Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home - Chapter 1381

Chapter 1381: Really Here

Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Xuan chuckled, saying, “I agree. Let’s wait and see.”

Shao Yunduan nodded in agreement.

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, Concubine Du would inevitably come to plead for mercy.

“If it turns out to be true, Liu Yan has presented us with a significant opportunity. We should retrieve her indenture. If she’s willing, we can arrange for her to leave the capital and provide her with two hundred taels of silver as a dowry to secure a proper marriage.”

They didn’t need to seek out wealthy families, but they would certainly avoid placing her with an unsuitable one. As long as she was willing to lead a quiet and obedient life, finding a family that offered stability wouldn’t be too challenging.

They couldn’t provide too much silver, as having an excessive amount could attract unnecessary trouble for a smaller family. With two hundred taels, she could construct a respectable green-brick tiled house, acquire over ten mus of land, and still have a significant sum set aside for emergencies. With diligence, her life would be comfortable.

Afterward, they could all go their separate ways, with no need for further entanglement.

Shao Yunduan smiled and commented, “That sounds like a great plan. If she has any sense, she’ll realize it’s the best outcome for her.”

With their decision made, they eagerly awaited New Year’s Eve.

In the early morning, spring couplets, door guardians, window decorations, red lanterns, and firecrackers adorned the area. Every household in the alley brimmed with festive cheer and activity. Children ran about with exuberance, undeterred by the cold weather, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the already spirited New Year’s celebration.

Children held a particular fondness for the holiday. They donned the new clothes they had eagerly preserved and pocketed snacks they couldn’t bear to eat at home. Most importantly, they knew that on this special day, no matter what mischief they got up to, the adults wouldn’t scold them. Such leniency was a rare treat!

Inside their mansion, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan busied themselves with New Year preparations.

After pasting the couplets, they entered the house. The house was as warm as spring, and the kang bed was warm. The two large braziers in the house were also burning vigorously.

The daffodils, crabapples, and orchids had long bloomed. There were also emerald green calamus, bamboo, and devil’s ivy, adding a touch of bright color to the house. The fragrance of the flowers was slightly intoxicating because of the warmth.

The evening’s menu had been decided upon a few days prior and preparations were well underway. The large seafood soup had simmered on the stove, perfectly timed for the evening feast.

Among the planned dishes were mushroom-stewed chicken, braised venison, stir-fried mutton with green onions, braised carp, chili-infused stir-fried meat, sautéed winter bamboo shoots, and sour and spicy cabbage to complete the auspicious number.

Around 10:30 a.m., a series of knocks echoed at the yard’s entrance. Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan exchanged knowing glances, surmising that their expected guests had arrived.

“Second Miss! Second Young Master! Please open the door! Open the door, I implore you!” Concubine Du’s voice carried a sharp, anguished tone, almost resembling a cry. It was truly distressing to hear.

Fortunately, it was daytime. Had this occurred at night, one might have believed the gates of the netherworld had swung open, unleashing a tormented spirit from the depths of hell!

“You are right!” Qiao Xuan remarked with a wry smile to Shao Yunduan. “Let’s go out and see.”

“Indeed, we must,” Shao Yunduan agreed.

The two of them led the way, with Lixia, Liqiu, Songshi, and Qingyan trailing behind, as they proceeded to open the door.

As it was New Year’s Eve, most families were at home. Upon hearing Concubine Du’s cries, a crowd had gathered to witness the unfolding spectacle. They encircled Concubine Du, engaging in hushed discussions amongst themselves.