Chapter 47 There is a happy event

Chen Laoda sat down, picked up his bowl, and said, “Yes, it looks like Second Aunt’s family is doing better and better.”

Jiang Qiujue snorted coldly. “She must have clung to some man. How else could she afford to eat meat?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Tieniu suddenly slammed his palm heavily on the table and shouted, “Enough!”

Jiang Qiujue was startled and looked at him in shock. “You—you dare yell at me?!”

Ever since Chen Tieniu had been frightened by the strange crops in the field, he had changed completely. He was no longer the meek and submissive man he once was.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the bowl of porridge in front of Jiang Qiujue and dumped it over her head. His expression was fierce as he said, “If you don’t like the food, then get out!”

Jiang Qiujue jumped up in shock, wiping the porridge from her face as she shouted, “Chen Tieniu, have you lost your mind?!”

Chen Tieniu glared at her, eyes bulging. “Say that again!”

Jiang Qiujue was the type to bully the weak and fear the strong. Seeing the terrifying look in his eyes, she gritted her teeth and obediently sat back down, not daring to speak again.

She could still smell the aroma of meat wafting from next door. Looking at the mess on the table in front of her, she felt as if needles were stabbing her heart.

She completely forgot how, in the past, when their family ate meat, they would mock the struggling Zhou family.

Meanwhile, in the Zhou family’s courtyard, Madam Zhou placed a steaming plate of braised pig trotters on the table and called out, “Wanchun, Ruiyuan, Zhao’er, Feng’er, come eat!”

Du Wanchun was in the backyard, tidying up a fresh batch of handmade incense. Hearing Madam Zhou’s voice, she quickly wiped her hands and headed to the kitchen to help serve the rice.

Before she could, Zhou Ruiyuan was already a step ahead, bringing the bowls of rice to the table for her.

Ever since his leg had started healing, he had been competing with Du Wanchun to do chores, afraid that she would tire herself out.

However, Du Wanchun was not the type to act delicate. She would always take the initiative to do what she could on her own.

Once they were seated, Madam Zhou and Zhou Ruiyuan each placed a large piece of braised pig trotter into her bowl.

The pig trotter had been stewed until it was tender, rich but not greasy, with a slight sweetness that melted in the mouth.

Although Madam Zhou’s cooking skills were average, for someone who hadn’t eaten meat in a long time, this dish was truly a delicacy.

Du Wanchun ate two or three pieces in a row.

Seeing how much she enjoyed it, Madam Zhou felt satisfied and picked up another piece for her, worried that she might not have enough. “Here, eat more.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Du Wanchun expressed her gratitude while also picking up a piece and placing it in Madam Zhou’s bowl.

The family ate happily together, but before long, an unexpected guest arrived.

“Is Miss Du at home?”

Hearing the voice, Du Wanchun quickly got up and walked outside. “Who’s looking for me?”

She saw that it was Steward Liu from the Fang household.

Steward Liu smiled as soon as he saw her. “Good day, Miss Du.”

Du Wanchun was slightly surprised but hurriedly welcomed him inside. “Steward Liu, what brings you here?”

As he stepped in, Steward Liu replied, “I have some great news to share with you.”

Du Wanchun looked puzzled. “What great news?”

“Steward Liu!” Madam Zhou also came over quickly, directing Zhou Zhao and the others to bring a chair and pour some tea.

Steward Liu accepted the tea, took a seat, and said slowly, “Didn’t you sell a few bottles of scented dew to those ladies last time?”

Du Wanchun nodded.

Steward Liu continued, “Our master greatly appreciates the scented dew and incense you made, so he wants to discuss a business opportunity with you. A guaranteed profitable deal.”

Du Wanchun sat down beside him, her expression still filled with curiosity. “What kind of business?”

Steward Liu took a sip of tea before explaining, “Our master admires your craftsmanship and wants to invite you to make incense exclusively for the Fang family. We’ll open a shop that sells only your incense, and you’ll receive a monthly wage. What do you think?”

As she listened, Du Wanchun’s eyebrows knitted slightly.

Steward Liu raised five fingers and said, “Fifty taels per month.”

For an average farming family, a monthly wage of fifty taels was a significant amount.

Under normal circumstances, Madam Zhou would have readily agreed. However, seeing that Du Wanchun remained silent, she refrained from speaking as well.

Du Wanchun quickly did the calculations in her head and grew increasingly suspicious. Something about this fifty-tael offer didn’t seem right.