The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 285 Foreign Spy (4)_1

Chapter 285: Chapter 285 Foreign Spy (4)_1

"Having such an accusation hanging over her head, even if Pei Qin’s guilt couldn’t be confirmed, she would first have to be thrown into jail and endure punishment. For a young girl, once thrown into prison, her reputation would be utterly ruined. And having suffered punishment, living to get out would be difficult!"

Pei Qin was at home, directing the workers hired by Sun Quanliang to use the newly made slicers to slice sweet potatoes, preparing them to be dried and ground into flour.

Those who were waiting to buy sesame paste pancakes couldn’t wait any longer; some were so unscrupulous that they rushed to Pei Qin’s stall as soon as it opened, buying an entire bag in one go, and by the time it was their turn, there was nothing left to buy. Unfortunately, these days Pei Qin was busy, setting up her stall three days out of five.

Lady Yu and Grandma Fang came to deliver winter bamboo shoots for them and asked about the cabbages in the field, "Didn’t you say you wanted to make spicy cabbage? With the snow coming soon, the cabbages will freeze; you should start now, right?"

"I’ve already ordered a batch of jars, and once the kiln delivers them, I’ll collect the cabbages and begin!" Of course, Pei Qin hadn’t forgotten this matter, she was counting on making a good profit with spicy cabbage next spring!

"It won’t be good if the cabbages freeze. Let us know when you’re starting, and your aunt and I will come help! That way you can hire two fewer people and save some money!" Grandma Fang grew cabbages every year and was worried her young distant relative, planting tens of acres at once, might not manage well and end up losing money.

"Sure! I’ll come over in a few days to invite Grandma and Aunt!" Pei Qin didn’t reject the old lady’s kindness.

However, Pei Qian didn’t like the idea much; even though they said they didn’t want money for their help, wouldn’t they end up taking wages and eating their food in the end?

But as she read more books and met more people, she knew better than to voice every thought that came to mind, keeping her discomfort to herself instead of blurting it out unfiltered.

Pei Yuan greeted the suggestion with a smile, now that she was older, turning thirteen after the new year, she was slowly coming to understand more things. Old Pei’s House was truly rich, and they also had the unrecognized backing of the Qian family. Her elder sister had pressured Lady Qian to become a concubine and had repeatedly duped Old Pei’s House. They must hate her and her brother to death by now! Now that her Grandfather’s House boasted two Scholars, they were in regular contact, which provided them with a certain level of protection. If Old Pei’s House really tried something against her and her brother, they would have to think twice!

Yet, with the promotion of sweet potatoes, although some people found it hard to accept, gradually, more would likely plant them and have enough food to eat. They would eventually receive a reward for it, but Old Pei’s House had shown no reaction, which gave Pei Yuan an unsettling premonition.

Soon, Pei Yuan felt her unease had been confirmed.

Pei Zongli came over, bringing snacks and several pieces of silk fabric, saying he wanted to discuss Pei Qin’s coming-of-age ceremony, "Reaching adulthood is a significant event for a young woman; after the ceremony, Qinqin will be considered a grown lady and eligible for marriage!"

Pei Qian was unable to tolerate his and Old Pei’s House’s attitude, "My elder sister’s coming-of-age ceremony is none of your business! Don’t even think about deceiving us for your own use!"

Pei Zongli, faced with Pei Qian’s biting words and constant reminders of Lady Fang’s death and their scheming, found himself somewhat at a loss and turned to address Pei Qin with a more calm and rational approach, "Qinqin! I am your father, and I naturally have to worry about your coming-of-age ceremony!"

"Get to the point, what is it you want?" Pei Qin didn’t have time to beat around the bush with him.

Pei Zongli was known for his indirectness and had learned to use roundabout ways to achieve his goals. Although he had been back for almost a year and was gradually adapting, Pei Qin’s straightforwardness left him stumbling over his words, "Qinqin! I am, after all, your biological father! The bond between father and daughter is something that nobody can sever!"

"You think it’s a waterfall that can’t be cut off?" Pei Qin gave him a disdainful look.

Pei Zongli watched her with a gentle gaze and sighed with a smile as he explained the rituals of the coming-of-age ceremony, what needed to be done, that it went beyond just eating good food and carelessly sticking a hairpin in her hair in the village. She also needed to have three new sets of clothes made and there should be a head guest, person giving praise, and a host of other formalities to observe.

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