GlossaryChapter 1: Quarrel In The NeighborhoodChapter 2: Dissatisfactory Daughters-in-LawChapter 3: Exceptional LazinessChapter 4: In The MoneyChapter 5: Found WorkChapter 6: Going To TownChapter 7: Discussing PriceChapter 8: Making A SceneChapter 9: WastrelChapter 10: Separating The FamilyChapter 11: First MealChapter 12: Shi Cheng’s FamilyChapter 13: FateChapter 14: Jiujiu Came To HelpChapter 15: Fated To Meet Even If Separated By A Thousand MilesChapter 16: Glutinous Rice CakeChapter 17: An AccidentChapter 18: RescuedChapter 19: Parent’s ReturnChapter 20: RecuperationChapter 21: Everyone’s Come To HelpChapter 22: Xiaoyi, The Exceptional EmbroidererChapter 23: Planting CarrotsChapter 24: Moving To TownChapter 25: Devising A Plan To Go To TownChapter 26: The StoreChapter 27: Cotton Hand-WarmerChapter 28: PlansChapter 29: ConflictChapter 30: Joy Amid The SorrowsChapter 31: Unexpected UproarChapter 32: FightChapter 33: ConfrontationChapter 34: Making A CommotionChapter 35: Xiaogu’s Excellent MatchChapter 36: Doctor’s VisitChapter 37: Earned Two Taels of SilverChapter 38: Three Taels Of Silver EachChapter 39: Betrothal GiftsChapter 40: Xiaonian SurpriseChapter 41: Discussion and DecisionsChapter 42: Preparing Their WaresChapter 43: Splitting The WorkChapter 44: Returning The MoneyChapter 45: Thick-Skinned Chapter 46: Reunion DinnerChapter 47: Anticipating The Future Chapter 48: New Year Beating Chapter 49: Lost HandkerchiefChapter 50: Intertwined Lotus FlowersChapter 51: Sishu Has Some ThoughtsChapter 52: Delivering GoodsChapter 53: SchoolChapter 54: Town Residents Return HomeChapter 55: FightChapter 56: Buying LandChapter 57: First Sum Of MoneyChapter 58: Entering Town For DuanwuChapter 59: Pleasant SurpriseChapter 60: A Knack For BusinessChapter 61: Knight In Shining ArmorChapter 62: Pestered By A Good-For-NothingChapter 63: New ClothesChapter 64: Childhood Fun Part 1 – Playing With WaterChapter 65: Childhood Fun Part 2 – FightChapter 66: Childhood Fun Part Three – ComplaintChapter 67: Roasted MeatChapter 68: Return to Laolao’s HomeChapter 69: Marriage ProposalChapter 70: She’s Not The One I LikeChapter 71: Staying In TownChapter 72: Wonders Never CeaseChapter 73: Rolling Up Their Sleeves For BattleChapter 74: Troublemakers Chapter 75: Beating Up A Scoundrel (Part 1) Chapter 76: Beating Up A Scoundrel (Part 2) Chapter 77: Buying Raw MaterialsChapter 78: Buckwheat NoodlesChapter 79: Mid Autumn FestivalChapter 80: Going Out To Earn MoneyChapter 81: Liu Hong Gets MarriedChapter 82: Sharing The PieChapter 83: Relentless Ma ShiChapter 84: Sishu’s ReturnChapter 85: Breaking Into The Market Chapter 86: Talking BusinessChapter 87: Engaging A MatchmakerChapter 88: Marriage Talks Part 1Chapter 89: Marriage Talks Part 2Chapter 90: Get Rich Quick?Chapter 91: Full Month BanquetChapter 92: Building A HouseChapter 93: Neighbour’s RequestChapter 94: Thoughts About Moving To TownChapter 95: Sishu Gets MarriedChapter 96: Another Trip To NingxiaChapter 97: Renting The StoreChapter 98: Looking For TroubleChapter 99: Free-For-AllChapter 100: Take This Divorce Letter And Get LostChapter 101: Group Fight (Part 1)Chapter 102: Group Fight (Part 2)Chapter 103: Group Fight (Part 3)Chapter 104: Wining And DiningChapter 105: Renting The StoreChapter 106: Buying A HouseChapter 107: He Ruyu Is ExpectingChapter 108: ConcubineChapter 109: Bitten By A SnakeChapter 110: PreachingChapter 111: First’s DaughtersChapter 112: Looking After The PatientChapter 113: Buying ServantsChapter 114: Going To Hanzhong CityChapter 115: Hanzhong CityChapter 116: Shopping And EatingChapter 117: Strange Young MissChapter 118: Making Her Own PlansChapter 119: Feeling JealousChapter 120: Get Engaged First?Chapter 121: GlibChapter 122: Hand In HandChapter 123: He Ruyu Gives BirthChapter 124: Marriage ProposalChapter 125: Another Matchmaker VisitsChapter 126: Green Eyed MonsterChapter 127: Highly Sought AfterChapter 128: ApprovalChapter 129: The Question Of Betrothal MoneyChapter 130: Full Of ReasonsChapter 131: Information GatheredChapter 132: MystifyingChapter 133: ScandalChapter 134: Unexpected GuestsChapter 135: Falling OutChapter 136: Bad NewsChapter 137: WorkshopChapter 138: AlarmedChapter 139: Plans FinalisedChapter 140: Little Me Can’t Do It!Chapter 141: Break Down The DoorChapter 142: Red Fruit Of TroubleChapter 143: Not PoisonousChapter 144: Grow It In The CourtyardChapter 145: ExplanationChapter 146: RemarriageChapter 147: Buying FlowersChapter 148: Destruction Of FlowersChapter 149: GrudgeChapter 150: Fast ThinkingChapter 151: ShamelessChapter 152: DiscussionChapter 153: NegotiationChapter 154: ResolutionChapter 155: Sneak Attack Chapter 156: Joining ForcesChapter 157: Get Him Drunk And Sleep With HimChapter 158: Mid Autumn FestivalChapter 159: Misunderstanding?Chapter 160: Gone BustChapter 161: Bullying The WeakChapter 162: Flower Field DowryChapter 163: Settling AccountsChapter 164: In Love Chapter 165: Interested Chapter 166: BickeringChapter 167: Tricked?Chapter 168: ObservationChapter 169: Taking Advantage Chapter 170: New PlansChapter 171: A Small FavourChapter 172: The Rules Of A Prestigious HouseholdChapter 173: DowryChapter 174: Mountain HouseholdChapter 175: XiucaiChapter 176: Celebratory BanquetChapter 177: FaintedChapter 178: Muslin, Tea, FlowersChapter 179: Business Meeting PlaceChapter 180: Spoilt Rich Second GenerationChapter 181: Marrying The Bride HomeChapter 182: MarriedChapter 183: Return To Maiden HomeChapter 184: Returning The HandkerchiefChapter 185: Marry MeChapter 186: ObjectionsChapter 187: Explosive TemperChapter 188: Xiuxiu
Previous TOCThe Landowner And His Wife
Disclaimer:
1. This is an unofficial translation and no permission has been obtained from the author/ official publisher. It may be taken down if the author/official publisher requests.
2. This is a fan work and the interpretation represents only the translator’s personal views without any input from the author.
3. No permission has been granted to use, publish, upload and/or copy this translation to any other site except for Second Life Translations.
Xiuxiu similarly didn’t know anything. She really thought her parents had sent her over to have fun. She was delighted.
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By now, Xiuxiu’s family situation had also improved significantly and because Xiuxiu was a girl, she was rather pampered by the family. What she wore and what she ate were no worse than Liu Xu’er.
Xiuxiu was sitting on Liu Xu’er’s kang. Making herself right at home, Xiuxiu stretched her hand out for the apples on the table. When Liu Xu’er saw, she covered her mouth and laughed. Then she called for her servant girl to peel and slice the apples. In addition, she instructed her to go and get more fruits.
“Xu’er jie, what do you think of my embroidery?” Xiuxiu brought out her embroidery work and showed it to Liu Xu’er. She complained, “No matter how much effort I put into it, my mother refuses to praise me. She keeps saying that my embroidery is too embarrassing to show others.”
Nkw Dw’la vssj vbl sqqlale pnldv pynblv yde yd wdelatyaxldv. Fbl pxkzle yde pyke, “Rv zssjp alyzzu tsse. R vbkdj kv’p iwkvl elnldv. Rp fkwxw clkdt ps rknju clnywpl pbl’p nsxryakdt uswa osaj vs vbyv sq vbl plyxpvalpplp kd vbl osajpbsr?” Fbl rknjle wr vbl wdelatyaxldv yde zywtble, “Rp vbkp… psxlvbkdt vbyv usw nyd nypwyzzu pbso svblap?”
Dkwmkw’p qynl qzwpble pzktbvzu. Fbl pxkzle yde pyke, “R’hl dsv osad kv ulv. R fwpv vbswtbv vbyv vbl rlsdu plod sd kv kp sdl sq xu clpv osajp, ps oydvle vs pbso kv vs usw.” Mbld pbl qswde kv pvaydtl yde ypjle, “Rp vbl osaj esdl cu vbl plyxpvalpplp ps tsse? R blyae vbyv psxlsdl nyzzle Hbydt Jkdt kp pwrrsple vs cl vbl clpv?”
Nkw Dw’la vbswtbv qsa y xsxldv clqsal pbyjkdt bla blye, “Lsv alyzzu, kv’p fwpv vbyv vblu es ps xydu rklnlp vbyv vblu yal olzz raynvkple. Gde obld ol olal qkapv plzlnvkdt osajlap, ol xyel pwal vs plzlnv vbspl obspl lxcaskelau oyp elnldv. Jwv kd vlaxp sq vbl zlhlz sq elvykz, kv alyzzu nyddsv cl nsxryale vs vbl osaj ol es cu swaplzhlp. Gqvla yzz, ol esd’v byhl vs xyjl xydu rklnlp, ps ol nyd yqqsae vs lxcaskela xsal kdvaknyvl elpktdp.”
Dkwmkw tawxczle, “Ebu eslpd’v xu xsvbla lhla pyu y tsse osae ycswv xl? Fbl jllrp vlzzkdt xl vbyv R esd’v xlypwal wr vs vbkp rlapsd, sa vs vbyv rlapsd…. R oypd’v rzyddkdt sd nsxryakdt xuplzq vs vblx!”
Nkw Dw’la pxkzle yde pyke, “Zswa xsvbla bsrlp qsa bla eywtbvla vs clnsxl vbl clpv kd lhlauvbkdt.”
“Yu xsvbla jllrp raykpkdt vbl sdl nyzzle Hbydt Jkdt. Fbl pyke lhld eytwtw nbspl bla…”
Fbl bye fwpv pyke vbyv obld Nkw Dw’la’p zkvvzl xykeplahydv, Dkysuwl, nyxl kd vs yddswdnl, “Wkapv Zswdt Yyeyx kp blal.”
Kwpv yp pbl qkdkpble, Fbys Ssdt nyxl kd, bszekdt yd lxcaskelau qayxl. Fbl pxkzle, “Fkdnl Dkwmkw kp blal, R elnkele vs easr cu yde byhl y nbyv.”
Liu Xu’er and Xiuxiu stood up to greet her. Liu Xu’er looked at Shao Rong’s expression – it seemed very normal, but since she was at the door, she might have overheard their conversation.
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Xiuxiu thought so as well. Face red, she kept stealing glances at Liu Xu’er.
Shao Rong’s expression was calm as she sat down. She saw the undergarment on the kang and laughed. She picked it up, “What is… this? Is this something that can be casually shown to others?”
Xiuxiu’s entire face was tomato red. Her relationship with Liu Xu’er had always been good, so she was quite open with her. But Shao Rong was not someone she knew well. She was extremely embarrassed.
Liu Xu’er smiled and said, “Xiuxiu brought it to show me her embroidery.”
Shao Rong looked at it. She smiled, then let out a gusty sight, “It’s much better than mine.” Then she let Xiuxiu have a look at the embroidery hoop she was holding. “Look at my work – compared to the ones you make, it’s as if a pig gnawed on it.”
Xiuxiu giggled at that. She looked over Shao Rong’s handiwork, and did indeed feel that it wasn’t as good as hers. She finally felt somewhat soothed. Then she glanced over at Shao Rong. When she saw that Shao Rong didn’t seem to be upset about what she had just said, she heaved a sigh of relief.
All of them chatted for a while. Then He shi’s servant, Xiaomeng came over and invited them over to sit down with the Madam. So the three of them tidied up and went over.
He shi had obviously called Xiuxiu over to build rapport with Liu Xu’er. After all, Xiuxiu had always had a good relationship with Liu Xu’er, and if her daughter agreed, then she would have won half the battle.
It was just that although Liu Xu’er liked Xiuxiu, she would never agree to this matter. Furthermore, she thought differently from He shi. In her opinion, although the family did have a say in marriage matches, the one with the most say should be her erge. After all, it was his marriage. His opinion took priority over everyone else’s.
Xiuxiu obviously was clueless about everything. She hurried to keep away her embroidery and went over to the main courtyard, to chat with her aunt.
She had just sat down when Liu Tao came in. He was holding a silver ingot in his hand. The little maid servants were new and hadn’t yet been properly trained. Sometimes they would remember to announce visitors, but at other times, they would forget. Sometimes, they might have even run off to who knows where. Because the Liu family were villagers by birth, they didn’t have as many rules as other big households, and were quite lenient with their servants.
So when Liu Tao came in, he hadn’t expected to be greeted with so many people. He had just said, “Ershen, I can’t accept this silver….” When he saw a roomful of women. Immediately, he stopped and scratched his head. Then he smiled and said, “Dasao, Xu’er, you’re here! Xiuxiu too!”
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The three of them quickly greeted Liu Tao. The instant Liu Xu’er saw the silver in Liu Tao’s hand, she understood. This should be the monthly allowance given out. No wonder dage had searched everywhere for sange early this morning. Yesterday was the day that the allowances were given out. Thinking he hadn’t a share, Liu Tao hadn’t gone forward. He never expected that dage would look all over for him today to pass him the silver.
Liu Xu’er covered her mouth and smiled. She looked at Liu Tao scratching his head. He probably felt that it wasn’t suitable to be saying anything right now, so he had turned to leave. Liu Xu’er called out to stop him, “Sange, that’s this month’s monthly allowance. Everyone in the family has received it, so why don’t you want it?”
Liu Tao saw that she had broached the subject, so he could only stand still. He stammered at He shi, “Ershen, I can’t accept this money. I am receiving my pay from the store….”
“This is separate from your pay. This is the allowance that your family is giving you. They’re completely different matters.” Liu Xu’er said smoothly.
Liu Tao didn’t want to get into a debate with her – he couldn’t win against her. But it was clear from He shi’s silence that she would only listen to Liu Xu’er, so he didn’t have any other option. He turned and smiled, “Mei, I am not the same….”
“How are you different? Unless you don’t think of us as your family.” Liu Xu’er said.
He shi agreed, “That’s right, Tao. You’ve been staying with us for so many years. You are like one of my sons! Why are you being so distant with us? Just take it.”
Shao Rong quickly smiled and said, “Sandi, take it.”
Xiuxiu joined in as well, “That’s right. Take it sange! I always thought you were dagugu’s own son!”
Everyone laughed at that. Liu Tao knew that he couldn’t win against these women, so he accepted it. Still embarrassed, he scratched his head and smiled, “Then I’m off to the store.”
“Sure! Oh, sange, when you come back this evening, bring back some fruits. We don’t have much left at home.” Liu Xu’er requested.
Liu Tao also knew that Xiuxiu loved to eat fruits, so he smiled and agreed.
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That evening, everyone in the family came home. Liu Lin’s mood was still depressed. There was a sense that he was distracted. Although He shi was hinting – she was thinking of all ways and means to encourage Liu Lin to interact with Xiuxiu – Liu Lin clearly wasn’t in the mood. And Xiuxiu, kept in the dark as she was, didn’t take any initiative. He shi was left to struggle by herself.
Liu Xu’er didn’t take any action – she was still waiting for Shi Cheng’s investigative results.
That evening, when all of them turned in for the night, Liu Changgeng spoke to He shi. He asked if Xiuxiu herself was willing? It was still the same old issue – no matter what the parents say, if the child is unwilling, what could they do? Especially since it was clear that Liu Lin was definitely not willing. You ignored Liu Lin’s feelings and brought Xiuxiu over, but if Xiuxiu herself is unwilling, what would you do?
Also, Liu Changgeng reminded He shi, Liu Lin himself was unaware of He shi’s plans. If he were to know, would he still treat Xiuxiu the same way? No matter how obedient and sensible their children were, it was likely that he would treat her more coolly and avoid her if he knew. And if Xiuxiu were to find out the reason for the change in his behaviour, would Xiuxiu still be willing? She was only 12, and easily embarrassed. How could she take Liu Lin’s change well? In a way, wasn’t asking her over to stay with them, just opening her up to embarrassment?
He shi immediately felt like cold water had been doused over her! After being reminded, she quickly understood that she hadn’t thought this matter through clearly! If Liu Lin really were to find out and change his attitude toward Xiuxiu….. Wouldn’t it become so awkward between their families!
He shi, who had harbored plans to try and force Liu Lin, immediately regretted her actions. She now didn’t even dare to let Liu Lin know of her plans to match him with Xiuxiu, let alone try to force him together! She would first need to get Liu Lin’s agreement before the matter could be discussed further. He shi really regretted everything. She shouldn’t have invited Xiuxiu over in a fit of pique. Now, since she had invited her over – and had already made plans to have her over for at least half a month – she definitely couldn’t send her away so soon. He shi didn’t know what to do.
The next day, after thinking about it, He shi went to look for Liu Xu’er, to think of a plan.
But when she sent Xiaomeng to invite her over, she found out that Liu Xu’er wasn’t at home. She had left early in the morning. He shi could only anxiously wait.
At the same time, Xiuxiu was just about to leave the house with Liu Tao. In the morning, Liu Xu’er had said that she needed to handle a matter, and asked her if she wanted to go shopping. If she did, she would ask Liu Sen to accompany her.
Xiuxiu, of course, wanted to go out! Liu Xu’er had then gone to look for Liu Sen, but Liu Sen had already snuck out early. Who knew where he had headed off to play. Liu Xu’er was stuck. She needed to go out, so she needed to find some way of accommodating Xiuxiu. Otherwise, wouldn’t Xiuxiu be bored all by herself at home? She went to look for her dasao, but both her and her dage were busy.
The family’s monthly allowance had just been given out, and there were still a lot of other matters requiring the family’s ledgers to handle. Shao Rong was being given daily lessons with Liu Shu to learn how to read and manage accounts. She was extremely busy!
After looking all over, Liu Xu’er couldn’t find anyone suitable to help, so she could only get Xiuxiu to head out with Liu Tao. Xiuxiu’s younger brother, He Zhongzhou worked in Liu Tao’s store. It would be best to get her brother to bring Xiuxiu shopping.
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Liu Tao naturally agreed. He brought Xiuxiu to his store.
He Zhongzhou was there early. He had opened the store, and was busy cleaning up. When he heard his sister say she wanted to go out shopping, He Zhongzhou felt rather awkward. He was very aware that he was just a shop assistant, with no special identity. He couldn’t treat himself differently just because he was their relative, and take off whenever he felt like it, right?
Thankfully, Liu Tao himself had given the green light. He told him to bring Xiuxiu around and to be careful not to get lost. If there are too many people, they should head back. He Zhongzhou finally agreed and thanked him. Then he brought Xiuxiu out.
GlossaryChapter 1: Quarrel In The NeighborhoodChapter 2: Dissatisfactory Daughters-in-LawChapter 3: Exceptional LazinessChapter 4: In The MoneyChapter 5: Found WorkChapter 6: Going To TownChapter 7: Discussing PriceChapter 8: Making A SceneChapter 9: WastrelChapter 10: Separating The FamilyChapter 11: First MealChapter 12: Shi Cheng’s FamilyChapter 13: FateChapter 14: Jiujiu Came To HelpChapter 15: Fated To Meet Even If Separated By A Thousand MilesChapter 16: Glutinous Rice CakeChapter 17: An AccidentChapter 18: RescuedChapter 19: Parent’s ReturnChapter 20: RecuperationChapter 21: Everyone’s Come To HelpChapter 22: Xiaoyi, The Exceptional EmbroidererChapter 23: Planting CarrotsChapter 24: Moving To TownChapter 25: Devising A Plan To Go To TownChapter 26: The StoreChapter 27: Cotton Hand-WarmerChapter 28: PlansChapter 29: ConflictChapter 30: Joy Amid The SorrowsChapter 31: Unexpected UproarChapter 32: FightChapter 33: ConfrontationChapter 34: Making A CommotionChapter 35: Xiaogu’s Excellent MatchChapter 36: Doctor’s VisitChapter 37: Earned Two Taels of SilverChapter 38: Three Taels Of Silver EachChapter 39: Betrothal GiftsChapter 40: Xiaonian SurpriseChapter 41: Discussion and DecisionsChapter 42: Preparing Their WaresChapter 43: Splitting The WorkChapter 44: Returning The MoneyChapter 45: Thick-Skinned Chapter 46: Reunion DinnerChapter 47: Anticipating The Future Chapter 48: New Year Beating Chapter 49: Lost HandkerchiefChapter 50: Intertwined Lotus FlowersChapter 51: Sishu Has Some ThoughtsChapter 52: Delivering GoodsChapter 53: SchoolChapter 54: Town Residents Return HomeChapter 55: FightChapter 56: Buying LandChapter 57: First Sum Of MoneyChapter 58: Entering Town For DuanwuChapter 59: Pleasant SurpriseChapter 60: A Knack For BusinessChapter 61: Knight In Shining ArmorChapter 62: Pestered By A Good-For-NothingChapter 63: New ClothesChapter 64: Childhood Fun Part 1 – Playing With WaterChapter 65: Childhood Fun Part 2 – FightChapter 66: Childhood Fun Part Three – ComplaintChapter 67: Roasted MeatChapter 68: Return to Laolao’s HomeChapter 69: Marriage ProposalChapter 70: She’s Not The One I LikeChapter 71: Staying In TownChapter 72: Wonders Never CeaseChapter 73: Rolling Up Their Sleeves For BattleChapter 74: Troublemakers Chapter 75: Beating Up A Scoundrel (Part 1) Chapter 76: Beating Up A Scoundrel (Part 2) Chapter 77: Buying Raw MaterialsChapter 78: Buckwheat NoodlesChapter 79: Mid Autumn FestivalChapter 80: Going Out To Earn MoneyChapter 81: Liu Hong Gets MarriedChapter 82: Sharing The PieChapter 83: Relentless Ma ShiChapter 84: Sishu’s ReturnChapter 85: Breaking Into The Market Chapter 86: Talking BusinessChapter 87: Engaging A MatchmakerChapter 88: Marriage Talks Part 1Chapter 89: Marriage Talks Part 2Chapter 90: Get Rich Quick?Chapter 91: Full Month BanquetChapter 92: Building A HouseChapter 93: Neighbour’s RequestChapter 94: Thoughts About Moving To TownChapter 95: Sishu Gets MarriedChapter 96: Another Trip To NingxiaChapter 97: Renting The StoreChapter 98: Looking For TroubleChapter 99: Free-For-AllChapter 100: Take This Divorce Letter And Get LostChapter 101: Group Fight (Part 1)Chapter 102: Group Fight (Part 2)Chapter 103: Group Fight (Part 3)Chapter 104: Wining And DiningChapter 105: Renting The StoreChapter 106: Buying A HouseChapter 107: He Ruyu Is ExpectingChapter 108: ConcubineChapter 109: Bitten By A SnakeChapter 110: PreachingChapter 111: First’s DaughtersChapter 112: Looking After The PatientChapter 113: Buying ServantsChapter 114: Going To Hanzhong CityChapter 115: Hanzhong CityChapter 116: Shopping And EatingChapter 117: Strange Young MissChapter 118: Making Her Own PlansChapter 119: Feeling JealousChapter 120: Get Engaged First?Chapter 121: GlibChapter 122: Hand In HandChapter 123: He Ruyu Gives BirthChapter 124: Marriage ProposalChapter 125: Another Matchmaker VisitsChapter 126: Green Eyed MonsterChapter 127: Highly Sought AfterChapter 128: ApprovalChapter 129: The Question Of Betrothal MoneyChapter 130: Full Of ReasonsChapter 131: Information GatheredChapter 132: MystifyingChapter 133: ScandalChapter 134: Unexpected GuestsChapter 135: Falling OutChapter 136: Bad NewsChapter 137: WorkshopChapter 138: AlarmedChapter 139: Plans FinalisedChapter 140: Little Me Can’t Do It!Chapter 141: Break Down The DoorChapter 142: Red Fruit Of TroubleChapter 143: Not PoisonousChapter 144: Grow It In The CourtyardChapter 145: ExplanationChapter 146: RemarriageChapter 147: Buying FlowersChapter 148: Destruction Of FlowersChapter 149: GrudgeChapter 150: Fast ThinkingChapter 151: ShamelessChapter 152: DiscussionChapter 153: NegotiationChapter 154: ResolutionChapter 155: Sneak Attack Chapter 156: Joining ForcesChapter 157: Get Him Drunk And Sleep With HimChapter 158: Mid Autumn FestivalChapter 159: Misunderstanding?Chapter 160: Gone BustChapter 161: Bullying The WeakChapter 162: Flower Field DowryChapter 163: Settling AccountsChapter 164: In Love Chapter 165: Interested Chapter 166: BickeringChapter 167: Tricked?Chapter 168: ObservationChapter 169: Taking Advantage Chapter 170: New PlansChapter 171: A Small FavourChapter 172: The Rules Of A Prestigious HouseholdChapter 173: DowryChapter 174: Mountain HouseholdChapter 175: XiucaiChapter 176: Celebratory BanquetChapter 177: FaintedChapter 178: Muslin, Tea, FlowersChapter 179: Business Meeting PlaceChapter 180: Spoilt Rich Second GenerationChapter 181: Marrying The Bride HomeChapter 182: MarriedChapter 183: Return To Maiden HomeChapter 184: Returning The HandkerchiefChapter 185: Marry MeChapter 186: ObjectionsChapter 187: Explosive TemperChapter 188: Xiuxiu
Previous TOCThe Landowner And His Wife
Disclaimer:
1. This is an unofficial translation and no permission has been obtained from the author/ official publisher. It may be taken down if the author/official publisher requests.
2. This is a fan work and the interpretation represents only the translator’s personal views without any input from the author.
3. No permission has been granted to use, publish, upload and/or copy this translation to any other site except for Second Life Translations.
Xiuxiu similarly didn’t know anything. She really thought her parents had sent her over to have fun. She was delighted.
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By now, Xiuxiu’s family situation had also improved significantly and because Xiuxiu was a girl, she was rather pampered by the family. What she wore and what she ate were no worse than Liu Xu’er.
Xiuxiu was sitting on Liu Xu’er’s kang. Making herself right at home, Xiuxiu stretched her hand out for the apples on the table. When Liu Xu’er saw, she covered her mouth and laughed. Then she called for her servant girl to peel and slice the apples. In addition, she instructed her to go and get more fruits.
“Xu’er jie, what do you think of my embroidery?” Xiuxiu brought out her embroidery work and showed it to Liu Xu’er. She complained, “No matter how much effort I put into it, my mother refuses to praise me. She keeps saying that my embroidery is too embarrassing to show others.”
Nkw Dw’la vssj vbl sqqlale pnldv pynblv yde yd wdelatyaxldv. Fbl pxkzle yde pyke, “Rv zssjp alyzzu tsse. R vbkdj kv’p iwkvl elnldv. Rp fkwxw clkdt ps rknju clnywpl pbl’p nsxryakdt uswa osaj vs vbyv sq vbl plyxpvalpplp kd vbl osajpbsr?” Fbl rknjle wr vbl wdelatyaxldv yde zywtble, “Rp vbkp… psxlvbkdt vbyv usw nyd nypwyzzu pbso svblap?”
Dkwmkw’p qynl qzwpble pzktbvzu. Fbl pxkzle yde pyke, “R’hl dsv osad kv ulv. R fwpv vbswtbv vbyv vbl rlsdu plod sd kv kp sdl sq xu clpv osajp, ps oydvle vs pbso kv vs usw.” Mbld pbl qswde kv pvaydtl yde ypjle, “Rp vbl osaj esdl cu vbl plyxpvalpplp ps tsse? R blyae vbyv psxlsdl nyzzle Hbydt Jkdt kp pwrrsple vs cl vbl clpv?”
Nkw Dw’la vbswtbv qsa y xsxldv clqsal pbyjkdt bla blye, “Lsv alyzzu, kv’p fwpv vbyv vblu es ps xydu rklnlp vbyv vblu yal olzz raynvkple. Gde obld ol olal qkapv plzlnvkdt osajlap, ol xyel pwal vs plzlnv vbspl obspl lxcaskelau oyp elnldv. Jwv kd vlaxp sq vbl zlhlz sq elvykz, kv alyzzu nyddsv cl nsxryale vs vbl osaj ol es cu swaplzhlp. Gqvla yzz, ol esd’v byhl vs xyjl xydu rklnlp, ps ol nyd yqqsae vs lxcaskela xsal kdvaknyvl elpktdp.”
Dkwmkw tawxczle, “Ebu eslpd’v xu xsvbla lhla pyu y tsse osae ycswv xl? Fbl jllrp vlzzkdt xl vbyv R esd’v xlypwal wr vs vbkp rlapsd, sa vs vbyv rlapsd…. R oypd’v rzyddkdt sd nsxryakdt xuplzq vs vblx!”
Nkw Dw’la pxkzle yde pyke, “Zswa xsvbla bsrlp qsa bla eywtbvla vs clnsxl vbl clpv kd lhlauvbkdt.”
“Yu xsvbla jllrp raykpkdt vbl sdl nyzzle Hbydt Jkdt. Fbl pyke lhld eytwtw nbspl bla…”
Fbl bye fwpv pyke vbyv obld Nkw Dw’la’p zkvvzl xykeplahydv, Dkysuwl, nyxl kd vs yddswdnl, “Wkapv Zswdt Yyeyx kp blal.”
Kwpv yp pbl qkdkpble, Fbys Ssdt nyxl kd, bszekdt yd lxcaskelau qayxl. Fbl pxkzle, “Fkdnl Dkwmkw kp blal, R elnkele vs easr cu yde byhl y nbyv.”
Liu Xu’er and Xiuxiu stood up to greet her. Liu Xu’er looked at Shao Rong’s expression – it seemed very normal, but since she was at the door, she might have overheard their conversation.
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Xiuxiu thought so as well. Face red, she kept stealing glances at Liu Xu’er.
Shao Rong’s expression was calm as she sat down. She saw the undergarment on the kang and laughed. She picked it up, “What is… this? Is this something that can be casually shown to others?”
Xiuxiu’s entire face was tomato red. Her relationship with Liu Xu’er had always been good, so she was quite open with her. But Shao Rong was not someone she knew well. She was extremely embarrassed.
Liu Xu’er smiled and said, “Xiuxiu brought it to show me her embroidery.”
Shao Rong looked at it. She smiled, then let out a gusty sight, “It’s much better than mine.” Then she let Xiuxiu have a look at the embroidery hoop she was holding. “Look at my work – compared to the ones you make, it’s as if a pig gnawed on it.”
Xiuxiu giggled at that. She looked over Shao Rong’s handiwork, and did indeed feel that it wasn’t as good as hers. She finally felt somewhat soothed. Then she glanced over at Shao Rong. When she saw that Shao Rong didn’t seem to be upset about what she had just said, she heaved a sigh of relief.
All of them chatted for a while. Then He shi’s servant, Xiaomeng came over and invited them over to sit down with the Madam. So the three of them tidied up and went over.
He shi had obviously called Xiuxiu over to build rapport with Liu Xu’er. After all, Xiuxiu had always had a good relationship with Liu Xu’er, and if her daughter agreed, then she would have won half the battle.
It was just that although Liu Xu’er liked Xiuxiu, she would never agree to this matter. Furthermore, she thought differently from He shi. In her opinion, although the family did have a say in marriage matches, the one with the most say should be her erge. After all, it was his marriage. His opinion took priority over everyone else’s.
Xiuxiu obviously was clueless about everything. She hurried to keep away her embroidery and went over to the main courtyard, to chat with her aunt.
She had just sat down when Liu Tao came in. He was holding a silver ingot in his hand. The little maid servants were new and hadn’t yet been properly trained. Sometimes they would remember to announce visitors, but at other times, they would forget. Sometimes, they might have even run off to who knows where. Because the Liu family were villagers by birth, they didn’t have as many rules as other big households, and were quite lenient with their servants.
So when Liu Tao came in, he hadn’t expected to be greeted with so many people. He had just said, “Ershen, I can’t accept this silver….” When he saw a roomful of women. Immediately, he stopped and scratched his head. Then he smiled and said, “Dasao, Xu’er, you’re here! Xiuxiu too!”
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The three of them quickly greeted Liu Tao. The instant Liu Xu’er saw the silver in Liu Tao’s hand, she understood. This should be the monthly allowance given out. No wonder dage had searched everywhere for sange early this morning. Yesterday was the day that the allowances were given out. Thinking he hadn’t a share, Liu Tao hadn’t gone forward. He never expected that dage would look all over for him today to pass him the silver.
Liu Xu’er covered her mouth and smiled. She looked at Liu Tao scratching his head. He probably felt that it wasn’t suitable to be saying anything right now, so he had turned to leave. Liu Xu’er called out to stop him, “Sange, that’s this month’s monthly allowance. Everyone in the family has received it, so why don’t you want it?”
Liu Tao saw that she had broached the subject, so he could only stand still. He stammered at He shi, “Ershen, I can’t accept this money. I am receiving my pay from the store….”
“This is separate from your pay. This is the allowance that your family is giving you. They’re completely different matters.” Liu Xu’er said smoothly.
Liu Tao didn’t want to get into a debate with her – he couldn’t win against her. But it was clear from He shi’s silence that she would only listen to Liu Xu’er, so he didn’t have any other option. He turned and smiled, “Mei, I am not the same….”
“How are you different? Unless you don’t think of us as your family.” Liu Xu’er said.
He shi agreed, “That’s right, Tao. You’ve been staying with us for so many years. You are like one of my sons! Why are you being so distant with us? Just take it.”
Shao Rong quickly smiled and said, “Sandi, take it.”
Xiuxiu joined in as well, “That’s right. Take it sange! I always thought you were dagugu’s own son!”
Everyone laughed at that. Liu Tao knew that he couldn’t win against these women, so he accepted it. Still embarrassed, he scratched his head and smiled, “Then I’m off to the store.”
“Sure! Oh, sange, when you come back this evening, bring back some fruits. We don’t have much left at home.” Liu Xu’er requested.
Liu Tao also knew that Xiuxiu loved to eat fruits, so he smiled and agreed.
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That evening, everyone in the family came home. Liu Lin’s mood was still depressed. There was a sense that he was distracted. Although He shi was hinting – she was thinking of all ways and means to encourage Liu Lin to interact with Xiuxiu – Liu Lin clearly wasn’t in the mood. And Xiuxiu, kept in the dark as she was, didn’t take any initiative. He shi was left to struggle by herself.
Liu Xu’er didn’t take any action – she was still waiting for Shi Cheng’s investigative results.
That evening, when all of them turned in for the night, Liu Changgeng spoke to He shi. He asked if Xiuxiu herself was willing? It was still the same old issue – no matter what the parents say, if the child is unwilling, what could they do? Especially since it was clear that Liu Lin was definitely not willing. You ignored Liu Lin’s feelings and brought Xiuxiu over, but if Xiuxiu herself is unwilling, what would you do?
Also, Liu Changgeng reminded He shi, Liu Lin himself was unaware of He shi’s plans. If he were to know, would he still treat Xiuxiu the same way? No matter how obedient and sensible their children were, it was likely that he would treat her more coolly and avoid her if he knew. And if Xiuxiu were to find out the reason for the change in his behaviour, would Xiuxiu still be willing? She was only 12, and easily embarrassed. How could she take Liu Lin’s change well? In a way, wasn’t asking her over to stay with them, just opening her up to embarrassment?
He shi immediately felt like cold water had been doused over her! After being reminded, she quickly understood that she hadn’t thought this matter through clearly! If Liu Lin really were to find out and change his attitude toward Xiuxiu….. Wouldn’t it become so awkward between their families!
He shi, who had harbored plans to try and force Liu Lin, immediately regretted her actions. She now didn’t even dare to let Liu Lin know of her plans to match him with Xiuxiu, let alone try to force him together! She would first need to get Liu Lin’s agreement before the matter could be discussed further. He shi really regretted everything. She shouldn’t have invited Xiuxiu over in a fit of pique. Now, since she had invited her over – and had already made plans to have her over for at least half a month – she definitely couldn’t send her away so soon. He shi didn’t know what to do.
The next day, after thinking about it, He shi went to look for Liu Xu’er, to think of a plan.
But when she sent Xiaomeng to invite her over, she found out that Liu Xu’er wasn’t at home. She had left early in the morning. He shi could only anxiously wait.
At the same time, Xiuxiu was just about to leave the house with Liu Tao. In the morning, Liu Xu’er had said that she needed to handle a matter, and asked her if she wanted to go shopping. If she did, she would ask Liu Sen to accompany her.
Xiuxiu, of course, wanted to go out! Liu Xu’er had then gone to look for Liu Sen, but Liu Sen had already snuck out early. Who knew where he had headed off to play. Liu Xu’er was stuck. She needed to go out, so she needed to find some way of accommodating Xiuxiu. Otherwise, wouldn’t Xiuxiu be bored all by herself at home? She went to look for her dasao, but both her and her dage were busy.
The family’s monthly allowance had just been given out, and there were still a lot of other matters requiring the family’s ledgers to handle. Shao Rong was being given daily lessons with Liu Shu to learn how to read and manage accounts. She was extremely busy!
After looking all over, Liu Xu’er couldn’t find anyone suitable to help, so she could only get Xiuxiu to head out with Liu Tao. Xiuxiu’s younger brother, He Zhongzhou worked in Liu Tao’s store. It would be best to get her brother to bring Xiuxiu shopping.
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Liu Tao naturally agreed. He brought Xiuxiu to his store.
He Zhongzhou was there early. He had opened the store, and was busy cleaning up. When he heard his sister say she wanted to go out shopping, He Zhongzhou felt rather awkward. He was very aware that he was just a shop assistant, with no special identity. He couldn’t treat himself differently just because he was their relative, and take off whenever he felt like it, right?
Thankfully, Liu Tao himself had given the green light. He told him to bring Xiuxiu around and to be careful not to get lost. If there are too many people, they should head back. He Zhongzhou finally agreed and thanked him. Then he brought Xiuxiu out.
