novelraw Chapter 179 - 176: Why Did You Come Back So Early?
Chapter 179 - 176: Why Did You Come Back So Early?
Watching the bulging purse deflate, Aunt didn’t furrow her brow in the slightest.
Warmth surged in Ruan Mian’s heart; this feeling of being cared for and loved by family genuinely made her happy.
When they had bought so many things that they couldn’t fit them all, Aunt went to a familiar store to borrow a few carriages.
Ruan Mian then fed some spiritual spring water to the horses, and their speed was noticeably faster than usual.
But just as they reached the doorstep, a villager exclaimed in surprise, "Miss Ruan, Aunt Ruan, is your family doing something important like Mr. Xie’s?"
"Just now, Mr. Xie also bought quite a few things, probably even more than you! Several carriages full!"
"Ah? Could it be..."
Aunt glanced at Ruan Mian with deep meaning, and the two quickened their pace back to the yard, immediately noticing a pile of goods outside Xie Huai’an’s house.
Others wondered, but he didn’t make any public gestures.
Instead, when Ruan Mian walked over, Xie Huai’an hadn’t had time to hide everything: "Why did you come back so early?"
Ruan Mian saw him pressing down on a chest but didn’t notice the red silk already being crushed outside.
"You must be very wealthy, to be able to arrange all these?"
Xie Huai’an smiled sheepishly; seeing that she knew, he didn’t bother to hide it.
He simply opened the chest for her to see: "Do you like these things?"
"To be honest, my only bit of savings is currently in these items. But don’t worry, if you marry me, you won’t be mistreated. I have some debts I can settle, and when I return to the capital, there’s quite a bit of money to be had. In the future..."
"These are plenty enough."
Ruan Mian interrupted him, genuinely feeling that she had no requirements.
Just grateful for his dedication.
Xie Huai’an exchanged a smile with her, realizing for the first time that he was clumsy too, unable to find the right words for a moment.
Noticing there were still boxes outside not brought in, Ruan Mian worried they’d attract inquiries and delay him, so she straightforwardly invited Vice Minister Dong over to help bring them in.
She was about to chat a bit more when Cui Zhu called from outside, "Miss! Miss, are you there? Lady Wang has come to see you."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Mian glanced at him, keeping her unsaid words inside.
She went to meet Lady Wang first.
Just entered the room, Mrs. Wang held a wooden box and placed it in front of Ruan Mian.
Earnestly said, "Miss Ruan, these are embroidered shoes I stitched myself. I hope you won’t mind."
"Lady Wang, why did you suddenly give me something?"
Ruan Mian curiously opened the lid, seeing a pair of brand new red embroidered shoes lying quietly in the box.
Every flower was exquisite, clearly having taken a lot of effort and time.
In her surprise, Mrs. Wang said with a small smile.
"Actually, I should’ve given them to you earlier but never had the opportunity. But... I noticed you and Mr. Xie seem close to something good, so I thought I’d seize this chance to give them to you."
Before Ruan Mian could speak, she seemed to have anticipated her confusion and explained.
"Today, the gentleman bought quite a few red silk pieces, and you brought back lots of things too; that’s my guess."
And what a spot-on guess that was.
Ruan Mian hadn’t expected her affair with Xie Huai’an to be so transparent to others.
Not knowing whether it was Xie Huai’an’s conspicuousness or hers.
But it was joyous news, so she didn’t refuse Mrs. Wang’s good intentions.
After expressing gratitude, she seized the chance to talk about the orchard, hoping she’d manage the plantation while she and Aunt provide channels for the fruit sales.
Upon hearing the fruits would be shipped to Lanqiang, Mrs. Wang was surprised: "Miss Ruan, can I really do this? Moreover, Lanqiang just fought a war with Wuheng, who knows..."
"It’s okay, ripe fruits take time; by then, it’ll be some time before the harvest and shipment. And your cultivation techniques are excellent; look how sweet and big those fruits are."
Mrs. Wang was slightly embarrassed but also apprehensive: "I can grow a few trees, but not sure about such a large scale, plus... I’m just a woman..."
"What does being a woman matter? Lady Wang, along the exile route, you mostly took care of people from Uncle’s Mansion, you have leadership skills; other things won’t be an issue."
Though she hadn’t made a name for herself on the exile journey, nor had she harmed anyone, and even when Uncle’s Mansion met trouble, she securely protected everyone in the courtyard.
It’s clear Mrs. Wang possesses some abilities.
As long as she doesn’t go down the wrong path, unlike Ruan Nanchun who opposed her, Ruan Mian was determined to share profits with her, so everyone could prosper together!
For the first time, Mrs. Wang heard someone affirm her so strongly; she’d just wanted a path to live in Wuheng.
But now seeing Ruan Mian, through her own efforts, leading her family to increasingly better days, it gave her some hope.
Thus, Mrs. Wang no longer refused, and readily agreed to manage the orchard.
"If so, Miss Ruan, rest assured, I will do my utmost to manage the orchard well."
"I’ll give you the saplings in a few days; just follow your care instructions for planting. If there’s leisure, growing other fruits is fine too."
Mrs. Wang nodded: "Then we’ll see by then."
...
Early the next morning.
Just as the villagers rose not long, they saw Xie Huai’an and Vice Minister Dong bringing Yun Xiu, with six to seven carriages parked outside Ruan Mian’s house.
The village suddenly became bustling.
Because too many were puzzled, Rui stood at the entrance, shouting with a loud voice.
"Mr. Xie came to propose to my aunt! Says he wants to marry her!"
As soon as this statement came out, those who heard it truly felt happy for the Ruan Family.
"Miss Ruan has helped us so much, and Mr. Xie is such a talented man; it’s a great match!"
"Indeed, the two are a perfect match, like golden boy and jade girl."
Most people discerned right from wrong, knowing how much they owed the Ruan Family.
No sooner had they gotten engaged than people were already at the Ruan Family’s door, eagerly expressing their congratulations.
Yet, some people turned dark-faced behind the scenes.
"That Xie Huai’an is a sickly person and hasn’t achieved anything; where did he get the silver for wedding gifts?"
"I think he’s using his looks to charm Miss Ruan!!"
And some, unable to hold their anger, started smashing pots and throwing bottles at home.
After remaining quiet for a while, Mrs. Qi of the Liu Family kicked aside the shattered pottery on the floor as Qi Nanfeng entered the room, she instantly began talking.
"Have you heard? Ruan Mian actually has the nerve to get married! Now she’s doing well; none of us can do anything to her! From start to finish, she never had your interests at heart as a husband!"