Chapter 63: That's the Exact Kind of Fat Sheep I've Been Waiting For

Uncle Yu, though these items aren't very expensive, they were bought with hard-earned money by the young master. Therefore, I hope you can have people watch over them day and night so they don't get stolen.

That goes without saying, rest assured, Ningning.

Yu Dong took the road-paving project very seriously.

He was equally eager for the village roads to become smoother and easier to travel on.

Next came the matter of firing cement, which Fang Ning entrusted entirely to Jiang San, who was more than happy to take on the task.

As for guarding the materials, quite a few villagers volunteered to help.

Having settled these arrangements, Fang Ning returned to the village with Si Yuheng.

Young master, let's make a trip to the county town tomorrow.

To sell those stuffed toys?

Precisely, people in the township can hardly bear to spend money on such things.

Besides, Fang Ning also wanted to see what the county seat of Changping County was really like.

Having arrived here nearly a month ago, she had yet to visit the place.

Moreover, in the last couple of days, after Liang Anrong finished brewing the waxberry wine, she had been contemplating opening an eatery or something similar, making it a good opportunity to scout the market.

Are you planning out a livelihood for both the second and third branches now?

Is that wrong?

Are all of you so deeply affectionate and loyal?

Si Yuheng lowered his gaze as he asked this question.

No, there are plenty of ungrateful wretches as well; it's just that we happen to be people who know how to show gratitude.

Fang Ning glanced at Si Yuheng without a trace.

She continued, It's not uncommon for biological brothers to fall out bitterly over a sliver of property. Human nature is complex, and people's hearts are hidden behind layers, but I hope to live in a way that leaves my conscience clear.

A clear conscience—achieving that is far too difficult.

Young master, we cannot make demands of others; we just need to do our best ourselves. Cultivating oneself and regulating the family comes before governing the country and pacifying the world, wouldn't you say?

Si Yuheng raised his gaze, looking calmly at Fang Ning, though the complexity in the depths of his eyes vanished in a flash.

Yet this time, he did not reply.

The two of them walked back to the Fang household in silence all the way.

As soon as Fang Ning stepped through the door, Fang Cinian spoke up, Ningning, are you heading to the county town tomorrow? I'll give you a medicinal list; see if you can buy everything on it and bring it back.

Mm, write it down first, and I'll take a look tomorrow.

It's already written.

Fang Cinian chuckled cheerfully as he handed the slip over.

Fang Ning glanced at it and was instantly rendered speechless.

Father, what are you buying these medicines for? These aren't commonly used.

Well, your mother mentioned her face felt dry, so I was thinking of making some skincare products for her.

I was just casually mentioning it, and you remembered?

How could I forget what my wife says?

Consider yourself to have a conscience.

Fang Ning: “……”

She truly was an afterthought.

They had clearly been talking to her, but the moment the conversation shifted to her mother, her father completely forgot about her existence.

Sigh!

Even Old Mrs. Fang found it too sickeningly sweet to watch.

Only Madam Zhao burst into laughter: Who would have guessed that Big Brother is also so considerate? Sister-in-law, Big Brother treats you really well now.

If he dared to treat me badly, I'd cast him aside, Liang Anrong said with absolute confidence.

Fang Cinian hurriedly chimed in, I wouldn't dare.

Fang Ning had no desire to watch any further: I'm going back to my room to study.

Lest she have to witness her parents displaying affection day in and day out.

Fang Ling looked at Fang Ning with a face full of envy.

Fang Ning naturally noticed Fang Ling's envy.

In fact, she had also intended to have Fang Ling and the others start studying.

It was just that there were no bookstores in the township, so introductory primers could not be purchased.

Once she reached the county town tomorrow, she would buy some books and bring them back to teach them.

Hearing Fang Ning mention studying, the chatter in the courtyard quieted down as well...

...

The next day.

Fang Ning and Si Yuheng got up early.

You An was already waiting outside the door.

After breakfast, the two set off for the county town.

Funtian Village was quite far from the county town; by carriage, it would take a solid three hours to arrive.

The county town was bustling, and the cost of living was a cut above that of the township.

I have some matters to attend to. Once you've sold your things, go to the All-Flavor Tower and wait for me.

There's an All-Flavor Tower in the county town too?

Why do you think Master of Letters Liu knew I was the young master?

As if she hadn't asked.

After Si Yuheng left, Fang Ning carried her bamboo basket on her back and found a spot with heavy pedestrian traffic. She spread out a cloth and took the little stuffed toys out of the basket one by one.

Madam Chen's craftsmanship was truly exceptional.

Barely had Fang Ning laid them out when an adult led a child over to inquire about the prices: Little brother, how much are these?

The item the person picked up was a kitten the size of a fist. Fang Ning smiled and said, Auntie, eighty wen. This one is a hundred wen, this one a hundred and fifty, and this kind is five hundred.

The five-hundred-wen items were large stuffed toys, roughly the size of a one-year-old child.

So expensive?

Auntie, they aren't expensive at all. Just look at how fine this fabric is, and it's stuffed with cotton inside. As long as it isn't intentionally ripped apart, it can keep little sister company playing for a long time. Why not buy one?

The little girl gazed longingly at the kitten with wide, pleading eyes: Mother, I want it.

Little boss, can you make it a bit cheaper?

These were all sewn stitch by stitch by my aunt. If I sell them any cheaper, I won't even make back the cost of labor, right? Besides, they can be washed when they get dirty and can accompany little sister as she grows up.

That woman didn't look exceptionally wealthy, but she clearly came from a well-to-do family, and an eighty-wen stuffed toy was well within her means.

After picking and choosing, she ultimately selected a large cat priced at one hundred and fifty wen for her daughter.

Once the little girl received the big cat, she hugged it tightly and refused to let go.

Auntie, would you like to take a look at this set of chess pieces?

Fang Ning seized the opportunity to pull out the peg solitaire set and pitch it.

This set of chess pieces can be played by up to six people at once, providing little sister with more playmates. Plus, it can boost a child's intelligence and make them smarter.

Little boss, you talk a good game, but I've never seen these chess pieces before. How do you play?

Fang Ning briefly and concisely explained the rules of the game.

By this time, quite a few onlookers had gathered around.

Hearing Fang Ning explain how to play peg solitaire, one child chimed in unconvinced: What's so fun about these crappy chess pieces? Can they compare to Go?

Well, would you like to try playing a match with me?

If you lose, I want that.

He pointed at the largest stuffed toy.

The little boy speaking wore exquisite fabric and had a pageboy following behind him, clearly the young master of a wealthy household.

Fang Ning had been waiting for a fat sheep just like this!

Alright.

Fang Ning agreed.

Everyone, you heard him! This boss is going to play this so-called peg solitaire with me, and if he loses, this largest stuffed toy is mine! the boy shouted aloud.

And what if you lose?

If I lose, I'll buy every single stuffed toy you have here.

Deal. To be fair, you can find four helpers, and we'll play best two out of three.

Don't you regret this!

The child smiled with a cunning expression.

You better not back out either!

She wouldn't be afraid even if he brought four more brats.

After all, bullying children was her specialty!

Boosted by the boy's proclamation, although it was merely a child's game, it still drew a large crowd.

The boy did not bother calling for helpers; he simply squatted down right there and began playing peg solitaire with Fang Ning.

The first round doesn't count, just to let you get familiar with it.

Unnecessary, this young master has never lost a game of chess.

The boy gave a proud huff.

Fang Ning smiled.