The Wang Youfu household had truly emptied their last reserves just to put up the frame of the new house, and that sum barely covered the structure, let alone any interior finishing. Now that Wang Qingchen had brought back thirty taels of silver earned from Boss Xue, this predicament was dramatically alleviated.

The entire family naturally grasped this; even Wang Youfu was already mentally calculating which skilled carpenter to hire for custom furniture. Thinking of all-new furnishings accompanying the new house, Wang Youfu’s normally stern countenance softened considerably.

The rest of the family remained unaware that Wang Qingchen had sold a seedling grown from a seed. They assumed the thirty taels were a reward for reviving the new plant variety, but only Wang Qingchen knew the truth. Precisely because he knew, Wang Qingchen treasured these small seedlings even more dearly. These were money—twenty taels apiece! Wang Qingchen had recently developed a new obsession: counting his seedlings whenever he had a moment, each tally bringing a fresh wave of happiness.

That day, Old Luo Er and Chen shi came over to lend a hand. Though they claimed to be helping, they likely came more to see how far along the Wang Youfu house construction had progressed.

When the couple arrived, though only a fraction of the house was built, the general layout, room sizes, and number of chambers were already discernible. It was precisely this visibility that filled the couple with uncontrollable excitement. Their daughter Qing’er had found such a wonderful in-law family! Look at this new house being built—it was the envy of every surrounding village! Thinking of their daughter soon residing in such a grand dwelling, Chen shi felt certain she would hold her head higher in the village from then on. Wouldn't all the other families, especially those with daughters, be absolutely consumed by envy?

Old Luo Er was equally delighted, which translated into him working with greater vigor. This effort led the construction workers to frequently praise the Wang Youfu family for securing such fine in-laws.

Hearing these praises, the happiest person was undoubtedly Wang Qinghua. His thought was that if others praised his future in-laws so highly, his parents might treat Luo Qing a bit better in the future. He still remembered their previous exchange where merely defending Luo Qing a few times had soured his parents’ moods, leading him to believe they held reservations about her. Now, with others flattering his future in-laws in front of his parents, how could he not be pleased? Thus, Wang Qinghua also toiled with exceptional diligence these past few days.

Observing Wang Qinghua's industriousness, Old Luo Er and Chen shi were deeply satisfied. After all, marrying a diligent husband meant the household economy would not suffer, and their daughter would endure far less hardship.

In Chen shi's estimation, such an occasion bringing face to the family simply could not be kept quiet. Before long, many people in Matián Village learned about the wonderful in-laws Luo Er's family had found, the wealth of the in-laws’ household, and the splendor of the new house. Among these listeners, of course, was the elder daughter-in-law of Luo Er.

“That shallow-sighted woman, truly never having seen the world. It’s just a new house, why is she bragging as if no one else has ever built one?” the elder daughter-in-law grumbled angrily.

“You too,” Luo Er, the elder brother, said while sitting beside her. “You already called her shallow-sighted, why bother arguing with her?”

“I just can’t stand her smugness. The Luo Ers are building a house, and if you didn't know better, you'd think it was their own construction!” Although the elder daughter-in-law understood Chen shi’s usual demeanor, a knot of resentment tightened in her chest.

Luo Er considered this for a moment, then spoke slowly, “It’s not the Luo Er family building the house anyway; why should we care about her rambling? Let Second Aunt say whatever she wants; it has nothing to do with us.”

“How is it nothing to do with us? Doesn't she just want her Qing’er to overshadow our Yin’er? Doesn't she consider what kind of person our Yin’er is versus what kind of person her Qing’er is? So what if they found good in-laws! No, I can’t swallow this affront. Today, I am going to see exactly what kind of house the Wang Youfu family is building to warrant such boasting!” With that, the elder daughter-in-law tidied herself up, preparing to head to Wangjia Village.

“Hey, I said, why are you so impulsive!” Luo Er, the elder brother, protested.

Although Luo Er tried to dissuade her, his wife possessed a stubborn nature once her mind was set. She paid no heed to his objections, grabbed some eggs as a pretext for visiting her daughter, and set off for Wangjia Village.

The elder daughter-in-law decided to visit her daughter first, heading straight to the old Wang residence.

After a brief chat with the old madam and Tian shi, the elder daughter-in-law carried her items over to her daughter’s room.

Luo Yin was somewhat surprised by her mother’s visit at this hour, but after a few exchanges, she understood the true reason behind the visit.

Luo Yin sighed, “Mother, Second Aunt isn't wrong. The new house Qingyun Second Uncle is building is indeed magnificent; it’s probably the finest in our vicinity.”

“Is it really that good?” The elder daughter-in-law remained skeptical.

Luo Yin offered no further words, merely nodding.

“Tell me, with that Second Aunt’s personality, how is it that all the good fortune seems to fall to her?” the elder daughter-in-law lamented, unresigned.

Luo Yin paused only briefly upon hearing this before regaining composure. “Mother, you don't need to compare me to Cousin Qing’er. While my life might not be as affluent as what the Qingyun Second Uncle’s family is achieving, it is still better than what most families experience.”

“So, it’s still not as good?” The elder daughter-in-law was displeased. Then, suddenly, something struck her. “Wait, aren’t the old master and madam the most partial to your branch of the family? Since the Wang Luo Er family is doing so well, why haven’t the elders made the Second Branch support your First Branch?”

“Mother, if we’re talking about support, there has been some. I’m telling you, but you mustn't tell anyone,” Luo Yin said, looking concerned.

“Fine, tell me. I’m not your Second Aunt; I know how to keep my mouth shut,” the elder daughter-in-law replied impatiently.

“Second Uncle Qingyun gave our First Branch flower seeds, and he gave some to the Third Branch too. Some have already grown into small seedlings. I heard they sell for a lot of money to big bosses in town! Didn't the Wang Qingyun family build their fortune on this?” Luo Yin lowered her voice.

“Really? The Second Branch is helping out your branch and the Third Branch like this?” The elder daughter-in-law was surprised.

Luo Yin nodded. “Even though it was only given to the children, who can’t see this as support for us? The old master and madam are very pleased with the Second Branch for doing this.”

“Don’t be fooled by small kindnesses. If the Second Branch is being this generous with support, imagine how much they must be earning themselves!” the Luo Er elder daughter-in-law countered, unaware that her thinking mirrored that of Wang Youliang and Tian shi—their in-law relationship shared some surprising points of agreement.

“Mother, why would you say that? It’s wonderful that they are helping us. Those flowers are worth a lot of money. Think about it, in our area, what other family is as generous as the Wang Qingyun Second Branch?” Luo Yin strongly disagreed with her mother’s view.

“They are already so wealthy, what’s the harm in lending a hand? I never thought Qing’er would have such good fortune, finding such excellent in-laws. I heard Wang Luo Er’s wife is also easy to get along with,” the Luo Er elder daughter-in-law said with envy.

Luo Yin remained silent.

“Oh, right. Since those flowers are so valuable, you should try to get some seeds for our family too. You still have several younger brothers and sisters!” the elder daughter-in-law suggested.

Luo Yin froze at this request. “Mother, I don't have that capability now. I’m not familiar with the Second Branch. The elders in our family watch the seeds the Second Branch gave our First Branch very closely; they never passed through my hands. I haven't even warmed the ground yet!”

Luo Yin had originally planned to mention the matter of Wang Qingshan and He shi moving out to live separately, hoping her mother could help inquire about what the couple was doing that afternoon. But hearing her mother speak like this, she decided to keep quiet.

The mother and daughter spoke of other matters for a while longer before the elder daughter-in-law departed. Naturally, on the way back, she made a detour past the construction site of Wang Youfu's new house. After gathering all the details, she felt both jealous and envious of the Luo Er family; having secured such fine in-laws, who knew how many advantages they might claim in the future!

After the elder daughter-in-law left, Luo Yin felt inexplicably low in spirits, unsure if it was disappointment in her mother or something else. Forcing down her fatigue, she prepared dinner but ate very little herself, finally collapsing onto the kang bed once all her chores were done.

Wang Qingyun returned from helping at Wang Youfu's house to find his wife still listless on the kang, feeling puzzled. Usually, Luo Yin would be doing embroidery work by this hour; perhaps she was simply tired today.

“Yin’er, Yin’er, what’s wrong?” Wang Qingyun sat gently on the kang and called out softly.

“Mm…” Luo Yin dazedly opened her eyes, seeing Wang Qingyun calling her. “Why are you back so early today?”

“Huh? I’m not. I came back at the usual time today?” Wang Qingyun was confused.

“What? Then what time is it now? Oh no, dinner isn't even made yet!” Luo Yin was fully awake now. Had she slept through the entire afternoon? What if her mother-in-law found out?

“Don't rush. You look a bit pale. Did something happen today?” Wang Qingyun asked with concern.

Luo Yin was pleased by Wang Qingyun’s care. “It’s nothing, just my mother visited for a short while this morning, and I chatted with her.”

“But you look unwell. Should I go find a physician to examine you?” Wang Qingyun suggested.

“No, no need. I’ll go make dinner right now.” Luo Yin refused.

“No, what if there’s something serious? You lie here comfortably. I’ll go tell Mother right away and fetch a physician to check on you.” With that, Wang Qingyun ran out.