Chapter 581: Farm Woman 9
An Wen, who had been silent, glanced at the mosquito coils. "What about the mosquito coils? Are we involving the clan in that, too?"
Tan You knew the boy was sharp. ’It’s not a bad thing for him to be so clever, as long as his intentions are good.’ She didn’t hide anything from them. "Yes. Since we’re tying our fate to the clan, it’s only natural that we rise and fall together."
"Only when everyone’s interests are aligned can we avoid internal conflict."
’It was like she was running a family business in ancient times, and every member of the clan was an employee. Only by leading everyone forward to prosper together could she prevent dissent.’
’Even if some of them had malicious intentions, it didn’t matter. In this era, the clan’s power was immense. Besides, if it ever came to that, the clan would protect whoever brought them the greater profit.’
Time passed as Tan You and the children made soap and mosquito coils. Compared to the soap, the mosquito coils were the first to be put to use. In any case, after they started using them, Tan You no longer had to spend her days swatting mosquitoes with a cattail fan.
"Mother, are you taking us to town today? All of us?" Even though she had heard the news from Tan You the day before, Chen Yue still sought final confirmation first thing in the morning.
Tan You replied patiently, "Yes, we’re all going together. You and Yuanyuan haven’t been to town before, so I’m taking you to broaden your horizons."
Chen Yue cheered, "Mother, you’re the best mother in the whole world! Mother, can I bring my allowance to buy things in town?"
Tan You shrugged. "Of course you can. Once I give it to you, it’s yours to spend, as long as you don’t use it for anything crooked."
Chen Yue asked, "Can I buy tasty snacks?"
Tan You said nonchalantly, "You can. It’s not a waste if it goes into your stomach."
Chen Xi said, "Mother, you spoil her too much."
Tan You glanced at her. "And I don’t dote on you?"
Chen Xi pursed her lips into a smile. "I know you dote on me too, Mother."
Tan You said, "Well then. Is everything packed?"
The ever-reliable Chen Xi replied, "It’s all packed, so don’t worry, Mother. An Wen and I will carry the mosquito coils. You’ll have the trouble of carrying the soap, Mother. I packed twenty bars each of the wormwood-mint soap and the basic soap you made."
"Alright, if we’re ready, let’s head out." Tan You hoisted the basket onto her back. "When we get back from town, I’m definitely buying a donkey."
An Wen, who was more daring with his words now, said, "Aunt, you say that every time you come back from town."
Tan You sighed. "That’s because I had to hide our wealth before, wasn’t it? But it doesn’t matter. If our business deal succeeds today, we won’t have so many worries."
"Thank goodness there’s an ox-cart outside the village, or the walk would kill us."
If it weren’t for the ox-cart, Tan You wouldn’t have brought Chen Yue and Chen Xing out at all. A three-year-old toddler who couldn’t even walk that steadily on her own—making Tan You carry her all the way to town? Wouldn’t that be exhausting?
The family of five walked out of the village, talking and laughing. They hadn’t gone far when Old Man Zhang called out, "Lady Wang, you’re here?"
Tan You smiled. "Good morning, Uncle Zhang. The children are older now, so it’s time to bring them out to see a bit of the world. Staying cooped up in a small mountain village won’t do them any good."
Old Man Zhang chuckled. "Even though the kids are small, they still need to..."
Tan You counted out ten Copper Coins and pressed them into Uncle Zhang’s hand. "I understand. I’ll treat you to your favorite meat patties when we get to town."
"Ming Guang, take your little sisters and sit properly on the cart."
"Got it, Mother," Chen Xi replied crisply. "Tuantuan, you watch over Yuanyuan. I need to keep an eye on the baskets."
Chen Yue didn’t miss a beat. "Don’t worry, Eldest Sister. I’ll definitely take good care of Yuanyuan."
Maybe it was because of their names, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, or maybe because they were the two youngest, but Chen Yue and Chen Xing were the closest. Chen Xing followed Chen Yue around everywhere, like her little shadow.
Tan You also placed her basket on the ox-cart, then sat down on one side. She chatted with Old Man Zhang from time to time along the way. Proceeding at a leisurely pace, they arrived in town around eight o’clock (by modern time).
Tan You didn’t go back on her word. After buying two meat patties for Old Man Zhang, she led the four children straight to the town’s grocery store. Eating wasn’t the most pressing matter at the moment; settling their business was the top priority.
The children knew not to hold her back. Besides, they had all eaten something before leaving home, so they weren’t particularly hungry. They all understood that Tan You was there on important business, so eating was not a priority at all.
At the Four Seas Grocery Store, after seeing a customer out, Manager Fan took a SLURP of his tea. Even though it was just bitter tea dregs, Manager Fan still drank it with great relish.
"Manager, we’d like to discuss some business with you." Just as Manager Fan was clutching his small teapot and slurping his tea, Tan You led her little troop to the counter.
’She had already done her homework and knew everything about the family backing Manager Fan. Approaching him now to propose a partnership, she felt completely confident.’
Manager Fan had already caught sight of the incoming group from the corner of his eye. The one in the lead was, naturally, Tan You. She wore a set of cotton clothes that looked brand new, but there wasn’t a single piece of jewelry on her head or her hands.
But even so, Manager Fan felt there was more to Tan You than met the eye. She was too composed. ’Yes, that’s the word—composed.’ He couldn’t see any trace of nervousness, insecurity, or apprehension on her face. It was as if no matter how her surroundings changed, she would remain unaffected.
Manager Fan couldn’t help but put down his tea. "If you have something to say, Ma’am, please speak."
Tan You’s lips curved into a slight smile. She took the bamboo basket off her back and pulled out a square object wrapped in oil paper.
"Manager, this is a soap I made myself. Its cleaning power is much stronger than the pancreas soaps or bath beans on the market today. Perhaps you’d like to try it?"
Manager Fan understood. She was here to pitch her soap. The grocery store happened to be empty right now, so Manager Fan didn’t mind giving Tan You some of his time. He nodded to a young clerk in the store. "Bring a basin of water."
Tan You looked at him. "Manager, you can grab some of the store’s pancreas soap and bath beans to compare."
An Wen lowered his head, trying to suppress a smile. ’We already saw how this ends at home. Now we’re just here to blow someone else’s mind. Is this what Aunt meant when she said a comparison makes the difference obvious?’
Manager Fan was agreeable. A quick-witted clerk had already brought over the pancreas soap and bath beans. Tan You unwrapped the soap, revealing a pale yellow, slightly translucent, square bar.
Manager Fan’s mustache twitched. ’Just from its appearance, it’s already quite good.’ But he didn’t let a hint of this show on his face. If his thoughts were that easy to read, he’d have no business being a manager.
Seeing they were about to use the soap to wash their hands, Tan You couldn’t help but make a suggestion: "Use three dirty cloths. That will show the effect much better."