Farm Girl Turns Everything Around: Sly Husband, Let s Farm - Chapter 859

Chapter 859: Chapter 859: Upgrade Level_1

Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang had returned to the manor before noon. Qiao Xiaomai soaked the abalone and other items in water, then started to prepare lunch.

After the meal, a member of the Zhang Family arrived.

She came to inform Tong Sanlang about Zhang Sheng’s good fortune.

“Since you have become a recognized scholar, Zhang Sheng feels honored as well, so this time he has deliberately moved the banquet to the Extreme Flavor Residence. It will cost thirty taels per table, and he has reserved ten tables. As the esteemed scholar, you must certainly attend,” she said.

After some consideration, she added, “Xiaomai has to go too. She has cooked for the Retired Emperor before, and her reputation is significant. She needs to show her face to support your cousin’s standing.”

Her heart loathed Xiaomai intensely, and she spoke with a mix of grinding teeth and mockery.

Tong Sanlang acted as if he hadn’t noticed, nodding and saying, “Agreed.”

He had become a recognized scholar, yet his family and relatives hadn’t reaped any real benefits. Now that there was a celebration inviting him, he would certainly attend.

“When you go, you should bring something nice. Don’t fail the status of a recognized scholar,” she instructed.

“You gave Xiaoxing and Xiaoyue silver lockets weighing ten taels each back when you were still a nobody. Now that you have achieved scholarly honors, you must raise the value of the gifts for your cousin’s child,” she continued.

Upon hearing this, Tong Sanlang directly asked, “Raise it by how much? To what extent?”

“Now that your family’s enterprise is large, it should be no less than a hundred taels,” said the Zhang Family member.

Tong Sanlang was speechless, “Wasn’t it agreed that the annual support fee for you and father was only two hundred and forty taels? Are you certain you want a hundred taels in one go now?”

“As I said before, back then you were nothing. Now that your status has risen, the support fee should rise as well. I am the mother of a recognized scholar. The daily expenses of my clothing and food must be distinct from those of the villagers, so that at a glance, my different status is obvious,” she said, her tone now carrying a sense of command.

Tong Sanlang, “…Raised to how much?”

“Two hundred taels a month, and it has to be split. Your father and I should each receive a hundred taels. The last thousand and six hundred taels you gave are all in your father’s possession. When I wanted to get something to nourish your second sister-in-law during her pregnancy, I had to ask your father for money,” she griped.

This brought up grievances for her.

Originally, to welcome Qiao Xiaomai into the family, she had hidden in her room pretending to be sick in the hot weather. Yet when Qiao Xiaomai entered the household, she didn’t gain any benefits.

Furthermore, to remind Tong Sanlang to be wary of Qiao Xiaomai lest she dishonor him, she ended up being beaten.

This was a case of losing more than what was attempted to gain: not only did she not secure any silver, but she also suffered physically.

Therefore, she had to make it clear to Tong Sanlang that the silver must be given separately.

“Your father is your birth father, I am your birth mother, there’s absolutely no reason for him to have all the silver leaving me without a cooper coin,” she insisted.

Tong Sanlang, “…Although I am a recognized scholar, I only receive five hundred catties of grain each year. Where am I supposed to get two hundred taels of silver every month?”

“Xiaomai earns that silver, and some of it belongs to you,” the Zhang Family member said.

“That belongs to the Qiao Family.”

“You fool!” she exclaimed, unable to restrain herself as she jabbed his shoulder with her finger, “Are you working for her all day for nothing? A common laborer can earn seven or eight cooper coins a day. As a recognized scholar, the work you do for her should earn you dozens of taels each day, shouldn’t it?”

“There are no dozens of taels,” Tong Sanlang shook his head, “Let’s talk about this next year. This year’s silver has already been given.”