Chapter 201

Hou Biao came to inquire about the Zhao family’s small courtyard.

“With the wedding approaching and my plans to settle in Changle Town, we can’t rent forever. I want to build a new home—a proper place for the two of them to call their own. But I’ve asked around recently, and there’s no land for sale in Changle Town,” Hou Biao said, his face turning red as he glanced at Wang Chun’er and then addressed Wang Yuan’er. “So I was wondering, since this courtyard is already rented out, could you sell it to me? Name your price.”

This aligned perfectly with what Wang Yuan’er had already considered, although she had planned to make the house part of Chun’er’s dowry. She responded, “It’s not that I don’t want to sell this house. But while it does have a deed, it’s technically being held in trust for someone.”

She then explained the story behind the house and its ownership.

Hou Biao frowned. “So it’s like that… this makes things quite complicated.”

Seeing her future husband worrying over the house, Wang Chun’er felt a pang of sadness. She said softly, “If finding land takes time, living in that small courtyard for now would work. We can always build a new house later when the opportunity arises.”

Hou Biao, visibly distressed by this, replied, “How could that be acceptable? It would be too much of a compromise for you—it wouldn’t be right.”

Wang Chun’er’s face flushed immediately with embarrassment.

Wang Yuan’er smiled and said, “I think Chun’er is right. Land in Changle Town is truly precious, and if we can’t buy land for now, living in that small courtyard will do. When we have enough silver in the future, buying not just a courtyard but an entirely new house won’t be an issue.”

With no other choice, Hou Biao nodded and said, “Then I’ll find someone to renovate and repair it.” He turned to Wang Chun’er and added, “Don’t worry. This is only a temporary compromise for you. I’ll dedicate myself to my work and buy a new house for you.”

Wang Chun’er, feeling shy, nodded lightly.

Wang Yuan’er smiled warmly.

“Speaking of work, what are your plans?” she asked.

Hou Biao hesitated for a moment and said, “I have some martial skills. I used to work as a guard for a wealthy family. I’m thinking of finding a similar job.”

“Who’s looking to be a guard?” came a familiar voice from the doorway. The group turned to see Cui Yuan entering.

“Master Cui,” Hou Biao stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

“And why are you here?” Compared to Hou Biao’s respectful demeanor, Wang Yuan’er’s tone was much more casual.

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Cui Yuan retorted, strolling into the courtyard and sitting down directly. Taking the tea offered by Wang Chun’er, he smiled and said, “Thank you, Second Miss. I heard you’re about to get married—congratulations.”

Wang Chun’er immediately blushed, her face reddening as she curtsied slightly and hurried off into the kitchen.

Cui Yuan took a sip of tea and turned to Wang Yuan’er. “Who was it just now talking about being a guard?”

Hou Biao stepped forward, scratching his head awkwardly. “That would be me. With marriage approaching, I can’t just drift aimlessly. Since I have some martial skills, I thought I could take up a job as a guard.”

Cui Yuan nodded and said, “No need to rush. The Maritime Trading Office is about to finalize its location. How about you consider becoming a government guard?”

Hou Biao froze in surprise, while Wang Yuan’er was overjoyed and leaned closer. “What do you mean? Do you have a connection?”

Cui Yuan unfurled his fan dramatically and said, with an air of mystery, “Recommending him as a government guard wouldn’t be an issue. The question is—are you willing?” The latter was directed at Hou Biao.

Who wouldn’t want to be a government guard? It’s an official position, far superior to being a private guard. If done well, it could even lead to opportunities for advancement.

Hou Biao quickly clasped his hands together in gratitude. “If Master Cui has this connection, I couldn’t be more thankful.”

“Take your identification documents to the county office for registration,” Cui Yuan advised.

Hou Biao, overwhelmed with joy, expressed his gratitude once again. Glancing toward the kitchen, Wang Yuan’er smiled and said, “The water tank in the kitchen might not be full yet—go help fill it.”

Hou Biao cheerfully responded and hurried off to the kitchen.

Wang Yuan’er couldn’t hide her happiness. Having a solid job as a government guard was a significant step up, ensuring a stable future for Wang Chun’er as well. How could she not be pleased?

Who would’ve thought that Cui Yuan could resolve Hou Biao’s employment issue with just a few casual words? Wang Yuan’er, brimming with delight, poured him another cup of tea.

Seeing her openly joyful expression, Cui Yuan remarked, “You’re quite practical. You didn’t seem this happy when I arrived earlier, but now you’re grinning from ear to ear. If someone didn’t know better, they might think it was your husband who landed a great job.”

That last remark sounded undeniably tinged with jealousy.

Wang Yuan’er playfully scolded, “That’s my brother-in-law! If he’s doing well, my sister will have a better life.” Then, returning to the topic, she asked, “Is it possible for him to become a government guard? A guard for the Maritime Trading Office?”

Cui Yuan nodded. “The office’s location will be decided soon. For such a large government bureau, there’s a constant need for guards. I only suggested it because he has some martial skills and carries himself decently.”

“Thank you,” Wang Yuan’er said, standing up and bowing slightly in gratitude.

“You owe me another favor,” Cui Yuan said with a sly smile.

Rolling her eyes at him, Wang Yuan’er replied, “Fine, I’ll embroider two fan sleeves for you.”

Cui Yuan laughed heartily.

“Well, well, is that Master Cui? What are the two of you chatting and laughing about?” Madam Zhang emerged from the west room, her gaze darting between them. She had been eavesdropping earlier and had clearly overheard Cui Yuan arranging a job for Hou Biao.

Wang Er, after a long period of recovery, had fully healed but was now idle at home with no work to occupy him. In the past, he would at least visit the shop to keep busy, but now, without a job, he spent his days aimlessly wandering, bringing no money home.

Madam Zhang had been plagued with worry these past months. First, Wang Er’s troubles, then her own brother’s death, and to top it off, Min’er’s premature delivery that nearly cost her life—it had all nearly driven Madam Zhang to despair. Now that things were stabilizing, she was naturally planning for her own family’s future.

And here was Cui Yuan, whose background remained a mystery, casually securing a position for Hou Biao. Meanwhile, her husband and son were both sitting idly at home. Her eyes gleamed with calculation. Taking quick steps forward, she forced a flattering smile and said, “I overheard you talking about a job—what was that about?”

Cui Yuan and Wang Yuan’er exchanged a glance before he stood up and smiled. “I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll be heading off.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Wang Yuan’er said, rising to her feet.

Madam Zhang was taken aback and looked displeased. “Leaving so soon? Why not stay for a quick meal before you go?”

Cui Yuan politely declined a few times, and Wang Yuan’er escorted him to the gate. Relieved that her second aunt hadn’t followed, she sighed and said, “It’s rare for you to visit, yet you’re leaving so soon. Please don’t mind my second aunt—she’s just like that.”

Cui Yuan’s eyes glimmered with amusement as he looked at her, his gaze unusually clear. “In the future, I’ll be stationed in Changle Town, so we’ll surely meet often.”

Wang Yuan’er was surprised and stared at him in astonishment.

Cui Yuan, however, appeared to enjoy being mysterious. Without saying more, he shook his fan and left.

Feeling perplexed, Wang Yuan’er returned to the courtyard, only to find her second aunt’s eyes practically glued to her.

“Yuan’er, your second uncle…”

“Oh no, I just remembered there’s something urgent at the workshop. Second Aunt, I’ll be right back!” Wang Yuan’er quickly made her escape.

Before Madam Zhang could react, Wang Yuan’er had vanished, leaving Madam Zhang to stomp her feet in frustration. However, Wang Yuan’er couldn’t avoid her forever. When she was discussing Chun’er’s dowry with her grandfather and grandmother, Madam Zhang cornered her in the main room.

“This is all one family, so we should support one another. Now, your second uncle has lost his job, and your eldest brother hasn’t found proper work either. The men in the Wang family aren’t doing well—none of them can compare to an outsider.” Madam Zhang’s tone was filled with resentment.

Wang Yuan’er’s smile froze slightly.

“What kind of talk is this?” Grandma Wang’s expression darkened as she scolded, “Can’t we just have a proper conversation without bringing out a mournful face?”

“Mother, Master Cui came by today and secured a good job for Hou Biao—as a government guard for the Maritime Trading Office, no less,” Madam Zhang said, her tone dripping with envy.

Grandma Wang and the others were stunned. “Master Cui was here?” They turned to Wang Yuan’er for confirmation.

Wang Yuan’er nodded. “He stayed for just a short while.”

“And why didn’t you make him stay for a meal?” Grandpa Wang said disapprovingly. In his eyes, Cui Yuan was a great benefactor to the Wang family.

“Exactly. You should’ve called me back,” Wang Er added, sounding reproachful.

“He just stopped by briefly and said he had urgent matters to attend to,” Wang Yuan’er replied with a faint smile.

Madam Zhang muttered something under her breath, but no one could make out her words. Grandma Wang pressed further, “So what’s this about the job?”

“Hou Biao came by earlier and mentioned looking for work. Master Cui, noticing his martial skills and upright conduct, helped him secure a position as a government guard at the Maritime Trading Office. However, it’s only at the registration stage—he hasn’t officially started yet,” Wang Yuan’er explained, deliberately emphasizing “martial skills” and “upright conduct.”

As expected, Wang Er’s face flushed slightly, and he scolded Madam Zhang, “It’s good news that someone appreciates Hou Biao’s abilities. Why are you making such a fuss about it?”

“That’s not the point. Hou Biao isn’t even part of our family yet and already has such a good position. Yuan’er, your second uncle and elder brother are your closest blood relatives. When you sisters marry, it’s your eldest brother who will carry you out of the house. Wouldn’t it reflect better on all of you if they had similarly respectable jobs?” Madam Zhang said, staring pointedly at Wang Yuan’er.

Traditionally, daughters are carried out of their family homes by their father or brothers when they marry. However, in Wang Yuan’er’s case, her parents are deceased, and her only younger brother has just learned to walk, so the responsibility falls on the second branch of the family. This subtle pressure was a way to emphasize the significance of the second branch and their role in the family dynamics.

“Second Aunt, this isn’t something I have control over,” Wang Yuan’er said, holding back her frustration. “Master Cui appreciated Hou Biao and offered him the position himself.”

“I see you and Master Cui get along well. Why don’t you ask him to arrange jobs for your second uncle and Fuquan as well? The family is depending on them,” Madam Zhang quickly suggested.

“Enough,” Grandma Wang interrupted, glaring at her. “Getting along or not—do you want people to gossip about the young lady? If you have the capability, you’ll find opportunities on your own without relying on others!”

“Exactly,” Grandpa Wang chimed in. “We’ve already benefited greatly from his kindness. Gratitude is important.”

“I understand, Father,” Wang Er said immediately. Turning to Madam Zhang, he added, “Stop talking nonsense. Tomorrow, I’ll head to the docks and see if there’s any day labor I can do.”

Madam Zhang opened her mouth as if to protest but, seeing Wang Er’s warning expression, begrudgingly lowered her head.