Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Earning 25 to 35 wen per day was considered a substantial income for the villagers. Even if two family members didn’t work every day, they could still accumulate a significant amount of money by the end of the month.

This increased income brought about changes in their lives, affecting their food, clothing, accommodation, and transportation. Some savvy individuals managed to save up capital and borrowed additional funds to start small businesses in town, while others purchased land to develop. As a result, every household enjoyed a much higher quality of life than before.

They expressed their deep gratitude to the first section of the Shao Family for their transformative influence. Some even speculated that the Shao Family had amassed such wealth that they couldn’t possibly spend it all, even refusing salary increases.

Ms. Fang paid no heed to these rumors, especially when she learned of someone trying to emulate her success. She believed that if others wished to follow suit, they should do it competently or hire skilled individuals from the village. That would surely make the villagers envious!

Ms. Fang didn’t bother discussing these minor matters with Qiao Xuan. Given his rare presence at home, she cherished their time together.

Although she missed her son, Shao Yunduan, Ms. Fang decided not to visit the bustling capital at this time. Instead, she planned to wait until the following year.

Yang Xiaoni was just two months into her pregnancy, and as a mother-in-law, she didn’t want to leave home during this critical time. Her presence was necessary to oversee and manage the household affairs, which could be quite challenging.

Upon hearing the news of Yang Xiaoni’s pregnancy, Qiao Xuan congratulated her with a smile and even gifted her a generous red envelope. Yang Xiaoni happily requested a piece of Shao Yunduan’s calligraphy and painting to hang in her room, intending to read it daily to impart some of Fifth Uncle’s artistic talents to her child.

Qiao Xuan found herself caught between amusement and melancholy when she located Shao Yunduan’s fan for Yang Xiaoni, who was overjoyed by the gesture.

Ms. Xu couldn’t help but regret not thinking of this when she was pregnant herself. She marveled at her Third Sister-in-law’s knack for stirring up excitement. As a result, she requested some fans from Qiao Xuan to adorn her sons’ room, with a particular focus on Junyan, who was attending school and could surely benefit from imbibing some of Fifth Uncle’s talent.

Qiao Xuan shared the same sentiment, realizing the value of these items.

However, Shao Yunduan wasn’t keen on parting with his other works so easily. After an extensive search, he eventually handed over a fan and a copy of the Analects.

Ms. Xu expressed her gratitude and carried these items away with great care, treating them as precious treasures.

Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but wonder if she should request her husband to create more fans when they returned to the capital, considering their potential usefulness one day.

What Qiao Xuan didn’t anticipate was Shao Liulang approaching her, asking for Shao Yunduan’s revision materials and articles before the examination.

Qiao Xuan didn’t mind helping out, but Shao Liulang’s tone and demeanor left her feeling uncomfortable, as if he were attempting to swallow his pride.

It irked Qiao Xuan.

Eldest Uncle appeared quite hopeful. “Ms. Qiao, please find something for Liulang to assist him. It would be an honor for the Shao Family if Liulang succeeds, and the two brothers could support each other.”

This only intensified Qiao Xuan’s discomfort – she couldn’t even muster a feigned smile in response.