Chapter 4 Obtaining the Property Deed and Another Acre
The old lady seemed to suddenly realize what had happened, and turned to question her youngest daughter: "Didn't you give the money to Scholar Zhang?"
The others in the courtyard exchanged glances, not daring to look at Zhang Ting.
The younger daughter froze, and after a few seconds of reaction, she stammered, "Yes...yes, I was busy with...something else the other day, and I forgot about it." As for what she was busy with, she was vague.
"Are you confused?! How could you forget such a big thing as the tax on eighty acres of land?!" The old lady's face turned red with anger upon hearing this, and she made a move to stand up and hit her.
Zhang Ting wasn't there to watch this mother and daughter put on a show, so she took the opportunity to stop the old lady, saying, "How old are you? Please don't get angry, otherwise it will be the fault of the younger generation."
He helped the old lady sit down again and said, "When I was stranded here, it was your kindness that gave me a place to stay. You also helped me out from time to time. I will never forget this kindness."
The old lady was also moved, her eyes slightly moist. She patted her hand and said with emotion, "You are a good child." After saying that, she instructed her eldest daughter to go to her room and take out the dark blue pouch from the drawer.
Inside the pouch was a house deed and five taels of silver.
The old lady placed the pouch in Zhang Ting's hands and said kindly, "Child, this time it was our family's fault for not being considerate. Please don't hold a grudge. This is the deed to the house you live in. Actually, it should have been given to you a long time ago. Tomorrow I will have my eldest daughter go with you to change the name on the deed. From now on, you will live in your own house. Take this five taels of silver as your reward for last year."
Zhang Ting only took the house deed and returned the money to her.
Based on the market price in Lütian County, the house she currently lives in is worth about two taels of silver, which just covers last year's payment. The tax on those eighty mu of land is said to be a little over three taels of silver, but how could the payment be worth the same as the land tax? Otherwise, why wouldn't people pay the land tax themselves?
"This deed is enough for me, and I appreciate your kindness. There's no need for money. You have done me a great favor. Although I have no property, the only thing of value I have is this tax exemption. Consider this my way of showing my respect to you. I will not ask for any further payment until you pass away."
The people in the courtyard were delighted to hear this. How much did that scholar's house cost? It wouldn't even cover their family's food expenses for three months. Moreover, their mother was healthy and would live for at least another ten years, which would save them at least thirty taels of land tax.
The cook in the kitchen, who was eavesdropping while cooking, was also very happy. His daughters were all grown up, and this donation was enough for them to pay their tuition.
Only the old lady's face darkened immediately, but then she softened her expression and kindly took Zhang Ting's hand, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about, child? You haven't earned any money yet. This money will at least help you. If you want to repay someone, you can do so in the future."
Zhang Ting replied, "A woman stands between heaven and earth, and her promises should be as weighty as Mount Tai. I am young and can find another job; my future will not be difficult."
The eldest daughter was overjoyed to hear this and advised the old lady, "Mother, this scholar Zhang is such a good person. You mustn't let his filial piety go to waste!"
Although the younger daughter also felt that her mother should agree, she sensed that something was amiss and hesitated to persuade her.
Since things had come to this, the old lady had no choice but to take back the silver, even if she was unwilling. She sighed and said, "You are a sentimental child, and I, an old woman, can't say anything. Take the deed. I have an acre of land next to your house. You can build another house in the future, or grow vegetables and flowers, it's all up to you. Tomorrow, my eldest daughter will go to the yamen with you to change the deed owner. If you still don't want it, then this old woman will not allow it no matter what."
Zhang Ting had only come for the house deed; she didn't want the vacant land. But seeing the old lady's resolute attitude, she said, "In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse."
Seeing that she accepted the gift, the old lady breathed a sigh of relief and wanted to invite her to stay for a meal. However, Zhang Ting said that she had not brought any gifts when she came, so it was not appropriate for her to stay for a meal. She then bowed to the old lady to say goodbye and left gracefully.
The eldest daughter watched Zhang Ting's retreating figure, scratched her head, and muttered, "Scholar Zhang is really different from us roughnecks. His demeanor is incomparable."
After saying that, she turned to her mother and asked in bewilderment, "Mother, that scholar Zhang was so filial to you, why didn't you accept it just now?"
The old lady was so angry that she threw her pipe on the ground. "Filial piety?! Zhang Ting and I are not related at all. What kind of filial piety does she have for me?"
She then pointed at her eldest daughter and scolded, "How could I have given birth to such a fool who doesn't know what's good for her? Zhang Ting came today, pretending to repay a debt of gratitude, but actually trying to sever ties with my family. We've carefully maintained this relationship for so many years, and now it's all gone. If she becomes successful in the future, even if we beg her to come to our door and she doesn't respond, no one will say she's ungrateful."
The old lady was filled with regret. She had thought Zhang Ting was just a spineless coward who could be easily manipulated, so she had been greedy for a little profit. Who would have thought that a dog that bites doesn't bark, but that Zhang Ting was actually a character who was a needle hidden in cotton?
The eldest daughter, her face flushed red from the scolding, stammered, "Then...then we won't go to her tomorrow to amend the contract?"
The old woman was speechless: "Idiot!"
Meanwhile, Zhang Ting hummed a little tune as she returned home. With limited ingredients and limited cooking skills, she made herself a bowl of noodle soup for dinner.
After everything was tidied up, it was just before dusk. There was nothing to do at home, and no oil lamps, so Zhang Ting went to bed early.
The next morning, Zhang Ting, of course, ate... noodle soup. She smacked her lips, feeling that she was eating too healthily, and living to ninety-nine wouldn't be a problem.
The village chief's eldest daughter arrived, bringing an oxcart from her home. Today she was wearing a slightly newer black cotton robe, looking very dignified. She smiled obsequiously at Zhang Ting and warmly inquired about his well-being along the way. However, she wasn't the type to scheme or flatter; her words were dry and she was simply making conversation for the sake of it.
Zhang Ting felt confused and embarrassed, unable to understand what she wanted to do, but since she had come to pick her up in her car, she couldn't ignore her. So, after a few questions and answers, they arrived at the yamen.
After completing the formalities and paying the deed tax, Zhang Ting now owns a house of about 100 square meters and a plot of land of more than 600 square meters.
The other party offered to take her home, but Zhang Ting resolutely refused. She really didn't want to experience that anxious and awkward atmosphere again.
Seeing Zhang Ting's refusal, the other party even breathed a sigh of relief. Her husband found out last night and also felt that Zhang Ting was very promising, so he told her to try to get close to her today so that her daughter would have some connections in the future when she studied and took the imperial examinations. But she was not the kind of person who was enthusiastic and good at making conversation. This morning's conversation made her very anxious.
Today is the sixth day since Zhang Ting transmigrated here. She arrived at the most prosperous place in Lvtian County. She saw that the wide streets were lined with shops, the crowds were bustling, and the shouts of vendors were endless, creating a thriving scene.
She had been here the day before yesterday, but now she felt as if she were in another world, truly feeling that she was in this world and could never go back.
What's past cannot be undone, but the future can still be shaped.
Zhang Ting shook her head and continued to observe the food stalls along the street. She found that the variety of food in just one county town was already very rich, and there were even many that she had never heard of. She happened to be hungry, so she found a popular food stall, sat down, and ordered the stall's signature mutton rice noodles.
Business was really good. There were several chefs making food, but by the time it was Zhang Ting's turn, half an hour had passed, and when she looked back, there was still a long queue outside.
After Zhang Ting finished eating, she was amazed. As expected of food that had been tested by countless people, it was delicious, with a delicate texture and a rich, mellow flavor.
Zhang Ting felt that the dishes she had eaten before were not bad either. Although she did not know how to cook, she had been fortunate enough to visit the production process and remembered the ingredients and cooking time requirements for each step. She was confident that she could open a food shop.
Wiping his mouth, he prepared to set off to explore other places, but as soon as he looked up, he made eye contact with the people at the opposite table, who turned out to be acquaintances.
"What a coincidence, you two sisters are also eating at this restaurant today," Zhang Ting greeted them with a smile.
The two were instantly drawn to her composure emanating from within. Her eyes were clear and bright yet sharp, and the smile on her lips softened her demeanor. Despite wearing only an unassuming maroon robe, she drew people in irresistibly.
They all felt that Zhang Ting was destined to meet them. They had met her just the day before yesterday, and today they met her again in the same shop. It was clear that they had similar tastes, and they happened to be at the same table. What else could this be but fate?
Zou Yueru had always cherished her talent and liked her personality, and now she was overjoyed: "It is fate that brought us together from a thousand miles away. Sister Zhang is truly a perfect match for us."
Yesterday, Ang Lee borrowed a book of commentaries from his cousin and read it. He felt enlightened and, out of love for his cousin, he felt a different connection with Zhang Ting. So he was very enthusiastic and said, "If you are free today, why don't you join us for a snow-covered plum blossom viewing trip, enjoy some tea and scenery?"
Zhang Ting originally had other plans and didn't like such refined activities, but these two were both money-makers and had extended a warm invitation. If she refused, wouldn't she be ungrateful?
She immediately said, "Thank you for your kind invitation, elder sisters. I will gladly accept your offer."
When the two men saw that she agreed, they happily led her there, saying that the servants at home had already prepared a charcoal brazier, wine vessels, food, and a few pieces of warm clothing, which was all they needed to do, so Zhang Ting didn't need to worry about it anymore.
The servant saw that although Zhang Ting was dressed plainly, his young mistress treated her with great respect, so he naturally dared not look down on her and asked her if she had any further instructions.
Zhang Ting was merely accompanying her sugar daddy; she didn't actually enjoy appreciating plum blossoms or snow. Moreover, the servant was meticulous and well-prepared, so she simply told him there was nothing she needed to add.
The maid brought the carriage and stools to help the three of them mount the horses, and then she rode up to drive the carriage.
The interior of the car was decorated with dark curtains, and the placemats were embroidered with exquisite fabrics. Several plates of fruits and pastries were laid out, a pot of hot tea was warmed, and there were several books under the table. The arrangement was elegant and comfortable.
A note from the author:
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