Chaxiang, leaving Han Er Hua to follow Uncle Wang at Su Family.

With the help of You Jin, You He took out her private fund to open a small grocery store in Luohe Prefecture. Some household items, needles, threads, and so on were sold. Although it wasn't a big business, it was still possible to earn money for household use. The person You Jin entrusted to go to Dingyuan to inquire brought back Mrs. Han's letter.

"Third Aunt didn't mention herself in the letter. She only talked about other people's affairs. From what Third Aunt conveyed, she has no worries now that Elder Sister You He isn't in Dingyuan. If she wants to fight with Third Uncle, it shouldn't be a problem."

In You Jin's view, Mrs. Han was a very intelligent and resolute woman. Yue Chang Shou was still a little lacking compared to her. It was probably easy to deal with him.

Mrs. Su can recognize a few words now. After roughly reading Mrs. Han's letter, she nodded in agreement with her daughter's words: "But we still need to pay more attention. If something happens to your third aunt, we can help as much as we can."

"Don't worry, Mother. I have my own arrangements." When You Jin sought someone to go to Dingyuan to inquire about the news, she also found someone to help keep an eye on Yue Family's affairs. If something goes wrong, she will know the news as soon as possible and know how to handle it. Although Mrs. Su had separated with Yue Chang Lu, all of them would rush to suck their blood if Yue Family members knew the current situation at home!

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, it was the season of golden osmanthus fragrance again.

Su Family's sweet-scented osmanthus bloomed very well this year. Only people at the foot of the mountain could smell the faint fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus mixed in the refreshing autumn wind. From today, it was Su Family's sweet-scented osmanthus harvest period. It was also the favorite tasks of all the little girls in Su Famil - shaking osmanthus. That's why, early this morning, all the little girls, except for You Yin and You Zhu who were going to open the snack shop in the city, got up early and changed into narrow-sleeved tops and pants that allowed free movement without Mrs. Su's reminder. The maids and female servants combed their hair into two braids. Then they all stood in the front yard and waited for Eldest Sister to declare their departure.

You Jin was wearing a bamboo green narrow-sleeved gown today and had two braids. Although it was an ordinary attire, the girl was glowing and beautiful. The elegant bamboo green color perfectly complemented her.

Holding hands with little Eighth, she slowly walked. She didn't forget to remind her younger sisters: "When we get to the mountain in a while, you aren't allowed to run around and make trouble, understand?"

"Eldest Sister, you already said it yesterday. We all remember! Let's go!" Anxious little Seventh pulled You Ling to the front and chimed in response: "Eldest Sister, hurry up. Uncle Song and Uncle Niu are both waiting!" Uncle Niu was Su Family's new driver. Now there were three drivers for Su Family. One was responsible for transporting You Yin and You Zhu to and from Luohe Prefecture every day. One was for You Jin. The other who picked up Mrs. Su, Uncle Song and others on normal days.

Chuckling, Uncle Niu stood in front of the carriage. When he saw Seventh Miss rushing over first, he picked her up and put her carefully on the carriage: "Seventh Miss, you have to sit still."

"Thank you, Uncle Niu!" Little Seventh thanked Uncle Niu very politely and sat on the shaft of the carriage as she waved to You Jin and others who had just walked to the gate: "Elder Sisters, hurry up!"

Ever since old Third Chen and others pretended to be bandits and blocked the way to kidnap You Jin, Mrs. Su and You Jin paid more attention to the safety of the children in the family. Most days, there weren't many opportunities for the children to go out to play wildly. So it was really exciting to be able to go out to play together like today.

With the addition of the guards sent by Xiao Lin Yu, You Jin asked the leader of the guards to pick seven or eight boys with good qualifications back for training. They will be guards in the future. Now that the family's security at home had reached a higher level than before, You Jin can be rest assured to bring the few younger sisters out to play.

On the mountain in Houjiawan, a group of long-term workers had received their order yesterday. The owner family's girls were going to come to the mountain to shake the osmanthus. They had already prepared the sackcloth for collecting the shaken off osmanthus. There were also sugar water prepared to quench the girls' thirst, Except for the supervisor who was still waiting for the arrival of the owner family in front of the hut at the foot of the mountain, the other long-term workers had already gone up the mountain to collect osmanthus flowers.

"Hello Eldest Miss. Yesterday we heard that Miss is coming, This news had us delighted. Everyone is waiting for Miss!" The manager saw the carriage from a distance and knew that it was Su Family. The carriage hadn't stopped yet when he went up to meet her and fawningly grinned.

You Jin got out of the carriage first. Then she brought little Eighth down. The other younger sisters also got out of the carriage one by one. Standing in front of the supervisor, You Jin had a faint smile on her face: "It's just a few children who want to come out to play. Uncle Hou doesn't need to spend so much time preparing things." Handing little Eighth to You Bao to hold, she instructed a few more words: "I'll talk to Uncle Supervisor for a while. You Bao, you are the elder sister. You have to take care of the few younger sisters."

The barren hills in the past two years have already been tidied up. More than half of them have been planted with various trees. Among them, osmanthus, jasmine, and thorn rose were the main ones. Today, there were nearly 20 mu of osmanthus trees in bloom. Harvesting the osmanthus was a big project.

"Don't worry, Elder Sister, I will take good care of younger sisters." You Bao earnestly nodded and then set off with the cheering younger sisters who were ready to explore. The servants that were brought along hurriedly followed their masters for fear they would bump into something.

After watching the younger sisters merrily and rowdily leave, You Jin came back to her senses and continued to discuss with Uncle Song and Houjiawan's supervisor.

"How many sweet-scented osmanthus needs to be collected now?" The three of them walked on the flat mountain road. You Jin took in the rosy-scented osmanthus and asked Supervisor Hou who was half a step behind her.

Supervisor Hou was originally a long-term worker hired by Su Family. Due to being responsible and steadfast in doing things, he was promoted to a supervisor. He respectfully answered: "Replying to Miss, more than half of it has been collected now. It will be mostly done in two days. The collected sweet-scented osmanthus flowers have been dried, packed, put in bags, and stored into the warehouse."

You Jin nodded in satisfaction. She turned to Uncle Song beside her: "When all the sweet-scented osmanthus flowers come down this year, leave enough for the snack shop to use along with dried jasmine and thorn rose flowers. As for the rest, arrange for them to be sent to Chaxiang. Get Song Hua to prepare his side. We'll try it with autumn tea first and produce good ones. Next year, we'll try with the good ones."

Su Family's tea garden in Chaxiang naturally couldn't produce tea so quickly. So Song Hua and Han Li's tasks in Chaxiang weren't only the daily management of the tea garden and tea workers, but also finding good tea gardens to supply for the next two years. The required tea was to be used during the special period when their tea garden had no output.

"Miss, don't worry, this old servant had already contacted someone. I can arrange to send the sweet-scented osmanthus to the south after all the sweet-scented osmanthus flowers are harvested here." Uncle Song always knew what his Eldest Miss was going to do. Naturally, everything was carefully planned out. Due to this, the finishing ends had been arranged long ago.

"In addition, the chickens we raised this year aren't bad. We'll make a trip to Yunweixuan later to see how much Second Master Huang wants this year. If he doesn't want many, you should contact the other restaurants." There were thousands of chickens on this mountain waiting to be sold. They were all chickens raised on the mountain. The taste was much better than ordinary domestic chickens. In addition, there weren't many such large chicken farms nearby. Ordinary restaurants liked to cooperate with these chicken farms that could supply stable supply. Yunweixuan had always been the first choice for Su Family to cooperate with.

"Deal. I'll go to Luohe Prefecture when I'm free in two days." After hearing this, Uncle Song kept this matter in mind. He calculated when he was free to find the supervisor of Yunweixuan.

The trio walked around the mountain. The long-term workers all knew Eldest Miss of the owner family. Upon Eldest Miss's arrival, they all stopped their work and greeted Eldest Miss.

"Everyone had worked hard. After this busy period is over, I will give everyone a few more days of vacation for winter isolation." In winter, there was little work on the mountain. So You Jin was also willing to give the long-term workers a vacation. After all, they had worked hard. After a year's work, it was time to let everyone have a rest on such cold winter days.

"Thank you, Eldest Missl!" All the long-term workers joyfully expressed their thanks and began to concentrate on their work. The sackcloth was spread on the ground. Then one person shook the sweet-scented osmanthus tree, which had not yet grown to a large size. The sweet-scented osmanthus hanging all over the branches fell like a torrential rain under man-made force. After a while, only a few small flower buds remained behind among the leaves of the originally bountiful golden sweet-scented osmanthus tree. Majority of the sweet-scented osmanthus fell on the sackcloth spread on the ground.

By the time You Jin finished dealing with the garden's matter and went to find her younger sisters, the children were already immersed in playing.

They were originally children who grew up in the countryside and had been locked up at home for a long time. How could they not want to play like a wild horse when they got to the field? Standing at the side, the servants attentively watched the girls, for fear that something might happen.

You Jin smiled and reassured everyone: "It's okay. They grew up in the mountains when they were young. Bumping around isn't a problem. Let them play!"

Seeing that Eldest Miss had said this, the servants were no longer so nervous. Still, they didn't dare to really relax and stood at side in a disciplined manner.

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