Chapter 12: The Word "Money"

Originally somewhat hesitant, the elderly woman brightened up upon hearing this: “You’re really trying to save me just three wen? How about this—twenty wen, and I’ll pay you right away to take it.”

Old Mrs. Liu, seeing her reaction, immediately sensed a chance. “That won’t do. My grandson just said, the workmanship isn’t the same. For twenty wen, you can only get this one...”

Both women were seasoned household managers, equally matched in bargaining.

After a fierce exchange that left their lips dry, they each yielded a step. For twenty-six wen, plus an extra hair tie given to the elderly woman, the deal was struck.

After receiving the money, Old Mrs. Liu finally relaxed, her heart no longer heavy. “Today you’ve done a great deed! When we get home, whatever you want to eat, Grandma will buy it for you.”

“I don’t want to eat anything. Grandma, take me to school instead,” Wang Xuezhou said, resting his face on his hand as he watched Old Mrs. Liu carefully count the money again and again.

Hearing this, she instinctively refused. “That’s impossible! There are already two children studying at home, and so many mouths to feed. There’s no spare money.”

Wang Xuezhou, bearing memories from a past life, had witnessed the wholehearted love grandparents show their grandchildren. Naturally, he held no illusions about his current grandparents and thus felt no disappointment.

He knew this matter was somewhat beyond the capacity of Old Wang and Old Mrs. Liu.

His eldest uncle was the firstborn, and from childhood, they had high hopes for him. Even though he hadn’t progressed much over the years, they were reluctant to give up, since he was close to passing the scholar’s exam.

His eldest cousin was the first grandson, a figure of great significance to the elderly couple, someone who could succeed the eldest son, thus naturally favored.

He was younger, with an older brother above him, who was not only older but more capable and more diligent, as well as steady and honest in character, earning the couple’s greater affection.

Even if they considered him, their priority would always be the two eldest grandsons.

As for him, though also a grandson, there were degrees of favor—it was a matter of standing in their hearts.

His cousin Wang Xuewen barely managed to attend school, so it was naturally not so easy for him.

The key to breaking the deadlock was simply money.

As long as he kept reminding them, they would inevitably take it to heart.

They couldn’t afford to ignore it—his parents were not to be trifled with.

Having sold once before, Old Mrs. Liu now knew well how to sell, speaking eagerly without waiting for questions as soon as someone approached.

Though the market was crowded, many turned away at the price.

Wang Xuezhou observed several times and understood.

Even if it was well made, it was still just a wooden hairpin.

Twenty or thirty wen could buy a pound or two of meat; who had money to spend on this?

Those who came to the market were mostly average families; don’t talk to them about craftsmanship or materials—that’s all empty talk. Low prices rule.

Those who could afford better would rather buy from a shop than look at roadside stalls.

Perhaps their location wasn’t ideal. Otherwise, with Zhang’s skill, they wouldn’t have sold only four hairpins by the end of the morning market.

However, several hair ties were sold, as the prices were fair and the colors bright, better quality than those sold by common peddlers.

Pocketing the 180 wen earned from sales, Old Mrs. Liu was overjoyed, not a hint of disappointment.

“Let your mother make more hair ties when we return. These silk flowers are good enough. Maybe one day we’ll try selling some in the county town.”

“Grandma, let’s go to the county town tomorrow. Although our materials are scraps, they’re really good. I’ve already set the price low, but even so, it’s hard to sell in the town.”

Old Mrs. Liu hesitated. “The county town might be better for sales, but it’s farther from home, raising costs. Besides, our prices aren’t cheap; who could afford them? If we don’t find a good place, we might have to make several trips just to sell.”

He had thought of this problem too. A place with many women and decent spending power—he had one in mind—

A brothel.

But saying that aloud would surely get him into trouble; the whole family would take turns beating him.

If their family was known to frequent such places, the villagers might even disown them.

Moreover, with family members studying, Old Wang and the others would never want to tarnish their reputation by trading there.

“Then how about we try the rouge shop in town? If they like it, maybe they’ll have us deliver regularly. That could be a way to make money.”

That was a plan, but Old Mrs. Liu was uneasy and nervous.

She had never dealt with shopkeepers before in her life...

Without waiting for her, Wang Xuezhou packed up and headed straight to the town’s only rouge shop.

Old Mrs. Liu hurried after him.

Sanshi Town was large and lively, but considering the spending power, there was only one rouge shop—the Lin family’s.

The simple decor was no different from other shops nearby, giving a down-to-earth impression.

Wang Xuezhou entered without hesitation and explained their purpose.

Unfortunately, the shopkeeper glanced at their shabby clothes—an old woman and a boy—and dismissed them with a wave.

Old Mrs. Liu stepped out of the shop, unsurprised. “I knew it wouldn’t work. At least our hair ties sold well. We’ll just keep these flowers and sell them ourselves.”

“Grandma, hair ties don’t make much money. If I rely on them for school, I’ll never have a chance. If we’re going to sell, it has to be these silk flowers. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the city to sell them!”

“You little rascal, always talking about school! I’m so sick of it I could get calluses on my ears! Your eldest uncle has studied for so many years and cost the family a lot, but hasn’t earned a penny yet. If you keep studying and don’t do better than him, it’s just a bottomless pit!”

Wang Xuezhou smirked. “Why wouldn’t I be better than eldest uncle? When it comes to making money, I’m way better than him, who only knows how to spend.”

That hit a nerve with Old Mrs. Liu, who glared fiercely. “You little brat, how dare you speak of your elders like that?”

“I’m just stating facts, Grandma, even if you don’t like hearing it!” Wang Xuezhou made a face and dashed off toward home before she could grab him.

“You little scoundrel, just wait until I catch you!” Old Mrs. Liu pointed at him and began to chase after him with long strides.

Wang Xuezhou glanced back. Wow!

Grandma was surprisingly sturdy, chasing after him at a brisk pace...

Just one glance made him summon all his strength and sprint away.

If caught, he’d definitely get a beating.

“Hey, ugly!”

While running, Wang Xuezhou was blocked. Looking up, he saw his cousin Wang Xuewen, who was studying in town.

“Ugly, did you sneak out? You’re bold, with all these beggars outside. If someone caught you...”

“Cousin, let’s race to see who gets home first. The slower runner is the puppy!”

When his cousin was home, he was a genuine troublemaker; once he clung on, there was no shaking him off for half a day.