Chapter 54: The Adopted Brothers Deliver Bricks

Ji Wu waved his hands repeatedly. “No, no, your cart is still brand new. Such a nice cart—how can you use it to carry bricks and tiles? I’d rather carry them myself than let that beautiful cart haul bricks.”

Hu Zhaodi laughed. “The cart was bought to be used. If you don’t use it, it’ll just sit there gathering dust and won’t make any money.”

“Who said I’ll just let it sit? You, always running to the county, really need a cart. Trust me, keep it for yourself.”

“It still works for carrying bricks! We can just remove the seats.”

Ji Wu insisted, “I said no, and that’s final. I can’t bear to use it. One day, I’ll have to ride in it myself!”

“Well, that’s easy. You can ride whenever you want.”

Ji Wu chuckled sheepishly and stopped arguing. Having a sister like her was worth everything in life.

After dinner, the family continued discussing matters for a while before heading home to rest.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Hu Zhaodi went into the mountains alone to gather herbs and hunt. She didn’t return until the afternoon, just as the sun was beginning to set.

Upon reaching the village entrance, she overheard some villagers talking.

“Those two young men who came to the village today definitely seem wealthy. I wonder what their connection to Zhaodi is? Could they be here to ask for her hand in marriage?”

“It’s possible. After all, Zhaodi is fourteen now. Although she’s small, she’s really capable.”

“Zhaodi’s so lucky. Those two look like they’re from the county. If she marries one of them, she’ll have a good life.”

“Right, even though they seem a bit older than her, you can tell by their clothes that they’re from wealthy families. If Zhaodi marries them, she’ll live in comfort.”

Hu Zhaodi stepped forward and asked, “Auntie, did you say two men came to find me? What do they look like?”

The aunt briefly described the appearance of the two men.

Hu Zhaodi smiled. “Auntie, you don’t have to guess. Those two are my adopted brothers. One of them isn’t feeling well, so they must have come to see me for treatment.”

“Ah? They’re not here to propose?”

“Of course not! I’m still young, not even of marriageable age yet. What are you talking about?”

After speaking, Hu Zhaodi quickened her pace and headed back to Ji’s house.

“Uncle Ji , Auntie Ji, I’m back!” Hu Zhaodi called from outside.

In the next moment, Han Dongsheng and Wu Yinghai both stood up and rushed to the door.

“Zhaodi, little sister!” they both exclaimed in unison.

Hu Zhaodi smiled widely. “I just heard people gossiping as I entered the village, and I thought we had guests at my house. Turns out it was just my two big brothers!”

Han Dongsheng laughed. “Who else would it be? Oh, looks like you had a good haul today!”

“Not bad. So, why did my two big brothers come all the way from the county to visit me? What’s the matter?”

Wu Yinghai spoke up, “Little sister, we heard you’re building a private school and a house. We’ve brought you some bricks.”

“Really? You brought me bricks? Why?”

Han Dongsheng lied smoothly. “No reason. It’s just that my little uncle said building a private school is a good thing for the country and the people, so he wanted to help out.”

Hu Zhaodi immediately caught on to the lie. “Han, big brother, telling lies will make your nose grow longer!”

Han Dongsheng touched his nose awkwardly. “Why would I lie to you? Really, it’s what my little uncle said.”

“How many did you bring?”

Wu Yinghai grinned. “We brought ten carts today. Don’t worry, little sister. We’ll take care of all the bricks and tiles for both the school and the house. You’re getting them whether you want them or not.”

“If you dare refuse, we’ll stay right here and follow you wherever you go,” Wu Yinghai said, raising an eyebrow in a provocative manner, as if daring her to do something about it.

Hu Zhaodi twitched her lips, looking helpless. “Fine! From now on, your health will be in my hands.”

“But this is the last time! If you do this again, I’ll secretly leave Fulin County and you won’t be able to find me.”

As soon as they heard this, both of them burst into laughter.

The reason they were doing all this was for their own health in the future.

As for the bricks, they didn’t cost much.

The bricks and tiles needed for a private school and a house wouldn’t cost more than three hundred taels of silver.

Three hundred taels to buy health for the rest of their lives—that’s a huge profit!

Hu Zhaodi asked, “Where did you unload the bricks?”

Old Master Ji spoke up, “Zhaodi, I didn’t let them unload it, the cart is still at the village entrance.”

“Quick, quick, go ask the villagers to help unload it, put it on the vacant land at the east of the village. Tomorrow, we’ll organize the villagers to start digging the foundation.”

“Alright, I’ll go call the villagers to help out. I just told them about the private school, and many villagers are willing to come help.”

Hu Zhaodi nodded. “Good, go ahead!”

She then turned to her two brothers. “I’ll take you both to the east side of the village. Auntie Ji, please stay and cook, and ask the other sisters-in-law to come help. Since my big brothers came all the way to bring me bricks, they must stay for a meal before heading back.”

Han Dongsheng quickly shook his head. “No, no, we brought quite a few people. You don’t need to prepare food for us. We’ll come again another day.”

Hu Zhaodi scowled. “Han, big brother, you’re being unreasonable! You two worked hard to bring me these bricks, and you’re telling me you’ll leave hungry? What will people say about me if I let that happen? Do you not want to acknowledge me as your sister?”

Wu Yinghai spoke up, “It’s not that, little sister. We brought more than ten people with us, it really doesn’t seem right to have all of us stay for a meal.”

Hu Zhaodi wasn’t fooled. She could tell exactly what they were thinking.

Her two big brothers weren’t foolish. They could see that this village was truly poor, and feeding ten extra people could drain Ji’s family’s food supplies.

Although more bricks would be coming tomorrow, they couldn’t bring enough food to cover lunch. If they left now, Ji’s family might go hungry for the morning and noon meals.

“Don’t worry, big brothers. We have enough food. This village may be poor now, but it will change for the better in two years. It’s settled. You’ll stay for a meal before you leave.”

“Well… alright then,” Han Dongsheng agreed reluctantly, feeling guilty about it.

After everything was arranged, everyone got to work.

Old Master Ji went to summon the villagers.

Auntie Ji called the three daughters-in-law.

Hu Zhaodi and her two big brothers headed to the village entrance.

Ten carts loaded with bricks were still waiting at the entrance, and ten drivers were chatting together.

Han Dongsheng clapped his hands and shouted, “Everyone, follow us and help unload the bricks!”

The ten drivers hurried to their horses, and the group set off in full force.

Hu Zhaodi thought for a moment. Since she already owed them a favor, it would be better to just get another cart like this for transporting goods.

With a bright smile, she looked up at Wu Yinghai. “Wu, big brother, could you help me get another cart like this for transporting goods?”