After buying some things in the county town, Song Ning arrived in the town around 1:00 PM. He got off the carriage and strolled around the town.

I bought a lot of everyday items.

Oil, salt, cloth, small stove, pots and pans—these are all essential.

Song Ning had thought it over. She decided to rent a small courtyard in town first, since town would be safer than the village.

We'll buy an oxcart then, so we'll have a way to get around on the road.

However, all of this will have to wait until she finishes supplying the cold noodles to the town and the county. There are still less than two months left, so it probably won't be that quick.

Prepare the items in advance, just in case prices rise.

Song Ning wandered around the town for a while; this place wasn't far from the tavern where Li Xingwang worked.

As soon as I turned the corner, I saw a person standing at the entrance of the alley next to the tavern.

It's Tian Xiaoqin, the one who came to see Li Xingwang last time.

A moment later, Li Xingwang came out and ran towards the girl with a big smile on his face.

The two were talking about something, and Li Xingwang was initially quite happy, but when Song Ning walked over, a look of embarrassment appeared on Li Xingwang's face.

"Brother Xingwang, didn't you say your family has been making money lately? I really had no other choice but to come to you." The girl's voice was gentle, but also somewhat aggrieved.

"But I don't have any money right now. Didn't I give you all my money? Isn't it still not enough?" Li Xingwang asked worriedly, frowning.

"You know, we have a lot of family members and a lot to eat. Your little bit of money isn't even enough for half a month..." The girl's eyes welled up with tears, but her words were filled with resentment.

Seeing that Li Xingwang remained silent, the girl continued softly, "Brother Xingwang, it's okay if you really can't do it. I'll think of another way."

......

"A master indeed," Song Ning thought to himself.

This tactic of feigning indifference and playing hard to get was executed with masterful skill.

Song Ning had overheard most of their conversation. Although she hadn't heard the beginning, she understood the gist of it.

Song Ning stepped forward and called out, "Brother Xingwang."

"Er Ya? What brings you here?" Li Xingwang asked with a smile.

"I just happened to be passing by and was thinking of stopping into the tavern to buy some wine to take back."

Then he turned to Tian Xiaoqin and asked, "What's this?"

"This is Xiaoqin, she's from Shanglin Village next door. You've met her before."

"Xiaoqin, this is Erya. My parents work with her to make money."

Hearing this, Song Ning felt somewhat helpless. Sure enough, love makes people foolish.

You've already told this girl, Tian Xiaoqin, all of this. Aren't you afraid she'll betray you?

“Sister Xiaoqin, Xingwang and I are neighbors and very close. Anyway, you’re going to marry Xingwang in the future, so just tell me if you need anything, and I can help you,” Song Ning said generously.

Li Xingwang tugged at her sleeve, blushing as he whispered, "Er Ya, what are you saying?"

When Tian Xiaoqin across from her heard that she was going to marry Li Xingwang, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes, but she quickly lowered her head.

In that instant, Song Ning still saw it.

It seems that Tian Xiaoqin has no intention of marrying Li Xingwang. Is she trying to take advantage of him?

When she looked up again, Tian Xiaoqin bit her lip, and tears welled up in her eyes once more.

Upon seeing Tian Xiaoqin like this, Li Xingwang was completely bewildered.

"I just heard that Sister Qin's family is about to starve to death, and someone is going to die of hunger?"

Tian Xiaoqin nodded: "Yes, there are many people in my family, and we really have nothing to eat."

Song Ning's eyes flickered, and she said calmly, "It's not easy for Xingwang to earn money in town. If Xiaoqin's family really can't make ends meet, I'll pay for Xingwang's expenses."

Not only Tian Xiaoqin, but even Li Xingwang was stunned.

"But I'll go in first to get some drinks. Wait for me a moment, and we'll talk in detail when I come out."

Turning around, Song Ning went into the tavern, gave the owner two coins, whispered something in his ear, and then left.

Just as Song Ning walked up to the two men, the tavern owner called Li Xingwang back.

Song Ning smiled and said, "Sister Xiaoqin, Xingwang only earns a little money in town. He's not very capable. My uncle and aunt are honest and simple people who don't know how to talk. If you marry into their family, you should not look down on them."

Tian Xiaoqin tugged at the hem of her clothes and said slowly, "Why would I dislike it?"

Upon hearing this, Song Ning's eyes darkened, and the smile on her face faded.

"How many does Sister Qin want?"

"I...I...just two taels of silver is fine." Tian Xiaoqin glanced at Song Ning with a flicker in her eyes.

What a huge appetite! Two taels of silver! And they even used the word "only". These days, even selling a child doesn't fetch two taels of silver. Li Xingwang works in town and it would take him at least two years to earn two taels of silver.

She only said that one thing, and Tian Xiaoqin really had the nerve to open her mouth.

"Sister Xiaoqin, I can give you the money."

Upon hearing this, Tian Xiaoqin immediately burst into laughter, and even the tears in her eyes disappeared.

"Really? Thank you so much, Miss Song, thank you..."

"But when is Sister Xiaoqin going to return it?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Xiaoqin was taken aback, not expecting Song Ning to ask such a question.

"I......"

Song Ning sneered inwardly, thinking, "So they're planning to borrow and never pay it back."

"Sister Xiaoqin, if you can't pay it back, I can't lend you the money. You didn't pay back the money you borrowed from Brother Xingwang before, did you?"

Tian Xiaoqin's expression changed, she was a little anxious. Li Xingwang still didn't come out. She glared at Song Ning, stomped her foot, and ran away.

As soon as Tian Xiaoqin left, Li Xingwang came out.

Where is Xiaoqin?

"They said they had something to do at home, so they went back first."

"Oh." Li Xingwang was somewhat disappointed.

"Xingwang, do you really like her?"

Li Xingwang blushed and nodded.

Song Ning sighed. You like her, but she only likes your money.

She had just deliberately belittled Li Xingwang, but Tian Xiaoqin didn't react at all.

Song Ning couldn't tell Li Xingwang about this directly, so she first spoke to Li Daniu and his wife and asked them to find out what the situation was like at Tian Xiaoqin's home.

It was getting late, and Song Ning stood at the agreed-upon spot to wait, with a small mountain of dirt piled up at his feet.

On the way back, Song Ning brought up the matter.

"Uncle Da Niu, does Xingwang bring any money he's made home these past few years?"

“Hey, what can I take? He doesn’t earn much himself. After his own expenses, he doesn’t have much left, so he keeps it all for himself.”

What did he keep? Judging from his tone today, Li Xingwang gave all his money to Tian Xiaoqin and didn't keep a single penny for himself.

“Uncle Da Niu, I think Xingwang and that girl are almost there. Actually, we could go and find out about the girl’s family situation first, so that we can propose marriage later. I think Xingwang and that girl are both interested, so why not settle things sooner?” Song Ning said with a smile.

Li Daniu nodded and smiled, "We should ask. Thanks to you, we've made some money recently, and it's really time to get Xingwang a wife."

If Tian Xiaoqin really has a problem, Li Daniu will naturally not miss the opportunity to inquire about it.