Chapter 154: The Human Heart

On the way home, the Zhang brothers wore expressions of ease and joy. Carpenter Zhang was driving the ox cart, his whip-wielding gestures far more spirited than before.

“Big Zhu, Second Zhu, what do you think of the shopkeeper?” Qin Huiyin asked.

Zhang Dazhu recalled the shopkeeper’s friendly, welcoming smile and said, “He seems quite kind. The Clear Moon Tavern is the largest in our area; a pot of tea costs a tael of silver—something poor folks like us could never afford. If it were a different tavern keeper, seeing us muddy-legged peasants, they’d probably chase us out without a word. But he treated us politely, with no airs at all.”

Zhang Erzhu added, “And when the workers were gossiping, he stopped them in time and gave them a proper lesson. It’s clear he manages his staff strictly; he’s a reliable shopkeeper.”

“Did you notice the workers were gossiping right in the middle of the main hall, right beside the stairs? That’s where guests from private rooms would pass by,” Qin Huiyin pointed out.

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. Those workers were careless. If they wanted to talk ill of their employer, they could have chosen a place where no one would see them. Besides, there aren’t many guests right now,” Zhang Dazhu said.

“That’s exactly the problem,” Qin Huiyin smiled. “Those workers had their wages docked, and on the surface, they seemed tense. But their eyes were calm, showing no sign of regret.”

“Huiyin, you observe too closely!” Zhang Dazhu said, trying to recall the details but coming up empty.

“There’s an old saying: don’t air your family’s dirty laundry,” Qin Huiyin explained. “If the Summer family truly cared about workers gossiping, those words wouldn’t have leaked out at all. Today, the Clear Moon Tavern seemed well-run, with orderly staff—proof their employer is quite shrewd. From all this, I conclude the workers’ behavior was deliberate, intended to spread the Liu family’s scandal throughout the county.”

“Is this the intention of Miss Xia or Lady Xia?” Zhang Dazhu suddenly felt a cold sweat on his back.

How do these people think? They take several twists and turns, and straightforward folks like us can’t grasp the hidden meanings. How will I understand their intentions in future dealings?

“Big Zhu, Second Zhu, do you still think doing business is simple?”

Both brothers shook their heads quickly.

“First, you have to be literate. If you can’t even tell whether a document is a contract of servitude or a delivery note before signing and sealing it, you don’t even have enough flesh to sell,” Qin Huiyin said.

“Huiyin, we appreciate your hard work,” Zhang Erzhu said. “No wonder Ze has been working hard all day and still studies calligraphy at night. He must have understood the stakes early on. From now on, Ze and I will learn to read and write from Jiang Qingnan. Even if I’m not as smart as Ze, at least I won’t be blindfolded.”

“Has my brother really been studying calligraphy so diligently?”

“Yes, very hard. Sometimes for two hours! We’d sleep and wake up, and he’d still be practicing. Honestly, his progress is remarkable—even I, who can’t read, can tell.”

“No wonder he’s the one who can rival the main character,” thought Qin Huiyin.

Though he walks a different path, he still possesses a unique charm.

She also remembered how he hid his injury from her, feeling a mix of tenderness and warmth.

He concealed it so she wouldn’t worry—meaning he has accepted her in his heart.

Still, understanding his feelings doesn’t mean he won’t be punished.

Upon returning to the village, Mrs. Zhou was waiting anxiously at the gate. When she saw the ox cart approaching, she eagerly welcomed them. But soon, seeing it near, she opened the gate of Qin Huiyin’s home.

The ox cart entered the yard.

Mrs. Zhou tied the ox’s rope to a nearby rock.

“How did it go?” she asked nervously.

Carpenter Zhang beamed. “It worked.”

“Did you manage to gather five taels of silver?”

“More than five,” Zhang said. “Anyway, the matter with Second Zhu is settled. We also bought the betrothal gifts needed for the proposal. These things were bought in the county seat—they look much better than what’s available in town.”

“Ah, Amitabha, may the Bodhisattva bless us. Thank you, Bodhisattva,” Mrs. Zhou clasped her hands and expressed gratitude to the sky.

“If it weren’t for your daughter Huiyin, our family wouldn’t be where we are today. Instead of praying to the Bodhisattva, you’d better thank her properly,” Zhang said. “Maybe the village rumors aren’t just rumors after all—she really is a lucky star.”

Hearing Zhang’s heartfelt words, Mrs. Zhou knew today’s events were no small matter. She didn’t ask for details but knew that showing gratitude to Qin Huiyin was right.

“Aunt Zhou, where are my mother and the others?” Qin Huiyin asked.

“They’re by the old house,” Mrs. Zhou said. “It’s more convenient for water there. They set up a few simple stoves, so tasks like cooking crabs are done over there.”

“My mother really does things quietly,” Qin Huiyin said. “You all chat. I’ll go see them.”

After Qin Huiyin left, the Zhang brothers summarized the day’s key events for Mrs. Zhou.

“Mother, Cousin Zhou can read and write. Why don’t we bring him here to help us?” Zhang Dazhu said. “Thanks to Huiyin, we were introduced to the big boss, who agreed to cooperate out of respect for her. It’s the first time I’ve learned that doing business requires delivery notes and signing each other’s names as proof. If there’s a dispute, only with such evidence can we have a chance to win.”

“Huiyin is truly amazing. Our family’s friendship with her and her mother is thanks to your father and your brothers regularly doing good deeds. This is what the Bodhisattva calls ‘widely cultivating good karma.’ Your cousin’s situation is complicated. You know they’re a mother and orphan. If your cousin comes here, what about your aunt? To bring your cousin here, your frail aunt would have to come too.”

“Aunt has helped us. Before, we were struggling and couldn’t help them. Now that we’ve divided the family property, we have more freedom. Bringing Aunt here isn’t a problem.”

“What about your father’s side...?”

“I agree,” Carpenter Zhang said. “Since no one objects, we’ll bring them over today. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the Xiao family to propose. The day after, the wedding will be held. Then, we’ll start recruiting carpenters and apprentices to rush the orders. Although the client asked for delivery within three months, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can accept the next order. The faster, the better.”

With Carpenter Zhang’s agreement and Mrs. Zhou having no reason to oppose—after all, it’s her family and nephew—everyone hoped for a better future.

*Beloved novel: The Farmhouse Step-Sister in the Transmigration Story, with Protective Brothers. Please save and enjoy: (xiakezw) The Farmhouse Step-Sister in the Transmigration Story, with Protective Brothers.*