CHAPTER 83: CHAPTER 82: GUESTS BRINGING NEW YEAR’S GOODS

"Clan Leader Brother, how much does the donkey cart cost?"

Lin Clan Leader had already researched this, and confidently replied, "Including the donkey and the cart, forty strings of Copper Coins will be enough."

Upon hearing this, the people below immediately began discussing.

"Clan Leader Brother, actually, we should buy a cow. A cow can plow the field and pull the cart."

"No, no, cows run slow and delay deliveries, which is unacceptable."

"If it’s slow, just set off earlier. What’s the worry?"

"Setting off earlier in pitch darkness, who can see? Don’t end up driving the cow and cart into the sea."

"Right, right, it’s better to have a donkey; delivering steamed buns is also very important."

After a round of discussions, everyone finally reached a consensus: once there’s money, we’ll buy a donkey cart! Having a donkey cart will make trips to the town convenient later.

After finishing this matter, formal money distribution began. After deducting the money set aside for buying the donkey cart, there were still eighty strings left to divide, quite a pile indeed. Strings of Copper Coins were moved out and placed on the ground, weighing over 500 kilograms.

A group of people looked on eagerly, soon would have money!

The fishing money included Lin Wanwan’s share. She was counted as half labor (because she repaired the pier), and from selling steamed buns, she alone received one-tenth, as she provided all the yeast and baking soda.

Although she received the most, most people in the clan felt it was deserved, as she contributed the most. The few who murmured didn’t get any attention.

The Lin Clan has always distributed according to work; those who contribute more get more. Contributions are divided into three levels according to age and physical condition, namely the elderly, women and children, and those weak and ailing in one level, young adults in another level, and middle-aged in the third level. Work is distributed according to these levels, and money naturally follows these levels.

The young adults do the most strenuous work, so they receive the most, followed by the middle-aged, and lastly the elderly and women and children.

This distribution method was originally devised by Lin Clan Leader, and it has been implemented for over twenty years in the clan; everyone is accustomed to it.

Lin Clan Leader, in his early twenties, succeeded as leader due to his strength and outstanding ability from serving as a government soldier, and his authority in the clan is unquestionable.

Under his leadership, the money distribution process was perfectly smooth, with everyone lining up to receive money. Those who received the money left happily, while those who hadn’t yet extended their necks to look on with hope, as it would soon be their turn.

Lin Wanwan held her hefty share of two strings and three coins, feeling different happiness in her heart.

Lin Mengjin walked to Lin Wanwan and said, "Lin Teacher, let me carry it for you, this money is quite heavy."

Lin Wanwan joked, "No, no need, who would mind money being heavy? I can manage."

Although Lin Wanwan appeared delicate and weak, in reality, her hand strength was extraordinary now. A mere two strings, twelve to thirteen kilograms at most, posed no challenge for her.

"Haha, indeed." Lin Mengjin was glad not to have helped her, his smile never fading as receiving money always brought joy.

Lin Wanwan, Lin Mengjin, Lin Mengli, Lin Mengbo, and their wives received money from the same group, talking and laughing as they headed home together.

As they walked, they encountered Hua Nong.

Lin Wanwan looked at Hua Nong and asked, "What’s wrong? Is there something at home?"

Hua Nong replied, "Yes, someone from the Xiao Family has come to deliver New Year gifts."

"Didn’t they send something a few days ago?" Lin Wanwan immediately thought of Xiao Chong.

Hua Nong shook his head and said, "Not Xiao Mingfu, but someone from your maternal family."

"Ah?" Lin Wanwan was surprised and then said to those around her, "Everyone, there’s something at home, I’ll head off first."

Hua Nong took the Copper Coins from Lin Wanwan’s hand and whispered, "Mistress, let me accompany you next time. This weight, carrying it so far must have worn you out."

Lin Wanwan smiled silently, took out a piece of grease-paper wrapped food from her large sleeve, and ate a piece of squid jerky.

When she reached the west side gate, as expected, she saw a horse-drawn carriage outside, the delivery person was Old Chen, who came last time.

"Greetings to Mistress Lin, I come at the command of the old madam to deliver New Year gifts. Here’s the list, please have a look." Old Chen’s waist bent low, though seeing Lin Wanwan mixed with a bunch of farmer bumpkins, he showed no contempt.

This one was quite wealthy indeed.

Old Chen, having spent a lifetime as a servant, was definitely keen-sighted.

Lin Wanwan took the gift list and glanced over, it included food and clothing, quite comprehensive. It must be said, these ancient noble gifts are indeed thoughtful.

She herself had never thought of sending gifts to this maternal family. In fact, she was so content at Lin Family Manor, hardly returning to the modern times, let alone thinking about the outside family, long forgotten in the clouds.

Now, someone came, reminding her of her promise to visit last time.

"Grandmother is thoughtful, please pass my regards to Grandmother. Since you’re here, kindly take New Year gifts to Grandmother for me. I’m short-handed here and cannot specially send someone, please explain to Grandmother for me." While Lin Wanwan spoke, she entered the room, and Yun Shang greeted her to help her remove the cloak.

Little Qingyu abandoned two little friends, ran to her embrace like the wind, and joyfully shouted, "Mommy, you’re back!"

"Yes, Mommy is back." Lin Wanwan patted the little one’s head.

Old Chen also bowed to Little Qingyu and then replied, "The old madam understands Mistress’s situation, Mistress need not worry."

Though he still had some doubts, as gifts weren’t delivered this way, he naturally wouldn’t say anything.

During the time spent in the yard, Old Chen had already had a glance, seeing no new servants here, which was quite unthinkable for a noble lady.

Usually, a mistress of the house would have at least a nanny, four big maidservants, and seven to eight little maids to sweep and serve. The young mistress would have a wet nurse, two teaching nannies, two personal maids, and four to five rough maids.

Additionally, there would be those in charge of the kitchen, flowers, livestock, and running errands outside. In summary, a respectable noble household certainly could not lack servants.

Yet Lin Wanwan had only three servants going back and forth, although the New Luo Maid and Kunlun slave were quite trendy, having just those three was insufficient.

Were it not for that Crystal Palace standing beside, Old Chen might have thought Lin Wanwan’s house was quite impoverished. This lady raised by recluses was indeed unusual, whether good or bad remains uncertain.