Chapter 605: Chapter 605 Salary Chapter 605: Chapter 605 Salary Auntie Zhang was wringing her fingers vigorously, somewhat nervously, “Is it… that… about the wages…? Hehe…!”
The three women who were about to leave heard Auntie Zhang ask this and also stopped in their tracks, eagerly looking at Xuexue.
Xuexue realized what they were asking about. It was her oversight, she hadn’t made it clear earlier. She bowed her head and thought for a moment. The helpers at Shopkeeper Fan’s restaurant were paid five hundred copper coins a month, but considering that they had to stay on night duty and couldn’t go home, she said, “The flower shop has just opened, so for now, you’ll all get eight hundred copper coins a month. If things go well later on, we might even raise the wages.” Finally, Xuexue added, “But, this will depend on how well you perform!”
When the women heard this, they were all stunned. My goodness, such high wages! It was even more than what their men made working outside!
“Eh! Alright! Xuexue, don’t you worry, us aunties will definitely do a good job.” The women were over the moon with the good news and scurried home to share the joy.
They were eager to show off this time, as their men always said they were useless, only good for giving birth and doing housework. Now they could strut their stuff, showing they were as good as the men.
Aunt Li shook her head with a smile on the side, “This girl Xuexue, she’s much more impressive than I was in my day.”
Madam Xie also smiled, “Our family wouldn’t be what it is today without this girl.”
“Exactly, you gave birth to a fine daughter! Some people have several sons and none can compare to your one daughter,” Aunt Li was deeply moved.
In the village, there were many families with three or four sons, but when it came to old age, the sons would shirk the responsibility, none willing to take care of their elderly parents. In the end, they often died of hunger or cold. So it’s said, having many sons is of no use, having one filial child is enough. When one is old, having someone to care for you at your bedside, a warm meal to eat, someone to inquire about your well-being, that is indeed happiness.
“Mhm,” Madam Xie absently responded.
Lately, she had been feeling restless, as if something was about to happen. She hoped it wouldn’t involve Xuexue. She looked up at Xuexue, who was growing more beautiful and intelligent each day, very much like her real mother. It seemed to her that the small place of Mo Family Village could not confine Xuexue, that like a Phoenix, she was bound to fly away sooner or later. With this thought, Madam Xie heaved a sigh, leaving things to fate.
Aunt Li asked, “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been very preoccupied recently. Your family’s days are getting better and better; you should be happy. Is it that old maid from the Mo family bothering you again?”
“It’s nothing; just recalling some old memories makes my heart feel heavy.” Xuexue’s real mother died so tragically, and if Xuexue ever found out, she would surely be heartbroken.
“Life is short; it’s best to be open-minded about things. It’s getting late; I should be heading back home,” Aunt Li said as she stood up.
“Won’t you stay for dinner before you go?” Madam Xie was somewhat surprised. Aunt Li usually ate at their house before heading back.
Aunt Li shook her head, “No, it looks like it’s going to rain soon, and I’ve left lots of clothes and quilts out to dry at home! I must hurry back and take them in; otherwise, they’ll get wet in the rain.”
Aunt Li insisted on leaving, and Madam Xie did not detain her. After all, they were from the same village and it was convenient to visit each other on ordinary days.
Once everyone had left, Madam Xie started tidying up the small benches in front of the house, putting them in the yard, and then she walked into the kitchen to prepare dinner.