Chapter 13: Buying Houses and Land Again

Tong Zhifei himself admitted it; the matter of the stolen money was laid bare.

Under Tong Shan’s stern gaze, even the old Madam Tong dared not utter another word of excuse. Before everyone, she solemnly promised to return every coin stolen from Tong Chuxue.

After several dealings with the Tong family, Tong Chuxue had long since lost faith in their integrity.

Following old Madam Tong back to the Tong household, amidst a chorus of curses, Tong Chuxue smoothly retrieved the stolen silver. She also handed old Madam Tong a medicinal herb—a brew of which could counteract the poison afflicting Tong Zhifei.

In truth, the poisonous plant Tong Chuxue had planted was not lethal in its toxicity; Tong Zhifei’s young age simply caused a stronger reaction. The vomiting episodes had already purged most of the toxin from his body. A simple decoction of the antidotal herb would complete his recovery.

She had intended to use that money for something significant, so regaining it brought Tong Chuxue immense relief.

Accompanied by Xu Jinniang, she returned to the village chief’s residence.

Upon seeing Tong Chuxue, Tong Shan greeted her with a smile. “What brings you here? Another favor to ask?”

Tong Chuxue winked playfully. “Of course, it’s an important matter. We want to buy a piece of land in the village. I wonder if there’s any vacant land for sale. Also, my mother and I don’t even have a proper home. If there are any old houses in the village, we’d like to buy one as well.”

Hearing their request, the village chief produced the land ledger, which documented all parcels within the village. After scanning the pages carefully, Tong Shan pointed to one entry and said, “I know your silver is limited. If you want to buy an acre of farmland and a house, you’re still a bit short. But there’s a spot by the back hill you might consider.”

“That piece originally belonged to a family in the village. The parents died early, and their daughter married out to another village, leaving the house empty. The house isn’t large, but it’s enough for the two of you. The young woman was alone and not very strong, so she sold the prime farmland and had an acre of wasteland opened up near the house. The yield isn’t high, but it was enough for her alone.”

Having the house next to the fields suited Tong Chuxue perfectly—it would allow them to avoid prying eyes and prevent envy from growing in the village.

Compared to Tong Chuxue’s satisfaction, Xu Jinniang was somewhat worried. “Dry land yields less, and since it was originally wasteland, the soil might be poor.”

“Mother, think about it. Even if we bought good farmland, our silver might not be enough. Plus, about working the fields—if you stay alone at home, I won’t feel at ease; if I’m alone, you won’t either. I think this place is quite good,” Tong Chuxue reasoned.

Tong Shan nodded, “What Snow Girl says is right. Though the yield is a bit low, an acre should be just enough food for you two.”

But this way, year after year, they would only grow enough to eat, unable to save a single coin. Xu Jinniang fretted over how Tong Chuxue’s marriage could ever be arranged.

“Village chief, how much would it cost for this land and the house?” Tong Chuxue asked.

“The farmland made from wasteland is cheaper—five taels per acre. The old house occupies half an acre and costs three taels. Altogether, eight taels,” Tong Shan replied.

Tong Chuxue was surprised. That price was clearly calculated by Tong Shan based on their limited funds, choosing the most expensive option they could just afford.

“But the house is quite dilapidated. You’ll need to repair it and buy household items. The field is overrun with weeds and will need clearing. You must think carefully before buying,” Tong Shan added.

Xu Jinniang hesitated and pulled Tong Chuxue aside. “Snow, I’m afraid our silver won’t cover all this.”

Tong Chuxue, however, was confident. “Mother, I’ve thought it through.”

Xu Jinniang looked at her daughter—worried yet proud. Her girl was growing up and learning to manage the household.

In the end, Tong Chuxue decided to buy the place Tong Shan had chosen. The transfer of ownership required official registration, so it would be a few days before they received the deed.

Tong Chuxue also asked the village chief to find a few trustworthy men to help tidy up the house and field. Tong Shan readily agreed, promising to bring them the next morning, and told her to wait there.

Though the silver was spent, the thought of having a home made the taste of wild vegetables seem sweeter to Xu Jinniang and Tong Chuxue.

The next morning, mother and daughter waited by their new home.

From afar, Tong Chuxue spotted a girl with a ponytail leading several sturdy men. The girl seemed to recognize Tong Chuxue and greeted her familiarly, “Sister Xue, Grandpa sent these men for you. Oh, and he asked me to bring some vegetable seeds too.”

Tong Chuxue liked her at once. Rarely did she meet someone so agreeable. Smiling, she said, “Village chief is very thoughtful. Please thank him for me.”

“Don’t call me ‘girl’—it sounds odd. Just call me Zhenzhen,” said Wu Zhenzhen with a bright smile.

The village chief had found five men to help Tong Chuxue. It would take about three days to get the house and field in order. But Tong Chuxue lacked experience in rural life and couldn’t expect free labor.

“That’s simple. Usually, villagers pay twenty wen a day for labor. If you don’t provide lunch, you can add a bit—twenty-two wen will do,” Wu Zhenzhen suggested.

At twenty-two wen per person per day, with five men working three days, the total would be three hundred thirty wen, which was within their budget.

“Oh, and one more thing grandpa told me to remind you,” Wu Zhenzhen said, “this place is downstream along the river. The water is fine for irrigation but not so convenient for drinking or washing vegetables. It’s best to fetch water from the village well.”

Tong Chuxue had overlooked this. “I wonder how much it would cost to dig a well. Carrying water daily sounds troublesome.”

Wu Zhenzhen understood well; she often fetched water herself. “Qingshan Village has no well diggers. You’d have to hire someone from a neighboring village, which would cost about two taels for one well.”

The small flame of hope in Tong Chuxue’s eyes was quickly extinguished. Their funds simply wouldn’t stretch that far. They would have to find another solution.

Since lunch wasn’t provided, the men worked in the mornings, went home for midday meals, then returned for the afternoon.

When Tong Chuxue came by in the afternoon, she noticed one man was different from those present in the morning.

The man smiled and explained, “That was my cousin this morning. His wife is pregnant and feeling unwell, so he stayed home to care for her. I’m here to replace him. Don’t worry, girl, I’m Wang Laoliu, and I work efficiently.”

Tong Chuxue smiled politely but said nothing, turning to tidy up inside.

Wang Laoliu watched her retreating figure, a few inscrutable glimmers flickering in his eyes.

Though the girl was slender and sun-darkened, he had glimpsed beneath her sleeve and seen the pale skin beneath.