The daily struggles of divorced women in ancient times

With the expectation of the entire northern people, the snow finally melted and spring finally arrived.

For the villagers, as long as spring comes and they can plant crops, there is hope. This year's spring came late, and Village Chief Liu urged everyone to plow the land early.

The Zheng family went to Village Chief Liu and bought ten acres of wasteland for reclamation.

When approving the wasteland, Village Chief Liu also asked Zheng Xiaoqi what he planned to plant on the wasteland.

Zheng Xiaoqi told Village Chief Liu according to what Xia Mianwan had said, to plant sweet potatoes in the first year and red dates and wheat in the second year.

It was the first time that Village Chief Liu heard that these wastelands were bought to grow red dates, so he asked about the details of growing red dates. Zheng Xiaoqi also told him everything Xia Mianwan had told him to say. Although the north gets cold early in winter and blooms late in spring, the sunlight is particularly sufficient during normal times, which is very suitable for growing red dates.

The economic value of red dates is higher than that of grain, and they are considered expensive goods that can be sold at high prices in both the north and the capital.

Village Chief Liu is a capable person who knows how to plan for himself and the villagers. However, all this depends on how the Zheng family's land is cultivated.

People with abilities are liked wherever they go, and Village Chief Liu is no exception. The Zheng family is very clear-headed. Although they were exiled, it does not prevent Village Chief Liu from attaching great importance to their opinions.

Therefore, in order to sell well, Village Chief Liu secretly told Zheng Xiaoqi that the north would open up trade, and Heqiao Town would be the first pilot.

Beidi was actually a vassal state of the King of Zhou. Since King Zhou came of age and became a vassal, the people of Beidi have been living and working in relative peace and contentment.

The mutual trade was big news, and Zheng Xiaoqi told everyone as soon as he returned.

"This is a good thing. With the opening of trade, more people will come to Heqiao Town. As long as there are people, business will flourish." When Xia Mianwan heard the news, she couldn't wait to go to the town to buy a shop and do business.

"Sister-in-law, do we want to do business?" Zheng Xiaocheng asked.

Xia Mianwan nodded and told everyone that she wanted to open a grocery store.

"Village Chief Liu said that because of the trade, Heqiao Town will be expanded, and they may set up some more stalls outside the current town." Zheng Xiaoqi said.

Xia Mianwan thought for a moment and said, "I plan to buy a shop in Heqiao Town before the news spreads. Otherwise, once the news of the trade spreads, the price of the shop will definitely go up. The shop I want to buy can be used for business in the front and for living in the back."

"Sister-in-law, do you want to live in town?" Zheng Lingwan asked.

Xia Mianwan nodded, "I do want to live in town so it will be more convenient for doing business."

Old Madam Zheng knew that Xia Mianwan was a person with her own ideas. She thought for a while and said, "Your mother can't leave. Let your aunt live with you in town."

When Zhu heard that there was no place for her, she was a little disappointed, but she also knew that it was indeed inappropriate for her to live in the town while her husband was still around.

Zhu had no objection. She had skills and could indeed help Xia Mianwan.

"Brother Chen and Sister Yu, what are you going to do?" asked Old Mrs. Zheng.

Xia Mianwan thought for a while and said, "It's time for Chen Ge'er to start his education, but I want him to learn martial arts from his uncles first. Only when he is physically strong can he make better progress in his studies. As for the teacher, I plan to slowly look for one in the town, and then look for one in the county if that doesn't work. So, I want Chen Ge'er and Yu Jie'er to live in the village first, and I'll bring them to the town when I find a teacher."

Zheng Lingwan asked hesitantly, "Sister-in-law, can I go with you?"

Old Mrs. Zheng felt that it would be beneficial for Zheng Lingwan to follow Xia Mianwan, so she made the decision and agreed.

"They are all women. I wonder if there will be any trouble?" Zhou said worriedly.

Xia Mianwan smiled and comforted Zhou, "Mother, it only takes half an hour to get from the town to the village by oxcart. If there is really something, just let Xiaocheng make a few more trips."

Zhou thought about it and felt relieved. These days, the women of the Zheng family have been learning how to keep fit from Zheng Xiaoqi and Zheng Xiaocheng. After going through a long exile, their physical condition is better than that of ordinary village women.

"However, we may still need Xiaoqi or Xiaocheng to accompany us to the provincial capital to purchase goods. After deducting the distribution to everyone, there are still 1,600 taels of silver left in the family treasury. I will take 500 taels of this silver, and the rest will be given to mother. In the future, 40% of the shop's profits will belong to the treasury, and my aunt and Lingwan will pay monthly wages from the shop. Do you think this is okay?" Xia Mianwan felt that even brothers had to settle accounts clearly. Since the family had not yet split up, these things had to be discussed up front.

Mrs. Zheng smiled and said, "I'll do whatever you say."

This money may also include Xia Mianwan's dowry. Everyone has seen Xia Mianwan's efforts along the way. If anyone has selfish motives, Old Lady Zheng will be the first one to not forgive her.

No one else had any objections, and Zheng Lingwan was already excitedly thinking about what to sell.

Early the next morning, Xia Mianwan took a ox cart to the town.

She found a dental clinic with a relatively good reputation in the town and went to look at shops. Finally, Xia Mianwan chose a shop in the center of the town. The shop was located on Baisha Street, the busiest location. The owner of the shop was planning to move to the provincial capital, so he decided to sell it.

The shop is quite big, with the front area of ​​about 70 square meters. The back door is connected to a yard with a well. On the far left of the yard is a kitchen, and there are two side rooms and a warehouse.

Xia Mianwan was very satisfied with this layout, and the price was not very expensive, only one hundred and fifty taels of silver, which included the pawnshop fees and various taxes.

Xia Mianwan was a very straightforward person. He paid a deposit and reserved a house when he thought it was a good choice. He then waited for the owner to come and pay the money for the transfer of ownership.