The Lucky Farmgirl-Chapter 1951 - 1926: Relatives

Manbao collected two carts of rent, along with a large bag of copper coins. There was no choice; grain was expensive now. So Patriarch Xia took a bit of a different approach with the rent this year, exchanging it for copper coins at the previous year’s grain prices.

The problem is, how would Manbao know what last year’s grain prices were?

Naturally, it’s whatever Patriarch Xia says it is.

Manbao could certainly inquire; a trip to the County Governmental Office to check the grain warehouse revenues from that year could give her a good idea of the prices. However, she really didn’t want to bother with this matter. She glanced at the copper coins collected by the guards and generously stated that the matter was settled.

Old Zhou’s eyes were fixed entirely on the large sack of copper coins. He reached out, pulled out a string of coins, and hugged it to inspect. Amazed, he said, "How did they manage to stash so many copper coins?"

Bai Shan casually remarked, "Although silver is easy to transport and store, when it comes to trading, copper coins are the best. They circulate well and are very stable."

Gold and silver are not commonly used; they are reserved for large transactions and valuable items. In everyday use, it’s mostly copper coins.

Many middle-class families store a certain amount of gold, silver, and copper for emergencies, but copper actually makes up the largest portion.

Because gold and silver are rare, sometimes ordinary people don’t recognize them due to difficulty in distinguishing them, so they trust copper more.

Old Zhou hugged the money and asked Manbao, "Should we stash some copper coins when we go back?"

"Father, as long as you’re happy." After all, whether it’s gold, silver, or copper coins, money is money. Why worry about what form it takes?

Anyway, they had enough rooms, enough space, they could stash wherever they liked!

Old Zhou then revealed his real intention, hugging the large sack of copper coins, "Then I’ll keep this money for you as your dowry."

Manbao: "... Father, if you’re happy, then keep it."

Don’t be fooled by how abundant this sack of copper coins looks; it may not necessarily be worth more than the small box of silver by her foot.

Manbao was afraid her father would ask for silver, so she bent down, picked up the silver, and returned to her room.

At this moment, Old Zhou had eyes only for the sack of copper coins, so he didn’t care at all.

The next day, Patriarch Xia delivered Officer Xu’s rent. It was said that to avoid inconvenience for her, Officer Xu roughly estimated this year’s yield and advanced payment to Manbao. After the autumn harvest, they’d settle, and if it turns out more, no need to return the excess; if less, he’d make up the difference.

Patriarch Xia’s son chuckled when delivering the rent, "Officer Xu said over the years, he’s left the land to his family’s long-term workers to farm, somewhat neglectfully. Coupled with the frequent natural disasters in recent years, there hasn’t been much profit. If this year’s rent turns out too much, consider it an apology to the landlord."

Manbao couldn’t help but mock, "Well, Officer Xu’s apology sure is hefty — twelve years’ rent."

Patriarch Xia’s son awkwardly chuckled.

Manbao snorted and said, "I’ve collected the rent. Kindly let Officer Xu know that I’ve inspected the land at East Ridge and have begun looking for a buyer. After the autumn harvest, I won’t be renting it anymore. Please advise him to instruct the family’s long-term workers to take care during the harvest, avoiding any disasters or mishaps."

Patriarch Xia’s son was stunned, his focus shifting, "You’re selling that piece of land?"

Manbao nodded, "Indeed. Are you interested, Uncle? If your offer is high enough, I’d be willing to sell to you."

Patriarch Xia’s son wanted to say something but held back. He laughed and changed the subject, "Well, then when Madam returns, the clan school should also open."

Manbao nodded, "It might not be me returning; it could be my fourth brother and second niece. I’d appreciate Uncle’s assistance then."

Patriarch Xia’s son nodded. He knew Zhou Man had good ties with the Zhou Family over there, often delegating matters to them.

Manbao collected the rent and, in the afternoon, went together with everyone to visit Xia Xia, meeting the entire Xia Rui family. Then they decided to depart for the capital the next day.

Xia Xia was increasingly lucid less often, unaware that Zhou Man had given their family her shop. He didn’t even know she didn’t get that forty percent rent, thinking Xia Rui had signed a new lease with her, still renting her shop.

Looking at both families enjoying each other’s company, he was very happy, feeling ready to face Xia Yan underground, perhaps having something to report.

As death drew nearer, Xia Xia’s memories became clearer, recalling many things he hadn’t remembered.

During dinner, he couldn’t resist sharing stories with Zhou Man and his two grandsons, "This name of mine was given by your grandfather."

Manbao was savoring Shangzhou’s big stew for the second time, enjoying it as she listened in surprise, "But aren’t you older than my grandfather?"

"Indeed, I am two years older, but my name originally didn’t sound nice," Xia Xia paused for breath, then laughed, "I used to be called Big Dog."

Xia Tao, sitting beside: ... 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

His younger brother Xia Bin, sitting next to him, burst into laughter, "Grandfather, then why did you give our big brother a nickname just like yours?"

Xia Tao pinched some greens into his younger brother’s bowl, "Just eat your meal, Little Dog."

Xia Bin: ...

Now Manbao, Bai Shan, and Bai Erlang couldn’t hold back either, bowing their heads, chuckling quietly, their shoulders shaking.

Xia Bin felt offended, couldn’t help but turn and call "Mom," to which Mother Xia said, "Speak properly with your brothers and sisters, don’t be disruptive."

Xia Tao was older than Zhou Man, but Xia Bin was two months younger than Zhou Man, declaring Manbao the sister once again in his interactions.

Xia Xia watched with a smile, continuing his reminiscence, "When recruiting apprentices, names are very much considered. I felt my name didn’t sound pleasant, so your grandfather managed to give me the name Xia. As it turned out, eight apprentices lined up in front of the master, and after asking names, the master chose me alone..."

Manbao didn’t believe it. In all professions, apprentices are chosen based on talent. Certainly, in her case, she was apprenticed to the master due to her exceptional intelligence and strong study skills. Who would judge solely by a name?

She asked, "What did you all do before asking names?"

"Not much; we just carved some wooden articles and asked about family background. Fortunately, back then your great-grandfather gifted my master two jars of wine, two strips of cured meat, a basket of rice, and eggs..."

Xia Xia remembered clearly.

It was the first time Xia Tao and Xia Bin heard such stories, but Xia Rui had heard them from childhood, nearly able to recite them backwards. He filled wine for Old Zhou, Zhou Dalang, and Zhou Wulang, then picked some meat for Manbao and silently listened again.

When they left Xia’s house, it was already dark. Old Zhou, having drunk quite a bit, was flushed red, again telling Manbao, "You really only have this one family in Shangzhou, when er... You still should take leave to come back once."

Manbao said, "I will try my best to get leave."