Chapter 67

Wang Yuanwai received the letter and felt a little uneasy.

The peasant girl who had once sought his protection had transformed into a county princess, while he was just a magistrate who had bought his position with money and had even taken the county princess's soap prescription...

This invitation couldn't be a trap, could it?

He looked again at Liu Daguai, who was waiting outside for a reply, and his heart felt even more sour. This Liu Daguai was originally someone his family had bought and cleaned up before half-selling and half-giving to the Song family.

Now he was the steward of a second-rank county princess, and even Wang Yuanwai had to bow and scrape to him.

However, even though this was the case, Liu Daguai didn't look any different from usual. He stood there with his hands in his pockets, dressed as he always did, and there was no arrogance about him.

Madam Wang took the invitation and looked at it, smiling. "What are you worried about, my dear? I don't think that Song Dingxiang is the kind of person who would cross the bridge after burning it. When she went to the capital, our family helped her when her family was in trouble. She can't possibly make things difficult for us just because she's become a county princess, can she?"

Wang Yuanwai sighed, "If only we still had that soap prescription in our hands, we could have sent her a substantial share as a gift when we meet. But that prescription..."

Madam Wang said, "Don't always overthink it. Our family and the Song family are relatives by marriage after all. If it wasn't for their kindness back then, we wouldn't have treated them so warmly. You can rest assured."

Even though these words were spoken, Wang Yuanwai still felt uneasy. He told Liu Dagui that he would definitely keep the appointment the next day and gave him some silver, seeing him off personally.

Liu Dagui stood at the door and smiled at Wang Yuanwai, "You need not worry so much, Wang Daren. Our Madam is a kind-hearted person, and the old masters and mistresses in our family are even more compassionate. Madam is grateful to Wang Daren and treats your family as close friends. If Wang Daren continues to be so cautious, it might just hurt Madam's feelings."

Being a servant who had always relied on reading people's expressions, Liu Dagui could decipher Song Dingxiang's thoughts. Moreover, despite this family coming back to the village in fine clothes, they didn't seem much different from before.

Liu Dagui was quite astute, and a little contemplation helped him figure out the situation. As long as they didn't provoke this family, they probably wouldn't act superior or oppress others.

Since they were willing to invite Wang Yuanwai over for a meal, it definitely wasn't to show dominance over him.

As the steward of the host family, Liu Dagui obviously had to offer a few words of guidance.

Wang Yuanwai felt nervous and said, "I didn't really do much to help."

Liu Dagui chuckled, "Back then, General Zhou was also recommended and promoted by Wang Daren, and it was Wang Daren who helped take care of Madam Zhou and her family. Why so timid now?"

"It was just a small effort..." Wang Yuanwai sighed and continued, "Don't laugh at me, but I've never seen someone with a high rank like that, and our county princess is even a second-grade official..."

Liu Dagui lowered his voice and said, "Even if she's a second-grade official, she's still your niece-in-law's."

This was a roundabout way of saying that it was a lucky find in terms of relatives.

After Liu Dagui finished speaking, he took the reins from the servant's hand and rode away on the mule. Wang Yuanwai stood at the door for a while, murmuring to himself, "I have been doing good deeds for so many years, hoping to create some good karma. Perhaps the Song family is my good karma?"

Madam Wang arranged a carriage full of gifts and the next day, she took her son and Wang Yuanwai to the county princess' house.

Liu Dagui was waiting at the entrance of the alley. Unfortunately, even though he was a steward, he was just a single steward now.

Normally, at the level of the county princess, it would be fine to have several servants serving her, but Madam Zhou was used to doing everything herself and didn't bother with buying servants.

He thought it was better this way, to let their own people build familiarity rather than bringing in outsiders later on.

"Madam Wang," Song Dingxiang stood at the gate, smiling gently as she held Madam Wang's hand. Seeing the child standing beside her, she exclaimed, "Is this Qiong'er? It's been over two years since I last saw him, he has grown so strong."

Madam Wang quickly told her son, "Quick, address the county princess."

Song Dingxiang linked arms with Madam Wang and said with a smile, "Why call me county princess? There's no need to be formal. Just call me sister."

The little boy, bold and fearless, shouted "sister" loudly upon seeing Song Dingxiang.

Song Dingxiang affectionately patted the boy's head and noticed the silver necklace he wore around his neck. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this still the silver necklace I gave during the Washing Ceremony? And the pendant was made by my younger sister."

Madam Wang replied, "He has been wearing it all this time. You have brought blessings to our family, and my son has also borrowed your blessings. It's been two years, and no illness or disaster has struck. Isn't it all thanks to the protection brought by the Song family?"

Song Dingxiang brushed it off, saying, "Nonsense, it's clearly the kindness and charity of the elders, accumulating blessings. What does it have to do with me?" She led Madam Wang into the courtyard, saying, "Our courtyard may not be big, but it's cozy. Please don't mind."

As they entered the hall, the only maid, Yuying, was already prepared with tea and fruit, standing by to serve.

Madam Wang looked around and asked, "Why aren't Old Master Song and Old Madam Song here?"

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "Do you still not know the temper of my grandparents, Madam Wang? They are just doing their own thing in the backyard garden, saying they will join us when it's time to eat."

Wang Yuanwai said, "But how can this be? Here we are sitting and drinking tea, while the master and mistress of the house are gardening in the yard?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "They feel more at ease tending to the garden. If we were to invite them for tea, they would feel very uncomfortable. It would make all of us uncomfortable in the end."

She was a bit helpless herself, but that's just how her family had lived for half a lifetime. Even with sudden wealth, they didn't know how to use it.

It's like getting tired of eating something delicious after a couple of meals, preferring to sit at home eating onions dipped in sauce.

Wang Yuanwai nodded and suddenly said, "I should go learn how to garden, you two continue chatting."

Liu Dagui led Wang Yuanwai to the backyard garden, which was actually more like a flower garden with a small stream and a little artificial hill. Now, both small gardens had been turned into vegetable patches, and Song Xingyi had even set aside a plot to grow his tobacco.

After spending half a lifetime tilling the land, one couldn't easily relax. But with nowhere to go in the village these days, they could only pass the time in the garden.

When the Song family left in a hurry, it was Liu Dagui and his family who helped tend to the garden. Besides planting vegetables and melons, they also raised chickens and ducks.

Even the few sheep that were kept in the cellar were brought over, and when Song Xingyi had free time, he would take his sheep to graze outside the county town, just to wander around.

"Wang Daren?" Song Zhiyuan looked up and saw Wang Yuanwai and quickly came over to bow, "Sir, why have you come?"

"Oh, no need to be so formal!" Wang Yuanwai was taken aback and quickly helped Song Zhiyuan up, afraid he might kneel down. "Why act so distant between us old friends? We used to visit each other quite often, how come it feels awkward now?"

Song Zhiyuan chuckled twice, standing there not knowing what to do.

Liu Dagui smiled and said, "Master, Wang Daren wants to see how we grow vegetables. Why don't you introduce it to him?"

Song Zhiyuan then perked up and said, "Look at how we grow vegetables? What's so interesting about that? But with these two courtyards, it's convenient to have fresh vegetables... Look, here we have loofah on this side and pumpkin planted under the wall over there. In this courtyard, we mainly grow seasonal vegetables, while in the west courtyard, we have grown plenty of radishes and Chinese cabbage to preserve for the winter."

When it came to farming and gardening, he could talk endlessly. Wang Yuanwai was not the kind of person who lacked diligence or knowledge of grains; occasionally, he would crouch down to take a look, pluck a leaf and taste it.

The atmosphere in the vegetable garden was harmonious and joyful, while in the main hall, Song Dingxiang and Mada Wang were also having a good conversation.

"Now in this town and county, I'm only close to you. If it weren't for Wang Yuanwai and his wife help when my family had problems in the past," Song Dingxiang said, preparing to bow.

Madam Wang quickly stopped her and said, "It's only right, since we were able to obtained your soap recipe back then. It may sound a bit self-interested, but after so many years of interaction, our relationship is no longer just about that recipe. If you bow to me, I wouldn't know how to respond."

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "Speaking of that recipe, I saw soap being sold in the capital city, so it seems like your business is doing quite well."

Madam Wang let out a sigh and said, "Don't laugh at us, actually, we didn't make that recipe ourselves."

Song Dingxiang raised an eyebrow, looking a bit surprised.

Madam Wang continued, "Although the recipe seemed small, the profits were significant, and it was a new product. As you know, our master and the main family split apart, and he didn't really have any industry. Initially, when we got your recipe, we did consider making it ourselves, but it would have been difficult to establish a commercial route. So, the master gave that recipe to the wealthy Gu family in exchange for two trade routes."

Song Dingxiang said, "Whether done by ourselves or others, if it brings convenience to you, then it is useful. By the way, this time in the capital city, I got some nice things. I specifically picked out some items that the madam could use. Yuying, go and bring over the things I prepared for the madam."

The gifts bestowed by the Emperor cannot be casually given away; even if they are not needed, they must be stored in the warehouse to collect dust. However, the gifts from the prince and princess were too numerous, and most of them were precious items that were very eye-catching in this county.

It was better to give them away than to let them sit and gather dust.

Yuying brought in several pieces of brocade and two brocade boxes.

Song Dingxiang said, "Although I am a county princess, I am not used to wearing these clothes and fabrics on a daily basis. In your family, with its large wealth and business, whether for personal wear or as gifts, these fabrics are very suitable. By the way, there is a piece of old red fabric that I specifically chose for the old madam."

Madam Wang touched the silky fabric and said, "Such fine goods, you should make yourself a few dresses to wear. At your young age, wearing dull colors like brown, green, and gray all day makes you look unkempt."

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "I made a few dresses for myself, specifically keeping them for going out or wearing during festivals. I'm not used to wearing them on a daily basis, and I'm afraid they will deteriorate if left unused. It's better to give them to the madam and the old madam to wear, which is like finding a good home for these fabrics."

Madam Wang laughed and said, "You are quite clever. When you first arrived, my husband was worried, fearing he wouldn't know what to say in front of you. In my opinion, since our families are relatives, we should walk as relatives, right?"

Song Dingxiang nodded and said, "You're right. Madam, take a look at this."

Opening the box revealed two tea sets, one in sky blue and the other in colorful design.

"The sky blue tea set is for you and Wang Daren to use on a daily basis, while the colorful set is for the old madam. I see that there is a lotus flower on the teapot, which is most suitable for the old madam."

Madam Wang praised, "You are so thoughtful. I prepared a whole cart of things for you, but they don't compare to this valuable tea set. It seems I've gotten the better end of the deal."

"Things only have value if they are used and appreciated by someone, otherwise, they are just gathering dust," Song Dingxiang said, motioning for Yuying to load everything onto the Wang family's carriage.

"We've been away from home for over two months, and it's all thanks to Wang Daren and Madam Wang for taking care of things." Song Dingxiang handed a large apple to Qiong'er and then sat the child on her lap, saying, "Upon returning, I heard some heart-pounding news, my head is all numb from it. Luckily, with your help, otherwise my family would have been turned upside down."

Madam Wang patted her chest and said, "Not only are you feeling numb, even I felt numb after hearing it. Let's not even talk about the Xu family's troubles, but your third grandpa's family, what's her name, Xing? It was too harsh. You probably don't know yet, right? That day, the carriage was stolen, and when they were about to make trouble, your uncle had to pay to settle the matter. But your younger sister's family is really... How could they not cherish their own daughter? Marrying into such a family, it's no wonder she became so resentful..."

Song Dingxiang said, "Actually, I also don't know much about that family, just heard that they're not good..."

Madam Wang said, "Exactly, not good at all. Blame it on the parents being ruthless. It's also my fault, giving such gifts only brought trouble. When I found out it was all because of that little money, I couldn't sleep well for days, every time I closed my eyes, I had nightmares."

Song Dingxiang said, "It's not your fault at all, you only had good intentions, wanting to give them something to help find a good family for Jiao Xing... It's a pity, Jiao Xing is too proud and reckless."

Madam Wang said, "Ah, I think that child has been driven crazy. Your uncle had someone look into it, and that family really isn't a good one. Those two years of severe drought... their family, oh, I don't even know how to say it, it would dirty your ears just talking about it."

Song Dingxiang said, "What exactly happened?"

Madam Wang lifted Qiong'er up and said, "Go, go play with the little girls and boys in the courtyard."

Song Dingxiang winked at Yuying and said, "Take him to play with your younger sister, take care of him, make sure he doesn't bump into anything."

With no one else in the room, Madam Wang lowered her voice and said, "That family is not a good one, there wasn't much to eat during those two years of drought, right? They forced, forced... to do those things to get food, even aborted the child in her womb. A perfectly fine young girl, pushed to insanity like that. But then again, this girl was doing well before. Their family was fine before, why were they unwilling?"

Song Dingxiang listened in shock, unable to come to her senses for a while.

No wonder Song Jiaoxing held such a strong grudge, she may have made mistakes, but not mistakes worthy of death. Yet her parents willingly sent her into harm's way, for the sake of a little money, they would have skinned their own daughter alive!

"In fact, my aunt is usually quite sensible..." Song Dingxiang shivered, "Could it be that they didn't inquire at all, how could they..."

"Who said her family didn't inquire, they paid fifteen taels of silver to end it, this wasn't marrying off a daughter, this was selling their own daughter!" Madam Wang also snorted, saying, "If they really found their daughter ugly, they could have sent her to a nunnery or even ended her own life, but they went and sold their daughter, to such a family, this... oh my!"

Song Dingxiang dared not imagine how much despair and sorrow Song Jiaoxing must have endured to commit such an insane act. Her hatred had burned away all her rationality, and now she had plunged into the cold river, putting an end to all her sorrows.

"...This woman, she's just worthless. Even in her own family, she doesn't dare make mistakes, if she marries, she truly has to rely on fate. Look at me, I may have married well, but my husband raised several concubines, can I really feel at ease? Luckily, I had a son, otherwise I would never lift my head high in this life." Madam Wang's voice cracked, tears falling involuntarily.

Song Dingxiang also sighed deeply, "Thank goodness for my grandparents, my parents are enlightened. Otherwise, my older sister... Thankfully, my older sister separated from the Xu family, otherwise she would have been implicated, unable to lift her head high in the future."

"Speaking of the Xu family..." Madam Wang wiped her tears and said, "Do you remember that man your older sister was with before, Xu Dashan?"

"I remember, what about him?"

Madam Wang snorted and said, "Your older sister divorced him, and not long after he found a young girl and remarried. This is the end of the Xu family, isn't it? After the incident, he even caused a scene wanting to see your older sister, squatting outside your house for several days. He said he wanted your older sister to come back and be his legal wife, promising to treat her well in the future. It's so annoying, so I had someone beat him up and sent him away. Such people are like a nuisance, make sure your older sister doesn't go soft on him."

Song Dingxiang felt disgusted and said, "If he dares to touch my older sister, I'll break his arms and legs!"

"So, this man is not reliable. Look at you, earning the title of county princess with your own skills, higher in status than your husband. That's how it should be, he won't dare to mistreat you in the future. But you're already twenty this year, you should start thinking about having a child, even though men are untrustworthy, children are reliable. A woman needs to have a child to have security." Madam Wang's eyes lit up when she talked about children.

They chatted for a while longer, and then Yue Ying came over and said, "Madam, Auntie said the meal is ready, when do you want to eat?"

Song Dingxiang exclaimed, "We forgot about the time while chatting, let's eat now."

The Song family's lunch was still very simple. Round steamed buns, large buns with sugar flowers, stewed potatoes and green beans, stir-fried eggplant with minced meat, roast chicken bought from the county, and refreshing side dishes like cucumber salad.

Not many dishes, but substantial portions. There was also a variety of dipping sauces for eggplant and radish.

Wang Yuanwai chuckled, "I also picked a pumpkin and had my sister-in-law make pumpkin dumpling soup. I'm tired of thinking about what to eat at home, but when I see these stews, they're so fragrant."

Song Xingyi, who was now familiar with him, said, "If you like it, eat more, and we'll pick some pumpkin and loofah to bring with you later. Homegrown vegetables are delicious and fresh."

They enjoyed the meal, and before leaving, Song Dingxiang gave Qiong'er a set of gold lockets and two jars of tea leaves to Wang Yuanwai.

Once they were on their own carriage, Wang Yuanwai finally relaxed and said, "You're right, we can't beat around the bush with the Song family. Just say what needs to be said, everyone will be happy."

Madam Wang hugged her son and said, "It's all because of you, always thinking about unnecessary things. They don't care about that at all. Dingxiang said we are relatives, so let's act like it. I think if it's not possible, we can buy a house in the county town and move there as neighbors with them, I'll have a place to talk to."

Wang Yuanwai teased his son and said, "You figure it out, I never worry about these things. But we should ask my mother, she's used to living there, moving might make her uncomfortable."

"Do you believe it, if we could be neighbors with them, your mother would be absolutely delighted." Madam Wang looked at her son's gold locket and said, "Luckily, in the past, our family didn't have the kind of narrow-mindedness as your brothers, otherwise, even the best relationships would turn into enmity."

"Why are you saying these things?" Wang Yuanwai was not happy to hear, so he simply picked up his son and played with him in his arms.

*

Knowing that Song Dingxiang had returned, a letter was also sent from Song Zijin's side. However, because Song Zijin was pregnant and it wasn't convenient for her to travel, and they had to pass through the village on the way, Li Yunsheng was afraid of any mishaps, so they didn't send anyone but just sent some gifts.

With Song Zijin pregnant, Zhang Shi was also very happy and thought of going to help with the postpartum care once Song Zijin gave birth. Since Li Yunsheng had no parents, it wouldn't be appropriate for Madam Wang to go over for postpartum care, it would be best for her own mother to go.

Seeing Zhang Shi's excited but restless look, Song Dingxiang simply said, "In a few days, Zou Ge will also return from his military station, and then our whole family will visit the village. The old house needs repairs, so Zou Ge and us might as well stay at the estate over there, and come back after Zijjn finishes her postpartum period."

"That sounds great!" Zhang Shi was delighted. She hadn't seen her daughter in a long time and was looking forward to it.

Uncle Song Zhicheng thought about it and nodded, saying, "That works, I can also go check if there's anything needed at his estate, oh... there's nothing to do here, I feel restless every day, not knowing what to do."

"Can't enjoy the good days, born to be busy." Zhang Shi teased her own husband.

Song Dingxiang said, "It's not hard to find work, is it? I've decided, after the New Year, I'll buy some barren land outside the county and build a workshop. Then our whole family will be busy, no one will be idle."

As soon as they heard about the workshop, everyone's eyes lit up.

Song Dingxiang took out a few pieces of paper and distributed them to show them, saying, "Before, we only made a few silver coins with our small businesses. But now I plan to build a large workshop, hire people, and expand. The workshop will be managed by all of you, and everyone will receive dividends. But I have to make it clear, those who can manage people will oversee them and earn more money. Those who can't will do odd jobs and earn less. Even though this is a family business, we can't slack off."

Song Xingyi said, "Dingxiang, don't worry, our own family members won't cause any trouble for you. If anyone doesn't work properly, I won't be happy either. Since we are all separated now, if someone doesn't work well, they will be completely separated, do whatever they want, just don't cause any trouble."

Song Yulan smiled and said, "I'll just be a cook, cooking doesn't require much effort. With everyone back, and the preparations I've made, I'll start working and open for business tomorrow."

Song Hutou also grinned and said, "I've already contacted my previous suppliers, they'll be sending new products in a few days, and my shop will also be opened. But sister, should we continue with the wool workshop in our family?"

"Of course we'll do it. When I was in the capital, I already asked General Zhong about the wool, and he said he would still send it to our family, but the gloves still need to be shipped to the northern region. These gloves offer similar protection to work gloves. Upon enlisting in the army, they'll receive both gloves and leather boot uppers."

Simply put, keeping their hands and feet warm significantly enhances comfort. Even though there are no longer any battles, there are still many soldiers stationed in the border areas who need warm things.

"They can also keep extra ones, and if someone's things are damaged, they can exchange them. I heard there are one or two aunties there who specialize in mending torn gloves and shoe uppers."

Although Wexian County may seem lively, it is much inferior to the capital, not even considered a suburb. But it is precisely because of this that it has endless potential for development.

Song Dingxiang plans on making this place the primary base for her sauce workshop, and in the future, she can even establish a logistics department when the population increases.

As long as there are ideas and willingness to work hard, won't money flow in like water?

By then, she will be a county princess and have wealth. Even if Zhou Yinuo has a father and mother, she won't be afraid. If he dares to mess around, she will still divorce him!

*

Zhou Yinuo sneezed loudly. He wiped his nose and said to his subordinate, "The affairs on this side of the garrison have been almost taken care of. You should focus more on training the troops. I need to go back to see my wife."

The tall brother rolled his eyes and said, "I'm still single, how can you say that?"

Zhou Yinuo raised an eyebrow and said, "You should find a wife too, a wife and children bring warmth to the household."

"Get out of here!" The tall brother kicked him out, and Zhou Yinuo laughed and dodged, going to fetch his horse.

As a paratrooper general who came here, he originally thought he would be excluded. But the soldiers here welcomed him warmly when they heard his name, almost lifting him up.

Zhou Yinuo didn't expect to become a revered hero by everyone, and being from this area added a sense of closeness. The group he brought with him had all worked their way up from being ordinary soldiers, without the arrogance of those from privileged backgrounds, making them down-to-earth. In just a few days, everyone had become acquainted without any trouble.

He rode his horse and galloped back home.

"Darling, I'm home!"

After his workout, feeling sore and exhausted, he made his way home.