Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 131 - 131 132 Harvest Joy_1

?Chapter 131: Chapter 132 Harvest Joy_1 Chapter 131: Chapter 132 Harvest Joy_1 Li Qinghe tugged at the corner of her mouth and thought to herself, if it were so easy to let go of him, she would not have insisted on marrying him in such a manner: “It’s alright, I just came to vent to you, now that I’ve spoken about it, I feel much better. I’m not that fragile.”

Then, as if remembering something, she said, “Oh right, speaking of which, I was thinking of asking you to help find a wife for my brother. Do you know of any suitable families? Remember to tell me. If I don’t push him, he’s never in a hurry. Now he’s already nineteen, he can’t stay single forever.”

Muniang knew Qinghe was changing the subject and gave her a look of annoyance before replying, “Your brother is indeed an honest man. No girl would suffer from marrying into your family. It’s just that he himself isn’t proactive. I don’t have any acquaintances with eligible girls, but I’ll keep an eye out for him.”

Qinghe finally smiled, “Ah, that’s good.”

After chatting about household matters for a while, Qinghe left, feeling much better. She considered Muniang a friend, which is why she was willing to confide her troubles to her. She understood that the path she chose was her own and, for better or worse, she had to persevere. Others couldn’t help her, but Muniang always reminded her that it was okay even if she couldn’t carry on; after all, she had her. Although Qinghe never took those words seriously, Muniang’s friendship still warmed her heart.

Qinghe had planned to head straight back, but when she passed by Muniang’s newly repaired embroidery room, she decided to take a look inside. After all, Muniang had entrusted her with a managerial position, and she was diligent in her duties there.

But who would have known that before she even reached the door, she would happen to see Zeng Gang, who was loitering outside the embroidery room. She greeted him with a smile, “Master Zeng, what brings you here at this time?”

Zeng Gang, along with his craftsmen, had repaired the embroidery room twice, so Qinghe naturally recognized them.

Zeng Gang jumped with surprise. The usually jovial young man awkwardly scratched his head and said, “I, I’m just here to check if the embroidery room is stable. I felt really embarrassed about the collapse last time.” Saying this, his face flushed with a hint of red.

“Oh, I see. Why don’t you come in for a cup of tea to quench your thirst? It’s hot outside, and I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with the embroidery room.” Muniang’s embroidery room had collapsed because of sabotage, something Qinghe knew all too well, but it wasn’t something she could mention to others.

“No, no need for that. I’ll just take a quick look and then I’ll have to hurry back,” Zeng Gang replied nervously, barely daring to look at Qinghe.

Qinghe didn’t think much of it; seeing how simple-minded the young man was, she said, “Then never mind. It won’t be convenient if you get back too late.”

After speaking, she picked up her skirt and walked into the embroidery room. Zeng Gang suddenly called out, “Hey, I heard that you’ve become a scholar’s wife. Congratulations.”

However, Qinghe’s expression dimmed slightly as she forced a smile, “Thank you.” Then she turned and went inside.

Zeng Gang looked at her retreating, forlorn figure, feeling unsettled inside. He could tell she wasn’t happy.

Over at Tianzhuang, the hybrid fruits and vegetables had yielded large and fresh produce, and the fish in the mountain pond had grown plump. However, the fruit trees had only just begun to bloom, and they would likely have to wait until the following year or the year after for a harvest. Muniang wasn’t in a rush for the profits from the fruit trees, as the income from just Tianzhuang and the fish pond was quite lucrative already.

The fruits and vegetables at Tianzhuang had been the first to mature, as Muniang’s household employed a hundred workers who naturally made quick work of things.

The workers had already sorted and packed the various hybrid fruits and vegetables. Muniang personally went to check on them and found they all looked good. Upon seeing Muniang, the overseer excitedly said, “Lady, look at these! How come they’re so fresh? I’ve never seen such varieties in my life. This one looks like a watermelon but also a radish, and then there’s this yellow-skinned watermelon. I’ve really learned something today. It’s strange though. We used ordinary seeds, but with a bit of tinkering in between, such astonishing new varieties grew!”

Zhu was clearly too excited, chattering nonstop, but Erliang was a man of action and had already split open a big yellow watermelon, revealing its yellow-orange flesh. He held it in front of Muniang, excited like a child, “Lady, please try it and see if it’s even tastier than the red watermelons we’ve had before?”

Muniang took a bite and found it really good, sweeter and more refreshing than the average red watermelon, “This year’s harvest is good; once these melons are sold, everyone will receive two coins in silver as a reward.”

Everyone was stunned for a good while before they burst into cheers, “Thank you, Lady!”

Muniang’s eyes crinkled with a smile, “Just focus on your work; there will be plenty more good days ahead.”

Then she said to Zhu who was standing nearby, “You first load these fruits and vegetables on the cart. Tomorrow I will go and negotiate a partnership. Then we can directly take it there.” No real connections were needed; such novel and sweet produce would have buyers fighting over it.

Zhu laughed, “Why should the Lady trouble herself with this? Just order us to do it.”

Muniang shook her head with a smile and declined, saying it wasn’t necessary. She feared that Zhu, with his honest ways, wouldn’t be able to raise the price. Muniang, however, planned to make a hefty profit from these produce.

Early the next morning, Muniang went to the town with Erliang. After inquiring about the biggest fruit shop in Chatu Town, they headed straight there because her quantity of goods needed a larger shop, which would be more suitable for a partnership.

“Oh, what are you two looking to buy? Our store has just received some fresh stock; would you like to take a look?”

As Muniang and Erliang just reached the entrance, a young servant warmly welcomed them inside. The servant had an eye for detail and could tell from their attire that Muniang and Erliang were not ordinary folks. Since fruits were not something average people could afford, the servant naturally gave more attention to wealthy-looking customers.

Muniang smiled and walked into the store, then said, “Is your shopkeeper in? I have a big business deal I’d like to discuss with him.”

The young servant’s eyes dimmed significantly, clearly less enthusiastic since she wasn’t there to buy, but still managed to keep a good expression, “Please wait a moment, I’ll go find our shopkeeper.”

Muniang, watching the servant’s respectful demeanor, couldn’t help but remember her own shabby dress when she first went to sell vegetables at Dongxing Building and how she was stopped by a servant. Everyone had their own calculations, and she didn’t blame others for being mercenary, but she was struck by how fast time had passed. It had been half a year, and life was getting better and better. Thinking of this, Muniang couldn’t help but curl up the corners of her lips.

It wasn’t long before the shopkeeper came out, fairly humble and carrying the merchant’s customary smoothness, “What business does the little lady wish to discuss with my store?”

Muniang smiled and said, “I guarantee you won’t make a loss, in fact, it’s a business deal that will earn you a fortune, depending on whether you’re interested or not.”

The shopkeeper, seeing Muniang’s confident and composed demeanor, which was not common among ordinary people, couldn’t help but feel favorably towards her, “May I know what business you’re referring to, little lady?”

“This isn’t a good place to talk. Is there a private room where I can explain in detail?”

The shopkeeper, intrigued by Muniang’s secretive manner, led Muniang into a private room with some skepticism, “Please.”