Chapter 0006: Freedom at Will

Xu Jin could not help but be taken aback; he was indeed not very clear about the purchasing power of one tael of silver during the Ming Dynasty. In that case, sixty taels of silver was truly a considerable amount.

At this moment, Xie Xiaowan felt very happy and fortunate to have encountered such a down-to-earth and caring husband, a blessing that many women would pray for but could not attain.

Xie Xiaowan was tightly embraced by Xu Jin, feeling both shy and sweet. It was evident that her husband truly cared for her. One must ask, which man would be willing to lower himself to apologize and admit his mistakes to his wife? At this moment, Xie Xiaowan felt that even if her husband asked her to die, she would do so without hesitation.

Although Xu Jin was at a loss for words, upon seeing Xie Xiaowan's tear-streaked, distressed face, he suddenly felt a bit flustered and somewhat pained. He quickly stood up and comforted her, saying: "Xiaowan, don't cry, sigh... if we sell the land now, can we buy it back in the future? Moreover, when your husband passes the imperial examination and becomes an official, he will be able to afford as much land as he wants... Do you not have confidence in your husband's ability to succeed in the examination?"

Xu Jin couldn't help but feel a headache coming on, and helplessly said: "Fine, I won't sell the land, and you don't need to cry. At worst, we won't take the county exam next year"

During the Zhengde period, which coincided with the mid-Ming Dynasty, approximately one tael of silver could buy one shi of rice. Of course, rice prices varied in different regions, but generally, one tael of silver could be exchanged for one shi of rice

Xie Xiaowan stuck out her tongue and said: "My husband, studying is hard work; you should eat more!"

Xie Xiaowan was immediately taken aback, her little face turned somewhat pale, and she lowered her head, feeling aggrieved, and said: "I know!"

Participating in examinations, writing materials, food, clothing, housing, and transportation all require money; everything requires money!

Xie Xiaowan's heart trembled involuntarily, and she shyly buried her little face in Xu Jin's embrace. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time her husband has called her "wife".

Xie Xiaowan was immersed in her own little happiness, while Xu Jin was pondering how to extricate himself from the current predicament

Xie Xiaowan's face instantly turned pale, and she stammered: "Husband, how could you have such an idea of betrayal!"

In the deep winter of the twelfth year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, the north wind howled fiercely, and the cold frost resembled snow. Under the dim glow of the fire, a pair of impoverished young couple embraced each other.

Xie Xiaowan nestled in Xu Jinhui's arms for a while, then suddenly raised her head and murmured: "My husband, let us sell our land after all!"

Let it be, embrace freedom as you wish, live in the moment, since we are fortunate enough to traverse this life once, why waste our youth! Xu Jin cast aside the chaotic thoughts and held the little figure in his arms even tighter

As soon as these words were spoken, the little girl’s tears fell like broken pearls. It was only then that Xu Jin realized he had gone too far with his tone. After comforting and coaxing her for quite a while, Xie Xiaowan finally stopped crying and, with her tear-streaked face raised, sobbed: "If my husband wants to sell the land, then so be it. A husband is the head of the household; how can a mere woman like me possibly stop him? Why must my husband speak such harsh words about not taking the imperial examination to hurt me?"

Xie Xiaowan's thoughts may seem incredible and even contrived in modern times, but in a patriarchal feudal society, this is not surprising at all

Xu Jinxie said: "Is that really what you think?"

The howling north wind swept through the dilapidated mud house, the dim yellow light on the wall emitted black smoke, and on the ground was a swaying figure

Xu Jin was somewhat taken aback, thinking that selling land shouldn't elicit such a strong reaction. He explained, "Xiao Wan, you are also aware of the situation at home. The grain provided by my second brother can at most last until spring. There are still several months until the summer harvest. If we don't sell the land, how can we afford to buy grain?"

Xu Jin's expression softened as he gently wiped away the tears on the little girl's face with his sleeve, saying in a warm voice: "Have some porridge, it will get cold!"

Is that all? Xu Jin couldn't help but furrow his brow. Even if it is calculated at ten taels per mu, selling his own six mu of rice paddies would only yield sixty taels of silver

Xu Jin nodded and said, "There is indeed such a plan"

Xu Jin possesses a modern soul, with a worldview and values that are entirely different from those of the men here. In his view, men and women are equal, and he does not believe that a man should lower himself to appease a woman, nor does he see anything inappropriate in apologizing to a woman. Therefore, he is completely unaware that a simple apology from him could move Xie Xiaowan to such an extent

"Xiao Wan, do you know how much the rice fields cost per mu now?" Xu Jin suddenly asked

"Little girl, are you angry?" Xu Jin said with a smile.

Therefore, the urgent task is to make money. Xu Jin has fought in the business world for decades, and his greatest skill is making money. However, in this remote and impoverished mountain village, even the ability to deceive and take advantage of others cannot be utilized.

Xie Xiaowan replied: "The upper fields near Poyang Lake can sell for fifteen taels of silver, the middle fields around ten taels, and the lower quality fields five to six taels. We are not sure about the prices here, but we estimate they will be even lower."

Xu Jin's feelings are somewhat complicated. He is increasingly embodying the role of the original owner of this body, perhaps due to the continuous merging of the bookworm's memories, or perhaps he has been moved by the kind little girl in his arms, whom he both loves and cherishes, unknowingly accepting their respective identities.

Xie Xiaowan, upon hearing this, wiped away some tears and sniffled, saying: "Naturally, Xiaowan has confidence in her husband, but can we not sell the land? Let us first seek to borrow some money from our relatives to cover our expenses. After the New Year, we can reclaim the rice fields for cultivation. Once we have grain, our family's situation will no longer be so tight. Moreover, Xiaowan can also fish to earn money, and the borrowed funds can be repaid gradually."

In an ordinary farming household, the annual expenditure is around 3 to 4 taels of silver, provided that the grain is self-cultivated. Therefore, 15 taels of silver is sufficient for such a family to cover expenses for 4 to 5 years, and if they are even more frugal, it could last for 5 to 6 years

"How could Xiao Wan dare to be angry with her husband? It is just that the land in our family has been passed down through generations. If we sell it, how will Xiao Wan ever have the face to meet the ancestors of the Xu family in the future!" As she spoke, tears welled up in Xie Xiao Wan's eyes.

Moreover, participating in the county examination next year also requires money. Therefore, I plan to sell the land and then move to the county seat. With some capital, I can engage in small businesses and still earn money

As the saying goes, do not deceive the mountains, but do not deceive the waters; no matter how skilled one is, one still fears the kitchen knife; no matter how proficient one is in swimming, there can still be unexpected incidents. In short, you are not allowed to go fishing in the future, otherwise... the family rules will be enforced! Xu Jin deliberately scolded with a serious face.

Furthermore, according to tradition, the county examination will be held in February next year, the provincial examination in April, and the imperial examination in August. It is mandatory for oneself to participate in all of them and to pass them all in order to obtain the title of scholar. Otherwise, after the autumn harvest, one will have to serve in labor to clear the waterways, which could potentially cost one’s life.

Xu Jin quickly shook his head and said: "No, how can I rest assured to let a little girl like you go fishing on the river? That is too dangerous. What if an accident happens?"

Xie Xiaowan nodded lightly and made a sound of agreement. Xu Jin, feeling uneasy, kissed her forehead and solemnly said: "My dear, rest assured, your husband will not let you down; I will return next year after passing the scholar examination"

It is only mid-November now, and there are still six to seven months until the summer harvest. One cannot always rely on others for assistance. Moreover, given my current physical condition, I cannot endure a daily diet of thin porridge without proper nutrition. Additionally, as the weather is getting colder, Xiao Wan must also acquire warmer clothing.

Xie Xiaowan bit her lip and said somewhat shyly: "Xiaowan just thought for a moment, and what my husband said is correct. The land can be sold and bought back again. Our family's situation indeed needs money right now. With money, my husband can study with peace of mind and strive to become a scholar next year!"

Xie Xiaowan exclaimed: "Isn't 15 taels per mu still too little? It's enough for a farming household to spend for three to four years"

The north wind howled outside, and the cold air seeping in through the cracks of the door caused the flames of the torch to flicker erratically. Xu Jin and Xie Xiaowan sat around a low table under the dim light of the fire, having dinner, with a pile of glowing coals beside them, slightly dispelling the chill.

At this moment, Xu Jin found it somewhat difficult to distinguish whether he was a bookworm or an old man from modern times

Xie Xiaowan felt Xu Jin's strong embrace, her heart filled with shyness and joy. This man is her husband, the closest person to her in this lifetime. A wave of infinite tenderness surged in the heart of the young girl, and she couldn't help but wrap her arms tightly around Xu Jin's waist.

Xie Xiaowan was so anxious that tears streamed down her face, and she trembled as she said: "Husband, we cannot sell our land. As long as we have land, we still have roots. If we work diligently, we won't starve, and it is certainly better than being a rootless drifter in a foreign land. Moreover, you are a scholar; how can you engage in such lowly market transactions?"

Xie Xiaowan lowered her head and tilted her neck without moving. Xu Jin was both amused and exasperated. This little girl appeared gentle on the outside but was strong-willed on the inside. It was evident that she was still opposed to selling the land in her heart, yet she did not dare to challenge the authority of the head of the family, so she expressed her protest in this manner

"Why are you asking about this, my lord? Could it be that... you want to sell our family's land?" Xie Xiaowan asked in surprise.

Xie Xiaowan sipped her thin porridge, occasionally stealing glances at Xu Jin, feeling warm inside. When she first married into the Chu family, faced with a family that was destitute and a husband who was bedridden, she felt very unfortunate, and life seemed bleak.

Xie Xiaowan's little face was still flushed as she quickly served Xu Jin a bowl of thick porridge, while she only took a bowl of thin rice soup for herself

"Xiao Wan does the household chores and also takes care of her husband, which is even more exhausting. Hurry up and eat!" Xu Jin said with a smile

Xu Jin felt a wave of regret and hurriedly said: "It is my fault, I should not have spoken thoughtlessly and hurt Xiao Wan's feelings. I apologize to you, please do not cry. When you cry, it also pains my heart!"

Without saying a word, Xu Jin poured both bowls of porridge back into the pot, then stirred them with a spoon, refilled two bowls, and lightly tapped the little girl's forehead, admonishing her: "How many times have I told you, do not seek special treatment in the future"

Xu Jin had originally abandoned the idea of selling the land and was preparing to consider other options. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but feel delighted, but he immediately shook his head and said, "No sale, no sale"

Although Xu Youguang allocated three dou of rice for the family today, and if they eat sparingly, they should be able to survive the harsh winter, they will still have to wait until June for the harvest after the winter has passed and spring arrives

"My lord, I am quite a good swimmer, so what kind of accident could possibly happen? Besides, I am not a little girl!" Xie Xiaowan said with a sense of grievance, although her emotions had calmed down.