Grandpa Li and Li Kaishan chatted as they walked.
Grandpa Li envied Li Kaishan because Yan Qingqing was willing to consult him about anything.
Li Kaishan envied Old Master Li for having such a wonderful daughter-in-law and grandson without having to worry about anything.
Although Mr. Li didn't like to meddle in other people's business, he wasn't as biased as Mrs. Li.
But he still hoped to learn more about Yan Qingqing's family situation. Even if he didn't get involved, it would be fine.
Li Kaishan seemed to see through Old Master Li's thoughts and said with a smile, "Brother, actually I'm quite envious of you."
We found Erniu such a capable wife back then, and now our whole village is benefiting from it.
If Xiang Kang can pass the imperial examination again, your lineage will be truly established.
You don't need to be jealous that Qingqing always consults me about everything. As her uncle, I'll always be second to you, her father-in-law.
Upon hearing this, Old Master Li sighed; he understood this principle all too well.
Since Yan Qingqing built her fortune with her children, she has treated him with respect and at least never embarrassed him.
But that's how people are; they easily become greedy and want more.
However, Old Master Li didn't really want to meddle in everything; he just wanted to feel a sense of presence.
So he said to Li Kaishan, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
I just wanted to know what your second son's wife wanted to see you about, so I went along to join in the fun.
The two followed A-Da and soon arrived at Yan Qingqing's house. A-Da took them directly to the front hall for tea.
Yan Qingqing changed her clothes and came to the front hall.
When Yan Qingqing saw that Grandpa Li was also there, she first called him "Dad" and then "Uncle Village Chief".
Grandpa Li was immediately overjoyed. He felt that Li Kaishan was right. No matter how much Yan Qingqing valued Li Kaishan, he still had to be ranked after him. Otherwise, why would Yan Qingqing call them "Dad" first?
Of course, Yan Qingqing had no idea what Grandpa Li was thinking. If she did, she would definitely roll her eyes and laugh at his childishness.
Li Kaishan and Yan Qingqing were drinking tea when they both quickly got up.
Although the two elders were Yan Qingqing's elders and they were not required to bow to her, Yan Qingqing was now an official and should still show the respect due to a court lady.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yan Qingqing invited the two to sit down again before getting down to business.
Li Kaishan asked with a smile, "You specifically asked that kid A'da to call me here, is there something important?"
Yan Qingqing replied, "It's nothing major, I just wanted to ask Uncle Village Chief if the hill behind us is for sale?"
Li Kaishan's hand holding the teacup trembled, almost spilling it, and then he asked in a trembling voice, "What? You don't mean you want to buy the back mountain, do you?"
Yan Qingqing nodded and replied, "That is the plan."
Li Kaishan disagreed, saying, "Why do you have to waste that money? You can't clear land or farm on the mountain, and there's nothing good there."
"You can go up the mountain anytime you want. The villagers are better off now, and they don't go up the mountain to find wild vegetables anymore. Who can compete with you for them?"
The back mountain was only a place where villagers in Canghe Village could find wild vegetables and tree bark to fill their stomachs during famine years.
Yan Qingqing could easily understand Li Kaishan's thoughts, but she had her own plans.
Before Yan Qingqing could explain, Grandpa Li said, "Since Qingqing wants to buy the mountain behind, why don't you give her an estimate?"
She's always been a sensible person; when has she ever made a losing deal?
Yan Qingqing was somewhat surprised to see that Old Master Li trusted her so much.
However, Li Kaishan nodded in agreement and replied, "Brother, what you said makes sense. I was just worrying unnecessarily. I was afraid that Qingqing would suffer a loss by buying a useless mountain."
It's not that the back mountain can't be sold, but that area involves not only our Canghe Village, but also the territory of Dayang Village.
I'll get back to you after I've discussed it with the village chief of Dayang Village.
However, many people in Dayang Village now work in your workshop, and their lives have improved considerably. They should be willing to sell this mountain.
Even if they're unwilling to sell, I can still sell you half of our village.
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Uncle Village Chief."
Li Kaishan waved his hand and replied, "Why are you being so polite with me?"
"Alright, I'll take care of it now, and I'll get back to you by tomorrow at the latest."
Yan Qingqing repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Li Kaishan, and then asked Ruyi to bring up the prepared items, saying, "Dad and Uncle Village Chief, please take these two baskets of mushrooms back and try them, and see how they taste?"
Grandpa Li and Li Kaishan both happily accepted it.
Grandpa Li asked, "Did these grow in a mushroom farm? They look much plumper than wild ones."
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "They are produced at the mushroom farm. Because the fertilizer in our greenhouse is sufficient, they grow better than those in the wild."
I tasted it yesterday and it was quite good. I've been thinking about picking a batch these past two days.
Some were delivered to restaurants in the county town, and some were dried and sold to merchants.
Upon hearing this, Old Master Li repeatedly said "good".
After leaving Yan Qingqing's house, Li Kaishan swaggered through the streets carrying a basket of things.
The villagers looked at Li Kaishan with envy; that was something Ming Zhao had ordered, and they wanted it too.
However, Yan Qingqing's status is different now, so they dare not try to take advantage of her.
However, some people still teased Li Kaishan, saying, "Village Chief, what good stuff did you get from Ming Zhao this time? Don't keep it all to yourself, let us have a taste too."
Now, the only people sitting idly on the main street in Canghe Village are elderly men and women.
Young people either work in workshops, set up stalls, or patrol the streets.
The Li family had a long lineage in the village. When Li Kaishan saw the old men and women teasing him, he laughed and cursed, "Go to hell! Mingzhao sent someone to give me this small basket. I haven't even had a taste yet. You're dreaming."
This caused everyone to burst into laughter again.
Li Kaishan didn't have time to chat with them. He quickly delivered the things home, hitched up the oxcart, and went to Dayang Village to discuss matters concerning the mountain with Village Chief Yang.
Village Chief Yang happened to be at home with nothing to do. Upon seeing Li Kaishan, he warmly welcomed him into the house.
Upon hearing Li Kaishan's purpose, he immediately agreed.
It's not a famine year now, so there's no use for this hill in their village.
Selling it to Yan Qingqing would offset their village's tax revenue, which was a rare and good thing.
The Great Yan Dynasty had this rule: apart from the land allocated to the villagers, all other wasteland and barren mountains belonged to the villagers.
If the property is to be sold, the proceeds will belong to all the villagers.
Of course, the money from selling the house needs to be handed over to the government, but the government can also use it to offset taxes for the villagers.
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