Chapter 31: Let’s See Who Paints the Bigger Cake

Luo Yunhe took out the chicken soup that had been warmed the previous night. After they shared a simple meal, Su Jingxuan left again with his goods. Having been delayed yesterday, he was determined to gather more gifts today to sell for some money for his young wife.

Luo Yunhe, worried about him heading up the mountain alone, initially wanted to go with him, but realizing there was still so much work to be done in the fields, she ultimately had to give up the idea.

No sooner had she finished tidying up the clay pots and caught her breath than Su Chen-shi, Su Ruyi, and Su Shan surrounded her with an aggressive air.

"My, my, such long faces first thing in the morning. Did someone offend you?" Luo Yunhe asked with a smile, showing no fear.

"You little hussy, stop playing dumb with me! Hand over all that money right now!" Su Chen-shi glared at Luo Yunhe, her eyes filled with malice.

"That's right! You took money from that cripple yesterday. Hand it over, or even if I end up battered and bruised, I will make sure you pay dearly!" Su Ruyi hissed, her eyes likewise flickering with hatred.

"Luo, as a daughter-in-law, it’s one thing to be unfilial, but you shouldn't be selling your mother-in-law and sister-in-law to others. That cripple said it himself—you were the one who took the money!" Su Shan stared at her, his tone stern.

"Our family’s current condition doesn't allow for such extravagance. The kitchen is still empty, so you need to hand over that money," Su Shan continued, his gaze fixed on her, brooking no refusal. "I won't let Jingxuan spend money on the kitchen; I will use this money to replace everything the house has lost. We’ll be a family again and live properly." Su Shan’s words held a hint of appeasement, as if he hoped Luo Yunhe would comply with his wishes.

However, Luo Yunhe simply kept smiling, secretly amused by this greedy group.

"Money? What money? Are you planning to give me some? As it happens, I am in urgent need of cash. I actually took on some debt yesterday to purchase a plot of wasteland. If I can’t develop that land and repay the loan, the creditors might just come knocking. Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, I believe you are good people. If you are willing to support me, the moment I make a fortune, I will be sure to honor you first. How does that sound?"

Who didn't know how to paint a pretty picture? She could do it too, and off the cuff, even better than they could.

The three of them looked ghastly upon hearing this.

"You—you borrowed money?"

"Mhm!"

"And you used borrowed money to buy wasteland? Don't tell me it's that patch in the northwest corner?"

"That's the one!"

"When is it due?" Su Chen-shi refused to give up.

"In about three months. It’s five taels of silver! But it’s four acres of land. It’s quite large, isn't it a great deal?"

Su Chen-shi’s face turned yellower than the soil, her eyes staring blankly at Luo Yunhe.

"You—you didn't borrow that money from 'Scoundrel Wang' in town, did you?" Su Ruyi’s eyes widened, her expression one of utter disbelief.

"Yes! I heard he lends money, so I went to him. He’s actually quite reasonable; although the interest is a tiny bit high, he gave me three months. I believe that within these three months, I can turn that wasteland into fertile ground and earn enough to pay off the debt. But if you two are willing to help me out, I truly will be filial to you in the future, never strike or scold you again, and I’ll treat my sister-in-law well. Could you perhaps spare those five taels of silver to help me get through this emergency?"

"You spendthrift..."

"Luo Yunhe, you really are a spendthrift! That’s an abandoned plot; nothing grows there, and you actually bought it? Thinking you can make a fortune off that wasteland—you are simply delusional."

"Father, Mother, don't listen to this little hussy's nonsense. That land is worthless; no one would take it even if it were given away for free!"

"That may not be true! Father-in-law, you must believe in me! I can definitely make money!" Luo Yunhe feigned panic. If she appeared too calm, they would certainly be suspicious, so she acted flustered, as if she were terrified of the debt and the unproductivity of the land.

"Old man, throw her out! She spent so much money on wasteland and got involved with Scoundrel Wang; she’s going to turn this house upside down and leave us with no peace!"

"I think the land is quite good, really. It shouldn't be that bad. You should trust me..." Luo Yunhe said this with a look of feigned insecurity.

"Old man, let’s go..." Su Chen-shi could not withstand such a blow. After saying this, she pulled the others away in a hurry.

Scoundrel Wang was notorious in town for his tyranny; even the local officials couldn't handle him. He did indeed have money, and people often went to him to borrow. If they paid back on time, he was courteous, but if they failed, he used cruel methods. The interest rates doubled faster than anyone could earn money. If one couldn't pay, he became even more vicious, seizing valuables, houses, and land. If the victim still didn't comply, he would sell them off. If they dared to resist, they were often beaten to death. Such things happened often. The thought of facing such a fate made Su Chen-shi’s hair stand on end.

"Hey, what’s wrong? Why do your faces look so terrible? You haven't finished talking to me..." Luo Yunhe watched them turn and leave, waving her hands as if to call them back, but a strange, triumphant smile played on her lips.

"Heh, that’s all you’ve got? Trying to get money out of me? Not a chance!"

Having silently resolved another crisis, Luo Yunhe tidied up and headed to the wasteland with her tools.

Not long after she left, the family of three gathered together, beginning to argue about the situation.

"What are we going to do? Having provoked Scoundrel Wang, our lives will be unbearable!"

"That damnable little hussy! I really regret not kicking her out sooner!"

"Father, Mother, I have a feeling this is suspicious. How can we be sure she bought the land, or that she even took the money?"