LGSLAW : Chapter 48 – Three-in-One

Zhang Mian had already labeled Li Zhaodi as someone who kept information to herself. Seeing Li Zhaodi’s surprise now, she assumed it was an act. Losing patience, she directly said, “Yes, such a big thing, and our side of the family didn’t know a thing. We had to hear it from others! Isn’t that ridiculous? I’m going to tell Mother later. Sister-in-law, you should also go and explain.”

What was there for Li Zhaodi to explain? Since asking Yang Dalang for six taels of silver, she had been quietly spending the money. Now, hearing that Yang Dalang had built a green brick house, she had an ominous feeling…

The two of them went to the old woman.

When the old woman heard that they had built a green brick house, her eyes lit up. Zhang Mian fanned the flames, saying, “Think about it, when Dalang married He Ge’er, there was hardly any bride price. We agreed to it back then because their family was struggling. Now that they’re well off, it’s not unreasonable to ask for a little compensation.”

Li Zhaodi broke out in a cold sweat. Hadn’t she used this excuse herself!?

The old woman nodded, “That’s reasonable. Third daughter-in-law, do as the second daughter-in-law says. You’re He Ge’er’s mother, it’s appropriate for you to talk to them.”

But how could Li Zhaodi dare to speak up? She still had two IOUs with Yang Dalang! She shook her head repeatedly, “That won’t work! Mother, no matter how much the bride price was, our family agreed to it. Asking for money now is unreasonable, and they won’t listen to us!”

Zhang Mian almost accused Li Zhaodi of wanting to pocket the money herself. In Zhang Mian’s mind, since He Ge’er was raised by the family, any bride price should belong to the family. So the compensation should also be handed over to the family, right?

Zhang Mian sneered, “If you can’t ask, I’ll do it myself, even if it means losing face. I also want to see if the green brick house is real or not.”

Li Zhaodi looked distressed and couldn’t respond. The old woman made a decisive decision, “We should go. Since third daughter-in-law doesn’t want to, second daughter-in-law, you go.”

Zhang Mian smiled triumphantly at Li Zhaodi, “Alright, Mother. I’ll definitely get the money from Dalang! If we get the money, we can celebrate your sixtieth birthday at the teahouse where A xing works.”

Miao He’s second uncle, Miao Xing, worked at a mid-sized teahouse in town, not as grand as Yangshui Teahouse or Dahe Restaurant, but respectable. Holding a birthday celebration there would be prestigious.

The old woman was pleased.

However, Li Zhaodi was anxious, “I should go too. I can help persuade He Ge’er.”

The old woman frowned, “No need, there’s enough work at home. Stay put.”

Zhang Mian laughed and left for He Ge’er’s house.

***

Miao He didn’t know he would have visitors today. After sending Yang Dalang off, he saw Da Bai and the puppies awake, rolling around in the box. He gave them some of the leftover rice and eggs, making sure to include bits of cured meat.

While feeding them, Miao He advised, “You guys need to grow up to protect us. Don’t be like Da Bai, who only eats fruits. Eat more meat, got it?”

The black kitten didn’t know its master was badmouthing it. It had already taken charge of the puppies, slapping Si Mao for trying to steal from Er Mao, showing its authority.

Miao He laughed, “If you could swat mice like that, it’d be great.”

Afterwards, Miao He went back to dealing with the miraculous soil. They had used up too many things during the hot pot feast, especially rice, which was nearly gone. He needed to restock quickly. He also loved the pickled radish, cucumbers, and peanuts, which he had generously served to guests and now needed to replenish.

He set up a small stool in a shaded, breezy spot next to a beautiful field of gentian flowers and began his work. After a while, Da Bai led the four chubby puppies out to explore the yard.

The white butterflies fluttered among the gentian flowers, fascinating the five little animals.

The late summer sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a dappled pattern. The shade was cool, and the sounds of insects and birds were ever-present.

Miao He wondered if he and Yang Dalang had ever sat quietly together in their yard. It seemed they hadn’t even used the rocking chairs much since moving in.

Since moving in, they had been busy non-stop. The external affairs kept Yang Dalang even busier. But even while striving for the future, one should occasionally stop to rest, appreciate what they already have, and be grateful.

Enjoying the breeze, Miao He decided that starting tomorrow, he would make time for him and Yang Dalang to relax. In their current state, he had the final say on everything.

As he continued working slowly, expecting a peaceful day, a flash of white light suddenly appeared before his eyes again! With a familiar pop, a scene he had seen before reappeared.

This time, Miao He wasn’t as surprised as the first time.

It’s just that the miraculous soil upgraded again!

Looking at his palm, the white light flashed back into the soil, now lying quietly in his hand.

The quantity had increased from two to three!

Miao He observed closely, “It seems like there’s simply one more. They all look the same.”

Just as he finished speaking, the light in his palm flashed again!

The three round pieces of soil merged into a single, slightly golden piece!

The soil moved slightly in Miao He’s palm as if showing off.

Is this a three-in-one transformation!?

Miao He was indeed delighted! Combining three into one golden piece likely meant new functions! Without delay, he decided to experiment. Right next to him was the herb garden, so he tossed the golden piece into it.

Immediately, not just one or two plants, but an entire section of gentian plants grew rapidly before his eyes, just like when he used the soil on a single plant!

Miao He’s eyes widened, “So, this means it now works by area instead of quantity!?”

In detail, previously, one piece of soil could enhance one plant. Two pieces would enhance two plants. Now, the three-in-one version seemed to have a combined energy that could cover a small area! All plants within this energy range would have the same quality as those grown with a single piece of soil!

“Wow, this is so convenient! Now I can plant mung beans, rice, and wheat all at once! But I need to figure out the exact range…”

As he tried to sense it, something even more amazing happened!

He realized that the energy area could be controlled at will!

In other words, with a thought, he could expand the energy area to cover more ground, nourishing more plants! If he wanted the same strength as before, the area would be about ten square meters.

This new function made Miao He’s eyes sparkle!

Now he could spread the energy to cover more of the vegetable fields, even the orchard! He wouldn’t have to worry about the soil being too potent and producing unusually high-quality crops that might arouse suspicion.

Besides using the soil for their food, he no longer needed to grow plants for fertilizer separately; he could just use the AOE effect to fertilize the fields daily!

But how to balance the dilution of the energy required careful experimentation!

Miao He planned to continue testing when the doorbell rang in the distance.

“Ding ding ding…” indicating a visitor.

Miao He sighed, put away the soil, and went to answer the door, followed by the curious Da Bai and the puppies.

Opening the door, Miao He found the village head with a stiff expression.

“Hey, He Ge’er, is Dalang home?” The village head greeted, his small eyes darting around, trying to peek inside the fence.

However, when planning the garden, Miao He had included elements of a tourist farm. The path through the fence was lined with berry bushes and fruit trees, blocking the view of their new house from the gate.

Miao He and Yang Dalang had no idea that the presence of their guests’ carriages had caused a stir in the village. There were two routes from town to their new home, one through the village and one around it. The guests had taken the village route, and the couple, being busy, hadn’t noticed. Now, the news of their high-profile guests had spread through the village, making the village head extremely anxious.

After all, the number of carriages indicated Yang Dalang’s strong connections in town. The Liang family alone, having its head personally visit for a hot pot feast, signified a deep relationship. The village head knew that the Liang family was close to the town officials, who appointed him. If Yang Dalang had a good relationship with the Liang family, a few words could easily jeopardize his position as village head.

Thinking of this, the village head could no longer sit still.

He had previously supported Miao Li in bullying Yang Dalang’s family and had blatantly sided with the Miao family during their banquet, ignoring Yang Dalang’s invitation. If Yang Dalang held a grudge, what would he do?

Securing a job at the workshop was important, but not as crucial as his position as village head!

Moreover, the villagers said that Yang Dalang’s new house was made of green bricks, something even Mr. Miao couldn’t afford. Yang Dalang had quietly built such a house, and the village head had no idea what resources or connections he had!

Worried, the village head brought a gift to express his regret for not attending the previous day.

Miao He saw the sweat on the village head’s forehead but didn’t want to invite him in, so he said, “Village head, did you come to see Dalang? He won’t be back until the evening. If you need him, I can have him visit you tomorrow.”

Hearing the refusal, the village head’s heart sank. He forced a smile, “It’s not urgent. I just wanted to apologize for missing the hot pot feast yesterday and bring a gift to congratulate you on your new home.”

With that, he handed over a plate of corn cakes made by his wife.

Miao He was taken aback and quickly shook his head, “No need to be so formal, village head. This isn’t necessary.”

“No, no, He Ge’er, you must accept this! Your move was partly my responsibility, and I can’t let it go unacknowledged. Please take it. I won’t feel right if you don’t,” the village head insisted, almost pressing the cakes into Miao He’s hands.

As they were pushing and pulling, a second visitor arrived.

“Well, isn’t it the village head? And He Ge’er, why are you both standing at the door?” Zhang Mian greeted naturally.

The village head composed himself, “Ah, Aunt Mian. I’m here to deliver a gift for the hot pot feast. Are you here to see He Ge’er too? What a coincidence.”

Zhang Mian was puzzled, “A gift for the hot pot feast? Do you need to bring a gift?”

“Of course. I couldn’t come yesterday because of an urgent matter, so I’m making up for it today,” he replied.

Is he implying I don’t know proper etiquette? Zhang Mian twitched her lips, “The village head is indeed courteous, unlike us ordinary folks. He Ge’er, you should accept it. It’s a gift from an elder, after all.”

Miao He just smiled, “What brings you here, Aunt? Dalang isn’t home today. If you need him, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

Hearing that Yang Dalang wasn’t home, Zhang Mian’s eyes lit up! She said cheerfully, “You’re funny, He Ge’er. Can’t I come over without needing something? I missed the hot pot feast, so I had to come by today. Let me in, won’t you?”

Before Miao He could respond, the village head chimed in, “Yes, yes, I haven’t seen Dalang’s new house yet. I need to see it to feel assured.”

These two seemed to have forgotten their usual behavior—a never-visiting aunt and a village head who had previously bullied them.

Miao He thought, fine, let’s see what they’re up to.

Rain : Really shameless…

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