Meeting

"That's right! I agree too! If my daughter can earn a lot of money with this skill, no man will be good enough for her! Even I, as her mother, will be proud!"

Madam Qian smiled: "Honestly, I'm deeply moved by all of you! They say a farmer's son is a treasure, while a daughter is mere grass. But here in Xujia Village, it's not like that at all! The girls are so lucky to have parents like you!"

"Heheheh! I think girls are much sweeter than sons. Look at this bamboo plant on the hem of my shirt—it was embroidered by my daughter. She says it brings peace and safety. It sure makes me feel warm inside!" One man chuckled.

"That's true! My daughter knows I like flowers and plants. See this red plum blossom on my collar? She embroidered that too! I cherish it so much!" Said the woman cheerfully.

Madam Qian nodded: "Mm-hmm, I planned to let the girls earn their own dowries with their own hands. I'm glad to hear you all agree!"

Another man spoke up: "My daughter's already saved some money she earned. From selling handkerchiefs and stuff to tourists, she has about ten taels of silver."

"People call my daughter a filial girl." One man said. "She insisted on giving me and her mother something special. We couldn't refuse her kindness. My wife even went to town to buy some fine fabric for her. But the girl secretly made it into clothes for her mother instead. When my wife saw, she hugged her daughter and started crying with joy."

"Haha! And you, the father, aren't jealous?" Hua'er's mother teased with a laugh. 

"Hehehe, why would I be jealous? We men who work outside can't wear fine clothes anyway. If our parents, wives, and children have nice clothes and enough food, that's the real measure of a man's ability!" the man replied, chuckling.

"You're right! Now, every family in our village has at least a hundred taels worth of savings, which was something we never even dreamed of before. I'm quite satisfied. Our daughter works hard for her money, so let's let her keep it!"

Madam Qian spoke up then: "Everyone, please listen. If this plan works, the value of each embroidered piece won't be what you're thinking. I'm aiming for high-quality work. Even if we split the earnings per person, each finished piece could earn at least a hundred taels. Over time, that adds up to a significant sum. Since the girls aren't old enough to marry yet, it's best to save this money in a bank for now."

"Wow! That's a lot of money!" Someone exclaimed.

"Indeed! With a special skill, women can earn more than men do!"

"I'll take Madame Yueru's advice then. When we start making money, I'll save it for my daughter's future."

"That's smart. We have enough food to eat and clothes to wear now. We shouldn't rely on our daughters' hard-earned money to support the family!"

"You're right. Embroidery is tough on the eyes. Sometimes my daughter uses a wet cloth to cool her eyes when they get tired from working too long. As a mother, it breaks my heart to see her like that."

Qibao chimed in: "Aunties, you can buy some pig liver and cook it for the girls. It's good for the eyes."

"Pig liver? Is that true?"

Qibao nodded: "Yes! But don't make them eat it every day!"

"That sounds great! I'll get pig liver for my daughter every once in a while!"

"Great! I'll buy some as soon as my shop takes a break."

Qibao said: "If you're busy, my uncle often goes to town. We can have him bring some back for you."

"That sounds perfect! Thank you so much, Qibao!"

Others chimed in, expressing their gratitude.

"In my opinion, Madame Yueru is truly a benefactor for our children. If it weren't for her, our girls wouldn't know any embroidery at all!"

"You're right! When I get home, I'll make sure my daughter understands to treat Madame Yueru with the same respect she shows me!"

Madame Qian smiled and said: "Please don't go overboard. I really enjoy with these girls, they're all so clever, obedient, and hardworking. When the time comes for them to marry, I'd be happy just to share in their joy. There's no need for such elaborate gratitude."

"Madame Yueru, when our girls get married, you'll be a guest of honor. They won't leave home unless they show you proper respect."

"That's right. You've given our children confidence, and you're their pillar of support."

Madame Qian replied: "You're too kind! In fact, the ones who should be truly grateful are the Xu family!"

Everyone laughed at that and said: "Madame Yueru, we already treat the Xu family as our own. The best way to thank them is to do our best on every task the old man gives us! That's all we can really do, put in our hard work!"

Mrs. Wang smiled and said: "I know what everyone's thinking. The village's future will still depend on all of you."

Everyone nodded.

With that, the meeting was over. Everyone had said their piece, and it was time to go.

Madam Qian said happily: "Wow! I've actually done something meaningful! From now on, I'll make sure to run the embroidery shop properly."

Mrs. Wang laughed and said: "I told you the kids' parents would definitely agree. They are all children of the Xu family, and they are really kind to their children."

Madam Qian said: "Auntie, I'm truly amazed. Not a single person said they wanted to take the children's earnings for their families. Everyone is thinking only for their children. The village's spirit is truly ingrained deep in everyone's hearts."

Mrs. Wang said proudly: "That's right! That's why I'll never leave Xujia Village!"

Madam Qian said: "Aunt, I want to settle down in Xujia Village in the future. Can you tell the village chief?"

Mrs. Wang exclaimed: "Hey! What's the big deal! You, your husband, and the two kids can live in my house!"

Madam Qian shook her head: "No, not for now. When Wenwu chooses his wife and they have children, then it'll be too crowded. I'd like to find a house in Xujia Village for our four-person family."

"Alright then." Mrs. Wang continued: "When your husband comes back, you all discuss it and then talk to the village chief. Since you've been kind to the village children, he'll agree."

Madam Qian nodded in agreement.

Uncle Fu opened the door. Cui Cancan, now dressed neatly, was preparing to go for a walk.

Mrs. Wang laughed: "Cancan, going for another walk? I can see you've lost weight!"

Cui Cancan smiled back: "Granny Xu, I can feel my tummy shrinking too!"

Madam Qian spoke up: "Cancan, once you lose enough, I'll make you a beautiful dress. You've got to keep working hard at it, okay?"

Cui Cancan nodded: "Great. I really appreciate it, Aunt Ru. I'll do my best!"

With that, she ran out of the room.

Mrs. Wang smiled: "At first, I never thought this girl could hold on for so long. It's been quite a struggle for her."

"You're right. She gave me quite a scare when she first arrived! But even though she was timid before, she has determination! Her personality has changed a lot now, though."

Mrs. Wang nodded with a smile: "I heard this girl is Chenyu's fiancée, but the engagement was arranged by their families."

Madam Qian said: "Young Master Su is indeed a handsome and accomplished young man. If this girl loses more weight, her features aren't bad either. They might actually make a good match!"