Chapter 102: Mother Also Has a Land Now
Bai Yihong hurried home that afternoon. In a state of excitement, he said, "The land looks promising, even more fertile than ours. Wang Laomo is a proper farmer who knows how to take care of fields."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu was delighted. Without delay, she said, "If you think it’s good, then finalize the deal. The owner is trustworthy, right?"
"He seems honest. I cautioned him, and he assured me he would not share any information. Furthermore, he said he was eager to find his son, so he wouldn’t return, assuring us peace of mind," Bai Yihong said, happiness apparent on his face. But after his words, a sour note rose in his heart. It was sad to see a son being cautious of his parents like this.
But... the silver was earned by his daughter; where was his right to behave lavishly?
Bai Yihong pulled his wandering thoughts back, continuing, "He’s in a hurry indeed. He’s eager to complete the purchase tomorrow morning, and have the documents transferred. I discussed this with Uncle Dehai, and the person whose name is going to be on the deed must be present. With Ruozhu still in confinement, I’m afraid she won’t be able to go."
Listening to their conversation, Lin Ping’er frowned slightly. Turning to Bai Ruozhu, she asked with deliberation," Should we put it under your father’s name first, and then transfer it to you after your confinement."
Bai Ruozhu shook her head without a second thought. Placing the sleeping infant back on the bed, she said, "No need to go through the process again. We would have to pay extra fees if we transfer the deed twice. It should just be put under your name to avoid unnecessary expenditure. You can accompany father tomorrow."
As she spoke, she discreetly studied her father’s mood. As she thought, there was a shadow in her father’s eyes. As a head of the family, owning land was perceived as normal. Bai Ruozhu took measures due to her father’s special circumstances.
It was not that she did not trust her father, but she was wary of those so-called blood relatives behind him. However, seeing her father’s demeanor, she felt a slight pang of guilt.
She sighed and said," Father, don’t take it to heart. I’m simply worried that problems might arise from the old mansion. When my grandparents decide, will you provide it or not? It puts you in a tough/ difficult spot. I don’t want you to be labelled as unfilial."
Despite this, Lin Ping’er was still anxious. She asked," If they find out the land is under my name, what would they do? You know, in the eyes of your grandmother, my dowry is owned by the Bai family, they have already taken a lot from me before."
"In reality, the best choice would be my second brother. But, with just six days left till the Rural Examination, I don’t plan to waste my brother’s precious time. So mother, you will have to take on the workload. If it comes to it, just tell them that you borrowed the money from your family. If they can help you repay the debt, the land can be theirs." Bai Ruozhu gritted.
Lin Ping’er considered this for a moment, finally nodding," This is the only way."
Bai Yihong still felt rather gloomy, but understood the logic in his daughter’s words. The situation would be harder if he got caught in between.
The next morning, Lin Ping’er called Zhou Deshun’s wife for help and left with Bai Yihong to meet Zhou Dehai. Subsequently, they met with Wang Laomo and went to the Government Office to carry out the transfer of the deed.
Upon her return home, Lin Ping’er showed the land deed to Bai Ruozhu. The excitement on her face could not be concealed as she laughed and said, "I’d never thought in my life that I would own land. Ha-ha."
"Don’t we already own land? Isn’t what belongs to father also yours?" Seeing her joy, Bai Ruozhu also laughed.
Lin Ping’er glanced at Bai Yihong, snickering on the side, and said," The land from the inheritance is the Bai family’s. It has nothing to do with me."
Everyone was pleased when Bai Yihong acquired new land. Consequently, he put all his previous concerns behind him, cheerfully saying, "Now your daughter has bought you land. Are you happy?"
"Happy, of course I am happy." Lin Ping’er was ecstatic.
Meanwhile, Bai Ruozhu standing by the side, laughing stated," In the future, you would have a dutiful daughter-in-law, a son making you a respected officer’s mother-in-law. There’s so much to look forward to."
Upon hearing the good news, Lin Ping’er’s wrinkles deepened from laughter.
At lunch, Lin Ping’er made an exception allowing Bai Ruozhu to dine in the main hall, only they had wrapped her up so tightly, afraid that she’d catch a chill.
The family gathered at the table, passing around the land deed. Each of them wore a happy smile on their faces, even the often studious Bai Zepei.
After the land deed was examined by everyone, Lin Ping’er handed it back to Bai Ruozhu, saying," My girl, you’ve earned the money to buy this land. Therefore, you should keep this deed."
"Mother, I was recently robbed by Sanlong. It’s not safe with me." Bai Ruozhu immediately shook her head on hearing this.
The moment this topic was mentioned, the atmosphere around the table turned grim. Bai Ruozhu started to regret; why did she recall an upsetting matter?
"We were careless, and didn’t guard the door properly. If he has the intent to steal again, it won’t matter whether it’s kept in my room or not." Lin Ping’er, despite disagreeing with Bai Ruozhu, still handed her the land deed.
Bai Ruozhu considered this, agreeing. Moreover, outsiders were unaware that she was earning money for the family. They only knew about her Jade pendant. So maybe next time, they won’t target her room. Thinking this, she carefully put away the land deed.
"Mother, have we given the broker his commission yet?" asked Bai Ruozhu.
"Don’t even mention it. Your Uncle Dehai refuses to accept it. He claimed that accepting the silver would be disrespectful, seeing that we’ve known each other for so long.", voiced a troubled Lin Ping’er.
Given his denial, it was clear that forcefully giving him the silver would not be right. Bai Ruozhu was also concerned. Despite his services and running various errands, Uncle Dehai hadn’t accepted a single penny.
"How about organizing a feast once you are out of confinement and inviting him?" suggested Bai Yihong.
"That’s a good idea. I recall Uncle Dehai always liked the dishes I prepared", Bai Ruozhu happily agreed.
Lin Ping’er glared at Bai Yihong and said," It’s exhausting for Ruozhu."
"How is it exhausting? I am perfectly healthy. I’m just a bit bored at this point," Bai Ruozhu chuckled, "Also, I think along with the feast we should prepare some gifts for Uncle Dehai’s family."
Indeed, it would be best for her to present the gifts, but since Zhou Taohua fancied Bai Zepei, she didn’t want to give anything that might be misinterpreted. What if they thought she was trying to build a good relationship with her future sister-in-law?
Everyone agreed to this, and the matter was decided.
After eating a few bites, Bai Ruozhu was steered back to her room by Lin Ping’er. She was reluctant to move, feeling like a criminal; such hardship!
Bai Zepei stood up, stating," I’ve finished eating too. I’ll return to my room and continue reading. I’ll be busy these next few days."
Bai Ruozhu’s eyes lit up, and hurriedly followed her second brother. With a gossipy expression, she asked," Second brother, I saw you upset the young lady the other day."
Bai Zepei glanced at her coldly and said," She mentioned that you sent her to see me, to which I replied that you must have lost your sanity upon having your first child."
After finishing his statement, he returned to his room, leaving Bai Ruozhu standing there, lost for words...