Chapter 463 - 465: It’s Troublesome When Everyone is Too Diligent
Fusa suddenly understood the meaning in Bai Ruozhu’s words. Her originally fair face flushed, and she did not dare to raise her head as she said, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Bai Ruozhu laughed aloud and said, "Whether I’m talking nonsense or not, you will have to follow my arrangements. The decision has been made."
Lin Ping’er, cuddling Dengdeng, also agreed, saying, "Ruozhu has made the right arrangement. If you refuse out of politeness, then how can we still be a family in the future?"
The old lady of the Lin Family expressed her gratitude to both women, saying, "I’m sorry for the trouble."
Soon, everyone in the yard gathered for brunch, which made the atmosphere livelier. Bai Ruozhu considered that there were now more people in her home, and some tasks should indeed be divided among them.
"After thinking it over, everyone will be responsible for cleaning their own room and washing their own clothes. However, meals should be eaten together. Why don’t we divide into three groups? My mother and sister-in-law can make up a group, Guizhi and I a group, and Fusa and Lin Auntie will be a group. Each group will take turns preparing meals and cleaning the yard for a day."
She thought for a moment, then added, "As for firewood, we don’t need to chop it ourselves anymore. We can make more by doing something else during that time. We will get someone to specifically collect firewood for us."
Everyone agreed with no objections. Only Rongrong’s mother said awkwardly, "Arrange some work for me when I get better."
Rongrong’s mother had improved a lot and could already get out of bed, but her body was still very weak and certainly needed good care for a while.
"Auntie Zhang, you have to rest well first. Once you recover, I will certainly arrange some work for you," Bai Ruozhu said with a cheerful smile.
Rongrong’s mother knew she couldn’t do much now, so she nodded without saying anything more.
Lin Ping’er, after eating a few bites of the flat pancake, began to grumble, "Ruozhu, we should set up the stall as soon as possible. We can’t halt this business." She was worried now, as everyone in the yard needed to eat. Although they had brought some food when moving, it would only last a few days. The expenses thereafter would be larger. How could they not earn money?
Now, everyone in the yard was afraid of being idle and wanted to avoid laziness. Everyone was eager to earn silver, which instead made Bai Ruozhu a little worried. Didn’t they want to rest for a few days?
To reassure her mother, Bai Ruozhu said, "I’ve briefly discussed with my second brother before. Let me elaborate on my ideas. In the future, we will decide things together."
The others nodded in agreement, and Bai Ruozhu continued, "My second brother will focus on studying while my eldest brother will accompany Uncle Zhang to travel around and learn some business secrets. He will also be responsible for purchasing foodstuffs for the house. Uncle Zhang will continue running the Fresh Soup Noodles business. In addition, Fusa, Lin Auntie, my mother, my sister-in-law, and Guizhi will start the hook needle business first, aiming to earn a large sum before the New Year."
Upon hearing this, Lin Laifu became anxious and asked, "What about me? How about I continue grinding tofu?"
Bai Ruozhu smiled and said, "We won’t start the stall business for now. Since we have other businesses, why should we make everyone work so hard? If we get the chance in the future, we will open a restaurant or a wine house. Lin Brother, you can assist my father for now. Your tofu-making skill can’t go to waste. It will be one of our signature dishes in the future."
Upon hearing this, Lin Laifu sighed with relief. He was indeed worried that there might be no place for him, but hearing Bai Ruozhu’s words, he was very relieved. However, he was so happy that he forgot to ask Bai Yihong what he could assist with.
"Let’s eat quickly. Later, we will go out to stroll around. We finally arrived in Beiyu City. Don’t you want to go out and see what it’s like?" Bai Ruozhu grinned, winking at everyone.
Everyone was excited to hear this. When they arrived yesterday, the horse carriage took them directly to the mansion. They did not pass through the market, and everyone had only briefly seen that Beiyu City was much more prosperous than Anyuan Town, which stirred their emotions.
"Okay, let’s go and broaden our horizons." Lin Ping’er said with a smile.
Everyone agreed, although Rongrong’s mother could not go out and seemed a little downcast. Bai Ruozhu noticed this and thought she should hurry up to make the ointment for Rongrong and her mother to use.
Upon hearing the news of going out, Rongrong and Niuniu seemed particularly happy. Even the usually silent Xiaosi’s eyes lit up, although he still didn’t like talking to people and preferred to hide in the room practicing calligraphy or drawing.
"Xiaosi brother, I will treat you to Sugar-Coated Haws later. My mother gave me two coppers." Niuniu was very proud, waving her little hand holding two copper coins.
Rongrong giggled, "Do you have some for me, too?"
Niuniu blushed, "Yes, yes...but I only have two coppers..."
Bai Ruozhu was amused by the conversation among the children. Rong Rong was the most cheerful one. Even after the fire left scars on her arm and back, she didn’t become silent but maintained her carefree nature. Niuniu was a lively little girl too, though she could be shy and liked clinging around Xiaosi.
Xiaosi, on the other hand, was the most reserved one. However, influenced by Niuniu and Rongrong, he was slowly starting to interact with others more and even chatted with them occasionally.
Watching the three of them playing together, Bai Ruozhu thought about childhood sweethearts and wondered which girl Xiaosi would like when he grew up.
After the meal, all the women rushed to clean up the dishes. Bai Ruozhu hurriedly said, "Let’s follow the group divisions I just mentioned. We will start them today. No one try to do it all!"
In other families, the division of duties was to ensure that no one slacked off. However, in her family, without divisions, she feared that they would argue over who got to do what.
As they were talking, there was a knock at the door. Bai Zehao hurriedly answered it. It was Meng Qiu, whom they had met the previous day.
Meng Qiu greeted everyone, then turned to Bai Zepei and Bai Ruozhu and said, "Master Bai Jr., Miss Bai, my master would like to see you."
Bai Ruozhu knew she had completely forgotten about the old lady Meng’s request, wanting her to live in the Meng Residence for a few days once she moved to Beiyu City.
Bai Ruozhu apologized to everyone, "It seems that my second brother and I can’t accompany you to go out. Uncle Zhang, please lead everyone around." She then gave Zhang Liliang a bunch of coins and said, "Buy some snacks for the children and try the delicious food on the streets of Beiyu City."
Everyone said it was okay and told Bai Ruozhu to hurry up and not let Mr. Meng wait long.
After Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zepei arrived at the Meng residence, she found that Mr. Meng really wanted to see her. However, the old lady Meng also wished to see her but had to wait.
"Zepei, I’ve already spoken to the Study Palace. After looking over your exam papers, the principal said you don’t need to take the assessment. You can start classes the day after tomorrow," Meng Liangshen said straightforwardly.
Even the usually calm Bai Zepei was slightly ruffled by the news that he would be going to the Study Palace in Beiyu City. He bowed to Meng Liangshen and said, "Thank you, sir. I will study hard and live up to your expectations."