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Xiao Lihua forbade Auspicious and the Li Family from visiting in the future, effectively severing ties. Xie Youshun agreed, which was like a thunderclap for the Xie Family, leaving them dumbfounded. However, no matter how much they tried to persuade, argue, or scold, the couple remained resolute. Eventually, the family’s commotion continued until it was dark before they dispersed, parting on bad terms.
News of the incident spread throughout the Village. Some people said that Auspicious and the Li Family deserved such treatment, while others felt that Xie Youshun and his wife had gone too far; after all, even if family members quarreled, it shouldn't lead to cutting off contact.
After sending off Wang Dashan and Xie Qingfeng, Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua closed the door and returned to their home. They faced a single oil lamp, with their two children sitting quietly beside them, still somewhat frightened by today’s events.
“Mother, does this mean Aunt and Consort San can’t come to our house anymore?”
Shitou asked softly, hoping that was the case because he didn’t like Aunt and her companions.
Xiao Lihua patted his head and said, “Yes, they won’t be allowed to visit anymore. Not just them; from now on, anyone who comes to our house to rummage through things or hit people will not be allowed in, especially if they wrong our little Shitou.”
Muwu leaned closer to Xie Youshun and asked, “Father, is that true?”
Xie Youshun picked him up and hugged him tightly. “Yes, they won’t be coming anymore. But if something like this happens again, don’t hold back; go out and call me and your mother. Don’t get beaten again.”
Little Wood obediently nodded and yawned while resting in Xie Youshun's arms. Today had been too much for a child to handle. Xiao Lihua went to spread out bedding so that Xie Youshun could put him down to sleep.
“Mother, kiss me.” Little Wood spoke with his eyes closed, holding onto Xiao Lihua's clothing tightly.
Xiao Lihua smiled and kissed both his and Shitou's foreheads. Watching Shitou close his eyes as well made her smile again as she returned to the table. Seeing Xie Youshun staring at her made her chuckle.
“You’re not upset with me for what I did today, are you? After all, they are your relatives. But I thought if I didn’t do this, there would be too many troubles in the future. Besides, I feel that having such relatives isn’t beneficial; they only cause annoyance,” Xiao Lihua said. She felt quite satisfied with how cooperative Xie Youshun had been today since she hadn’t discussed it with him beforehand before bringing it up.
Xie Youshun said, "You are now the mistress of this household. As long as you don't make mistakes, I won't oppose you. However, if my mother causes trouble in the future, you still need to give her some face; after all, she is an elder."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lihua felt relieved. She understood Xie Youshun's bottom line and realized she had indeed encountered a good man. She knew that it wouldn't be easy for her to divorce in this lifetime, especially for the sake of her two sons; thus, the man's feelings towards her were very important. She had not asked for much before, and since Xie Youshun did not mistreat the original owner, she had no objections and was now quite satisfied.
Because Auspicious had caused trouble again, the Xie Family was angry and worried that this incident would lead the Bai Family to want a divorce. Therefore, they immediately sent her back to the Bai Family along with thirty taels of silver. They told her not to come back unless necessary and that if such incidents occurred again, the family would not intervene, urging her to be mindful.
Auspicious could leave, but the Li Family could not. She had been criticized by the villagers for rummaging through her brother-in-law's house and falsely accusing her nephew. Angered, she hid at home and did not dare to make a fuss, only daring to vent her frustrations with Xie Youhe inside the house. This made Xie Youhe very dissatisfied with Fourth Brother and he went to the Wang Clan to complain about how he had lost face because of Fourth Brother's antics, lamenting daily. The Wang Clan was already upset and became even more so.
What further angered the Wang Clan was financial matters. Because of Auspicious, they not only lost fifteen taels but each son also contributed five taels. The sons' condition for contributing money was that any earnings made before separating households would not be contributed to the public funds, and within a year after separating households, they would only provide food and no money. This meant that the Wang Clan would have to wait a long time before they could expect any money from their sons. This was extremely difficult for the Wang Clan, who were used to holding financial power.
As a result, the Wang Clan wore long faces every day and found fault with everyone. The atmosphere in the Xie Family was quite poor.
The Zi Clan approached Xiao Lihua for quiet conversations, fearing that if the Wang Clan found out, they would be scolded. She hoped Ruyi would marry soon so she could separate from them as well. Xiao Lihua was not particularly interested in matters concerning the Xie Family; she was more interested in pickled eggs.
To ensure that the pickled eggs were delicious and flavorful, Xiao Lihua deliberately let them marinate for a long enough time. When taken out and boiled, the egg yolks oozed oil and smelled particularly fragrant. Not only did her two children love them, but Xie Youshun also ate an extra pancake. Xiao Lihua thought they tasted quite good too. After these salted eggs, she prepared some five-spice flavored eggs as well; they were almost ready for their second meal featuring these eggs again. Xie Youshun told Stone and Wood that they tasted even better.
"Shun, do you think Miss Xiao would be interested in how these eggs are made?" Xiao Lihua asked Xie Youshun.
Xie Youshun nodded: "She would be interested; even if she isn't, we can sell them to others. It's a pity we are just common folk; otherwise, we could make them ourselves and sell them without being dependent on others."
Xie Youshun felt somewhat regretful but thought about what he had heard before—selling recipes was more suitable for ensuring his family's safety.
Xiao Lihua smiled and said, "Let's make some money first; there are other ways to earn later. I just hope our family of four can live without worries. Let's start with small money; big money can come slowly. Besides, don't you think the method for making Pickled Egg is easy for others to figure out? It might be better to sell it. Once we have this money, we can gradually improve our lives and meet more people. By then, if there are other ways to earn money, we won't have to share with others."
"There aren't that many ways to make money," Xie Youshun replied. Then he looked up at Xiao Lihua and saw her smiling brightly, showing no regret about selling the recipe. "Do you have other ways to earn? Something that isn't easily figured out?"
Xiao Lihua nodded but didn't elaborate further.
Seeing Xiao Lihua nod, Xie Youshun realized that she must know a lot of things, which explained her confidence in making money and buying land. It seemed he could only work hard to help her achieve this goal. The thought of their family earning a lot of money and owning plenty of land made him very happy.
Once the Pickled Egg was ready, the couple left their children at Wang Dashan's house, each carrying a basket filled with jars as they headed to Xiao Family Village.
The journey to Xiao Family Village was calm, but just as they were nearing it, a horse-drawn carriage suddenly came rushing from behind. The horse seemed startled and was running fast; no matter how the driver pulled on the reins, it wouldn't stop. It was heading straight towards Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua. Xie Youshun quickly pulled Xiao Lihua aside, but they were still grazed by the carriage and fell to the ground.
Xiao Lihua was held by Xie Youshun and didn't fall too hard. She quickly got up and helped Xie Youshun to his feet.
"Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine; are you okay?" Xie Youshun asked concernedly, knowing she had been injured recently and couldn't afford to be hurt again.
"I'm fine too," Xiao Lihua sighed in relief, glad that they weren't hurt.
As they were checking on each other, they heard someone screaming loudly in agony. They turned around and saw the person from the carriage; after knocking them down, the carriage had overturned into a ditch. The one screaming must be injured based on the sound.
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