The most honest and sensible child in the family, who contributes the most, is often the one who suffers the most.

Jiang Xiangxi was like this.

In his dream, despite his mother’s various obstacles, he couldn’t be with Guan Li.

On the way to escape the disaster, the Guan family still had some money—debts from medical expenses had been paid off, and they had secretly saved some silver.

Guan Mujiang, who was devoted to woodworking, was deeply in love with his late wife and unwilling to remarry, so he let the reputation of owing debts spread.

This way, families who sought wealth wouldn’t come knocking.

Guan Li had the same thoughts; she would rather not have a husband who was after her father’s money!

If not for the flood, the Guan family’s situation wouldn’t have been that bad.

In fact, Guan Xiaoshan had already started learning woodworking, and things were only getting better.

Unfortunately, the flood came, and in their hurried escape, they couldn’t take their belongings.

Not only did they lose everything to the water, but with the elderly and the young in tow, and Guan Xiaoshan’s mobility issues, even with a cart, there was no one to keep pulling it.

The journey was extremely difficult.

In the end, they perished in an attack by a group of refugees, with no one surviving.

Upon hearing the news of Guan Li’s death, Jiang Xiangxi’s heart turned to ash, and he was like a soulless person.

During the subsequent conflict between his mother and the city guards, he rushed to the front, fully intent on dying, with a smile on his face when he finally met his end.

Shen Qing felt that her tears were worthless, crying over and over again.

She walked toward the Guan family’s home, and from a distance, she saw Guan Mujiang working on wood carvings in the yard.

Sitting next to him was Guan Xiaoshan, who, despite his leg troubles, was focused on carving.

Guan Li was not home yet. It wasn’t time for dinner yet, and she should have been out with Jiang Shui, digging for wild vegetables.

Guan Xiaoshan was the first to spot Shen Qing from a distance. He quickly motioned to his father, who was engrossed in his carving.

Guan Mujiang, upon hearing this, immediately put down the carving, rubbed his hands clean on his clothes, and father and son anxiously looked toward the approaching person.

When Shen Qing stepped into the yard, they confirmed she was indeed coming to find them, and they became flustered, not knowing what to do.

“Father, I’ll go inside and make some tea,” Guan Xiaoshan said, picking up a cane that was leaning against a chair and standing up.

Guan Mujiang replied, “Ah, ah,” in a low voice and said, “You… you make a cup of brown sugar water. Put in two extra spoons of sugar, don’t let your sister feel uncomfortable later.”

Women love drinking sweet water, and Shen Qing would soon be the mother-in-law of their daughter.

She had already sacrificed so much for the family, and as a father, he couldn’t show a bad attitude anymore.

“Got it, I understand.” Guan Xiaoshan nodded heavily.

His sister had already made Jiang Xiangxi’s mother dislike her, and now that she rarely came, he had to treat her properly!

After giving his instructions, Guan Mujiang’s wrinkled face broke into a smile.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and warmly said, “Jiang’s wife, please sit.”

Shen Qing looked at the overly humble Guan Mujiang and understood that it was all because of his daughter, Guan Li.

He was afraid that offending her would bring hardship to his daughter.

Little did he know, the original owner had never even thought about Jiang Xiangxi marrying Guan Li, let alone about Jiang Xiangxi getting married…

As soon as Shen Qing sat down, she saw Guan Xiaoshan walking towards her, holding a cup with one hand and leaning on a cane with the other.

It was clear he was bringing her tea.

She quickly stood up and took a few steps forward to accept it.

Guan Mujiang smiled and interrupted her, saying, “No, no, Jiang’s wife, please stay seated. Although Xiaoshan has trouble walking, daily life is not a problem for him. Not only does he manage dressing and washing like anyone else, he’s very skilled with his hands. Look at the wooden combs next to the chair; he made them. If you don’t mind, you can take one home.”

Shen Qing had already picked up a wooden comb and was carefully examining it.

The wood was smooth, and the teeth were neatly arranged—much finer than what you’d find in a general shop!

She was about to compliment him when she heard his words and quickly shook her head, saying seriously, “The child worked hard to make these. How could I take them for free? I came here to order a few molds, and I’ve brought silver. I can pay for them together.”

Guan Mujiang hurriedly waved his hand, “A child’s work, how could we accept silver? Jiang’s wife, what kind of molds do you need? If they’re simple, I can make them right now, and you can take them home.”

Guan Xiaoshan nodded in agreement.

Shen Qing didn’t expect the father and son to be so enthusiastic and polite.

She realized that no matter how complicated or simple the molds were, they had already made up their minds not to accept money.

She explained the size and shape of the molds in detail before adding, “I also need two wooden basins and two wooden buckets, but these four aren’t urgent. For the molds, I’ll pay the price of the basins and buckets. The combs are Xiaoshan’s heartfelt gift, and I’ll accept them. I also bought some meat today, so I’ll bring a bowl of meat for Xiaoshan as a small gesture. If you won’t accept the comb, I won’t dare to take it.”

The father and son had never seen such a polite and well-mannered Shen Qing.

In the past, she would come with complaints, even if she didn’t want money, there would be a lot of criticisms!

Today, she not only didn’t take advantage but also wanted to return the favor.

Both of them were shocked and delighted, unsure of what to do.

Father and son worried, thinking, has this change in attitude meant she’s agreed to let Guan Li and Jiang Xiangxi marry, or is she completely giving up?

But whether she agreed or not, Guan Mujiang pragmatically said, “The molds you want are simple—just three long wooden boards nailed together. It doesn’t waste much wood or effort. How could it cost the same as the basins and buckets? As for the combs, they’re not worth much, so don’t trade them for expensive meat. Keep the meat for your family.”

Shen Qing didn’t mind and implied, “What do you mean, ‘keep it for the family’? Xiaoshan will be part of the family in the future too.”

Both Guan Mujiang and Guan Xiaoshan understood at once, stunned and speechless.

Shen Qing continued, “In the past, I was confused, but it’s not too late. To be honest, I have big plans for these molds. Once things settle at home, I’ll definitely send someone to propose marriage.”

The flood would last for about three more months, soap would start bringing in income in a month, and the brushes would bring in profits in about five to seven days.

She planned to finalize the marriage before the flood arrived.

Even if they couldn’t marry in time, this connection would help them escape together and support each other along the way.

With her approval, Guan Mujiang was so happy he didn’t know what to do with his hands, repeatedly urging Shen Qing to drink more water.

Then, rubbing his hands together, he firmly said, “I’ll make the molds now. You can take them home, and if anything’s missing, I’ll have Xiaoli personally deliver it tomorrow.”

Although Jiang Xiangxi was already 19, Guan Li was 18, and she liked him.

He had always treated their family well.

The dam repairs had come around, and Guan Mujiang, having been ill recently, couldn’t afford to risk going.

If not for Jiang Xiangxi offering to take over for their family, he wasn’t sure if his old bones would make it back.

Since the molds were for the marriage of their two children, he had to get to work on them immediately!