That’s naturally not a problem.
Not only that, but Wang Yongzhu also felt stifled staying ho these past few days. The spring sunshine today was just right, warm and sunny, perfect for going out for a walk.
So, they decided to bring Old Granny Zhang along, and the four of them neither took a sedan chair nor a carriage and went out directly.
Only two older won and the maid Gu Yu followed behind.
Nowadays, who in Chicheng County doesn’t recognize Wang Yongzhu, the famous Magistrate’s Lady? Plus, with Song Chongjin’s administration, Chicheng County, while not claiming doors never needed locking at night, was indeed very safe during broad daylight.
Even if sothing really happened, with Wang Yongzhu’s skills and thods, it’s likely the troublemaker would end up the one crying.
So, upon hearing soone report this from behind, Song Chongjin just laughed it off.
Lady Wu and Lady Shen, having been on the narrow boat for several months, followed Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang out.
Looking at Chicheng County, its architecture was more rugged compared to Jing County. Even the people on the streets, regardless of gender, were taller than those from Jing County.
Now, thanks to Song Chongjin’s administration and Wang Yongzhu’s intentional guidance, Chicheng County had beco much more prosperous than when they first arrived three years ago.
The street vendors also increased, not only selling items transported from the inland but also so smuggled goods from the grasslands and specialties from the Western Region. Although not yet comparable to Linshui, it was indeed bustling.
The people of Chicheng, with so many vendors lingering around, were renting out their houses to supplent inco, doing odd jobs, and even selling various information, leading to much better days.
Lady Wu and Lady Shen had never seen such sights and were imdiately dazzled.
Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were in no hurry, strolling leisurely while introducing it all to Lady Wu and Lady Shen.
Because Wang Yongzhu had plans in mind, she focused on introducing the local comrce, like which housewife gritted her teeth to open a shop and could earn enough for the whole family’s expenses in a year.
Lady Shen’s eyes sparkled continuously, clearly moved.
Only then did Wang Yongzhu breathe a sigh of relief; any more, and she’d feel like she was promoting a pyramid sche to deceive naive housewives.
Over the past two or three years, the atmosphere in Chicheng County beca more open, with fewer restrictions on won. Wang Yongzhu also often walked the streets for business.
As a result, quite a few people could recognize her.
They also knew that, aside from being rather jealous and not allowing Lord Song to take concubines, this Magistrate’s Lady was very amiable towards the people.
Many ca up to say hello.
Along the way, no fewer than a dozen people ca up to exchange a few words, and it wasn’t just flattery!
Just a simple greeting.
Or a distant call saying their household recently received so new goods and invited Wang Yongzhu to take a look.
Or saying they got sothing good and asked if Wang Yongzhu was interested.
Wang Yongzhu responded to each one.
Lady Wu and Lady Shen watched from behind, finding it fascinating.
Not just in Jing County, but elsewhere too, there wasn’t such a Magistrate’s Lady feeling so at ease and familiar as if strolling through her vegetable garden.
Seeing Wang Yongzhu interacting with the people, it was clear they were used to this way of relating to each other.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were inwardly surprised, but kept composed outwardly.
Following Wang Yongzhu down a street and around a corner, they arrived at a small courtyard.
Upon opening the door and entering, everything was neatly arranged, with furniture of all kinds intact, and the kitchen stocked with utensils, pots, and cabinets.
The courtyard even had a jujube tree, already budding with green.
The main house had three rooms flanked by three side rooms on one side, and utility and kitchen rooms on the other, perfectly suitable for a family, even if a few more people joined.
With Wang Yongzhu’s introduction, they learned that going out the main door, turning right, was only a few ters to a communal well.
Standing at the entrance, the street was very clean, with so courtyard doors open and so closed. A few children played in the alley, and elders sat on benches by the wall sunbathing.
Lady Wu was imdiately satisfied.
"I am extrely satisfied with this house and would like to rent it. But what’s the rent?"
The accompanying won swiftly brought in stools and chairs into the courtyard for everyone to sit.
Gu Yu went to the alley’s entrance, bought a pot of tea and two plates of snacks, and returned for everyone to enjoy.
After hearing Lady Wu’s words.
Wang Yongzhu said sincerely, "I won’t hide it from you, Auntie; this is my property, and I usually rent it out for so sewing money. The previous tenant had to leave suddenly, and I haven’t found anyone to rent it yet! If you and Sister Shen are satisfied, nothing could be better. It saves from finding another tenant."
"If I happened to encounter so inconsiderate tenant who doesn’t keep things clean, I’d worry about this place being ruined. With you and Sister Shen, I have no such concern! Rent in this county is cheap, just a hundred large coins a month will do."
Lady Wu had a hunch earlier and was relieved upon Wang Yongzhu’s straightforwardness, especially since she asked for rent instead of a free stay, which made her sigh with relief.
Knowing Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s kindness to the Wu Family was like being indebted to the heavens, free housing would have been too much to bear.
This arrangent was just perfect, and the rent was not expensive, roughly estimated. She promptly decided, "I shalessly rent this courtyard from you, paying a year’s rent upfront, and will hire soone to help move in tomorrow."
Wang Yongzhu agreed readily.
She formally asked Gu Yu to find a diator to write up a contract, received more than a year’s rent, and handed the keys to Lady Wu.
With the keys in hand, Lady Wu and Lady Shen visibly relaxed, their greatest worry lifted, naturally bringing them joy.
Wang Yongzhu was pleased as well, declaring today’s rare outing had resulted in renting out the property and she wished to host a treat, insisting no one should refuse.
Given the Wu Family was still in mourning, Wang Yongzhu did not take them for the local famous lamb and beef but found a restaurant and ordered a few dishes.
The Wu mother and daughter-in-law were sowhat embarrassed by the expense, feeling Wang Yongzhu was going out of her way.
Wang Yongzhu just waved her hand, saying, "In the past, only n went out drinking and eating, which was quite irkso. With you, Auntie and Sister Shen here now, we have company, and we should often go out to eat and enjoy ourselves."
"When Auntie and Sister Shen finish the mourning period, I’ll take you to try lamb soup, along with so wine, then it’ll truly be joyful!"
These words expressed closeness, and while Lady Wu accepted, there was a newfound affinity in Lady Shen’s gaze towards Wang Yongzhu.
After the al, they strolled around so more. Wang Yongzhu bought a few everyday household items as gifts for the Wu Family’s housewarming.
This custom ca from Jing County, and seeing the items were not expensive, just ordinary goods, the Wu mother and daughter-in-law accepted without decline.
By the ti they returned to the county yan, it was already late afternoon.
The Wu mother and daughter-in-law, being full, said their goodbyes and returned ho to pack their belongings. They hadn’t unpacked much since yesterday, only needing minor tidying to be ready to move out.
When Wu Zhongbao returned ho, he found the luggage already packed and was montarily puzzled: "What are you up to?"
He was inford by Lady Wu that they’d found a house and would move the next day.
It was surprisingly efficient, sothing Wu Zhongbao found hard to believe.
Lady Wu directly took him to see the house, and he was very satisfied. Upon hearing it was Wang Yongzhu’s property and already over a year’s rent paid, he couldn’t help but laugh.
The next day, Wu Zhongbao requested leave from Song Chongjin, and Wang Yongzhu lent her and Old Granny Zhang’s regular carriage, along with servants to assist with the move, settling them in.
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