Xu Jianing slept very soundly that night.
As soon as it was barely light, she woke up.
Upon arriving at the Kitchen, Eldest Sister Xu Jiayin was busy as usual.
Several steaming basins of Honey Chestnuts were already placed to the side.
Xu Jianing looked at her with some heartache, "Sister, how early did you wake up to make this! There's no need to work yourself so hard, really, our family can still get through this. I have other ways to earn more money."
Xu Jiayin smiled at her and rubbed her hair, "It's fine, I couldn't sleep anyway. Father went out very early; he probably won't have time to accompany you to Town today. I'll go with you in a bit. Try what I made."
Xu Jianing took one with a pang of sadness and started eating it.
She had to admit that her Eldest Sister did everything better than her in every aspect.
She nodded in satisfaction, praising her without reservation, "Sister, it's a waste if you don't open a Restaurant with these skills. Wait, once I earn money, I will definitely rent a shop and give it to you."
Xu Jiayin smiled, "Then Sister will wait. I believe that day will come."
When it was completely light, knocking sounds came from outside the door, "Brother Dongyang, it's me, Jingde."
Hearing the sound, Mother Xu stumbled out of the room, "Jingde, why are you here so early? Your Brother Dongyang went to the Mountains and hasn't returned yet. Is something the matter?"
"Sister-in-law, I just wanted to ask where you plan to settle down? After returning, I discussed it with Xiuyun and the others; why don't you all stay at my place for a while?"
Father Xu, returning from hunting outside, happened to overhear his words.
"Jingde, thank you for your kindness. Yesterday, I went to the Village Head again to ask him to help me see if there was any land for sale; we need a new home. Coincidentally, there is an Empty plot of land at the foot of the mountain that is quite suitable for settling."
Xu Jingde looked at him in surprise, "Brother, you are planning to buy land for House construction?"
Father Xu didn't treat him as an Outsider and told him everything the Village Head had said.
Upon learning that just the land cost six taels of Silver, Xu Jingde sighed, took out one tael of Silver from his pocket, and handed it over, "Brother, this is my private money; take it for emergencies first."
"How can that be acceptable? Don't worry about the money. Look, I hunted quite a lot today. I estimate I can gather some money by selling it. It's not easy for you either; you should take this money back. Your kind intention is enough."
Xu Jingde was determined to make him accept it, "Brother, take it. If you hadn't saved me back then, you wouldn't have broken your leg in an accident. I implicated you."
It turned out there was such a story. It was no wonder Xu Jingde was particularly concerned about their family's affairs.
The two argued for a long time, and it was only when Xu Jianing made the decision to repay him in a different way that they stopped.
Sitting on the Ox cart, Xu Jianing hummed a little tune proudly.
Xu Jingde drove the cart and said, "You Girl are in a good mood. You sly thing, you knew I wanted to give the money to your Father, yet you didn't help me persuade him. Tell me, what can I help with once we get to Town?"
"Uncle Jingde, your task is quite arduous. My Father can't come today, so you have to help protect us Two sisters! When we sell Chestnuts later, you stand by and help with the packing. That will count as repaying the favor."
Xu Jingde shook his head with a slight smile. Even if she hadn't said so, he would have watched over them anyway.
After all, having two young girls doing business there was somewhat unsettling.
Soon, they arrived at Town.
Following Father's instructions, Xu Jianing had Xu Jingde first take them to the back door of the Restaurant. After handing the prey to the Steward inside, they quickly received four taels of Silver.
With that delay, by the time they reached their usual spot for setting up the stall, it was already surrounded by many people.
Upon seeing them, someone in the crowd shouted loudly, "Hurry up and line up! The Girl who sold Chestnuts before is here."
"Girl, you're finally here. I thought you wouldn't come today. Your Chestnuts are really good; my Old Madam and the children all love them."
The person speaking was a previous customer, a repeat buyer.
Old Wang, who sold Pork, also saw them. He quickly went over to help, "Girl, you've finally arrived. Look at these people; they came very early, waiting to buy your Honey Chestnuts."
"Also, I got quite a lot of the Pig offal you asked for this time. Girl, what do you want those things for? They are fishy and smelly; how can you eat them?"
Xu Jianing smiled and told him mysteriously, "Uncle Wang, wait until I make something delicious out of it, and I guarantee you'll regret saying that."
After saying that, she got busy.
This time she brought an extra bowl. Two people sold Honey Chestnuts, and one person collected the money; the three of them were constantly busy.
Soon, both baskets of Chestnuts were sold out.
Xu Jianing rubbed her slightly aching wrist and turned to speak to Uncle Wang, "Uncle Wang, do you have any Pig trotters or similar items left? In a few days, I want to exchange for something else to sell. The family is urgently short of Silver; I need to sell something valuable."
"Yes, yes, I can get you as many as you need. However, you must tell me in advance."
After chatting for a while longer, Xu Jianing threw the Pig offal into the basket, bought some things at the Grocery store, and then left.
When they returned home, many people were gathered at the entrance.
Xu Wangshi was leading people, guarding the main gate, and said in an unfriendly tone, "What now? Haven't you left yet? Wasn't it agreed that you would move out today? Are you trying to renege and stay? If you won't leave, that's fine too; bring the money, and we'll sell this house to you."
Xu Jianing jumped down from the Ox cart, "I think you've gone crazy from poverty! Who cares about your dilapidated house. Father, Mother, we're back. We can move now; Uncle Jingde parked the Ox cart at the door."
"Right, we'll load the cart now. Hmph, as if we care about it. When Changyang and the others make it big in the future, don't come crawling back. Ptooey, what trash!"
Xu Jingde spat angrily.
"You..." Xu Wangshi was so angry she stomped her feet, but no one paid her any attention.
The onlookers who had gathered to watch consciously made way. Some even kindly lent a hand.
Actually, Xu Jianing's family had very few belongings: two wooden chests, a few sets of worn-out quilts, and some pots, bowls, and utensils; one Ox cart was enough to load everything.
After packing up, Father Xu handed the Key to Xu Wangshi without hesitation, "Here is the Key. We have moved everything out. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other!"
This time there was no reluctance. The family left cleanly and decisively.
For them, a new life was just beginning.