Old Man Yun was not a stingy person.
If there were two mischievous boys or young men in the family, he would never say no.
But it just so happened that Granny Hu sent over two girls.
One was even a widow who had been married.
From now on, there would only be more trouble in front of the Yun family's door...
Madam Gu also sat up, tucked the corner of the quilt around her daughter, and sighed softly.
"Old man, do you think I am willing to take them in?"
"Then why?"
It couldn't be that she was overflowing with compassion and wanted to accumulate good deeds, could it?
Madam Gu was not an irrational person.
Every decision she made was carefully considered.
"Old man, do you remember Old Fourth?" Madam Gu murmured.
Yun Siman, who went out fishing many years ago, had not returned since.
When they were still in Feiyan Village, everyone said he had drowned.
But the Yun family didn't believe that.
They knew their youngest son was blessed with great fortune and was a good swimmer, so he wouldn't drown easily.
But after so many years, Yun Siman was still missing without a trace.
It was as if he had vanished into thin air, impossible to find.
Before, Da Man had even gone out searching for half a year, but returned empty-handed...
Old Man Yun glanced at Madam Gu and raised an eyebrow, "That's our youngest son, how could I not remember?"
Why bring him up out of the blue?
Old Man Yun didn't quite understand.
Madam Gu looked out the window, her eyes thoughtful, "What do you think about letting Huaihua be Siman's wife?"
"What?" Old Man Yun's eyes widened, as if he had misheard.
"Siman's whereabouts are unknown, and we don't even know if he can return alive. You want Huaihua to remain a widow for him?"
Old Man Yun put down his pipe, completely bewildered.
He didn't know if he was too old-fashioned, or if his wife's thoughts were too profound.
In any case, he couldn't fathom such complicated matters...
Madam Gu withdrew her gaze, her face filled with determination and conviction, "Siman will definitely come back!~"
This sentence was like a stabilizing needle, bringing peace to Old Man Yun's agitated mind.
He mumbled, "But what if Huaihua disagrees?"
After asking, he found it ridiculous himself.
Tomorrow they would sign the indenture. Since they would become part of the Yun family, there was no room for disagreement.
In this era, maids and servants had to obey the arrangements and commands of their masters.
Unless they redeemed their indentures and regained their freedom.
Otherwise, even their lives were in the hands of their masters.
Madam Gu lay down again and reached out to stroke Little Sweet Treasure's head, "If we don't take them in, Granny Hu will find ways to slander us and curse us."
"Jinhe is studying in the county town, and Da Man and Er Man also have to go out and about. If our family's reputation is damaged, how can they hold their heads high in the future?"
Granny Hu's mouth was notoriously malicious.
If she dared to claim second place in distorting facts and confusing right and wrong, no one would dare claim first...
Madam Gu had also considered this aspect.
Old Man Yun listened and sighed, "Our old woman thinks of everything!~"
He was worried about his two daughters-in-law.
Especially Liu Cuirong.
Petty, overbearing, and arrogant.
Starting from dinner, she had already argued with Er Man several times.
Madam Gu gave a wry smile; she actually had another reason, but she hadn't told the old man.
That was to use Jin Huaihua to check Liu Cuirong.
As long as she was there, Liu Cuirong would feel uneasy.
She might even transform from a lazy wife into a diligent daughter-in-law.
The reason was simple: she was afraid of being neglected, of being abandoned by Yun Erman or even the entire family.
Little Sweet Treasure, who was pretending to be asleep, perked up her ears, listening with great interest.
Truly, a wise person is no match for a more cunning one!
My mother's level is too high!
The next morning.
After breakfast, Yun Daman planned to go to the county town.
A few days ago, Zhao Guihua had made two pairs of shoes and pickled a jar of preserved vegetables.
She asked Yun Daman to deliver them to her son.
Unexpectedly, just as he was hitching up the horse-drawn carriage, Liu Cuirong walked over with a bundle.
"Big Brother, are you going to the county town?" Liu Cuirong asked.
Yun Daman was surprised, "What's wrong, Second Sister-in-law? Do you need to buy something?"
He carefully observed Liu Cuirong.
He noticed that her eyes were slightly red and her face was haggard, suggesting she hadn't rested well last night.
"Big Brother, I'll go to the county town with you to do something!"
Yun Daman was stunned.
What business could Second Sister-in-law possibly have in the county town?
Was it to buy pastries and melon seeds?
He didn't think much of it, turned around, and lifted the curtain, "Alright, get in!~"
The carriage drove out of the Yun family compound and slowly headed towards Heyang County.
Outside Fuxiang Pavilion, several carriages were parked.
These were the carriages of wealthy gentlemen or rich merchants who came to the restaurant to dine.
Passersby couldn't help but sniff the air deeply.
The tempting aroma of wine and dishes wafted towards them, entering their nostrils.
Although it couldn't satisfy their cravings, the common people would smack their lips, pretending they had also eaten.
Across from the restaurant sat three or two beggars.
As soon as they twitched their noses, they knew what dish it was, what the cooking temperature was, and even whether Sichuan peppercorns had been added...
"Second Sister-in-law, do you want to go in and eat?" Yun Daman stopped the carriage and asked, looking back.
Liu Cuirong forced a bitter smile, "No, no, no, I... I'm going in to see someone. Big Brother, you go to the academy first, and come back here to pick me up later!"
See someone?
Yun Daman frowned.
When did Second Sister-in-law get to know someone at Fuxiang Pavilion?
This was the largest restaurant in Heyang County.
"Alright, I'll leave first! If you need anything, come to the academy to find me!"
Yun Daman suppressed his inner curiosity, flicked the reins, and drove the carriage away.
Liu Cuirong sighed, slung her bundle over her shoulder, and walked into the main hall of Fuxiang Pavilion.
"Big Sister?"
As Liu Cuirong was looking around, a woman dressed in light green approached her.
She had fair skin and thick eyebrows and large eyes. It was Liu Cuijin, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Cuijin!" Liu Cuirong greeted her casually.
The incident where her mother and Liu Cuijin sold Little Bao last time had left Liu Cuirong with psychological trauma.
Therefore, her attitude towards Liu Cuijin was neither warm nor cold.
"Big Sister, why are you here?" Liu Cuijin was overjoyed.
She had become more diligent and cheerful than before.
"Where is Mother?" Liu Cuirong asked.
"She's in the kitchen washing dishes and picking vegetables. I'll take you to see her!"
Liu Cuijin was good-looking and quick-witted.
So the shopkeeper had her serve tea and water in the front hall and entertain guests.
Madam Lu, on the other hand, was assigned to the smoky, hot kitchen.
The restaurant was packed with diners at this time, and the kitchen was extremely busy.
Madam Lu only had a brief moment to see Liu Cuirong before rushing off to wash vegetables.
Helplessly, Liu Cuirong had to wait in the back courtyard of the restaurant for them to finish work.
After noon, the number of diners decreased.
Madam Lu took a moment and ran to the back courtyard.
"Cuirong, why are your eyes swollen? Did Erman bully you again?"
"Mother, I'm fine!"
Liu Cuirong rubbed her eyes and handed her the bundle in her hand, "This is a pair of cotton pants I made for you. It's getting cold, don't catch a chill!"
"There's also nearly an ounce of silver inside. Keep it to spend with Cuijin!"
This was the silver she had saved up with great difficulty.
She hadn't even been willing to spend it on herself.
Madam Lu was stunned for a moment, then returned the bundle to Liu Cuirong and smiled, "Mother doesn't need it!"