Chapter 167: Chapter 167

Zhang Lan was in a good mood, which Cai Meina could not fail to notice.

The problem was, Zhang Lan had gone out without getting any dried vegetables, so Cai Meina really didn’t understand why she would be so happy.

Gong Tao didn’t understand either, but he was certain that his old mother definitely had a scheme.

Gong Tao pondered for a long time trying to figure out how Zhang Lan could plot against him.

With no money, no food, and no connections in the village, how could his old mother possibly scheme against him?

Could it be that she planned to secretly take Gong Ruini or Gong Ruwen away when she left?

But they were both grown-up kids, and if someone were really to take them away, there would be some reaction.

Cai Meina was also contemplating this issue, but they couldn’t figure out why Zhang Lan would be so happy.

Maybe his old mother thought she had already tarnished his reputation in front of the villagers, leaving him no chance to turn things around.

Since this could bring his old mother a bit of happiness, Gong Tao thought it was worth it, considering how tough it had been for his old mother lately.

Cai Meina had already turned over to sleep, letting Zhang Lan come after her if she wanted, as long as they were careful.

Zhang Lan was exceptionally excited today, so much so that she couldn’t sleep. She was considering how to sow discord between Zhao Gang and Gong Tao.

She struggled with this into the early morning before falling asleep in a daze.

Gong Dajiang got up early, planning to have some breakfast before heading to Old Yuan’s house to discuss the ginseng, and make sure to convince him to wait a little longer.

Gong Dajiang knew that if he wanted the other party to delay the sale of the ginseng, he would have to raise the price.

He felt all kinds of helpless, but he had no choice. If his son sent money, how could they handle the ginseng issue without it?

Gong Dajiang stayed in bed waiting for Zhang Lan to make breakfast because he heard Gong Tao and others having breakfast, but his daughter-in-law didn’t call him at all.

Gong Dajiang could only pretend not to hear, but it was late, and his old lady still didn’t get up. Did she really think someone would make food for them?

He waited and waited for his daughter-in-law to get up, but she didn’t. He had no choice. What if Old Yuan set off for the county?

In exasperation, he kicked Zhang Lan, "Get up and make breakfast."

Zhang Lan was sleeping soundly when she was kicked awake by Gong Dajiang, "What for?"

"Go find Cai Meina if you want breakfast. Don’t tell me she’s still not up."

"I knew this daughter-in-law was the laziest." Zhang Lan was still groggy, and in her opinion, when you wanted food, you asked Cai Meina.

Cai Meina and Gong Tao went to the back to get something, and hearing Zhang Lan badmouthing Cai Meina even in her drowsiness made her face turn ugly.

Gong Tao wanted to defend a little, but Cai Meina held him back.

Cai Meina kept shaking her head at Gong Tao, "Don’t say anything. If you do, we’ll become the targets."

"Besides, Dad will be even angrier." Cai Meina remembered Gong Dajiang mentioning that if he didn’t pay Old Yuan today, the ginseng would no longer belong to the Gong family. Gong Dajiang might have no money, but since he was sending telegrams yesterday, it showed he hadn’t given up.

Gong Dajiang never commented on his daughter-in-law and certainly never interfered with how Zhang Lan spoke about her. In his view, it was a mother-in-law’s right, but now Zhang Lan not only wasn’t getting up to make breakfast, she was even shirking responsibility, which was delaying his business.

"Have you forgotten? From yesterday, you’re the one doing everything, and remember to wash the clothes you changed out of yesterday." Even in the Northeast, where conveniences were limited, having a hot bath every day in winter was something Gong Dajiang was quite pleased with.

Washing clothes and making breakfast! Oh my, Zhang Lan finally remembered she still had a ton of chores to do, and her face instantly turned sour.

In such cold weather, having to wash clothes was truly exhausting for Zhang Lan.

"Get up," Gong Dajiang was even angrier seeing Zhang Lan awake but still not going to make breakfast.

"I’m telling you, if you’re late, and Old Yuan sells the ginseng, what will you do?" Gong Dajiang was in a hurry. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ⓝovelFire.net

Ah, yes, the ginseng. Zhang Lan realized now wasn’t the time to scheme against Gong Tao and them. She needed to hurry up and make breakfast so she could send the old man off.

Zhang Lan’s intentions were good, but the more anxious she was, the more mistakes she made. By the time she stood by the stove ready to make breakfast, it was already 10 AM.

Cai Meina saw Zhang Lan come out, quickly slipped into Zhan Jing’s room, and then helped Zhan Jing out.

Zhan Jing didn’t even glance at Zhang Lan, let alone greet her, just walked on.

Zhang Lan’s face turned dark again, looking at Cai Meina supporting Zhan Jing’s arm, thinking it just appeared as if she was serving someone, "No wonder the Cai Family looks down on her, just a servant."

Apparently speaking a little too loudly, Cai Meina suddenly turned her head, startling Zhang Lan.

Cai Meina hadn’t meant to; she just felt Zhang Lan must be gossiping. She hadn’t expected to turn around and see Zhang Lan’s shocked face, realizing she was definitely bad-mouthing her.

Some people, when they don’t have enough to eat, just have to fuss over these things. "Mom, you need to hurry."

Hurry, hurry, hurry, knowing there’s an issue, why won’t you help? Zhang Lan was furious, but Cai Meina paid her no attention and continued helping Zhan Jing leave.

Yesterday, Cai Meina thought for a long time. She felt if her daughter could learn some medical skills from Zhan Jing, it would be good. She could treat people when she grew up, making it a trade.

Especially since Zhan Jing was willing to teach, Cai Meina felt even more that her daughter shouldn’t miss such a good opportunity.

As for Gong Ruini’s inclination to wanting to sleep as soon as she started learning medicine, Cai Meina didn’t see it as a problem. It was just that Gong Ruini currently lacked interest. Once interested, her learning ability would improve rapidly.

Didn’t she see Ni Zi was a smart kid, learning everything Zhao Xuran taught her instantly?

Sitting on the kang reading, Gong Ruini had no idea Cai Meina had such plans. If she did, she would certainly regret showing off her intelligence earlier.

She shouldn’t have used all her cards to outdo Zhao Guangran.

If she had any previous knowledge or interest in traditional medicine, Gong Ruini wouldn’t mind pretending to be a prodigy again. The problem was she hadn’t learned it, so how could she fake being a prodigy?

Rather than being found out later, it’s better to show disinterest now.

Zhao Guangran, holding a book, felt all kinds of helpless. Originally, he thought when Zhang Lan and the others arrived, he could enjoy days without classes and tests. But although there were no tests, he was still reading nonstop daily, which was giving Zhao Guangran headaches.

If given a choice, Zhao Guangran would rather prefer attending classes. At least that way, he could go out for a walk or play instead of being stuck at home all day like now.