Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 70 - 70 071 The Prodigal Son Wants to Sell the

?Chapter 70: Chapter 071 The Prodigal Son Wants to Sell the Land_1 Chapter 70: Chapter 071 The Prodigal Son Wants to Sell the Land_1 Muniang’s eyes lit up, “Could it be you have found a way?”

“Indeed, I heard some news and came straight to you,” the village head smiled and said.

Just as Muniang was about to question further, she heard Mrs. Lin say, “You child, why haven’t you offered the village head a cup of tea? Have a seat and talk. What does it mean to stand and talk in the courtyard? Those who don’t know might think you lack manners.”

Only then did Muniang realize she had gotten overexcited. She hastily invited the village head inside, and with a smile, he followed Muniang into the house.

Before leaving, Muniang did not forget to remind Hong Luo to take good care of Mrs. Lin, since she still couldn’t exert much effort and had trouble moving around.

Once the two were seated inside, Mrs. Fang had already brought over a pot of tea.

Caressing his beard, the village head smiled and said, “Muniang, you truly are a filial child, always looking out for your mother.”

“Which daughter isn’t considerate toward her mother? It’s just that I have been so busy these past days that I haven’t had much time to spend with her. I feel guilty about it.”

Muniang spoke earnestly; an elderly mother’s greatest fear is loneliness, and all they need is their children’s company.

The village head nodded smilingly and said, “If I were blessed with a daughter like you, I suppose I would be content in this lifetime.”

Then he continued, “Enough of that, the reason I came is to tell you that Master Wu’s son has already started eyeing those thousand acres of fertile land and is thinking about selling all of it.”

A shock ran through Muniang’s heart, “How could it be so soon? Didn’t you say last time that it would take him half a year before he would sell the land?”

“Who knows what’s going on in his mind, probably lost in gambling again, that wastrel. If his father, down in the netherworld, knew how he’s squandering the family estate, he’d surely be unable to rest in peace,” the village head sighed.

But Muniang did not possess enough compassion to sorrow for others; her heart leaped with joy at the thought of the thousand acres of fertile land.

“However,” the village head changed his tone, “once the news spread that he wants to sell the land, many rich businessmen from the city have their eyes on it. There are quite a few who want to buy it, and he probably wishes to gather all the prospective buyers together, so the land goes to the highest bidder.”

Muniang asked in confusion, “He wants to sell the property promptly; how could there be so many buyers? Could it be that besides us, many people guessed he would sell the land?”

The village head said, “It seems that’s the case. After all, the way he squanders money is well-known throughout Chatu Town. Our place has neither wars nor natural and man-made disasters, and some who want to buy land can’t find families willing to sell. Many probably have had their eyes on him for a long time. The lad has good luck; the land will likely sell for a high price. But Muniang, don’t overestimate yourself. When the time comes, act within your means and don’t offer an unreasonably high price for the land.”

The village head didn’t doubt Muniang; it’s just that many young people are impetuous and act recklessly in order to prove themselves. Muniang’s family had just started to live comfortably; it would be a shame if they lost everything in this deal.

Muniang smiled gratefully, “Thank you. Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

The village chief laughed and said, “That’s good. In three days, Mr. Wu will hold a banquet at his residence, which is actually to invite some interested buyers to discuss the price. You should go take a look then.”

“Hmm! I understand,” Muniang replied.

After sending the village chief away, Mrs. Lin, who had been sunning herself in the yard, pulled Muniang aside and asked what the village chief had said. Muniang recounted everything to her in detail.

With a frown, Mrs. Lin said, “Buying a piece of land is so troublesome.”

“Isn’t it just!” Muniang laughed.

Mrs. Lin admonished, “Then don’t argue too hard with others. If the price gets too high, just leave it be; otherwise, we could suffer a big loss.”

Muniang couldn’t help but laugh; the thoughts of the elderly were all the same. She agreed repeatedly with ‘yes, yes, yes,’ but she felt somewhat uneasy. She didn’t know if they would be able to secure those thousand acres of good farmland this time.

At this moment, Muniang’s home was peaceful and harmonious, while the Qiao family was in complete turmoil. The couple from the eldest branch decisively stirred up a storm about dividing the family property again. Old Mr. Qiao also ran out of excuses to delay the matter, and the whole house was in an uproar.

“Dad, I’m telling you, we must divide the house today! Don’t think I can’t see what you really want, isn’t it just to squeeze money out of us sons? I’ve never lived abundantly in this house! Now, my son can’t even get money to marry a wife, why not?” Qiao Yuanshan shouted at the top of his lungs, tearing off any pretense and determined to have his way this time.

Old Mr. Qiao was so angry his face turned red and his neck bulged, his hand trembling as he pointed at Qiao Yuanshan’s nose and cursed, “Unfilial son! You’ve never lived in abundance? What about all that hidden silver you and your wife have stashed away? You lazy wretch, don’t even dream of becoming wealthy in this lifetime! I just wanted to delay Dalang’s marriage till next year, is that reason for all this fuss?”

Mrs. Ji spoke up sharply, “Oh please, how nicely you put it! Did we steal the private savings we kept as a couple, or what? Isn’t it our own money? Why should we hand it over to you? I must say, your favoritism is way too blatant. Some people brought over hundreds of silvers as dowry when they married in, and they still keep it to themselves. You say the family should stick together, but when have I seen her share that money with us?”

The direction of her accusation was clearly aimed at Li Qinghe. After Li Qinghe married into the family, she kept her dowry with her, and Madam Zhao was green with envy. She wanted to take it for herself, but Li Qinghe was not an easy one to deal with. Every time, she’d say the dowry was for Yuanzhen to use for his scholarly exams, so Madam Zhao found it difficult to make her move and let her keep it.

Li Qinghe didn’t want to get involved at first. She naturally hoped for the division of the family, but now was not the time for her to step in. Firstly, Yuanzhen always disliked noisy women, and secondly, she was smart enough. Instead of getting herself into trouble, she preferred to watch the spectacle from the sidelines. However, Mrs. Ji had now pointed the finger at her.

Even Old Mr. Qiao and Madam Zhao were somewhat annoyed with her after hearing those words.

Li Qinghe snapped back directly, “This money was originally my dowry. Who said that a bride’s dowry should be shared with the sisters-in-law? Yuanzhen is about to sit for the scholar exams, have I hidden even a penny? Isn’t it all prepared for Yuanzhen? People say a new bride doesn’t do housework for a month after marrying in, but I’ve been getting up in the middle of the night to make midnight snacks for Yuanzhen since our wedding. What have I done less these days? Speak with a conscience. Don’t think you can sow discord with a few words. Father and Mother have their own judgment, and they see everything clearly!”

Her words not only put down Mrs. Ji, but also flattered her in-laws in passing. Old Mr. Qiao and Madam Zhao, who were slightly displeased at first, found it awkward to associate themselves with Mrs. Ji’s “sullied” approach afterward.

Mrs. Ji clenched her teeth; this wretched girl was sharp-tongued. Despite appearing demure usually, she was quite cunning! Ever since Li Qinghe had married into the family, Mrs. Ji had not managed to gain any advantage over her.