Wang Qingshan and his wife, along with Wang Qingyun and his wife, were genuinely surprised. They had absolutely not expected that their mother had called them to the old lady’s room to distribute money. They had initially thought some major trouble had occurred, especially since Tian Shi’s expression when she came to call them had been far from pleasant! Moreover, why would the elders of the family suddenly decide to give them money?

The Old Master and the Old Madam explained that their father, Wang Youliang, was now useful and earning a considerable income. Since the sons and daughters-in-law had not benefited from their father’s past earnings, it was only right that now that their father was making money, the sons should also enjoy the fruits of it.

This left Wang Qingshan’s couple and Wang Qingyun’s couple utterly astonished, particularly Wang Qingshan and his wife, considering they had already branched off.

Seeing the surprised looks on Wang Qingshan’s couple, the Old Master chuckled and remarked, “Whether you have branched out or not, your father remains your father, and you remain his son and daughter-in-law, don’t you?”

Over there, Wang Qingyun was initially surprised, but upon hearing the Old Master’s words, he reasoned that the Elder was correct. Since they were still the father’s sons and daughters-in-law, the logic held up.

Consequently, Wang Qingshan’s couple and Wang Qingyun’s couple were overjoyed; this was truly a gesture from the family elders!

Only Luo Yin felt differently. At that moment, her thoughts turned to Luo Qing—yes, Luo Qing. Because her own mother had secretly confided in her that Luo Qing and her husband were managing to save private funds, receiving an income every month. As for herself? There was no need to even consider it in the past; the in-laws had been so possessive they would have clutched every coin tightly. Now, although her father-in-law had become much more capable and was earning significantly, even dividing that income among his three sons, she ought to have been happy. Yet, the moment she considered the treatment Luo Qing and her husband received, any trace of joy vanished.

Luo Yin couldn't help but recall that when she was pregnant, she possessed no money of her own. Her diet consisted only of what was available at home, with only the occasional thought from the Old Lady to prepare something special for her and the child in her belly. Sometimes, when cravings struck, she could only endure them, daring not to mention it for fear of being criticized. Now, she reflected that if she had had money then, many situations could have been resolved much more easily.

Luo Yin couldn't stop thinking that if Luo Qing were pregnant, she wouldn't have to endure what she did! After all, they had substantial private savings. If she wanted something to eat, wouldn't having money solve it instantly? Luo Yin thought cynically. No, wait—if Luo Qing were pregnant, given her mother-in-law's family customs, they would likely hire special attendants to care for her, right? Especially since Luo Qing’s mother-in-law had received precisely that treatment during her own pregnancies. Luo Qing should be entitled to the same enjoyment. Luo Qing’s in-laws treated their daughter-in-law so well. Furthermore, Luo Qing had been married for quite some time now and still hadn't conceived; yet, there was no sign of her in-laws pressuring her—what good fortune she possessed.

While Luo Yin was lost in these thoughts, the Old Master and the others had already divided the money into three equal shares, one for each of the three brothers, including Qingshan. Although Luo Yin wasn't entirely happy internally, she still needed to present the perfect appearance on her face. Thus, Luo Yin chimed in with appropriate pleasantries, delighting the family elders immensely.

After Wang Qingshan and He Shi took their money back to their room, the couple couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves.

Wang Qingshan held his share of the money, sighing with genuine feeling, “It seems Father, Mother, and the Elders still care for us.”

He Shi didn't share that sentiment. “I can believe Father and the Elders care for us. As for Mother, I won't mince words—didn't you see how long her face was when she called us? Her look made it clear she was unwilling. It was probably the Elders who made the final decision, and Mother couldn't refuse.”

Wang Qingshan considered this and realized she was probably right, but he didn't dwell on it. After all, the money had been given to them. “Regardless, the money is ours now.”

He Shi also brightened, “Exactly. No matter what, we received the money. I was just worrying about how to afford food for Quan’er downstairs; I never expected the elders would send money—it truly is a timely rain.”

Hearing this, Wang Qingshan felt a pang of self-reproach. “Alas, it’s my fault. I’m useless at earning money, and now the family has nothing to buy fine food for Quan’er.”

Seeing Wang Qingshan so dejected, He Shi’s heart also ached. In their eyes, a child’s dietary needs were precious. For instance, the couple themselves could manage with coarse grain, but a child couldn't; they had to buy fine grains. Although their Second Uncle’s family had helped out previously, their own funds were still insufficient.

Despite this, He Shi didn't regret adopting the child. This child’s arrival had given them both hope, and she wouldn't hesitate even if it cost them every last penny.

“Stop blaming yourself. I’ve been thinking these last few days. Little Uncle is working at Second Uncle’s mill, earning five hundred cash a month. And Little Uncle intends to open his own shop eventually, so he won't stay at Second Uncle's place indefinitely. After he leaves, let’s discuss it with Second Uncle and Second Aunt—have you work as an odd-job helper at their mill. What do you think?” He Shi suggested.

Wang Qingshan thought this was a good idea. Working in a shop run by their own people meant he wouldn't be mistreated, and the monthly wages wouldn't be meager. As long as he could earn, Quan’er wouldn't have to suffer. But...

“Xiujuan, doesn't our Father also own a shop? Should I perhaps go work at Father’s shop?” Wang Qingshan asked.

He Shi shook her head. “No, that won't do. No matter what, we have branched out. If you went to Father’s shop, how would Second Brother and his wife, who haven't branched out, feel? They are aligned with Father. If anyone is to go, it should be Second Brother, don't you agree?”

Wang Qingshan paused, then nodded. “You are right. It wouldn't be proper for me to go to Father’s shop. I should find an opportunity to talk to Second Uncle and Second Aunt about working at their mill.”

He Shi nodded. “Yes. Around the New Year, we’ll prepare some gifts to take over and mention this matter then. I estimate Qing Tong won't stay after the New Year; he should be figuring out how to open his own shop then.”

“Agreed. Around the New Year festivities, I will speak with Second Uncle about this.” Wang Qingshan confirmed.

Unbeknownst to Wang Qingshan and He Shi, the household of Old Luo the Second was simultaneously contemplating Wang Qingtong’s vacant position.

This development stemmed from Luo Qing. Luo Qing was quite invested in the family mill. After what her mother had said previously, she was determined to keep control of the mill firmly within their branch of the family, which meant she had learned a great deal about the mill’s operations, including the fact that Wang Qingtong was merely learning and would soon open his own establishment. Only after later learning that Wang Qingchen was exceptionally skilled at earning money did she conclude that Wang Qingchen wouldn't be interested in taking over the family mill, which is when she stopped focusing on seizing control of the mill entirely.

However, even without that primary goal, she still desired to secure some benefit for her own family from the opening the mill position would create. After all, if her maternal relatives worked in the family mill, it would be beneficial for both her mother’s family and for her. Therefore, Luo Qing subtly hinted at this desire to Wang Qinghua.

Upon understanding Luo Qing’s intentions, Wang Qinghua did not immediately agree. In his view, the mill belonged to the entire extended family. If a replacement were to be chosen, it needed to be something known and agreed upon by everyone. Thus, Wang Qinghua intended to discuss the matter with his parents and younger brother after some time. If they raised no objections, then his in-laws could take Wang Qingtong’s place.

Although Wang Qinghua hadn't immediately consented, Luo Qing wasn't anxious. Wang Qingtong wasn't leaving yet, was he? It wouldn't be too late to discuss it once he was gone.

Meanwhile, at Wang Youtian’s residence, ever since Zhang Shi had resolved her mind last time, she decided that in the future, the focus would be on acquiring more land, and as for running a business, it was best forgotten, considering Wang Youtian’s temperament was unsuitable for it. Consequently, Zhang Shi hired a local land agent (Yaji) from town to monitor property sales. Although Zhang Shi didn't have a vast sum, combined with the money earned from selling flowers previously, she could manage about forty or fifty taels. During the preceding period, few people were selling land, and Zhang Shi specifically sought paddy fields, causing the search to drag on. Fortunately, not long after, the town's Yaji arrived, reporting that a family in a neighboring village needed to sell several mu of their paddy field quickly because their son had gambled heavily and accrued debts with the gambling houses that they couldn't repay. They were selling the paddy field because it was easier to liquidate quickly compared to dry land.

Zhang Shi and Wang Youtian went with the Yaji to inspect the property. The family owned seven mu of paddy field, and because they needed to sell urgently, the price was only eight taels of silver per mu.

Zhang Shi saw that the land was quite good, but seven mu would cost over fifty taels of silver—still more than they currently possessed. If she didn't secure it now, someone else might buy it. Borrowing from her maternal family would take too long to arrange, and she dared not gamble on such a short window, fearing someone else might snap up the deal. High-yield paddy fields were rare commodities when the harvest was good, and whenever one appeared, many people would rush to buy.

Zhang Shi pondered for a moment and decided to finalize the arrangement with the sellers first, telling them she would return for the money. This, she hoped, would deter them from seeking another buyer temporarily. She could then go borrow the remainder from Wang Yofu’s family; that shouldn't be a problem.

Thus, after making arrangements, Zhang Shi rushed back home. Meanwhile, Wang Youtian and the seller followed the Yaji to the agent’s office in town to draft the sales contract.