The Story of a Destitute Noblewoman Farming

It was the first time that Lu Linlang witnessed the ancient people's sacrifices. At that moment, people prayed together, and the expressions on their faces did not seem fake. Sincerity is the key to success. Lu Linlang thought, perhaps this is people's beautiful wish for life.

The people were immersed in a joyful atmosphere, but Lu Linlang noticed that the leading priest had a frown on his face. The county magistrate also noticed it and asked a question.

"The weather is good, but people's hearts are not as they used to be. Sir, please be more careful next year." After the priest said this, he walked away with his priests. The cheers around him seemed not to penetrate his heart. He did not explain anything more and left from a place separated from the crowd.

Amidst the sound of drums and the bustling crowd, Lu Linlang had a bad feeling. Could it be that everything the original owner had experienced was really going to happen again?

The county magistrate was silent for a moment, as if nothing had happened. As an official, he had long guessed about the changes in the court, especially since the taxes required this year were higher, and next year, it would probably be even higher.

Good weather and good harvests may be the last bit of kindness left by God, but he is not a native of Chongshui, and his reverence for priests is far less than that of the locals. The book he read is "A Master does not speak of strange things, supernatural powers, or gods", and he just helped the people preside over the sacrifice out of the principle of adapting to local customs.

"The priest said that there will be good weather next year, so everyone should have fun today." After the county magistrate said this, he brought Lu Linlang and her brother to the gentry.

"This is Miss Lu, the eldest daughter of the former Earl of Zhongyong. This is his eldest son, a noble. They live in Chongshui. Miss Lu is the talented person who discovered the konjac recipe a while ago and taught it to the people of the county. Li Zhubu, please introduce Miss Lu to them. The County Magistrate and I will go back to take care of official business first."

"I have long admired Miss Lu's name. What she has done has benefited the entire Chongshui area. She is a role model among us. Miss Lu, my surname is Zhang, and I live in the county town. If you are free someday, please bring your brother to visit me at my humble abode."

"This man is the largest grain merchant and landlord in our county. There are scholars among his children, and there are also juren among his children in Hezhou. He is a famous figure in Chongshui." Li Zhubu introduced the two to each other.

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it. In front of Miss Lu and Baron Lu, I am just a person who relies on my ancestors' inheritance to support my family. How can I deserve such praise?"

Li Zhubu also introduced other gentry to the siblings. Most of them were local landlords or patriarchs of some large clans, or had family members who were officials or had taken the imperial examinations. They had considerable say in the local area.

"Miss Lu is amazing. I heard that the whole village of Xishan is now selling konjac tofu. The price is cheap, and everyone has another dish on the table. Your Xishan Village is famous in the whole Chongshui."

"I hope you will help and support us in the future. Xishan Village is our hometown, and Chongshui is where my father was born. He always praised the good things about Xishan Village. Now that the villagers have some means of making a living, my father can finally rest in peace."

"Of course, this is your time to make money. Everyone knows the method, and it's all hard-earned money. God will watch your hard work. Fortunately, next year will be a good year for the weather and the people will have a better life. Let's not talk about this anymore. Miss Lu, you and Baron Lu should come over and take a look. We have also prepared gambling today. It's a lively occasion for everyone. It's rare for us to get together in a year. If you visit more often in the future, you will naturally become familiar with each other."

Naturally, Lu Linlang would not refuse their invitation. They followed them to a place with fast-flowing water. There was already a servant guarding the place. When the servant saw the masters coming, he bowed.

Yun Yi also came over with his brothers and sisters and stood beside Lu Linlang. After Lu Linlang introduced their identities to everyone, she listened to everyone talking about the rules of gambling.

Betting on flowers is an elegant event. Every year someone is responsible for organizing this project. This year, it was Mr. Zhang who ordered people to prepare it. These carved flowers were also carved by him. Others will choose the one they like. Whoever's flower reaches the finish line first wins.

The winner also gets a prize, which is contributed voluntarily by everyone. Of course, those who prepare to gamble on flowers every year will also prepare a part first.

"This year's prize is the jade pendant I got from the south last year. There are three pieces in total, and the top three winners can get one. Everyone should work hard to see who will win this year." The servant took out three boxes, and in the boxes were three jade pendants of different sizes.

However, everyone else could see that this jade pendant was not cheap, and Master Zhang had spent a huge amount of money on it this year.

"Master Zhang, since you're so dedicated, we can't fall behind. This is a pearl I got from a merchant a while ago. It's smooth and round. Let's see who can take first place."

"My dear uncles, we just arrived this year and have never played before, so we have prepared some prizes. Please feel free to give us some advice." Xing'er behind Lu Linlang opened the box, and inside was a rare copy. This was a book written by a famous writer a hundred years ago in the Great Qi Dynasty. It has always been collected by those literati. The one Lu Linlang gave was copied in Yunyi, and these can only be obtained in the capital.

"This is a unique copy of Xu Mozhi's. I've long heard that Xu Daru's knowledge is world-renowned. Unfortunately, his masterpiece was collected and never released to the public. Miss Lu's gift is a timely relief. We all have children who will take the imperial examinations. If anyone has this, could you lend it to my son to copy?"

The things Lu Linlang gave away were priceless treasures to scholars, but worthless to those who did not understand. Lu Linlang had long understood the situation of these gentry. In this era where everything is inferior except reading, giving books was a way to show sincerity without being too ostentatious.

"Yes, if anyone gets the only copy of Miss Lu's book, please lend it to our children to copy. We are old and don't understand the value of the book, but the younger generation in the family needs it." They have known each other for many years, so it wouldn't seem too morally blackmailing to say it like this jokingly.

Now, they were even more enthusiastic about the competition, and even the children of the gentry came over to watch when they heard about it.

With the careful selection of her brothers and sisters, Lu Linlang also chose a hibiscus flower. After the flowers were placed in the water, everyone ran to the river to watch and see who would win first place.

There were also many servants in the house watching and cheering for Muhua on behalf of their master by the river. Lu Linlang sat aside, watching the lively scene. It would be great if she could live happily like this every day.

The final result came out, and what was unexpected was that the flower went to Lu Linlang. Lu Zhan and Yun Can were still children after all, and their emotions were the most outgoing. When they saw that the flower chosen by their sister won first place, they shouted with joy. Lu Linlang calmly drank tea and watched the result with a smile.

"Congratulations, Miss Lu. This rare copy has come back to Miss Lu after so many twists and turns. It's all God's will." The others also followed suit to congratulate.

"It is God's will, but it is also in our hands. Don't worry, everyone. After I go back, I will urge my younger brothers to copy a few more copies of this unique book and send them to your homes." Lu Linlang stood up.

"That's great. Miss Lu is really generous." Everyone was satisfied and thanked with a smile.