CHAPTER 349: CHAPTER 324: I’VE SET MY SIGHTS ON SU JINGCHEN

Yu Changhe believed his daughter’s idea was very good. After all, it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him fish. Let those poor people work with their own hands to earn their daily meals, that is the best solution.

Actually, these families who can’t get enough to eat aren’t lazy or lacking ambition; it’s just that these are difficult times. As farmers, they can only rely on a few acres of poor land to feed their whole family.

When unexpected weather changes occur, like floods or droughts, their grain production can be halved or even yield nothing.

What to do when there’s no grain? What to do when they fall ill and can’t afford medical treatment? Some families, to survive, have to sell their sons and daughters.

But generally, families choose to sell their daughters because sons are meant to continue the family line.

Yu Changhe said, "After the New Year, I’ll have them plow the land. Once the land is plowed, I’ll have them raise ducks and geese. When they’re fattened, our family will take them for roasting as duck or goose."

This way, they can also boost the local economy, letting Taohua Village become prosperous first, alleviating the situation of not having enough to eat or wear.

"Dad, later on, if you see any family that’s running out of food, lend them some grain so they can have a peaceful New Year. They can compensate for it after plowing the land," Yu Xiaolian said, having already put down the copper coin and started eating roasted sweet potatoes.

Yu Changhe also picked up a roasted sweet potato, peeling it as he nodded, "Got it. Later, I’ll have Jiang Haiqiu, the eldest from the Jiang Family, take a look at those struggling households in the village."

Yu Xiaolian raised an eyebrow, curious as to why her father preferred Jiang Haiqiu when there were so many people in the family.

Seeing his daughter’s confusion, Yu Changhe explained, "The Jiang Family was split off by his grandfather last year, and they also didn’t have enough grain for winter. He knows those families facing difficulties in the village, and they all came to our home together to borrow grain last year.

Moreover, I like this kid Jiang Haiqiu. He’s smart, efficient, and a good child.

Lian’er, what do you think of him?"

"Cough... cough..." Yu Xiaolian choked on the sweet potato.

She fully understood what her father meant by those words.

No wonder her father always had Jiang Haiqiu handle matters; he was nurturing a future son-in-law!

But as his daughter, she had no such intentions. Yu Xiaolian swallowed the sweet potato in her mouth and then put down the one in her hand, "Dad, I have my eyes set on Su Jingchen."

Yu Xiaolian didn’t beat around the bush with Yu Changhe, speaking very directly, very bluntly.

Yu Changhe’s expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "Su Jingchen is a good kid, but his father is just not right!"

Logically, since they saved Su Jingyue, Su Dafu should have been grateful. Instead, while appearing to express gratitude, he was actually signaling authority, which infuriated Yu Changhe.

Sunshi felt even more complicated. Although Su Dafu’s words were very tactful that day, Yu Changhe couldn’t catch the hidden meaning. Unfortunately, she did and ended up scolding Su Dafu in front of Yu Changhe afterward.

If she had known her daughter had feelings, she would have kept it secret a bit longer. Now she’s unsure how to remedy the situation.

Yu Xiaolian said, "Dad, Su Dafu can’t control Su Jingchen, and as your daughter, I’m not someone easily bullied either. There’s no need to worry about those things." If anyone makes things difficult for her, she’ll make things even harder for that person.

Yu Changhe sighed, "Lian, you’re still young. You don’t understand. If a daughter-in-law doesn’t show filial piety to her parents-in-law, it’s morally unacceptable and people will criticize you."

Yu Xiaolian laughed carelessly, "Dad, I’ve never said I wouldn’t be filial to him. As long as he doesn’t trouble me, I can ensure he eats and drinks well and enjoys his old age!"

Yu Changhe knew that his daughter was unlikely to listen to whatever he said.

People never truly understand until they experience things firsthand.

"Are you truly set on Su the Scholar?" Yu Changhe pressed on. He still believed Jiang Haiqiu was the better choice.

Not to mention they’re from the same village; if his daughter married into the Jiang Family, it would be considered a lower marriage for the Jiang Family, and they wouldn’t dare to treat his daughter lightly. They would have to cherish her.

Additionally, he has interacted a lot with the eldest from the Jiang Family during this period and finds him a hardworking and diligent child whose character is impeccable. Though he’s not very educated, he is still quite courteous.

Furthermore, according to Jiang Mangzi, Jiang Haiqiu is talented in academics. He stopped studying purely because his parents refused to spend any more money, not because he lacked ability.

Compared to Su Jingchen, Jiang Haiqiu is lacking in many ways, but Yu Changhe doesn’t believe it would be good for Yu Xiaolian to be with Su Jingchen.

The Su Family is already wealthy, and Su Jingchen is a good scholar. He’s bound to become a high-ranking official in the Capital. If his daughter marries Su Jingchen, she’ll have to move to the Capital, and he can’t bear his daughter marrying far away.

Furthermore, among those powerful officials, who doesn’t have multiple wives and concubines? With her fiery temper, if Su Jingchen dares to take a concubine, his daughter would definitely dare to confront him.

Furthermore, Su Dafu wholeheartedly believes his son can rise to glory and hopes he’ll marry a Princess. He’s afraid his daughter won’t fare well in that marriage and would be demeaned.

With all this in mind, Yu Changhe mentally crossed out Su Jingchen.

"Dad, Su Jingchen confessed to me, and I agreed." Yu Xiaolian spoke straightforwardly.

Yu Changhe furrowed his brow even more.

"You..." Don’t, can’t get angry.

Yu Changhe took a deep breath internally and spoke more softly, "You’re still young. Let’s discuss your marriage after you come of age.

I’ll talk to Su Jingchen the next time I see him."

Yu Xiaolian helplessly glanced at Sunshi.

Sunshi gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head and whispered, "Listen to your father!"

Yu Xiaolian hadn’t expected to resolve things immediately. In fact, not only did Yu Changhe have opinions about Su Jingchen’s father, she also had a low view of Su Dafu. If not for Su Jingchen personally acknowledging Su Dafu as his father, she would have doubted the relationship.

The two didn’t even look alike, nor were their personalities or actions similar.

Ironically, Su Jingyue, being round and chubby, actually resembles Su Dafu somewhat.

When these kids finished stringing the baskets of copper coins, the cook had already prepared the New Year’s Eve dinner.

The whole family gathered together and enjoyed a lively, hearty feast.

Since returning on the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Sun Hu only stayed home for two nights. He then spent his days with Sun Manzhi and the others, but tonight he planned to return. His stepmother Qi Dalian was about to give birth, and he might be able to help.

After Sun Hu left, several members of Sun Wuye’s family left joyfully.

After coaxing Yu Ziqian and Yu Zixuan to sleep, Sunshi put on an outer garment and went to the hall.

In the hall, Yu Changhe was sitting alone in a chair, lost in thought.