Chapter 93

When it comes to earning money, the fermented tofu business already has a preliminary foundation, especially since the second batch is almost ready. As the weather warms up, the fermentation process speeds up, making the product ready in no time.

But no one ever complains about having too much money. Knowing the opportunities that are about to come and not taking advantage of them would be foolish.

When the civil service exams are held, scholars from all over will travel to the capital. With a port nearby, it’s convenient to pass through Changle Town on the way to the capital, making it an ideal place for exam preparation.

So, renting out rooms to these scholars would be a great source of income. However, to rent out rooms, you need to have a place first.

Looking at their current living situation, although they had separated the east and west wings, they still shared the same entrance with Grandpa Wang’s family, which was inconvenient.

The east wing had three rooms: one main room and two smaller ones. The main room used to house Wang Da’s family, and now, the sisters crowded into one room.

When building the kitchen, Wang Yuan’er also renovated a smaller room for a future fermented tofu workshop, and another room served as a guest room where Wang Qing’er sometimes stayed.

So, the rooms in the east wing couldn’t be considered. They had a piece of land for building, but constructing a house would cost a lot. Besides, a major flood could hit in a few years, wasting the money spent on building.

Therefore, Wang Yuan’er didn’t plan to build a house now. She intended to sell the land when the prices went up. As for her little brother, they could build a house anywhere once they had money.

But without building a house, where would they have rooms to rent out?

Wang Yuan’er was quite troubled by this.

“Hey, it’s been almost half a year, and that Zhao boy hasn’t been seen. Did he die in some icy ditch?”

“Who knows? Look at his house; it’s practically falling apart. It looks haunted at night.”

Two townspeople walked past Wang Yuan’er, chatting. Hearing their conversation, her eyes lit up.

Zhao Dali’s deed house was in her possession.

Wang Yuan’er changed her course and headed straight to Zhao Dali’s house in the north of the town. It was near the mountains, with a small stream beside the house and a bamboo grove behind it. The courtyard had a large peach tree, and the two low mud houses were very dilapidated. But Wang Yuan’er was pleased. She walked around the house, considering how to renovate it.

Yes, she would renovate these two houses to rent them out. She would collect the rent, and when Zhao Dali returned, the renovated house would be her explanation. Would he return after all this time? Or would he become a ruthless bandit like in her previous life?

Wang Yuan’er shivered and pushed the thought away. She silently took out a set of keys and opened the door. The house was bare, with cobwebs everywhere, broken furniture, and cockroaches crawling around.

It made Wang Yuan’er feel heavy-hearted.

Squeak, squeak.

Hearing a noise in the corner, Wang Yuan’er looked over and saw a large rat scurrying towards her, followed by a string of baby rats.

Screaming, she jumped out of the house and stood in the courtyard for a while. She decided to renovate the place in due time, locked the door again, and left.

Chapter 94

Before the families separated, Grandpa Wang had a hen that Wang Lan’er looked after and collected eggs from every day. Now that the families have separated, this task fell to Second Uncle’s young son, Fuduo. Wang Lan’er, feeling envious, kept asking Wang Yuan’er to get some chicks to raise, including a hen.

With the house expansion providing more space, Wang Yuan’er also thought it was a good idea to raise some chicks. Whether they were sold when grown or kept for family consumption, they would provide some meat. So, with some money on hand, she bought five pairs of chicks and tasked Wang Lan’er with looking after them.

Wang Lan’er turned six in February. Due to the mourning period, her birthday celebration was modest, with only longevity noodles and a red-dyed egg.

Now that Wang Yuan’er had gotten a few chicks, Wang Lan’er was overjoyed, spending all her time in the coop, feeding and chatting with them like treasures, bringing much amusement to her sisters.

After getting the chicks, Wang Yuan’er took the opportunity to tally up her remaining silver. Previously, she had kept an account book for the marinated eggs and dried tofu. When she started the fermented tofu business, she created a separate account book for easier tracking.

After carefully reviewing the accounts, she found she had only twelve taels of silver left.

Twelve taels may not be much for wealthy families, but for farming households, it was quite a sum. This was thanks to the successful marinated egg business. However, a lot had been spent with Madam Liang’s passing, her younger brother needing milk, and the capital needed for the fermented tofu business.

Fortunately, the new batch of fermented tofu was almost ready.

Locking away the account books and silver, Wang Yuan’er called Wang Qing’er, and together they opened the stored jars to inspect them.

“Eldest sister, I don’t know what Wang Min’er has been up to these days, but she goes out all dressed up like a flower girl, gone all day. No idea where she’s been,” Wang Qing’er said mischievously while sealing the jars.

Wang Yuan’er tapped her forehead, scolding, “What nonsense are you talking about? Flower girl? How can you say such things?”

Wang Qing’er stuck out her tongue, laughed, “I’m just curious. You haven’t seen her; she comes back looking so pleased, like she’s struck gold.” After a while, she added sourly, “Yesterday, I saw her wearing a big red camellia. If that’s not a flower girl… okay, okay, I won’t say it.”

“Don’t meddle in other people’s business. We’re busy enough with our own,” Wang Yuan’er said, glaring. “We are down to five siblings. Your second sister is calm and reliable; I’m reassured with her watching the house. The little one helps with chores and takes care of our younger brother. So, the business mostly depends on you and me. Focus your energy on it.”

Wang Qing’er, now serious, said, “Eldest sister, I know what’s important. I’m just chatting with you.”

Wang Yuan’er knew she was sensible and didn’t say more, only gave a brief reminder. As for Wang Min’er, her choices were her own, beyond Wang Yuan’er’s control.

“Eldest sister, do you think Wang Min’er read some novels and learned tricks, meeting secretly with someone?” Wang Qing’er asked mysteriously.

Wang Yuan’er frowned, suddenly recalling the family Wang Min’er married into in her previous life.