But as for his plan, it’s not very ethical, yet it can definitely eradicate future troubles.
When Yang Zhangshi returned from Liu Bo’s place, she was already much calr.
"How did it go? Did Liu Bo give you any solutions?"
Yang Zhangshi ca back, and Erniang asked with concern. Although she hadn’t t the girl, she was still worried after hearing the story.
Yang Zhangshi forced a smile: "Sister-in-law, don’t worry, I have a solution. We’ve been delayed too long today."
Since Yang Zhangshi didn’t elaborate, Erniang didn’t ask further but took her to the pigsty, explaining what needed to be done and where everything was located.
Yang Zhangshi had been raising pigs for over ten years and was quite experienced, but she was still surprised to see those raised by the Jiang family.
"These pigs look really good. I used to think after raising pigs for over ten years I must be good at it, but seeing yours, I’m not so confident anymore."
Probably because the heartache was resolved, Yang Zhangshi was much more relaxed, her eyes still red and swollen, yet her face carried a slight smile.
Seeing her like this, Erniang was relieved too. It seed the thod Liu Bo talked about was effective, leading to such a change in Yang Zhangshi.
"No need to feel insecure, Little Grasslady praised your skills in pig farming. I learned these from her. She said you can manage, so you definitely can."
Yang Zhangshi: "Then, sister-in-law, I’ll start by cleaning the pigsty. It’s fetching water from over there, right?"
She pointed to the nearby pond; this was the only water source around, and a path was specially paved from the pigsty.
"Yes, there are dedicated water buckets there. This creek provides water for the whole village, for washing clothes, sweet potatoes, etc. Don’t put the pigsty bucket in it, lest it gets dirty."
Yang Zhangshi imdiately picked up two buckets: "Alright, I understand."
She carried the buckets to the pond, used the special water-drawing bucket there to fill the wooden buckets used in the pigsty, and carried them back.
Despite Yang Zhangshi being yellowed and thin, with a back that couldn’t straighten up from work fatigue, she carried the water buckets steadily without spilling a drop.
It was clear she’s indeed capable of hard work.
Seeing how well she did, Erniang noticed the steward delivering sothing to Qi Xi and Aunt Yang, thought for a mont, said a few words to Yang Zhangshi, and went over.
"Lady Jiang, the goods have been checked thoroughly, and we’re ready to head back." The steward greeted as Erniang approached.
"I need so people to pick pea shoots in the afternoon, roughly a hundred pounds. Can you co for another trip before the city gate closes?"
Originally, this task should have been arranged yesterday afternoon, but after chatting with Little Grasslady, she forgot, and rembered when she was about to sleep.
"No problem, I’ll send soone over this afternoon." It was close enough that it was worth coming for a hundred pounds of pea shoots.
Business is business, friendship is friendship. Since the lady entrusted him with this task, he naturally took it seriously.
"Thank you, then."
The steward handed the day’s goods receipt to Erniang, joined the wagon, and left. Paynt was to be settled at the end of the month.
After they left, without Erniang asking, Qi Xi and Aunt Yang ca over excitedly.
"Erniang."
"Sister-in-law."
Both spoke at the sa ti, then looked at each other helplessly, signaling for the other to speak first.
Erniang waved her hand and asked: "Did the steward bring your contracts?"
Both nodded and took out the contracts. Erniang glanced at them, noting that they had been with the Liu family for quite so ti as the papers were yellowed.
"That’s great. Inform Liu Bo about your matter during lunch. Later, go to the governnt office to settle your accounts. If you have extra money, it’s best to buy so land first."
Erniang felt happy for them too, getting free from contract servitude wasn’t easy, and directly having the contract returned to them was even more worth celebrating.
"Perfect, we should catch a bamboo rat and kill a chicken this afternoon to celebrate properly."
Aunt Yang and Qi Xi repeatedly said it wasn’t necessary, but couldn’t resist Erniang’s insistence.
However, that was for the afternoon, so there was no rush now.
So when Xiao Mi ca back carrying a basket, everyone was in high spirits. After asking, she learned the reason and felt happy for them.
Of course, she also heard from Erniang about Qi Xi having soone he was interested in, but no matter how she inquired, Qi Xi wouldn’t reveal who it was.
He only ntioned to wait until he settled down, built a business, and then he’d propose, by which ti everyone would naturally know who it was.
Xiao Mi also asked what to do about Liu Bo’s care, as the siblings were in school every day, and the parents were busy. Usually, Qi Xi and Aunt Yang took care of Liu Bo the most.
Especially during bathing and grooming, Qi Xi would be there.
Now that they would be moving out, Liu Bo wouldn’t have anyone to care for him soon, right?
Although Liu Bo seed healthy and cheerful every day, having no one accompany him when going out felt worriso.
Yet Liu Bo was evidently more assured than them. As soon as his great-grandchild reached full month, his grandson and daughter-in-law would return to Xiangmu Village.
By then, there would be many maids and servants to accompany and care for him.
Qi Xi still felt uneasy, expressing that even though he was no longer a servant of the Liu family, he would continue taking care of Liu Bo.
Unexpectedly, he was waved away by Liu Bo dismissively.
"My son is still around, and there are plenty of grandsons. There’s no need for you to worry. Since you’ve been released from servitude, focus on your own matters. You’re not young anymore, aware that looking for a girl to propose in a few years might have her disapprove of your small business."
The words were crude, but the emotion was genuine.
In the past, to Liu Bo and Qi Xi, they were just ordinary servants and wouldn’t pay them much heed.
Yet over the years, the three had lived together in the Jiang family, where after his grandson went to the academy, the care he received mostly ca from these two.
Humans aren’t cold-blooded; with long-term interaction cos emotional bonds.
Now hearing Qi Xi’s life plans, naturally, Liu Bo felt gratified and wouldn’t want him to waste ti on his behalf, hindering his own life.
Though everyone seed to be overly concerned, Liu Hongcai wasn’t an unfilial child. How could he leave his father unattended?
Just that afternoon, Liu Bo’s butler packed things and ca to the Jiang’s, along with two silver notes for—his al expenses!
The butler was also in his forties, never had done much physical work, and didn’t need to. He was simply there to accompany Liu Bo!
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