Chapter 40 – 40 Building A Secret Stash?

Chapter 40 - 40 Building A Secret Stash?

Later, she sighed in admiration. Qin San Ya truly lived up to her name; with a simple move, she had tamed her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Her mother-in-law even declared that Qin San Ya would manage the household!

In their Lower Water Village, Qin San Ya was the first new bride to take on such a role. Who dared to refute her?

"I have money, and I know how to earn more."

"Making straw sandals is laborious, and you two work hard for your earnings."

After a moment's thought, Qin Xiaoyao added, "Since Mother has entrusted me with managing the household, I'll set a rule today."

"From now on, keep track of the number of sandals you make. When they're sold, the money will belong to you two."

Seeing that the two were about to speak, Qin Xiaoyao continued, "Having money in hand brings peace of mind and confidence."

"Whenever you want to buy something, you can use your own money without needing to ask or seek my approval."

Upon hearing this, the mother and daughter finally showed some interest.

"Moreover, if our family really encounters difficulties, I will ask for your help," Qin Xiaoyao added.

Only then did Madam Liu relent.

"We'll take two coins, and you keep the remaining one," she proposed.

Qin Xiaoyao was taken aback.

"You'll be the one delivering the sandals to the town for sale. That one coin can be considered your effort compensation," Madam Liu unexpectedly said.

She had learned from her daughter-in-law; when her daughter-in-law asked her in-laws to sell the sandals, she also gave them a coin per pair as a token of appreciation for their labor.

After all, they were a family.

It wouldn't make sense for all the earnings to be saved solely as personal savings. Giving a coin to her daughter-in-law could be seen as contributing to the household expenses.

A hint of helplessness flashed across Qin Xiaoyao's face.

"Alright then, let's do it this way." She agreed.

Subsequently, she set aside six copper coins and passed the remaining twelve to them.

"These are for the both of you." She said.

The mother and daughter's faces lit up with joy.

Only then did Liu step forward to receive them.

After obtaining the coins, she divided them in half and gave half to Song Yun.

The little girl's face flushed red, and she hesitated to accept them.

It was only when Liu spoke, mentioning that it was her sister-in-law's order, that the little girl reluctantly took them.

Holding the six heavy copper coins, the young girl felt her heart pounding fiercely.

She now had money – a full six wen – and perhaps even more in the future if she saved up.

With this thought, Song Yun's heart filled with resolve, brimming with anticipation for the future.

Not far away, Liu Daniu and Li Daniu were both astonishment personified.

Mrs. Song/Dan Ya was actually taking charge of the household?

And she even allowed her mother-in-law and sister-in-law to save their own personal money?

While surprised, Li Daniu also felt a twinge of envy.

With her own mother-in-law towering over her, the prospect of managing the household was out of reach.

But even if she couldn't manage the household, it would be nice if her mother-in-law allowed them to save some personal savings.

Just like in the Song family, where a portion of their earnings were handed over, and the rest they could keep for themselves.

Yet, in her situation, not only was saving private money not allowed, but her mother-in-law kept a watchful eye on them; any attempt to secretly save would be futile.

Let alone that, today she and her husband had been working for Qin San Ya.

Her husband was as straightforward as they come; upon Qin San Ya's offer of a hundred copper coins as wages, he honestly divulged the amount to his family. Now, even if they did receive the payment, they would have to hand it all over in the end.

This thought fueled Li Daniu's resentment even more.

This situation couldn't persist; when she returned home, she would need to discuss it with her mother-in-law and the others.

Her husband's earnings from working outside could be turned over, but not all of what she earned herself.

Otherwise, why bother working alongside Qin Xiaoyao? In the end, she wouldn't see a penny of it anyway.

They still had younger siblings in the family – what if the elders showed favoritism in the future? How would she and her husband manage then?

Unaware of these concerns, Qin Xiaoyao led Liu into the kitchen and informed her of their plan to invite Liu Daniu and her spouse for dinner that evening.

"Very well, I'll start cooking right away!" Liu promptly agreed.

She then went to rinse the rice.

"I'll wash the vegetables and yams," Qin Xiaoyao offered.

After that, she picked out some yams and vegetables and headed outside.

Upon stepping out, she noticed that only Li Daniu was left in the courtyard.

Seeing Qin Xiaoyao's gaze, Li Daniu smiled and explained, "Daniu said he was worried about losing the money if he kept it on him, so he went back to put it away."

"You're washing vegetables? Let me help you!" Li Daniu approached as she spoke.

Observing the abundant amount of yams in Qin Xiaoyao's basket, Li Daniu was intrigued.

These vegetables cost five coins per catty; she wondered how they were prepared.

"Ha ha, alright," Qin Xiaoyao replied.

Accompanied by Li Daniu, she went to the streamside to wash the vegetables.

After finishing the washing, they returned together and entered the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Li Daniu eagerly helped Qin Xiaoyao tend to the fire, witnessing the entire process of her handling the yam.

To her surprise, the yam, resembling a wooden stick when uncut, revealed a pristine white interior once sliced, and its appearance hinted at an unexpectedly delightful taste.

At mealtime, Li Daniu discovered that not only did the yam look appetizing, but it also tasted genuinely delectable.

She wasn't the only one impressed; Liu Daniu was equally amazed.

"Who would have thought that yams could be so delicious! No wonder they can fetch five coins per pound!" exclaimed Liu Daniu, unable to put down his chopsticks as he continuously picked up yams and fried pork rinds.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled warmly.

"Enjoy to your heart's content, there's plenty more!" she replied generously.

Anticipating that everyone would enjoy this dish, she had intentionally prepared more.

Regrettably, there were no pickled peppers at home; otherwise, adding them to the stir-fry would have enhanced the flavor even more.

"Indeed! Sister San Ya, from now on, I'll be tagging along with you. Next time we go to the mountains to dig up mountain yams, it'll be fantastic!" Li Daniu chimed in.

"Alright! Not only will we enjoy them ourselves, but we can also sell them in town for some money," Qin Xiaoyao replied with a smile.

Then, she continued discussing their money-making venture with Li Daniu.

The people around the table listened attentively, each one of them holding great admiration for Qin Xiaoyao.

After the meal, Qin Xiaoyao declined Li Daniu's offer to help with the dishes and personally saw the couple off.

Primarily, it was getting close to dusk, and the roads wouldn't be as safe to travel on if they lingered any longer.

As the couple walked away, they continued to savor the taste of the food and the conversation they had with Qin Xiaoyao.

"Lady Song is truly an impressive figure! With her around, the Song family is bound to prosper," Liu Daniu exclaimed in admiration.

Li Daniu felt a jolt in her heart.

"I'll work with Sister San Ya, will I become prosperous too?" she inquired.

Liu Daniu gave his wife a somewhat disdainful glance.

"It's unlikely you'll become prosperous, but since Auntie Song has high regard for you, you should be able to earn some money."

It wasn't that he looked down on his wife, but he knew her well enough to understand her limitations.

Though she seemed diligent, she was not particularly reliable.

In terms of strength and character, she was no match for Auntie Song.

"Hehe." Li Daniu smiled, not bothered by her husband's gaze.

She didn't aspire for great prosperity; earning and saving some money would suffice.

"Um, can we discuss something?" she turned to her husband.

"What is it?" Liu Daniu asked.