Chapter 155: I Want to Earn Silver for the Family
Gu Fei, still unaware that someone had their eye on her gun, enjoyed a wonderful night’s sleep.
Early the next morning, as they were eating breakfast, Mrs. Chen discussed their plans with Gu Zhang. "How about everyone goes into town today? We need to buy quite a few things for the house."
"Down here in the south, we can’t use heated kangs, so we’ll need to buy more charcoal and braziers. And the beds are completely bare—it just won’t do. We have to buy some mosquito nets and curtains to hang."
"And with so many rooms, we’ll need more oil lamps and candles. We even need to buy several more teapots. Sigh, this house is so big, we need multiples of everything. It’s so expensive!"
Gu Zhang nodded. "We do need to buy some things. The New Year is almost here, so we’ll have to buy festival goods too."
Lan Zhi looked up and said timidly, "Auntie, can I go into town with you?"
Mrs. Chen looked at her. Lan Zhi quickly added, "I want to go to the city to pick up some embroidery work from a shop."
"I’m very good at embroidery, really!"
"Last year, Little Fei got me a job from an embroidery shop for a four-panel screen. It took me over half a year, and I earned sixty taels of Silver."
"I... I want to earn more Silver Coins for the family."
Mrs. Chen glanced at Gu Fei. Gu Fei nodded. ’She knew Lan Zhi felt like she was freeloading, and letting her do some work would actually put her at ease.’
Mrs. Chen then said, "Alright, you can go. From now on, the money you earn from embroidery will be yours to keep."
Lan Zhi frantically waved her hands. "No, no, no! I’ll give all the money I earn to you. I can’t just live here, eating for free and not working."
Lan Zhi lowered her head. "I know I’m not as capable as Lian’er. I can’t do much work, and... and I’m not very good at serving people. I only know how to embroider and do needlework."
Lan Zhi looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. "Uncle, Auntie, my parents are gone. In my heart, I already see you as my own family and this place as my home. I want to earn more Silver Coins to help our family live better and better."
Seeing Lan Zhi cry, Gu Erlang grew anxious and looked pleadingly at his mother.
Mrs. Chen didn’t look at him, but smiled fondly at Lan Zhi. "Silly girl, why are you crying while we’re talking?"
"Alright, alright, I’ve already agreed. Later, when we go to the city, if you need to buy any embroidery frames, hoops, thread, or what have you, just have Little Fei buy them for you."
Lan Zhi brightened up. "Thank you, Auntie."
Gu Erlang’s heart finally settled.
At this moment, Lian’er also spoke up suddenly. "Auntie, I need to go into the city with you all, too."
Mrs. Chen looked at her. Lian’er continued, "When Miss Xiao Fei bought me, we didn’t go to the government to file an Indenture Contract. I’ve been here for a few days now. Miss Xiao Fei might have forgotten, but I haven’t."
Gu Fei was silent for two seconds. ’The truth was, she hadn’t forgotten. She just hadn’t decided what to do with Lian’er.’
’If I let her go, she has no family left. It would be hard enough for a young woman to support herself out there, not to mention dangerous.’
’But if I don’t let her go, without an Indenture Contract, certain things will always feel unsettled.’
Gu Fei said slowly, "Have you thought this through? Once the Indenture Contract is signed, you will no longer be a commoner, but a servant."
Lian’er stood up and knelt down. "Miss Xiao Fei gave my mother steamed buns, and Second Uncle Gu and the other brothers helped bury my mother and younger brother. Miss Xiao Fei was then willing to buy me and has used such precious grain to keep me fed. This life of mine has long belonged to Miss Xiao Fei."
"I’ve said it before. I, Lian’er, belong to Miss Xiao Fei in life and will be her ghost in death."
"I was originally engaged to be married back home, but that doesn’t count anymore. I’ve made up my mind. I won’t marry in this lifetime. I will serve Miss Xiao Fei for the rest of my life."