The price was acceptable to Shen Yunzhi. She then asked about the cost of a mule cart. That was relatively cheaper. The broker didn’t want to waste words with her and quoted a flat price — twenty-eight taels for the mule and cart together.
Since they didn’t know how to drive it, the broker escorted them home and taught Su Lao’er how to handle the mule cart along the way.
In the village, only the village head and the clan leader owned carts. Whenever there were weddings or funerals, people had to borrow from them — and of course, not for free. They always gave something in return.
When Shen Yunzhi returned riding in the mule cart, she instantly drew attention.
“I heard the Su family’s eldest daughter-in-law made quite a bit of money doing business. I didn’t believe it before — now she’s even bought a cart.”
“You don’t know? Her stall in the county town is doing extremely well. A few days ago I went there and saw a long line of people. I went closer to look — turns out it was her stall.”
“That’s right, that’s right. Every time before she even sets up, people are already lining up. She sells out so fast. And it’s expensive too — ten wen for one serving of ice jelly.”
“Ten wen? Is it made of gold?”
Most villagers knew Shen Yunzhi was doing business, but few thought highly of it. When they mentioned it before, it was usually to mock her. A few gossiping women had even made bets on how long she would last.
Now that they heard she was actually making money, the way they looked at her had completely changed.
The broker helped unload the cart and only left after confirming that Su Lao’er could handle driving it.
Shen Yunzhi was very satisfied with the service.
The Su elders had witnessed her transformation. Both of them felt genuinely pleased. Shen Yunzhi entrusted them with purchasing false groundcherry, giving them something purposeful to do. With renewed energy, the two elderly people worked enthusiastically — especially Old Madam Su, whose complexion had improved noticeably.
Supported by Old Master Su, Old Madam Su went to see the mule cart.
Only when she saw the mule with her own eyes did she truly feel that their life was getting better.
Su Jingci had been studying inside when he heard movement outside. He stepped out — and froze at the sight of the mule cart.
Just last month, their family had been so poor they couldn’t afford enough to eat. This month, they had bought a cart — and he could continue his studies. He wouldn’t have dared to dream of such a thing.
His only regret was that his younger sister had not yet been brought back.
Shen Yunzhi led him aside. “Why do you look so burdened? Still worried about the entrance exam in three days?”
Master Gu had agreed to accept Su Jingci as a disciple, but he would first test him. These past few days, whenever Su Jingci had a spare moment, he was reading.
“I miss my sister,” Su Jingci said carefully. “When will we bring her home?”
Shen Yunzhi lowered her eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to bring her back. It’s just… I think she may be better off in that household than with us.”
“Then can I at least go see her?” he pressed.
“Study hard. The day you pass the provincial exam and earn the title of xiucai, Mother will go with you to visit her.”
Su Jingci’s eyes lit up. After all these years, there was finally news of his sister.
That family held power and status. If he went after becoming a xiucai, it wouldn’t shame his sister.
“Oh right, Mother… about Cuiyun…” Su Jingci was about to leave for his studies. He only had two days off each month. He wanted to settle Cuiyun’s matter before he left.
“Have her come tomorrow. I’d like to meet her first.”
It was about time she saw what kind of woman had her son wrapped around her fingers.