Zhao, fuming and speaking sharply, snapped: “So, Third Sister-in-law buys a chicken, but instead of eating it at her own place, she goes off to someone else’s house? What’s the meaning of that? Do you look down on us, afraid we might get a share?”
Zeng Xiaoyan snapped, “It’s my money — I’ll spend it however I want! If you’re so upset, go buy your own chicken and slaughter it at someone else’s house. I won’t say a word!”
Xu Zhichun said to the other two, “People say husband and wife are one, and by rights, we shouldn’t be hiding this money-making method from our men. But think about it — if he knows, and his parents, brothers, or relatives start asking, what’s he supposed to do? If he tells them, everyone will know, and our business won’t be worth much. If he doesn’t, they’ll blame him for keeping secrets. So better we don’t tell them at all. If anyone asks, we just say it’s the three of us women earning a bit of pocket money, nothing serious. That way, no one feels entitled to poke their nose in, right?”
That will be a no.
Logically, had she prepared it before, it’s unlikely she would’ve consumed it alone. Her brother-in-law would have sampled it as well.
If she slip up in front of her brother-in-law, there’s no way to cover it up.
Xu Zhichun shook her head with a quiet sigh. “I’d been busy with the work, just focused on tending the fields while waiting for Minglang to return. But now things have turned out differently. If I don’t find a way to earn money, the days ahead will be hard. So I thought I’d give it a try.”
Jin Weilan couldn’t shake her suspicions, so she went to the storeroom to keep an eye on Jin Jingxiu. Was he really preparing a proper gift— or was he stuffing the box with snakes and rats under the noble excuse of “gratitude”?
Jin Jingxiu held deep affection for Jiang Mengyue. After her expulsion from the Marquis residence, he laid the blame squarely on Jiang Ning— and once caused a stir at the gates in protest.
Knowing him, it wouldn’t be surprising if he used snakes and rats to frighten Jiang Ning.
Ordinarily, Jiang Mengyue wouldn’t bother reaching out to Jin Jingxiu—he was always the one chasing her, eager to please. But now, she had no choice but to lower herself, however reluctantly.
That fool Jin Jingxiu was easy to sway. A few kind words, and he’d come clinging back without shame.
Foolish as he was, he still had his uses.
Under the flickering oil lamp, Jiang Mengyue’s gaze shimmered with quiet allure. Her face, soft and exquisite, lit up with a faint smile—one that stirred the heart without a word.
The Crown Prince fixed his gaze on the person before him. “You’ve rendered me a great service,” he said. “Now tell me—how might I repay you?”
Jiang Mengyue offered a gentle smile, retrieved the Crown Prince’s teacup, and poured a new serving of tea.
“Ohhh—so that’s what’s going on!”
Hua Le nodded, half-understanding. Her questions were soon swept away by the joy of returning home, and she asked no further.
“Miss Lei, safe travels. Take these with you for the road.”
Sister Mu followed behind Hua Le, casting only a brief glance at the grain. Then she handed Murong Yun the bundle of provisions she had specially prepared for them.
