Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Mrs. Zhang was all alone at the dock, bustling about nonstop. The sweet tofu pudding she sold was limited, so most people opted for the salty version.

After a hard day's labor, these workers were drenched in sweat. They craved a bowl of tofu pudding seasoned with garlic juice, which left them feeling refreshed and relieved from the heat.

"Delicious!"

"It's like jelly, very refreshing."

Hu Daqiang found one bowl of tofu pudding insufficient and asked for another, inquiring if he could return the bowl later.

Someone behind him teased, "Could it be that your rascal has been caught, so you can finally buy food for your wife?"

This person was also from Wangjia Village, but Hu Daqiang wasn't upset. He feared Mrs. Zhang might refuse to sell to him if she knew his connection to Hu Erqiang.

Mrs. Zhang, suspecting this, asked a few more questions.

"That rascal has caused plenty of trouble; our village has long wanted to drive him out. He's no good, and even someone as kind as Daqiang has suffered greatly."

They then talked about how Wang Chuizi and Chef Wang's family had been splattered with manure, causing a commotion, which led to laughter.

Seeing Hu Daqiang's uneasy expression, Mrs. Zhang guessed the situation and felt he was a righteous person. She filled his bowl generously and invited him to come back for more.

Jin Niangzi, hearing about this, was happy for Mrs. Zhang. "Now that family won't dare to cause trouble again!"

Mrs. Zhang nodded. Jin Niangzi had helped her sell tofu pudding earlier, so she decided to give her a bowl too.

Jin Niangzi had been eyeing the tofu pudding. She took a small bite, finding it more elastic than regular tofu made from soybeans. Though she didn't know what tofu pudding was, she thought the name was quite fitting.

"I think you need someone to help you," Jin Niangzi said after finishing her tofu pudding and returning the bowl. Mrs. Zhang washed it in a bucket and placed it on the table.

Mrs. Zhang agreed that she needed help. Today, she had sold goods, made roujiamo, flavored tofu pudding, and washed dishes, leaving her exhausted.

Jin Niangzi asked if she had anyone suitable in mind. If not, she offered to bring her daughter.

Mrs. Zhang hesitated to use outsiders and wanted to discuss it with Lin Chunyan first, so she didn't agree immediately.

Jin Niangzi was disappointed, especially since Mrs. Zhang didn't have any male children. Otherwise, given their current relationship, they could have arranged a marriage.

Her own son was younger than Lin Chunyan and Lin Taohong, and she worried Mrs. Zhang wouldn't approve or that her son would have to marry into the Zhang family, so she didn't mention it.

Mrs. Song at the dock had noticed Mrs. Zhang's stall for some time. People often talked about the new delicacies she sold.

Curious, Mrs. Song had glanced at Mrs. Zhang's stall, intrigued by the food. She wanted to try it but was always busy making fish soup.

Today, she heard they had new delicacies, and those unloading cargo at the dock rushed to taste them. Their reactions confirmed the food must be delicious.

Nearby was a noodle vendor who used to serve the dock workers. Although not many came, it was enough to sustain her business.

But since Mrs. Zhang started selling here, fewer people bought noodles. For just a couple of coins, they could get tofu pudding and a steamed bun, a satisfying meal for much less than a bowl of noodles.

Mrs. Shen, the noodle vendor, had long resented Mrs. Zhang and kept watching her stall.

She learned something interesting: Mrs. Zhang's daughter, Lin Chunyan, was skilled and could cater banquets. Recently, she had catered a banquet for Jin Niangzi's family, known for their wontons.

Lin Chunyan's specialty, fish soup, had been devoured at the banquet.

Mrs. Shen debated whether to tell Mrs. Song about this. Fueled by Mrs. Zhang's success, she eventually shared the information with Mrs. Song.

Initially skeptical, Mrs. Song raised an eyebrow. "Our fish soup is a family recipe, and I've been selling it here for nearly ten years. No one else makes it like this. Don't spread rumors; it might cause trouble for that young lady."

Mrs. Shen insisted, "I'm not making this up. People from Jin Niangzi's village said it's true. Even the local landlord Li invited her to make fish soup."

Mrs. Song began to believe it. Her helper, Meizi, blurted out, "She must have stolen the recipe! How dare she!"

Mrs. Song frowned, looking displeased at Meizi. "Don't say such things. It makes me seem arrogant!"

Meizi stuck out her tongue and stopped talking, but she continued to watch Mrs. Zhang, wondering what Mrs. Song would do.

Mrs. Song was unsure how to handle the situation. Unlike others, she was widowed and lived next door to her family. Her siblings respected her fish soup, and her grandmother had chosen her to sell it at the dock.

She needed to consult her grandmother.

When the crowd thinned, Lin Chunyan and Lin Taohong could catch their breath. The remaining tofu pudding would likely sell quickly.

The sugar painting old man had been waiting for this moment. Seeing fewer customers, he asked the sugar water old man to watch his stall and approached Lin Chunyan.

Lin Chunyan greeted him, continuing her work but thinking about buying more sieves from the grocery store after selling out.

With autumn's good weather, she planned to dry more wild fruits for winter snacks and tea.

The sugar painting old man hesitated before speaking, "I tasted the sweet tofu pudding earlier. It's delicious, but I noticed you use honey. Won't that run out soon?"

Lin Chunyan paused, looking up at him. "Yes, the honey was a gift from someone in our village, not much, just for tasting."

"What about using maltose?"

Lin Chunyan understood his intention, glanced at his stall, and smiled. "How much do you sell your maltose for?"

The old man waited for this question and quoted a price. Maltose, extracted from grains, was naturally more expensive than wheat.

In the past, Lin Chunyan wouldn't have considered it, but now that she was seriously doing business, maltose was necessary.

Lin Taohong, overhearing, exclaimed, "No wonder each sugar painting costs two coins. Maltose is so expensive!"

She had bought maltose before but never thought about its cost. Hearing the price surprised her.

The old man who made sugar paintings was afraid they wouldn't buy, and Lin Taohong kept looking at Lin Chunyan, clearly believing that Lin Chunyan could make them.

Not only that, the old woman selling sugar water was also eyeing them warily. They were in the business of making sugar water, so they didn't lack maltose at home; they just hadn't thought about it before, allowing the sugar painting old man to take advantage of the opportunity.

"If you buy it, I'll give you a discount."

The old man who made sugar paintings hurriedly said, fearing someone else would snatch the sale.

Finally, after agreeing on a price, the old man felt relieved.

The old woman selling sugar water and the old man selling sugar water rarely spared each other's feelings, but this time they united against the sugar painting old man.

"Making me watch your stall, thinking you were going to earn some money for yourself."

The sugar painting old man quickly bowed his hands in apology. They had been running their stalls here for many years, and after exchanging a few jibes, they let the matter drop.

With the remaining items unsold, Lin Chunyan didn't plan to sell anymore. Lin Taohong was surprised. "Why are we leaving so early today?"

"I want to find out some information."

It had only been two days since Wang Chuizi last came to set up his stall, and she wondered how Wang Yingniang was doing.

That girl had a good heart and had come to deliver messages twice, once even saving her life.

When she returned, she didn't dare tell Mrs. Zhang, knowing that she might spread the news and make things worse for Wang Yingniang.

But this didn't mean she wasn't worried. She had to go and check on her.

Lin Taohong knew a little bit about it and didn't say anything more after hearing Lin Chunyan's words. The two of them carried their baskets and asked around as they walked.

Before reaching Wangjia Village, they heard news that Wang Chuizi had been jailed and that his family owed debts, so they planned to sell Wang Yingniang to the Li family.

If she were to be an ordinary maid, it would be fine, but Aunt He wanted to sell Wang Yingniang as a concubine to the Li family, telling Wang Chuizi that the Li family wanted to marry her, deceiving both sides.

Hearing this, the sisters were shocked. They had been to the Li family's house before, where the head of the family was nearly sixty with gray hair.

In those times, people generally didn't live that long, and sixty was considered close to death. Selling Wang Yingniang to him as a concubine would bring her no good.

"This is too inhumane!" Lin Taohong frowned. "Could it be that Wang Yingniang isn't her mother's own daughter? Why treat her like this!"

Lin Chunyan was so anxious she couldn't speak. She took a few steps forward and then ran back towards town.

"Where are you going, Sister?"

Lin Taohong hurriedly followed behind, tugging on Lin Chunyan's sleeve. "We shouldn't go this way."

"Just the two of us, what can we do? We might even get beaten up!"

She had to find Constable Sun. Wang Chuizi had been jailed, and he feared the officials the most.

When they reached the government office, they couldn't find Constable Sun, but another constable, Wang, was there, saying that Sun was on leave today.

Constable Wang had official duties, so Lin Chunyan had to ask for the address of Constable Sun's house and gave him some food from her basket as a thank-you gift.

Constable Sun lived in a village halfway between their Qingcun Village and Wangjia Village, which they had passed through when delivering Wang Yingniang.

After walking almost to the village, they asked around and found Constable Sun's house.

It was easy to find; his house was more spacious than others, built with mud bricks and tiles.

The old woman leading them marveled, and Lin Chunyan knocked on the door, not leaving immediately, eager to see what would happen.

Everyone within ten miles knew Constable Sun. This family had two brothers: one worked as a constable in town, and the other was a bodyguard, both with considerable wealth.

However, both brothers had peculiar personalities and hadn't married yet, causing their mother to cry herself blind.

Lin Chunyan ignored the old woman's thoughts, focused only on rescuing someone. She knocked on the door and waited.

"Who could it be?" Constable Sun was lying half-reclined on the bed, eating small crabs and tofu, thoroughly enjoying himself.

He didn't want to open the door and asked his brother to do it. "I brought all this food, and you always eat plenty of it. It's your turn to run errands."

After a few jokes, Constable Sun's brother, Sun Anyuan, got up and opened the door, surprised to see two unfamiliar young women.

The old woman, seeing their reaction, assumed something dramatic was happening and spoke before Lin Chunyan could. "These two young women are looking for your elder brother. Could it be that he did something improper and they've come to confront him?"

Her words were quite offensive. Sun Anyuan glanced at Lin Chunyan and bowed to the old woman. "Please don't say such things. Our reputation doesn't matter, but these young women are innocent."

Inside, Constable Sun heard the commotion and came out, feeling embarrassed and angry at the old woman's words.

"Old lady, if you have nothing better to do, go find your son who's always gambling. Don't talk about these young women like that."

The old woman looked embarrassed; she was known for her loose tongue and loved gossip. No one dared to associate with her.

Unfortunately, Lin Chunyan, in her desperation, had randomly asked this old woman to lead the way.

Constable Sun bowed to Lin Chunyan. "I apologize for the trouble."

"That's fine," Lin Chunyan said, her eyes filled with urgency. "I wonder if Brother Sun could help us with something."

Sun Anyuan stepped aside to let them in, leaving the door open and sitting in the courtyard.

Constable Sun, hearing "Brother Sun," knew something was up; they used to call him Constable Sun.

"Tell me what's going on. Is it about Wang Chuizi's family again?"

Lin Chunyan recounted how Wang Yingniang had saved her. "We heard from several villagers that they're planning to sell Wang Yingniang to the Li family. As a young woman, how will she survive?"

Lin Chunyan explained her purpose, her forehead damp with sweat from anxiety. "I'm hoping you could come with me to rescue Wang Yingniang."

Officer Sun pondered for a moment, "We can go, but we're not her birth parents, and the authorities have no jurisdiction over this matter. It might not go as smoothly as we hope."

"Her father and mother are no good. Since they were willing to sell Yingniang to Master Li, they'd be willing to sell her to anyone else. The priority is to rescue her from this miserable situation."

Officer Sun understood the implications of her words and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise, not expecting Lin Chunyan to be so compassionate.

"In that case, I'll go with you."

Officer Sun even went back into his room to change into his official uniform, carrying a sword that alone could intimidate people.

Sun Anyuan also changed his clothes and said he would go with them.

Lin Chunyan naturally welcomed more people joining them, bowed gratefully, and thanked them repeatedly.

Lin Taohong didn't understand their cryptic conversation but followed along. As they approached, they could hear the commotion in the courtyard.

"You wretched girl, how did I end up with such a cursed child? I should have drowned you in a chamber pot when you were born."

"There's no need to waste words on her. Just tie her up and take her away. She must die there if she must die."

The voice was sharp and thin, unmistakably Aunt He's.

Wang Yingniang, cornered, held a pair of scissors, her hands trembling. She had heard too many insults to let them affect her anymore. But somehow, Lin Chunyan's words echoed in her mind.

"Do you want a different life?"

It felt like Lin Chunyan was standing right beside her, slowly extending a hand. Ever since that day, she had been replaying those words in her mind.

She had regretted, felt lost, and been at a loss. Even now, facing the prospect of being sold like livestock, she still thought about it.

Wang Yingniang wondered if she would ever get another chance. She wanted to live openly and upright like Lin Chunyan, without abuse or scolding.

A tear rolled down her cheek. Wang Yingniang's hand shook, and the scissors cut a lock of her hair.

Aunt He grew angrier, thinking Wang Yingniang was defying her, and tried to grab the scissors. Suddenly, the door burst open.

Lin Chunyan hurried into the courtyard and saw Aunt He trying to snatch the scissors from Wang Yingniang, while her three brothers watched indifferently.

Wang Yingniang felt like she was dreaming; otherwise, why would Lin Chunyan be here?

Seeing someone rush in, Wang Chuizi was startled. About to shout, he saw Officer Sun and Sun Anyuan behind them, and his words faltered. His face quickly broke into a smile.

"Officer Sun, what brings you here? We were just going to invite you for a drink. Please come in."

Officer Sun ignored him and focused on Wang Yingniang. It was clear she had been beaten; her hair was disheveled, and there were mud stains on her clothes. Scattered on the ground were strands of hair.

Traditionally, one's body and hair were gifts from one's parents, and cutting hair was taboo.

Clearly, this young woman had been driven to desperation. It was truly pitiful.

Wang Chuizi noticed Officer Sun's gaze on Wang Yingniang and sighed, "We have a troublesome daughter. We found her a good future, but she rebelled and cut her hair, saying she wants to become a nun. As her parents, how can we not be worried?"

He then turned to Lin Chunyan, his eyes filled with resentment, "I wonder why this Lin family girl is here. Could it be she has set her sights on our son again, wanting to marry into our family?"

Lin Taohong spat in disgust. She had initially felt sorry for Wang Yingniang, but seeing the ropes meant to bind her, she felt a chill in her heart.

The scissors, which had cut her hair, had injured someone during Aunt He's attempt to seize them, leaving bloodstains.

Wang Yingniang hadn't cried since learning she was being sold to Master Li. Her expression remained unchanged until she saw Lin Chunyan.

Initially, Aunt He claimed she was marrying her off, but Wang Yingniang knew better. She had learned this was a deception to make her a concubine to a man old enough to be her grandfather. There was no future for her. She preferred to become a nun and live cleanly.

But even that wasn't allowed. Wang Yingniang felt utterly desolate, contemplating suicide by hanging or drowning rather than enduring such humiliation.

As she contemplated escaping, Lin Chunyan appeared at the door. For a moment, she thought it was a hallucination, but eventually realized it was real.

When Wang Yingniang was cutting her hair, she wondered what Lin Chunyan would do. Would she think her weak for choosing death?

Realizing it wasn't a hallucination, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Seeing Wang Yingniang's pitiful state, Lin Chunyan felt deeply pained, regretting coming late. She first checked her injuries.

The scissors had deeply wounded her arm, and blood was pouring out.

"Come, I'll take you to my house."

Lin Chunyan took Wang Yingniang's hand, but Aunt He wouldn't let her go, shouting about kidnappers.

"This girl is mine. How I deal with her is none of your business, even if the officials come."

Aunt He seemed pleased, feeling she had the upper hand.

"If you try to take her away, I'll report you to the authorities and have you thrown in jail."

The three brothers tried to intervene but were blocked by Sun Anyuan.

Sun Anyuan, a seasoned bodyguard, was tall and imposing, and his presence alone deterred Wang Dalang and his brothers.

Wang Yingniang tugged at Lin Chunyan's sleeve, hesitating, and looked back at Aunt He.

She couldn't burden Lin Chunyan, even though the idea of a new life was tempting.

Since she could remember, all the household chores had fallen on her small shoulders, exhausting her to the point where turning over in bed was a struggle.

Aunt He was never satisfied and only knew how to punish.

Sometimes she would coax her with kind words, telling her to work hard at home and promising more dowry for her future.

Seeing that Wang Yingniang wasn't leaving, Aunt He became even more smug. "Come quickly. When we get there, you won't have to work and can eat well every day. I'm doing this because I care about you."

Wang Yingniang ignored her and said, "Since Mother insists on sending me away, I'll give my life back to you."

With that, she broke free from Lin Chunyan's grip and headed straight for the well, truly intent on ending her life. She had initially regretted not seeing Lin Chunyan one last time, but now that she had seen her, she felt no more regrets and used all her strength, hoping for a different life in the next world.

In a flash, Sun Anyuan, standing nearby, intervened just in time, causing Wang Yingniang to only bump her forehead and bleed.

Aunt He and Wang Chuizi were shocked. The constable Sun spoke coldly, "While we don't prohibit human trafficking, forcing someone to their death is something the authorities do take seriously."

Wang Chuizi didn't want to go back to jail and glared at Aunt He.

Aunt He had already taken the money to redeem their family, and she was terrified. If Wang Yingniang really died, what would she tell Mr. Li?

"What a sin..."

Fortunately, Wang Yingniang hadn't died yet, so she could still be sent over.

Just as she thought this, Wang Yingniang opened her eyes dazedly and, realizing she was still alive, tried to rush towards the well again.

She truly wanted to die.

Aunt He finally felt real fear, muttering under her breath. If she sent the girl to Mr. Li and she attempted suicide again, it would offend him.

"That's four strings of cash!" Aunt He whispered, unwilling to let go of such a profitable deal.

Constable Sun watched them closely, ready to arrest them. Wang Chuizi dared not continue and said the money couldn't be returned.

"One string of cash, dead contract, I'll pay."

Hearing this, Aunt He looked at Lin Chunyan and haggled, "Mr. Li offered four strings of cash!"

"That was when Wang Yingniang was fine. Now that she's injured, the medical expenses alone will exceed that amount. Besides, I don't need a concubine. The price can't be the same! You can sell or not; if not, forget it."

Lin Chunyan glared coldly, "Anyway, it has nothing to do with me. If she really dies by drowning, you'll have to answer to the authorities."

Aunt He panicked, fearing the money would be wasted on medical bills.

But letting go of so much money made her hesitate.

Constable Sun added coldly, "Think carefully. If you send her to Mr. Li's and she attempts suicide, you'll offend him. Where will you find better opportunities?"

He continued, "Sign the dead contract, and you won't have to worry about medical expenses. I'll talk to Mr. Li; it won't concern you."

After a long look at each other, Wang Chuizi gritted his teeth, "Two strings, no less!"

"Only one string."

Lin Chunyan held firm, "A good maid costs only three to four strings of cash. I'll have to pay for her treatment, and I don't know if it will work."

After some negotiation, they agreed on an additional five hundred coins. Lin Chunyan made them sign the dead contract in front of Constable Sun.

From then on, Wang Yingniang had no connection with their family.

Wang Yingniang remained stunned throughout, unable to speak.

Lin Taohong, however, was agitated and tried to intervene several times but was stopped by Lin Chunyan. After the contract was signed, she sighed, "Wait until Mother hears about this!"

She didn't have enough money, so Sun Anyuan lent her some and helped find a cart to transport Wang Yingniang to town.

As they left, the Wang family wouldn't even let Wang Yingniang pack her belongings, treating her like a dirty object. Aunt He spat on the ground and slammed the door shut.

Wang Yingniang finally felt relieved, without disappointment or sadness, and fainted.

They reached the town and went to the clinic first. The doctor confirmed it was just a bump and prescribed medicine for recovery. Lin Chunyan breathed a sigh of relief.

She thanked Constable Sun repeatedly, offering snacks as a token of gratitude and promised to repay the money soon.

Sun Anyuan waved it off, "I don't need it urgently. Pay back whenever you can."

Wang Yingniang woke up, her eyes vacant. Lin Chunyan explained the situation to ease her mind.

"It's not that we think you're worthless or measure you by money. I just don't have that much cash and deliberately lowered the price."

Wang Yingniang looked up, struggling to rise, and knelt before Lin Chunyan.

"Yan Niang, I understand you're helping me. Since you bought me, I'll serve you like a slave and repay your kindness."

Lin Chunyan helped her up and reassured her, "No need to say such things. From now on, we're family. You'll help out, but I promised to change your life. You'll see."

Wang Yingniang felt relieved, knowing that working was better than dying. As Lin Chunyan said, she'd see how things turned out.

It couldn't be worse than before, at least not serving as a concubine for Mr. Li.

Lin Taohong, still angry, remained silent during the journey. While she pitied Wang Yingniang, seeing Lin Chunyan treat her so kindly made her uncomfortable.

When parting ways, Constable Sun mentioned their house deed.

"If possible, get your Village Headman to write a document and bring it to town. I'll help you transfer ownership."

Transferring to a female household would make the house and land truly theirs.

This was indeed thoughtful. Since arriving, Lin Chunyan had been focused on earning money and hadn't considered transferring ownership.

She sincerely thanked them again, already thinking about what she could do to show her gratitude. This Constable Sun was indeed a righteous person who had helped a great deal.

Even his brother was quite generous and straightforward.

When they wheeled Wang Yingniang to the dock, Mrs. Zhang was shocked at first, while Lin Taohong quickly explained the situation beside her.

"I argued with my sister for a long time, but she insisted on buying Wang Yingniang back!"

That was a full five hundred coins, which would take a lot of selling to earn!

Mrs. Zhang was also angry and tapped Lin Chunyan's forehead, restraining herself, "You little girl, your courage is growing. Such a big decision without consulting me."

"Indeed, the situation was urgent. If we had been any later, Yingniang might not have survived. She saved me once, after all."

Mrs. Zhang remained sullen, feeling as if her heart was bleeding, but knowing they were outside, she kept quiet.

When Zhao Huaizi arrived, they bid farewell to Constable Sun and took Wang Yingniang home.

The joy from earning money today vanished completely. Even after returning home, Mrs. Zhang was still upset, slamming things around.

Lin Chunyan hurriedly prepared a bed for Wang Yingniang, but Mrs. Zhang did not offer to help; she just stared at Wang Yingniang.

"In our house, we don't keep idle people. Once your injuries heal in a couple of days, there's plenty of work in the backyard. If you slack off, you won't get any food."

Wang Yingniang immediately got up to kneel and gave assurances.

Lin Chunyan helped her up, "In our family, we're all the same, just trying to make a living. There's no need for this. Rest assured here."

Lin Chunyan made her lie down and rest. Wang Yingniang saw how clean and bright the room was, and the bamboo curtains swayed gently, bringing a fresh scent that dispelled her fatigue.

She soon fell asleep.

Lin Chunyan went to the kitchen to prepare some food to thank Constable Sun and his brother and to return the money.

Mrs. Zhang stood at the door, not coming in, "Since she saved you and you helped her, it's settled. Just consider her an extra pair of hands. But next time, don't be so impulsive. Wang Chuizi isn't someone easy to deal with."

She did not mention the money again.

Lin Chunyan smiled at her, understanding that Mrs. Zhang was worried about her. This person always spoke bluntly, even when trying to be kind.

Fortunately, Lin Chunyan knew her temper. She admitted her rashness and mentioned the idea of establishing a female household, "I thought since Constable Sun helped us greatly, I should send him some of the chestnut chicken stew."

Mrs. Zhang nodded absentmindedly, her mind focused on the idea of establishing a female household. If it really happened, they would have nothing to do with the Lin family anymore.

"Can your second and third uncles agree?"

"Let's talk to them first. We're earning more and more. Who knows what might happen? If we get kicked out again, what will we do?"

Though she didn't say it clearly, Mrs. Zhang understood that Lin Chunyan feared the sudden return of Old Man Lin.

"Pah!" Mrs. Zhang spat on the ground. If he dared come back, she'd beat him away with a stick.

But she also realized Lin Chunyan's concern wasn't unfounded. Old Man Lin had abandoned his wife and daughters; he could do anything.

They set up their stall in town, and someone might tell him about it.

Thinking about this, she forgot about Wang Yingniang and rushed to talk to Second Uncle Lin.

Lin Taohong, however, still found Wang Yingniang annoying. The room was small, and having Wang Yingniang meant sharing the bed and the cabinet, which made her uncomfortable.

Wang Yingniang said she felt much better after resting half a day and wanted to get up to help.

Lin Chunyan had already finished the chestnut chicken stew, and its aroma filled the air. When Zhao Huaizi and Zhao Muyang came to pick it up, they almost ate it right there.

Lin Taohong, who had refused to help peel the chestnuts earlier due to her anger, now tried to lift the lid and eat, but Lin Chunyan stopped her.

"This is for someone else. Come with me to deliver it."

Lin Taohong was displeased, "This morning, you said the chestnut chicken was for us. Now that she's here, we can't even have a chicken."

She spoke loudly, wanting Wang Yingniang to hear. Lin Chunyan frowned, "We've never lacked food for you. I left some broth for you. If you really want to eat, we can buy another chicken tomorrow."

Lin Taohong blushed, "I don't want the chicken. Buying chickens costs money. With all the extra expenses, when will we be able to buy a cart?"

Feeling wronged, she shed a few tears.

Lin Chunyan sighed, "Money is important, but working a few more days at the stall can earn it back. Can you watch a person die in front of us, especially one who saved me?"

Lin Taohong was speechless and stormed out without eating.

Mrs. Zhang's visit to Second Uncle Lin didn't go smoothly. He felt she was distancing herself and was breathing heavily, refusing to agree.

Second Aunt Lin escorted her out, promising to persuade Second Uncle Lin, "He's stubborn. Telling him suddenly might shock him. Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Once he understands, it'll be settled."

Second Aunt Lin marveled inwardly at how capable First House had become, even considering establishing a female household.

Neither mentioned Third House. Exhausted from the day, Mrs. Zhang didn't want to face Aunt Li's attitude and returned home. She ate some broth-soaked rice and heard Lin Chunyan was going to return the money. Worried about safety, she decided to accompany her.

Constable Sun's mother was at home. She was a straightforward and righteous woman, which explained her sons' character.

After hearing the story, she praised Lin Chunyan for being a righteous lady and commended Wang Yingniang for her bravery. She then engaged Mrs. Zhang in conversation.

Their personalities matched well, and Mrs. Zhang couldn't stop smiling, her unhappiness fading.

Lin Chunyan placed the chestnut chicken stew down and took out the money.

Sun Anyuan wasn't in a hurry to receive it, telling her not to worry.

Li Dainiang also said, "He's a bachelor and earns a lot from escorting goods. You don't need to rush to repay him."

"If not, we could owe it for now, but since you have it, how can we not give it?"

Seeing her sincerity, Sun Anyuan finally accepted it.

Li Dainiang looked at Lin Chunyan, feeling a pang of regret in her heart. If only she were a bit older, she would be perfect to marry into her family as a daughter-in-law.

Without even mentioning her appearance, her character was already commendable.

Not to mention her skills.

When the chicken with chestnuts was brought out, the two brothers couldn't move their feet. Opening the lid revealed a steaming aroma, with mushrooms, tofu, and chestnuts all inside, and the chicken was cooked to tenderness.

Beside it were soft pancakes, perfectly baked, which paired wonderfully with the chicken soup, making them incredibly delicious.

"I'm not a good cook. The two brothers used to cook for themselves, but the taste was just so-so. After you started your stall, our home had these delicious dishes every day."

Li Dainiang invited them to stay for dinner, but Mrs. Zhang said they had eaten at home and didn't even glance at the chicken with chestnuts.

Constable Sun, enduring his growling stomach, talked about the female household registration matter, telling them not to worry and to come find him once it was settled.

"However, you go to the town every day to sell at the market; you need a man to protect you. Otherwise, where will you cry when something happens?"

Constable Sun had seen many cases of robbery and murder over money. "That lady who sells fish and meat porridge, Lady Song, is also from our village. Someone always accompanies her, fearing trouble on the way."

Mrs. Zhang was frightened by this, and Sun Anyuan agreed, "These days seem peaceful, but there are plenty of dirty deeds behind the scenes. You should be cautious."

Constable Sun escorted them to the village entrance before returning. Mrs. Zhang and Lin Chunyan then discussed, "We need to find someone. Better safe than sorry."

"What about Uncle Huaizi?"

"It might work for a day or two, but he needs to hunt in the mountains eventually, so that won't do."

After all, he's not one of us, and using him isn't entirely reassuring.

Just paying for the cart costs six copper coins a day.

"Why not ask Erlang?"

Mrs. Zhang thought about it, still resentful that Uncle Lin disagreed with their female household registration, and vaguely replied, "Let's see."

Inside the house, Lin Taohong had already gone to bed. The bowl of rice set aside in the kitchen had been eaten at some point, leaving crumbs around her mouth, yet she pretended to be asleep.

Wang Yingniang lay on the other side, separated by what seemed like a river's width.

Lin Chunyan found it both amusing and exasperating. After washing up, she lay down and soon fell asleep.

Lin Taohong, however, wasn't asleep. She propped herself up and saw that Lin Chunyan was closer to Wang Yingniang, stirring jealousy in her heart. She moved closer to Lin Chunyan, insisting on being next to her.

The next morning, Wang Yingniang got up early to heat water but couldn't find any rice, so she didn't make breakfast.

Lin Chunyan, while combing her hair, told her to rest, "Even if you want to help, there's no rush. You need to recover first."

"I'm fine," Wang Yingniang touched her forehead. "I've bumped my head before, and it heals after a night's sleep."

Lin Taohong was woken up by their conversation. She glared at Wang Yingniang and coldly snorted, "You're always trying to curry favor."

She stomped off to the toilet after saying that.

Lin Chunyan comforted Wang Yingniang, "Don't take it to heart. That's just her personality. I'll talk to her later."

Wang Yingniang shook her head, "It's okay. It takes time to get used to having another person in the house."

Back at her old home, she was beaten and scolded daily, so she was accustomed to it. Lin Taohong only mocked her but never physically harmed her.

Lin Chunyan found a piece of clothing from her closet and gave it to Wang Yingniang to wear. When she arrived, she had nothing with her.

"Just make do for now. Today, I'll buy some fabric and make you a new outfit."

Lin Taohong, having brushed her teeth, heard this and became even angrier. She threw the curtain aside and stormed off.

After working for so long, Lin Chunyan hadn't offered to buy her new clothes. Why should Wang Yingniang, who had just arrived, receive new clothes?

Indeed, Wang Yingniang had taken Lin Chunyan away from her.