Chapter 107

The weather grew warmer by the day, and with the construction of the river office, Changle Town was bustling. The authorities needed workers, and with the busy farming season, many people sought to secure jobs, eager to earn extra money.

As the fermented tofu business flourished, Wang Yuan’er had accumulated some savings. She decided to put this money to use by buying land.

With the river office being built and plans to establish a maritime customs office, Changle Town was set to become a commercial hub. Business opportunities would attract many people, leading to increased population and economic growth. As the town prospered, land prices would naturally rise.

Thus, Wang Yuan’er decided to buy land while she had the money. Even if the prices didn’t rise, the land could still be used for farming, always a fundamental asset for farming families.

For ordinary families like theirs, buying land was a significant decision. Though they had separated from the main family, Wang Yuan’er wanted to inform her grandparents, as they were the elders.

“Buying land?” Grandpa Wang and his wife were surprised when they heard Wang Yuan’er’s plan. Their eyes focused on her.

Land prices weren’t cheap, and she had enough money to buy land?

“Yes, I have some savings and thought about buying two plots. Grandpa, you’re experienced; if you have time, could you go with me to check them out?” Wang Yuan’er said with a smile.

“With some money, you already want to spend it? Why not save it for emergencies?” Grandma Wang disapproved.

As orphans without parents, they should keep some money for emergencies.

“That’s not the right mindset. Money will eventually be spent, but land is permanent. If we have extra money, buying land isn’t a bad idea,” Grandpa Wang disagreed.

Running a carpentry shop had broadened his perspective. Farming families might not be wealthy, but a bit of money could be spent quickly, whereas land was a lasting asset. For farming families, land was fundamental to their livelihood. So, Wang Yuan’er’s plan to buy land had his full support.

On major decisions, Grandma Wang rarely contradicted him. Since he agreed, she stayed silent. Their eldest granddaughter’s independent decisions were becoming more prominent, and arguing wouldn’t change her mind.

With her grandparents’ acknowledgment, Wang Yuan’er and Grandpa Wang went to the local administrator to inquire about available land. They inspected two plots in the west, close to five acres, and bought them for forty taels.

Not only that, Wang Yuan’er persuaded Grandpa Wang to buy another three-acre plot in the north, quickly completing the paperwork.

Holding the deed with her name on it, Wang Yuan’er couldn’t help but smile. However, Madam Zhang wasn’t pleased to hear that Grandpa Wang bought three acres. She complained to Wang Er, who dismissed her grievances.

Chapter 108

After buying the land, Wang Yuan’er had less than ten taels of silver left. Seeing the nearly empty money chest, Wang Qing’er almost cried. But seeing the land deed, she held back her tears, much to Wang Yuan’er’s amusement.

“You little money grubber, don’t worry. Your share for your dowry will be solid, okay?” Wang Yuan’er teased.

Wang Qing’er, unashamed, responded, “Eldest Sister, just remember that.”

“Remember, but don’t slack off. Don’t always think about running off to play. Stay home, work, and mind the business. We don’t have much savings now, so we must be frugal. Besides, I have plans that will require some spending,” Wang Yuan’er said, thinking it was time to renovate Zhao Dali’s house.

Fortunately, the fermented tofu business was thriving, and some merchants even bought it to sell in other places, ensuring steady income.

However, no one had a monopoly in this world. Since Wang’s fermented tofu hit the market, its success drew attention, and two other businesses started making their own fermented tofu.

Despite the competition, Wang Yuan’er’s business was still doing well. Being the first to innovate gave them a good reputation, and people trusted their brand.

So, Wang Yuan’er wasn’t afraid of competition. She continued her business honestly and steadily, earning respect from many. Of course, some people were envious, spreading rumors and saying unpleasant things about her being too visible.

Wang Yuan’er ignored the gossip. Survival came first, and reputation second. She hired Li Shugen to renovate Zhao Dali’s house, just like before, covering labor and materials.

“What? You want to fix up Goudan’s rundown house?” Li Shugen thought he had misheard. That house was abandoned and belonged to someone else. Why fix it?

Expecting his reaction, Wang Yuan’er smiled, “You heard right, Uncle Shugen. Just follow my instructions. Here’s one tael of silver and another tael upon completion.”

Holding the silver, Li Shugen felt uncertain. “Yuan’er, that place is abandoned and eerie. Why fix it? And it’s still the Zhao family’s old house.” He meant it wasn’t her property; fixing it was like throwing money away.

Wang Yuan’er chuckled, “Don’t worry, Uncle Shugen. I have a use for it, and the house deed is with me!”

Li Shugen’s eyes widened. The Zhao family’s deed was with her? What was going on?

“I’m temporarily keeping it for Goudan. When he returns, I’ll give it back. I have a use for it now, and I need your help. Please keep this secret,” Wang Yuan’er explained softly.

Li Shugen, not one to gossip and being a craftsman with no reason to refuse work, agreed.

With that, the renovation of Zhao’s old house was set. But neither Wang Yuan’er nor Li Shugen expected this old house would bring trouble, nearly leading to a court case.