“No, no, I already have two mansions, I wouldn’t have space even if I bought another one.” Wu Mingtang replied with a smile.

Hearing this, Jian Xiu stopped in her tracks.

She glanced at the newcomer and then asked, “Are you a property broker?”

“Yes, yes! You can call me Daniu—everyone does!” Daniu grinned widely, revealing a set of bright white teeth.

Just from his cheerful demeanor, Jian Xiu’s impression of him improved considerably.

“You mentioned a mansion earlier—is someone selling theirs?” she asked curiously.

On her way to town today, she had already considered buying a residence in Quan Yong County.

It would be convenient for the children to attend school here.

Most importantly, since she often came to the county, having a place to stay would be useful.

“Yes, yes! Are you interested?” Daniu asked with a big smile.

Hearing this, Wu Mingtang looked at Jian Xiu with curiosity.

He had already told her that the carriage he gave her earlier was a token of thanks.

It took some convincing before she finally accepted it.

But now, Wu Mingtang was puzzled—where did Jian Xiu get the silver to buy a mansion?

Even though she had saved a fair amount recently, it still wouldn’t be enough to afford a residence.

This was Quan Yong County, after all.

Even a modest three-courtyard mansion would cost several hundred taels.

Not to mention, if it was near the academy, it would be even more expensive.

Jian Xiu, unaware of Wu Mingtang’s thoughts, continued listening to Daniu’s introduction.

“How many courtyards does it have?”

“Three! It’s a three-courtyard residence. But don’t worry, young lady, it’s a fantastic property. I even recommended it to Shopkeeper Wu, and he went to see it himself. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him!”

At this, Jian Xiu turned toward Wu Mingtang.

Seeing her gaze, Wu Mingtang nodded and said, “It is indeed very good. The layout, the courtyards—everything is quite new. It’s just a bit expensive.”

“Oh? How much?” Jian Xiu asked Daniu.

“Seven hundred taels. But it’s worth it! The location is prime, and the mansion is practically new.”

“That expensive?!” Jian Xiu’s eyes widened.

She had estimated two to three hundred taels, maybe five hundred at most.

She hadn’t expected it to be seven hundred!

“Once you see it, you won’t think it’s expensive.” Daniu said with full confidence.

“In two days, would that work? I don’t have time today.” Jian Xiu replied honestly.

If she could negotiate the price, it might be doable.

She did need a residence, after all.

Wu Mingtang, who had been listening, spoke up:

“If you don’t have enough silver, I can lend you some. That mansion really is a good one.”

“Alright, I’ll take a look. Let’s arrange a time in two days. Would that work?”

“No problem! Just come to the alley behind Yuexiang Pavilion and ask for Daniu. Everyone knows me!”

Daniu pointed toward a direction.

“Alright!”

…

Zhang Family Village

Old Madam Liu and Old Man Zhang were stunned when they saw the state of their fields.

Acres of wheat, corn, and soybeans—gone overnight.

Early this morning, they had come to harvest, only to find—nothing.

“Mother, do you think that wretched woman at the end of the village did this?” Chen Sixi asked, breaking the silence.

“Second sister-in-law, were you hit too hard on the head? How could that be?!” Fang Miaojun snapped.

“Last night, when we came back, the crops were still here. How could they just vanish?”

“Even if those people worked fast, they couldn’t have taken everything overnight! Not just wheat—corn and soybeans too! How could they have stolen it all?”

She had no intention of provoking that family again.

Each time they did, misfortune followed.

Besides, her son was studying at the academy.

Last time, their trip to the magistrate’s office hadn’t affected him.

But if they stirred up trouble again, who knew what consequences would follow?

Chen Sixi scowled but refused to back down.

“Then who else could it be?! Why was it only our land that was hit? Look at the others’ fields—their crops are just as ripe, but untouched!”

Fang Miaojun had no answer to that.

It was strange.

She turned to Old Madam Liu and Old Man Zhang, but they both looked utterly shaken.

“How… how could this happen?” Old Madam Liu murmured.

“The village head! Where’s the village head?”

Old Man Zhang blurted out.

In the village, when problems arose, they usually went to the village head.

But for something this serious, the village head might not be enough.

The district official—the Lizheng—was the one they really needed.

Lizheng oversaw five villages and had more authority than the village head.

“Yes, yes, we must find the Lizheng! He must give us justice!” Old Madam Liu quickly agreed.

She turned to Zhang Zirong. “What are you standing there for? Go!”

“O-okay! I’ll go right now!” Zhang Zirong stammered, running off.

Within half an hour, word had spread across Zhang Family Village.

Everyone was talking about it.

“Could it be divine punishment? How else would acres of crops just vanish overnight?”

“Exactly! They claim someone stole them, but who could do that in a single night?”

“Not just the wheat—corn and soybeans too! All gone!”

“And get this—Aunt Liu’s field is right next to theirs, and her wheat is even better. Yet hers is untouched!”

“I heard Old Madam Liu started yelling at the Lizheng the moment she saw him, demanding compensation. When he asked who should compensate them, guess what she said? She insisted it must be that woman at the end of the village! Isn’t that ridiculous?”

At this, the villagers burst into laughter.