Chapter 412: Chapter 412: The First Deal Chapter 412: Chapter 412: The First Deal “Mother, I need to go out for a bit tonight.”
Initially not planning to go to the town, Xuexue, after lying down in her room for a while, got up and changed her mind.
After all, it’s the first business venture she had invested so much in; she would feel at ease only if she kept a close eye on it.
Hearing this, Madam Xie was somewhat startled, turning her head to look at her, “Xuexue, as a young lady, it’s not proper for you to be out and about at the Third Watch of the Night instead of resting at home, where are you planning to go?”
Xuexue was already fourteen, and in a month’s time, upon her traditional coming-of-age, she would turn fifteen. Other girls her age would normally have matchmakers knocking at their door with marriage proposals. The more matchmakers that came calling, the better the girl’s reputation was perceived, and all the good families’ sons would want to marry her to bring her home as their wife.
However, as for Xuexue’s prospective marriage, with Big Bull around, Madam Xie wasn’t worried.
Given Big Bull’s devotion to Xuexue,
wherever Xuexue went, he wouldn’t leave her side; he was even more accommodating to everything she wanted. Madam Xie felt certain that Big Bull was irrevocably the son-in-law for her.
But, it wasn’t proper for a young lady to wander around outside at night and it wouldn’t sound good if word got out, so she thought of stopping her.
Madam Xie’s objections were also within Xuexue’s expectation. Xuexue’s eyes twinkled as she quickly thought up an excuse, and said with a smile, “Mother, I won’t go far, just around the fields to check on the water supply.”
“That’s the case, my daughter, you’re working too hard.”
Upon hearing Xuexue’s explanation, Madam Xie immediately felt a pang of guilt.
At this time of the year, the crops in the village fields were always in dire need of water.
Some villagers, in order to secure a bit more water for their fields and ensure a slightly better growth for their crops, wouldn’t hesitate to stay up all night, guarding the fields. They feared people upstream might block the water, preventing it from reaching their fields, which would lead to a failed harvest.
“Xuexue, have Big Bull accompany you tonight. Otherwise, I won’t be at ease,” she said.
Having successfully dealt with Madam Xie’s concern, Xuexue felt a secret thrill of joy.
In truth, the watermelon seedlings didn’t need that much water. She just said that as an excuse to sneak into town later at night.
After dinner, Big Bull and Xuexue set out.
“Wife, aren’t we supposed to go to the fields? Why are we heading in this direction?” Before they left, Big Bull distinctly heard Madam Xie say they were going to check on the water in the fields. But why was Xuexue walking the opposite way?
This direction should lead to the entrance of the village.
Xuexue: “We’re going to the town.”
“Huh?” Big Bull blinked his eyes, and after a moment of realization, he said, “Oh! Wife, you’re being naughty! You’re deceiving Madam Xie.”
“What’s wrong? Are you going to go back and tattle?” Xuexue continued walking ahead as she spoke.
“Wouldn’t dare. Big Bull is wife’s man in life and wife’s ghost in death, and will never betray wife through all eternity,” Big Bull said as he caught up with Xuexue, almost groveling.
“Stop your blarney,” Xuexue turned her head and glanced at him with an annoyed expression but was actually delighted inside.
“Big Bull only sweet-talks to his wife.”
“Enough, it’s getting late; let’s hurry up.”
None in the village knew about their late-night trip to town.
Xuexue didn’t want too many people to find out, lest it would cause gossip to fly within the village. Therefore, she decided not to take the ox cart but to walk to town instead. They could return by Spring Fragrance House’s carriage later.
By the time they arrived in town, the lights had just been lit; it was the perfect time for the brothel to open its doors.
“Big Bull, let’s go to the clothing store to buy some clothes.”
“Wife, did you come to town just to buy clothes?”
“Don’t ask questions, just follow me.”