Yang Haiyan and Qin Fang chose to go today instead of yesterday because today was a rest day for Lu Dawei’s private school.

When they arrived, Lu Dawei and Lu Xiaowei were playing in the courtyard.

Seeing Yang Haiyan, Lu Dawei happily shouted, “Aunt, you’re here!”

The Lu brothers liked Yang Haiyan very much because she made delicious snacks and even gave them goat milk to drink.

Although this was something that happened before they moved, they all remembered it.

Lu’s wife also came out when she heard the voice, saying, “I was just planning to look for you over there. Starting tomorrow, there will be a market in town, and I thought you would definitely want to join in the fun.”

Yang Haiyan replied, “Of course, I will definitely go.”

As she spoke, she introduced Qin Shoucheng and Qin Siyah, saying to Lu Dawei, “Dawei, this is my younger brother; he will be attending the private school you’re in from now on. He just got here and isn’t familiar with the school, so please take good care of him.”

Eight-year-old Lu Dawei patted his chest and promised, “Aunt, don’t worry, I will take care of Uncle Shoucheng.”

Hearing himself being called “uncle,” Shoucheng…

Yang Haiyan was taken aback by the title, then couldn’t help but laugh.

After all, Shoucheng was Qin Fang’s younger brother, and in terms of generations, he was a peer of Centurion Lu.

After greeting Lu Dawei, Yang Haiyan and her family went shopping.

To be precise, Qin Fang took Qin Shoucheng to report to the private school, while Yang Haiyan took Qin Siya to go shopping.

There wasn’t much to browse in town, so Yang Haiyan took Siya to the snack shop.

Only Aunt Hong was in the shop, watching the children while also keeping an eye on the shop.

Her son was already over a year old and had been drinking goat milk for more than half a year.

The little treasure was growing well, with a chubby face and a very cute appearance.

When Aunt Hong saw Yang Haiyan and Qin Siyah arrive, she hurried to welcome them, saying, “Madam, you’re here, and Miss Siya has come too!”

Yang Haiyan asked, “How’s business in the shop?”

Aunt Hong replied, “We sell out the daily quota every day.”

Yang Haiyan nodded, “That’s good.”

After all, her snacks had a set quantity, and if they sold out every day, the gross profit would amount to over ten taels of silver each month.

Qin Siya curiously asked, “Sister-in-law, is this your shop?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “Yes, are you tired? You can rest on that bench over there.”

The bench was originally placed for customers drinking goat milk, but since the shop no longer provided goat milk, it had become unused.

After thinking for a moment, Yang Haiyan decided that once the vegetables from the field were harvested, she would change this place into a vegetable area for selling vegetables, eggs, and duck eggs.

Qin Siya sat on the bench, curiously looking around.

Speaking of which, when they were back in their hometown, they would still have to cut grass for the pigs and feed the chickens.

Now that they were here, they didn’t have to do anything and felt a bit unaccustomed.

Before long, Qin Fang arrived at the shop, saying, “I’ve already registered him; he can start school tomorrow.”

Going to a private school was different from formally apprenticing under a master, as apprenticing required a gift for the master.

However, attending this private school was similar to a school accepting several students, so Qin Shoucheng’s situation didn’t require any special gifts.

Yang Haiyan said, “That’s good; then let’s prepare some supplies needed for studying.”

Next, the family went to the study.

Yang Haiyan bought all the writing supplies needed for studying, including brushes and paper, for Qin Shoucheng.

Although he had studied for a year, he had never really used brushes and paper before.

Back in their hometown, he was taught by a young scholar, and his family only planned for him to learn a few characters; they hadn’t thought about him actually studying, so they hadn’t prepared these items.

Now, with everything ready, Shoucheng felt a deep emotional impact.

He held the brush, reluctant to part with it, and choked on his words of thanks, saying, “Thank you, sister-in-law, thank you, brother. I will study hard.”

Yang Haiyan patted his shoulder, “I believe you can do it; keep it up.”

Shoucheng responded, “Mm.”

After buying everything, the family returned home.

As soon as they got back, Granny Lian came in, saying, “Madam, the Kun Shi family came looking for you a moment ago.”

Yang Haiyan was puzzled, “Kun shi family? Did they say anything?”

Granny Lian nodded, “Yes, they said they plan to buy some snacks to sell in the county.”

Yang Haiyan was taken aback, then chuckled lightly, “She’s quite clever; this must have been suggested by Kun Shi. Previously, Dahua sold some snacks at the shop, and the business was pretty good.”

They should be able to earn one or two taels of silver each month, although Yang Haiyan wasn’t clear on how Yang Dahua sold the snacks in the county.

But even though it was profitable, it was still hard work—getting up early every day to go to the county and then returning.

Granny Lian curiously asked, “Are you going to sell her some snacks?”

Yang Haiyan countered, “Why not?”

Granny Lian asked, “What about Mrs. Han’s side?”

Yang Haiyan chuckled softly, “Sister Dahua is sending some pastries to sell in the county town, and I’m earning money. Whether it’s Kun Shi’s family or anyone else selling my pastries, I’m still making a profit. Why would I refuse money?”

Granny Lian pressed, “But what if Kunshi’s family takes away Mrs. Han’s business?”

Yang Haiyan shook her head, “That’s not a question you should be asking.”

Granny Lian smiled, “I’m just curious.” After all, she often observed how considerate Yang Haiyan was toward Mrs. Han.

Yang Haiyan didn’t mind. It was just casual talk. “I have a good relationship with Sister Dahua, but that doesn’t affect my business dealings with others. First of all, Sister Dahua is pregnant now. If someone else takes her business, it’s not wrong.

Secondly, even if she weren’t pregnant, others could still do business; the county town is so big that two people can operate the same business without getting in each other’s way.

Lastly, to put it bluntly, if it does affect someone, it’s not my responsibility. This is something they need to negotiate among themselves. After all, if someone sells their goods to others, should they be responsible for navigating someone else’s business? This isn’t like brand representation or exclusivity.”

Of course, she wouldn’t agree to let just anyone sell her pastries.

If it were someone she didn’t know, she would have to think it over carefully.

Granny Lian felt that she still couldn’t fully understand her mistress, but that was alright; as long as she remained loyal and served her well, that was enough.

Yang Haiyan said, “Alright, go and call Kunshi’s family over.”

“Understood,” Old Madame Lian replied.

Before long, Kun Zhang arrived.

“Madam, this humble woman greets you,” she said.

Yang Haiyan warmly responded, “No need for formality; please sit.”

“Thank you, Madam,” Kun Zhang said.

Her character was quite steady, having traveled from Jintian County with Yang Haiyan, she had come to know her well.

Yang Haiyan was kind and generous, but Kun Zhang didn’t take liberties or test boundaries; she understood her place.

Yang Haiyan said, “Just now, Old Madame Lian mentioned that you want to sell pastries?”

Kun Zhang felt a bit nervous. “Yes, I was wondering if Madam could allow me to sell some pastries.”

Yang Haiyan replied, “I have two conditions for selling pastries. First, once you buy the pastries, you cannot sell them in the town. The town is small, and if you sell there, you’ll steal customers from my shop.”

Kun Zhang nodded, having heard Kunshi mention that Mrs. Han had also done business in the county town.

She understood that this might be the reason. “Madam, don’t worry; I won’t sell in the town.”

Yang Haiyan nodded. “The second condition is that once the pastries are sold, they cannot be returned, regardless of whether you sell them or not. After all, once they’ve passed through someone else’s hands, no one can guarantee they’ll come back clean. Even aside from that reason, no shop would accept returns like that.”

Kun Zhang agreed, “Yes, this humble woman understands.”

It was common sense; she wouldn’t expect pastries that had been sold to be returned either.

Yang Haiyan nodded and informed her of the price. “So how much do you want to order? When do you need them?”

Kun Zhang asked, “Madam, may I ask how much Mrs. Han ordered when she first started? I also want to sell in the county town but don’t know the situation there, so I’d like to understand how much Mrs. Han started with.”

Yang Haiyan didn’t refuse and answered straightforwardly, “The first time, she ordered two pounds each of small cakes and cookies. After that, I’m not sure; the later orders were managed by Aunt Fan. If you want to place an order, you’ll need to speak with Aunt Fan, as she and Aunt Hong are the ones who make the pastries.”

Kun Zhang expressed her gratitude, “Thank you for the reminder, Madam.”

Yang Haiyan smiled. “No need for such formality. Captain Kun is my husband’s subordinate, so you’re like family. If you’re all doing well and living happily, then I’m happy.

By the way, Mrs. Han was also selling pastries in the county town before; if you plan to do so, it’s best to discuss prices with her. Otherwise, if you’re selling at different prices, it could lead to comparisons and unnecessary competition.”

Kun Zhang hadn’t thought about that.

She assumed it would be fine as long as they weren’t selling in the same place.

With Yang Haiyan’s reminder, she stood up and bowed, “Thank you for the advice, Madam.”

Yang Haiyan replied, “No need for excessive formality. Mrs. Han lives in the fifty-sixth household of the Centurion District. You can go speak with her about the county town’s situation.”

Kun Zhang acknowledged, “Yes.”

Yang Haiyan suddenly remembered something. “By the way, do you have any plans regarding Daying?”

Kun Zhang looked taken aback. “Please guide me, Madam.”