Ugly girl only wants to farm

Chapter 257 Wanting the horse to run but not feeding it

“That’s great! I was just worried about not finding someone to go with me. My husband is busy with his studies and I don’t want to bother him. It just so happens that you’re familiar with this place.”

Zhang Rongrong looked around: "How do you plan to decorate this shop? If there's anything I can help with, just let me know."

Then she pointed to the bookshelves with a curious look: "What are you planning to do with these? Aren't you worried about them blocking the way? Otherwise, I can find someone to move them back for you. Your house should be able to fit them, right?"

As Xu Chaoyan tidied up the scattered papers, she revealed her plan: "There's a corner over there that's empty, so I can put some books up there for everyone to read. This is the county school, so we can browse around while we wait for the food."

Zhang Rongrong nodded and gave a thumbs-up in approval: "That's a good idea. You can put some storybooks and such in there. Serious books will probably be rejected."

"That makes sense. If we set up another desk, all the talented scholars can leave their calligraphy. The original works of future esteemed officials will be incredibly valuable. If our shop becomes a hub for students in the future, we can specialize in offering a 'Top Scholar Package'."

She laughed as she spoke.

"Rongrong, don't you think so? Just thinking about how my little shop will be overwhelmed with customers when a top scholar emerges in the future."

Zhang Rongrong laughed along, then started daydreaming: "What you said makes sense. I'll gather some storybooks and light reading materials for you and put them all here. Who's going to be interested in reading those serious books? Everyone's been studying so hard in school all day, they deserve a break. I happen to have a lot of storybooks at home, I'll bring some over for you. You can't refuse, consider it my congratulatory gift!"

Xu Chaoyan swallowed her refusal. She could make up some stories when she had time. Aren't scholars most fond of meeting rich heiresses? She suddenly felt that she had another way to make money.

Moon Lady picked up the teapot and refilled their cups with water. She smiled gently and said, "Sister Xu, you're so quick-witted and full of ideas. You even came up with this. Our little shop is so popular that I could laugh in my sleep as long as we have enough to eat and wear."

Meng Jiuxia came running in from outside, panting. Seeing them laughing so heartily, she curiously put down the basket in her hand and sat down next to Xu Chaoyan: "Sister-in-law, what are you laughing at? Is it that funny? Tell me. Auntie said she's letting you have some snacks to satisfy your cravings. She'll prepare lunch and send it over together."

"Look at you, running around in such a hurry, all sweaty. Be careful not to catch a cold. Your back must be sweaty, go wipe it off."

Meng Jiuxia pointed to the sweet soup in the earthenware pot: "The old lady said that this soup has been simmering for quite some time, and that you should drink it while it's hot. I was afraid of missing the time, so I ran all the way here."

These past few days have been a time of seasonal change, making it easy to catch a cold. Meng Jiuhe has been coughing incessantly these past few nights. Especially in the mornings when he first wakes up, he coughs so hard that tears almost stream down his face, as if a lump of phlegm is stuck in his throat and he just can't get it out.

Xu Chaoyan advised him to rest for two days, but he refused. She was planning to go back later and get him some medicine, as he kept coughing and his voice was getting hoarse.

Zhang Rongrong picked up a pastry and gave it to her: "Little girl, we were just saying that if this shop produces a top scholar in the future, the business will be booming. The door will be so crowded that people will wear out the door. Your sister-in-law is dreaming of making a best-selling 'Top Scholar Set Meal' to attract people. In my opinion, among this year's students, your eldest brother is among the best in terms of talent and knowledge. He will definitely be on the list when the provincial and imperial examinations are held."

She had previously heard Shen Siheng mention that Meng Jiuhe and Zhang Xuyang were both academically excellent. This was why her father-in-law didn't object to their relationship, and even said he should take the time to visit them properly. Their rebellious son, let alone passing the imperial examinations, would be considered a source of pride for their ancestors if he could even pass the preliminary examinations.

With Zhang Rongrong's introduction, Xu Chaoyan picked out some tables and chairs that were about 80-90% new. Coincidentally, a teahouse was expanding its business and needed to build a new batch of tables and chairs, so they sold them to them at a low price.

Xu Chaoyan also specially went to the blacksmith shop to order several small iron pots and bought a few small charcoal stoves. She originally planned to order a batch of clay pots, but according to her requirements, the shop probably wouldn't open as scheduled.

She then discussed with the boss, who first made a few slightly larger clay pots for her, and also bought a few more clay pots suitable for two or three people as spares.

These past few days, Xu Chaoyan has been so busy that she hasn't had time to set up her stall at the county school gate. This task has fallen to Meng Jiuxia, who has to set up the stall while also doing some initial promotion for the shop.

She also needed to buy pots, pans, and utensils for the shop, and these past few days she had been busy until around 7 p.m. before dragging her exhausted body home.

She and Zhang Yueniang were busy in the shop and hadn't gone back yet.

Meng Jiuhe glanced at the sky outside, picked up a lantern, and walked outside. He had just offered to stay and help, but his wife had refused, saying that he would be in the way and hinder her from doing her job.

Meng Jiuhe, carrying a lantern, hurried along and happened to catch up with Xu Chaoyan at the locksmith shop. He quickly went over to light the way for them: "Didn't I tell you to wait for me to come and take you back? How's business in this dark shop? Is there anything else you need help with? It just so happens that Xuyang and I are free tomorrow and can lend you a hand."

Xu Chaoyan took the lantern from her hand, extinguished the oil lamp in her hand, and when the wind picked up at night, the oil lamp flickered and almost burned her hair. She raised the lantern to make sure the shop was locked by its light, and then yawned before answering him.

"The preparations are basically all done. We just need to do a simple cleaning and order a plaque. We also need to get some firewood. Tomorrow, when you and Zhang Xuyang are free, we can go buy some firewood, chop it into smaller pieces, and add enough charcoal to keep the stove from smoking."

Meng Jiuhe carried a lantern to light the way for the two of them, and walked forward with one arm around Xu Chaoyan.

"You and your older sister can sleep in a bit more tomorrow. Leave these little things to Zhang Xuyang and me. I made some hand-pulled noodles and stir-fried some meat sauce at home. You should come over and have a bowl too. By the way, have you decided on the opening time for the shop? You've been working so hard lately, so take a good rest tomorrow to relax."

Speaking of this, Xu Chaoyan was a little worried. There were originally two dates, March 18th and April 2nd, both of which were very suitable, but Xu Chaoyan felt they were a bit too late.

She wanted to go back and discuss it with Meng Jiuhe, plus the plaque wasn't finished yet.

As they walked, Xu Chaoyan pondered the problem. Making a signboard would cost a lot of money, and she wanted to save money in everything she did.

"Why don't you and Zhang Xuyang take some time to write a few words for our shop? That would save us the money for a signboard."

Meng Jiu paused, a little nervous, and after a moment of consideration, said, "Madam, this is your first time opening a shop. I'm afraid my handwriting isn't presentable enough. Why don't we spend some money to let the professionals do the professional work?"

Xu Chaoyan looked completely unconcerned: "What's the big deal? It's just a signboard. I've already thought it through. Uncle Zhang knows the carpenter well, right? He can make a signboard for us, and you can just write the inscription on it. That way, we can save on costs and money. Who writes the inscription doesn't matter. I also plan to get some of your calligraphy for the shop to make it look nicer; it's too empty inside."

She had already planned to set aside a wall specifically for students to inscribe poems and calligraphy.

We could even compile a poetry collection where every student could leave their seven-character quatrains if they were interested. Later, their husbands could create matching couplets. Those who could create a matching couplet could get a free meal at the restaurant, which would also serve as a way to attract customers.

Meng Jiuhe and Zhang Xuyang could handle a few simple couplets, and she was secretly pleased with herself for finding a gem.

When the two of them rested at night, Meng Jiuhe confirmed with her again: "Wife, are you sure you want to use our names? Don't go back on your word later."

While yawning, Xu Chaoyan found a comfortable sleeping position in his arms and leaned against his chest. Her hands began to wander, slowly exploring under the hem of his clothes.

Meng Jiuhe stiffened and quickly grabbed her mischievous hand, speaking with some restraint, "My lady, why don't you rest early?"

Xu Chaoyan's brow furrowed slightly as her hand was suddenly stopped. She then flipped over and straddled him, startling Meng Jiuhe so much that he almost pushed her away. His speech became somewhat dry and slurred.

“Mother, it’s getting late. Let’s rest early. My cough hasn’t fully healed yet, and you’ve been busy all day. You should go to sleep early.”

Xu Chaoyan reached out and lifted his chin lightly, saying, "I just need some energy to recharge myself. What's a little cough? You want the horse to run but don't feed it."

Meng Jiuhe smiled indulgently: "My wife shouldn't have used those words here."

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"Spring is in the air, time is passing slowly." Today's happiness is shown in the picture.