Chapter 45: The Xu Family Moves

Time quickly passed, and it was now mid-January—the day the Xu family was to move out of Wanying Village.

Several mule carts were parked outside the Xu family’s house, brought over by Old Man Wang and others to help with the move. The villagers of Wanying also lent a hand, loading items onto the carts.

As the saying goes, “A broken home is still worth ten thousand coins,” and it was certainly true. The Xu family had been in Wanying Village for less than two months, yet the belongings they had accumulated filled half the courtyard.

The largest share belonged to Xu Nian—her seeds and potted plants alone took up a significant amount of space. Even the shelves made by Xu Wei’an were too precious for her to discard.

If Xu Nian was this sentimental, then the Wang family’s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, both skilled in household management, were even more so. They seemed determined to dig out every last useful thing, as if even the mouse holes in the house might hold some hidden treasure.

Once everything was loaded onto the carts, the Xu family prepared to set off. They had to arrive at their new estate at the auspicious hour calculated by Madam Wang.

“Xu family sister-in-law, make sure to visit us when you have time!”

“Little sister, don’t forget about us!”

“Chunxiu, when you go to the county town, come visit me at the estate. Here, take this rabbit as a gift.”

“Little Taohua, remember me! When I grow up, I’ll come back and marry you!”

Xu Nian: “…”

With a donkey cart leading the way, followed by five mule carts, the journey took just over half an hour before they arrived at the estate. The tenant farmers, having heard that the Xu family was moving in that day, had already gathered in advance to help.

With so many hands, it only took two quarters of an hour to get everything sorted.

“Thank you all for your help today. It’s almost noon—please stay and have a meal with us,” said Xu’s father.

Old Man Wang and the others didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately agreed. However, the tenant farmers hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Xu Nian encouraged them, “Stay and eat. I have some matters to discuss with a few of your households after the meal.”

Hearing this, they finally agreed, albeit somewhat apprehensively.

Since they had just moved in, there wasn’t much food or meat stocked in the house, and Xu Nian didn’t want her family to go through the trouble of preparing such a large meal.

“Uncle, take Xiaoji and the others into town to buy a banquet from a restaurant. And don’t forget to get a few jars of good wine.”

Madam Wang, feeling distressed at the expense, whispered, “Daya, a banquet from a restaurant is too expensive. Just have your uncle buy some grain and meat—we can cook ourselves.”

Xu Nian sighed and gently persuaded, “Grandmother, everyone has worked hard today. Besides, Grandpa Wang and the others have helped us so much—surely they deserve a proper meal? You should carry yourself with the dignity of an official’s wife!”

Madam Wang couldn’t help but laugh at Xu Nian’s teasing. “You sure know how to talk your way through things! Fine, Wei’an, go and take care of it.”

Xu Wei’an, excited, took his three nephews along. It was his first time visiting a restaurant, and he was eager to take a good look around.

Meanwhile, Xu Nian brewed two pots of ginger tea and sent them to the main hall.

The three Xu sisters-in-law were busy exploring the rooms, thoroughly pleased with their new home.

“Eldest Sister-in-law, next time you and Eldest Brother visit, you’ll have plenty of space to stay. No more squeezing in like before.”

“That’s right, Eldest Sister-in-law. Now that we’re closer, you can come by more often.”

Tian Shi had the same thought. Staying alone in the county yamen was dull, so she readily agreed. “Alright, I’ll visit whenever I have free time.”

Xu Ling and Xu Cai, the two little ones, were also ecstatic. Just an hour ago, they had been teary-eyed about leaving their playmates behind, but now their excitement had completely taken over.

Xu Wei’an and his group returned quickly, and the food was still warm. The three sisters-in-law set up three tables in the dining hall.

Xu Nian examined the dishes—indeed, a restaurant’s offerings were far more lavish than home-cooked meals. The variety of ingredients alone was impressive. The meal turned out to be a feast, thoroughly enjoyed by both hosts and guests.

However, there was a small incident during the meal. When Young Madam Wang ate a bite of dried steamed fish, she suddenly gagged and retched. Xu Nian’s first thought was that the dish hadn’t been properly prepared.

Fortunately, Madam Wang had more experience. She immediately removed a few greasy dishes from the table and said joyfully, “Third daughter-in-law, I’ll take you to the clinic tomorrow for a check-up. For now, drink some water to settle your stomach.”

Young Madam Wang blushed with embarrassment but nodded despite her shyness.

Tian Shi and Zheng Shi quickly caught on and congratulated her.

Old Man Wang and the others, upon hearing the news, chimed in, “Congratulations, Brother Xu! This is a double blessing! Hahaha!”

Xu’s father was overjoyed. After all, what do elders wish for most if not a flourishing family and successful descendants?

Meanwhile, Xu Youliang, soon-to-be a father, was so elated that he drank another full bowl of wine.

For a while, the atmosphere was lively and festive.

After the meal, Old Man Wang and his group returned to Wanying Village, while the tenant farmers gathered in the main hall, waiting for their master’s instructions.

The men in the family were all drunk, so Xu Nian asked Madam Wang and the others to take care of them while she went to meet with the tenant farmers.

The tenant farmers, seeing that it was the young lady of the household who had entered, hurriedly stood up to greet her.

“There’s no need for formalities, everyone. Please sit and speak freely,” Xu Nian said.

“I gathered you all here today to discuss one thing. I recall that your previous rent division was sixty-forty?”

The tenant farmers nodded, feeling slightly uneasy. Was the landowner planning to increase their rent?

“I am willing to sign a new contract with you. From now on, you will only need to pay fifty percent in rent.

“However, you must plant whatever crops I instruct you to, and I will purchase the harvest at market price. If you prefer, I can also exchange it for grain. Would you be willing to agree to this?”

The tenant farmers were torn between joy and worry. They were pleased with the reduced rent, but concerned about what would happen if the assigned crops yielded poor harvests.

Xu Nian could see their hesitation, but she made no guarantees—one must invest before expecting returns.

“Go home and discuss it among yourselves. If any of you decide not to continue farming here, just inform me, and I will provide the necessary documents for your departure.”

But the tenant farmers had no real reason to hesitate. Landowners demanding seventy percent in rent were common, and if they left this estate, those ruthless landlords would surely hunt them down like vultures.

Since there were no objections, Xu Nian had Xu Ji and his two brothers rewrite the contracts and distribute them among the farmers.

After sending them off, Xu Nian had intended to take a short rest but was surprised to see an unexpected visitor—the young master Guan, who was always by Luo Jin’an’s side. What was he doing here?

“Miss Xu, do you still remember me?” he asked.

“I do,” Xu Nian replied bluntly.

Guan Qingrui hadn’t expected such a straightforward answer. Smiling, he said, “I am here on behalf of the Prince to deliver a congratulatory gift.”

Xu Nian accepted the letter he handed her and put it away before asking, “Where is Luo Jin’an? Is he feeling better?”

Guan Qingrui chuckled softly—there were likely very few people who dared to call Luo Jin’an by his full name, and this young lady was one of them.

“The Princess Consort has fallen ill again, so the Prince had to return to the capital in a hurry. He didn’t have time to bid you farewell, which is why I’ve come in his place.”

After a brief pause, Guan Qingrui added, “If Miss Xu has the time, perhaps you could write to the Prince occasionally. I believe he would be quite pleased.”

Xu Nian naturally agreed—after all, Luo Jin’an was her financial backer, and she had every reason to keep him happy. Besides, as a friend, he had always treated her well, and Xu Nian valued loyalty above all.

Feeling satisfied that he had conveyed his message clearly, Guan Qingrui set off back to the capital—completely unaware that he and Xu Nian were not on the same wavelength at all.