My delicate husband

The news that Lan'an built a public well for the village gradually spread in the village. Except for a few families who were jealous and made sarcastic remarks, most villagers were still grateful.

With more public wells in the village, villagers have more convenient access to water. Before, there were two wells, and it might take more than an hour to queue up to draw water, and that was just for daily drinking water. For washing clothes, bed sheets, and bedding, they had to go to the small river in the village, even in the winter.

Lan'an's lunch boxes sold very quickly today. After all, they only had one meat dish, braised pork, and although it tasted good, you would get tired of eating it every day. This time, Lan'an added two more meat dishes, spicy rabbit and braised chicken with radish. With the new styles, both new and old customers were very supportive and they were sold out in a short time.

Seeing that the day was over early, Lan An took a silly roe deer to Chun Qiu Tang and found Doctor Zhu. He asked him to see the age of the antlers. Seeing such a complete deer with little damage to the fur, Doctor Zhu was very tempted and was willing to spend 18 taels of silver to buy the whole deer. However, the antlers were only three years old. Lan An felt a little disappointed. He didn't expect to hunt such a rare medicinal material in one go. Besides, Lan An still had two more in his space, so he would ask again later.

"Young Master, did you hunt this deer yourself?"

"Yes, my father is a hunter, and I learned from him for a while."

"Then you are quite capable. It is rare for me to see you hunting. If you hunt anything suitable in the future, you can bring it to the medicine hall and I will take it."

During this period, Lan'an grew a few centimeters taller and is now 168 cm tall. However, the average height of men in Chuqi Country is 178 cm, so Lan'an is relatively small in comparison. However, most of the boys in Chuqi Country are less than 170 cm tall, so Lan'an is still relatively tall. After all, he is not yet 14 years old, but his height is still not enough compared to the men.

"Doctor Zhu, do you know anyone who's an expert in animal hides?"

"Young Master, you've asked the right person. My apprentice knows how to do this. I'll take you to him. He owns a shop."

After walking for a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the door of a shop, where a tall and strong man came out to greet them.

"Master, why are you here? Is this your new apprentice disciple?"

"Ashui, this young man is a hunter and wants someone to specialize in animal hides, so I brought him here."

"That's fine. You can come find me when you kill prey next time."

"Thank you, Brother Shui. I'll be in trouble from now on."

Lan An looked at the little wild boar in the space. He didn't know how to kill a pig, and the knife at home was not sharp. Lan An planned to let it go for the time being. Picking up the knife, Lan An thought of the iron pot he had customized before, so he hurried to get it.

"Anger, you're finally back. I've been waiting for you for a long time. Can we come back now?"

"Go back, I was delayed by something."

"Ang'er, you forgot, my brother asked us to take some paper home."

"Oh, yes, yes."

The two went to the bookstore again and bought two rolls of paper, a set of brushes, and an inkstone. No wonder reading was something only rich people could do in ancient times. Just these few things cost more than three taels of silver.

"Brother Guo, do you want to buy some books?"

"Anger, don't buy it. It's too expensive."

Lan An browsed around and saw two miscellaneous notes that he thought were quite interesting. He thought he could buy them and have Zhang Xiaomo read them to them. Lan An had particularly loved reading this type of book in his previous life.

Two books cost two taels of silver, and Lan An still felt a little painful when he paid.

Lan Euan was still happily shopping. He didn't know that the Sun family had fallen out because of him, and that Butcher Sun had even gone to Zhang Xiaomo's house to cause trouble.

"Oh, how miserable I am as an old woman, having such a treacherous daughter-in-law. After her husband gave birth to a grandson, he no longer takes me, the mother-in-law, seriously. He steals money from the family to support her own family. He is so ungrateful."

"Everyone in Lianhua Village knows that Zhang Xiaomo's family has become wealthy. They're doing business in the county town and making money. They've even started building a public well for the village."

"Zhang Xiaohua, you are your brother's only sister, so it's only natural for him to help you. You used to take things from my house to help him."

"Look at the clothes on my Jinsun, and then look at the clothes on that money-loser Guoge'er. I don't care, you must go to your brother to ask for the money."

"When you married into our family, we gave you three taels of silver. But you didn't even have a silver table in your dowry. Just a quilt, two sets of clothes, and two wooden basins—all worthless things."

Butcher Sun's mother, Sun Feng, rolled on the ground, complaining about Zhang Xiaohua. In her eyes, Zhang Xiaomo was a short-lived person, so all his money should be given to Sun Shiqiao (Little Stone).

There was a bright red slap mark on Zhang Xiaohua's face. She was still very afraid of Sun Fengshi. She had been bullied by her before she gave birth to Xiao Shitou. Fortunately, Sun the Butcher also protected her, otherwise her life would not be easy.

Zhang Xiaohua didn't dare to vent her anger on Sun Fengshi, so she could only yell at Sun the Butcher.

"Sun Wangcai, I've been married to you for three years. I've worked hard every day, and I even gave birth to a son for you. Do you have any feelings for me? Tell me, how much money have I given to my brother?"

Butcher Sun felt distressed when he saw the slap marks on his wife's face, but he was also very dissatisfied with his brother-in-law. He was also a pork seller, but he never took care of his business. Now that he had become capable, he didn't promote him at all.

"Wife, why don't you ask your brother to help us? They spend so much money on outsiders, why don't they give us more? Little Stone will also be starting school in two years, so why not save more money to send him to school? Besides, my brother-in-law is not in good health, so he will have to rely on us, Little Stone, in the future."

"Exactly, Zhang Xiaohua, don't think that just because I'm old, I can't take care of things. Your brother's family recently dug a well for the village, and I heard they also bought some land. Look at what Guo Ge'er is wearing, and then look at your son. You're his sister, and Xiao Shitou is his nephew. Besides, you've helped the family a lot before, and didn't your brother spend the three taels of betrothal gifts on him?"

"Sun Wangcai, let me be frank with you. If you still have me in your heart, you and your family should go to the Zhang family and ask for the money back. Otherwise, I will jump into the river and let everyone in the village see."

Butcher Sun knew that his mother had never been very happy with Zhang Xiaohua, and that he had wanted to marry her in the first place. After all, she was the mother who had raised him, and he also felt that his brother-in-law should help them.

The family was in chaos, but Sun the Butcher's father, Sun Tugen, just lowered his head and smoked his pipe, holding his little grandson Sun Shitou (Sun Shiqiao) in his arms, without saying a word. He couldn't do anything about his wife.

Butcher Sun comforted his mother a few more times, but Sun Fengshi still refused to give in. There was no other way but to coax Zhang Xiaohua. Zhang Xiaohua was persuaded and took Xiao Shitou and Butcher Sun to find Zhang Xiaomo.

There was a lot of noise at the Sun family's place, and the yard was full of people watching the fun. There was no joy in the village to begin with, and talking about family gossip was a common hobby of the villagers. Now that they saw there was something to eat, they followed Butcher Sun's family out and planned to go to Zhang's house together to see what was going on.

Everyone was talking at once, and many were making sarcastic remarks.

"Oh, I actually went to ask my brother-in-law for money. Ang'er is a bitch. It would be hard to ask for the money if he's at home."

"If my wife were to do this, I would divorce her directly."

"I don't think it's credible. Old Lady Sun is so stingy. How much money can Zhang Xiaohua give to her parents? All the eggs in his family are hidden in that old lady's room."

"Maybe he's just jealous because he saw An Ge'er making some money in business."

"Not necessarily. After all, there's only one butcher, Sun Wangcai, in these nearby villages. He can earn at least a few hundred coins a month."

Amidst the discussion, Butcher Sun and his group arrived at Zhang's house. Lan An had not yet returned home, and Aunt Wang was basking in the sun in the yard, sewing without stopping.

"Hey, Hua Jie'er and her family are here. Your brother just fell asleep, and An Ge'er hasn't come back from selling lunch boxes yet."

"Auntie Wang, I'm going to see my brother."

Zhang Xiaohua was actually quite afraid of seeing Lan An. When she heard that Lan An was not there and his brother was at home, she quickly went into the room to find his brother.

"I already said he just went to bed. We can't wait until he wakes up to talk about anything."

Aunt Wang put down her needlework and went to chase Zhang Xiaohua. Butcher Sun grabbed her and after a struggle, Zhang Xiaohua had already woken up Zhang Xiaomo.

"Second sister, why did you wake me up?"

Zhang Xiaomo was a little unhappy about being woken up, and said with a serious face

"Um, brother, I need your help with something. Little Stone, come and call me uncle."

"Uncle~"

Little Shitou was also a little afraid of Zhang Xiaomo, so he huddled in Zhang Xiaohua's arms and spoke weakly.

"If you have anything to do, just say it."

"Brother, I want to borrow some money from you."

"I don't have any money. I'm relying on my husband for support."

Zhang Xiaomo refused without hesitation.

"Brother, I am your biological sister. The clothes you are wearing must have cost a lot of money. They are made of the finest fabrics. You usually eat the finest grains. You don't have to hide it from me. I know you bought the land deeds and dug two public wells for the village. You can't be without money."

"Zhang Xiaohua, I told you, I have no money. I rely on my husband for support."

"Brother, just tell me straight, didn't our parents leave us a lot of money? Just look at how much An Ge'er can earn. I won't ask you for more. Just give me five taels. It's only natural for you, as his uncle, to use the money to buy Xiao Shitou two sets of good clothes."

"You should know that my illness cost me a lot of money, and my parents even borrowed a lot."

"Brother, if you hadn't been sick, my parents wouldn't have sold me for three taels of silver. It's because you're useless and can't help me get justice that the old woman from the Sun family tortured me. If I hadn't given birth to Little Stone, I would have been forced to death long ago."

Zhang Xiaomo's face became increasingly gloomy. He stared at Zhang Xiaohua coldly. For the first time, he felt that this sister was so strange.

"Brother, don't forget, I gave you money secretly. That was my hard-earned money."

When Lan An got home, he was quite surprised to see so many people at his gate. When the villagers saw Lan An coming back, they consciously made way for him.

"Aunt Wang, what are you and Butcher Sun doing?"

"Lan'an, you're finally back. Sister Hua went to look for your Mr. Mo. She's been in there for half an hour."

When Lan An heard this, he jumped off the ox cart and walked into the room with a gloomy face. Seeing Zhang Xiaomo's face was ashen and Zhang Xiaohua was still holding Zhang Xiaohua's hand and saying something, his eyes immediately turned red and he separated the two people's clasped hands.

Zhang Xiaohua was startled by Lan An's sudden appearance. Lan An stood in front of Zhang Xiaomo and looked at her coldly.

Zhang Xiaohua smiled awkwardly

"Ang'er, you're back. I have something to ask my brother. Little Stone, come and call uncle."

Little Shitou was so scared that he burst into tears. Zhang Xiaohua was also a little at a loss. Butcher Sun walked in immediately after hearing his son's crying, and the villagers watching outside the yard also followed him into the guest room.

"What do you want to talk to my husband about? I'm the boss of this family, so just tell me directly."

Lan'an's tone was obviously impatient. When Zhang Xiaomo saw Lan'an, his expression improved a little. He reached out to hold Lan'an's hand, but Lan'an shook it off. The atmosphere was a little awkward for a moment, and everyone felt a little sympathetic towards Zhang Xiaomo for marrying such a fierce guy.

"Why, you don't want to talk about it? If you don't want to talk about it, you can leave. Goodbye."

Zhang Xiaohua and Butcher Sun exchanged a glance, hardened their hearts, and said with their necks stiff.

"I'm here to ask Big Brother for money."

"Oh, tell me more specifically."

Lan Euan found a random place to sit beside the bed. For some reason, everyone present felt his aura and was a little scared.

"Some time ago, I brought back a piece of linen and some pigs' offal. Do you recognize them?"

Zhang Xiaohua also felt a little insecure. Lan An just found it funny, with a mocking look on his face. The expressions of the villagers who came to watch the fun also kept changing. How could they have the nerve to come to the door and ask for money for these things so confidently?

"Admit it. If you have anything else, tell me clearly once and for all."

Lan Euan was so angry that he laughed. He didn't expect that every dynasty would have to have the best products.

"Three months ago, my wife and I secretly gave my eldest brother 50 coins."

"Well, I remember you said at the beginning that we didn't have to pay it back, and that we shouldn't bother you if we have any problems. You've already helped us enough."

"It is only natural to pay back your debts, but you are refusing to pay."

"Then how much do you think I should give you?"

"Five taels. Three taels of my wedding gift was also used to treat my elder brother's illness."

Everyone gasped. It was the first time they realized how unreasonable Zhang Xiaohua was. Wasn't the daughter's betrothal gift meant for her son to marry? How dare she ask for five taels? An ordinary farmer would have to save up for two years by living frugally.

"Do you think I'm a fool or a sucker? I'll give you two taels of silver at most as a token of my gratitude for taking care of your brother over the years. From now on, don't have any contact unless necessary. If I find you bothering your brother while I'm away, I won't mind knocking on my door."

Lan An threw two taels of silver to Zhang Xiaohua. Zhang Xiaohua looked at Zhang Xiaomo and knew that she would have no home in the future.

After getting the money, Sun Xiaohua and her family left. Seeing that there was nothing exciting to watch, the villagers also dispersed. The farce also spread in the village. Everyone said that Lan An was a moral person and Zhang Xiaohua was an ungrateful person. Of course, there were also many people who said that Zhang Xiaomo was henpecked.

"An An, don't be angry."

"Don't touch me with your hands, they're dirty."

Lan An went to the kitchen to get some warm water and washed Zhang Xiaomo's hands with soap many times until a layer of skin was peeled off.

"An An, it's not dirty anymore, give me a hug."

Lan An obediently let Zhang Xiaomo hold her, and her original good mood was ruined by this incident.

"Zhang Xiaomo, no one can bully you except me."

"An An, it's okay."

"Brother Xiaomo, I bought some miscellaneous notes and I want you to read them to me."

"Then read it to An An now?"

"Forget it. I see you haven't rested enough. Go to sleep. I'll put you to sleep and we'll read the book tomorrow. I'll also prepare lunch later."

"Okay, I'll listen to An An."

Zhang Xiaohua was not very happy when she received the two taels of money. She felt a little sorry for her elder brother, but when she thought of Xiao Shitou, she felt that he was not wrong and her elder brother should help her.