bayedsolid Chapter 56 Finding People to Build Houses and Buy Ox Carts
Chapter 56 Finding People to Build Houses and Buy Ox Carts
Lin Yunlan and Lu Qingqing had just returned home when Lin Qingshan came out of the house.
Lin Qingshan asked worriedly:
"Qingqing, Yunlan, you're back!"
The children are all asleep, why are you only getting back now?
Lu Qingqing said with a smile:
"Dad, come on, let's go inside and talk."
Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan put the things aside and said:
"Dad, I have great news for you! We bought land today!"
"Now we'll have land to farm."
Lin Qingshan's eyes lit up, and he said with delight:
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Lu Qingqing said with a smile:
"Dad, not only will our family have land in the future, but we'll also build a big house."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingshan exclaimed, "What? Build a house? You want to build a new house?"
Lu Qingqing said:
"Yes, Dad, I saved someone in town last time."
They gave us a hundred taels as a thank you, which is just enough for us to build a big house.
Lin Qingshan said happily:
"Good child, this is wonderful, this is all your good fortune."
Lin Yunlan also said with a smile:
"Dad, from now on our family will live in a big house, and we'll be very comfortable."
Lin Qingshan said with satisfaction:
"Third brother, it's a good thing that you're able to build a new house, and it's a big deal."
Dad is genuinely happy for you and Qingqing.
Dad happened to know a few skilled builders; Liu Da and his group were not only honest workers, but also...
Their house-building skills are renowned throughout the surrounding villages.
Upon hearing this, Lu Qingqing realized that it was exactly what she wanted to hear.
He quickly said:
"Thank you, Father. Yunlan and I were just worried about finding someone to build a house."
"That's good. With Dad taking care of this, Yunlan and I can relax a lot."
Lin Qingshan said happily:
"Okay, I'll ask them tomorrow."
Lin Yunlan also said:
"Father, then I'll trouble you to make the trip."
Lin Qingshan waved his hand:
“There’s nothing hard about it. It’s for our own family’s sake, and Dad is happy to do it.”
Lu Qingqing said with a smile:
"Dad, once our house is built, we'll make sure you can enjoy a comfortable retirement."
Lin Qingshan's eyes narrowed as he smiled:
"Okay, okay, Dad will wait."
Lu Qingqing took out a bolt of cloth and ten taels of silver from the box and said:
"Father, please take this piece of cloth back with you."
You, your second brother and sister-in-law, and your eldest and second daughters should all have a new dress made.
Please take these ten taels of silver and use them first.
My second brother and sister-in-law are having some difficulties right now; they need money for food and drink.
Lin Qingshan quickly declined:
"Qingqing, you mustn't do that! You just bought the land."
"We need to build a house, and money is needed everywhere. Father can't accept this cloth and silver."
Lu Qingqing insisted:
"Dad, please don't refuse. We are family and should help each other."
My second brother and sister-in-law have taken good care of us, so this is nothing.
Lin Yunlan also said from the side:
"Father, Qingqing is right, please accept it."
Lin Qingshan's eyes reddened with emotion:
"Good child, your father thanks you on behalf of your second brother and sister-in-law."
Lu Qingqing smiled and said:
"Dad, why are you being so polite with us? We're family, no need for formalities."
Lin Qingshan nodded and accepted the cloth and silver:
"Alright, then I'll accept it. You all should get some rest too. I'll head back now."
After Lin Qingshan left, Lin Yunlan gratefully grasped Lu Qingqing's hand and said:
"Qingqing, thank you for being so good to my family."
Lu Qingqing looked at him tenderly and said with a smile:
"Yunlan, we are husband and wife, your family is my family."
This is what I should do.
Lin Yunlan pulled her into his arms and whispered:
"Being able to marry you is the greatest blessing of my life."
Lu Qingqing leaned against him and said:
"Yunlan, let's work together to make our family better and better."
Lin Yunlan nodded solemnly: "Yes, I'll do whatever you say."
Early the next morning, Lin Qingshan went to the neighboring village to inquire about Liu Da and his team's construction schedule.
Upon seeing that it was Lin Qingshan, an old friend, Liu Dayi immediately greeted him warmly:
"Brother Qingshan, what brings you here?"
Lin Qingshan told him that his family was going to build a new house.
Liu Da happily agreed.
They just have a project that's currently in its final stages of completion.
So they agreed to come back to Linjia Village to build a house three days later.
Lin Qingshan said with a smile:
"Alright, Brother Liu, I'll have to leave it to you."
Liu Da patted his chest and guaranteed:
"Brother Qingshan, don't worry, I'll make sure it's built beautifully for you."
Lin Qingshan exchanged a few more pleasantries with Liu Dahan before returning home satisfied.
Back home, Lin Qingshan told Lin Yunlan and Lu Qingqing what had happened.
The two of them were very happy.
Lu Qingqing said:
"Dad, let's make preparations in the next couple of days."
Lin Qingshan nodded and said:
"Yes, all the necessary materials need to be purchased in advance."
Lin Qingshan asked:
"Qingqing, what kind of house do you and Yunlan want to build?"
We need to buy materials based on the condition of the house.
Lu Qingqing hesitated for a moment and said:
"Dad, I see that all the houses in town are built with big bricks and tiles."
"Or we could build a big courtyard with brick and tile houses too."
Lin Qingshan thought for a moment and said:
"Okay, let's build a big brick house with tiled roof, but it will cost a lot."
Lu Qingqing quickly said:
"Dad, don't worry, we should have enough money."
Lin Yunlan also said:
"Dad, as long as the house is well-built and comfortable to live in, it's worth spending more money."
Lin Qingshan nodded:
"Alright, since you've all made up your minds, let's prepare in that direction."
Just then, Lin Erzhu and his family arrived. Lin Erzhu said happily:
"Congratulations, third son! I heard from your father that you're building a new house."
Your second sister-in-law and I have nothing better to do, so we can lend you a hand.
Lin Yunlan said with a smile:
"Second brother, second sister-in-law, that's wonderful."
After some discussion, the group agreed that Wang Xiuxiu, the second sister-in-law, would stay home to help take care of the children and cook.
Lin Qingshan took his two sons to buy materials, and Lu Qingqing went along as well.
She wanted to go to town to buy an oxcart, and also to buy some food and other necessities.
Building a house inevitably involves moving things around, and you can't keep borrowing from others.
Wang Xiuxiu readily agreed:
"Okay, you can go without worry. I'll take care of things at home."
Lu Qingqing said gratefully, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Second Sister-in-law."
Lin Qingshan said:
"Erzhu, go to the village chief's house and borrow the oxcart. Let's get ready and set off."
Afterwards, Lin Erzhu drove the oxcart and the group headed towards the town.
They first went to a brokerage firm to check out the cattle.
Upon entering the shop, the dentist greeted me warmly.
The broker was very shrewd; he could tell at a glance that the group of people in front of him had come to buy farming tools.
So he asked enthusiastically:
"Gentlemen, are you here to select farming tools?"
We have everything we could possibly need here!
Lin Qingshan replied, "We want to see the cattle."
The broker immediately said:
"Oh, you've come to the right place!"
The cattle here are all carefully selected top-quality goods!
There are strong and robust oxen, powerful enough to pull several cartloads of heavy loads;
There are also gentle and hardworking water buffaloes, which are excellent at plowing and harrowing fields!
These oxen have good endurance and are suitable for long hours of work;
Water buffaloes are good swimmers, so they don't have to worry about working in the water during the summer.
Which type would you like?
Lu Qingqing said, "Can we take a look first?"
The broker hurriedly led them to the cattle pen.
Pointing to several cows, he began to describe them at length:
"Look at this yellow ox, its coat is glossy and its limbs are strong."
Those ox horns are thick and hard, guaranteed to work for your family for many years.
And look at this water buffalo; it's gentle and easy to tame, even the elderly and children in the family can handle it.
Lin Qingshan walked around the cattle pen and asked:
"How much does this cow cost?"
The broker's eyes darted around, and he said:
"Sir, this price is absolutely fair."
These yellow cattle are cheaper, fifteen taels a head;
Water buffalo is more expensive, costing twenty taels.
Lin Qingshan thought the yellow ox was quite good, and he said:
"These scalpers are a bit pricey."
The broker knew the visitor was trying to negotiate the price, but he wasn't annoyed and immediately smiled and said:
"Sir, you have a good eye. This ox is quite useful."
Since you're genuinely interested in buying, I'll be more straightforward.
"Thirteen taels of silver, and I'll also give you an oxcart and some hay."
Lu Qingqing stepped forward, looked at the ox, and said:
"The price is still a bit high, and the cow looks a bit thin."
The broker quickly explained:
"Madam, this ox is thin because it's been working too hard lately."
You can take it home and raise it for a few days and it will grow strong.
The price and free gifts I'm offering you are truly a great deal.
Lin Qingshan also chimed in:
"We really want to buy it, could you give us a discount?"
The broker looked troubled and hesitated for a moment before saying:
"Then, twelve taels of silver, that's the lowest price I can go. This is truly the lowest price I can offer."
Lin Qingshan and Lin Yunlan exchanged a glance, and Lin Qingshan said:
"Alright, twelve taels it is, no take-backs."
The broker nodded with a smile:
"Alright, sir, I'll prepare the oxcart and fodder for you right away."
Lu Qingqing paid the money, and the helper helped hitch up the oxcart, saying:
"Sirs, if you need anything in the future, please remember to come back here."
"Thanks, buddy. I'll come back to you if I need anything."
Lin Yunlan thanked the man, and the group left with the oxcart.