The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 467: Even Became a Father (1)_1

Chapter 467: Chapter 467: Even Became a Father (1)_1

Qian Wanxiu had people secretly monitoring Sister Peiqin and her siblings. There was no need to pay special attention to Pei Qin herself since, despite appearing brash and mindless, she was actually quite shrewd! She knew all the tricks in the book! Better to focus on Pei Qian, and provoke her when necessary. Keeping an eye on the other two siblings as well, Pei Qin might be cunning, but with her fiery temper, it would be easy once they found the right opportunity.

Every day, Pei Qian busied herself with making kimchi. When in a bad mood, she dreamed of monopolizing the kimchi business, gathering all the cabbages around, and the workshop was filled to the brim with cabbages that had been delivered, yet she was still not satisfied.

A merchant caravan passing through Yuanyang County brought the news that Ms. Liangsan, who had successfully grown double-cropping rice, had been ennobled as County Magistrate.

Sister Peiqin and her siblings received a reward from The Imperial Court for growing sweet potatoes, and the Pai Building had been constructed by officials dispatched by The Imperial Court. It was a grand and glorious sight, invoking the envy of many.

But it hadn’t been long before a young lady from a prominent family achieved success with double-cropping rice and was made County Magistrate. The same achievements led to different honors; it genuinely seemed unfair.

The news spread like wildfire throughout Yuanyang County and even reached Taiping Town.

Many felt injustice on their behalf, but that was The Imperial Court—not something ordinary folk like them could complain about. An ill-considered word might cost them their heads.

When people looked at Sister Peiqin and her siblings now, their gazes had changed, and some tried to cozy up to them by expressing sympathy.

Pei Qian was furious, her face so unseemly it was indescribable.

Fang Liuming had also heard the news and was coming from Mo Heng’s place, having cut a piece of meat to take to Pei Qin’s home for dinner, when he saw a woman talking to Pei Qian about the County Magistrate and Pai Building. Pei Qian’s face grew uglier by the second, prompting him to hurry over, "Cousin Qian!"

Pei Qian shot him a look as she saw him carrying the meat and said rather unkindly, "Are you coming to eat at my house again?"

Fang Liuming, aware of her quick temper, gestured for her to go home.

Pei Qian turned her head to glance at the gossiping woman, frowned, and went home.

Liuming carried the meat and followed her, "Cousin Qian, don’t heed those provocateurs. If you let slip the wrong word and they catch you out, it’ll be our family’s sorrow and our enemies’ joy."

"Do I need you to teach me!?" retorted Pei Qian sharply.

Liuming chuckled, "Cousin Qian is certainly smart. It’s just that the wicked are many and they don’t just resort to infuriating you. Those who express sympathy can also be luring you to say or do the wrong thing."

"You think you know so much just because you’re a few years older than me!?" scoffed Pei Qian with contempt, as if she didn’t know better, as if she were so easily fooled!

Seeing her stubborn little face full of defiance, Liuming sighed with a smile and continued home with her.

These days, Pei Qin was very busy and worried that the Little Radishes might say something inappropriate in their agitation. When she saw Liuming coming for dinner, she called him over, "I’m planning to take a trip to Fu City. Please help look after the house for a couple of days!" Although Pei Yuan was more sensible, he was still young. When problems arose within the family, he lacked the clearheadedness of Liuming.

"You’re going to Fu City, Sister Peiqin? Who’s going with you?" Liuming asked, knowing that the Qian family was in Runing Prefecture.

"I’ll take Lu Hai with me, planning to check out the soy sauce markets in Fu City," said Pei Qin.

Pei Qian looked annoyed, "Why do you need him to watch over? We’re not ignorant about these matters!"

Liuming knew of Lu Hai’s martial arts prowess and that Pei Qin was also skilled at martial arts. He glanced at Pei Qian before nodding, "Sister Peiqin, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to come by often to help out the next few days."

Pei Qin nodded and took the meat to the kitchen to help Pei Yuan cook.

Pei Qian shot Liuming a sidelong glance and huffed lightly before also entering the kitchen to help.

The following day, Pei Qin packed some things and, with Sun Quanliang and Zhang Dacheng hauling a cart of soy sauce, set off for Runing Prefecture with Lu Hai.

Because they were hauling goods, their journey was slow, taking two and a half days to reach Runing Prefecture.