A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

Whether it's opening a shop or doing something else, she still needs a stable source of income.

Chen Wanxing has been thinking a lot lately about what to do with the funds she has.

In this era, land is the most fundamental guarantee for a stable life.

So Chen Wanxing thought she might as well buy a few more shops in the city and rent them out to collect rent steadily, and she could become a landlady.

Today, because of her trip to the village to buy materials, she had a new idea. Why not buy some fertile land in the villages around Kaifeng Prefecture and then rent it out? That would provide her with a stable source of income.

However, if she really wanted to buy more land, she would probably need to hire another servant to manage it. But it's still uncertain whether she can buy land at all, so thinking about it is pointless.

As dusk settled, the three women, master and servant, who had been running around all day, were starving. They sat down at a small noodle stall at the entrance of the alley.

The hot noodle soup dispelled the fatigue of a long day. Yunzhu sipped the soup and tilted her head to look around the alley where she would soon settle down.

Chen Wanxing watched the steam rising from the bowl, pondering how to find a craftsman for tomorrow.

After finishing their noodles, the three returned to the courtyard.

Looking at the newly acquired tools in the courtyard, Granny Li was a little worried. "Miss, although the residents of Baishi Lane are generally decent, there are always those who steal chickens and dogs and break into houses."

"All the things we bought today are here. I don't feel at ease without someone watching over them. Why don't I stay here tonight?"

Chen Wanxing looked at the empty main room and refused without hesitation for a second:

"There isn't even a bed here right now. You're too old to sleep on the floor. The Cold Dew season is almost here. It's fine during the day, but it'll get chilly in the mornings and evenings. If you catch a cold, it'll be even more troublesome."

"Girl, it's not too cold to sleep on the floor at this time of year. I came from the next province a few months ago, and I've slept on straw mats, let alone on the floor."

Although we have some savings, it's not a long-term solution to just sit around and do nothing. The young lady will need to buy property and start a business in the future, which will cost money everywhere. Every little bit we can save is a bit more.

Besides, these things I bought today cost a lot of money. If some damned bastard really stole them, I'd be heartbroken.

After a moment of silence, Chen Wanxing finally gave in, "Let's take out the two new mattresses we bought today and put them on."

"Miss, this is unacceptable," Granny Li hurriedly tried to refuse.

"Granny," Chen Wanxing interrupted her, her voice softening, "If you catch a cold, it will only make things worse." As she spoke, she gestured for Yunzhu to fetch bedding.

Granny Li said no more, only repeatedly saying, "This old servant understands, and will certainly be careful with the gates."

The next morning, Chen Wanxing got up early, ate breakfast in a hurry, and took Yunzhu back to Baishi Lane.

Sure enough, in no time, Yang Shutun's cart appeared at the entrance of Baishi Lane.

Five carts, fully loaded with timber, were pushed and pulled by the village's strong laborers. The first trip attracted the attention of some neighbors in the alley. The timber was carefully unloaded into the yard and piled high.

Immediately afterwards, they hurriedly turned back to haul away the remaining portion. There was no other way; their village only had five carts, and these thirty loads of timber would indeed require several trips.

Just as Chen Wanxing had predicted, Wang Lizheng from Yangshutun also arrived on the first train.

Upon seeing Chen Wanxing, he politely cupped his hands in greeting: "Miss Chen, we delivered the timber on time. Please check it."

Chen Wanxing smiled and returned the greeting: "I naturally trust you, Village Chief, to handle things. Yesterday was rushed, thank you all for your hard work."

She handed the eight taels of silver she had prepared in advance to Wang Lizheng. "Of these nine taels of silver, seven taels are the money for the timber that we agreed on yesterday, one tael is the tax for the timber entering the city, and the remaining one tael is five hundred cash for the transportation fee for the timber. Lizheng, please take these five hundred cash and use it to buy a bowl of tea."

Chen Wanxing thought about what she would ask later and decided to slip some silver over beforehand.

Money makes things easier.

"I can't accept this."

With the money in hand, his expression visibly relaxed. He initially declined, but after being persuaded a couple of times by Chen Wanxing, he finally accepted it.

After waiting a while, just as Chen Wanxing was thinking about how to start the conversation, Wang Lizheng rubbed his hands together and spoke first with some hesitation: "Miss Chen, I have another favor to ask. Aren't you planning to use these pieces of wood to make furniture?"

My youngest son has been learning the carpentry trade from Mr. Li in town for over ten years, and now he can do some work on his own. Do you think it would be possible for him to come and help you with some tasks?"

This was something Chen Wanxing hadn't anticipated, but a thought quickly crossed her mind and she immediately realized it was a good opportunity to do him a favor.

She hadn't found a carpenter yet. The craftsmen in town certainly couldn't compare to those in the capital, but her main requirements for furniture were simplicity and practicality. She didn't need the showy carvings that the capital's craftsmen pursued; she could save a lot of money by using the carpenters in town.

"Sure," Chen Wanxing readily agreed, and then did an even bigger favor by saying, "If your son's teacher is available, you might as well invite him as well."

Alternatively, you and your son could help us see if there are any skilled and hardworking carpenters in the village or nearby. We can recommend them; I promise you won't skimp on the wages.

Upon hearing this, Wang Lizheng's face instantly lit up with a delighted smile. This not only gave his son a job, but also entrusted him with a favor from the workers—a significant favor in the countryside.

He bowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you for your trust, Miss Chen. Rest assured, I will definitely find you the most reliable and skilled craftsman."

Seeing that the atmosphere was harmonious, Chen Wanxing casually brought up the main topic: "Village head, there is something else I would like to ask you."

"Please speak, young lady."

"In your opinion, is it permissible for someone like me, whose household registration is not in the village, to purchase farmland?"

"The girl is of good birth; as long as someone is willing to sell her, it's fine. Buying and selling is free."

After a slight hesitation, Wang Lizheng tentatively asked, "Why is the young lady asking this? Is she planning to buy property in our village, or is she intending to purchase some land as part of her dowry?"

Chen Wanxing smiled slightly and said vaguely, "Let me ask first. I always want to have a foundation."

Wang Lizheng nodded knowingly, then looked embarrassed and said frankly, "To be honest, young lady, Yangshutun is a large village with a large population, and our farmland is limited."

Fortunately, the village is nestled against the barren mountain behind it. During the off-season, villagers go up the mountain to gather wild produce and firewood to sell in the city, making a decent living. Few are forced to sell their ancestral property due to desperation. It's unlikely that any land deeds will be transferred in the near future.

Seeing that Chen Wanxing was listening attentively and did not seem displeased, he pondered for a moment and then spoke solemnly again:

"However, since you have entrusted this matter to me, I will certainly take it to heart. Not only in our village, but also in several other villages I know in the vicinity, I will keep an eye out for you. But this matter cannot be rushed, and I'm afraid it will take some time. I hope you understand."

Chen Wanxing knew this was the truth and a sign of the village chief's sincere help, so he nodded and said, "With your words, I'm relieved. This matter isn't urgent; we'll leave it to fate. Thank you for your concern."

"Of course, of course," Wang Lizheng replied repeatedly.

After finishing their business, the two exchanged a few more polite words, and then Wang, the village head, took his leave.

In less than an hour, his youngest son arrived at Baishi Lane with two people. Besides his master, surnamed Li, there was another carpenter whom the master knew well.

Chen Wanxing met the three men briefly and found them to be honest and hardworking, with large hands and feet, which made him feel reassured.

Without any formalities, she got straight to the point: "Other furniture can wait a bit, the most important thing right now is to make a sturdy and durable bed for the nanny in the house."

Chen Wanxing carefully explained the dimensions and requirements of the urgently needed square table, chairs, wardrobe, etc. She only wanted the kind that they usually made and were less likely to make mistakes.

As for her specific ideas about certain furniture pieces, she couldn't worry about them right now because she was rushing to finish the project. There was still a long way to go, and any other requests could be made later.

"My courtyard is currently empty and uninhabitable, so let's pay you according to the contract. The total I quoted you is ten taels of silver, and we'll also provide lunch. Is that acceptable to you all?"

Chen Wanxing put forward his conditions, and the three of them exchanged glances. They all felt that their employer was straightforward and generous, and quickly nodded in agreement.

"In that case, we'll trouble Granny Li to look after you here for the next few days. If you need anything, just let her know."

Chen Wanxing handed over the task of supervising the construction to Granny Li. Seeing that everything was arranged, she did not linger any longer and left the increasingly lively courtyard with Yunzhu, returning to the inn.