As the Villainess Daughter-in-Law

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel dot net. Total: 112 Chapters and 2 Extras. Beware edited mtl. Waiting for the translator to update.

17. 81 to 87

Chapter 81: Delivery ◇

Nowadays, their malicious intentions remain undiminished.

In the main hall, Yu Lian stood in a daze, gazing at two large bundles before her.

The package was placed on the ground, bulging with contents, an enormous bundle that even a refugee fleeing a disaster might not carry as large.

The visitor, a young man in his late twenties or early thirties, smiled and said, "The one on the left is prepared by your parents, Lord and Lady Yu, for Miss Sixth. The one on the right is from my master."

"Which noble lady or lord do you serve?"

"My master is none other than the current Vice-Prosecutor General, Lord Li."

"Lord Li?" Yu Lian's gaze was filled with skepticism. Not only her, but even the original owner of this body was unfamiliar with any officials in the court, except for her father, who held the lowest rank of office.

The young man smiled and said, "Your Excellency has been away from the capital for several months and may not be aware that my master is Li Xiang, the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis's estate, who has been graciously favored by His Majesty and promoted to the position of Junior Commissioner of the Ministry of Justice. He had originally intended to come in person but due to the overwhelming demands of his official duties, he was unable to spare the time, hence he specifically sent me on this errand."

Yu Lian still found it peculiar. It was no surprise to her that Li Xiang had taken up an official position, given his status as a second-generation noble with royal connections; securing a role in the bureaucracy would have been effortless for him. However, what struck her as coincidental was how Li Xiang had dispatched his own servants to deliver this message shortly after she had written to her parents.

The young man seemed to have read Yu Lian's confusion and continued candidly, "There's one more thing you might not know."

"After your family moved out of the capital, your parents, Yu Sanlang and his wife, took your brother and established their own household elsewhere. The messenger you entrusted with the letter was unaware of this, so they delivered it and the items to the Wei Duke's residence, where it was intercepted by the gatekeeper. Later, Yu Sanlang and his wife found out and went to retrieve the letter, causing another dispute with the Wei Duke's family. When my master heard about it, he rushed over there."

"What happened then?" Zhu Ying raised an eyebrow, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart for his master. He remembered how that boy from the Ru Yang Marquis had become infatuated with Young Lady after meeting her, even following her all the way to the countryside. If not for the Ru Yang Marquis sending people to escort him back, he might have lingered indefinitely. Now, with his intentions still unscrupulous, he openly sent his own people to deliver gifts, even under the pretense of helping Young Lady's parents. It was clear what he was trying to do.

Such a person could not be taken lightly. Zhu Ying resolved to keep a close eye on the situation for his master.

With no elders present, only Yu Lian, Zhu Ying, Hua Sanduo, and the three children inspecting the package on the ground, the young man felt at ease to continue, "When my master learned that you wrote a letter to Lord Yu's parents, he hurried to ask Lord Yu if you had written to him as well. He even saw the mountain produce you sent and asked if there was anything for him."

"Lord Yu, being straightforward, replied that there wasn't, which saddened my master for the whole day. He said you must have forgotten about him as a friend. Hence, he stayed up all night to write you a letter and instructed his servants to open his treasury, selecting some useful treasures for you. He also ordered them to purchase women's items from famous shops in the capital before packing all these items."

"After everything was ready, he heard that Lord Yu was looking for a courier and immediately dispatched me, bringing this along as well. My master was concerned about your reputation, so he specifically asked me to pretend to be a courier for this trip."

With the explanation given, Hua Sanduo offered the young man a glass of water, which he eagerly drank in one go.

Zhu Ying's fists clenched audibly, his teeth grinding together. Now it was clear: Li's intentions were as plain as day, weren't they? Could his intentions be any more obvious?

Yu Lian, however, remained silent, not rushing to open the package. Instead, she ran into the inner room and returned with a few books in her hands.

Confused, Zhu Ying leaned in for a closer look. The title at the top read, "After Dumping Her Heartless Lover, She Met Her Perfect Match."

The corners of Zhu Ying's mouth twitched uncontrollably. He was about to ask what kind of improper book this was, yet strangely intriguing – truth be told, one of his friends had been curious about it.

However, the young lady removed the top book and passed it to the young man, revealing the cover of the second one, which read, "Sixth Miss Beats Up a Bald Monk."

Zhu Ying: "…" Wild, these books were truly wild.

Yu Lian presented all four books to the young man. They formed two complete sets, each with an upper and lower volume. As the young man took them, his hands trembled involuntarily.

Internally, he screamed in astonishment. How could Sixth Miss have these books?

None knew about their master writing novels except for a few of them who ran errands and had guessed the reason behind it. Ever since the master was taken back by the Marquis, she had poured her longing for her beloved into writing novels, especially during the initial days after returning to the capital. Several of her works had become bestsellers. Now that she had become an official, she no longer had the time. Privately, they even thought that their master was quenching her thirst by writing, expressing her hidden emotions through the novels.

Touched by their master's devotion, they, as servants, couldn't bear for her to be embarrassed in front of the subject of her feelings. If she found out, wouldn't she want to hide? How could they ever let her meet Sixth Miss again?

Not only did the books describe Sixth Miss, but they also seemingly portrayed her late husband, the heir of the East Yuan Marquis, in a thoroughly negative light. Given Sixth Miss's deep love for the heir, how could she not be furious upon reading such content?

Thinking of this, the man quickly stepped in to protect his master before Yu Lian could speak. "You've read them too? Who knows which immoral person wrote these? They must be madly infatuated with Sixth Miss to pen such lowbrow, vulgar books that offend her. It's infuriating and hateful. My master has read several and, upon finishing them, became so enraged that she smashed the books, tore them to shreds, and even sent people to shut down the bookstores selling such novels."

Yu Lian: "…Indeed? No wonder it seemed familiar. It turns out to be an adapted story."

"It doesn't matter if the plot is factual or not; it's exceptionally engaging."

"The choice of words is intriguing too. This person has some talent."

Upon hearing his master praised, the man was ecstatic and asked, "Really?"

Yu Lian nodded with a smile. "It does have its charm."

This left the man in a dilemma, his eyebrows knitted together. Should he tell Miss Sixth that this storybook was written by their Master Li Xiang? If he were to return and tell his master that Miss Sixth praised his writing skills and talent, wouldn't he be overjoyed?

But what had he just said!

While the young man was deliberating, Yu Lian first opened the package from her parents. Inside were three fur-trimmed capes, one white, another a serene light blue, and the last a deeper earth brown. They were all made from the same material, crafted with similar techniques, and felt thick and warm to the touch.

The message was clear – these capes were for her, her mother-in-law Mrs. Chen, and her grandmother for the coming winter. As the weather was turning colder, winter would soon arrive. With their financial situation, it would be challenging to afford such high-quality capes. Moreover, where could they find such fine items in the countryside? Even the capital city might not have such luxuries.

Yu Lian smiled slightly and unfolded the letter tucked within the clothing. It was a thick stack of three pages, the first written by her father. He inquired about his daughter's well-being, expressing gratitude for her filial piety and regret for not being able to provide her with a better life. He shared how he, along with her mother and younger brother, had moved out of the mansion, separated from Grandma and her uncles, and assured her to live her life without worry. He mentioned that the three of them were doing well.

Yu Lian blinked, then proceeded to unfold the second letter and continued reading.

The second letter was from her mother, who mentioned that she had received the clothing personally made by Mrs. Chen, her mother-in-law. What merit did she have to deserve such delicate hands to sew clothes for her? However, it was already too late for her mother to make the garments herself. With winter approaching, she had specifically gone to the Jingyi Pavilion in the capital city to select the three finest capes, intending for them to keep warm during the cold season. Mother, please take good care of yourself and don't catch a chill.

These days, your mother has been pondering that it might be for the best to leave the capital. Your safety and well-being surpass all else. Lately, the turmoil in the imperial city has intensified. Your father mentioned that the political climate is chaotic. The Empress has given birth to an imperial prince, while the Concubine has conceived another. The two factions are locked in a fierce struggle, and innocent bystanders could easily get caught in the crossfire. Rumors have it that the nomads from the borderlands are taking advantage of the winter lull to raid southward. They've even formed an alliance with the Liao people on both the western and northern borders, creating a formidable challenge. At this juncture, they have no time to concern themselves with you. From what I see, after two or three more years, when they've forgotten about you, we can return to the capital. Your mother will ensure a suitable residence for all of us...

Yu Lian rubbed her eyes gently before she could summon the courage to unfold the third letter. Unlike the first two, this one was written in large, clumsy characters, clearly the work of a child who had just begun to learn how to write.

Recalling the adorable appearance of her younger brother, Little Yu, a smile tugged at Yu Lian's lips, though her eyes remained slightly reddened.

A single sheet of paper was barely enough to contain a few bold characters; it merely read: "Are you well, sister? I miss you constantly." The atmosphere grew slightly solemn. After a moment, Zhu Ying spoke with a casual air, "Quickly open the other package and let's see what kind of treasures this nobleman from the capital has sent." He had noticed that the young lady's demeanor had turned pensive while reading the letter, likely missing her parents and siblings far away in the capital.

He wanted to lighten the mood with his suggestion.

The young man promptly opened the larger parcel.

Inside, they found a box. Upon opening it, they discovered two exquisite sets of costly jewelry, a pair of fur boots, and a vibrant crimson brocade quilt, which felt fluffy and soft, presumably stuffed with high-quality cotton. The exterior was made of fine silk damask, intricately embroidered with a pair of red and green magpies perched on a branch adorned with blossoming peach flowers. It was a design favored by the refined and affluent ladies of the capital – charming, elegant, and festive.

Yu Lian sighed, realizing that the package contained a quilt. No wonder it was so large; it was impressive for a man of his stature to have such meticulous attention to detail, knowing to send a quilt.

When she first arrived, her delicate skin couldn't endure the rough bedding, causing her to suffer from allergies for several days. It wasn't until she switched to a finer cotton quilt that she gradually acclimated.

Unfolding the brocaded quilt, she discovered a wooden box nested within. Upon opening it, she found it filled with premium cosmetics, the seals indicating they were from the finest cosmetic shop in the capital city.

Chapter 82: A Return Gift ◇

◎ She's truly remarkable ◇

As Zhu Ying read on, a sense of foreboding crept into her heart. This man is so concerned with Lady Yu, could it be that he truly intends to snatch her away?

The messenger then produced another letter, urging Lady Yu to open it.

Estimating the thickness of the parchment, Zhu Ying reckoned it contained at least two densely written pages – no less than what he'd write to his own master.

Yu Lian unfolded the letter, which was filled with the verbose and flirtatious style typical of the young casanova. It ended with a poem he had composed, expressing his longing for her and inquiring about her well-being. He also mentioned that he had few close friends in the capital, leaving him quite lonely, and asked her to remember to reply to him.

Zhu Ying watched Lady Yu's expression closely. Seeing only a gentle smile but no other signs of emotion, she felt a modicum of relief.

Lady Yu would never be swayed by such gestures!

Yu Lian instructed Aunt Mei to prepare another room in the courtyard where Zhu Ying currently resided, for the messenger to stay temporarily. Zhu Ying's eyes nearly popped out in anger, but she begrudgingly consented, watching as the shameless man's equally shameless subordinate moved into his very own courtyard, right next door to his room!

After her afternoon rest, the elder lady was escorted out by Mrs. Chen. Seeing the items scattered on the ground, she realized that it was a reply from their in-laws.

Yu Lian presented the cloak sent by her mother to her grandmother and mother-in-law, delighting the elder lady so much that her eyes crinkled into a smile. Holding the soft and thick cloak in her hands, she said warmly, "Your mother-in-law has truly put in a lot of effort."

"I was thinking that winter will soon arrive, and when we came here, it was still hot. We didn't bring many clothes, so we might have to spend more money to make new ones. This cloak is like a timely rain."

She then reminded Yu Lian to send her regards to her mother-in-law in her reply. Mrs. Chen also fondled her own outer garment, a simple lapis lazuli blue one that suited her perfectly. She loved it but felt a little embarrassed. It was nothing for her to make a few clothes for her mother-in-law, but the fabric bought in the countryside could never compare to that in the capital. Yet, in return, they received such an exquisite cloak...

"Lián-er, I'll write a letter too. You can send them both together later," Mrs. Chen initially wanted to ask Yu Lian to convey her greetings, just like the elder lady, but upon reflection, she decided that writing a letter herself would demonstrate her sincerity better, given how well her mother-in-law treated them. Besides... she had never had any close friends or confidantes, and for some reason, she now had a favorable impression of her mother-in-law.

Yu Lian agreed and took out the food from the package while putting away the rest of the items.

After Hua Sanduo waited for the ladies to finish their arrangements, he reported the outcome of his trip.

"As you instructed, I discussed with the fruit farmers. Since it's already autumn, and winter is on its way, any seedlings planted now wouldn't survive the cold. They might freeze to death, so I purchased a large quantity of fruits, buying whatever was available, and arranged for a cart to be delivered daily. As for the fruit seedlings, we can buy them next spring."

Yu Lian nodded appreciatively. "Well done. After we sell these canned fruits in winter, I'll give you a bonus."

Although Hua Sanduo admired his employer's confidence, he couldn't shake off his concern. "Are you really sure? While this can preserve the fruits for a while, it sounds novel. But what if the people don't buy them?"

Hua Sanduo worried that if they couldn't sell all those fruit preserves, they'd end up spoiling and causing a huge loss.

Yu Lian had already planned it out. She intended to create a narrative for the canned goods, establish their brand identity, and market them as luxurious gifts. It was a Chinese custom to exchange presents during festive seasons, so if the cans could become a trendy gift item with their extended shelf life, they would likely be well-received in the market.

Moreover, in ancient times, there were no greenhouses for vegetables and fruits. Winter made it challenging to find fresh produce. Yu Lian aimed to stock up in autumn and sell in winter. Currently, she was researching other types of canned food, such as pickled vegetable cans, meat cans, and seasoning cans.

However, the production cost of the cans was not insignificant, especially the sealing wax. Once her bee farm was operational, she would ask Hua Sanduo to search for a tree called waxberry. If planted on the farm, its fruit seeds contained abundant wax that could be extracted through boiling. If they could manage the entire production process themselves, reducing costs, mass production would be feasible.

After assigning these tasks, Yu Lian's attention turned to a potted plant on a nearby table. According to the messenger, this plant was a royal gift from the Emperor to Li Xiang's imperial sister, who then passed it on to her brother. Intrigued by its rarity, Li Xiang sent one to Yu Lian for amusement. As it bore no fruit and only had green leaves, Yu Lian had no idea what species it was. She decided to care for it on her windowsill.

After several days of producing a cartload of fruit cans each day, the cellar was almost filled to capacity. Yu Lian finally declared a halt to the operation.

She and Hua Sanduo tried selling a few cans in town, but alas, none sold, despite their promise of longevity. Nobody believed in the concept!

Seeing Hua Sanduo's disappointment, Yu Lian returned home.

Upon arrival, she sought her mother's help.

A few days later, a tale spread around the neighborhood. It spoke of divine food descending from heaven, destined for those fortunate enough to find it. The story claimed that the sick would recover swiftly upon consumption, while the healthy would enjoy peace and happiness. This miraculous food could be preserved indefinitely and kept at home. Whenever the desire arose, one could open a can, just as fresh as if it were cooked that very day.

Initially, the common folk had merely treated the story as mere entertainment and paid little attention. However, a few days later, the county magistrate's youngest son fell ill for several days. Wealthy merchant Madam Li and her son visited to offer their concern. The next day, the young master was miraculously cured, full of energy, and even took to the streets to play with cats and dogs, much to the delight of others.

Word spread that Madam Li had presented a magical sweet jar, passed down by an immortal, which had cured the child. As a result, he immediately went out to frolic with pets. People approached Madam Li to verify the tale, and she confirmed its truthfulness. Not only that, but she had also distributed these "divine food jars" to all the prominent families she knew. Upon receiving them, everyone was thrilled, not only because of their exquisite and peculiar packaging but also due to their sweet and soft texture, which both elders and children enjoyed. Curious individuals began inquiring about where Madam Li had purchased them.

With a smile, Madam Li cryptically replied that it was a matter of fate, revealing that the seller would only occasionally offer a few jars when in high spirits, and the time and place of sale were unpredictable.

The more elusive the jars became, the greater the desire to acquire them. As a result, various mythical versions of the divine food tale emerged, eventually transforming into a story of celestial delicacies brought down by immortals from heaven, containing magical remedies that instantly rejuvenated the sick, surpassing any medication.

Upon hearing the tale from Hua Sanduo, Yu Lian couldn't help but twitch her lips. She had to admit that in an era where commercial advertising was scarce, her marketing strategy – a combination of advertisement, scarcity, and celebrity endorsement – had successfully promoted her canned goods.

She first tapped into the popular fascination with fantastical stories, crafting a legend to establish a "backstory" for her jars. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood in modern times, when parents would buy sweet canned treats to comfort sick children, she created the tradition of enjoying cans during illnesses.

This was the "jar concept" she wanted to embed in people's minds, making sales much easier. Furthermore, she exploited the fact that the jars could be preserved for extended periods, reinforcing the "divine food" myth. After all, who had heard of ordinary food lasting long? In summer, it spoiled within a day, and even in winter, it wouldn't last many days.

While the astute might not fall for the ruse, who would genuinely question a tale with a touch of magic? It was simply a delightful novelty.

Finally, after allowing the story to simmer for a few days, her mother, Mrs. Chen, who was renowned for her embroidery skills and had once created a bridal screen for the daughter of wealthy merchant, Mrs. Li, would pay the latter a visit. She would bring with her the finest rouge that Li Xiang had sourced from the capital. This particular rouge shop was notoriously exclusive, reportedly selling only to high-ranking officials and the elite; commoners, even wealthy merchants, found it difficult to gain entry.

With this precious box of rouge as an offering, the path to Mrs. Li's door would be paved. Coincidentally, Mrs. Li's son was a close friend of the county magistrate's son. The magistrate's son, having recently landed in trouble, was pretending to be ill at home and desperately needed a plausible excuse to "recover." When she and her son visited with the canned food for him to consume, it would naturally provide a convenient way out of his predicament. Thus, the tale of the miraculous canned food would be further solidified.

Capitalizing on this excellent publicity, she instructed Hua Sanduo to seize the moment and occasionally sell a few cans in the market. Sometimes he'd carry ten, other times a dozen or twenty, and occasionally even thirty, but never more. Once they were sold out, he would promptly withdraw.

Those fortunate enough to purchase the divine sweet cans treated them like treasures, boasting about their acquisition before carefully storing them at home or presenting them as invaluable gifts to cherished ones. Initially, people were skeptical that this was truly the same food consumed by the county magistrate's son. However, Hua Sanduo, quick-witted and resourceful, began selling near the Li residence, where the family's servants confirmed that the cans were indeed the same ones taken to the magistrate's household. This fueled the hype, and soon, Hua Sanduo's face became recognizable as the vendor of the mystical food among many townsfolk.

Given the steep price of 100 wen per can, only a few determined citizens could afford it, typically those from well-off middle- to upper-class families. Occasionally, one family would attempt to purchase all available cans. Thankfully, Hua Sanduo adhered to his employer's directive, limiting each customer to no more than two cans; any more, he wouldn't sell. His employer believed that with more people buying, the product's reputation would grow.

He even announced that during the winter, there would be gift boxes containing divine food jars, perfect for giving as presents during festive occasions.

With these moves, he had earned both money and reputation. Now, all that was left was to await the release of the gift boxes, which would undoubtedly bring in another substantial profit.

In the meantime, she continued her research on other canned food varieties, such as pickled vegetable jars, and even experimented with canned Dongpo Pork, braised pork, and preserved meat with preserved vegetables. The additional heating step before sealing the jars gave the meat a unique softness and savory flavor when opened, earning praise from the entire family.

She packed five jars each of Aunt Two's famous pickled radishes and wild pickles, along with five cans of various meats, and ten jars of sweet fruit preserves. She bundled them together, planning to entrust Li Xiang's errand runner with delivering them back to the capital.

As a return gift to Li Xiang, she duplicated the same package she sent to her parents, along with two letters for each of them. In her letters, she reassured her parents not to worry about her, as she was doing well and her life had become smoother. She had also started a successful business. She asked them to try the new treats and requested that they need not frequently write to her to avoid any inconvenience.

Adding some affectionate greetings and inquiries, she sealed the envelope.

The letter to Li Xiang, on the other hand, mentioned rural anecdotes, asking about his well-being, and playfully teased him about his skill in writing stories. Nothing more was said, as this letter was composed openly in the main hall, without any attempt at concealment.

Zhu Ying covertly stole a glance, then secretly rejoiced, reassured that the young madam truly loved her master alone and paid no attention to other suitors.

With so many items, the young messenger couldn't carry them all by himself. Somehow, during his brief departure, he managed to summon two laborers to assist with the load. Together, they left in a carriage.

Before leaving, he cast a glance at the Hu family's courtyard, standing resolutely before the lush green hills of the countryside. The vast fields in front awaited their owner's touch to grow greenery, while a clear river meandered nearby. Villagers frequently entered and exited the workshop adjacent to the courtyard, engaged in their bustling activities, creating a lively rural tableau.

He smiled, reflecting that the young master had unnecessarily worried. Miss Sixth was doing just fine. During his stay, he had witnessed her canning, selling, and constantly exploring new culinary delights, all while educating her three younger siblings, honoring her aged grandparents and in-laws, and managing the household affairs with clarity. Whenever anyone in the family faced an issue, they turned to her for advice, making her the de facto pillar of the family.

How many girls could achieve such a feat, let alone the delicate and pampered daughters of noble families? He genuinely admired Miss Sixth; she could thrive anywhere, and seemed to enjoy this busy rural life more than the high-society existence in the capital. The vitality she exuded was something no aristocratic lady in the city possessed, as they were often preoccupied with marrying well and conforming to societal expectations.

Miss Sixth, however, was truly living her own life, striving for her own happiness. Rather than being a refugee in the countryside, her departure from the capital seemed to have given her control over her destiny. She was flourishing here, and the imagined hardships the young master had conjured up were non-existent. Any notion of being a hero to rescue her from adversity was merely a fantasy.

Chapter 83: The Eighth Month of Winter

◎Master, you're incredible!◎

Once the lunar month of La entered, it marked the coldest period of the year. None of the family had anticipated such frigid temperatures in Shangyi Village. Women, in particular, were susceptible to the cold. Fortunately, the fur cloaks sent by Yu Lian's mother proved invaluable; the three women wore them constantly, causing much distress to Aunt Mei.

As she was merely a concubine of the Hua family, Yu Lian's mother would naturally have no knowledge of the household's other occupants and thus hadn't considered providing for concubines. Moreover, the custom of gifting did not extend to a concubine from one's in-laws, so Aunt Mei was left without a gift.

Aunt Mei shivered so much that she refused to leave the kitchen, where wood fires burned all day, making it the warmest spot in the house. She decided to stay hidden inside.

Fortunately, Yu Lian's earnings allowed her to generously provide her family with high-quality padded clothing. Aunt Mei and her three children even received extra thick coats, which filled her heart with gratitude. As a concubine, to be noticed and cared for by the head of the household, rather than being treated as invisible, was an immense blessing. She could hardly bear to recall the hardships of being a peasant concubine.

December was the busiest time for the entire Hua family.

As Yu Lian was occupied with earning money, the others in the family tried their best not to burden her with household chores. With the approach of winter and numerous festive occasions, such as the significant Laba Festival, followed by the New Year celebrations, this would be the Hua family's first major holiday since returning to their ancestral village, Yuxi. They were determined to make it a grand and uplifting event to dispel past gloom.

During the festivities, aside from family reunion, food was naturally the most important aspect. Not wanting these matters to trouble Yu Lian, Aunt Mei spared no effort to learn various culinary skills. She picked up signature dishes from one neighbor and hearty recipes from another, preparing to showcase her talents during the celebrations.

The three children, though young, sensed the fresh atmosphere at home. Though they didn't show it, they understood the stark contrast between their previous life in the city and their current rural existence. There were times when they had been fearful too. But now, with the family situation improving, their spirits lifted, and they became more focused and relaxed. They no longer misbehaved in their studies with the young scholar and instead put in extra effort. Even their martial arts training with Master Zhu Ying progressed well, and they demonstrated great enthusiasm.

On the eve of Laba Festival, Yu Lian rented a shop in the county to sell various canned goods produced by her family. The grand opening was scheduled for the day before Laba Festival, accompanied by lion and dragon dances, creating a lively atmosphere. The shop was named Immortal Delights Hua Store, with "Immortal Delights" derived from the legend of the canned food deity and "Hua" representing the Hua family – simple and straightforward.

The signboard was written by Young Master Hua Tianqu. Despite his frail appearance, his calligraphy was strong and vigorous, exuding an irresistible charm. As soon as it was hung up, the onlookers cheered in admiration!

Due to the grand opening festivities and a congratulatory gift of a gilded abacus sent by Madam Li, quite a crowd gathered to watch the spectacle.

Hua Sanduo first bowed to the assembled townsfolk, then clapped with a broad smile on his face. Following that, a row of four or five apprentices, dressed in outfits bearing the words "Immortal Delights Hua Store," stepped forward. Each of them carried several elegantly designed gift boxes.

These square gift boxes were made of wood but wrapped in cotton fabric, adorned with intricate embroidery. In the top right corner, the words "Immortal Delights Hua Store" were sewn, along with a brand logo – a pure white lotus. The colors and embroidery patterns on the boxes varied; some were red with embroidered mandarin ducks or longevity symbols, others pink with peaches or pear blossoms, blue with carp, and even higher-end versions made of silk with matching spoons and handkerchiefs included – these were premium gift boxes.

Each apprentice showcased a different tier of gift boxes, parading them around before placing them on empty shelves.

Then, Hua Sanduo took each can one by one to introduce them.

Although he was not skilled in farming nor diligent, he proved to be quite adaptable in business and interacting with people. He vividly recounted the story behind the Immortal Delights cans, captivating his audience. Upon finishing his tale, the crowd erupted in applause.

He chuckled and said, "Our proprietor mentioned that the story is just a tale. Please don't take it too seriously. If you're unwell, consult a doctor; if you have grievances, seek the authorities. Immortal Delights are simply meant for enjoyment."

This prompted laughter all around.

He continued, "But this Immortal Delicacy jar is sweet to the taste, doesn't it bring a sweetness to your hearts as well? With a good mood, everything in life will fall into place, from health to harmony in all aspects. You won't be at a loss or cheated. Even if you don't give them away, keeping them at home for those times when you need a lift, when you're ill, or when you're happy - doubling your joy, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

The crowd laughed even louder, some clapping their hands heartily, slapping loudly, "You're quite the businessman, aren't you? Hearing you talk like that, I can't not buy today."

The steward from the Li residence called out, "Two boxes of each variety, and ten boxes of the top-grade selection!"

In his mind, the steward recalled how, before he left, Lady Li had instructed him to not only deliver the gifts but also to seize the opportunity to promote the merchant's business. Was it solely due to the expensive rouge box, or did Lady Li have another strategy in mind?

Thinking of how Lady Li had been so enamored with that rouge box these past days, women truly were women, easily swayed by cosmetics. If it had been Master, would he have paid such attention to a small vendor like this?

Not even a glimpse can be caught!

With the butler of the Li Estate's grand opening offer, a moment of hush fell upon the surrounding crowd. Immediately after, numerous voices eagerly raised, "I'll take one box. I want the box adorned with blooming peaches."

"Present me with a Thousand-Tree, Myriads-of-Pear-Blossoms gift box!"

"I desire the 'Swans in Amorous Play' scene!"

"I desire two boxes of the Hundred-Year-Longevity Chests!"

Amidst the anticipation, Hua Sanduo beamed and announced, "My esteemed patrons, there's no need to rush. In celebration of our grand opening, our esteemed proprietor has a gift for you. For those who purchase two boxes or more, you'll receive a complimentary side dish canned in premium jars. High-end gift boxes will come with canned meat, while the standard ones will include vegetarian canned delicacies. The more you buy, the more you get. We have a limited supply of five hundred cans as gifts, so it's first come, first served!"

No sooner had the words left his lips than those who had just asked for one box immediately changed their request to two. Some sought to fulfill their order with varying colored and quality gift boxes; such an arrangement was also acceptable. Hua Sanduo thus made a decision based on the total cost: for orders exceeding eight hundred wen, he would include a canned meat product as a bonus.

For example, the most affordable option is a gift box priced at three hundred wen, followed by one priced at five hundred wen, making a combined total of eight hundred wen - this set can also be gifted. The most expensive one is an exquisite gift box wrapped in silk, costing a substantial one tael and eight hundred eighty-eight wen. Its luxurious and festive packaging makes it sell faster than the others. The reason behind this is that under the influence of the Li household, the wealthy patrons have promptly purchased all twenty boxes available in the store.

In addition to these, the shop has even introduced canned Laba Porridge! While Laba Porridge is a dish that every household prepares, canned Laba Porridge is something unheard of! The Laba Festival is just around the corner, and who wouldn't want to keep up with the trend and offer a gift bearing good auspices?

As a result, the newly launched Laba Porridge canned food sold just as well as the fruit cans, with festive embroidery of New Year's paintings of children on the packaging, adding an extra touch of joy to it.

Hua Sanduo counted the silver coins until his fingers ached, his eyes crinkling with joy. He had already worshiped Miss Lian as a goddess in his heart – she was truly divine! She had managed to earn so much silver without any initial investment, from creating these peculiar canned delicacies to advertising and selling them. Every step unfolded exactly as she had predicted. As her executor of innovative ideas, Hua Sanduo knew firsthand that each stage was meticulously designed by Miss Lian's brilliant mind. The more extraordinary the idea, the better the outcome!

This only strengthened his resolve to follow Miss Lian's lead! He even believed that Miss Lian was born to be a merchant, and it was a great loss for her to have been born as a wealthy lady!

Zhu Ying stood guard inside the shop, clutching a sword. With Madam Li's support and the young mistress's prominent appearance and special status, it was inconvenient for her to be seen. Thus, Hua Sanduo took charge of the business operations, while Zhu Ying acted as a protector, ensuring no troublemakers disturbed the scene.

Fortunately, due to Madam Li's support, no one dared to cause trouble. Everyone was merely observing from the sidelines. Amidst the bustling sales, passersby were drawn to the commotion, swelling the crowd. Hearing that the Immortal Food Cans could be perfect gifts for festive occasions, people scrambled to pull out their silver, fearing they might miss the opportunity if they waited too long.

It was an annual celebration, so even if it was a bit pricier, it was worth it for the prestige!

The flow of people never ceased, and as the money rolled in, the store's inventory dwindled, prompting the clerks to continually replenish from the storeroom in the back.

Zhu Ying maintained a stoic bodyguard-like expression, but inwardly, she was elated. It felt like the silver was pouring into Young Lady's purse, and Young Lady was truly formidable!

Before long, Young Lady might even become richer than her master. Wouldn't that make the master feel ashamed? Haha.

Hua Sanduo was swamped with work every day, too exhausted to move. It wasn't until the night before the Laba Festival that he finally closed the shop and returned to the village, bypassing his own home to first join Zhu Ying in visiting the Huas to deliver the good news.

Yu Lian, on the other hand, remained calm and unconcerned about the business outside. Entrusting everything to the combined efforts of Hua Sanduo and Zhu Ying, she stayed at home contentedly, preparing festive delicacies alongside her family for the Laba Festival.

As the old saying goes, after the Laba Festival comes the new year. For ordinary folk, the significance of the Laba Festival rivaled that of New Year's Day. It was a reward for their hard work throughout the past year. It felt as though the year was only complete after Laba, and on this day, they would sit together, enjoying Laba Festival dishes, reminiscing about the past. It made their lives seem more meaningful, and the hardships of the previous year seemed to be swallowed along with the Laba porridge, turning into sweet fruits.

This was especially true for Shangyi Village, a traditional and large family-oriented settlement.

It was only now that Yu Lian's family learned of the many customs surrounding holidays in Shangyi Village. As they adapted to local traditions and revived ancestral practices, they happily embraced their new identity within the community.

In the village, there was a custom of exchanging Laba porridge or Laba fruits. The ingredients for both were similar, but the preparation methods differed. Laba porridge was a delicious and sweet vegetarian soup made by boiling a mixture of rice, osmanthus, lotus seeds, peanuts, red beans, green beans, and various grains. The fruits, on the other hand, involved steaming these ingredients, adding sugar, grinding them, and mixing them with flour. Then, they were fried in ample oil to create Laba fruits. This method was more popular among children, who found the oily and sugary treats more appealing than the porridge. Who wouldn't love them?

Some clever wives would encase the sweet and glutinous Eight-Trifles filling within white dough, frying them into Eight-Trifles Pancakes. A single bite would reveal the delectable filling, known as Open-Mouthed Eight-Trifles, symbolizing the ingestion of the previous year's abundance, hoping for an even better new year.

Lady Mei prepared each variation. In her view, since her family had fallen from grace and now lived in the countryside, they couldn't afford to skimp on festive foods, or it would be a great loss.

Thus, she made Eight-Trifles Porridge, two styles of Eight-Trifles Pancakes, and even invented Eight-Trifles Dumplings to add to the Eight-Trifles Noodles, turning the tradition into a culinary spectacle.

After completing the array of Eight-Trifles feast in the kitchen, Lady Mei packed each dish into food boxes. She then assigned two boxes to each of her three children, instructing them to visit their neighbors in the village, greeting them with "Happy Eight-Trifles Day" and exchanging their Eight-Trifles Porridge or Pancakes.

The children left cheerfully with their food boxes, visiting households like Uncle Two's that were close to their hearts. Upon returning, their boxes were still brimming with exchanged delicacies, and each child even had a copper coin in their pocket, a gift from Uncle Two.

Aside from the family-sized Laba Porridge, they had to prepare a variety of substantial dishes, for Upper Village had the custom of holding a Laba Sacrifice on this day, honoring their ancestors, the heavens, and the five domestic deities.

Each household was expected to prepare at least five offerings for the ceremony, which would then be brought back home for consumption after the ritual.

In previous years, when Upper Village was impoverished, people would contribute whatever they could, often substituting rough bread for more elaborate offerings. But with Yu Lian's family moving in, their efforts in reclaiming land, constructing houses, and establishing workshops had generated significant income for the villagers, benefiting almost every household. Even those unable to engage in physical labor for house building could work in the workshops, preserving canned goods for others. Thus, Yu Lian fulfilled her promise that everyone would have a share, and there was no need to worry about not being selected.

With tangible income, the festive season became more enjoyable. Combined with a bountiful harvest due to favorable weather conditions, each household put in great effort to prepare delightful treats.

When Hua Sanduo and Zhu Ying returned, their three children had already exchanged Laba Porridge with their neighbors. Upon hearing about the delicious and abundant food at Yu Lian's, some villagers even made special trips to exchange their own. The house was bustling with visitors coming and going.

The family was busy preparing offerings.

Hua Sanduo entered with a beaming smile, unable to contain his excitement as he blurted out, "Host, Host, you're incredible! We've struck it rich!"

The villagers who had dropped by to exchange their Laba porridge paused in their steps. Fortunately, they were all perceptive. No matter how curious they were, they knew it was not appropriate to eavesdrop on private business matters, so they quickly withdrew.

Hua Sanduo, caught up in the moment, hadn't realized there were so many people in the courtyard. He waited for them to leave before returning to the main room with the host's family, shutting the door behind them.

Gently patting Zhu Ying's hand, he said, "Hurry and take it out."

Chapter 84: Crimson Affection ◇

◎ After the joy, it was time to count the coins and divide the earnings. ◎

A bulging bag filled with silver coins was placed before the entire family.

Everyone, except Yu Lian, was rather stunned.

It wasn't that they lacked exposure to the world; they had once held banknotes worth tens of thousands of taels in their arms without much fuss. However, now, as a bag of loose silver coins jingled before them, it stirred an unusual excitement within them.

Yu Lian untied the drawstring of the bag, poured its contents onto the table, and the sound of clinking silver coins echoed through the room.

The twins couldn't resist reaching out their small hands to catch the continuous flow of coins. The varying-sized pieces of silver and strings or scattered copper coins landed in their tender palms, then trickled through their fingers onto the table. Their faces flushed with excitement as they whispered in awe, "Silver, silver, so much silver!"

Even though Hua Sanduo had counted these coins before, his excitement was no less than the children's. His voice trembled as he exclaimed, "In just a few days, we've earned this much silver, more than all the money I've seen in my life!"

Yu Lian chuckled and asked, "You've counted them?"

"It's seven hundred ninety-five taels and three hundred seventy-eight wen! I've counted them many times, not a single copper coin is amiss!"

The children let out exclamations of "Wow," but their surprise stemmed not from thinking it was too much, but rather too little. In the past, within the Marquis's mansion, they were accustomed to seeing adults handle silver notes and large ingots of silver—considerably high denominations in their young minds. Subconsciously, they had come to believe that such a sizable heap of silver should amount to a considerable sum. To their astonishment, it turned out to be less than eight hundred taels.

Yu Lian smiled gently and stroked their heads, explaining, "That's because these are copper coins and broken silver pieces. They might seem numerous due to their small denominations, but when added together, they amount to less than a large silver note or a taels of gold."

Yu Lian felt quite content. Initially, she had set an estimate for herself, hoping to sell around five hundred taels before the Laba Festival. That would be considered a decent outcome. The profits from that would recoup all the costs, including the expenses for purchasing the mountain, materials, labor for the workshop, and the cost of acquiring the shop itself.

We've earned nearly three hundred taels more than anticipated. After the Laba Festival in two days, we can resume business for the new year's trade. With the reputation we'll gain from selling during the Laba Festival, why would we worry about business during the new year?

When all is accounted for, the profits during the New Year period would be sheer earnings.

"Has your shop run out of all its goods?"

Hua Sanduo lifted his chin proudly. "Indeed, we sold everything. Even when we were closing up, someone rushed over wanting to buy more. I told them we were out and suggested they come back in a couple of days."

Half of the stock was still stored in the cellar. Yu Lian mused that, despite it being winter now and impossible to make fruit preserves, they could certainly produce more meat-based canned goods. Didn't they have that entire batch of wild boar from last time, which they had cured into bacon? Wouldn't that do?

The river was beginning to freeze, and the villagers mentioned going ice-fishing. Perhaps they could try making fish canned in spicy sauce? The thought of it made her mouth water at the delicious prospect.

As she pondered these ideas, she wished they had some chili peppers. A spicy and numbing fish head canned dish would be absolutely delectable. Just the thought of it caused her mouth to water.

Zhu Ying pondered and said, "That wealthy merchant, Madam Li, seems rather unusual. She's being overly attentive..." Since ancient times, merchants were known for their cunning ways. Even if someone had an honest character, they would never do anything at a loss. She had already fulfilled her part by accepting the rouge and promoting it. Why would she then send her steward to deliver gifts?

Having served her master for so long, Zhu Ying, though not well-versed in business or intrigues, had learned that excessive kindness often hid ulterior motives.

Yu Lian smiled and shook her head. "Let her be. We'll just accept her gestures. If there's nothing, we'll pretend ignorance. If there's truly an issue, she'll come forward."

Zhu Ying nodded in admiration. Her young mistress truly had the demeanor of a great leader. Little did she know that her bias towards her young mistress was thicker than the walls of their home... At the slightest hint of praise, she would exaggerate it. Hua Ji, who had just received Zhu Ying's latest letter, could attest to this.

The subordinate he had dispatched had become a fervent admirer of the young mistress. In the initial letters, the young mistress's praises were still somewhat restrained. But in the most recent one, two-thirds of the content was devoted to extolling the virtues of his young mistress.

Upon finishing the letter, the man's weary and cold gaze softened with a hint of a smile. For the first time in a long while, he felt an undeniable sense of relief and pleasure.

From the moment he received the first letter from Zhu Ying, an inexplicable anticipation took hold of him, eagerly awaiting each new correspondence. Upon finishing each letter, a profound sense of warmth would suffuse his heart, soothing his hatred and ambitions, if only for a brief respite. It was as if a wounded runner, scarred from relentless pursuit, suddenly found all injuries healed in an instant. A soothing warmth coursed through his limbs from the core of his being, offering him a long-forgotten sense of comfort and relaxation.

Once more, after a cursory glance, {Zhu Ying} delved into a meticulous reading of each word and phrase from start to finish. True to her nature, she had been verbose, this time filling an unprecedented three pages. Yet, {Hua Ji}, undeterred by the length or redundancy, patiently perused every line.

In my mind, a woman's figure slowly takes shape, outlined with elegance and grace.

She was dressed in a vibrant red bridal attire, her eyes shimmering with tears yet brimming with determination as she stepped into the shattered East Yuan Marquis residence without hesitation. With unwavering resolve, she abandoned wealth and glory, leading her entire family away from the bustling capital. She scolded her young twin brothers with a firm hand, imbued with the wisdom and teasing of an elder sister. She affectionately clung to her elderly grandmother's arm, cajoling her into joy. She subtly inspired her disheartened father to regain his strength. She managed the family's livelihood, displaying both spirit and cunning in her quest for income...

Zhu Ying had mentioned in his letters on multiple occasions that the young madam would often lean on her desk at night, gazing at the moon as she thought of her beloved.

He wrote, "The young madam was lost in thought by the window for a long while, seemingly missing you again."

"The young madam truly adores you."

"Her affection extends to the two young masters and lady as well, treating them exceptionally well. She has hired tutors for their education and even appointed me as their martial arts instructor..."

At this thought, the man's eyes drooped slightly, and a flush tinged his ears. His throat tickled, prompting him to cough twice.

Outside the door, a concerned subordinate asked, "My lord?"

He replied that he was fine. The subordinate muttered under his breath, "Zhu Ying must have rambled on and on again. My lord has been reading that letter for almost an hour and still hasn't come out. Two paragraphs would have sufficed; the rest is just nonsense!"

Hua Ji spread the letter flat, ready to fold it neatly into the box. He had a special letter box with a lock, designated for storing family correspondence. As he frequently traveled for his grand mission, he could only receive letters after long intervals. However, he always carried this box with him, taking out the letters when he needed some comfort.

Midway through folding, his gaze sharpened as he noticed writing on the back of the third sheet. Apparently, Zhu Ying had run out of space and resorted to using the reverse side.

The message on the back was a warning: "My lord, be cautious. Li Xiang, the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis, still harbors malicious intentions. He's sending letters and gifts to win over the young madam. Fortunately, the young madam remains steadfastly devoted to you, showing no sign of wavering. Nevertheless, we must guard against that fellow!"

His lips, which had been curled in a faint smile, gradually flattened as he read the letter. His elegant brows knitted together, and his starry eyes fixated on those few lines for a long while, as if he could pierce through the thin parchment.

A subordinate knocked on the door, informing him that a counselor wished to see him. He returned to his senses, carefully placing the letter back into a locked box.

Yet, the crease between his brows remained unrelieved.

He was concerned.

Very much so.

"Master, at present, the court is plagued with internal strife and external threats. The two opposing factions, along with the Empress and the Concubine, are vying for power amidst the chaos of the Empress's pregnancy and the birth of a prince. Meanwhile, barbarian tribes like the Hu and Liao are eagerly watching from the borders. Yet, the young emperor is overly conceited, taking none of this seriously. He's still indulging in amusements with women. Perhaps we should seize this opportunity..."

The man shook his head slightly. "The time is not ripe. We wait."

He recalled that after his death in his previous life, his soul wandered for years. In the following two years, natural disasters struck one after another – drought in the south, floods and locusts in the north, poor harvests, and many displaced citizens. There were even two earthquakes near the capital, causing countless casualties. With too many corrupt officials in the court, the Empress and the Concubine appointed relatives to key positions. The relief efforts were riddled with corruption, and only a small portion of the aid reached the people. As a result, the emptying treasury had to increase taxes in unaffected regions, further burdening the common folk and plunging the entire land into a state of suffering and disorder.

Seizing the opportunity, the barbarians from the frontier tribes, including the Hu and Liao, united with smaller tribes to invade the Central Plains. That was when the true internal strife and external threats emerged. What they were witnessing now was merely a prelude.

Amidst the natural disasters and warfare, rebellions soon sprang up across the land.

He didn't witness the final outcome, for when he woke up again, he found himself transported back to the night when both he and his father were captured and imprisoned. It was too late for him to make any arrangements except instructing his covert subordinates to withdraw. He was then thrown into jail alongside his father outside the palace gates.

But from the moment he returned, he began planning for the next two years.

Only amidst chaos did he stand a chance to avenge himself.

...

Yu Lian divided the silver equally among her family, ensuring each person counted their share before stacking them together to confirm the correct amount. She set aside five hundred taels as a recouped investment, considering it a cost recovery, while the remainder constituted profit.

She allocated nearly three hundred remaining taels, setting aside two hundred as capital for the next venture. The balance of fifty taels, she gave to Mrs. Chen.

Mrs. Chen was taken aback. "For me? Why?"

Yu Lian smiled. "Your contribution was immense. You designed the embroidered packaging, and you taught the village girls how to sew, enabling us to create such beautiful covers. Moreover, you were instrumental in selling the canned goods. Without your friendship with Lady Li and your initiative to gift them, our products wouldn't have garnered any attention."

Mrs. Chen blushed, unsure if her daughter-in-law exaggerated her role. Yet, Yu Lian's words made her feel valued and significant, as though she truly played an essential part. Could she really be that capable?

A small spark ignited within Mrs. Chen, who had always been accustomed to relying on others. It was warm and empowering, filling her with a newfound strength.

Following this, Yu Lian distributed ten taels each to her father-in-law and grandmother, five taels to Aunt Mei, and another ten taels respectively to Zhu Ying and Hua Sanduo. The remaining hundreds of copper coins were given entirely to her three children. Overjoyed, the children pounced on the coins to rub their cheeks against them. After their excitement subsided, they began counting the coins and dividing them among themselves.

Chapter 85: The Laba Festival ◇

◎ She seemed exactly like a cunning little fox that had stolen someone else's chicken chick. ◎

The entire family celebrated the Laba Festival with great merriment. For the first time, the household received income, and every member, regardless of gender or age, received their share of money. The warmth in their palms was matched by the warmth in their hearts.

Even Zhu Ying received a joyous ten taels of silver. Usually, her master's salary and bonuses were much larger, but they didn't feel substantial; she would often spend them on drinking and feasting with her brothers. This time, Zhu Ying carefully tucked the ten taels into the pocket of her chest, planning to find a purse to store it for the future.

With such thoughts, she drifted off to sleep peacefully that night, completely unaware that the letter she had sent earlier in the month had reached her master's hands, causing him considerable distress and perplexity.

On the day of Laba Festival, aside from the bustling family feast, the most significant event was undoubtedly the Laba Sacrifice. The entire family joined the village folks at the ancestral shrine located in the heart of their village. Upon arriving, Yu Lian realized that every single person in the village, regardless of age or gender, had turned up. A dense crowd stood solemnly before the ancestral hall, not a single soul missing from the assembly.

She felt a tinge of curiosity, having assumed that according to conventional reasoning, activities such as ancestral worship often carried an inherent gender bias, deeming women as yin and therefore unsuitable for participation; typically, only the direct male heirs of the family were entitled to perform such rituals. Driven by her curiosity, she ventured to ask a question.

Grandpa Two chuckled warmly and said, "I've never ventured far from home all my life, so I couldn't tell you about other places. But in our village, every single one of us, whether born here or married in, who carries the surname Hua, must attend. If they don't come, how could they expect others to pray for their own ancestors' blessings? They must be dreaming. Your second grandpa often says that honesty is the most valuable principle in life, and this applies to honoring gods and ancestors as well. Nothing else matters as much as an earnest heart."

Yu Lian smiled, her words simple yet imbued with the most unadorned truth. Following this, Second Aunt continued, "Our ancestors also bore witness to a matriarch in our lineage."

"Matriarch?"

"Well, it all started with your ancestor, Uncle Hua Bajin's grandmother. She was a young widow who carried the village through difficult times with her innovative ideas... She was a talented woman with a tragic fate, widowed herself and then left with a widowed daughter-in-law. Fortunately, her grandson, Uncle Hua Bajin, turned out to be an accomplished man..." At this point, Second Grandpa paused, changing the subject.

Suddenly, he recalled that Yu Lian, the young lady, had also become a widow at a young age. She was different from others, as she had willingly entered the family after her wooden-hearted husband's misfortune. Her sincere devotion was precious. Wouldn't mentioning these things now only upset her?

As the village's eldest elder, Second Grandpa presided over the winter solstice ceremony. He led the villagers in honoring their ancestors, recounting the year's new births, harvests, and income. Afterward, he bowed and said, "The descendants of Uncle Hua Bajin have encountered misfortune and returned to their roots. We beseech our ancestors to protect them through this hardship. From now on, we do not seek great wealth or fame, but merely peace and prosperity for our family tree to flourish."

In other words, they aimed to persevere as long as possible.

Grandma and Eldest Son Hua Zhan knelt with the younger generation, their eyes reddening upon hearing this. Hua Zhan was no exception. The family was grateful to Second Grandpa and felt a genuine sense of belonging here. The ancestors enshrined in the temple were theirs, and those kneeling below were all kin. They were not alone.

After the ceremony, Second Grandpa warned the villagers in front of their forebears, "Since Wooden Head's family returned, our village has seen significant gains. They built homes, cleared land, established workshops and shops, never forgetting to involve our fellow villagers in every aspect. Now, as the year draws to a close, count your silver; isn't it significantly more than previous years?"

He paused, and many villagers loudly agreed. Indeed, they owed much of their prosperity this year to Wooden Head's family, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable new year. Especially Hua Sanduo, who was known for his laziness but was favored by Yu Lian. It was rumored that he received a considerable sum, sparking envy.

Satisfied, Second Grandpa nodded and continued, "Everyone knows that Wooden Head's family's magical food jars sell exceptionally well, even sought after by wealthy families. But with fame comes unwanted attention. Those merchants outside can have devious minds. Let me make it clear: if anyone inquires about the jars, don't divulge a single word. Report it immediately."

Although the villagers didn't fully understand, they were fiercely loyal to their clan. No matter the internal conflicts, they stood united against outsiders. Moreover, Yu Lian's family had opened a workshop, benefiting them all. How could they betray such kindness without inviting divine retribution?

Besides, those villagers employed in the workshop had signed confidentiality agreements, pressing their thumbs onto the documents. Even if they didn't comprehend the full implications, they knew that disclosing any information would result in financial penalties.

Thereupon, the villagers pledged their commitment in front of their ancestors with great enthusiasm.

But Second Grandpa, wise from his old age, still felt uneasy. With his years of experience, he knew that clarity was crucial to avoid any misunderstandings. So, he added, "As long as Wooden Family's workshop operates, your households will receive income every day. If the workshop were to cease, you'd have nothing! I've heard from Little Lotus that after the New Year, there'll be more ventures, requiring even more workers. You're blessed to be able to farm and work for the Wood family, earning silver at the same time. By year's end, you'll earn much more than those in other villages. This extra money can be saved for your children's weddings and dowries, or for adding meat to your meals during festive seasons. Isn't that better than anything else?"

"Have I made myself clear?"

The villagers responded loudly, "Crystal clear!"

"Grandpa, rest assured. We all share the same surname, Hua. We're one big family, and a family doesn't betray another. It's a deed that would bring shame to our ancestors, even in the afterlife. We won't do such a thing!"

"Indeed, indeed!"

Second Uncle nodded in satisfaction.

Upon seeing this, Yu Lian couldn't help but feel that an elderly person in the village was like a treasure. In truth, she hadn't held much hope for keeping the canned food technology a secret. Even if it wasn't divulged within the village, with time, some clever individual might eventually figure it out on their own.

She never underestimated ancient people.

The reason no one had figured it out in a short time was likely due to the lack of knowledge about the principles of sealing and sterilization.

But even if they did figure it out, by then her reputation would be established, and she'd have earned some silver and laid the groundwork for her business – she wouldn't suffer any losses.

After the ceremony, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow on the west, while a strong breeze brought chilly gusts that crept into people's collars. Each family retrieved their offerings, rubbing their hands together as they headed home.

Yu Lian linked arms with the elderly matriarch, while Mei Yi's arm held onto Little Guo'er, who bravely linked her small hand with the grandmother's. On the other side of the elder, Mrs. Chen, mimicking her daughter-in-law, modestly yet shyly linked her arm with the grandmother's, and the family of women walked home, huddled together for warmth.

A basket of offerings landed on a man's head, distracting Hua Zhan, who had been preoccupied with his thoughts since the beginning of the ancestral worship. The identical twins, despite their small size, had to carry the load together. With pouting lips and a sense of injustice, they couldn't resist, for they were the only men in the family apart from their father – manual labor seemed to fall naturally upon them.

Yet, the biting cold made them think of a solution. They placed the basket on their heads and kept their hands in their pockets, gingerly moving forward like two slow-moving baby turtles. Their pitiful and endearing struggle made Yu Lian burst into laughter when she turned back.

After the Laba Festival, life spun by like a top, accelerating rapidly. Yu Lian's canned food business took off, and Hua Sanduo, leading a group of young village apprentices, opened a shop. They made a fortune before the New Year, and the reputation of the Immortal Food Jars spread far and wide.

Their cans offered both sweet and savory flavors, not only delicious but also remarkable for their longevity; they could be stored for a long time without spoiling. Especially the gift boxes, which became a symbol of prestige when presented to relatives and friends during festive occasions, quickly becoming a popular trend.

Out-of-town merchants, intrigued by the novelty, purchased some to resell at a higher price in the capital city. Business flourished visibly, and other merchants envied their success. However, what made these cans special wasn't the contents, but their ability to stay fresh for extended periods. No one could crack the secret, no matter how much they examined them.

It was then that Lady Li sent someone to inquire about the secret behind the Hua family's canned goods remaining unspoiled for so long. Ordinary folk might believe in mythical tales of immortal foods that never decayed, but as the head of a merchant family, Lady Li didn't entertain such superstitions. If the secret were genuine, why sell it? They could simply consume it themselves and attain immortality.

Upon receiving the cans, she instructed her people to study them day and night but found no clue. The packaging seemed peculiar, but its exact purpose remained elusive. The contents tasted fresh, perhaps slightly softer in texture, but no different from freshly cooked food.

Without fully understanding the situation, Lady Li simply dispatched her steward to propose a collaboration.

Calling it a collaboration was merely a polite way of expressing their desire to purchase the recipe. The Li family's steward still looked down on farmers and initially offered fifty taels, then one hundred, before finally deciding on two hundred with a reluctant determination.

"You small households can't handle such a substantial business. Only our Li residence has the capability. Don't spoil a good recipe by holding onto it too tightly. Let me be frank, there are several prominent families aside from us who have their eyes on your divine food jars. Sell now while you can still get a good price, or risk having it forcibly taken away from you."

Before the steward's visit, he had dispatched spies to Upper Village, but the villagers there seemed possessed. They became guarded upon seeing outsiders, and when questioned about the canned food workshop, they turned red in the face, calling for help to capture the visitors, even fetching brooms as if preparing for a fight. After several hasty escapes, the steward abandoned his reconnaissance plan and decided to approach them personally with silver to buy the recipe.

Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei were both furious, while the old lady appeared somewhat concerned. Hua Zhan's face was dark with anger, ready to pounce. Yet, Yu Lian politely saw the steward off, mentioning that she would visit Lady Li another day to discuss business.

Hua Sanduo's face flushed with anger. "Just a steward, yet such an arrogant tone! How dare he!"

Zhu Ying clenched his teeth. "I'll kill him tonight."

Yu Lian glanced at him with a smile. "Kill whom? He was sent by Lady Li, who herself answers to the head of the Li family. Do you intend to slaughter the entire Li household?"

Zhu Ying grunted, muttering softly that killing was no big deal. However, despite his thoughts, he knew it was impossible. He might act on impulse, but he couldn't afford to involve the young lady's family in the consequences.

Yu Lian tapped the tabletop nonchalantly, saying, "I had my suspicions earlier. When Lady Li goes out of her way to be overly kind, she's either up to no good or has an ulterior motive. What could a merchant's wife possibly desire from us? It must be about that jar. Now that she's revealed her intentions, we should treat her like a fattened pig that's walked right into the slaughterhouse."

Zhu Ying's eyes gleamed with excitement. "How do we 'slaughter' her?"

Yu Lian's eyes curved into a smile as she softly said, "Partnership." The meaning behind these two words was subtle, and others failed to grasp its true intent. They only perceived her as a cunning little fox that had stolen someone else's chick.

Chapter 86 - Absolutely Perfect ◇

◎In Memory of the "Deceased Husband" Hua Ji ◇

Before the New Year, Yu Lian finalized the collaboration with the Li family, who were one of the wealthiest merchants in the county. They had ample resources, and under this arrangement, goods would be produced by Yu Lian's workshop while the Li family would open shops to sell them. This was akin to a modern franchise model, where apart from purchasing the products, they would also pay a brand franchise fee. The shop decoration, sales approach, and staff uniforms would all follow Yu Lian's specifications. After the Li family opened their store, she sent experienced employees to the new shop for a month of "training."

At first, Lady Li was naturally against such a complex and costly arrangement. Her husband looked down on small businesses, but she saw great potential in this venture. She secretly dipped into her personal funds to make this deal, considering it her own private business, which made her more cautious.

Initially, she wanted to buy the jar recipe at a high price, but Yu Lian declined. If she used underhanded methods, it might have been possible, but after investigating the family's background, Lady Li realized that although they once belonged to an aristocratic house that her merchant family could only aspire to, they had committed treason and offended the current emperor. What chance did they have of redemption?

However, Yu Lian cryptically hinted at something, leaning close to Lady Li with a smile and whispering, "According to logic, traitors should face the death penalty and the annihilation of their entire clan. Can you guess why the emperor only executed my husband and let the rest go lightly?"

Having read the original plot, Yu Lian knew the inside story. The current emperor was a hypocritical pretender who valued his reputation above all else. He hadn't executed the entire family because, on one hand, there was a tradition of amnesty for all when a new emperor ascended (serious crimes could be commuted to exile three thousand miles away, depending on the emperor's whim). On the other hand, Hua Ji had taken full responsibility, knowing that the emperor only feared him. His death left behind vulnerable elders, women, and children who posed no threat, so for the sake of his image as a benevolent ruler, the emperor wouldn't publicly harm them.

Satisfied with humiliating his nemesis and avenging himself, the family became stepping stones for the emperor's reputation. Although he later sent assassins after them when they returned to the countryside, he stopped once the plot was exposed.

That's how they managed to survive.

But Lady Li was unaware of these details. As a wealthy merchant family, they had money but lacked connections and power. The noble houses of the capital were beyond their wildest dreams, so how could they know the intricacies of the situation?

With Yu Lian's remark, she pondered further and found that it was indeed true. Why hadn't the emperor executed them for such a heinous crime of clan annihilation? Could it be that this family still held some unknown trump cards? Or perhaps the emperor still harbored a sense of mercy towards them? She had heard that the East Yuan Marquis once served not only as a trusted aide to the previous emperor but also as a martial arts instructor for the princes, effectively acting as a mentor to the current emperor. Was it possible that the emperor was still influenced by their past relationship?

Yu Lian's subsequent words utterly quashed Lady Li's notion of forcefully seizing the item, firmly resolving not to offend this family lightly.

She spoke softly, "How do you find the Rouge Lady from the Capital's Mist and Cloud Pavilion? I've heard it's a new product, exclusively crafted for the imperial concubines and noble ladies. Unfortunately, despite my mother being the legitimate third lady of the Wei Duke's residence, she could only secure a few boxes. If you find them satisfactory, I'll write to her later, asking her to spare one for you."

Lady Li was greatly startled and taken aback, her eyes flashing with astonishment as she cast a glance at Yu Lian. She managed to compose herself with great effort, and from that point on, whatever Yu Lian said, she nodded in agreement, not once uttering a single word of dissent.

Upon Yu Lian's departure, she angrily slapped the table and instructed someone to investigate Yu Lian's background.

It turns out that she is the legitimate youngest daughter of the Wei Duke's residence in the capital city. She comes from a genuine noble family; even their lowest servants hold higher status than our merchant household.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Li drew a sharp breath, relieved that she hadn't gone too far. Initially, she intended to approach them with courtesy before resorting to force. If she had truly offended them, despite her current situation living in the countryside with her husband's family, her own family's influence was not something they could afford to provoke. An angry missive back to the capital could easily result in their downfall with just a word from them.

She had been so focused on investigating their background that she overlooked the one person they couldn't afford to cross. Who would have thought that a distinguished lady from a duke's mansion would follow a family convicted of grave crimes to the countryside? She privately seethed with frustration. With such a background, why wouldn't she stay in the capital and enjoy a life of luxury? Why come to the countryside and cause trouble? Her identity alone was enough to deter anyone from offending her.

Within two days, Mrs. Li personally visited with gifts to finalize the collaboration details. She was exceedingly courteous, especially towards Yu Lian, not daring to show any airs as a wealthy merchant. In her estimation, it was unclear what connection this family might have with the emperor, but one thing was certain: Yu Lian, the young lady of the Duke's house, was someone they could not afford to anger.

Yu Lian signed with a warm smile, discussing the specifics with Mrs. Li, and then politely saw her off, leaving Mrs. Li feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the honor.

The elder lady was curious and asked Yu Lian why Madam Li was being so courteous.

Yu Lian blinked and replied with four words: "Pretending to be powerful through association."

She knew that her parents had already separated from the Wei Duke's household and were not favored at home. Her father, moreover, had suffered setbacks in his career for half his life and held a minor, powerless position. But how could a merchant from a small county ten thousand miles away from the capital know all this?

All she needed them to know was that Yu Lian was the daughter of the Duke's household, someone they couldn't afford to offend. That was sufficient.

Moreover, as Madam Li spread the word about Yu Lian's background and her status as someone not to be trifled with, news would inevitably reach every corner of the local business community. Yu Lian was confident that no one would dare to attempt any malicious schemes or snatch her formulas.

Indeed, those who had secretly harbored intentions to seize the formulas or cause trouble soon vanished without a trace within a few days. Some even sent gifts to her doorstep, hoping to establish connections with the esteemed Miss Yu Lian.

Yu Lian accepted all gifts without hesitation. Would it make sense to refuse presents delivered to her door? It would seem odd and weak if she didn't accept them, which would contradict her image as a "noble lady."

Upon hearing about Yu Lian from Madam Li, the wife of the county magistrate also considered sending gifts. After all, the county magistrate was a low-ranking official with little background, slightly corrupt but without avenues for advancement. He was stuck in this small place due to his limitations. His knowledge about Yu Lian was similar to Madam Li's. However, after much deliberation, the magistrate decided against it, not allowing his wife to openly seek an alliance. After all, while Yu Lian's background was impressive, her husband's family still carried the stigma of treason. It would be unwise to associate with them, only to potentially incur guilt when the emperor decided to settle old scores.

By raising the banner of her family's influence and establishing herself as an untouchable noble lady, Yu Lian aimed to facilitate her business endeavors, with no ulterior motives. As a gesture of appeasement, Madam Li opened five shops at once - one in the county, two in the towns beneath it, and the remaining three in the bustling provincial capital.

Yu Lian entrusted Hua Sanduo with full responsibility, as she lacked the capital to expand her business. The franchising model was perfectly suited for her. Hua Sanduo traveled around with his assistants, assisting the Li family in opening their shops and even managed to place a few young men and women from Shangyixi Village as apprentices under the guise of training.

With the opening of these five stores, the demand for canned goods skyrocketed by several fold. In response, Yu Lian constructed a new workshop in the village and expanded production. Before the spring plowing, the men of Shangyixi Village contributed to the construction of the new factory, while women and children from every household became the main workforce in the workshop. From cleaning ingredients to cooking, canning, heating, and packaging, they followed a streamlined assembly line process. Each production line had different tasks, significantly boosting output and barely meeting the increased demand.

On New Year's Eve, the day before the Lunar New Year, the workshop ceased operations, and the shops temporarily closed. Yu Lian called all the workers and assistants, including Hua Sanduo, to her courtyard. There, she distributed New Year's red envelopes and paid them their monthly wages.

For those who had not worked a full month, their pay was calculated based on the number of days worked.

The twins, fond of excitement, begged to help their sister read out the names. They had started their education with Little Master and, with some prior foundation and the smart, studious presence of their younger sister, Little Guo'er, they had learned to read quite quickly.

Yu Lian handed them the register, and they stood upfront, reading each name aloud. As the children's innocent voices echoed, the villagers, whose names were called, happily came forward to receive their wages. If someone received a larger sum, envious glances were inevitably cast, wishing they were the ones receiving the money.

Yu Lian separated the money into two parts. The first was a fixed New Year's bonus, similar to the annual bonuses given by companies in her previous life. Each worker received twenty copper coins in their red envelope.

One should not underestimate these twenty coins; considering the entire village's workforce, it amounted to a substantial sum. Normally, a family would not spend ten or twenty coins in a month. Thus, the villagers were overjoyed and even surprised, hardly believing Yu Lian's generosity in giving them extra money without any strings attached.

Such a benefit was unparalleled anywhere else.

The second part was the workers' wages, which were neatly strung together and made a delightful jingling sound when handed over. The melody was music to their ears.

The villagers held their red envelopes and wages in one hand, beaming with joy, their smiles stretching so wide that their eyes nearly disappeared.

The twins stood at the front. The elder one recited a portion, and his younger brother, Hua Xing, eager to join in, tugged at the book, trying to snatch it from his sibling. Little Guo'er discreetly poked her second brother, whispering, "Guo'er wants to read too."

As a result, the three children took turns reading, as if they had been given a cherished task, reciting loudly and enthusiastically.

The villagers were not paying attention to the performance; they only thought that these children from the capital were remarkable, being able to read so many characters at such a young age. Some began to ponder whether the closure of the village school might have been a mistake. Should they reopen it? Or should they send their own children to learn from Hua Tianqu?

When it came to the managers – Hua Dashu's wife, the shop manager Hua Sanduo, and the security captain Zhu Ying – their red envelopes and wages were the largest. The villagers watched enviously as the trio held shimmering chunks of silver.

Zhu Ying was a skilled martial artist, and no one could replace him in that role; this was understandable. However, Hua Sanduo had always been seen as a lazy young man by the villagers. How did he manage to earn so much silver? And Hua Dashu's wife, though diligent, was just an ordinary woman without any special skills. How had she become a manager?

The workers in the factory felt a mix of envy and silent competition towards them. They vowed to work harder next year, hoping to take their places and earn such a fortune themselves.

Observing everything, Yu Lian smiled after distributing the wages, saying, "Next year, when the new workshop is built, we will expand our production. As long as you work hard, we'll all earn silver together!"

Her words were simple, but the last sentence resonated deeply with everyone. 'Earning silver together' was a more powerful motivator than any incentive!

In response, the villagers eagerly echoed, "We'll earn silver together!"

"We'll work hard, indeed!"

Following this, Yu Lian outlined the workshop's production for the past year, or rather, the past few months, and laid out plans for the upcoming year. This gave the villagers a clear understanding of what would be produced next year and how much, allowing them to return home with peace of mind, knowing they could participate in spring plowing after the New Year and continue working to earn silver.

The villagers left their meeting content and well-informed. Most of them held a high opinion of their employer, Yu Lian. To them, no one was more capable than Miss Lian, regardless of gender – even men couldn't surpass her!

Even Second Uncle privately marveled at his wife, acknowledging that despite his age, he was far from her level. He had always had a high regard for the eldest daughter-in-law of the Mu family, often praising her to his wife. However, after more than half a year of interaction, his admiration had only grown. She was, after all, from a noble family, possessing the courage to share both joy and hardship with the Mu family. How could she lack skills and abilities?

On New Year's Eve, the Hua family gathered together for a lively and bountiful feast. The menu included some local specialties from Upper Village as well as dishes that were staples during their annual celebrations in the capital city, such as Grandma's homemade crystal pork trotters and sweet and sour carp.

There was originally also a dessert called Nine-Layer Cake, which their grandson Hua Ji had once adored, and Grandma would make it for him every year. But this year, the thought of it flashed through her mind only briefly before she let it go. It was crucial for the family to move on from their past shadows and look forward, not dwelling on past sorrows. As for Hua'er... let him rest in peace.

The festive dinner was filled with laughter, even the usually stern Hua Zhan's face softened with smiles. The three children chattered away, while Mrs. Chen gently encouraged them to enjoy their meal. Grandma's loving reminders and advice added warmth that surpassed the candlelight on the table.

This year, there was a young man, Zhu Ying, sitting at the table. Grandma treated him like a younger member of the family, giving him a red envelope with money to put under his pillow after the meal. She didn't forget the three children or her favorite granddaughter-in-law, Yu Lian, also giving each of them a red envelope.

Hua Zhan and Mrs. Chen also contributed, spending all the silver they received from their daughter-in-law, yet they were overjoyed.

As the family had completed their New Year's vigil well into the late hours of the night, Yu Lian found herself alone in her chamber. She carefully placed each red envelope she had received from her grandmother and in-laws beneath her pillow. Draped in the white cloak sent by her mother, she stood by the window, gently lifting her gaze to the starry heavens above.

In the blink of an eye, she had been living in this ancient world for nearly a year.

In that year, she had staged an emotional drama to leave home and find a cohabiting family and roommate. Now, when she looked back honestly, her grandmother and parents had treated her well. Part of it was due to their affection for Hua Ji, loving her by association, as well as their feelings of guilt and gratitude. However, it could not be denied that she had truly become a part of this family, inseparable from them. Even without the existence of Hua Ji, her grandmother would still be her grandmother, and her parents would still be her parents. The three children relied on and admired her deeply. Although the twins were mischievous and somewhat disobedient, they never genuinely got angry when she teased them. Instead, they would pout and whine, tattling to their elders, just like any genuine younger siblings would.

With these thoughts in mind, she gazed at the bright moon hanging high in the sky and smiled gently. Hua Ji, though we were not fated to be together, I have borrowed your name, and your family has become mine. From now on, rest assured and reincarnate; I will take good care of them.

With this thought, she lifted her handkerchief to gently press against the inexplicably moist corners of her eyes. A gust of wind blew, piercingly cold, causing her to sniffle. Yet, instead of closing the window, she turned around, fetched the wine she had concealed in a cabinet earlier, and sat by the window. There, she braved the chilly breeze while sipping her drink alone, in deep contemplation.

Halfway through a jug of wine, a gentle buzz of intoxication began to set in. Amidst the chilly breeze and bright moonlight, she found herself in a state of blurred consciousness, half drunk and half sober. Suddenly, her mood lifted, and she fetched paper and brush, composing a poem on the table as a tribute to her "deceased husband," Hua Ji.

She wished him peace in his next life, and thanked him for the misfortune that provided her an excuse for shelter. Indeed, he was an exceptional man.

Chapter 87 - Celebrating the New Year ◇

◎The Father-in-Law's Strange Behavior◎

Pausing for a moment before dipping her brush in ink, Yu Lian looked up at the crescent moon in the sky. She slightly tilted her head and wrote, "The moon above is the most pitiable for its toil. One night it's full, but every night it becomes incomplete. If it could remain as bright as a full moon, I would not hesitate to endure the cold for your warmth. Alas, mortal ties are easily severed. The swallow still flutters, softly stepping on the curtain hooks to whisper. After singing a dirge by his winter grave, my sorrow lingers; amidst the spring blooms, I recognize the butterflies that used to grace our shared home."

With the final stroke of her pen, Yu Lian let out a soft sigh. Her cabinet held several poems mourning her late husband, written initially for the sake of acting and to deeply embed the image of a devoted lover in people's hearts, aiding her position. Today, however, her lament was genuine, a tribute to the antagonist of the original story, her nominal spouse.

If his spirit were watching from above, may he know that there is someone in this world who still thinks of him, loves him, and is willing to care for his family. May he rest assured.

Even if it was a deception, if it could deceive even the dead, it could still be considered an act of kindness.

After finishing the poem, the effects of the wine caught up with her, leaving her head spinning. She closed the window, turned, and retired to her inner chamber, soon falling into a deep slumber.

She didn't even hear the meowing of a cat outside her window.

A gust of wind blew, opening and then closing the window. The paper on the desk disappeared for a while and then reappeared, as if some ghostly mischief had taken place.

Zhu Ying always considered himself a man of simple mind and strong body. Apart from reading and writing, he knew nothing else. He was just an ordinary, uneducated shadow guard.

Initially, he thought protecting Lady Zhu and her family would be an effortless task. However, at this moment, he realized that his knowledge was insufficient. He had to read Lady Zhu's poem several times before grasping its hidden meaning. After understanding it, he wept bitterly, moved by the verses.

Lady Zhu even expressed her feelings for her Master with such subtlety and depth.

The poem spoke of how she cherished the laborious bright moon in the sky, which is whole for only one night each month, leaving the rest as incomplete jade rings. Wasn't she comparing herself to this moon? Without her Master by her side, she was like that perpetually incomplete jade ring, even more pitiful than the moon, which at least has one night of wholeness. Lady Zhu entered the household on the day of her Master's execution, never experiencing a moment of completeness before being separated by life and death. How much more heartbreaking could it be?

In the end, Lady Zhu expressed her desire to fly together with her husband like butterflies in spring. Zhu Ying read it over and over, weeping uncontrollably. Through teary eyes and sniffles, he transcribed the poem, delivered it, and then returned to his own room, continuing to shed tears.

Lady Zhu was truly too pitiful! And her Master was utterly unreasonable! To pretend to be dead, causing Lady Zhu to believe they were worlds apart, forcing her to put on a brave face on New Year's Eve, only to let her true emotions surface when alone, drowning her sorrows in wine, and yearning for her Master.

Lady Zhu was truly, truly suffering!

The more Zhu Ying thought about it, the more he felt that his brilliant and mighty Master was being excessively cruel and despicable! Compared to Lady Zhu, who remained deeply devoted and loyal, the Master was nothing but cold-hearted, selfish, the epitome of a scoundrel!

Influenced by these emotions, after copying down Lady Zhu's poem, Zhu Ying discreetly criticized the Master in his writing, subtly conveying how much Lady Zhu was suffering and longing for him, her heart aching with every passing day. Didn't he feel any guilt or remorse? Didn't his conscience ache?

Then, he dared to ask if the Master could reveal to Lady Zhu that he was still alive.

Fuelled by her empathetic concern for Lady Yu Lian's plight and the urge to criticize her master, Zhu Ying uncommonly wrote only a single page of the letter before summoning a homing pigeon to deliver it promptly.

The poor bird, burdened with a busy schedule on New Year's Eve, had to endure the freezing cold and snowy landscape, fluttering weakly as it embarked on its long journey.

Unbeknownst to Zhu Ying, the exhausted pigeon's struggling flight caused it to fly low enough to be caught by a skilled martial artist who extended his hand from a window.

The following day marked the most significant beginning of the year – Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year.

Well before dawn, the village stirred with activity. Women were up early, bustling about to prepare for the festive season. Children donned new clothes, sewn from fabric cut by their parents, waking up with joy. Thanks to the earnings from Yu Lian's family, every household enjoyed a more prosperous year, ensuring that no child was without new attire; the least fortunate were clad in homespun cotton padded jackets.

Stepmother Mei also rose early. She lit a fire, boiled water, and when the sky began to lighten, she used the hot water mixed with cold to create a comfortable temperature for her family to wash and freshen up.

Today, Yu Lian wore a light blue robe. Initially, she planned to wear the fur cloak sent by her mother, but decided against it, considering it too plain for New Year's Day. However, as her nominal husband was still in the third year of mourning, she also deemed it inappropriate to wear bright red or green. Instead, she opted for a pale pink overcoat, crafted from fabric she had purchased herself and sewn by Mrs. Chen. The collar was made from thick material, forming a high neck, while delicate plum blossom patterns were embroidered along the edges. When Yu Lian adorned it, her already stunning face made her seem even more enchanting than the flowers.

Mrs. Chen, upon seeing her daughter-in-law dressed in this manner, was genuinely delighted. She took the rare initiative to hold Yu Lian's hand, examining her closely and praising her beauty, asserting that no young maiden could compare. Mrs. Chen then gently adjusted Yu Lian's attire, nodding in satisfaction.

In return, Yu Lian complimented her, "Who could surpass you? Aren't you the one?"

Mrs. Chen smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth and gentle wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

Grandmother, Hua Zhan, and Aunt Mei also donned the new clothes prepared by Mrs. Chen. Although they didn't usually pay much attention to such things, they did so for the sake of celebration, and the new attire indeed breathed vitality into them. The three children, dressed in their finest, twirled in front of their mother and sister-in-law, proudly showing off their new outfits.

After the family had finished grooming themselves, Aunt Mei's breakfast was almost ready. In Upper Village, it was customary on the first morning of the New Year to eat dumplings, whether they were meat, vegetable, sweet, or even egg-based, as long as they were round, symbolizing unity and peace.

The children, with their sweet tooth, had begged Aunt Mei days earlier to make sweet dumplings. Reluctantly, she made taro-filled dumplings coated with brown sugar, creating a brown sugar soup dumpling. She added a few slices of fried ginger for an extra warming effect. After consuming a bowl, one would feel warm and invigorated, more resilient against the cold.

Among the adults, Hua Zhan, in particular, disliked sweets. Meat dumplings suited his taste better. With noodles, vegetables, mushrooms in the meatball soup, and topped with pork cracklings, it was a feast for all senses. He devoured three large bowls before finally putting down his chopsticks.

Even so, Mrs. Chen was somewhat surprised. She knew her husband well; since the incident in their family, he rarely smiled, and even when in a good mood, his appetite wasn't substantial. Farmhouse bowls were large, and typically, he would be satisfied with just one, rarely exceeding two. To see him with such a hearty appetite this morning, finishing three large bowls at once, made her wonder if something positive had occurred.

Studying him closely, she noticed that although his face remained stoic as usual, the fine lines around his eyes betrayed a hint of contentment.

Why was that?

Was it because today was New Year's Day?

Mrs. Chen couldn't quite figure it out. Seeing how much her husband had eaten, she reminded him to take a walk later to aid digestion and avoid overeating.

Zhu Ying also polished off three large bowls. Being a young, strong man who always worked hard, he had a healthy appetite, so this was not unexpected. After finishing, he wiped his mouth and praised Aunt Mei sincerely, "Aunt Mei, your dumplings are the best! If my stomach could hold more, I'd keep eating."

Stepmother Mei adored this darkly handsome young man, whose sweet tongue and willingness to help with chores made him impossible not to love. She covered her mouth and giggled. "After you've eaten, take a stroll around the village and see if there's a suitable girl. It's high time you settle down."

Zhu Ying's face flushed red, and he hastily put down his bowl and chopsticks before darting outside.

At that moment, Hua Zhan also left the house, hands clasped behind his back, moving at a leisurely pace. Although he appeared calm and composed, a closer look revealed that his steps were more hurried than usual.

The family was so engrossed in their meal that nobody noticed his departure.

After they finished eating, Yu Lian called the three children over and gave each of them five copper coins. She asked them to go out and play with their village friends, as well as pay respects to the village teacher. She wondered if Widow Zhao had recovered; if not, the young man might not have much of a holiday. No matter how capable he was, what kind of delicious food could a teenage boy prepare?

With the coins from their sister-in-law and some food prepared by Stepmother Mei, the three children set off to visit the village teacher, planning to swing by Uncle Two's later to play with the 'beans.'

Yu Lian strolled around the courtyard to digest her meal, slowly pondering her next move. All the canned goods she had stockpiled before the New Year were sold, and she had received a substantial franchise fee from Lady Li. Adding the seven hundred taels of silver earned before the Laba Festival, she had accumulated quite a sum. What could she do with this money after the celebrations?

Should she continue selling food and expand production, or explore other business opportunities?

As she thought, she saw Zhu Ying and her father-in-law enter the courtyard one after another. Her father-in-law strode in with his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable but with an unusual aura surrounding him, as if he were suppressing some emotion. Yu Lian, with her sharp eyes, noticed the slight redness in his eyes.

Zhu Ying, on the other hand, hung his head, shrugged his shoulders, and shuffled in slowly, looking both guilty and anxious.

Yu Lian called out to her father-in-law, who glanced at her from afar with a complicated expression before forcing a smile and nodding "affectionately."

Yu Lian: "..."

Once her father-in-law had walked away, she stopped Zhu Ying and asked what was wrong.

Zhu Ying froze, barely daring to lift his head to look at the young mistress. He replied softly, "Nothing's wrong."

"Are you sure?"

"Nothing... I just thought of my deceased family. Please, don't worry about me." With that, he hastily retreated.

Yu Lian shook her head helplessly. His voice held a quiver, indicating deep sorrow. It was understandable, given that it was after the New Year, and Zhu Ying was alone. Even living in her household, loneliness could still creep in, especially when remembering his own blood relatives.

Her father-in-law, on the other hand, was peculiar.

The phrase "Hardship most touches the moon in the sky..." is derived from Nalan Xingde's "Butterfly Lovers in Autumn," where the original line reads "Hardship most touches the moon in the sky." The online interpretation shares some overlapping words. The altered line, "After singing by the winter graves, sorrow lingers, recognizing the butterflies in the spring clusters," originally read "After singing by the autumn graves, sorrow lingers, recognizing the butterflies in the spring clusters." The change to 'winter' was made to fit the current context.