Chapter 76

Chapter 76

When the Village Headman saw that Lin Chunyan was serious, he asked some of the village elders who were respected for their virtue, and only after they all agreed did he relent.

But curiosity still gnawed at him. What could Lin Chunyan's family be planning to do with so many lotus roots? Could these things be more valuable than fish?

The Village Headman kept his face composed, looking mature and experienced, but his mind was already racing with speculations.

Not long ago, Li Shi had stopped letting Mrs. Zhang's daughter-in-law learn her craft. The Village Headman's wife was unhappy about this; if they gave up halfway, wouldn't the hundreds of coins they had spent go to waste?

The Village Headman's wife went to talk to Li Shi again, but Li Shi was determined. The craft was now secondary; what mattered was that Lin Fengdie was clearly influenced by Mrs. Zhang's daughter-in-law. If this continued, her character would become increasingly stubborn.

The Village Headman's wife had no choice but to return home, grumbling all the way. She suggested that perhaps Mrs. Zhang's daughter-in-law should learn kitchen skills from Lin Chunyan instead.

The moment she said this, the Village Headman interrupted her, telling her to forget the idea. "They make a living with those skills. How can they teach them to others? I can't bring myself to ask."

Despite this, the Village Headman's wife couldn't let it go. She probed Mrs. Zhang with questions, but didn't get the answers she wanted and returned dejectedly.

Although the weather wasn't good, there were still many people in the village fishing. Even Li Shi brought Lin Fengdie along. Many people heard that Lin Chunyan didn't want the fish and started calculating in their heads.

Qian Niangzi's mother-in-law nudged her, saying, "Why don't we skip the fish too? Maybe the lotus roots are more valuable."

Qian Niangzi, who was eagerly waiting for the fish, was not pleased with her mother-in-law's suggestion. "What's so good about lotus roots? Even if we sell them at the market, we won't make much money. We should stick to the fish. This year's fish look quite fat; they'll be delicious when cooked."

Her mother-in-law just mentioned it, knowing that Qian Niangzi was close to Lin Ercun. If there was anything to it, Lin Ercun's family would surely trade for the lotus roots too.

Lin Ercun confidently chose the fish, aware that many people were watching her. She stood tall, occasionally chatting with Mrs. Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang wore a rabbit fur scarf around her neck, a hat on her head, and a white fur ball in her arm, fully dressed up. At first glance, one might think she was a wealthy lady out for a stroll.

Her appearance naturally drew many gazes, and some even tried to touch her rabbit fur scarf, only to have Mrs. Zhang swat their hands away.

People say that clothes make the person. In the past, the villagers thought Mrs. Zhang was unkempt, always gossiping under the trees or wielding a stick to assert her authority at others' homes. Now, she looked quite presentable.

Someone joked with Mrs. Zhang, "I wonder if that butcher Zhang will send any more meat?"

Mrs. Zhang, no longer embarrassed thanks to Lin Taohong's desensitization, thought these old women just wanted free meat, which was impossible.

She smiled inwardly but kept a straight face. "He only sent it once, and we returned it. I don't want to associate with him anymore. Why would I need his meat?"

"Since you find the butcher's life so unbearable, what kind of man are you looking for?"

"That's not to say I must find someone," she retorted.

These old women chatted and laughed together, and the Village Headman, finding their behavior outrageous, coughed loudly, but no one paid him any attention.

The young ladies gathered in groups, watching the young men diving into the water, blushing after a few jokes.

Winter was the time for matchmakers to visit. It was said that several matches had already been made, and some were still being considered.

Lin Chunyan stood there listening to the commotion, occasionally hearing people on the shore exclaim about catching large fish.

She noticed that Erlang and Sanlang were at the forefront, especially Erlang, who, despite being quiet, was very efficient. In no time, he had caught over a dozen fish.

This drew giggles from the young ladies on the shore. Lin Chunyan glanced a few times at Lin Ercun, knowing that she wanted to arrange a marriage for Erlang. Today, she also hoped Erlang would take a look at the young ladies on the shore.

But Erlang was focused on fishing and never glanced toward the shore, much to Lin Ercun's frustration.

She had a few favorites, including Zhao Xinghua, the most outstanding girl in the village, as well as capable young ladies like Ju Miao and Ya Dan.

This year's fish were large, and everyone was looking forward to a prosperous New Year. Smiles adorned every face, and children ran around happily, their laughter ringing out by the river.

Mrs. Zhang had already arranged to speak with some people after closing her stall. She planned to bring sunflower seeds and only needed them to provide water.

It was clear she intended to have a thorough conversation.

After most of the fish were caught, they began to dig up the lotus roots. This year's lotus roots were also large, and when dug up, they covered the entire shore.

Besides Lin Chunyan, everyone else took only a few roots symbolically.

Seeing that no one wanted more, the Village Headman gave all the remaining lotus roots to Lin Chunyan. She was overjoyed, as the baskets she brought were not enough to hold them all. It took several trips to move everything home.

When she returned, she found a bucket at her doorstep with two fish inside. Upon asking, she learned that Sun Niangzi had given them.

Lin Chunyan smiled and accepted them. Soon after, the second and third families, as well as Dog Egg's family, also sent fish. Even the neighboring Zhao Niangzi sent one.

Together, they had almost as many fish as others received.

Mrs. Zhang laughed, unable to stop. "How are we going to eat all these fish?"

Lin Chunyan replied, "Since we have nothing to do today, let's have a feast. How about making squirrel mandarin fish?"

The name was peculiar, but everyone thought it would taste delicious and came to help in the kitchen.

Lin Chunyan removed the large bones from the fresh fish. There were various types of fish in the pond, and she chose the one with the fewest bones. The authentic squirrel mandarin fish is made with mandarin fish.

After removing the bones, she sliced the fish into intricate patterns, coated it with starch, and fried it in oil.

As she demonstrated her knife skills, Wang Yingniang and Lin Taohong were mesmerized. The fish meat was cut into neat pieces, and when fried, the tail curled up, resembling a squirrel's tail.

The squirrel mandarin fish had a sweet and sour flavor, with a bright and attractive color, making it a rare dish that was both visually and taste-wise delightful.

The wind shifted to the northwest, carrying the aroma of their cooking directly to Zhao Niangzi's house, impossible to block.

Zhao Niangzi was also cooking fish. Her youngest son poked his head out, sniffed the air, and burst into tears.

"Mother, I don't want to eat yours; it's too awful."

Zhao Niangzi's cooking skills were average, and something about her method of preparing the fish left a strong fishy smell.

Mrs. Zhao was feeling troubled and agitated when she heard her youngest son’s cries. Without a word, she slapped him.

This slap was something she had learned from Lin Chunyan. She had seen Lin Chunyan discipline Lin Taohong this way, and afterward, Lin Taohong became as obedient as could be.

The child, having been hit, indeed stopped crying, but only began to sob pitifully, not knowing what had gotten into Mrs. Zhao today.

In truth, Mrs. Zhao felt some regret. Her youngest son had always been pampered since birth and had never been hit like this before, so naturally, she felt heartache.

But when she went to fetch fish today, she saw that all the young girls around Lihua’s age were by the riverbank, except for Lihua and Xinghua, which made her feel distressed.

Thinking about how Lihua might be suffering in that mansion, where she might be serving in the cold winter, whether she was well-fed and warmly clothed, all her spirits vanished.

Last time, she had gone to the side gate and pleaded with the old woman, but she couldn’t even see Lihua. When she went again, she was told that Lihua had been demoted to a third-class servant and was no longer allowed to meet outsiders without the master’s permission.

Only then did Mrs. Zhao realize that Lihua used to have one day off each month, a favor granted by Lady Qian, who had chosen to give her this dignity. If Lady Qian hadn’t wanted to, even if they were separated by several doors, Mrs. Zhao wouldn’t have been able to see Lihua.

When Lady Qian later found out that Lihua had ambitions to rise, she naturally couldn’t tolerate it. She beat Lihua so badly that she couldn’t get out of bed and demoted her to a third-class servant, stripping her of all dignity.

Lihua was terrified by the beating. Thinking about how Zhao Xinghua had also been sold and was now missing, she fell seriously ill and couldn’t even get out of bed.

Li Youfu, who lived next door, had fished all day and was just about to lie down to rest when he heard Mrs. Zhao’s muffled sobs. He could only get up helplessly, “Mother, what’s wrong?”

Seeing her eldest son, Mrs. Zhao didn’t find him as pleasant as before. After all, the money from selling Lihua had been saved for his marriage.

Li Youfu, upon seeing Mrs. Zhao’s state, guessed the reason, “Are you thinking about Lihua again?”

“What good does it do to just think?” At the mention of Lihua’s name, Mrs. Zhao’s tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Li Youfu sat on a stool, silent for a moment before saying, “Mother, why don’t we try to redeem Lihua? Even if we live a hard life together, it’s better than being separated.”

Li Tiedan was out drinking somewhere and hadn’t returned yet. Hearing this, Mrs. Zhao forgot to cry, “Don’t talk nonsense. We’ve already arranged your marriage, and it’s agreed that you’ll bring your bride home in the first month of the new year. Are you really willing?”

As she spoke, Mrs. Zhao stared intently at Li Youfu, afraid to miss any expression on his face.

“Mother, this money is from selling Lihua. Even if I use it to marry, my heart will still be uneasy.”

Li Youfu said gruffly, adding that he hadn’t really thought much about getting married anyway.

In the past, Zhao Xinghua had always wanted to marry him, but he had only seen her as a sister. Now that she was sold and they couldn’t see each other, he felt a deep pain in his heart.

But it was too late to talk about these things now. He didn’t know where Zhao Xinghua had been sold or if she was suffering like Lihua, her fate unknown.

Seeing the sincerity on Li Youfu’s face, Mrs. Zhao knew he was serious. Her heart raced as she considered what to do next.

If they redeemed Lihua, she wouldn’t have to suffer anymore, but on the other hand, Li Youfu wouldn’t be able to marry, and they would likely make enemies.

Moreover, Lihua might not be able to marry anyone else in the future, and they would have to support her for life.

Mrs. Zhao was indecisive, but Li Youfu had already stood up and found the key to the cabinet from the mouse hole where Mrs. Zhao hid it, taking out the bag of money inside.

“I’ll go ask first.”

Mrs. Zhao quickly stopped him, “We haven’t discussed this with your father. What if he disagrees?”

“If he disagrees, so be it. Can we just stand by and watch Lihua suffer?”

Little Douzi, unaware of the argument between his brother and mother, only smelled the increasingly fragrant aroma in the air and began to sniffle, looking over at Lin Chunyan’s house.

Mrs. Zhao steeled herself, “If that’s the case, don’t regret it later. Don’t blame me for redeeming your sister and preventing you from marrying.”

Li Youfu nodded, “Mother, don’t worry. This money is from selling Lihua. Even if I use it to marry, my heart will still be very uneasy.”

Mrs. Zhao became worried again, “But our family has no power or influence, and Lihua signed a binding contract. How can we easily redeem her?”

As she spoke, she choked up, regretting that she had made Lihua sign a binding contract for a few hundred more coins.

Li Youfu also found it difficult. He paced back and forth in the room for a while, then suddenly slapped his forehead, “Mother, do you remember Lihua saying that Mr. Wang loves food? Lihua also mentioned bringing Lin Chunyan along, which would make Lady Qian value her even more.”

Mrs. Zhao nodded dumbly, not understanding why this was brought up again.

“I should go and ask Yan Niang to make some fresh dishes. I’ll plead with Mr. Wang to release Lihua.”

Mrs. Zhao thought this was a viable option and didn’t let Li Youfu go, wiping her face haphazardly, “Wait here, I’ll go ask Yan Niang.”

She hadn’t argued with Mrs. Zhang recently, always giving in during disputes, but she still felt a bit nervous as she went.

In Lin Chunyan’s courtyard, Sanlang was dancing and gesturing excitedly, raising his voice when he got particularly enthusiastic.

“Sister, do you think my plan will work? I’ve been thinking about it for days.”

Sanlang had noticed that Erlang and Lin Cuixiang had other jobs, earning more copper coins each day than he did, making him envious.

He had been racking his brain for other ways to earn money.

It wasn’t until the village fish pond was opened and every household received a share of fish that Sanlang came up with a good idea.

“I’ll learn the method for making crispy fish, buy fish from our villagers, and sell them in town and the county.”

Fearing Lin Chunyan might disagree, he quickly added, “Sister, I won’t take it for free. I’ll pay you two coins per fish.”

Lin Chunyan did the math and smiled at Sanlang, “If you pay me two coins per fish, you won’t make much profit.”

Sanlang chuckled, “Even a small mosquito is meat. Even if I only make one or two coins per fish, Sister, the fish you teach me to make will taste great, and selling a lot will still be a good income.”

Lin Chunyan agreed and led Sanlang to the kitchen, teaching him how to remove the fish’s odor. Just then, Mrs. Zhao arrived.

Her eyes were red, clearly from crying. Mrs. Zhang assumed it was a fight with her husband and offered her a stool to sit on.

Lady Zhao had just sat down when she started crying again, not caring if Mrs. Zhang would laugh at her. "Sister-in-law, only you can help me with this. Please don’t stand by and watch me suffer."

Mrs. Zhang was unhappy to be called sister-in-law and asked her to change the address. "Just call me Big Sister from now on. There’s no need to refer to me through my husband."

Lady Zhao obediently changed her address, and seeing her like this, Mrs. Zhang told her to stop crying and quickly explain what had happened.

"If your husband has beaten you, it won’t do to come to us. It’s best to get your family involved; this matter can’t be settled with them alone."

Lady Zhao sniffed, "That hasn’t happened. Father Li Youfu is probably drinking at someone else’s house right now. It’s about Lihua."

Lady Zhao then recounted how she hadn’t seen Lihua for some time, and people at the side gate said that Lihua had been beaten and demoted to a lowly servant, fearing that if she stayed any longer, she might lose her life.

Mrs. Zhang had watched Lihua grow up. When Lady Zhao mentioned that Lihua had found a good place, she had thought of sending her own two daughters there too.

Fortunately, she hadn’t done so. If she had, not only would they never see each other again, but they wouldn’t even know if they were alive or dead.

Mrs. Zhang sighed, "Is it because you don’t have enough money? Our business may seem to be growing, but we haven’t earned much more than before. I’m afraid I can’t lend you much."

After saying this, Mrs. Zhang felt proud of herself, thinking that she was now shrewd enough to know not to show off her wealth.

Lady Zhao waved her hands hurriedly, "We didn’t touch a single penny from the money we got from selling Lihua. We just lack the connections and thought Yan Niang could help."

Lin Taohong, while secretly eating squirrel fish, overheard Lady Zhao and Mrs. Zhang talking. Hearing this, she panicked and rushed to find Lin Chunyan.

"Big Sister, it’s bad! The neighbor, Lady Zhao, wants Mother to sell you!"

Lin Chunyan was confused and peered out the window. "Why would they want to sell me?"

Lin Taohong was in a hurry. "I heard clearly that Lady Zhao wants to redeem Lihua, but the Wang family won’t let her go. They’re thinking of sending you there to swap for Lihua."

As she spoke, Sanlang also became anxious. On the other side, Wang Yingniang had already taken a stick to drive Lady Zhao away. "I’ve never seen such a person. Only her daughter is a daughter, but others’ aren’t. She even wants to sell someone else. Why doesn’t she sell herself!"

Wang Yingniang rarely spoke so harshly, showing how angry she was. She took the stick and swung it in front of Lady Zhao.

Lady Zhao, frightened, hid behind Mrs. Zhang. "Yingniang, what are you doing?"

Lady Zhao always remembered this family as somewhat crazy, and one had to be careful when speaking or acting around them.

She hadn’t expected that Wang Yingniang, who had only been there for half a year, had also become so erratic.

"Move aside, Big Sister! Let me drive this old woman out, so she doesn’t have such thoughts!"

Wang Yingniang was also angry with Mrs. Zhang. She thought that although Mrs. Zhang wasn’t very reliable, she was generally a good mother.

But she couldn’t believe that Mrs. Zhang could sit there and listen to Lady Zhao say such things.

"What kind of thoughts?" Lady Zhao was still confused. "I said I wouldn’t take advantage of you. When Yan Niang helps make pastries, I’ll definitely pay for them."

Lin Chunyan, hearing more, came out of the kitchen and pulled Wang Yingniang behind her. "What pastries? What is Lady Zhao asking Mother to do?"

Lady Zhao had to repeat herself, feeling wronged. "I was blinded before, but Lihua is clearly in danger. I just want to redeem her."

Lin Chunyan glanced at Lin Taohong, who knew she had caused a big misunderstanding and blushed, fearing Lin Chunyan would hit her, hiding behind Sanlang.

Mrs. Zhang guessed it must be Lin Taohong eavesdropping again and glared at her, then spoke up for Lady Zhao. "Why don’t we help her?"

Lin Chunyan thought about it. Saving a life was better than building a seven-story pagoda. Lihua hadn’t done anything to harm them, and she couldn’t just watch her suffer in that household.

She nodded. "It’s not difficult, but we need to find out Lihua’s current situation first."

The last time Lady Zhao saw Lihua was after the Cold Clothes Festival, which was over a month ago. She agreed immediately. "I’ll send Brother Li to check."

Lin Chunyan thought Li Youfu was honest, but he might not know how to handle things at the Wang family’s. She asked Sanlang to find Erlang. "Erlang may not talk much, but he sells goods in town every day and has more experience. It would be good to have him along for support."

Lady Zhao thanked them repeatedly, holding Mrs. Zhang’s hand, unable to find words.

"I regret it so much now. If I had known back then when we argued, I wouldn’t have let our dog out."

Thinking of this, Mrs. Zhang became anxious, trying to pull her hand away but failing. She huffed, "You should know better. My pants were torn, and you’ll have to compensate me."

Lady Zhao agreed quickly. "Everyone says you’re greedy, but in my heart, I know you’re a good person."

Mrs. Zhang found this statement strange and asked Lin Chunyan, "Is she praising me or insulting me?"

Lin Chunyan covered her mouth and laughed. "She’s praising you. Lady Zhao always speaks like that."

Mrs. Zhang thought about it and followed Lin Chunyan to the kitchen to check on the crispy fish.

Sanlang learned quickly. The key to making crispy fish was to stew it until the bones were soft but the meat remained intact, allowing the broth to fully penetrate the fish, making it delicious.

Li Youfu and Erlang went to the side gate of the Wang family’s residence. By the time they arrived, it was already late afternoon. The people at the side gate, seeing two young gentlemen inquiring about a maid, were tight-lipped, refusing to speak.

Li Youfu was pacing anxiously, repeating several times that he was Lihua’s brother, but the old woman at the gate didn’t believe him.

Those who eloped often pretended to be siblings, so who knew the truth?

If something happened, they would be implicated.

Li Youfu was still arguing when Erlang nudged him and whispered, "Take out a few coins."

Li Youfu, not hesitating, took out a dozen coins and gave them to the old woman. She immediately changed her expression upon receiving the money.

"If anyone else asks, we can’t say anything. But looking at you, you must be Lihua’s brother; you look so much alike."

Li Youfu, witnessing the old woman’s quick change of attitude, could only manage a bitter smile. "Old lady, please tell me about my sister."

The old woman recounted everything she knew, "She's truly a pitiful soul. She used to serve Lady Qian, at least she had enough to eat and drink. Now she’s just a third-class servant, having to work before dawn every day. I heard she caught a cold not long ago and has been coughing ever since."

The old woman shook her head, adding that even though Li Hua had a relatively good fate, if her cough hadn’t cleared up by the New Year, she would likely be sent away, which would mean certain death.

Li Youfu’s eyes welled up with tears, and he took out several large coins, "Could you please do me a favor, Mrs. Zhang, and let me see my Lihua?"

The old woman hesitated, not daring to take the coins, "I’m just a gatekeeper. How can I bring her here? You’d better leave quickly; if someone sees you, it will only make things worse for Li Hua."

After some more pleading, seeing there was no other way, Li Youfu and Erlang finally turned back. Li Youfu felt even more guilty towards Lihua, beating his chest and weeping uncontrollably.

Zhao Niangzi had been waiting at the village entrance. Seeing Li Youfu in such a state, she assumed Lihua was dead and fainted after a loud cry.

Li Tiedan was drinking outside when someone rushed over, shouting, "Tiedan, stop drinking! Your Lihua is gone..."

Li Tiedan was so shocked that half of his drunkenness wore off, leaving him dazed and unsure how to react.

The people around him were also startled, urging him to go home and check.

Li Tiedan’s legs felt weak, his face covered in tears and snot, "It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have sold you..."

When he got home, he saw that Zhao Niangzi had already woken up, and Xiaodouding was eating fish, which seemed incredibly ironic.

"Your sister is gone, and you’re still thinking about eating fish..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Niangzi slapped him, "How can you be such a father? It’s all your fault that Lihua is in this state!"

After a moment, Li Tiedan felt a surge of joy, asking repeatedly, "Is Lihua really okay?"

In the kitchen, Lin Taohong had heard about the misunderstanding from Erlang and found it very strange, "If they care so much about Lihua, why did they sell her in the first place?"

Lin Chunyan, taking out some jam, replied to Lin Taohong, "Didn’t you also insist on becoming a maid and said you wanted to become a concubine to bear sons and make the main wife jealous?"

Lin Taohong’s face turned red, refusing to admit it, "That never happened."

Mrs. Zhang, hearing this for the first time, slapped Lin Taohong’s back, "You actually wanted to be a concubine? You’re going to drive me crazy!"

Lin Taohong, having been slapped, muttered softly, "Big Sister already hit me once, how can you hit me again for the same thing?"

Wang Yingniang, who was kneading dough nearby, suddenly spoke, "If I were Lihua, I would rather die sick at the Wang family than come back."

Before Lin Chunyan could respond, Mrs. Zhang said, "It depends on the parents. Although Lihua’s mother isn’t reliable, she genuinely wants to redeem her. Look at Apricot Flower’s mother; she hasn’t even tried."

Lin Chunyan divided the dough with plum jam into small pieces and rolled the peanut and melon seeds in sugar to form balls. She thought about how much Wang Yewai loved the large milk cake and decided to make it as a gift.

She understood Wang Yingniang’s feelings. Though she didn’t say it, Wang Yingniang must hate Wang Chuizi and He Niangzi deeply.

After making the large milk cake, she didn’t rush to steam it, planning to do so early the next morning.

Thinking that Wang Yewai probably hadn’t ordered any saffron cakes, she made an extra batch, ensuring she had something decent to offer.

That night, Wang Yingniang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Lin Chunyan, unsure how to comfort her, decided to find a time to talk to her alone.

The next day, seeing the dark circles under Wang Yingniang’s eyes, Lin Chunyan sighed, "This matter has really upset you. Even if they want to take you back, would you really agree?"

Of course, Wang Yingniang wouldn’t, but she was still upset, "Why does everyone else have parents to look after them, but not me?"

Mrs. Zhang interjected, "Who says you don’t? I’m like a second mother to you. Why envy others? Most mothers treat their daughters like they’re nothing, like Apricot Flower’s mother."

Wang Yingniang’s eyes welled up, "It’s true, being born a girl is just to suffer."

"Nonsense!" Lin Chunyan disagreed, "It’s just a matter of destiny. I thought you were more open-minded. Once you escape hardship, you shouldn’t dwell on those people. They were just your former parents. Since you’ve been reborn, they have nothing to do with you now. If you want, I can be your godmother."

Mrs. Zhang agreed, "I always said daughters were better, but people thought I was lying. I felt guilty too. But in the past half year, our family has been doing well, and everyone in the village envies us. Even though we often argue, I truly feel that you all are great."

It was rare to hear her speak this way, even Lin Taohong was surprised, "Oh, Mother, I thought you still preferred boys."

Mrs. Zhang glared at her, "You, get lost. I haven’t settled accounts with you yet."

Li Youfu and the others were already packed and ready. When Lin Chunyan opened the door, they hurried over. Lin Chunyan packed the pastries in a wooden box and agreed to go with them.

Li Youfu breathed a sigh of relief, bowing several times, "Thank you, Yan Niang."

Wang Yingniang also wanted to go, "Even though I don’t know Lihua, her parents’ concern moves me. I want to help, even if it’s just to watch and feel better."

Lin Chunyan agreed, telling Lin Taohong and Mrs. Zhang to set up the stall first, and she would join them later.

First, she went to the back door of Clear Breeze Building to find Manager Huang, hoping he could plead on their behalf to Wang Yewai.

Manager Huang was hesitant, "I’m not unwilling to help, but I’m not very familiar with him. Perhaps you should try Mr. Zhao; he knows everyone in town."

Lin Chunyan then went to see Mr. Zhao, presenting the gifts. Seeing the saffron cakes he had long desired, Mr. Zhao readily agreed and led them to Wang Yewai’s house.

Lihua was sweeping the fallen leaves and snow in the courtyard, coughing as she worked. Her cough had lasted for months, worsening in the cold. Several people shared a large bed, and without a fire, the cold woke her up, causing another bout of coughing.

The others in the room were already complaining and suggested reporting her to the head lady to have her sent away.

Lihua knew that being sent away meant certain death, so she took out some jewelry and money she had saved to win the favor of the other maids.

For a while, this worked, but when her money ran out, the maids resorted to their old tricks.

Lihua had to do their dirty work, often finishing her chores at the mansion and then returning to fetch water, wash feet, and do laundry for them.

When the head lady called her, Lihua was so scared her legs turned to jelly. She knelt down and knocked her head on the ground, creating bloody marks, "Mother, please don’t send me away. My cough will get better soon, I promise I won’t cause any trouble..."

The head lady, knowing someone had come for Lihua and that the master had personally ordered her to be brought, was worried when she saw Lihua’s head bleeding. She pulled her up forcefully.

Lihua was so frail that the head lady lifted her like a chick, wiping the blood from her forehead with a handkerchief, "No one is sending you to the estate. The front hall is looking for you to speak. Go quickly."

Lihua, dazed, followed the head lady to the front hall, where she saw Lin Chunyan sitting beside her, taller and more beautiful than the last time she visited home.

Not knowing what had happened, her heart pounded wildly. After listening to Mr. Wang's eloquent speech, she immediately took out the deed of death.

Lihua received it as if in a dream, and after a moment, she burst into tears, clinging tightly to Lin Chunyan without letting go.

"Yan Niang, I will work like an ox or a horse to repay your kindness."

Lin Chunyan bid farewell to Mr. Zhao and Mr. Wang, leading Lihua out of the Wang family's gate. Seeing how thin and weak she was now, Lin Chunyan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

Seeing such a state of Lihua, Li Youfu felt even more distressed and hurriedly supported her. The brother and sister couldn't help but embrace and weep bitterly at the Wang family's gate.

"Let's go back first."

After Lin Chunyan persuaded them for a while, they wiped away their tears. Li Youfu carried Lihua on his back and walked back.

After walking for a while, Lihua's tears began to fall again. Thinking about her future freedom, no one could abuse her anymore, the deed of indenture in her bosom felt hot, burning her chest.

Mrs. Zhang knew that Lin Chunyan had accomplished the task and recited "Amitabha," saying, "From now on, if any family sells their young lady as a maid, they should think of Lihua's case. If they truly care for their daughters, they might reconsider."

Wang Yingniang, who had been watching all along, cried all the way, "Mr. Wang didn't ask for the redemption money, but seeing Lihua so ill, I fear the money won't even be enough to buy medicine."

Mrs. Zhang said, "Back then, I mentioned to Mrs. Fang, who makes pancakes, whether her family still has pear syrup. If they have extra, we could ask for some."

Lin Chunyan shook her head, "Lihua's cough is different from Mr. Fang's. It's likely due to being beaten and catching a cold, which requires expelling the cold from her body."

She didn't understand much, but Lady Zhao had consulted a doctor who confirmed that it was indeed due to the cold, so Lady Zhao made Lihua drink aged tangerine peel and radish water.

She also mentioned that after Sanlang learned to make crispy fish, he would set off at dawn to sell them in town, refusing to let anyone accompany him, insisting on exploring the route first.

Second Aunt Lin couldn't feel at ease, but with no one else free at home, she could only wait anxiously.

When Sanlang arrived in town with the crispy fish, he started selling them on the street. There were fewer vendors that day, and even the peddlers weren't as active as usual. However, upon hearing his cries, some people did open their doors.

They asked about the price, and some found it too expensive, wondering why crispy fish should cost several times more than a live fish.

Sanlang wasn't in a hurry; he just let them taste the flavor. "This fish was taught to me by Lin Xiaoniang. The taste is top-notch, and you can't find it anywhere else."

The fish was wrapped in kelp, and the bones inside were cooked until soft, making it safe even for children to eat, and the taste was excellent.

Few believed his words, but after tasting it, they found it quite good and gradually sold seven or eight pieces.

Although not many, Sanlang was already satisfied. He didn't aim for too much and returned home after noon.

Upon returning, he planned to collect more fish from the villagers. Once he had sold most of them in town, he would carry the basket to nearby villages to sell.

Even while working, Second Aunt Lin was restless, eagerly waiting for a long time before finally seeing Sanlang return.

Seeing Sanlang grinning, she knew he must have done well and breathed a sigh of relief.

Sanlang proudly showed the money he earned and gave half to Second Aunt Lin, "I'll go collect a few more fish later. I think I can sell even more tomorrow."

Seeing that he really brought money back, Second Aunt Lin was greatly relieved, "All your efforts in the kitchen haven't been in vain."

The money earned by the children in the family was split, with half kept by Second Aunt Lin and the other half saved privately.

In this way, after buying a pig, they managed to save a considerable amount in just over a month.

Just as Second Aunt Lin was about to put the money in a jar, she suddenly paused. Second Uncle Lin urged her impatiently, "Why aren't you putting it away? Do you want to keep it for yourself?"

Second Aunt Lin glared at Second Uncle Lin, "Shut up! What kind of person do you take me for? I earn more in a day than this."

Second Uncle Lin realized he had said something wrong and quickly changed the subject, but Second Aunt Lin held up the coins and carefully examined them, asking Second Uncle Lin, "Do these coins look problematic? They feel lighter than they should."

Second Uncle Lin's heart skipped a beat. He weighed them, and Sanlang stopped laughing, looking nervously at Second Uncle Lin, "Father, is there really a problem with the money?"

If they were privately minted, his efforts today would be in vain.

There was a copper mine nearby, and although the government had sent people to suppress it, those caught mining illegally faced capital punishment. However, some people still risked digging secretly.

Their private coin-making techniques were poor, or they lacked enough copper and added lead, making the coins lighter. But if one wasn't careful, they could easily accept these fake coins.

To strictly control this, the government punished anyone who spent these coins, regardless of whether they knew they were counterfeit, treating them as accomplices and punishing them with beatings.

Second Aunt Lin checked every coin and, finding only a few problematic ones, breathed a sigh of relief, "I'll inform Yan Niang later. They need to be more careful."