Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 108: Chapter 109: Warm House Wine_1 Chapter 108: Chapter 109: Warm House Wine_1 Li Qinghe smiled as she sat down on the kang bed, “Why do you still have the look of a resentful wife? Anyone who doesn’t know better might think you’re pining for your husband.” Qiao Yuanzhen’s neighborhood examination was coming up, so Li Qinghe had also been busily taking care of the preparations. It was only yesterday that she’d finally sent Qiao Yuanzhen off to the prefectural city, and now she had a moment to relax.

“I wouldn’t dare pine for you—all know that you sly girl would forget your sisters as soon as you have a man.”

“With Erliang sticking to you every single day, you wouldn’t have time to pine for me, maybe someday, you’ll even forget me completely.”

The two sisters-in-law were teasing each other about their men, managing to amuse themselves in the process.

“The Embroidery House’s grand opening is coming up, and the major items—about a dozen or twenty sets—along with the smaller items like various embroidered handkerchiefs, purses, and sachets, adding up to hundreds, are almost ready. We can say our stock is ample; it’s about time we pick a lucky day to open our doors for good,” Qinghe said with a smile.

“Let’s wait another couple of days; in a few days, we need to raise the roof beams for this room, so we’ve got to sort out the warming house party first.”

“That’s true enough; how is it all these good days are clustering together?” Qinghe said, “To tell the truth, I do feel quite sorry for you. Those two designs were very exquisite, and if it weren’t for that shameless Mrs. Liang stealing them, one can only imagine how much they would’ve sold for. Now, the Golden Silk Embroidery House is reaping all the benefits. You have no idea how popular they are in Chatu Town right now because of those two designs; they’re selling like hotcakes. The embroideries we made earlier using those patterns will be worthless once we open for business.”

Muniang chuckled, “It’s just two designs. Getting rid of one rat dropping and making an example out of it was worth it to me; at least now nobody dares to commit such an act. As for the designs, I have plenty of them here. Let the Golden Silk Embroidery House have their moment of glory for a few more days. Once we’re open for business, we’ll surely be no less popular than them.”

Seeing Golden Silk Embroidery House earning money now actually set Muniang’s mind at ease somewhat. It seemed her novel designs were indeed quite marketable.

Qinghe huffed, “That Mrs. Liang really doesn’t know what’s good for her, blind to her own interests. She deserved those thirty strokes. I’ve heard that since her punishment, she hasn’t been able to get out of bed for a month now, her backside all battered and bloody, a raw mess. The Village Head really didn’t go easy on her at all. It’s a wonder you didn’t go see; the spectacle was something to behold. The wailing of Mrs. Liang was louder than a pig being slaughtered.”

“What’s there to see in such a gory scene? She got what she deserved,” Muniang said, dismissing with a wave of her hand.

“Right, right, staring at your own beloved husband every day is satisfaction enough for you, there’s nothing else worth seeing,” Qinghe teased.

“Oh, look at you. I haven’t seen you in days and now you’re even more quick-witted, using me to crack your jokes,” Muniang said, not amused.

“Enough, enough, let’s not talk about that. When are you raising the roof beams? I’ll come help out then. Yuanzhen has already gone to the prefectural city for the examination preparations, and it’ll be a month before he’s back. I really do have free time now.”

Speaking of this, Muniang finally asked, “By the way, how likely do you think it is for Qiao Yuanzhen to pass the scholar exam?”

“I’m not very sure, though he’s been working hard, often reading until midnight. It hurts my heart to see him like that. Our parents eagerly await his success. The teacher from the private school often praises him. I personally don’t think it’s a big deal; if he doesn’t pass this time, he can always try again next time,” Qinghe spoke casually, apparently not feeling tense about Qiao Yuanzhen’s examination, but rather worried whether his health could endure all the hard work.

Muniang casually responded and thought to herself that it would be better if he didn’t pass; seeing Qinghe not having a single worry made Muniang worried for her. But then again, it was something to be dealt with in the future. Who knows? Maybe Qiao Yuanzhen might actually fail the exam.

The crackling sounds of firecrackers filled the air, and Muniang’s heated room celebration was underway, warm and lively. Her three-courtyard, three-entryway mansion was indeed eye-catching. Even those who had little to no relations with Muniang’s family flocked here, just to catch a glimpse of a wealthy home like hers.

Of course, coming to watch the excitement was one thing, but bringing a small gift was still a must—this was the custom.

Mrs. Du, Xiangcai, Qinghe, and a few others had arrived early to help Muniang bustling around the kitchen. It wasn’t until the guests began to arrive one after another that Qinghe ushered Muniang out to greet the visitors, which was what really mattered.

“Wow, your house is really big, Erliang. I’ve only seen wealthy people’s homes like this when I go to town; never had the chance to step inside one. Tsk, tsk, for such a big courtyard.”

“Isn’t that the truth? Muniang’s family was poor as church mice this time last year, and now look at this place. Erliang and his wife have done well for themselves. We’ve been living for most of our lives and haven’t had days like these.”

Erliang wasn’t quite adept at handling these conversations and could only offer a silly smile. Muniang laughed, “It’s all thanks to everyone’s support that our family could have what we have today. Everyone must eat well today and aren’t allowed to leave anything leftover.”

“Of course, the last time my husband helped with the pond construction at your place, the start-up meal was so good that he still talks about it every meal. I’m here to taste something delicious myself today,” a woman said with a laugh.

Muniang smiled and welcomed everybody in.

They were chatting when Qiao Yuanming, accompanied by several children, arrived. Muniang hurried to invite them in, and upon seeing her, Tianniu called out crisply, “Brother-in-law, hello, Sister Mu, hello.”

“Oh you’re such a sweetheart,” Muniang said with a smile as she patted Tianniu’s head and handed her some candy, “Here, eat this.”

Seeing this, the other children quickly followed suit, shouting, “Brother-in-law, hello, Sister Mu, hello!” Their voices were extra loud, especially the youngest Qiao Hongsheng, who nearly jumped up as he called out.

Qiao Yuanming scolded with a smile, “These little rascals.”

Muniang was amused and handed each child a handful of candy, “Here, eat this, and don’t shout yourselves hoarse.”

Qiao Yuanming marveled at the furnishings inside the mansion, expressing his amazement, “Your house is really something else; it doesn’t have the look of a farmer’s home at all.”

“Why should you be envious, Uncle? The Embroidery House that Auntie is managing is about to open. Once the silver starts coming in, you’ll be able to build a mansion like this in no time,” Muniang said with a laugh as she patted the heads of the children.

Hongsheng blinked his eyes and asked, “Does that mean we could eat white rice like Sister Mu does every day?”

These words struck a chord with Qiao Yuanming. He felt a pang of guilt, blaming his own lack of achievement for his children’s hardships. The kids barely even ate sorghum rice, subsisting on dark bread at the Qiao family residence for years. He was well aware of his parents’ favoritism towards the eldest branch and his youngest brother. The value of filial piety prevailed above all, and even if his parents cared little for him, he still had to honor them. Yet, he never imagined that not only would he suffer, but his children would as well. His heart would be deceitful if it didn’t ache with guilt.