When Shen Qing sent the donkey cart, even those in the village who had been laughing at Guan Li could no longer laugh.

If the difference had been small, it might have been fine, but the gap had doubled, leaving no room for ridicule.

Otherwise, wouldn’t they just be laughing at themselves for having nothing?

Jiang Erye looked at the donkey cart in the courtyard with a knowing expression.

He had been worried that Xi hadn’t given Guan Li a proper status and that their weak and aging family might not survive the journey to escape the famine.

Shen Qing had reminded him that both she and Yingzi had no choice.

After all, the more people who knew, the greater the chance of rumors spreading.

They could not afford to take unnecessary risks by informing too many people.

But if they didn’t tell others, how could they not inform the Guan family?

Unexpectedly, Shen Qing had already planned for the Guan family and secured their way out.

Indeed, even though Guan Li and Guan Xiaoshan were earning wages by working at Shen Qing’s house, Guan the Carpenter still wouldn’t have been able to afford a donkey cart.

Yet, for the Guan family, a donkey cart was exactly what they needed the most.

This was far more practical than a betrothal gift in silver, though it was also worth much more.

At lunchtime, Zhao Mingyue arrived as well, making the atmosphere even livelier.

The two families were already familiar with each other, and with a bountiful meal, everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

After eating well and returning home, Huo Bing, Jiang Yu, and Jiang Shui were all confused when Shen Qing called them into the room.

The betrothal gift had already been delivered, but the wedding date hadn’t been set.

Could it be they were discussing the date?

After all, weddings were complex affairs that required early preparation.

As the three of them stepped inside, Shen Qing immediately felt the room was narrow and stifling.

But there was nothing she could do for now—she would think about housing once they were settled.

After all, they didn’t even know if they could survive the journey to a new place.

She reached under the quilt—actually, from her storage space—and pulled out three silver hairpins and three silver bracelets.

Placing them on the bed, she said: “The plum blossom set is for Huo Bing; the osmanthus set is for Jiang Yu; Jiang Shui, yours is the lotus set. You’ve all worked hard these past days, so now that we’ve earned some silver, you should reward yourselves.”

Huo Bing froze.

Today was the day of Ah Li’s betrothal, and there had been a set of peony-patterned silver hairpins and bracelets among the gifts.

There were four sets in total, identical except for the flower designs.

Was Mother giving her this because she hadn’t had a proper wedding back then?

But she had been a child bride—when she was bought, silver had already been spent, so it was normal that she had nothing for her wedding.

Besides, she had received new clothes and good food during this time.

She had everything Ah Li had. Mother didn’t need to make it up to her—she had no complaints!

“Mother, this must have cost several taels of silver. I still have the money you gave me last time, and my food and clothing come from the household funds. I haven’t even had a chance to spend money, so this is too much for me.”

Jiang Yu, upon hearing that the osmanthus set was hers, felt unworthy.

How could she deserve silver? That was precious silver!

Hearing Huo Bing’s words, she hesitantly echoed, “Sister-in-law, I… I also don’t need it. I’m just a woman who left her husband. How could I deserve such things? Besides, I have nowhere to wear them. Giving them to me would be a waste.”

Jiang Shui had been delighted, but after her sister-in-law and aunt refused, she wasn’t sure if she should accept it.

Could she really take it?

Once Shen Qing had given something away, she wouldn’t take it back.

Women of this time were deeply ingrained with a sense of unworthiness—feeling they didn’t deserve good things or a better life.

Even a slightly improved situation made them uneasy, as if heaven might take it all away.

She looked at Huo Bing and Jiang Yu and seriously emphasized,

“This isn’t silver. Though in chaotic times it could be exchanged for money, right now, they are just accessories. Whether you wear them or not, they belong to you.

In the future, you’ll have more and more. When you’re old, with children and grandchildren, you can give them to your granddaughters as dowry or as a meeting gift to your granddaughters-in-law—it will be up to you. But right now, these belong to you. They’re not a waste, nor are they squandered. You deserve them.”

While the two were digesting her words, she turned to her youngest daughter.

“You’ve always loved gold, silver, and money. I think that’s a wonderful trait! It’s practical. As women, we should love useful things. So why haven’t you even said thank you after receiving your gift today?”

Jiang Shui’s hesitation vanished completely.

She stepped forward and took the jewelry, then cheerfully thanked her, “Thank you, Mother!”

“Good.” Shen Qing praised her.

How could Huo Bing and Jiang Yu not understand Shen Qing’s meaning?

They immediately echoed, “Thank you, Mother!”

“Thank you, Sister-in-law!”

Shen Qing felt deeply gratified.

In these oppressive times, merely surviving was hard enough for women.

She just wanted to do what she could to make their lives a little better.

By May, the wheat stalks were growing fuller each day and were gradually turning golden.

The entire Qili Village—no, the entire Xingcheng—was filled with the joy of an impending harvest.

Once the harvesting began, every household was so busy that their feet barely touched the ground.

Shen Qing’s family, not needing to harvest wheat, was among the most relaxed in the village.

The brush-making business was now running smoothly.

Though they worked long hours, it wasn’t exhausting.

Meanwhile, the Jiang second, third, and fifth uncles were extremely busy—especially Third Uncle’s family!

During the farming season, the tofu business thrived.

Their family was divided into two groups—both making money, neither willing to give up their trade.

With the wheat harvest on top of everything, the entire household was working non-stop, wishing they had eight arms each!

Yet, despite the workload, none of the three families came to borrow their large livestock.

But even if they didn’t ask, others did.

“What’s the big deal about lending a hand? Your donkeys and oxen are just standing there. Even if you’re using some, you have so many! We’re all villagers who see each other every day. I hardly ever ask for favors, Shen Qing—think about our past relationship before you say no!”

Shen Qing: …She didn’t need to think. She could answer right away.

“No, don’t even think about it. My donkeys and oxen are precious—they need to eat after working. Do you have feed for them?”

Zhou Chuncao had come with full confidence, certain she would get what she wanted.

She had even boasted to her son and daughter-in-law about it.

But now that Shen Qing had bluntly refused, she was frustrated.

“What do they need to eat?” she asked in irritation.

“They don’t eat much—just things you don’t have.

If Second Uncle borrows them, they’ll get malted grain residue. If Third Uncle borrows them, they’ll get tofu dregs. If you can provide the same, I’ll lend them to you.” Shen Qing sneered.

Some people didn’t understand human speech—worse, they were shameless in taking advantage.

Zhou Chuncao’s face turned ugly, but she had no argument.

Tofu dregs were good enough for humans—who would waste them on livestock?

She had only wanted to save effort, but if she had to spend money, what was the point?

She snapped, “You’re hoarding your animals and refusing to help. Just wait—you’ll be scorned by the whole village!”