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  ***

  Xia Xiuzai was taken aback, he didn't expect Xia Zhi to propose such a condition. In his mind, Xia Zhi would at most ask him for some food and clothing. After all, in recent years, Xia Zhi has been the most neglected child in the family when it comes to food and clothing. Or maybe, Xia Zhi would demand that he repay the money at a certain time, or even add some interest. From watching Xia Zhi sell zongzi, he had already seen that Xia Zhi was very shrewd.

  A twelve-year-old girl wants to have control over her own marriage, this is something that Xia Xiuren has never heard of before.

  He was not only surprised, but also somewhat disapproving, and his face showed it. But Xia Zhi did not show the slightest embarrassment or guilt, and the little black fish beside him seemed to be justified, as if Xia Zhi's request was a matter of course.

  Xia Xiuzai thought for a moment and suddenly realized. Xia Zhi was frightened by the fact that Tian Shi wanted to marry her off to Tian Dabao, and she was afraid that he would be the same as Tian Shi. In response, he could only smile wryly and explain to Xia Zhi: "Sixteen, Dad is not that kind of person."

  Xia Zhi did not respond to Xia Xiuren's words. She only wanted Xia Xiuren's promise. "Dad, are you going to agree or not? This isn't even a condition, I just want Dad to help me with this favor. Can you help me, Dad?"

  She asked this way, and Xia Xiuzai thought he was right. Xia Zhi wanted him to agree to this condition because he was afraid of the Tian family, and he would definitely persuade the Tian family in the future.

  "Sixteen, don't worry, I won't casually arrange your marriage to just anyone." Xia Xiuzai's tone was sincere and carried a hint of apology. Thinking about it, if Xia Zhi were to marry Tian Dabao, could he really bear to part with her, could he really be at peace?

  "Alright." Xia Zhi nodded, then said to Xia Xiuciai, "Dad, it's not that I don't believe you. You repeat what I just said, and Uncle can bear witness since he's here."

  She spoke in a very polite and subtle manner, but Xia Xiucai understood. Xia Zhi was asking him to make an oath. Being asked by his little daughter like this, Xia Xiucai felt that his dignity as a father seemed to have been greatly challenged. However, there was no provocative meaning in Xia Zhi's attitude.

  After all, Xia Zhi was still frightened and became a startled bird.

  Xia Xiuzai stood there without speaking, and Xiao Heiyu became impatient, repeatedly urging: "Big brother, hurry up and make a vow. If not, I'll take Sixteen away."

  "Alright, alright." Xia Xiuzai could only reluctantly agree and made a vow according to Xia Zhi and Xiao Heiyu's request, guaranteeing that he and the Tian family would not take matters into their own hands regarding Xia Zhi's marriage, and would definitely let Xia Zhi make her own decision.

  With the summer solstice in her heart, she felt a sense of relief. Even if it was Xia Xiuren's promise, that was still a guarantee. With this handle in hand, even if Xia Xiuren were to go back on his word or something else were to happen, she would have the capital to maneuver and wouldn't be too passive.

  "There's also a small matter that I need your help with." Because Xia Xiuzai had made an oath, Xia Zhizhi's attitude became even more gentle and polite, and he no longer mentioned conditions, instead asking for Xia Xiuzai's help.

  This indeed made Xia Xiuzai feel much more comfortable in her heart, and the expression on her face also relaxed and became joyful. Then Xia Xiuzai asked Xia Zhi to help him with something.

  "Earning ten taels of silver isn't that easy," Xia Zhi said. To earn this ten taels of silver, she needs to stay in the prefectural city for a few more days. She will have to stay until after the Dragon Boat Festival, when there won't be anyone buying zongzi anymore, before returning home with Xia Xiucan.

  The Wenshan Academy will be closed during the Dragon Boat Festival, and Xia Xiuren had originally planned to return to Daxingzhuang these days, bringing the silver money he had collected to the Tian family, and then the two would go to Kao Shan Tun to visit Old Man Tian and Old Lady Tian.

  However, if he doesn't have enough money, going back would be meaningless and would also upset the Tian family.

  Xia Xiuzai thought for a moment and then agreed. "Alright, I'll be back in a few days, just in time to think of a plan and see if we can scrape together some more money."

  "That dad of yours must definitely send a message to my mom. How are you planning on sending the message to my mom?" Xia Zhi immediately asked.

  Xia Xiuzai hesitated for a moment, then continued: "I make money by selling zongzi and lend it to you, but let's not tell Mother about this, okay?"

  It's impossible to deceive Xia Xiuzai, but it must be kept from the Tian family. The Tian family is even more cunning than Xia Xiuzai and will not care about saving face at all. If Xia Xiuzai opens her mouth to ask for a loan, but if the Tian family finds out, they will never mention the word "borrow". They will only force her to hand over all her money.

  So in this matter, Xia Zhi wants Xia Xiuzai to be his ally.

  Don't look at Xiao Hei's young age, he is very clear about the severe relationship in here. He nodded repeatedly beside him and stared at Xia Xiucai, saying: "We must not let Tian Laiji know. If she knows, then sixteen will be unlucky. Big brother, can you keep it from Tian Laiji? If you can't keep it secret, then sixteen won't lend you the money."

  Xia Xiuzai was persuaded by the young lady and her younger brother, and could only agree. "I definitely won't tell Sixteen's mother about it. Even if she hears something, I'll cover for Sixteen." He also knew that if Tian Shi found out about Xia Zhi's affair, there would be endless trouble. Following the principle of having fewer troubles rather than more, he would also help Xia Zhi keep it a secret.

  Xia Xiuzai is a person who dislikes trouble very much. Xia Zhi knows this, so he also believes him.

  "I'll have someone send a message, saying that in order to make some extra money, I need to stay in the prefectural city for a few more days to annotate some articles. When will you be done with your business? Let's head back together then." Xia Xiucái added.

  Xia Zhi nodded, she didn't mention any conditions to Xia Xiucan again, but instead comforted him with two sentences: "Dad, when the time comes, I'll go back with you. If mom and grandma scold you a few words, just agree to everything. When the time comes, I'll help you."

  Xia Xiuzai only took thirty taels of silver back, but there were many famines to fight with the Tian family. In Xia's view, Xia Xiuzai and the Tian family were still different, helping Xia Xiuzai was helping herself, Daqiao and Xiaoshu.

  It was settled then. Xia Xiuzai's mood was complex, but the most pressing issue had been resolved. He pushed his unicycle again, taking the two children to continue walking towards Xishi Street.

  Xia Zhi's mood was completely sunny. Although she had to take out ten taels of silver, she managed to secure Xia Xiuzai's alliance. Being able to have control over her future marriage was the most reassuring and delightful thing.

  Then Xia Xiuzai agreed not to pay the two hundred taels of silver for the Tian family, but only thirty taels, and this thirty taels was the last time. From then on, the siblings slowly didn't have to fill the bottomless pit of the Tian family anymore.

  Xia Xiuzai couldn't scrape together the money and had to come find her, meanwhile a huge change occurred in his mind, he no longer made demands on Tian Shi and the Tian family.

  She didn't find Li Shan in vain after all. Li Xia helped a lot with this matter.

  Xiao Hei was also delighted and couldn't wait to tell Master Xia about it. Xia Xiuren wouldn't have to bear the debt anymore, but the happiest person would probably be Master Xia himself.

  Because of the excitement, Xiao Hei Yu Er jumped up and down, refusing to walk properly. He also discussed with Xia Zhi: "Sixteen, let's go back and write a letter to your grandfather."

  Xia Zhi understood the meaning of Little Black Fish, and she herself was amused for a while. However, she still decided to keep this matter temporarily hidden from them. The Tian family had been spoiled by Xia Xiucai all these years, and once they knew this news, it would definitely be a huge stir.

  This message should be spread out, but it shouldn't come from them, instead, Xia Xiuzai himself should do it.

  Xia Zhi asked Xia Xiuren, "Dad, have you figured out how to tell Mom about it?" From 200 taels to 30 taels, and that 200 taels was supposedly the result of the Tian family making concessions, they originally wanted more.

  Xia Xiuzai's mood had just relaxed a bit, but when Xia Zhi asked him this question, his heart suddenly became heavy. "I plan to tell your mother the truth."

  The mountain is no longer willing to lend him wages in advance, colleagues and students are also unwilling to lend him money, he is also helpless.

  Xia Zhi sighed and shook her head. For Xia Xiuren, this was probably the best he could do. And she had originally planned to use the strategy of "removing the fire from under the cauldron" for just this purpose.

  Xia Xiuzai couldn't scrape together the money after all. After the Tian family's commotion had died down, they could only sigh in frustration and do nothing about it.

  Xia Xiuzai's personality is like this too.

  Back in Xishi Street, Xia Dagu was surprised to see that Xia Xiuzai had pushed the cart and sent the two children back. She kept Xia Xiuzai for a chat and dinner, but Xia Xiuzai only talked about the affairs of the academy, saying just a few words before hurrying away.

  Watching Xia Xiuzai leave, Xia Dagu became very worried. "Sixteen, your father knows you're selling zongzi! Alas, I was thinking, this matter can't be hidden forever."

  "Sixteen agreed to lend her father ten taels of silver." Little Black Fish told Xia Dagu.

  "Ah?!" Xia Dagu was surprised and embarrassed for Xia Xiucui. "Ten taels, that's not even sixteen out. This money, I'll discuss it with Lao Zhang, just take it from me."

  "Eldest aunt, this matter doesn't concern you. Your money is all invested in the shop, and the shop needs to be turned over. These ten taels of silver, I can still afford to pay." Xia Zhi hastily said. In these days she had been living at Eldest Aunt Xia's house, and Uncle Guo had intentionally or unintentionally told her many times that a lot of silver was needed for turnover in the shop, and he didn't have any extra money on hand, just enough for household expenses every month.

  Uncle Guo said these words meant Xia Zhi was extremely clear.

  In the past, Xia Xiuzai borrowed money from Xia Dagu, and Xia Dagu always lent it to him. Xia Dagu took charge forcefully, and Guo Shu finally had no choice but to agree, but he was unhappy in his heart. He didn't make a scene openly, but he would sulk with Xia Dagu and constantly whisper in her ear. The couple was very unhappy about this, and Xia Dagu even fell ill, which was eventually discovered by Xia Lao Yezi.

  Mr. Xia couldn't bear to see his daughter and son-in-law drift apart because of this matter, making their good days unbearable, so he gave Xia Xiuzai a stern order. Xia Zhi also didn't want the silver money issue to cause discord between Xia Dagu and Guo Gufu's husband and wife.

  People from Xia's family must never borrow money from Auntie Xia. This principle is acknowledged by Xia Zhi.

  Xia Dagu was also a perceptive person, and when Xia Zhi mentioned something about the shop and turnover, she knew it was one of Guo's tricks. She felt uneasy in her heart, but still insisted on taking out the ten taels of silver.

  "Eldest aunt, don't compete with me for this. These ten taels of silver were not given to me in vain." Xia Zhi had no choice but to tell Eldest Aunt Xia about the agreement between her and Xia Xiucan.

  Xia Dagu was overjoyed. "Sixteen, your grandfather and grandmother really didn't spoil you in vain. Your family is indeed relying on you now." Because of the agreement between Xia Zhi and Xia Xiucui, Xia Dagu's words became even more straightforward.

  "Your dad's temper is one of the best in the world (unfortunately, he didn't meet a good person), and now it's been taken over by your grandparents..."

  "Your mother is also a good person, you see she treats others well... She's one of the few filial daughters around... Your grandparents treated her quite well, and you have two older aunts too... Don't know if they're still alive now... Women in that place don't live long..."

  In front of Xia Dagu, she would never say anything bad about the Tian family (but what was revealed between the lines was another matter), she only mentioned Old Man Tian and Old Lady Tian. Even so, Xia Zhi still learned many things that he had not known before.

  Xia Dagu seems to know quite a bit about the Tian family's affairs, apparently she has inquired about them in detail. Xia Zhi feels that he is getting along better and better with Xia Dagu.

  Talking doesn't hinder doing things. Xia Zhi and Xia Dagu were in the backyard watching the women work, Xia Zhi also wrote Li Xia's words and embroidered a new signboard.

  As dusk approached, the woman from the corner gate brought a young book boy to find Xia Zhi.

  Xia Zhi had just finished eating and was chatting with two female workers when she saw Xiao Shu Tong approaching, slightly startled. Xiao Shu Tong politely greeted Xia Zhi, calling her "Miss Xia", his peach blossom eyes filled with a smile.

  Summer sent all the female workers away, then stood up and bowed to Xiao Shu Tong. "I didn't know that Master Tian had arrived, it's really rude of me."

  Tian Kuai wore a green jacket and a small hat, completely dressed as a young book boy. When he saw Xia Zhi recognizing himself, but not making a fuss in front of the women workers, he was very pleased.

  "Sixteen, so your workshop is here, very good, very good." Tian Kuang looked around and praised with a smile.

  Xia Zhi thought he was just being polite, this temporary small workshop she used a lot of effort and managed it very well, but Tian Kuang wasn't the kind of person who would care about these things. Compared to him, Guo Shu's and Changsheng's praise were even more valuable.

  Xia Zhi invited Tian Ku to sit down and talk: "Let's have a good laugh, Master Tian. How did you find this place?"

  "That's easy enough." Tian Kuai sat down with a smile, without explaining anything to Xia Zhi.

  Xia Zhi didn't ask any further, she rewashed the tea bowl and poured a bowl of sour plum soup for Tian Kuo. Tian Kuo saw that the sour plum soup was clear and bright, with osmanthus flowers floating on top, emitting a faint fragrance and coolness, and the white porcelain tea bowl was spotless, so he picked up the tea bowl and took a sip, feeling quite comforted in his heart.

  "Sixteen, is this sour plum soup cooked by yourself?"

  "Yes." Xia nodded, these were the materials she had bought herself from the pharmacy, adding honey and osmanthus to boil. "Just fetched from the well, Tian Gongzi should find it palatable."

  "Great." Tian Kuai looked at Xia Zhi and said, "A feast for the eyes."

  Although Xia Zhi didn't have much contact with Tian Kuang, she also had some understanding of his temperament. She ignored Tian Kuang's words and only asked him what brought him here.

  "There's something I need your help with." Tian Kuang said as he blinked his peach blossom eyes.

  (。)