Mrs. Jia felt embarrassed after being scolded by the old lady of the Gu Family.

The mother-in-law always favored her daughter, ignoring the grandson’s well-being.

Back when Honglian was living comfortably with them in the south, enjoying the second house’s benefits, why couldn’t the mother-in-law appreciate her sacrifices?

Mrs. Jia discontentedly retorted, "Didn’t I, a Jia, marry into the Gu Family? Since I married into the Gu Family, I’m part of the Gu Family, yet who knows where the young sister will marry into later? The moment you heard I wanted to pawn the satin, you thought I was scheming against her. But you know our family’s situation better than me. We’ve harvested wheat from five acres and must sell half to repay Gu Daqiang. How are we to buy oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar? How will Rui Nian buy pen, ink, paper, and inkstone? Am I supposed to shamefully borrow from my family? You always expect Rui Nian to continue his studies to earn you respect, to overshadow the first house, but can study expenses be managed just by talking?"

"Rui Nian has run out of paper and ink; these days, he’s been practicing calligraphy by dipping his brush in water to write on the ground. Mother, can you bear to let your grandson study like this? How can he become a successful scholar this way?"

Mrs. Jia felt a pang of sorrow at the thought of Gu Ruinian practicing with just water, and her eyes reddened.

"It’s just a matter of having the sister pawn the satin; it’s not like we’re trading her for a bride price. In our village, aren’t all the girls her age getting engaged to demand a large bride price for their brothers and nephews at home?"

Mrs. Jia’s words hinted dissatisfaction with Gu Honglian’s delayed engagement.

As long as she stays home, she’s freeloading.

In Mrs. Jia’s eyes, everything Honglian consumed belonged to her son and grandson.

If the old matriarch and Mr. Gu didn’t intervene, she would trade Gu Honglian for a bride price immediately.

Gu Ruinian stepped into the courtyard, saw Mrs. Jia and the old matriarch arguing, and lowered his head silently.

He thought the old matriarch’s vision was too narrow, that investing in him was certainly more worthwhile than investing in Gu Honglian.

What benefits could a daughter destined to marry bring to the Gu Family or earn a titled lady for the old matriarch?

The young aunt truly didn’t consider the family; she wasn’t even willing to part with a piece of satin.

The old matriarch angrily shouted at Mrs. Jia, "Our family isn’t at the point of selling daughters. Why don’t you trade Xiao Xue for a bride price?"

Mrs. Jia replied, "Which makes sense to have a niece get engaged before the unmarried aunt?"

If they weren’t in Qinghe Bay, where the suitors are all farmers and couldn’t afford a hefty bride price, Mrs. Jia wouldn’t want to let them have it cheaply.

Upon mentioning Xiao Xue suddenly, Gu Ruinian couldn’t help but glance over at Gu Xiaoxue sitting in the corner.

This silent shadow of a sister—Gu Ruinian seldom paid attention to her.

Now, examining Xiao Xue closely, he noticed her big eyes, high nose, and fair skin, a little beauty indeed.

Her beauty was only hidden by her timid manner and shabby clothes.

With some proper dressing, the sister could definitely be a sought-after prospect in the Qinghe Bay area.

In his past life, the bride price from his three sisters funded his education up to graduate school, and with the leftover bride price, he bought a house in the provincial capital before graduating.

In this life, the sister should also contribute to the family with a bride price.

The difference was, he hadn’t had the chance to repay his three sisters in his past life before coming to this ghost place; in this life, he swore to compensate all three sisters’ regrets through Xiao Xue when he succeeded.

It wouldn’t be selfish to exchange a sister for the bride price during this era when girls had no other path than marriage.

If a marriage could assist him, it wouldn’t be a sacrifice.

After all, when he succeeded, he’d become a strong backing for the sister’s maternal family.

Gu Ruinian gazed at Xiao Xue.

Contemplating arranging a good match for her.

The arguments between Mrs. Jia and the old matriarch echoed in his ears.

"This satin isn’t given away for free to the sister. Later, when Rui Nian succeeds, not just a satin, but more gold, silver, and jewels he could earn for his aunt. Moreover, Rui Nian will be his aunt’s maternal backing later; shouldn’t the sister contribute to the Gu Family’s prospering?"

Compared to the emotional accusations and scolding of the old matriarch, Mrs. Jia explained it clearly and logically.

As Honglian held onto the satin, tears welled up in her eyes; she absolutely wouldn’t pawn it.

"Dad..."

Seeing Mr. Gu continue twisting the hemp rope, Honglian called out in grievance.

The courtyard wasn’t spacious, so Mr. Gu naturally heard the dispute between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law.

He agreed with Mrs. Jia’s suggestion to pawn the satin for money.

Yet, he felt sorry for the little daughter.

After all, she’d been raised in comfort since birth.

Now the family had no money, and it was already hard on her.

Having a piece of satin at last, if pawned, indeed, it would be unfair to her.

However, after much thought, the grandson’s future was deemed more important.

He then raised his head and said, "Honglian, your sister-in-law is right; as a member of the Gu Family, you should contribute to its prosperity. Hand the satin to your sister-in-law to pawn; your nephew’s education is crucial."

Honglian hugged the satin tightly and hoarsely refused, "I won’t. Why should I?"

The old matriarch wanted to say something, but under Mr. Gu’s sharp gaze, she swallowed her words.

Mr. Gu calmly said, "Honglian, you’re not a child anymore, and our family isn’t as affluent as before. As Rui Nian’s elder, you should consider matters for him. You’re not handing over just a piece of satin, but helping achieve Rui Nian’s future."

"This satin will become worn out after one season, but turning it into silver for Rui Nian to study is better. When Rui Nian achieves a good future, he will also honor you, his aunt, with more nice clothes to wear later on."

Honglian clutched the satin, gritting her teeth, her tears cascading down.

Mr. Gu normally didn’t interfere in her and her sister-in-law’s bickering, but when he did, there was no room for negotiation.

This satin couldn’t be saved today.

Seeing the little daughter so heartbroken, Mr. Gu felt a pang of sorrow and avoided Honglian’s gaze.

Mr. Gu said, "Honglian, give the satin to your second sister-in-law. There’s no other way, rest assured, you won’t need to wait for Rui Nian’s success; this fall, after selling the corn, I’ll get you a new outfit."

Honglian tossed the satin into Mrs. Jia’s arms, sobbing as she ran out.

Mrs. Jia breathed a sigh of relief.

The old matriarch shuffled her small feet to chase after Honglian, but Mr. Gu resolutely stopped her.

"Her being so fragile is your doing. She’s just in the village and can’t lose her way; let her contemplate on her own."

"Are you satisfied now?"

The old matriarch pointed at Mrs. Jia, gritting her teeth, then retreated indoors to brood in silence.

Mr. Gu told Gu Ruinian nearby, "Rui Nian, remember your aunt’s sacrifice today."

Gu Ruinian felt disdain, thinking a piece of satin was hardly a sacrifice.

He raised his head, pursed his lips, and firmly told Mr. Gu, "Grandfather, we made Aunt sad today. In a family’s prosperity, some sacrifices are necessary. Aunt may not understand now, but she will later. I swear I’ll definitely pass next year and compensate Aunt when I succeed."

Mr. Gu looked at Gu Ruinian with a contented smile.

This grandson was a conscientious child.