Chapter 234: Had to Endure It
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lu Sanniang knew Qiao Mai’s character – she didn’t easily part with things, but they were good stuff when she did. She opened the gift box and started crying when she saw the items inside.
“It’s so valuable. I’ll never be able to repay you for this in my lifetime.”
“If you consider me a friend, this is all a part of our friendship. If you don’t treat me as a friend, then the concept of ‘debt’ will never be fulfilled. Take it; I still need to get gifts for your man. He’s been eyeing me; if I don’t give him something, he probably won’t even sleep well.”
Qiao Mai gently patted her hand and left while Lu Sanniang hugged the box and cried even more intensely.
Upon receiving Qiao Mai’s gift, Mayor Qian was delighted like a child.
“So, following your method, she can conceive after half a year?”
“Yes, it’s best to get married and consummate the marriage half a year from now!”
Upon hearing this, Mayor Qian’s face turned unsightly. How could he, after marrying her, abstain from conjugal relations? That would be unbearable. But for the sake of having their child, he had to endure it.
Receiving this gift was a mixture of pain and happiness.
Meanwhile, the Liu and the Dong family in Tianhe Town had almost settled things under the matchmaking of their go-betweens. They set the engagement date for March 16th. Madam Liu Qiao personally came to Lucky Garden due to this marriage arrangement.
“Mai?”
“Aunt, if you have something to say, go ahead.” “When Liu Ye gets engaged, will you come?” “No, I’ll see her off when she gets married. Is that okay?”
“That’s fine. What about your husband?”
“He’s a government official. It’s unsuitable for him to participate in such matters; it could affect his reputation.” “Alright, you’re welcome.”
“Let me know the date when it’s finalized.’
“Okay.”
Since Madam Liu Qiao is here, Qiao Mai saved herself from another trip and handed her a box.
“This is the dowry I prepared for Liu Ye.”
Madam Liu Qiao took it with a sly smile and looked at it. “Oh my, this is too precious; she won’t be able to wear it out in her whole life.”
“It’s not expensive jade. Since she’s marrying into the town, not staying in the village, she can wear it.”
“Well, then, thank you on Liu Ye’s behalf!”
“Don’t be too greedy; it’s for her!”
“Of course.” The aunt and niece exchanged a smile.
On this sunny day, the Dong family came to propose a marriage!
Madam Liu Qiao bought a house at the broker center after the new year. It was a 70% new three-section courtyard house. Due to Liu Ye’s marriage, she had it renovated again, and all the furniture inside was brand new.
By the time she was done, it was around mid-March. Qiao Mai heard the engagement went smoothly, and both families were satisfied.
They set the engagement date for June 1st and the wedding date for October 19th, both considered good dates.
After confirming the dates, Madam Liu Qiao came to report to Qiao Mai. “Mai, I’ve prepared twenty carts for your cousin. Do you think it’s sufficient?”
“There’s no problem with that. It’s already quite generous in the town. What about the other side?” “Thirty carts!”
“Okay, that’s great.”
“However, I also bought a shop and a four-section courtyard house in Tianhe Town for Liu Ye. I told her that if she ever faces trouble at the Dong’s, she can move there and live alone.”
“You’ve given so much to Liu Ye. What about your eldest daughter?”
“I’m considering that. I’ll see which town she’s closer to and get her a house, courtyard, and shop. I can’t treat my eldest daughter unfairly.”
“Are Liu Hai and the others okay with it?”
“What’s there for him to be unhappy about? He only had two sisters. After settling them, everything else belonged to him. He has no objections. I’ve asked him.”
“Well, it’s still good to treat them similarly.”
“Haha, understood. By the way, I wanted to ask about those three recipes you taught our family. Can I teach them to my daughter?”
“Let’s wait until they have their house and shop.”
“Alright, that’s fine,” Madam Liu QIao said, smiling cheerfully. “I won’t bother you anymore; you can continue with your business.”
She left considerately. Qiao Mai didn’t see her off.
However, County Governor Zhu sent someone to inquire whether she wanted to release the Yuan and Qiao old couple.
Qiao Mai thought for a while, finding herself with not much to do lately, so she decided to release them. It would also provide her entertainment to see them chatting in front of her house, boasting about various things.
She had her messenger convey that they could be released.
When the Yuan and Qiao old couple returned home, they sat on the heated brick bed, shedding tears, as they had been eating nothing but flatbread for three months.
Without pickles, they had to eat it dry. Not eating meant going hungry, and eating it made them feel like vomiting; it was incredibly uncomfortable.
Their sons would visit them only to deliver meals. When they saw it was still flatbread, they couldn’t help but feel irritated.
They took some money they had kept secretly, went to town, and bought buns. Sitting opposite Lucky Garden, they started eating.
Some idle elderly who hadn’t seen them for a long time came over and teased them.
“Hey, long time no see! Where have you been?”
“None of your business!”
“Could you adapt to life in the jail?”
“The county governor knew about our relationship with the Qiao family and wouldn’t dare to mistreat us. Look, we’ve even gained weight.”
“True, haha!”
Three months of prison life made them gain weight. They ate and slept every day and didn’t have to work.
Not only had they gained weight, but they had also become fairer. After all, there was no sunlight in the dungeon.
The feeling of returning was wonderful. Now, they were basking in the sun, eating white bread, and thought they wouldn’t cause any more trouble for Qiao Mai.
If Qiao Mai knew what they were thinking, she would surely intervene. Life was becoming dull, and she expected them to stir up trouble!
On March 28, Tianshui Town was bustling, with firecrackers going off early in the morning, waking the sleepy residents.
Everyone knew it was the Mayor’s big day. After having breakfast, people rushed to his house.
The residents of Tianshui Town, Tianhe Town and Tiannan Town’s mayor, County Governor Zhu, and Mayor Qian’s friends and relatives came flooding into Tianshui Town.
Old Master Wang had taken the twins to the capital for the imperial examination, so only Qiao Mai, Old Mistress Wang, Nanny Jin, Ling’er, and
Chuan’er were left in Lucky Garden.
After breakfast, they discussed the mayor’s wedding. “Grandmother, Nanny Jin, are we going to the wedding banquet?”
“No. It’s too crowded, so why don’t you go instead!” “In that case, I won’t go either. After all, the gifts have already been delivered.”
“Okay, it’s too chaotic out there; staying home is better.”
“But the lively atmosphere could be fun. I suppose my shop will do great business today. I’ll go and bring some fresh goods.”
“Oh? What kind of new products are you bringing? We’d like some too!”
“You can visit the shop later.”
After breakfast, Qiao Mai sent someone to summon Shopkeeper Niu. She asked him to bring someone to the backyard and start moving goods.
It seemed that the mayor’s wedding was doing wonders for Qiao’s Small Eatery; anyone from afar would undoubtedly stop by to see what they had to offer. The shop had gained quite a reputation, and people were coming from far and wide. Everyone felt the need to take a look and buy something.
Shopkeeper Niu arrived with ten assistants and left a few of them to manage the store.
Qiao Mai opened the storeroom and pointed, “Move everything. Today, sell as much as you can. You can set the prices, but don’t undervalue the goods.” Shopkeeper Niu grinned, “Your wish is my command.”
As the employees carried the baskets into the shop, filled with bright red apples and luscious pears, Shopkeeper Niu couldn’t help but drool in anticipation.
Then came the grapes, strawberries, cherries, cantaloupes, sweet melons, watermelons, bananas, and peaches.
Upon seeing the array of goods, Shopkeeper Niu wiped his eyes. He was crying tears of joy.
The high-quality and delicious fruits were beyond his expectations, and he was impressed with his boss’s resourcefulness in making money.
There were even some rare nuts, such as creamy walnuts, fried watermelon seeds, fried pumpkin seeds, cashews, and pistachios. They made at least three or four trips to bring everything out.
It appeared Qiao Mai had made ample preparations for the Qian family’s wedding.
After all, it was a great opportunity to profit by selling various goods, although she did not attend the wedding..
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