Chapter 39: Chapter 39 – Entering the City (1)_1 Chapter 39: Chapter 39 – Entering the City (1)_1 Only after purchasing the things they needed, did Lin Ziyin and the others return home contentedly.
Once they arrived at where their ox cart was parked, they noticed that the old master, Lin Changshu, and others had been waiting for them in the shade of a tree. They hurriedly loaded their wares onto the cart and climbed aboard for the journey home.
Back at the house, Lin Zige and Guo Huiniang busied themselves preparing the meal, while Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu attended to soaking the beans.
“I’ll return the cart,” said Wu Dayou with a grin.
“Come back for dinner in a bit,” instructed the old master.
“Absolutely no hesitation from me!” Wu Dayou replied with a hearty laugh.
“You rascal,” Lin Changshu said, patting Wu Dayou on the shoulder.
“After counting the money, we’re still left with one tael and seven hundred copper coins,” said the old master upon returning, diligently counting the silver once more.
“That much?” Lin Zige asked in surprise.
“Yes indeed. Including the money you spent, we’ve made a handsome profit of nearly two taels of silver today,” the old master said with satisfaction.
Guo Huiniang remained silent upon hearing this, but her face was wreathed in smiles.
If things continued this way, their living conditions would undoubtedly improve.
“Grandfather, I’d like to buy a larger millstone. The current one is too small and will inevitably become insufficient. Plus, it’s inappropriate to keep using other people’s millstones,” Lin Ziyin said.
Members of the Lin family were ecstatic about the money they had made that day, but for her—a former elite in the business world—such a sum held little significance. Besides, their earnings today were largely due to the young man’s generous tip.
“A wise decision, sister,” Lin Changshu agreed, nodding his head. As soon as they had some silver in their hands in the next couple of days, they’d buy a new millstone.
“Is anyone home?” Just then, someone knocked at the outside gate.
“It sounds like Shuanzhu,” Guo Huiniang said cheerfully, recognizing the familiar voice.
She spoke as she quickly darted out to unlock the gate.
Lin Ziyin looked up to see a simple-looking young man wearing patched clothing standing outside.
“Shuanzhu.” Guo Huiniang hugged him warmly.
“Sister,” the young man greeted with a laugh, allowing her to hug him, “Here’s what my parents asked me to bring. How’s Lin’s little sister, Ziyin? Has she recovered somewhat?”
As he was speaking, he raised his head to see Lin Ziyin, then smiling with a touch of embarrassment but obvious happiness, said, “Little sister Ziyin really does look much better.”
“Shuanzhu, come in and sit,” invited the old master.
“He’s your sister-in-law’s younger brother, Shuanzhu. You should call him Brother Shuanzhu,” Zige whispered to Lin Ziyin.
“Thank you for your concern. I am much better now,” Lin Ziyin responded politely to Shuanzhu, being unfamiliar with him.
“This is what my parents sent,” Shuanzhu replied, puzzled as he glanced at Lin Ziyin, “Why is Lin’s little sister being so formal all of a sudden? She used to barely say a word.”
To cover his embarrassment, he handed the basket he brought to Guo Huiniang.
“Why did you bring stuff?” asked the old master with a stern face.
“We don’t have much at home, but my parents wanted to bring something to help Little sister Ziyin recuperate,” Shuanzhu answered honestly, patting his forehead, “We heard about Ziyin’s condition from folks in your village, but we’ve been busy at home and hadn’t had the chance to visit.”
“Is everything taken care at home?” Guo Huiniang asked with concern.
“Everything is settled,” Shuanzhu replied.
“I’m back,” Wu Dayou announced as he strolled in, “Oh, young brother Shuanzhu is here, too.”
“Brother Wu!” Shuanzhu greeted Wu Dayou enthusiastically; it was clear they knew each other.