Chapter 81: A Major Loss of Blood

Chapter 81: A Major Loss of Blood

Uncle Fang, well-versed and a man, had perspectives distinct from those of women.

Once he was convinced that bamboo rats were not the same as common rats, the deal would be as good as sealed.

Seeing Qin Xiaoyao guess his thoughts and agree readily, Uncle Fang's admiration for her grew even more.

"As for these bamboo shoots, let's price them at three coins per catty. If it's convenient, starting the day after tomorrow, deliver fifty catties each day."

"Yes! Thank you, Uncle Fang!" Qin Xiaoyao hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

Fifty catties wasn't much in quantity, but the unit price was high!

One must remember that even Lai Fu Tower only offered this price for mushrooms from the mountains.

Bamboo shoots were much heavier than mushrooms.

Uncle Fang rose with a smile.

He then called over an attendant to weigh the goods.

Afterward, Qin Xiaoyao smoothly settled the account and left.

Exiting Lai Fu Tower, Li Danni looked at Qin Xiaoyao with admiration once again.

She felt she had gained new insights yet again.

"Alright, no need for flattery."

"I have to sell the bamboo rat skins, then head to Lingyun Bookstore to submit the books."

"After that, I still have to set up a stall in Nan City to sell straw shoes. There's a lot on my plate."

"Oh, by the way, I'm visiting my maternal home today. I'll be having lunch there."

"When you're done, just go ahead without waiting for me."

Li Danni knew about Qin Xiaoyao's intention to return money to the Qin family and nodded.

"Mm!" She responded.

Qin Xiaoyao added, "When you get back, don't rush into the mountains this afternoon. Wait for me before we set out."

"Okay!" Li Danni replied in a playful tone.

Hearing this, Qin Xiaoyao nearly got goosebumps.

"Off I go!" With that, Qin Xiaoyao pushed her cart away.

As she went along, she hawked straw shoes while heading toward Wang's General Store.

Upon arriving at the store, Mr. Wang, after inspecting the bamboo rat skins, indeed showed interest.

"The quality and texture of these skins are good, it's just a pity they're a bit small."

"How about this, I'll pay you three coins per skin, what do you say?"

For such a small skin to fetch three coins was truly not a low price.

Having dealt with Mr. Wang several times, Qin Xiaoyao knew his honesty and promptly agreed.

Immediately, she sold all the bamboo rat skins she brought to Mr. Wang.

Additionally, she managed to sell five pairs of straw shoes.

Next, Qin Xiaoyao headed to Lingyun Bookstore.

She submitted the work for Song Que, bought paper, received new assignments, and then left.

By the time Qin Xiaoyao arrived in Nan City to set up her stall and sold all her straw shoes, the market in West Market had already dispersed when she returned.

Fortunately, her father hadn't left yet and was packing up the stall with her elder brother.

Upon seeing Qin Xiaoyao appear, both their faces lit up with joy.

"Why did you take so long? That girl Danni said you were coming home, we've been waiting for you here for quite some time," Qin Datang shouted to Qin Xiaoyao.

"That's right, you didn't say you'd come directly! Today is a big market day, your straw shoes might have sold faster in West Market!" Qin Dahu added.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled as she put down her cart.

"With Father and Uncle Li around, wouldn't my presence steal your business?"

"Besides, I'm used to setting up a stall in Nan City. The uncle selling steamed buns next door promised to reserve a spot for me every other day!"

This was true, but she also frequently patronized that uncle's business and had given him two pairs of straw shoes.

"You—” Qin Dahu gave Qin Xiaoyao a look, knowing he couldn't argue with his sister, so he stopped.

"Let's go, we can talk at home!" Qin Datang spoke up.

"I've already sent word ahead for your aunt and sisters-in-law to prepare lunch together!" He added.

Qin Xiaoyao was taken aback.

She was somewhat worried about the upcoming lunch.

After all, neither Zhang Shi nor her two sisters-in-law had favorable impressions of her.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"Alright!" Qin Xiaoyao responded, ready to push the cart and catch up.

However, Qin Dahu snatched the task away from him.

"I'll do it!"

Realizing he couldn't compete, Qin Xiaoyao cooperated.

Together with the father and son, they made their way towards the Qin household.

Along the journey, the father and son asked Qin Xiaoyao about his family's situation, Song Que's condition, and more—all questions born out of genuine concern.

Qin Xiaoyao answered each one, warmth filling his heart.

Finally, they arrived at the Qin residence.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Qin Erhu emerged.

"Little Sister!" His first words were directed at Qin Xiaoyao.

Then he greeted his father and elder brother.

"Why did you take so long to return? Auntie and the others have had the meal prepared for some time now!"

Qin Xiaoyao smiled, about to respond, when a voice echoed from the main room.

"To make someone wait for a meal, truly befitting of a lady of high birth!" It was Zhang Shi.

The moment she finished speaking, Zhang Shi stepped out from the entrance of the main room.

Qin Xiaoyao noticed that Zhang Shi was dressed loosely, her abdomen slightly protruding, looking rounder than before.

Upon seeing this, the frown on Qin Xiaoyao's face eased.

Then, under Qin Dazhuang's worried gaze, he offered a faint smile.

"Cousin, I apologize for making you wait. Cousin and sisters-in-law, your efforts in preparing the meal have not gone unnoticed; I am grateful!"

At these words, everyone in the courtyard was taken aback.

Zhang Shi's expression froze, and the two daughters-in-law who had followed her out were equally stunned, staring at their younger sister-in-law.

Was this—truly their sharp-tongued and domineering younger sister-in-law?

Given her temper, shouldn't she have immediately lashed out upon hearing her aunt's sarcastic remark, leading to an argument?

They had been ready to watch the drama unfold, but she—didn't cause a scene?

Not only did she not cause trouble, but she—actually thanked them?

"Enough, who are you mocking? It's rare for San Ya to come back, so don't pick fights!" Qin Dazhuang quickly recovered from his surprise and scolded Zhang Shi.

His daughter had indeed become more sensible than before.

Therefore, he could not allow his daughter to be bullied.

Upon hearing Qin Dazhuang's words, Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu immediately cast disapproving glances at Zhang Shi.

Then, they warned their respective wives with stern looks.

The three women were infuriated but knew they had lost the upper hand and could only turn around and head inside.

"Don't take your aunt's words to heart, she—" Qin Dazhuang, putting on a thick-skinned front, approached his daughter, intending to comfort her and speak on behalf of his wife.

Before he could finish, however, he saw Qin Xiaoyao smiling at him.

"It's alright. Auntie had a misunderstanding about me before, but once it's cleared up, everything will be fine."

Qin Dazhuang was momentarily stunned.

Then, his old face broke into a grin.

"Yes, yes, that's right! Come, let's go inside and eat!" With that, he pulled Qin Xiaoyao toward the main room.

But Qin Xiaoyao stopped him.

"We haven't brought in the things yet!" He added.

"Oh—" Only then did Qin Dazhuang remember that his daughter had bought items for the family.

"I'll get them!" Just as he was about to turn around to fetch the items from the cart, he heard his eldest son say,

"Have your elder brother do it!" Without turning around, Qin Dazhuang echoed his son's words, continuing to pull Qin Xiaoyao forward.

Qin Erhu glanced at the backs of his father and daughter, then at his elder brother.

Seeing his elder brother carrying down quite a few items, he hurried over to help.

As he helped carry the items, Qin Erhu marveled inwardly.

His little sister had truly bled herself dry this time upon returning!