Chapter 24

The daughters-in-law exchanged glances. The eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Zhu, spoke first:
“Father, Mother, there’s no need to rush. The children are still young.”

Madam Zhang agreed, “Yes, it’s so nice to live together as one big, lively family.”

Madam Zou and Madam Liu said nothing—they were indifferent about dividing the family and would go along with whatever the elders decided.

Old Master Song said, “Your mother and I have already discussed this thoroughly. This is final. The eldest and second sons, go and check whose fallow land lies eastward. Buy enough for five houses.”

“The third and fourth sons, go order blue bricks and tiles. I’ll order the wood. Let’s prepare everything this year that we’ll need for next year. Once spring arrives, we’ll start building.”

Since the elders had made up their minds, there was no point in arguing. The daughters-in-law all smiled and agreed.

Though they didn’t know if the blessings brought by Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao would continue, they’d already enjoyed a long stretch of good fortune and earned a lifetime’s worth of money—that was enough.

Song Tian’er hadn’t expected the old man to decide on dividing the family, but upon thinking it over, she realized it was a good idea. With more space to live, each household could eat and do as they pleased.

And since they’d still live close to one another, the brotherly bond would remain. They could still help each other out if needed.

The Song family, now filled with unstoppable energy, divided the work among themselves. It didn’t take long before all preparations were made, and they were just waiting for the materials to arrive.

In golden October, while others were harvesting grain, the Song family was watching their cabbages grow.

After harvesting sweet potatoes, they had planted cabbages. But due to the rush of selling the sweet potatoes, they had only scattered some cabbage seeds hastily and didn’t plant all fifteen acres. They hadn’t tended to the fields carefully either—just enough to eat.

Still, with the blessing of Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao the cabbages grew extremely well. They wouldn’t need to buy any this year.

Little Sweet Treasure had grown a bit. Old Master Song often carried her around the fields. Others, seeing how carefree he looked, couldn’t help but feel envious.

“Hey, Old Song! You’ve really struck it rich this year. Those sweet potatoes grew so well—you must’ve earned a good amount of silver! Next year, I’m planting sweet potatoes too. When that southern trader comes again, let me know!” someone said.

Old Master Song had already expected the whole village would plant sweet potatoes next year, so he nodded, “Alright. I’ll let you know when he comes.”

Another villager added, “You know, Old Song, you’re really bold. If it were me, I wouldn’t have dared to plant something I’ve never tried before. What if it failed? My whole family would’ve starved. But you had the guts—and that’s why you made the big bucks.”

Everyone loves praise, and Old Master Song was beaming with joy. He was now the most admired and envied man in the village.

He looked down at the baby in his arms with pride, “It’s all thanks to my little granddaughter’s blessings.”

Someone else chimed in, “That’s true. While you had a great sweet potato harvest, us grain farmers had a hard year—little rain, drought, poor yield… sigh.”

“You’re the village’s richest man now,” another remarked.

Old Master Song replied, “Not going to lie, I did earn some silver. But I have a lot of sons—five, to be exact. Each one needs a house. Divide that silver up, and it’s not that much per family.”

“No worries—you’ll earn more next year!”

Now the whole village was full of confidence. Everyone was planning to plant sweet potatoes next year and hoped to earn big.

Just then, someone came running: “Dad! Dad! Hurry home—Fifth Brother passed the scholar exam.

Fifth Son Song Fuyou had passed the county-level civil exam. To high officials, this might not seem like much, but to ordinary villagers, becoming a xiucai (scholar) was an enormous honor.

Old Master Song was stunned—what? Fifth Son passed? That meant he was one step closer to becoming an official! Could it be that the Song family was truly going to produce an official?

He glanced at the baby in his arms—this child brought tremendous blessings. Not only had the family become wealthy, now they were about to gain status too.

Little Sweet Treasure knew that while she brought luck, it wasn’t all her doing—Fifth Uncle had genuine talent. Being a living “lucky koi,” she could bring good fortune, but for something like passing an exam, true ability was essential.

Everyone around was stunned again and looked at Old Master Song with even more admiration. The Song family was truly extraordinary.

Not only had they made money, but now one of their sons was a scholar—a rarity in ten villages.

“Oh wow, congratulations, Old Master!”

“This is amazing—so much good luck has come your way!”

Old Master Song looked at Little Sweet Treasure again—yes, ever since this granddaughter arrived, fortune had flowed nonstop.

Overjoyed, he hurried home. Yes, yes, life had been worth living after all.

The Song household was jubilant. Old Madam Zhou was crying from happiness, wiping her tears while the daughters-in-law gathered around to comfort her.

The sons chatted joyfully with the newly minted scholar, all delighted. In traditional order—scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant—passing the scholar exam meant the door to an official career was now open.

When Old Master Song entered the yard carrying Little Sweet Treasure, Fifth Son Song Fuyou quickly bowed to him.

“Father, I will study even harder from now on and strive to pass the next exam soon.”

Then he turned and respectfully cupped his hands toward the baby:
“Little Sweet Treasure, your good fortune helped Uncle pass this time. Thank you!”

Little Sweet Treasure waved her little hands. Not being able to speak yet was frustrating, but soon—once she turned one—she’d be able to talk in full sentences.

Then she could communicate freely with her family. Soon she’d be walking too. Her biggest wish now was to grow up quickly.

Old Master Song nodded, “Good, Fifth Son. You’ve worked hard all these years. Your mother and I are proud. But when you do become an official, don’t forget the blessings brought by Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao.”

Fifth Son agreed and also thanked Fourth Brother Song Futian and his wife, Madam Liu, making the couple feel a bit shy.

Old Madam Zhou, still thrilled, said:
“Second Son, Second Daughter-in-law, go buy some ribs from Butcher Zhao. Third Daughter-in-law, start prepping vegetables. We’re going to have a feast for lunch today—we’re celebrating!”

Everyone responded cheerfully and got to work. Old Master Song carried Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao inside with the Fifth Son to chat.

The eldest couple chopped firewood and scrubbed pots. The second couple fetched the ribs. The third couple picked and washed vegetables. The fourth couple kneaded dough and prepared the staple food.

Old Madam Zhou sat in the courtyard, watching all her sons and daughters-in-law busily preparing for the celebration. Inside, she could hear her husband chatting and playing with the baby and the Fifth Son. Peace and happiness filled her heart.

Her grandsons were running and playing around her, and she didn’t feel annoyed at all. It seemed like since Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao’s arrival, everything had changed.

She was cheerful every day—and surely, that happiness would bring her longevity too.

They stewed pork ribs with potatoes and beans—only the best rib meat. The broth was rich, the potatoes soft and flavorful, and the beans delicious.

They also made a few stir-fried side dishes. The main dish was steamed wheat rolls. The aroma filled the courtyard, and even half the village could smell it.

Everyone knew the Song family had become wealthy and now had a successful son. They were truly living the good life—feasting on fine food.

But aside from envy, there wasn’t much anyone could do. After all, not every family was lucky enough to have a blessing like Little Sweet Treasure.

Even some older women who favored boys began changing their minds.

Having a fair, plump, and adorable little girl like Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao… was pretty wonderful after all.