Zhang Rui frowned, took out a handful of copper coins from his pocket and tried to secretly give them to Zhang Laoer, hoping to solve the problem temporarily.

Zhang Laoer was shocked at first, then waved his hand with embarrassment and refused: "Brother Zhang Rui, please don't get me wrong. Actually, our family... our family still has some savings. We originally planned to take the children to the city today to buy some necessities..."

Zhang Rui heard this, and a trace of unquestionable determination flashed in his eyes. He knew that Zhang Laoer just didn't want to accept charity from others, so he interrupted and said, "Don't be stubborn. I saw everything that happened when you separated last night. You should use this money for emergency. When I go home to get some money, I will send some to you. At least you can get through these few days of difficulties first."

Zhang Rui didn't believe what Zhang Laoer said at all. If the family was really well-off, which father would let his precious daughter tie her hair with cloth strips?

Zhang Rui's gaze fell on Xiao Youniang again, looking at the little braid on her head which was extremely simple but still couldn't hide her lively aura.

Such a smart and innocent child should have had a carefree childhood, but fate made her encounter such cold-blooded and heartless elders. How can this not make people feel sad and regretful?

Zhang Laoer's eyes revealed a trace of helplessness, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. He could only patiently continue to explain: "Brother Zhang Rui, do you remember that my wife once subdued a tiger? The prey was later sold for fifty taels of silver. Although the family expenses were numerous and a lot of money was spent, fortunately there was still some left. Even if you didn't come today, I was thinking of asking you to help me repair this dilapidated thatched cottage."

After hearing this, a subtle change flashed across Zhang Rui's face, from doubt to conviction.

"Although this thatched house has fallen into disrepair and looks a bit old, it has a spacious space and a rare location, the best in the village. Last night, our whole family discussed carefully and decided to take over this property first and do some minor repairs. When our pills are on the market, we will carry out a comprehensive renovation to make it look brand new."

Zhang Laoer's tone revealed his full anticipation and confidence for the future. He tapped the table lightly with his fingers as he spoke.

Zhang Rui's expression changed slightly when he heard this, and a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "Are you still planning to cooperate with the villagers to produce pills?"

Zhang Laoer nodded and explained seriously, "The village chief and I have long been in agreement on this matter. If it weren't for the unexpected incident with Li Yun, our pill project would have been on track. Let me briefly explain to you the matter of Li Yun's arrest..."

As he spoke, he briefly recounted to Zhang Rui the whole story of Xu Liyun's experience, and begged him to help explain the situation in the village to avoid rumors spreading and damaging his family's reputation.

After hearing this, Zhang Rui agreed without hesitation.

The two then discussed in depth the details of signing a cooperation agreement with the villagers, and agreed to bring several villagers who were willing to participate in pharmaceutical production to the village chief's house tomorrow to sign a formal contract.

After the discussion was finalized, Zhang Rui immediately stood up, said goodbye, and left in a hurry.

The six people in Xu Liyun's family packed up in a hurry and boarded their second uncle's old but sturdy donkey cart, bumping towards the county town.

This time, Yin Liyun had enough money on hand and was no longer stingy with every penny spent.

As soon as they entered the market, they went straight to the familiar wonton stall. The family sat around in a circle and enjoyed a steaming hot breakfast.

The little girl didn't have a big appetite, so a bowl of delicious wontons made her very satisfied.

Xu Liyun and Zhang Wuya each ate three large bowls before they felt their stomachs filled with satisfaction.

After the meal, Xu Liyun led her family to the tailor shop in the town.

Unlike in the past, this time she not only bought fabrics, but also decided to customize two new sets of clothes for each person so that they could be changed and washed.

As soon as the silver was delivered, the tailor shop became lively and the family of six quickly changed into new clothes.

They were originally wearing dull old clothes, but they were instantly transformed. Although they had pretty faces, they did not stand out in their simple attire. Now, after putting on colorful new clothes, their good looks were immediately revealed, and the owner of the tailor shop was so surprised that he couldn't close his mouth.

Of course, new clothes must be matched with new shoes and exquisite headdresses.

Zhang Laoer had long been dissatisfied with the monotonous hairbands on his daughters' heads, and specially selected many fancy headdresses and exquisite hairbands for them. An elegant hairpin was also added to Xu Liyun's hair, making her look particularly charming.

They spent four full hours in the market before they bought everything they needed for their home.

When Xu Liyun was planning to buy new furniture, Xiao Youniang cleverly grabbed her mother's hand and gently reminded her that if she commissioned the village carpenter to customize it, it would not only be more affordable but also save a lot of money.

After listening to the children's suggestions, Xu Liyun only selected the most needed dining table and a few stools for emergency use.

As for the pots, pans, seasonings and large water vats for daily use, people would go directly to Hu Bin's grocery store to place an order, pay the full amount, get the receipt and wait for the goods to be delivered.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhang Laoer and Xu Liyun, with their four children, slowly returned from the bustling market, carrying large and small bags of goods in their arms or on their shoulders.

My second uncle's donkey was now staggering under the weight of the mountain of goods.

Looking at the donkey cart that was almost buried by the heavy objects, Zhang Laoer and Xu Liyun smiled at each other and decided not to add to the burden of the donkey. The two chose to walk, while the children were arranged on the cart, their little faces filled with excited yet tired smiles.

Along the way, the evening breeze blew gently, and the fields were filled with the fresh scent of soil and crops. Although the group felt a little tired, their hearts were full of harvest and expectations.

Xu Liyun took out a cloth bag covered with verdigris from her arms, gently unfolded it, counted out ten copper coins, and handed them to her second uncle, her eyes full of gratitude.

A simple smile appeared on the second uncle's face, and he waved his hands to refuse repeatedly, as if these few cents were insignificant to him.

However, after Zhang Laoer's persuasion, he finally accepted the reward hesitantly.

The next morning, the Zhang family's courtyard was bustling with activity.

Under the guidance of the second uncle, the three of them worked together to renovate the weed-covered courtyard and make it look brand new.

The thatched hut, which was originally on the verge of collapse, was miraculously stabilized by the concerted efforts of everyone. Although it was simple, it exuded an indescribable warmth in the mottled light and shadow.

As night fell, the issue of accommodation became an urgent matter.

The two brothers Zhang Sanwa and Zhang Siwa are excited about their upcoming life of sleeping in separate beds.

Last night, the two of them tossed and turned on a narrow bed, almost staying awake all night, and their bickering and small actions almost turned into a "bed battle".

If the family had not been so tight on finances and lacked sufficient bedding, they might have simply found a "bed" on the hard ground.

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