Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Seeing that Lin Laodie seemed to have some concerns, Shi Niang quickly changed her attitude and began to flatter him.

"I'm not just doing this for our own comfort. We've been through so much together, and I'd follow you even if we had to live on nothing but the north wind! But Guangzong is still young. Do you want him to suffer at such a tender age?"

She then picked up Guangzong, who was quite clever for his age, and he immediately said to Lin Laodie, "Dad, I want candy. I want to eat until I'm full."

That look melted Lin Laodie's heart right away, and he exclaimed, "Eat! Dad will buy you candy!"

However, he didn't have a single penny to his name. Where could he find the money? He could only sit there, deep in thought.

Shi Niang wisely didn't disturb him at this moment, waiting for Lin Laodie to figure things out on his own.

Lin Laodie didn't sleep a wink all night, and when he got up, he felt dizzy. Shi Niang thoughtfully handed him a newly made cotton jacket, which her brother had made after finding out about their situation.

Actually, this jacket was made after her brother found out about the situation, but Shi Niang naturally didn't mention that. She just said she had been thinking of him while at her parents' home. "You know I'm all talk, but deep down, I care a lot about you and our son."

The stitching on the cotton jacket wasn't the best, but Lin Laodie was still thrilled, grinning from ear to ear. He quickly shared what was on his mind, "I was thinking, since they've managed to open a shop, they must have a good amount of money. Why don't we wait until spring to return?"

"That's what I thought too. I wouldn't want Guangzong to suffer on the road. But I heard things are quite chaotic outside these days, which might actually work in our favor."

Lin Laodie understood Shi Niang's meaning and his eyes flickered, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Shi Niang gave Lin Laodie a playful pat, "If it's not good, then let's forget about it. We won't covet that money and just live our own lives."

With that, she turned her back, her silhouette looking a bit forlorn.

Lin Laodie hurried to comfort her, "I didn't say we wouldn't go. They're just two young women. What do they need all that money for? Even if they get married later, they'll still rely on their family, on our Guangzong!"

Shi Niang's face broke into a smile, "Exactly! We're not the kind of people who forget favors. If they're willing to give us money as a sign of respect, that's fine. If not, we won't hold a grudge. After all, I am their stepmother."

The couple became all lovey-dovey again, sitting close together and talking about many things, waiting to pack up and leave the next day.

However, there wasn't much to pack up at home, so they traveled light. The money for the trip still came from Shi Niang.

They were closer to Bian City, and since it was the cold winter month, not many people were out handling the goods. Finding a boatman took a lot of effort, and Shi Niang's heart sank every time she had to spend money.

※

After the tree fence was built, many people from nearby villages came to take a look. From afar, they saw a row of trees standing tall, and many people felt a twinge of envy.

It looked quite reassuring.

They began to nitpick, "Won't this row of trees block the view?"

"Exactly, I think it might even block the sun."

Old lady Wu didn't like hearing this and directly addressed the two outsiders who were making these comments, "How would it block the view? If you want to see something, just head up the mountain."

Qian Niangzi chimed in, "Right, these trees are so far from our houses. How could they block the sun?"

After a barrage of comments, the two outsiders who had been making sour remarks were left speechless.

The Village Headman pretended to cough, "They do have a point, but we've already considered this before. If your village builds something like this, you don't need to worry."

These people were only making sour comments because their village hadn't built such a fence. Once the Village Headman spoke, they awkwardly fell silent.

Several Village Headmen from neighboring villages also came to take a look, hands behind their backs. When the Village Headman saw them coming, he even went out to greet them.

"We were just discussing this matter. If your village wants to build this, we already have experience and will surely share all we know when the time comes."

The village headmen from other villages smiled wryly, green with envy at the sight of the Village Headman's glowing face. "I heard the county magistrate also knows about this?"

The Village Headman grinned even wider, "Indeed! Initially, he only sent bailiffs (court officers) to take a look. But after hearing we had completed it, he specifically sent someone to inspect it!"

He stressed the word "specifically."

"Uncle, stop the small talk, come over and help with the fish!" Li Youfu's loud voice rang out behind them. Hearing the commotion, the young ladies stopped playing and ran towards the pond.

The Village Headman nodded to the others, "Today our village has important matters to attend to. Let's catch up next time."

Seeing this, the others dispersed, some reluctant to leave kept watching them, and sure enough, not long after, the village's large gate was firmly shut.

This gate was hastily made by Uncle Lin and Ju Miao's father, using wood from an old man in the village who made coffins. It was simple, only treated with some tung oil.

But sometimes, less is more. Once the gate was installed, it immediately made their place look different. The onlookers kept looking back even after walking far away.

"I wish our village could build something like this."

The Village Headman from Hongjia Village said slowly, his tone dripping with envy.

"I'll have to talk this over with the village when I get back."

Though he said so, it would be tough to pull off, mainly because these people didn't have much money and were unwilling to work in the cold winter.

"If anyone disagrees, let them come and see. The wall looks so impressive once it's up!" The Village Headman from Hongjia Village thought fiercely.

By the fish pond, many people were already waiting, and some guys were eager to dive in and start fishing.

Lin Chunyan and Xing Hua were not there; they were checking out the greenhouse.

She was thinking of having Maiya grow wood ear mushrooms there once the greenhouse was built.

Maiya had been pondering over growing wood ear mushrooms, a brainchild of Ding Hui Niang and Shiliu, thinking that once this was figured out, they wouldn't have to worry about food and drink in the future.

A crowd had gathered around them too, and the kids in the village wished they could be in two places at once.

They could only look here and then run to the pond to take a look.

Mrs. Zhang and a couple of others skipped the pond. Although catching fish was lively and fun, the weather was too cold.

The greenhouse was different; once heated, the whole place warmed up, and it got so warm you'd start sweating.

"Oh, living in such a house must be so comfortable."

Lin Chunyan was already set on building a greenhouse to live in. Once she entered, she didn't want to leave.

"These veggies are bound to thrive in here." Liu Niangzi also walked around and came out to tell them, "I bet the chickens and ducks would lay more eggs if we kept them in here."

Xing Hua was beaming with excitement. At first, she was a little nervous about building the greenhouse, afraid she might not do it well, and was somewhat restrained.

Fortunately, she finally made it.

Over there, Fang Xianggong also wiped the sweat from his forehead, "This greenhouse is really good. I think when the times are good, many people will come to make this."

"It's just too much firewood."

"Others might not have enough firewood, but Yan Niang and Ying Niang here always have plenty." Mrs. Zhao chuckled, pointing playfully at Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Lin Chunyan stepped aside and quietly tugged at Wang Yingniang's sleeve, whispering to her, "They're talking about Guan Dalang, you know."

In just half a month, Wang Yingniang's initial dislike for Guan Dalang had softened. Lately, when he dropped off firewood, she'd even chat with him a bit.

The shift happened after what Guan Dalang said at the last meeting. Wang Yingniang thought he seemed responsible, so her earlier resistance and shyness faded.

Wang Yingniang also stepped back, which made everyone laugh.

The guys fishing thought this round was pretty boring. Back then, when they waded in, plenty of young ladies would cheer them on from the bank.

But today, most folks had gone to check out the greenhouse, leaving hardly anyone around.

Guan Erlang didn't pick up on anything odd. Unlike Guan Dalang, who was always laughing and cheerful, he was quieter and kept to himself.

Guan Dalang, though, couldn't resist teasing him. He pointed at Lihua standing in the distance and said, "That girl over there's been eyeing you for a while now!"

It was only then that Guan Erlang spotted a young lady by the pond, smiling his way. His face immediately turned red.

The girls next to Lihua joined in teasing her, but Lihua took it in stride, keeping her eyes locked on Guan Erlang.

Even the Village Headman caught on.

"Even though times are hard, it looks like our village might have some happy news coming."

The Village Headman had also heard a thing or two about Lin Chunyan's situation. Sun Anyuan wasn't from their village, but he'd talked about moving in and building a house right across from Lin Chunyan's.

Sun Anyuan was eager. Lately, he'd been showing up daily, hauling bricks or tiles, clearly getting ready to build.

The folks in the greenhouse weren't letting Lin Chunyan off easy. "Come on, spill it—when did you and Sun Anyuan get together?"

"Right? We figured he was just being nice, but now he's putting up a house!"

Lin Chunyan had no idea how the topic had shifted to her. Just moments ago, they were talking about Wang Yingniang.

Wang Yingniang and Lin Taohong stifled giggles, watching Lin Chunyan squirm, speechless.

"I'm done talking to you all. I'm heading home to cook."

Lin Chunyan couldn't stand their suggestive laughter and wanted to run home.

It was rare to see her so animated, and Mrs. Zhang couldn't help but laugh too.

Sun Anyuan kept showing up, and before long, he was picking her up and dropping her off daily. Everyone in the village knew there was something between them.

Liu Niangzi called after Lin Chunyan, "Yan Niang, don't forget about the quail! Make sure Sun Anyuan hears about it!"

Another wave of laughter erupted.

Even Li Meiniang and Shi Tou couldn't help but smile when they heard. Second Aunt Lin, seeing how well-behaved and hardworking they had been since coming to their house, had softened her previous prejudices.

"You should go out and relax too," Second Aunt Lin said without looking up, her tone much gentler. "We don't keep people tied down here."

A few days ago, Erlang had been practically glued to Second Aunt Lin, afraid she would mistreat Li Meiniang and the others, which had hurt Second Aunt Lin deeply.

Finally, today he went out to the fish pond, but even as he left, he kept looking back.

Stone was never one to sit still for long. Seeing that Second Aunt Lin had extended some goodwill, he immediately took the opportunity to climb up the ladder. "That's awesome, Auntie! I was just itching to get out and see what's up! When spring warms up, we kids will go out to catch fish and shrimp to earn some money!"

After saying that, he cheered and grabbed Li Meiniang's hand to head out.

Li Meiniang wasn't really keen on going. After all, ever since she moved in, her situation had been a bit awkward, and she had only had basic meals at home.

Although she was a widow, she couldn't just let things slide like this. She wasn't sure what Second Aunt Lin's true intentions were, and she felt a bit uneasy while living at home.

She had discussed this with Erlang, and he felt a bit bad for her, saying that once things calmed down, he'd definitely throw her a proper wedding.

Li Meiniang was a bit distracted when she went out. Seeing Stone so pumped, she didn't want to rain on his parade, so she put on a brave face the whole way.

At this time, a few women were also heading to the pond one after another, and she and Stone naturally drew some looks.

Some folks didn't recognize her and whispered to their neighbors, while the more daring ones came right out and asked.

Li Meiniang just smiled each time. When she reached the pond, the lively atmosphere rubbed off on her, and she also showed a bit of a smile.

Erlang was in the pond fishing. Seeing Li Meiniang like this, he couldn't help but feel happy too. After snagging a few fish, he came over to chat with Li Meiniang and the others.

Stone had already scampered off to play. Li Meiniang, noticing the people around them staring, felt a bit self-conscious and slightly turned her body away, even shooting Erlang a few looks.

A nearby aunt ribbed Erlang, "Whose wife is this? Is she one of your uncles' daughters?"

Li Meiniang didn't say anything, waiting to see how Erlang would respond.

Erlang scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed, and said boldly to the aunt, "She's the one I'm going to marry, her name's Meiniang."

The aunts and ladies around were all surprised, looking at Erlang and Li Meiniang. Several of them started sizing up Li Meiniang.

"When did you two hold the wedding? We didn't hear anything about it!"

Erlang cupped his hands towards the aunts and said, "It's been chaotic these past few days, and everyone's been busy. I said we'd invite everyone to a feast once things settle down."

With Erlang's words, everyone congratulated Li Meiniang and Erlang, even though they felt it was a bit unconventional.

But as Erlang said, in times like these, who cares about so many rules? Protecting oneself comes first.

As Li Meiniang walked back with Erlang, she deliberately asked, "Are we really going to hold the feast in a while?"

"Of course," Erlang knew Li Meiniang had been wronged. "My mother already told me."

Li Meiniang was surprised. "I thought Auntie didn't want to."

Erlang just smiled and didn't say anything.

Second Aunt Lin had indeed said this. Seeing that Lin Chunyan and the others were busy cooking, she sat down with Mrs. Zhang to chat. "Even if we don't like Meiniang, we can't let her live here without a proper status. Otherwise, strangers will say we have no rules."

Mrs. Zhang was eating a bowl of minced meat and egg custard. The custard, steamed by Lin Chunyan, had a smooth surface, and the eggs melted in the mouth, soft and flavorful.

Second Aunt Lin wasn't hungry at first, but seeing Mrs. Zhang enjoying her meal, she also felt hungry. She didn't stand on ceremony with Lin Chunyan. "Yan Niang, is there any more of this egg custard? Bring me a bowl too."

Lin Chunyan responded from inside the house, "There's still some, Auntie. I'll bring it to you right away."

Not long after, Lin Chunyan indeed brought out a bowl of egg custard for Second Aunt Lin. It looked just like Mrs. Zhang's, with a layer of fragrant minced meat on top. Second Aunt Lin started eating with satisfaction.

While eating, she turned her head and asked Lin Chunyan, "What good food are you planning to make for the village?"

"We haven't decided yet. The Village Headman said we should make it a lively event."

"In my opinion, you should make that dish of sauerkraut, pork, and glass noodles again. Everyone will surely enjoy it."

Mrs. Zhang nodded beside her, "That dish is indeed delicious. The glass noodles and sauerkraut are both very flavorful."

Seeing that they all liked it, Lin Chunyan decided to make that dish, "I'll add some other things to it as well."

Not long after, the Village Headman brought the five coins per household collected from each family to Lin Chunyan, "This money was willingly given by everyone. Use it to whip up a feast."

Not only that, the Village Headman also brought a lot of fish and lotus root, especially the lotus root. Everyone knew that Lin Chunyan had asked for a lot of lotus root last year, so this year they returned the favor.

Lin Chunyan couldn't stop smiling, "Then we'll start preparing tomorrow. We don't need that much money; we've got most of the ingredients already."

"Don't be too frugal. Don't shortchange yourself. If there's any leftover, you can return it to me," the Village Headman said as he sat in the yard talking to Lin Chunyan, his nose filled with the aroma of the minced pork and egg custard.

Being a grown man, he was too embarrassed to ask Lin Chunyan for some, so he endured his growling stomach and continued talking to her, "I think we should collect this money every month."

The wall had already been built, and the second phase of the wall outside the village was a separate issue. For now, they needed people to guard the gate.

"Even with shifts, several households can't spare anyone. It would be better to pay those who help guard the gate."

Even if the pay isn't much, at least everyone knows it's not unpaid work.

Lin Chunyan thought the Village Headman's idea was becoming more and more thoughtful, "That makes sense. After all, we on the mountain are benefiting the most. We should contribute more each month."

The Village Headman thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement, "Then I'll go back and tell them."

Everyone was also waiting for the Village Headman to announce the duty schedule. Although there was a gate, at least two people are needed to guard it.

At night, someone also needed to be on duty. In the summer, it was doable; they weren't picky and could sleep anywhere.

But winter was different. Although it had been less severe in recent years, a few years ago, it was common to hear about people freezing to death outdoors.

The Village Headman walked slowly back home, thinking that he would need to call everyone together for another meeting when he had time. They needed to build a small hut next to the gate.

When he got home, he wasn't in a rush to eat. He first peeked into the kitchen and cleared his throat, asking his wife who was cooking inside, "What's for dinner tonight?"

After Zhang Zhuyu no longer needed to make dumplings, she didn't want to stay idle at home. Lin Chunyan had her help with making the ham, since it was the season for gift-giving, and more ham was needed than usual.

Actually, they were still short of people. Sister Wei Ruo had mentioned several times that they needed more help. Lin Chunyan looked through the available people and had old lady Wu's two daughters-in-law help as well, mainly with making preserved eggs.

The daily cooking at their house was now taken care of by the Village Headman's wife and Li Jingniang's maid.

The Village Headman's wife gave him a strange look, "I'm stir-frying bok choy. Are you hungry?"

Bok choy was grown in every household, and like radishes, it was eaten at every meal. The Village Headman found the food bland, and seeing no one around, he told his wife he wanted to eat minced pork and egg custard.

"I saw it at Yan Niang's house, but I couldn't ask for some. It made me crave it."

The Village Headman's wife rolled her eyes, "You're a grown man, yet you're craving these things. Aren't you ashamed?"

However, she only knew how to make plain egg custard and had no idea how to make minced pork and egg custard. Thinking that she had already cooked for the day, she didn't prepare it for the Village Headman.

After dinner, she went to find Lin Chunyan and asked how to make the minced pork and egg custard, seizing the chance to tease the Village Headman.

"You're really becoming more like a child. In the past, even children didn't get to eat such things often."

Mrs. Zhang nodded, "That's true. Now that times are better, eggs aren't as valuable."

The Village Headman's wife also asked Mrs. Zhang about their plans, "I wonder when Old Lin will be back. You shouldn't be alone these next few days."

Mrs. Zhang wasn’t scared at all. "With the village wall, who could just waltz in? Even the mountains are well protected."

She was just waiting for Lin Laodie and the others to return, thinking every day about what to eat. Her laid-back attitude had the Village Headman’s wife green with envy.

"You really are fortunate."

Lin Laodie and they had a tough journey. At first, they had settled on a price with the boatman, but midway, the boatman suddenly upped the price, or else he wouldn’t budge.

They didn’t carry much money, and what they had was from Shi Niang’s stash. She wasn’t keen on parting with it.

They got into it with the boatman, who was as stubborn as a mule, even pulling out a knife stashed under a box, threatening them.

Lin Laodie was scared stiff, his legs shaking, nearly peeing his pants. It brought back memories of when some little beggars cleaned him out, and his voice changed in fear.

Shi Niang, fed up with his spinelessness, shot him a glare. Meanwhile, Guangzong was bawling, hiding behind Lin Laodie.

"No pay, no move. I’ve got all day, but your kid won’t hold out."

Shi Niang felt the trip was jinxed from the get-go. Looking around, all she saw was water. In this cold, a dip would be the end of you.

She clenched her teeth and went toe-to-toe with the boatman, "Aren’t you scared we’ll rat you out once we’re off this boat? You’ll be in big trouble then."

The boatman didn’t bat an eye. "You have no clue how messed up things are right now. The county office won’t lift a finger unless it’s murder. Go ahead and report!"

His eyes had a cruel glint.

Lin Laodie, seeing Shi Niang still going at it with the boatman, got spooked and tugged her sleeve, "Got any cash left? This stalemate isn’t doing us any favors. Guangzong can’t take much more."

Shi Niang was furious at his cowardice. If it weren’t for needing him to find Lin Chunyan and get money, she would’ve kicked him off the boat.

With Guangzong still bawling, Shi Niang, annoyed, pulled out a few copper coins from her pocket, "This is all we have. We’re just ordinary folks, struggling to survive and seeking relatives."

Shi Niang was adaptable. Just moments ago, she was tough with the boatman, but now she was in tears, "Have some pity on us. Don’t let us starve."

The boatman was surprised by her resilience. He retracted the knife slightly and looked her up and down.

His gaze was lecherous, and Shi Niang understood immediately, her face changing.

The boatman smiled, "You’re quite a beauty. Why not come with me and spare yourself this hardship?"

Shi Niang quickly wiped her tears, spat on the ground, and said, "You lecher! I’d rather die by your knife than let you take advantage of me!"

She then lunged to grab the boatman’s knife, looking as if she was ready to fight to the death, startling the boatman.

Seeing him step back, Shi Niang threw the coins on the ground and snorted, "Take this as my gift. Just get us to our destination, and we’re even!"

She also mentioned not reporting him. The boatman thought for a moment. Although the money wasn’t much, it was better than nothing, especially since they had paid upfront.

"Consider yourselves lucky," the boatman sneered at Lin Laodie cowering in the corner, and regretfully said to Shi Niang, "What do you see in such a man? Isn’t he just a coward!"

Seeing him back down, Shi Niang sat back, ignoring Lin Laodie and Guangzong, keeping an eye on the boatman, wary of any further mischief.

After enduring this for a while, the boat finally reached the shore. It was almost New Year, and the dock was quiet with few boats, looking quite desolate.

Lin Laodie was anxious, "Where is the shop they talked about? I knew with their capabilities, they couldn’t achieve much."