Chapter Three, Yu Niang.

Widow Chen said seriously, "Alright, let's not talk about it. But you have to accompany me to catch mountain chickens the day after tomorrow, how about that?"

Mr. Lin, could you please help me take a look? I want to buy this hairpin.

After Dr. Hu left, Meng Qiuxiang became melancholy.

Seeing Lin Yiyi giving herself so much money once, Qiao Yuniang couldn't help but smile happily, nodded to Lin Yiyi and said "Thank you", and then ran out of the pawnshop.

Laozi Lin's name is Lin Chong, with the courtesy name Kun. He is known as the God of Wealth in Changle Town. After spending some money a few years ago and making some arrangements in the county, he successfully took the position of the village head and became the mayor of Changle Town. However, perhaps due to Lin Chong's bad luck, he encountered a drought shortly after becoming the village head. This drought lasted for three years. Fortunately, Changle Town is close to the Feishui River and not far from Chaohu Lake, which has sustained it in recent years.

In the words of Lin Yiyè, Uncle Qiao is the biological father of Qiao Yuniang. Since the apparent death of Xiao Fu, Qiao Zheng has visited the Xiao family several times, hoping to persuade Qiao Yuniang to remarry. Xiao's mother did not oppose such a request, but Qiao Yuniang herself was very determined and refused to remarry even at the cost of her life.

Although Dr. Hu is kind-hearted and did not collect the medical fees from the Xiao family, the herbs listed in this prescription are still very difficult for the Xiao family given their current situation.

Jade nodded her head and softly uttered "Mm". She lowered her head and dared not look at Madam Chen, her face blushing like a ripe apple.

Yu Niang nodded, but her expression still showed some reluctance.

One hundred taels of silver, even for the current Xiao family, would be enough to cover expenses for several years. However, due to Xiao Mo's need for medical treatment, the expenses have increased significantly. It can be said that if it weren't for Qiao Yuniang, the Xiao family would have starved to death long ago!

Widow Chen is skilled in farming, but not so good at needlework. Therefore, she often seeks help from Yu Niang to mend some torn clothes. Over time, the two became close friends who could talk about anything.

Widow Chen approached and held Yuniang's hand upon hearing her words, saying, "It's a coincidence. Hey, Yuniang, I heard your uncle woke up?"

However, given the current situation in Changle Town, apart from a few dozen widows, the rest of the people are mostly elderly, weak, and young children. Even if Lin Chong doesn't go to the county office to handle matters, it is unlikely that he will be able to secure a position here that others can take.

However, Lin Yuye knew that in fact Qiao Yuniang had paid a lot for the Xiao family. Not to mention anything else, just the dowry that Qiao Yuniang had handled herself over the years was probably worth a hundred taels of silver.

"Hmm!" Yuniang nodded and said with her head down, "I would like to ask for the help of Lin's shopkeeper..."

Madam Chen squeezed Yu Niang with a mocking expression. Yu Niang was no match for Madam Chen, who had thin skin to begin with. Moreover, they were in a busy street with people coming and going. Yu Niang begged for mercy, saying, "Sister-in-law, we agreed not to mention this matter again. If you say it again, I will ignore you!"

However, since Lin Yuye is intended to manage the business, it can also be seen that Lin's father has little hope for Lin Yuye's imperial examination career.

The melodious voice of Yuniang awakened Lin Yuye, who was behind the counter. Lin Yuye is the owner of Lin's Pawnshop in Fengming Town. The Lin family has been engaged in business for generations in Fengming Town. Although they cannot be considered wealthy, they do have some assets. Lin Yuye is the only son of the Lin family. In the past few years, the Lin family spent a lot of money to exempt Lin Yuye from military service during the conscription. Lin Yuye also holds the status of a tongsheng. After failing the provincial examination last time, he started helping his family manage the business. According to Lin's father's intention, he should focus on both the imperial examination and business management, without neglecting either one. Lin Yuye is the only son of the Lin family. In the past few years, the Lin family spent a lot of money to exempt Lin Yuye from military service during the conscription. Lin Yuye also holds the status of a tongsheng. After failing the provincial examination last time, he started helping his family manage the business. According to Lin's father's intention, he should focus on both the imperial examination and business management, without neglecting either one.

Yu Niang 'Ah' sighed, knowing what Mrs. Chen meant, and recalling the words she had said in front of Mrs. Chen before, she couldn't help feeling shy.

After entering the pawnshop, the lady behind the tall counter handed over the golden hairpin.

When Yuniang heard about Widow Chen, she thought for a moment and thought it would be fine. It just so happened that Xiaomo needed mountain delicacies to nourish his body, and it would also prevent Widow Chen from mocking her. It was a win-win situation, so she nodded and agreed.

Upon seeing that the visitor was Widow Chen, Yu Niang said, "So it's Sister-in-law Wang. I, I went to Doctor Hu's pharmacy to get some medicine..."

Yuniang hesitated as she lingered in front of the pawnshop, unwilling to go in. In her hand, she held the jade bracelet that Meng Qiuxiang had given her. She thought about how this was the dowry her mother-in-law had brought to the Xiao family when she got married. If she were to pawn it today, she knew Meng Qiuxiang would definitely feel heartbroken when she looked back on it in the future.

Two people walked together until they reached the entrance of Doctor Hu's pharmacy, where Yuniang finally parted ways with Widow Chen. After Widow Chen left, Yuniang hesitated for a moment in front of the pharmacy before gritting her teeth and walking in.

After leaving the pawnshop, Qiao Yuniang planned to go to Doctor Hu's pharmacy to get some medicine. When passing through the market, she suddenly remembered what Doctor Hu had said about Xiao Mo's weak body and the need for nourishment. She then thought about looking around the market to see if she could buy some rare delicacies to bring back and nourish Xiao Mo's body.

Even so, Yuniang dared not say anything and obediently went out of the door and came to the pawnshop.

Aside from being harsh with her words towards Yuniang, Meng Qiuxiang has become increasingly strict with her in daily life. After finishing meals each day, she urges Yuniang to work. Although Yuniang is well-provided for at home, she cannot bear Meng Qiuxiang's treatment. She has cried a few times in secret, but still has no intention of leaving the Xiao family. When Meng Qiuxiang sees this, she scolds, "Why cry? If you can't take it, then leave! If you harm your husband, is it not enough? Do you also want to harm me and Xiao Mo?"

Didn't expect Lin Yuye to be so benevolent. Qiao Yuniang was moved, and she also thought about how she could repay this kindness in the future. But when? At that moment, she couldn't help but nod repeatedly, saying to Lin Yuye, "I won't trouble the shopkeeper anymore in the future. I will never forget the great kindness of the shopkeeper. When my uncle becomes successful in the future, I will repay the shopkeeper!"

However, in the evening market, where can one still find exotic mountain delicacies for sale? Moreover, in the town of Changle, apart from the elderly and the young, there are only a few widows. Who else can go hunting in the mountains? So Yuniang's efforts were in vain.

After learning of Xiao Fu's death, Qiao Yu-niang's father, Qiao Yuan-wai, visited the Xiao family several times to request that Yu-niang remarry. At the beginning, Meng Qiu-xiang also advised her a few times, but Yu-niang refused. Later, as the Xiao family's financial situation worsened and they faced increasing pressure, Meng Qiu-xiang's temperament slowly began to change. Especially towards Yu-niang, she became increasingly harsh, often blaming her for being a disaster, not only killing her husband but also causing the Xiao family to end up in their current situation.

According to Widow Chen, she is the sister-in-law of Xiao Mo and the widow of his legitimate elder brother. Marrying a wife was highly valued by ancient people, especially scholars. In ancient times, it was a taboo for a man to marry the widow of a close relative, although it was not prohibited by law. However, if she wants to remarry Xiao Mo, it may not be easy.

Upon thinking about this, Lin Yiyè said, "Little sister, it's not that I don't want to help. I truly admire your character, but this is not a long-term solution. Why not listen to Uncle Qiao's advice and leave the Xiao family, and marry into a good family?"

Widow Chen glanced at Yuniang and, seeing her so shy, whispered in her ear, "Are your dreams coming true?"

With a clenched jaw, Yuniang finally put the bracelet into the pocket of her sleeve, and then took out a golden hairpin, holding it in her hand.

Even though I am still in a state of being unmarried, and there is no actual marriage between me and Xiao Fu, who knows if Xiao Mo will despise my widow status? Or perhaps, Xiao Mo is a learned person who deeply understands etiquette and customs, and surely he would not commit such a taboo as marrying his sister-in-law!

Although she had vowed not to remarry and said that she belonged to the Xiao family in life and in death, indicating that she had no intention of remarrying, in Yu Niang's heart, there was still a glimmer of hope that she could marry Xiao Mo after Xiao Fu's death. This idea was unknown to others and she had only mentioned it once to Chen Guafu. After hearing it, Chen Guafu sighed and said, "I'm afraid it will be difficult." Then she explained to Yu Niang.

As a result, with the combination of severe drought and the loss of labor, even if the Xiao family has fields, they can only watch helplessly as they become barren and eventually turn into patches of grassland.

Whenever this happens, Yuniang dares not cry anymore, but she does not leave the Xiao family either. After wiping away her tears, she continues to do the household chores.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yiyè couldn't help but ask in astonishment, "Xiao Lǎodì, you woke up? This is truly a miracle. I wonder if the doctor has seen you?"

Cannot deny your kindness. Here are fifteen taels of silver. Please accept it, sister-in-law! Lin Yiyè took out a large silver ingot from his pocket, and also took some small pieces of silver from the counter before handing them to Qiao Yuniang.

Meng Qiuxiang said, "I asked you to go because you are well aware of the current situation at home. Since you married into the family, our days have been getting worse day by day. Your husband is also gone and the Xiao family now only has Xiao Mo as the sole heir. It's not easy for us to see some improvement in his condition, but we need money. It's just asking you to run an errand. What's wrong with that?"

Upon seeing Lin Yiyè, he said, "This time I will help you keep it a secret. You cannot tell Aunt Xiao's family, nor can you tell your own family."

Since that's the case, I'll help you again! Lin Yiyè thought for a moment and agreed. Yùniáng said that this time it would be in gold, but it was for saving Xiaomo's life. Considering this, Lin Yiyè couldn't refuse. Although running a pawnshop to collect items was a profitable business, the Lin family was based in Fengming Town. As the leader of the town, they had to consider the feelings of the local people. If they were too greedy, it would damage the reputation of the Lin family. Moreover, Qiao Yùniáng was loyal and virtuous, and Lin Yiyè sympathized with her situation. Although running a pawnshop to collect items was a profitable business, the Lin family was based in Fengming Town. As the leader of the town, they had to consider the feelings of the local people. If they were too greedy, it would damage the reputation of the Lin family. Moreover, Qiao Yùniáng was loyal and virtuous, and Lin Yiyè sympathized with her situation.

After some thought, Meng Qiuxiang returned to her room, took out a jade bracelet that was pressed at the bottom of the box, called for Yuniang, and said, "Yuniang, while there is still some time before dinner, go to the pawnshop and pawn this!"

Lin Yiyè sighed. To be honest, in these years, Qiao Yuniang's experience has already spread in the town. However, the people in the town are just a group of gossipy women who spread rumors. When they heard Meng Qiuxiang cursing Yuniang, they also started spreading it, saying that Yuniang is a jinx, causing the Xiao family to end up in this current situation.

Yu Niang said, "Thank you, Manager Xie, for your concern. Dr. Hu has just examined my uncle's condition and prescribed medication. I have come this time to raise some money and go to get the medicine for my uncle. I kindly request your assistance, Manager Xie, no matter what."

That was given to me by my mother before I got married. Yu Niang kept it until now, and only took it out when she saw Uncle Xiaomo's illness improving.

Because the Xiao family is the only scholarly family in the town, the relationship between the Lin family and the Xiao family has been very close. However, since Xiao Mo's father passed away, they have grown apart. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Lin family and the Qiao family is good. So every time Yuniang comes to pawn something, Lin Yiyè always gives a fair price. This time, when Yuniang took out a well-made gold hairpin, Lin Yiyè weighed it and said, "Younger sister, this hairpin is a good item. Are you really going to pawn it?"

After hearing Lin Yuye's words, Qiao Yuniang shook her head and said, "Thank you for the shopkeeper's concern. Yuniang knows her own limits. As for this hairpin, I still need the shopkeeper's help. My uncle woke up today..."

As a result, even if Yuniang had thoughts in her heart, she dared not reveal them. However, Chen Guafu would definitely not be able to keep it a secret. But Chen Guafu was not the kind of person who liked to gossip. Occasionally, she would just tease Yuniang when they were alone together, but she would not mention it in front of others to avoid embarrassing Yuniang!

This time, Meng Qiuxiang asked Yuniang to be a jade bracelet, but Yuniang refused. If it were in the past, Meng Qiuxiang would have scolded her for sure. Perhaps it was because Xiao Mo woke up that Meng Qiuxiang's mood improved a lot, so she didn't scold anyone.

However, Qiao Yuniang is a woman of strong emotions and principles. She believes that a virtuous woman should not marry a second husband. Since she has married into the Xiao family, she considers herself a member of the Xiao family. Moreover, during the early days of her marriage to the Xiao family, Qiao Yuniang and Meng Qiuxiang got along very well, and there was great harmony between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Therefore, Qiao Yuniang has been staying in the Xiao family to take care of Meng Qiuxiang and the bedridden Xiao Mo, and she refuses to remarry.

Meng Qiuxiang obviously misunderstood Yuniang's intention, but Yuniang dared not speak up. What Meng Qiuxiang said was the truth. After marrying into the Xiao family, her husband first went to the army and died in the battlefield. Then, the Xiao family, originally a scholarly family, lost its only labor force. In addition, in order to treat Xiao Mo's illness, coupled with the drought of the past two years, the estate had no harvest. In three years, all the savings were spent, leaving only a few acres of dry land left by their ancestors. Before the drought, it was impossible to sell or plant anything. Moreover, many men in Changle Town died in the battlefield, leaving behind mostly elderly, weak, sick, and disabled villagers, as well as dozens of widows who lost their husbands.

On the day of the wedding, after Qiao Yuniang was brought to the Xiao family, the military conscription arrived at the Xiao family and conscripted Xiao Fuqiang. After Yuniang married into the Xiao family, she did not consummate the marriage with Xiao Fu nor did they hold a formal wedding ceremony. Therefore, she should still be a virgin and could have left the Xiao family without any blemish.

Yu Niang pouted disappointedly and was about to leave the market when she heard someone shout, "Yu Niang, where are you going?"

Upon turning around, it turned out to be Widow Chen from the town. Widow Chen's maiden family name is Wang, just like Yuniang. Her husband also died on the battlefield. However, there are no elderly people in her husband's family, only a six-year-old son. Widow Chen, a mere woman, manages to cultivate and farm with her son, keeping their household in good order.

After some thought, Lin Yuye said, "Since that's the case, I have nothing more to say. As for this hairpin, the Lin family won't profit from you. Whatever its value, I will personally pay for it. However, I must say this is the last time. In the future, if my sister-in-law wants to pawn something, please go elsewhere!"

Having said that, he handed the jade bracelet to Yuniang. Yuniang shook her head and said, "Mother, this... can't be used!"