120 Chapter 120: Buying An Indenture?
After today’s incident, the Zhang family had already been thoroughly offended by her family. Even if she went to the Zhang family, she would not have a good outcome.
Besides, Wang Xiaomei didn’t want to marry a retarded guy and ruin her life.
She could clearly see that it was impossible for her family to borrow any money in the current situation.
The only person who could save her now was the person in front of her.
Moreover, she genuinely wanted to leave with the person in front of her.
Mrs. Song was a capable person, a truly capable person.
She had seen with her own eyes how she had supported and propped up the Song family and helped the Liu family earn a lot of money.
She also knew that everyone in the Song family was a good person.
If she followed such a family, even if she were to be a servant, her days would not be difficult.
Furthermore, if she went to the Song family, her big brother would know her whereabouts and have a chance to redeem her.
Even if he couldn’t gather ten taels of silver in five days, he would still have another chance in the future. She felt safe staying with the Song family, and she didn’t mind waiting.
Seeing this, Wang Dashan also crawled over on his knees. He begged Qin Xiaoyao to pay to redeem Wang Xiaomei’s indenture temporarily.
Compared to sending his sister to the Zhang family, he would rather his sister go to the Song family.
At least there was no idiot in the Song family forcing his sister to get married. And he would still have a chance to redeem his sister later.
The villagers began discussing heatedly among themselves, hoping that Qin Xiaoyao would agree to this.
Everyone, including Big Girl Li, Madam Liu and Song Yun, all turned to look at Qin Xiaoyao.
Qin Xiaoyao simply frowned.
Buying a person?
Well, it seemed that she was indeed lacking a helper.
However, was it really good to have a stranger in the house?
Seeing Qin Xiaoyao’s reaction, Big Girl Li knew that her Sister Sanya was tempted. She couldn’t resist tugging on Qin Xiaoyao’s sleeve.
She whispered to Qin Xiaoyao, “Didn’t you say that you’re going to tell Aunt to stop weaving straw sandals? It’s good to buy a person back to make straw sandals!”
“Also, as we agreed before, we’ll split up and set up our stalls separately! With more people, we can go to the market on North Street to reserve a spot in advance.”
“In addition, Wang Xiaomei is a good worker. With her around, Aunt and Yun’er will have a much easier time.”
This was true. As the two elders of the Wang family valued boys more than girls, they often loaded her with all the chores.
Even though she was only twelve years old, this girl was famous in the village for her diligence.
When Wang Xiaomei heard Big Girl Li speaking up for her, she quickly added, “Mrs. Song, I can take hardships! Washing clothes, cooking, sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, and doing chores in the fields, I can do them all! I beg you. Please take me in!”
As she spoke, she kowtowed to Qin Xiaoyao once more.
“Sanya…” Even Madam Liu couldn’t help but call out to her daughter-in-law, her eyes full of pity.
Qin Xiaoyao turned her head to glance at her mother-in-law.
Finally, she nodded helplessly.
Some of the villagers immediately thanked Qin Xiaoyao on behalf of the Wang family when they saw her response.
When the kneeling Wang Xiaomei and Wang Dashan saw Qin Xiaoyao’s response, they kowtowed to Qin Xiaoyao again to thank her.
Qin Xiaoyao simply smiled and asked the two of them to get up.
When the two of them got up, she then said, “I can forgo the 100 copper coins token of appreciation. If you guys can gather enough money within five days, you can come to my house and take her away.”
Since she had decided to be a good person, she might as well take it one step further. It could also be considered as giving the Song family a good reputation.
After all, her father-in-law’s grave was still in Brook Falls Village. In the future, they would still have to return to this place.
Wang Dashan’s face lit up with joy. Just as he was about to thank Qin Xiaoyao again, he heard Qin Xiaoyao say, “But once the five days have passed, it won’t be so easy for you guys to redeem her.”
As soon as these words came out, the whole place fell silent instantly.
Qin Xiaoyao didn’t take notice. She simply smiled and continued, “For the next five days, I’ll treat Xiaomei as the neighbor’s sister. After five days, she can only be considered a servant.”
“Everyone knows that the Song family is engaged in the craft of weaving straw sandals. In order to make money, I’ll definitely teach Xiaomei how to weave straw sandals.”
“And it’s not just straw sandals. Once Xiaomei becomes a member of my family, I might even hand over some business for her to manage. At that time, her value to my family will be different.”
Qin Xiaoyao looked at Wang Dashan.
“In that case, ten taels of silver won’t be enough to redeem her.”
Wang Dashan, who was initially very angry, instantly felt deflated.
This was because he couldn’t argue against what Qin Xiaoyao said.
In fact, he still had to thank Qin Xiaoyao for trusting his sister, teaching her craftwork, and even letting her help with the business.
One had to know that such a good opportunity was something that ordinary people could not even get, no matter how hard they wished for it.
Being a slave might not be good, but it also depended on what kind of slave that person became.
Some servants from rich families with real power lived better than most free people.
For example, the innkeeper of the inn he was working at was also a slave.
However, he was deeply trusted by the boss and had dealings with the local gentry and landlords.
How could he look down on such an innkeeper?
On the contrary, he couldn’t wait to show his respect to him.
...
Therefore, if his younger sister could really gain the favor of Mrs. Song, it might be a good opportunity for his younger sister.
When the villagers heard this, many of their expressions changed.
They had witnessed the Song family’s rise to riches with their own eyes.
If Wang Xiaomei was really regarded highly, this was no longer bad luck for her. It was clearly good fortune!
Those who had sympathized with Wang Xiaomei previously were now envious of her.
“Xiaomei is willing to follow Mistress!” All of a sudden, Wang Xiaomei kowtowed to Qin Xiaoyao in excitement.
She even changed the way she addressed Qin Xiaoyao from ‘Mrs. Song’ to ‘Mistress’. Clearly, she couldn’t wait to take on the role of a servant.
Qin Xiaoyao’s eyes flickered slightly.
She thought to herself, “This girl is quite smart.”
The villagers began a heated discussion again.
“Ahem… If that’s the case, then this matter is settled,” the village chief suddenly interjected.
...
Qin Xiaoyao nodded.
She reached out to help Wang Xiaomei to her feet.
“I… I didn’t agree to ten taels of silver! There’s still the money for the banquet!” Zhang Mazi came back to his senses and quickly said.
It was good that someone had bought the indenture. However, since this person had money, why not pay more?
The village chief’s face darkened.
Just as he was about to speak, he heard Qin Xiaoyao speak.
“The banquet has nothing to do with me. I’ll only pay ten taels of silver to buy the indenture. Even if you go to a brothel, the brothel madam won’t pay you for the banquet either.”
Zhang Mazi’s face froze.
“But…”
“No buts. Ten taels of silver is more than enough to buy a twelve-year-old girl. I’m only willing to pay ten taels on account of the fact that Xiaomei is my neighbor. Otherwise, even if it’s just seven or eight taels, I’m not interested,” Qin Xiaoyao said indifferently.
“You can think over this matter. If you are not agreeable, then forget about what I just said.”
The Wang siblings’ expressions changed drastically, but they dared not speak.
Zhang Mazi’s expression also changed.
In the current situation, if the fat woman did not step forward, no one in Brook Falls Village would be willing to buy the indenture in his hands.
Even if he were to be really ruthless and really sell Wang Xiaomei to a brothel, he probably wouldn’t be able to sell her for ten taels of silver.
In comparison, selling the indenture to the fat woman for ten silver taels was still the best choice.
“Alright. I can sell you the indenture for ten taels of silver. But the money for the banquet must be paid by the Wang family!” Zhang Mazi quickly said.