Chapter 139 Thousand Lotus Lake
Although Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao had reputations of being talented, they were worried about their official slaves' status as people with bad intentions could use it in the future. So they both gave up the idea of teaching and were only responsible for the work outside teaching, such as the purchasing, maintenance of facilities and equipment, personnel dispatching and other work. It was what the later generation known as the academic staff.
Due to old Madam Liu's immense help, Erya Female Academy was lifted to such a height at the beginning. Even when people want to open a female academy later, it will not be able to surpass Erya Female Academy's academy head's identity. In one move, she established the identity of the first person to open up a female academy in Luohe Prefecture.
In the beginning, many people sent their daughters to Erya Academy because they wanted to establish a relationship with Liu Family. But after less than half a month, they found that their daughters attending school was useful. They knew many more poems and songs. Their qin skills were better than before. Even their social circle widened. Some have made a few business deals through their own daughters! Only those who have tasted the sweetness can sense it, ah! It turned out that this Erya Female Academy was quite beneficial! It was just a tuition fee of one hundred liang a year! Study then!
As for You sisters trio of Su Family, they were forced to enroll by Elder Sister. At first, the three sisters resisted a little: "Isn't there a teacher at home? Why do we have to go to a female academy?"
Especially the brat You Zhu, she even dared to use the tricks of crying, making trouble and hanging her. Still, You Jin didn't soften her heart this time. She simply packed up the three younger sisters and threw them to the female academy.
At first, the three sisters weren't happy. After staying in the female academy for a while, they had many friends and acted like young girls now. You Jin was satisfied now. For the sake of the family's survival, the younger sisters were all mature for their age. They always lacked a vibe of youth. Now that they were with so many people of the same age, they had become a lot more lively.
As for You He's two sister-in-laws from Liu Family, they also enrolled free of charge like Su Family's girls. At first, some classmates looked down on them when they saw that they weren't dressed like rich girls. Later they discover that their eldest brother was already a Xiucai at a young age and they were also related to Su Family. The little girl's situation in the female academy improved day by day. They too fell in love with going to school every day.
"Mother, we have an appointment with our classmates to go to Thousand Lotus Lake to enjoy the lotus tomorrow!" Liu Family's youngest daughter returned home from school today. As she hugged Mrs. Qin's arm, she brought up, "Can we?"
Now that the family lifestyle was getting better and better, the formerly slightly bitter-looking Mrs. Qin had curved eyebrows now. She looked a lot better than before. A little dizzy from being shaken by her daughter, she quickly took her hand and cheerfully replied: "Alright, alright, alright. Go. Just pay attention to safety."
Thousand Lotus Lake was actually the lotus pond built by Su Family in Houjiawan. Daughters were just going to play in Su Family's territory, how could Mrs. Qin disagrees?
"Mother is the best!" Liu Family's youngest daughter lightly called out in delight. Then she hurried to tell her elder sister the good news. They have to prepare clothes and jewelry for the trip tomorrow!
As for Mrs. Qin, who was holding her grandson, was grinning from ear to ear. Originally, her two daughters were too quiet. Now they had become a lot more active and were more like thirteen or fourteen-year-old girls than the past
Su Family's lotus was in full bloom. You Jin specially got an elegantly made sign and hung it at the entrance of the lotus pond which was named 'Thousand Lotus Lake'. A few pavilions were set up beside the lotus pond. Sitting in the pavilions to enjoy the lotus leaves and lotus flowers reflecting the sun was quite interesting.
The gathering of the Erya Women's Character Class was first proposed by Liu Yu Qi, Official Liu's legitimate daughter. After voting, all the girls who wanted to attend the gathering decided that this time they would go to Su Family's 'Thousand Lotus Lake' to admire lotus. As the only Su Family member in the Character Class, You Zhu was naturally obliged to prepare all the items for entertaining guests.
"Yes, San-er, get someone to bring some ice cubes over there. Judging from the sun, it'll be quite high today. Put a few ice basins in the pavilions to make it cooler. You can also chill some sour plum soup and mung bean soup for later use." Arriving at Houjiawan early in the morning, she was busy directing Su Family's servants on the preparations for fear of missing any details. Su Family knew Third Miss was going to host a banquet today. They also received Eldest Miss's instruction. It went without saying they cooperated with Third Miss's troublemaking, no, banquet.
By the side of the lotus pond, five small boats already had a canopy set up. The incense, ice cubes, drinks, and snacks were all prepared in the pavilion. Even the moon-white gauze sheet was hung outside the pavilion to block the sun and the outsider's gaze.
"The ten-mile lotus pond is really beautiful." At the entrance of Thousand Lotus Lake, a few carriages were parked by the side of the road. Liu Yu Qi got out of the carriage with the help of the maid beside her and was welcomed by the enthusiastically blossoming lotus in front of her. Among the sea of lotus leaves, it was quite a beautiful sight.
Following behind Liu Yu Qi was Liu Yu Ran, the concubine-born daughter of Liu Family. When she heard what her elder sister said, she smiled and agreed. Although Liu Yu Qi and the concubine-born younger sister weren't close, they gave enough face outside and responded indifferently. Behind the two girls of Liu Family were the students of Character Class. All were young girls. They were naturally happy when they saw the beautiful scenery. and started chattering. One said that white lotus was beautiful. Another said that the red lotus was pretty. It was quite lively.
The host You Zhu heard the commotion outside and came out at once to greet them: "You guys are here! Please come in quickly!"
"You Zhu, the scenery of your family's Thousand Lotus Lake is not bad. It seems that we really didn't come in vain today." Liu Yu Qi walked in the front and spoke to You Zhu who was half a step behind her: "It's just this weather is hot. You have worked so hard to prepare these."
It was currently June. It went without saying it was a bit hot. As soon as everyone entered the pavilion, they felt a burst of cool air rushing toward their faces. The feeling of fatigue disappeared immediately: "Oh, why is it so cool? Turns out that there are three ice basins! You Zhu, you are really thoughtful!"
Only then everyone was seated. The melodious sound of the pipa came from the depths of the lotus pond. Then a melodious female voice slowly joined with the sound of the pipa like water smoothly falling off a jade plate: "It is the proper time to pick up lotus, How luxuriant the lotus leaves grow... ."
"You Zhu, you did a great job as a host. I didn't know that Luohe Prefecture has a singer with such a beautiful voice!" After the song, Liu Yu Qi smilingly applauded. She was very satisfied with Su Family's arrangement.
Sitting next to Liu Yu Qi, You Zhu grinned: "Ms. Liu overpraised. As long as everyone is having fun, it's good."
Then she turned to the girls and said, "The servants have prepared boats. If you are interested, going boating and picking some lotus seeds is fun."
As soon as they heard that they could go to the lake to play, all the girls' interest was piqued. Gleefully, they went out of the pavilion. In groups of four, they rode together in a boat. Su Family's servants held a long bamboo and pushed it into the water. The boats left the shore of the lake like an arrow from the string and headed into the depths of the lotus.
The singer kept on singing. All the girls were shuttling among the lotus bushes. They stopped and went. With a canopy on the boat, the scorching sun was blocked and the refreshing lotus wind came out head-on. All of them had a great time: "Su Family's Thousand Lotus Lake is really like a jasper lake in the celestial realm!"
The people wandered in the middle of the lake to admire the flowers and pick the lotus pods for about half an hour before coming to the shore in twos and threes. The chilled sour plum soup and sweet-scented osmanthus mung bean soup had been long prepared on the shore. As soon as the girls landed, the servants of Su Family brought clear water with a few petals of lotus for everyone to wash their hands. It can be said that every participant was taken care of in every possible way.
After a sumptuous and picnic lunch, all the girls boarded the carriage and left with reluctance. Each maids were holding lotus and lotus pods that their miss had picked in their arms the lotus and lotus pods.
After seeing off the classmates, You Zhu breathed a sigh of relief and sat down in the pavilion: "Let's not have another in the future. It's exhausting."
To entertain this group of classmates, she had been preparing this and that and running around here and there since yesterday. Thankfully, it went without a hitch.
After the publicity of the one-day trip to Thousand Lotus Lake by the students in the Character Class, the students in the Virtuous Class and Elegant Class sought Su Family's girls in their own class. You Yin and You Bao who were initially watching the drama experienced You Zhu's tiredness. But after this incident, the three little girls of Su Family had entered the social circle of girls from wealthy families in Luohe Prefecture.
The teacher of Erya Female Academy heard that there was a Thousand Lotus Lake in Su Family. So he simply discussed with the two deputy heads and made Thousand Lotus Lake a fixed place for sketching.
After this incident, Thousand Lotus Lake had become a good place for the people of Luohe Prefecture to go out for outings and enjoy the scenery. From the south gate of Luohe Prefecture, they went down the river in a small boat and enjoyed the rural landscape on both sides of the river. Once they got off the boat at Houjiawan, they walked to Thousand Lotus Lake to enjoy the scenery.
However, in order not to damage the growth of the lotus pond, Su Family only allowed the pedestrians to enjoy it in the pavilion on the shore. As for the boat ride, only guests invited by Su Family were eligible. Although lotus sightseeing can only be enjoyed on the shore, it was beneficial for the people of Luohe Prefecture.
The reputation of Thousand Lotus Lake grew. Once autumn came and the lotus root was full, the tourists on the shore no longer came. While tourists were here, the villagers set up a stall to sell some food by the official road by the river. Now they went back home for the autumn harvest. After being bustling all summer, Thousand Lotus Lake entered the period of harvest again.
For the people of Luohe Prefecture, Thousand Lotus Lake was just a good place for outings. But for Su Family, this pond was full of money!
The weather was on their side. Additionally, the lotus farmers took good care of them. This year's lotus bloomed one after another. The lotus seeds were harvested one after another. A total of 1,800 catties of lotus seeds were harvested from the ten-mu lotus pond at the beginning of the autumn harvest. Most of which were used to make the newly developed sugared lotus seeds by Sujiaxiang. A small part was sent to the Sujiayan to make sweet soup. Fifty jins were set aside for their own family. Ten jins were sent to Liu's house for You He and Third Master Huang's house each. The peeled lotus plumule were all sold to the medical hall in Luohe Prefecture. Nothing was wasted.
The lotus seeds were also commonly used by rich people. Knowing that Su Family had a bumper harvest of lotus seeds this year, there were many people who wanted to buy some after they entered the market. Unforeseen, Su Family took on the nearly two thousand jins of lotus seeds themselves? After tasting Su Family's lotus seeds at the Sujiayan, it was indeed much better than what was currently sold in the market in Luohe Prefecture. Many people secretly instructed their servants that they must remember to buy Su Family's lotus seeds next year.
Chapter 140. Have heart
Back to Madam Qin. Initially, she felt a little complacent for pushing away Sy Family's troublesome matter. Unforeseen, she was slapped in the face so quickly. The little-known Su Family actually invited old Madam Liu to be the academy head.
After Magistrate Qin found out about this, there was a slight feeling of blaming her for slow movement and resulted in Liu Family getting the benefit: "Nowadays in Luohe Prefecture, who doesn't know Erya Female Academy? Who doesn't know Erya Female Academy's academy head is old Madam Liu of Liu Family? Now Liu Family is in the limelight in Luohe Prefecture for a while."
Madam Qin glanced at her family's master with inexplicable guilt. She didn't even dare to tell him that Su Family invited her to be the academy head first and she felt it was too risky and rejected it. Madam Qin, whose lips were slightly dry, picked up the cup and took a sip. She didn't know what to say for a while.
"Forget it. Since we missed the position of the academy head, there's the deputy head. I remember that Su Family's lass had dropped by to visit you this spring? Come to think of it, she will give you face." Official Qin's unintentional remark made Madam Qin even more guilty. Back in spring, Su Family's lass came knocking to find her. It was to ask her to be the academy head!
Seeing his wife not answering for a long time, Official Qin was a little displeased: "What do you think, Madam?"
"What Master says is right. It's just that Su Family's lass and I haven't been in contact for a good few months. To suddenly..." Madam Qin came back to her senses. Thinking how she was going to pull down her face to beg Su Family's lass, she was a bit vexed. It was always others holding her high. But now she had to plead with someone. Where does her face go then?
"Madam, please think about it for your husband. Now that we lost the head start to Liu Family and Liu Family occupies the limelight, how will I gain a foothold in Luohe Prefecture in the future?" Thinking of Liu Zhi Chuan's proud face, Official Qin felt that he couldn't swallow this breath. Liu Zhi Chuan, had a good younger brother and a good younger sister. But they were both on the same level. Why did Liu Zhi Chuan suppress him in everything?
Madam Qin knew that her family's master and Liu Family were butt heads in private. Although her own face was important, it couldn't win over Master's face. So she nodded and agreed hesitantly.
After sending off the contented Official Qin, Madam Qin who was standing on the porch looked at the somewhat tall sky. She couldn't help muttering to herself: "Could it be that I was wrong?"
Her personal attendant didn't dare to speak. Can anyone tell her how to move this useless chess peice?
You Jin received Madam Qin's letter when she took their family's children to Houjiawan for a walk.
"Invite me to admire chrysanthemums?" You Jin looked at the beautiful handwriting on the letter and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. It seemed that they hadn't seen each other for half a year since Madam Qin clearly rejected her invitation. Why did she suddenly think of sending her a letter?
Yue Wen Sheng, who was also sitting in the parlor, heard about this and recalled the gossip he heard from his classmates that day. So he spoke out, "Could it be because of Erya Female Academy?"
Yue Wen Sheng won the 37th place in the spring examination and was currently studying as a Tongsheng in Luohe Prefecture Fu Academy.
"Why do you say that?" Hearing Yue Wen Sheng's words, You Jin became a little curious. This younger cousin brother was mature for his age. How could he still know these gossips? What's more, it was gossip about Erya Female Academy. This made it even more interesting.
Yue Wen Sheng felt this most powerful elder cousin sister's interested gaze on him. He couldn't help but feel a little shy. Coughing dryly, he responded: "I just heard a few gossips from my classmates in the academy that day. Saying Official Liu and Official Qin were in a banquet. Erya Female Academy was mentioned and everyone praised old Madam Liu as a female Zhong Zhu Ge, who understands righteousness. They also praised as Liu Family a scholarly family and the daughters they cultivated were all good."
"Is there such a thing?" You Jin looked at her younger cousin brother who was blushing as he talked. She couldn't help laughing. This kid was quite shy. She spoke: "Then if Madam Qin comes to me because of this matter, could it be that she wants to be the academy head?"
Thinking of this reason, You Jin really wanted to laugh. When she first invited her, she kept refusing. Now that Erya Female Academy had been established, she wanted to get a share of it. Truly want to occupy whatever good matters?
Despite all the criticism, she still had to attend the appointment.
And Madam Qin's purpose was indeed as You Jin and Yue Wen Sheng guessed- to get a share of the Erya Female Academy. The other party didn't seek profit, just fame. You Jin wasn't an inflexible person. It went without saying she wouldn't reject Madam Qin like an egg thrown against a stone. She arranged for the post of supervisor according to Madam Qin's wishes.
The supervisor only needed to show up at major festivals to represent the academy during the ceremony performance. This not only satisfied Madam Qin's requirement to show up among the ladies of noble families, but also didn't require her to pay too much attention to the actual affairs of the academy. For Madam Qin who disliked trouble, it was perfect.
Of course, the addition of Madam Qin had further improved the reputation of Erya Female Academy. Although it was said that there was only one time for centralized enrollment in a year, it was only autumn now and many rich people had already sought Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao to arrange for their girls to study in Erya Female Academy.
The status of Erya Female Academy as the number one female academy in Luohe Prefecture was made permanent. Even when some people want to open a female academy later, none of them can surpass Erya Female Academy. .
Currently Su Family had designated personnel in charge of each work. Now there wasn't only Third Master Huang outside. Su Family had also recruited a new supervisor. A fair and chubby middle-aged man named Ai Chang was in charge of the Sujiayan. Ai Chang was capable. Under his management, Sujiayan was also thriving. You Jin can be regarded as completely free and began to arrange for You Yin's dowry.
You Yin had already turned 15 in spring. Now it was autumn. Her wedding with Han Li was scheduled for May 18 next year.
Because Han Li had no father or mother, the two will still live in Su's house after they get married. However, to give the young couple privacy, You Jin decided to build a new three-story house on the left side of Su Family's current house after a family discussion. The triple entry property was the future home of the young couple.
Mrs. Han knew that Su Family was going to build a new house and had some ideas herself. In the past half a year, the cosmetic shop she ran had earned some money. So she bought the two mu of land on the right side of Su Family's house. One after another, they started the construction.
Today's west side of the Wuliqiao River was no longer as desolate as it was when Su Family first arrived five years ago, because there was a pier for water transportation a few kilometers away. So many families who used to live on the east side of the river began to slowly moved to both sides of the west river's official road. Besides Su Family's house, there were four or five families who built new houses on the west side of the river. which was quite lively.
"I heard from Mother that Younger Sister Xiao Ning's marriage had been settled. I wonder to which family?" Outside the gate of Su's house, You Jin, who was out for a walk with a few big dogs, just happened to meet Zhao Chun Hua who was returning from the stall. The two of them stood by the river and had a conversation.
Zhao Chun Hua was no longer farming the fields in the wind and sun every day like before. She had grown fairer and looked much younger than a few years ago. She smilingly replied: "The second son of Zhangjia Village's Lizheng in the west of Dingcheng. The wedding date is set on the twentieth of December. You must come and attend, You Jin." Zhao Chun Hua smiled happily, presumably because she was very satisfied with her daughter's marriage.
"I watched Younger Sister Xiao Ning grow up. Even if Auntie doesn't invite me, I will remember to add dowry for my younger sister!" You Jin accepted Zhao Chun Hua's invitation with a smile. Following this, she asked Zhao Chun Hua about her granddaughter's situation: "I heard that little Ni Ni isn't feeling well recently? I still have some nourishing medicine at home and will send it to Auntie in a while."
Lian Hua-er gave birth to a thin and small daughter at the end of spring this year. Because of Lian Hua-er's excessive worrying during pregnancy, little Ni Ni was born undernourished. Currently she was almost half a year old and was always unwell every now and then.
Speaking of her only granddaughter, Zhao Chun Hua's initial smile faded from her face. Sighing, she responded, "It's not that I want to gossip. It's just that my daughter-in-law always overthinks. Say, which woman doesn't dote on the child they birth? Everyone in our family is overjoyed, only she isn't. You Jin, you don't know, our little Ni Ni is only five months old and she doesn't even have milk to eat! I really don't know what Lian Hua-er is thinking!"
You Jin didn't answer her words. After all, this was someone else's family affairs. How would it look, if she, an outsider, intervened? She just smiled and said: "As the grandmother, Auntie got to work harder. I will send someone to send some supplements over later. Auntie, see if it's of any use."
Zhao Chun Hua looked at the beautiful You Jin, who was sensible and considerate, and then thought about the daughter-in-law who was acting up every now and then. She couldn't help sighing again. It was all fate!
The two chatted for nearly a quarter of an hour before they parted. No one took this matter to heart. Nor did anyone notice that in the field not far away, a figure hunched down at a low place and heard every word.
When You Jin got home, she asked Auntie Song to find a box of unopened bird's nests of average quality and two thin ginseng and send them to He's house.
After sending Aunt Song away, Zhao Chun Hua went back to the main hall and opened the box. She was stunned: "This is, bird, bird's nest?"
She thought it would be some normal nourishing medicinal material. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be four cups of bird's nest plus two wild ginseng! Although Mrs. Zhao had never seen a real bird's nest, she had heard people mention it a few times. She kind of knew how precious it was.
"What bird's nest?" Sitting on the couch smoking a pipe, He Hao asked curiously when he heard his wife's stuttering.
Zhao Chun Hua was still staring at the box in a daze and didn't come back to her senses. It took a while before she briefly talked about meeting You Jin today: "I thought it was just some normal nourishing medicinal material. Never thought that this child would give it away such valuable things! No, I'd better take it and return it to Su Family!"
After finishing speaking, she closed the lid and prepared to return it.
"Wait a minute, wait a moment. You already accepted it. What do you mean by returning it?" He Hao hurriedly stopped her: "Since You Jin sent it over, it's her thought. Keep it. Stewing it to nourish you and the children is a good idea."
Seeing family head say that, Zhao Chun Hua kept the things: "Alright. I'll cook a pot tomorrow for Lian Hua-er."
Although Mrs. Zhao disliked this overthinking daughter-in-law, she would still think of her when there was anything good. After all, a town girl like her married into her family and gave birth to a little granddaughter for their family.
In the early morning of the next day, Mrs. Zhao went to Su's house to ask Su Family's cook how to stew bird's nest. After stewing a cup of bird's nest in the afternoon, she gave half to Daughter-in-law and Daughter each. For herself, she mixed some water to dilute it just to have a taste.
Back to Lian Hua-er. Yesterday she saw people from Su Family bringing over a large box of things and today she could have this small half bowl of bird's nest. She felt even more aggrieved: "When you have anything good, you keep it for yourself and only give this half a bowl of bird's nest. Are you treating me like a beggar?"
After finishing speaking, she slammed the bowl onto the table. The banging sound scared the little Ni Ni who was sleeping on the kang into crying.
Being disturbed by the baby's cries, her mood worsened. Thinking of the grievances she had suffered since she married into He Family for more than a year, she couldn't bear it for a while and leaned on the table and began to cry.
Chapter 141 Malice
The next day, He Family's grownups weren't at home. He Xiao Ning had closed the room door to embroider her dowry. Lian Hua-er, who lived near the courtyard door, heard the door knock and came out to see that person. Fearing that she was here to borrow food again, she asked with a cold face: "What are you doing here?"
She knew this person. It wasn't just her. Her family's reputation in Wuliqiao wasn't very good. In her twenties, she hadn't married yet.
The visitor was Chen Xiao Hong, eldest daughter of old Third Chen's family. Chen Xiao Hong was over twenty years old but had been unable to get married. The reason was very simple. When many people hear that she was old Third Chen's daughter, they wouldn't consider her at all.
As for those who don't care about their reputation and can't come up with dowry money, Eldest Brother would refuse to marry her off. In the course of time, she became a well-known spinster in Wuliqiao.
"Elder Sister-in-law, don't misunderstand. I'm not here to borrow food today." Chen Xiao Hong quickly halted the courtyard door that Lian Hua-er almost closed. Showing a slick smile, she approached closer: "I heard something connected to Elder Sister-in-law yesterday. After much deliberation, I felt that I shouldn't hide it from you. After all, you are a good person, Elder Sister. I really can't bear it. "
Hearing her talk so much, Lian Hua-er was a little impatient: "What exactly do you want to say?"
She didn't want to have any contact with this stinky person in patched hemp clothes. Her whole person stinks, what was there to get close to. The clothes on her body were made of fine cotton material with silk interlacing. What if it gets dirty?
Chen Xiao Hong suppressed the displeasure in her heart as she pretended that she couldn't see Lian Hua-er's disgusted gazes. Grinning, she spoke: "Elder Sister-in-law, I'm really thinking for your best. Why don't you let me in first?"
Although Lian Hua-er was a little unwilling, she took half a step back at her seriousness and let her into the yard.
As soon as Zhao Chun Hua came home today, she noticed the atmosphere at home was a little strange. No, to be more precise, Daughter-in-law's attitude was a little strange.
Although Lian Hua-er didn't talk much in the past, she respected her. So why was her gaze vicious toward her today? Like she wanted to eat people?
"What's wrong with your Elder Sister-in-law? This gaze looks like she wants to eat people." After the meal, Mrs. Zhao carried little Ni Ni to He Xiao Ning's room to talk to her. After seeing that there was no one outside, she asked in a hushed voice: "Today has anyone been to the house?"
He Xiao Ning didn't understand what Mother meant. Still, she obediently replied: "I think that Elder Sister Xiao Hong from Third Uncle Chen's family came here in the afternoon."
Chen Xiao Hong, who wanted to stir up trouble behind the scene, didn't expect her whereabouts had been encountered by He Xiao Ning who was returning from going to the toilet: "However, she and Elder Sister-in-law were behind closed doors. I don't know what they said."
"Chen Xiao Hong?" Zhao Chun Hua didn't like Chen Xiao Hong, who can be regarded as having a bitter life. Being poor and having it hard wasn't easy. However, Chen Xiao Hong, always wanted to borrow money from one family in the east and steal from the west. From time to time, she visits Su's house to swindle them.
That year, she really couldn't stand Chen Xiao Hong spreading rumors of Su Family killing old Third Chen. So she told the truth that old Third Chen was sentenced by the official for posing as a bandit and robbing.
Later, Chen Xiao Hong calmed down. Why did she find Lian Hua-er while she wasn't at home? Zhao Chun Hua didn't even need to think about it and decided in her heart that it was Chen Xiao Hong who spread rumors in front of her daughter-in-law. She carried her granddaughter and went to the East Wing. The family's life had to go on.
"Lian Hua-er, is there something you want to tell Mother? Don't bottle up everything in your heart." Smiling amiably, Zhao Chun Hua put little Ni Ni on the kang.
Lian Hua-er sneered in her heart. You've already gone out to speak ill of me to others, why are you still acting so hypocritically? The resentment towards Mother-in-law grew. However, she didn't say anything. Just shook her head lightly: "I'm fine."
The smile on Zhao Chun Hua's face froze for a moment. As a mother-in-law, she talked to her daughter-in-law so nicely. What she got was a hot face placed on cold butt. She didn't want to talk to her: "Little Ni Ni just peed. Remember to take care of it later."
Then she left the east wing.
Neither mother-in-law and daughter-in-law poke it open. There was also a thorn in each other's hearts. The atmosphere at home became more and more tense. Even He Xuan Hai, who had never cared much about family affairs, discovered something was amiss with the family.
But how could Lian Hua-er possibly say? In her heart, she believed that people in He Family treated her as an outsider. Husband's heart contained someone else, while the old woman ran to speak ill of her to Husband's crush. Lian Hua-er felt that it was even more embarrassing than taking off her clothes and walking on the street!
Back to Chen Xiao Hong who went to the He's house to stir up trouble. Seeing Zhao Chun Hua's gloomy face these days, she was really happy. Her plan was more than this though. Today, when the members of He Family weren't at home, she found Lian Hua-er again.
After hearing Chen Xiao Hong's idea, Lian Hua-er felt a little nervous. She hesitantly said, "Isn't this bad?"
She did hate Su You Jin. But destroy a woman's innocence? This was simply driving people to death! She had secretly thought how everything would be fine if Su You Jin died.
"Elder Sister-in-law Lian Hua-er, don't be stupid. If you think for others, who will think for you?" Chen Xiao Hong wanted to trick Lian Hua-er into doing this with her: "Besides, we are helping her find a good marriage. How can it be destroying her innocence?"
Hearing this, Lian Hua-er really felt that Chen Xiao Hong was a little too shameless. Still the condition Chen Xiao Hong set made her heart move: "Elder Sister-in-law Lian Hua-er, as long as the matter is accomplished, I will give you a thousand silver liang!"
That was one thousand silver liang! Although Lian Hua-er had some dowry and her mother-in-law would give some silver as pocket money after marrying into He Family, she only had a dozen or so silver liang in her hand. If there was a thousand silver liang, she can stand upright and have some say at home!
Thinking how she could also wear gold and silver like Su You Jin and have servants to command, Lian Hua-er's eyes turned red. She gave into to the devil and agreed to the matter: "OK. I would only give you silver. The rest, I won't get involved."
Chen Xiao Hong came to her to ask for money to implement the plans. Seeing Lian Hua-er finally nodded, she was naturally overjoyed. She took the small ingot of silver from Lian Hua-er and smilingly stated: "Elder Sister-in-law, don't worry. This matter will be a success!"
But neither of the two noticed that under the window sill of the east wing, a girl bit her lip for fear of making a sound as she listened to the conversation between the two of them.
Hearing the commotion in the east wing, He Xiao Ning hastily crouched and left quietly. Once in her own room, she panted heavily and sat on the kang in shock. After thinking about it, she felt that she should tell her parents about it.
After He Hao and Zhao Chun Hua listened to their daughter's detailed account of what happened during the day, the couple's faces turned black. The family of three just sat quietly. No one spoke or knew what to say.
"This matter can't be hidden from Xuan Hai. After all, Lian Hua-er is his wife." After a long time, He Hao broke the silence. A pipe was smoked one after another. Still no good solution appeared. He only knew that if his daughter-in-law did such a thing, Su Family would definitely not let their family go.
"At the beginning, Su Family was just a family with a little background and her father couldn't do anything to You Jin. Now Su Family has more than ten or twenty guards. Is Chen Xiao Hong out of her mind or gone crazy for money?!"
Zhao Chun Hua was infuriated to the point of collapsing. She was angry and sneering at the same time. Her good daughter-in-law was very courageous and dimwitted. She dared to do anything!
He Xuan Hai, who was studying in the room, was suddenly called by his younger sister. He didn't know what happened. But seeing his father and mother's stern faces, he felt a chill in his heart. Could it be that something serious happened at home?
"Xuan Hai! Father and Mother don't want to disturb your study. But this matter involve Lian Hua-er. So I called you here." He Hao sighed and repeated what his daughter said earlier to his son: "I don't know what Lian Hua-er is thinking. Although our family is much better off now, going against Su Family is like throwing an egg at a rock!"
Although He Xuan Hai didn't communicate much with his wife on most days, he had always thought that his wife was a gentle and quiet woman. Now that he heard this out of the blue, he really couldn't accept it. Sitting on the long bench in front of He Hao, he remained silent for a long long time.
In the end, the four members of He Family came up with a solution. Early the next morning, He Xuan Hai took a leave of absence from the academy and then went home to pick up Lian Hua-er and little Ni Ni to bring them back to Lian Hua-er's maternal home in Luohe Prefecture city: "Now we've entered the autumn harvest and Xiao Ning is busy embroidering the dowry, I'm afraid that you will be alone at home and no one can take care of you. So I specifically told Father and Mother to let you go back to your maternal home for a few days."
When He Xuan Hai said this, there was no abnormality in his face. Lian Hua-er thought that she was only going back to her maternal home for a short stay. So she happily followed He Xuan Hai into the city.
The young couple had just entered the city, when Zhao Chun Hua hurried to Su's house to tell You Jin about this matter. However, she put all the responsibility for this matter on Chen Xiao Hong and Xiao Ning unintentionally overheard it.
It wasn't that Zhao Chun Hua wanted to protect Lian Hua-er. She was afraid that Su Family would blame their family because of Lian Hua-er and implicated the family.
While Chen Xiao Hong was still daydreaming of living a good life like Su Family, she was completely unaware that she had been completely exposed by He Family.
Discovering this matter, You Jin was so angry that she wanted to laugh. Over the past few years, she pitied Chen Xiao Hong's family of old, weak, women, and children and their lack of land, she had sent a lot of food and clothes to their family openly and secretly.
Unforeseen, the human heart can't be satisfied and becomes a snake. She wanted her rubbish elder brother to take her innocence to make her marry into their Chen family with a large dowry?
"You Jin, don't be too impulsive. That Chen Xiao Hong isn't a good thing. Don't ruin your body because of such person." Zhao Chun Hua saw You Jin's fuming smile. Her heart was slightly relieved. Luckily she didn't tell the whole truth. If You Jin knew that Lian Hua-er was also involved in this matter, it might not end well.
You Jin sent Mrs. Zhao to the gate and said: "Don't worry, Auntie. I know the boundary. Auntie, don't interfere in this matter, lest you get pulled into this mess."
Lian Hua-er didn't know about Wuliqiao's matter. She only knew that she stayed at her maternal home for eight days before her husband came to pick her up. But after returning to Wuliqiao for a few days and Chen Xiao Hong didn't come again, she made some inquiries. She found out that Chen Xiao Hong had already been sold by Chen Family's eldest son to a passing merchant. As for Chen Family's eldest son, he owed a large sum of money to the casino for gambling and sold his mother and younger sister. While, he himself was also missing. The whole Chen Family had completely disappeared in the Luohe Prefecture.
After hearing the news from He Xiao Ning, Lian Hua-er felt a little terrified. She thought to herself: "Could it be that Su Family knew about Chen Xiao Hong's plan and took action? Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? Within seven or eight days, the whole family encountered a mishap?"
Seeing Eldest Sister-in-law's shocked expression, He Xiao Ning felt a little depressed. She became more distant from Lian Hua-er.
After this incident, Lian Hua-er still overthink a lot. But she never dared to have crooked thoughts, for fear that she would be the next Chen Xiao Hong. Before malice began, it was already killed in its infancy.
Chapter 142. Identity
"That hoof got off lightly. Miss is too kind." Qiu Fen knew about Chen Xiao Hong's matter. At the thought of how she wanted to viciously destroy Miss's innocence, she trembled with anger. And Miss happened to be soft-hearted. Miss only made the other party leave Luohe Prefecture. If it was up to her, it'll be skinning and pulling muscle until her anger was let out!
You Jin didn't care about these minor things. When she found out about it, she instructed Uncle Song a bit. Uncle Song took care of the matter properly, so she didn't bother to care about it.
After autumn came, the lotus roots in Thousand Lotus Lake were slowly dug for nearly a month before they were finally done.
In order to match the season, Sujiayan had created a 'crab-colored lotus root' as food of the month event. The shrimp, crab, carp, grass carp and lotus root used were al Su Family's ownl produce. At the same time, Sujiaxiang launched sugared lotus root, lotus root powder cake, candied Osmanthus cake, and other lotus root snacks. This autumn, it can be said that Su Family made a lot of money, fame, and fortune.
After the completion of You Yin and Han Li's new future home, Mrs. Han's house placed the last tile before the first snow fell. Now the pedestrians and tourists traveling by water and land can see the three beautiful rural buildings separated by a wall in front of the waves of bamboo from afar. The sight of green bamboo sea and tile-blue sky setting off the blue tiles and white walls was particularly beautiful.
"All the furnitures in the new home are made of rosewood and red sandalwood. In addition, the plum blossoms in the yard have just been transplanted from the mountain. You should put your heart on taking care of the flowers and plants on most days." You Jin ordered as she led several servants around the clean and tidy new house.
"Eldest Miss, don't worry. This old servant dare not neglect the plum tree a single day. It will surely bloom this year!" Su Family's gardener patted his chest to assure Eldest Miss. He knew that plum blossoms were Second Miss's favorite flower. This house was for Second Miss to live in after marriage. It went without saying he would mind it with meticulous care, for fear of anything going wrong.
As for Fourth Uncle Ge, whom You Jin chose to supervise the new house. He attentively followed behind her, noting all the suggestions made by Miss one by one. Then he assigned them to each staff to solve.
From the first door to the last one, it took You Jin an hour to go around all the corners of the new house: "This house is where Second Miss will live in the future. I'm busy on most days, so I can't give it much attention for a while. Fourth Uncle Ge, you have to work harder on your side. If you need something, you can ask Uncle Song for it. Everything must be in order."
This was You Yin's marriage house. The family's current situation wasn't bad, so naturally everything needed to be done perfectly.
"Eldest Miss, don't worry, the younger one will be taken care of properly." Fourth Uncle Ge was the new house's supervisor selected from Su Family's main house after a lot of screening. Naturally, he understood how important this matter was to Eldest Miss. How could possibly dare to delay a little?
You Jin only selected six people from Su Family's main house to the new house to be responsible for important housework such as housekeeping, accounting, kitchen, and main courtyard. The rest like cleaning and serving tea, new labor would be bought from outside.
The selected six people knew that this was a good opportunity for them to gain face in front of the masters. So they were more dedicated. After all, they weren't supervioring in the main house before. Now they can be regarded as coming out the suffering. Countless people were so envious that they were red-eyed behind their backs. They can't make any mistakes. If they allowed others take their seat, it will be a failure.
"Qiu Fen, please go and invite Uncle Song to come over later. I have something to discuss with him." She led the people out of the new house, walked along the clean bluestone path and returned to Su Family's main house in thirty steps. You Jin instructed the the new house's staff to work. Then she ordered the Qiu Fen to invite Uncle Song over.
You Jin had just returned to the study when Qiu Fen and Uncle Song turned at the corner of the corridor: "Miss."
The master and the servant sat in the study for discussion. After Qiu Fen brought in the tea made by the people below and served Miss and Uncle Song, she obediently stayed outside the study to prevent others from disturbing Miss's discussion.
"Complying to Miss's wishes, there are one shop each at the east and west side of Luohe Prefecture. Also, a villa has been set up in Weijiagou, few kilometers east of the city. There are two hundred and seventy mu of fertile land, thirty-nine mu of dry land, and eighty-seven mu of mountainous land." Uncle Song knew that Eldest Miss sought him due to Second Miss's dowry and conitnuedd: "I have also let Qingxiyinlou know about six sets of red gold and pearl headdress and four sets of gemstone headdress. There were also 36 pieces of gold gilt and sterling silver jewelry."
It can be said that You Jin spent a considerable sum to prepare a dowry for You Yin. The house shop, villa, all kinds of jewelry, silk and satin, etc. totalled nearly 10,000 liang. Plus, there was 8,800 liang of dowry silver. Let alone Luohe Prefecture, even in the entire Dafeng, it was quite impressive.
"Alright, Uncle Song, keep an eye on this side. When the new recruits arrive, I must trouble you and Auntie Song. There are still a few months left. Don't want a situation where we need people and no one is available." From You Jin's point of view, You Yin was too soft-tempered, soft-faced and soft-eared. Fortunately she will only live next door after she gets married. If not, her family won't be able to help her even if she was aggrieved in the future. It was also because of this that You Jin racked her brains on coming up with a perfect arrangement, for fear of wronging You Yin in the slightest.
Not only You Jin was worried, the younger ones were also worried. Everyone was thinking about what kind of dowry to prepare for Second Elder Sister. This one said want to add something here, while another said want to add something there. Everyone in Su Family was beaming with joy.
But there was one person who seemed to be unable to feel this joy. Since he returned to Luohe Prefecture, he had been depressed. As if he had something on his mind.
"You Jin, I have something to tell you." After tossing and turning for several days, Han Li found You Jin in the end.
Glancing at Han Li standing in the corridor like a hill blocking his way as his face carried some inexplicable uneasiness on his tanned face. A serious expression appeared on his face, as if he had to talk. You Jin beckoned her personal servants to retreat: "What's the matter?"
In the past few years, Han Li had endured a lot of hardships in Chaxiang and finally managed to support the business in Chaxiang. The little beggar who couldn't get enough to eat had now grown into a youth with broad shoulders and a calm personality.
"Su Family is my savior. I can't repay you with badness. Let's drop my marriage to You Yin!" Han Li stood in front of You Jin with his head lowered, as if he didn't care. However his hands were clenched tightly and revealed his extremely tormented mood at the moment: "Please fulfill my wish, Eldest Miss!"
Hearing his words, You Jin's initial smile on her face disappeared completely: "Han Li, do you know what you are saying? Does You Yin know about this?"
Everything was alright, why did he suddenly think about breaking the engagement?
Seeing Han Li gritting his teeth and saying nothing, You Jin frowned and asked, "Do you have someone else?"
Seeing him shaking his head violently, You Jin thought it was fine if it wasn't a change of heart. She continued to ask: "Then why do you suddenly say that you want to break the engagement? It's already November now. Don't you know that the wedding date is less than three months away?"
Han Li wasn't willing to explain. He just kept his head down and remained silent, as if this could solve all problems.
You Jin was a little annoyed by his stubborn attitude. She gritted her teeth, "You were the one who said you wanted to marry You Yin back then. Now you are the one who wants to break the engagement. Han Li, you should think carefully. If you break the engagement, I will never agree to this marriage even if you go back on your word in the future."
Han Li closed his eyes as indescribable pain took over his heart. But thinking of his own difficulties, he nodded in bitter pain: "I understand."
"Since Gentleman Han has already made the decision, please go talk to You Yin yourself." You Jin sent him a vicious glare, flung her sleeve and walked away.
Actually, she didn't want You Yin to be with Han Li at the beginning. It was Han Li who initiated the relationship with You Yin first. You Yin herself liked him and cried and begged her. So she had coldly watched Han Li for a long time and concluded that his personality wasn't bad. That's why, she agreed to give him a chance to practice and agreed to this marriage. But now, since he was the one who regretted it first. Then let him end the relationship by himself.
It was night. With an uneasy expression, Han Li and the-forever-cheering-him You Yin knocked on the door of You Jin's study again.
Looking at the two people standing side by side in front of her, You Jin lowered her head again, and said blandly, "Going back on your word? Do you remember what I told you during the day?"
No matter what the reason, she, Su You Jin, was someone people could use for fun when they have nothing to do.
"Eldest Sister!" You Yin knew that Eldest Sister was fuming. She also knew that it was her fiancé who caused it. But she managed to persuade Han Li to speak his mind after much difficulty. What if Eldest Sister was too fierce and scares him to retreat again?
You Jin glared at You Yin angrily. Before getting married, she already learned to act spoiled to protect outsiders. Once she married in the future, wouldn't she be firmly grasped by the other?
Han Li also didn't notice the eye contact between Su sisters. He straightened up his robes, knelt down on the ground with his knees bent, and kowtowed three times to You Jin.
"What? Want to use self-harm act to force me?"
You Jin didn't dodge, just sat on the chair and looked at Han Li coldly.
Han Li pursed his lips, remained kneeling on the ground, and shared his difficulties and reasons in a low voice: "Actually, Er Hua and I are the descendants of General Han Guang Hong and was sent away under protective care back then... .."
Although this matter was a serious crime that resulted in beheading, it wasn't complicated. It was old Master of Xiao Family and the other two righteous people who wanted to preserve some of Han bloodline and found someone to desperately bring the Han's descendants out of the capital. Han Er Hua was the only legitimate grandson of Han Guang Hong's lineage, while Han Li was the grandson of the former Patriarch of Han Clan in the capital a.k.a the grandnephew of General Han Guang Hong.
After being escorted out of the capital, the two were chased by killers all the way before getting separated in northern Xinjiang. In order to protect his younger brother, Han Li disguised the two as beggars and wandered all the way from northern Xinjiang to Luohe Prefecture.
"Er Hua was still young when the family mishap happened. He doesn't remember many things. But I know that if our life experience is discovered by bad-intentioned people, it will implicate the entire Su Family!" Han Li wasn't good with words. It was difficult to recount the things one by one and express the difficulties in his heart.
You Jin glared at You Yin who was standing beside him. It must be this girl who coaxed Han Li to tell the truth. If not, why would he suddenly be willing to tell the truth after so many years?
Feeling Eldest Sister's reproachful eyes, You Yin shrank her neck slightly. Then she knelt down: "Eldest Sister, this incident is so long ago. Who could imagine that two children could walk from northern Xinjiang to Luohe Prefecture? Surely no one will find out!"
You Yin knew that Elder Sister was soft-hearted. Seeing her kneeling like this, she would definitely agree.
Han Li didn't want his fiancée to kneel down with him and wanted to help her up. But You Yin halted his hand. The two young lovers knelt on the ground with their fingers interlocked.
Even until You Yin felt that her knees were hurting from kneeling, Eldest Sister didn't let her get up. Instead, she asked in an indifferent tone: "Han Li, have you made up your mind?" Made up your mind to not take revenge and live a stable life of starting a family in Luohe Prefecture? Thought it through on not being able to recognize and return to his ancestors for the rest of his life?
Han Li understood her unspoken words and kowtowed heavily: "Please fulfill our wish, Eldest Miss."
Han Li didn't want to delay You Yin's life. Unforeseen, You Yin had approximately guessed his difficulties after only a few words. She said that if he wants to dissolve the engagement, she will shave her hair and become a nun. Then she coaxed and persuaded him to confess Eldest Miss and ask Eldest Miss for her understanding.
"What about You Yin? Have you thought it through?" You Jin stared at You Yin who was smiling brightly. Don't assume she couldn't tell that little lass instigated it!
You Yin grinned ear to ear and looked at Han Li. She nodded slightly: "Thought it through."
You Jin felt as if she was being played around by these two people. Without any other choice, she uttered: "This matter was considered to be a turning point. If something else happens, I won't be like this "
Seeing the young couple leaving happily, You Jin sighed heavily.
Chapter 143 Adding to dowry
In December, He Xiao Ning got married.
He Hao was Lizheng of Wuliqiao. He Xuan Hai was also a somewhat dignified Xiucai. Since He Family had gradually made a fortune in recent years, their only daughter's He Xiao Ning's wedding must be big.
The day when the dowry was displayed, it was a rare sunny day. The light snow that had fallen for several days had stopped.
From Su Family, You Jin and You Bao attended. You Bao didn't have many good friends in Wuliqiao Village. He Xiao Ning was one of them. Today she came to add dowry with Eldest Sister.
"Look at the demeanor of these two girls from Su Family. People would believe it if one says they are girls from rich families in the city. They don't look like children from the countryside!" In the courtyard of He Family, a few village women sat together and gossiped while picking melon seeds: "Su Family's daughters are getting older now. Before, they always said that You Jin was pretty. Look at their family's fourth. She looks no worse than the older ones!"
They looked at You Bao, who was holding a one-foot-square wooden box in her hand. She was cheerfully talking with the bride who was about to get married. Although He Xiao Ning was already prettier than most of the girls in the village, it was the difference of sky and earth when standing in front of Su Family's fourth!
You Bao didn't know that others were judging her. She had been quiet since young. He Xiao Ning was quite close to her. Now that He Xiao Ning was getting married, it went without saying that she had to prepare a dowry: "Xiao Ning, look at this."
She handed the box to He Xiao Ning.
Grinning, He Xiao Ning accepted the box and opened it. Her curving eyes flashed with surprise: "This is too expensive!"
This was a whole box of rouge and gouache. These rouge powders were of high quality and were worth a lot of money!
"It's too expensive. I can't accept it." Although He Xiao Ning liked it, she reluctantly closed the lid and pushed it back to You Bao.
How could You Bao possibly take it back? With slight force, she firmly halted He Xiao Ning's hand: "Xiao Ning, we are good friends. This bit of things is just a little thought from me. If you don't accept it, you aren't considering me as a friend."
Seeing that she was serious, He Xiao Ning had no choice but to accept it. However, it can be seen from the words that she liked the gift that You Bao gave her very much.
As for You Jin, she was quite generous- two bolts of fine cotton material with quilted silk and a set of sterling silver headdress. The rest of the women who came to add dowry today exclaimed and became jealous: "This Su Family is too generous!"
One must know that just one sterling silver hairpin was worth a good few silver liang. One set of headdresses was at least a dozen liang!
When Zhao Chun Hua saw that she had added on expensive dowries, she was both happy and shy: "How could you spend so much money, child?"
Although she was a little embarrassed, the thought that her daughter had an addition of such dowry and would be able to straighten her back when she came to her maternal home in the future made her glad that Su Family was garnering face for their family like this.
"Xiao Ning is well-behaved. She's just like my own younger sister. For her life to be good, I naturally can't take it lightly." You Jin sat beside Zhao Chun Hua with a smile. The two merrily chatting looked quite close. In the eyes of others, they secretly felt envious and jealous at the same time at the thought of the close relationship between Su Family and He Family.
Because You Jin had a lot of things to do, she sat down for a bit and left. Even so, He Family's face was still bright. Who in Wuliqiao didn't know that Su Family was already a wealthy household? Su You Jin was also the head of Su Family and she personally came to add dowry. What's more with such precious dowry. And she said in front of so many people that she treated Xiao Ning as her own younger sister. So when He Xiao Ning marries into her maternal family in the future, she will have more help. Who would dare to treat her lightly?
Since there were some people happy, there were also some people unhappy.
Seeing her mother-in-law and younger sister-in-law smiling like flowers to curry favor with Su You Jin, Lian Hua-er felt extremely displeased. She quietly followed Su Family out when no one noticed her.
"Su You Jin, stop right there!" After leaving the village and there was no one around, Lian Hua-er quickened her pace and halted You Jin and her group.
You Jin looked at the person who stopped her with some doubts: "Lian Hua-er? For you to chase after me, is there something the matter?"
Although Lian Hua-er had been married to He Family for almost two years, she sensed Lian Hua-er's hostility every time she went to He Family. So the two of them weren't considered close.
Lian Hua-er viciously glared at You Jin who didn't dress up today. Still the jade hairpin on You Jin's head was more expensive than everything on her whole body. She viciously vented out: "Su You Jin, what do you want to do? First the bird's nest, now the headdress? Also the book for Xuan Hai!"
You Jin was a little baffled by her sudden attack. But seeing her faintly insane state, she took two steps back and responded, "I don't know what you mean by mentioning this. Since our Su Family settled down in Wuliqiao, Uncle Lizheng and his wife have cared for our family. As the saying goes, the kindness of a drop of water should be repaid by a spring. Before you married into He Family, our two families were like this. As for sending books to ELder Brother He, those are probably sent by Wen Sheng. What does it have to do with me?"
Would Lian Hua-er believe this? No, she felt that Su You Jin was making up lies to deceive her. She sneered, "Are you really as bright and upright as you said? In every matter, you got to stand out to appear to be generous. Let me tell you, I am not a beggar. I don't need your charity!"
You Jin felt as if she had encountered a madman. She really didn't know what to say. So she sighed: "It seems between you and I, the conversation is disagreeable; any more words, it would be a waste. I am busy with family affairs and will leave first." She led her younger sister and Qiu Fen, who had the same expression as herself and continued to walk back.
"Su You Jin, let me tell you. Don't think that you can seduce Xuan Hai with some little favor! As long as I'm present, don't even think about it!" Lian Hua-er felt anger rushing to her head when she saw the other party leaving like this and yelled loudly at her.
When You Jin heard her upside-down and inexplicable words, she stopped in her tracks, turned around to look at her, and stated, "First of all, I don't think my relationship with He Family is what you called charity. Uncle Lizheng and Auntie Zhao don't think so either. Secondly, some people you treasure may not be appreciated by others. I interacted with He Family because of the relationship between Uncle Lizheng and Auntie Zhao. I won't tell others about today's matter. Take care."
Stunned in place, Lian Hua-er watched the figures of You Jin and others cross the bridge and headed back to Su's house. She still hadn't come to her senses. What did she mean? Did it mean that the husband whom she treated like a treasure was just a piece of grass in her eyes?
No, it must be that her mind was exposed by her and in embarrassment, she made up such cruel words to disgust her! It must be like this!
Looking into the distance with both eyes open, Lian Hua-er murmured to herself: "Su You Jin, one day, I must make you kneel on the ground and kowtow to me to admit your mistake..."
You Bao followed Eldest Sister. Thinking about what happened just now, she felt aggrieved: "Eldest Sister, why did you let that Lian Hua-er off so lightly? How bad it would be if it got out, when she ruins your reputation! She treats He Family's Eldest Brother as a treasure. So he is really a treasure?"
It wasn't that You Bao looked down on He Xuan Hai. It was just that she felt He Xuan Hai was just a blockhead scholar. Someone she wouldn't take a fancy, let alone Eldest Sister: "Compared with Gentleman Xiao, He Family's Eldest Brother can't amount to a strand of his hair!"
Just as You Bao mentioned Xiao Lin Yu, she immediately shut up. She lost her composure out of anger and brought up Eldest Sister's sorrow. Ever since Gentleman Xiao left, Eldest Sister was always lonely when she was alone. Though she didn't say it, they all knew.
"Our You Bao is right." When You Jin thought of that person, there was a gentle smile on the corner of her mouth. Although He Xuan Hai was considered top-notch in Wuliqiao, he was a stone in front of jade Xiao Lin Yu. Nothing to compare at all.
You Bao carefully eyed at Eldest Sister. Seeing that she wasn't angry or sad, she was secretly relieved. Luckily she didn't stir up Eldest Sister's emotions.
However, after this incident, You Jin became a little bit estranged from He Family. Whatever celebration or event, she would always send Uncle Song to send the gift over. This way her interaction with He Family gradually decreased.
Later, from some unknown source, it was said that Lian Hua-er made things difficult for Su Family's Eldest Miss and caused Su Family and He Family's relationship to gradually fade away.
Zhao Chun Hua, who heard this from a neighbor, finally figured out the reason why when Xiao Ning came back for the third day bridal return a few days ago, You Jin politely declined the invitation to come over for a light meal. She sighed again: "Marry a wife, marry a virtue!"
Su Family didn't give this much attention to this matter. Now it was January. There was still more than a month before Second Miss and Gentleman Han Li's wedding. There were even more things to be occupied with. On top of that, Mrs. Han was also preparing to move out after the new year celebration. This year was the most lively and busy new year for Su Family.
"Elder Sister You Yin, after you and Elder Brother get married, can I still live with Elder Brother?" Han Er Hua asked curiously while lying on the window sill and took in the properly sorted new home with his big eyes.
Today, You Jin took You Yin and Han Li to visit the new home together while they made a final inspection to avoid any omissions.
You Yin stood behind Han Er Hua and cheerfully responded: "Of course, you can. Where does Er Hua want to live?" Er Hua was Han Li's only relative in this world. Maybe due to suffering a lot when he was young, Er Hua's temperament was calmer and more sensible than Kang-er's now. She felt distressed for Er Hua as well as liking him.
Standing behind the two of them, Han Li watched the warm interaction between his fiancée and his younger brother. A smile twinkled in his eyes. He remembered what his grandfather had said to him before he left the capital. As long as he and his younger brother are alive, they will be happy even if they were spirits in the sky.
It went without saying that Han Er Hua didn't know what his elder brother was thinking. Hearing that his future sister-in-law wanted to choose a courtyard for him, he naturally chose the east compound house that was closest to the main courtyard where his future brother and sister-in-law would live: "It's just that I can't live with Su Kang."
When they were in Su's house, the two children lived in the same room. The two were only three or four years apart in age and got along very well. THe thought of separating from Su Kang made Er Hua a little sad.
"It's okay. There's only a wall dividing you. You can go back and live there. Or Kang-er can come and live here. What does Eldest Sister think?" You Yin followed behind You Jin with a smile and suggested to Han Er Hua.
Hearing Elder Sister You Yin's idea, Han Er Hua immediately turned to Eldest Miss eagerly, for fear that she would disagree.
You Jin was amused by the two's actions and responded: "It's not a problem. But no matter where you live, literature and martial arts study can't be dropped." There was only one boy in the family. She wouldn't reject Kang-er having a playmate that he got along with like Han Er Hua. As long as the two children can have fun together and make progress together, there is nothing to say.
After going around the new home, You Yin broke off two branches of red plum blossom back. Finally everything in the new home was complete.
Chapter 144 Joyous event
February 18th was suitable for marriage.
"One comb to the end, worry not of wealth. Two comb to the end, be free of illness and worry..." The fully lucky matron invited by Su Family was performing the hair combing ceremony for the bride You Yin in her boudoir room.
Reflected in the bronze mirror was a hibiscus flower-like girl with delicate make-up on and slightly blushing cheeks. Her head was half drooped as she was at the mercy of the matron of honor. The bride was surrounded by four or five unmarried girls who were about her age. They were all friends You Yin met in Erya Academy. Each of them had a smile on their faces and found it both novel and amazing to see You Yin, who was always plain-faced in the past, to become so glamorous.
You Yin's boudoir was now full of people coming and going. It was quite lively. The servants of Su Family had also changed into joyous red clothes today. The entire Su Family had been fully decorated two days ago. Now as long as they enter the gate of Su Family, they will all be submerged by the sea of red. Quite a festive and lively atmosphere.
"Are you ready?" Today, You Jin specially wore a light goose yellow double-tipped lotus round-breasted jacket and a pink floor-length skirt. She even replaced her favorite jasper hairpin with red gold silk inlaid with red coral lotus hairpin. The pendant hanging under the gold-plated lotus necklace was a ruby jade carved into a half-opened lotus. It complemented the lotus embroidered on the cuff and tail of the skirt. It not only showed the identity of Su Family's eldest daughter, but also did not deliberately steal the limelight from today's star.
"Eldest Sister." You Jin saw Eldest Sister standing behind her through the bronze mirror and shyly smiled a little with curved eyes. Then she lowered her head a little, thinking that it was fortunate to have heavy makeup today. If not, her face would cause people to laugh at her red as a monkey's butt face.
You Jin took the crown from Qiu Fen and handed it to the fully lucky matron, who put it on for You Yin.
"What a beautiful crown!" The onlooking girls all exclaimed when they saw the crown on You Yin's hair. It was a crown made of pure gold and fine rubies. The cicada's wings thin begonia flowers and bingdi lotuses swayed slightly due to You Yin's slight movement. The fine rubies inlaid in it were as delicate and charming as ripe fruits. Especially the main gemstone, which was a pink pearl the size of an adult's thumbnail. Pink pearls were rare. And such a large, round and flawless pink pearl was even rarer!
You Yin saw this shining crown in the box. She was pleasantly surprised as well as feeling that it was too precious: "Eldest Sister, this is too precious..."
Eldest Sister and Mother had already prepared a dowry beyond ordinary people's imagination for her. Now such a precious crown was specially prepared. She didn't dare to accept it.
"I don't have much talent, but I hope our You Yin can be the most beautiful bride today." You Jin stood behind her younger sister and patted her on the shoulder: "Only like this, we're the daughter of our Su Family. It's perfect"
Originally, seeing You Yin's dowry being carried out one after another was enough to make people envious. Now seeing this crown, her close friends in her boudoir were even more envious: "Elder Sister You Jin, you are so wonderful!" "You Yin, you are so beautiful wearing this crown!"
You Jin smiled, and said: "It's hard work for you to come to accompany You Yin so early in the morning. There are many things happening at home today, so please forgive me for any poor hospitality."
She also ordered the attendant who was in charge of the affairs of Second Miss 's courtyard today to take good care of them. Then she apologized and withdrew.
You Jin and Mrs. Su were still talking with the guests in the front yard, when the sound of suona horns, gongs and drums sounded from outside. It turned out that the procession to welcome the bride had arrived.
Han Li was dressed so festively and lively today. When he rode out of the city on a tall horse, he felt that everyone's eyes were on him. It made this taciturn young man even more nervous.
Standing at the gate of Su's house, he tidied up his clothes nervously before signaling Wen Sheng and Liu Zhuo Ting, who were part of the bridegroom's side today, to call the door.
Seeing that the bridegroom was so nervous to the point that his forehead was sweating in early spring, the surrounding Wuliqiao villagers laughed coaxingly: "Don't be nervous, Groom! Afraid Mother-in-law won't let you in?"
Among the three, only Liu Zhuo Ting was married. It went without saying he led them to the door and shouted: "The groom is here to pick up the bride!"
The door of Su Family was still closed. You Zhu's laughing voice came from inside: "Who is coming to pick up the bride? Can't hear you clearly!"
Hearing Third Miss's mischievous response, not only the villagers of Wuliqiao laughed this time, but also the servants of Su Family all pursed their lips and giggled.
Even Mrs. Su, who was sitting in the main courtyard and heard Third Daughter's voice from a distance. She amusedly reprimanded: "Everyone saw a joke. My third daughter is still young and always loves to make trouble."
"Third Miss is lively. It's likable like this." A woman sitting on the left side, wearing a dark red lotus jacket and skirt, answered with a smile. This was the wife of a customer who had business contacts with Su Family.
This was the first time for Su Family to hold a wedding. Naturally, some people whom they had interaction with were sent invitations. Almost all the people who received the invitations came. After all, Su Family was getting richer and richer day by day. There was no wrong in making more friends.
The main courtyard was full of celebration and polite liveliness. You Zhu blocked the front courtyard for a long time. It was until when the matchmaker said that it was almost time, she let anxious Han Li come in.
Shortly later, You Yin with a veil on and Han Li each held one end of the red ribbon and went to the main courtyard to bow down to Mrs. Su.
Mrs. Su looked at Second Daughter kneeling in the hall with red eyes and urged someone to help her up: "Good child, get up quickly. You will be husband and wife after today. You need to support each other in the future and live a good life." She recalled how her daughter was born like a thin kitten and her cries were small meows. Now her daughter had grown into a young woman and was going to marry someone else today. She can't help but feel a little sad and reluctant.
Under the mandarin ducks playing in the water scarlet veil, You Yin couldn't help redden her eyes when she heard her mother's choked up voice. But remembering the matchmaker saying that tears shouldn't be shed on such a joyous day as it would be inauspicious, she held back her tears.
"Mother, after the third day return, You Yin will live next door soon. We can even eat together!" Standing beside Mrs. Su, You Jin comforted her in a soft voice: "On such a happy day, you should be happy!"
Mrs. Su wiped the corners of her eyes with a dark red handkerchief in her hand, nodded and said: "Mother is happy. Go quickly. Don't miss the time."
After Han Li cupped his hands to You Jin and bowed to salute, he led You Yin out of the gate of Su Family. The wedding procession received the bride. The sound of gongs, drums, firecrackers, and suona were lively and festive as it headed to Luohe Prefecture City. For the first three days of the big wedding, Han Li and You Yin will live in the house that You Jin bought for You Yin last year in the city of Luohe Prefecture.
Once the wedding procession left, three baskets of happy money were sprinkled at the gate of Su's house. There was a lot of excitement for a while before the villagers who watched the excitement dispersed.
Han Family had no elders alive. So You Yin and Han Li only bowed to the heaven, earth and ancestral memorial tablet at the wedding. After the bowing, the bride returned to the festively decorated bridal room with the support of the matchmaker.
Night was just beginning. There were already a lot of voices inside and outside the house. Food was passed out. Alcohol was served. There were people urging to drink and fist waved. A stage was temporarily set up and excerpts of harmonious life were acted and sung out. It was quite lively.
"Miss, why don't you have something to eat first?" Li Dong heard the faint bustle outside and whispered to You Yin: "I don't think Son-in-law will come back to the room so soon. Miss, don't starve yourself."
Under the red veil, You Yin could only see the red veil. Her hands folded together nervously and softly replied: "I'm fine. Go let everyone have fun, eat something, and rest for a while. It's fine with you alone."
Li Dong knew that Second Miss liked quietness. So she sent the matchmaker and others outside to have a rest: "Everyone has worked hard all day today. The kitchen outside has prepared wine and dishes. Everyone, go have some wine and food and relax!"
Back to Han Li's side. While entertaining the guests in the front, he was feeling anxious. When the male guests saw the bridegroom red faced and apologetically notified his temporary absence. All of them tacitly spoke with a yellow tone: "Hahaha, young men are still so anxious!"
Although there were normally five-six people, the atmosphere was lively after drinking wine. These male guests were rejoicing. The younger ones simply went to the bridal room with the bridegroom in a group: "Let's go and see how pretty the bride looks and why the groom is so anxious!"
Dafeng Kingdom had always had the custom of liven up the bridal room. It was just a few words of jeer to the bride and groom and teasing the newly wedded. When You Jin, who entertained guests in the female guest area separated by a screen on the other side of the yard and heard the servant mention that the guests were going to liven up the bridal room, she didn't head over. Instead, she ordered: "Auntie Song, take someone over there to watch. Don't let people trouble You Yin."
Receiving the order from Eldest Miss, Auntie Song led a few maids to the new house. You Jin continued to entertain the guests with a smile: "Ladies, let's eat and drink. If you need anything, just tell me."
Han Family had no elders. Most of the guests invited today were business contacts of Su Family. The two parties held a wedding banquet together. It was naturally obligatory for You Jin to entertain the guests.
"Miss Su, don't worry. We will tell you if we need anything!" The wives were also slightly drunk. Leaning on their chairs, they stared at the stage without turning their eyes and hummed along once in a while. It can be said they were very satisfied with Su Family's arrangement.
In the bridal room, several young men who came to stir the bridal chamber were stopped by Liu Zhuo Ting, Yue Wen Sheng, and the two servants of Su Family from entering the inner room of the bridal room. They only stared at the couple without blinking through a layer of gauze curtains as Han Li uncovered the veil.
Han Li felt that his lips were uncomfortably dry. Holding a scale tied with red silk and satin, he carefully raised the end of the red veil. Then he saw a pair of fair jade-like hands clasped tightly in front of her. It indicated how nervous the owner of the hands was right now.
"Don't be afraid, it's me." Han Li's voice was hoarse. He softly comforted his sweetheart.
"En." A vague answer followed as the veil was lifted. The delicately dressed little face bloomed like a flower in the night among the bright candlelight. Quite charming and moving.
"Wow!" Before Han Li could react, the young men who were spectating outside whistled.
Only then did You Yin realize that there were so many people watching. She blushed and lowered her head. What she didn't know was that this made her hibiscus-like face even more attractive. The crown on her head trembled slightly like a hibiscus flower dropping dews. A moving sight.
Liu Zhuo Ting was the first to come to his senses and tried to persuade with kind words: "Everyone, today is Younger Brother Han's big day. Since you and I have seen the excitement, as gentlemen we have to help others achieve their goals. We can't disturb them anymore. Why don't we move to the front hall and get drunk!"
Although the younger generations said they were here to stir the bridal chamber, they were willing to go along. It happened that Auntie Song brought people here at this time. The group of more than a dozen people came and left. It was really lively wherever they went.
Li Dong watched Son-in-law being fixed on Miss and Miss shyly bowed her head. She couldn't help but pursed her lips and smiled. She hurriedly took the matchmaker and others out, leaving only the couple in the bridal room.
"You, are you tired?" Han Li looked at his exceptionally beautiful sweetheart today. For a moment he didn't even know what to say. He just stood there like a log, not knowing whether to stand or sit.
You Yin's almond eyes were bright. She slightly raised her eyes to look at him: "Why are you back at this time? Aren't afraid of making people laugh!"
Seeing her look like a little girl, Han Li goofily laughed despite getting lectured, "I'm afraid you'll be bored and hungry in the room alone. So I came back to check on you."
Seeing how caring he was, You Yin stood up with a smile. Then she pulled him to sit in front of the round table full of sumptuous dishes: "In that case, you can eat some with me before going out to entertain guests."
You Yin had smelled the faint smell of alcohol long ago. Worried that he would hurt his stomach if he drank before eating anything, she dragged him to eat some dishes.
The young couple sat at the dining table without saying a word and ate in silence. After about a quarter of an hour, the two finished their meal. You Yin hurriedly pushed him out: "Go to the front to entertain the guests. It's bad to have Eldest Sister on her own."
In fact, she felt very shy seeing him coming back so early and just wanted to drive him out at once.
Han Li wasn't angry when his newly wedded wife pushed him out. He called Li Dong, who was standing far outside to come in and take care of her: "You wait upon Second Miss on washing up first. If it's late, tell Miss to rest first. My side will be rowdy for a while."
"Yes, don't worry, Master." Li Dong sent the son-in-law away. Only then she got someone to prepare hot soup and fragrant flowers. After serving Second Miss to wash up and at the insistence of Second Miss , she came out of the bridal room. After be busy for the whole day, she was finally able to go back and rest for a while.
Chapter 145 Newly wedded and third day return
The early spring sun quietly crept up the clear sky. The house, which was bustling until midnight, was still in deep silence. The servants seldom sleep until dawn. Now only one or two were busy cleaning up the mess from last night's wedding banquet.
Afraid of disturbing the newlyweds who had yet to make any movement in the main room, everyone's footsteps were much lighter. The huge courtyard filled with wedding decorations remained silent. Only a few early spring birdsong entered the still quiet bridal room and disturbed the couple's sleep.
"Hmm..." You Yin opened her somewhat heavy eyelids. Dazedly, she took in the somewhat unfamiliar environment she was in and felt the slight tingling pain coming from her lower body. The wild memories of last light's tussle flooded into her mind like a tidal wave. The cosmetic-free little face looked rosy as if it was touched up with the finest rouge. A young maiden's virgin shyness feel was reduced by three points and instead became charming and delicate.
Although the man beside her had yet to open his eyes, he seemed to have noticed her movements. His vigorous and strong hands directly encircled the exquisite girl in his arms. His lips were inadvertently pressed against the young girl's earlobe that was so red that it was about to bleed out. He murmured hoarsely: "We didn't rest until dawn, aren't you tired? Sleep with me for a while."
You Yin felt the hard body of a man completely different from hers hug her tightly and felt so ashamed that she wished she could dig a hole to hide in. How could she possibly obediently be hugged by him and sleep?
"Who said they have no strength last night? Now that we have had enough rest, how about we continue?" Hardness slowly tested the other party. Once the softness got used to it, he drove in, without giving the young woman any chance to resist.
"Ah! I didn't. Don't..." Before the young woman could react, she was bullied by him again. She felt as if her limbs were zapped by an electric shock. The young woman can only be disarmed and surrender. Following the man's movements, she sank into the novel and exciting world that she experienced for the first time last night.
Li Dong and Auntie Song were guarding outside the main room and their ears couldn't help but turn slightly red. They took another ten steps away.
Auntie Song turned her head to look at the peach trees that had already budded in the yard and smiled. Spring was here. How wonderful!
On the third day return, You Yin acted cute and promised compensation before Han Li spared her to get up and wash up: "Today is return home day. If we're late, who knows what the elders in the family will think!"
Holding two hairpins in front of the rhombic mirror, she compared them on her head. She put them down again and changed two more: "And you insist on messing. See how we'll make a fool of ourselves then."
She never knew that this stuffy gourd would blush from holding hands before to be so clingy and toss so much. The past few days had been absurd and blush-arousing. She gently removed the hand that was still sticking to her body: "Don't mess. It's time for someone to come in a while."
Seeing his wife's blush and charming appearance, Han Li felt a rush of hotness rushing up. He let go of You Yin with a dry cough as if nothing had happened and turned around to go behind the screen to change clothes.
Outside, Li Dong and the two maidservants carrying water and handkerchiefs heard no movement in the room, knocked on the door a few times, and opened the door after getting Miss's response: "Servant will wait upon Miss on washing up."
She changed into a water-red coat skirt. A snow rabbit jacket was added on the outside. So that even if she went out, she wouldn't be afraid of the blowing cold wind.
Standing behind Miss, Li Dong carefully rolled up Miss's long ink-like hair and said: "Miss's hair is growing better now."
As she spoke, her hand movement didn't stop. In a few strokes, she finished one cloud bun. It was then embellished with a red gold double fulfilling hairpin dotted with jade and ruby inlaid. Coupled with small and exquisite red coral earrings and ruby bracelets, she gave a vibe of festive and charming.
"Isn't this too gorgeous..." Because of Eldest Sister's influence, most of Su Family's girls liked to dress up in a simple and elegant way. Looking at the red self in the bronze mirror, You Yin wasn't used to it.
Hearing her words, Han Li, who had already changed his clothes and washed up, came over. His eyes lit up. Standing outside the gauze tent, he smiled and said, "This way looks very pretty."
Standing behind Second Miss, Li Dong felt the sweet atmosphere between the newlyweds and silently lowered her head. Should she go out?
After breakfast, the two of them headed back to Wuliqiao in a carriage. The return home gifts were prepared long ago. After the young couple left, the servants of the house in the city also tidied up under Uncle Ge's command. Two gatekeepers were left behind as the rest moved back to the new home in Wuliqiao.
Back to in Su Family's side, Mrs. Su got up early today to attend to matters. Although the children were brought up by Eldest Daughter, Mrs. Su felt out of sort now that her daughter was married. She feared that her daughter would be cold, hungry or wronged if she wasn't by her side. Her old mother's heart was about to break.
"Mother, please calm down!" Amused and helpless, You Jin pulled Mrs. Su to sit down: "You Yin only married into the house next door. She will come back for dinner in the future. You are worrying too much!"
On the eve of getting married, Han Li approached Mrs. Su and You Jin and mentioned to them the idea of not splitting up in the future. Mrs. Su was used to having a lively family, so how can there be any disagreements? It would be great if the two families live together as one family!
Seeing that the children in the family were covering their mouths and laughing at her, Mrs. Su meekly smiled a little: "Is Mother overreacting a little?"
"Mother, don't worry. Second Elder Sister should be here soon. If Mother acts too courteous, Second Elder Sister will think Mother is treating her as an outsider!" You Zhu walked up to Mrs. Su's side and grinningly squeezed her hand: "Second Elder Sister isn't an outsider, Mother. Why are you acting so reserved?"
"You're sprouting a lot of nonsense!" Mrs. Su amusedly reached out to poke You Zhu's forehead. Still, she listened and sat down with her daughters in peace as they waited for the newly wedded to return home.
Seeing their mother like this, the other little ones found it even more amusing. Every one of them were giggling. When You Yin came in, she saw her younger sisters covering their mouths and chuckling. Her smile perked along with them : "What's so funny that made everyone so happy?"
"Second Elder Sister!" Seeing that she was back, little Eighth rushed to her side first and hugged her. Then she turned her fleshy little hands to Han Li: "Elder Brother-in-law, red envelope!"
Due to little Eighth's actions, You Yin's jade face turned red: "Little Eighth! You're being naughty again!"
Usually, Han Li was reticent. However, there was a faint smile on his face today. He honestly took out the red envelopes from his pocket: "Red envelope."
It wasn't only little Eighth. The other younger siblings under You Yin all received red envelopes. As for Mrs. Su and You Jin, they were the elders. Naturally, they gave a red envelope to the juniors.
The young couple knelt on the soft cushion and handed the teacup to Mrs. Su: "Mother, drink tea."
Mrs. Su first accepted her son-in-law's one, took a sip and gave a red envelope. Then she took a sip of her second daughter's: "You are one family now. Whatever the matter in the future, you have to discuss it properly. Only when husband and wife are loving, the tray held at brow are level."
"Yes, Daughter (Son-in-law) follows Mother (Mother-in-law)'s teachings."
After offering tea, You He-Liu Zhuo Ting couple also arrived with their almost two-year-old little Liang Yu.
Since Yue Wen Sheng entered Fu Academy to study, he became closer to Elder Brother-in-law Liu. When he knew that Elder Brother-in-law was coming, he hurriedly invited him away, saying that they were going to ask Mr. Chen for pointers.
"Wen Sheng is working harder now. He will achieve great things in the future!" Mrs. Song, who was also invited to the main courtyard to talk together, watched the two younger generations leave with a smile. Thinking that if Lin Yu and Lin Feng were by her side and had such brotherhood, the elderly felt a little bit down.
Mrs. Han, who was sitting at the bottom, heard her praise her son and curved her eyes with a smile: "Old Madam, please stop praising him. I can't stop worrying. This child will be sixteen in the blink of an eye and his marriage hasn't been set yet. Even when he is struggling to study, he's short a person who can add clothing and serve water to him!"
"The child is still young. Do you want to be a grandmother at such a young age? Good Liang Yu, go and coax your maternal grandmother!" Sitting beside Mrs. Song, Mrs. Su's smile never dropped from her face.
Little Liang Yu was almost two years old now. She can talk and walk. Hearing what her maternal grandaunt said, she staggeringly opened her arms and waddled toward Mrs. Han: "Maternal Grandmother hug~"
This caused everyone in the main hall to laugh in amusement.
"Aiyo! Maternal Grandmother's good child!" Mrs. Han received little Liang Yu and pecked her a few mouthfuls. With an embarrassed smile, she glared at Mrs. Su: "Elder Sister-in-law is getting better and better at teasing people now."
There was continuous laughter in the main courtyard. The servants outside were busy serving tea and snacks, preparing meals and drinks, and cleaning up the new house. It was so lively inside and out. Much more lively than during the New Year .
After marrying You Yin, Han Li discussed with You Jin and decided to gradually hand over the work in Chaxiang. From now on, he only needed to go to Chaxiang once a season. For the rest of the time, he stayed in Luohe Prefecture and prepared the new shop.
Han Li was most familiar with Su Family's tea business. In addition, Luohe Prefecture was a big place. There were many customers traveling from north and south. Initially, Sujiami mainly sold various types of honey, flower dew, and scented tea. But there were many good tea varieties in Chaxiang. After a discussion, the two decided to open another Sujiacha shop in Luohe Prefecture.
"Although you and I are considered one family now, the accounts still need to be clear." You Jin closed the account book and shared her thoughts with Han Li who was sitting across from her, "The goods are exclusively supplied by my Su Family. However, you have to worry about sales and customer sources. So, after deducting the cost, the ratio will only be 3:7. How about it? "
"5:5!" Han Li had no objection to You Jin's approach. He only increased Su Family's share by 20%. Whether it was the Sujiacha shop or the tea leaves, they were all prepared by You Jin. He knew that You Jin was doing it for You Yin and himself. That was why he didn't want to take too much share.
You Jin glanced at him in surprise. Then she lowered her head and opened the next account book. She responded, "Deal. Whatever you need for the early stage planning, just ask Uncle Song for support. Labor and money have already been prepared."
Han Li's actions were fast. In less than two weeks, he had everything ready. After You Zhu and You Bao's coming-of-age 15th birthday on the third day of April and You Jin's 17th birthday on eighth day of April, the new Sujiacha shop was smoothly opened on the 13th of April.
The price of tea sold in Su Family tea shop opened by Han Li ranges from one silver coin a jin to the highest five hundred liang a jin. There were a total of thirty one kinds of tea names hanging in front of the tea cabinet. A spectacular sight.
Most of the people in Dafeng liked tea. This included the ordinary people in the countryside. On special occasions, they have to prepare some tea to entertain guests at home. Although Sujiacha's cheap tea was cheap, the quality was much better than the tea of the same price. In addition, tea leaves were things that can make a good few pots with a little bit. It was suitable for those who have a little money at home, but weren't willing to spend a lot of money on it to save face. That's why business had been good since it opened.
