Miao Liang was filled with suspicion. He had heard Brother Yuan mention that the decline in business at the Dajiang Restaurant seemed to be related to a new vegetable supplier at the Yangshui Teahouse. Everyone at the restaurant was eager to find the source of the vegetables, but the teahouse received so many deliveries that they couldn’t identify which supplier was which.
Now, seeing Miao He and Yang Dalang delivering vegetables to the Liang residence, and noticing that the teahouse worker took a similar-looking box out from there, he felt something was off.
His suspicion grew, and he waited for the entire morning until his legs were sore. He then realized that the box seemed to be exclusively used by the Liang residence. Most items taken out of the Liang residence were packed in such boxes, creating a significant flaw in his earlier theory. However, it didn’t completely eliminate the possibility of his suspicions.
Adding up the timeline, the rise of the new dishes at the teahouse coincided with when Miao He started supplying vegetables to the Liang family. The small quantities matched too, making his suspicions not entirely unfounded.
So, he thought of using the excuse of “better safe than sorry” to get Miao Yuan or Miao Jue to persuade the village chief. If the box taken out of the Liang residence indeed contained vegetables supplied by Miao He, forcing Miao He to move out quickly would surely cut off the teahouse’s supply. Moving vegetables in this hot weather would likely result in many not surviving, and even if new vegetables were planted in the new plot, they wouldn’t grow in time. This interruption would help the Dajiang Restaurant identify the mysterious vegetable supplier.
The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed. It not only benefited him but also gave Miao Jue a motive, and once he connected with the Liang family, it would benefit the workshop. As for the village chief, if persuaded by Miao Jue, he would surely give in!
Miao Liang’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he hurried away.
….
A few days later, the village chief, with an apologetic look, unusually visited Miao He’s house at night.
Accompanying him was an elderly couple, with the husband carrying a chicken.
Miao He was puzzled. What was this about?
After being invited in and seated, the village chief took a sip of water before speaking, “Sorry to disturb you so late. I assume you’ve both been busy with the new land. I came by several times earlier but couldn’t catch you, so I had to come at this hour.”
It was unusual for people to go out in the dark unless there was an urgent matter, hence the village chief’s explanation.
Yang Dalang also looked puzzled, “No problem. What brings you here?”
The elderly couple was Miao Li and his wife, Miao Liang’s parents and Miao Min’s future in-laws. They were close to Miao Jue’s family and usually had no dealings with the Yang family.
The village chief spoke with a heavy tone, “It’s my fault. I made a mistake and came to apologize to Dalang.”
Yang Dalang frowned slightly, “Please, go on.”
The village chief sighed, “At the village meeting, I encouraged everyone to plant more soybeans. Your Uncle Li quickly complied and marked a plot of land for soybeans. I was delighted and approved it without careful inspection. But it turns out, the land overlaps with your homestead! I was too careless. Now I have to come to apologize.”
Yang Dalang’s face became stern. He had anticipated something like this. Meanwhile, Miao He was still confused, holding the plump Da Bai cat who was eyeing the tied chicken.
The village chief continued, “It turns out your homestead is right in the middle of the land Uncle Li marked. It’s not feasible to split the plot now. I thought, since you recently acquired new land, you wouldn’t miss this piece. If you moved, Uncle Li’s soybeans would ensure no shortage for the workshop. After all, Uncle Li gave up his yard for the workshop, which was a great contribution to our village!”
The village chief sighed again as Miao Li’s wife, Li Aunty, eagerly looked around the house and asked Miao He, “He, can I check out the kitchen? Don’t worry, I won’t touch anything!”
Before Miao He could respond, Li Aunty had already headed to the back, making herself at home. Miao He was speechless.
Yang Dalang remained silent, his gaze scrutinizing the village chief and Miao Li. Miao Li, feeling guilty, avoided eye contact. He was willing to say anything for his son’s future.
Seeing no response, the village chief tried harder, “Dalang, don’t blame me for siding with Uncle Li. You don’t know how important the workshop and soybeans are for our village! Even if I acknowledge my mistake, supporting Miao Li sets an example. If I don’t help him, what will people think of me as a leader?”
This sounded like the village chief’s mistake should be ignored, and the victims should sacrifice for his reputation.
Yang Dalang suddenly said, “How much silver? We’ll buy all the land.”
The village chief and Miao Li were stunned. They had expected Yang Dalang to give up the lease without question.
Miao He also realized and nodded, “Yes, if that’s the case, we’ll buy all of Uncle Li’s land. He can find another plot. Moving our house and clearing the land is a lot of work.”
Li Aunty returned from the back, chirping, “Who said the house needs to be moved? The kitchen is clean and fine. Just expand a bit, and it’s enough. And He, don’t uproot the vegetables in the backyard when you move, leave them for me. I want to plant vegetables too.”
Miao Li’s face turned guiltier, and he anxiously glared at his wife.
“Vegetables?” Miao He was puzzled. Was this about the vegetables in the backyard?
Seeing them almost spill the beans, the village chief quickly put on a stern face and scolded.
“Even if you can buy the land, finding another plot takes time, delaying everything! It’s just about this mud house, isn’t it? Fine, I’ll have Uncle Li buy it! Just let them have the land for soybeans, and it’ll be a great thing for the village. I asked you to plant soybeans before, but you didn’t cooperate. Now, can’t you help Uncle Li? You have other land to build on. This lack of kindness is disappointing!”
Yang Dalang’s face grew darker. Whether for vegetables or soybeans, the village chief’s insistence was clear. The Yang family, being outsiders, often faced discrimination, depending on the village chief’s attitude.
Yang Dalang didn’t want direct conflict, considering his family. But the village chief had gone too far this time!
Was it because they had no power? Now they even wanted to take a small vegetable plot!
Feeling powerless to protect their land, Yang Dalang clenched his fists and slammed them on the table with a loud bang, breaking the village chief’s momentum.
The village chief stammered, “Am I wrong? This is also for your reputation. The Yang family has few connections in the village. Helping Uncle Li now will ensure mutual aid in the future. It’s not all bad…”
After a moment of silence, Yang Dalang said, “Fine. We’ll help.”
The village chief and Miao Li, who had thought all was lost, were overjoyed.
“Good, good! I knew Dalang understands the big picture. The village will remember your kindness! Since there’s a rush for the soybeans, can you move in half a month?”
“Twenty days,” Yang Dalang interrupted.
“Twenty days? Fine, no problem! I’ll praise the Yang family for your help! And I can find people to help you build the new house, faster and nicer!”
“No need. We’re busy, won’t see you out,” Yang Dalang stood to send them off.
The three were half pushed out, leaving the chicken behind.
On the way back, they realized they hadn’t discussed the house’s price. Miao Li wanted to return but was stopped by his wife, who scolded him, saying if they didn’t mention it, they wouldn’t have to pay more.
The village chief didn’t want complications either. If Yang Dalang mentioned the price, it might be a reason to refuse. Since he didn’t, they assumed they wouldn’t pay.
Back at their home, Miao He asked, “Are we really giving up the land?”
They did have other land, but the homestead was legally theirs, so why give it up?
Yang Dalang, feeling defeated, apologized, “I’m sorry. I was considering too many things.”
Miao He thought of their relatives. Offending the authorities was always the worst idea.
Understanding, Miao He patted Yang Dalang’s arm, “It’s okay. We’ll move. Moving to our own land feels better anyway. But I’ll uproot the backyard vegetables, hmph!”
Yang Dalang’s expression softened, “We’ll uproot the garden and tear down the house.”
Miao He’s eyes lit up, “Yes, if they want soybeans, let them grow soybeans!”
***
The next morning, Miao He woke to find Yang Dalang gone. Remembering he had mentioned going out, Miao He rushed to check the front yard, finding the hunting tools missing.
Feeling a mix of emotions, Miao He realized Yang Dalang had gone hunting secretly to save money for the new house they had discussed. They had planned to build a brick house, costing at least twenty taels, all their savings.
Yang Dalang must have gone to earn more money, sneaking out while Miao He was half-asleep. He hadn’t prepared food or brought ginseng slices for him.
Yang Dalang had left without proper preparation!
Angry and worried, Miao He decided he wouldn’t lose. This time, he wouldn’t hesitate to use the magical soil.
Rain : Guys… I won’t be translating this novel and ARBRMW on week-end anymore, too tired ah ?,? from Monday to friday only, will it be okay?
Discover more from Shy shy shy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Thank you for your hard work! And please take the time to rest on weekends!
Monday-Friday is fine! Just happy you are translating this! Thank you for your hard work!
Thanks for the chapter.
It’s no problem. Rest is important.
Thank You for the new chapter ?(????)
Go at the pace that you can handle, if that’s Monday-Friday that’s okay