Chapter 181 - 181 Upward Momentum

181 Upward Momentum

Su Fengzhi said, “Fengmao, why don’t you give Binglan to us instead?” He was genuinely envious of his second brother.

Su Fengmao became anxious and said, “You can’t be so unkind, Fengzhi. Binglan is our family’s lucky star.” He was afraid others would snatch his daughter away from him.

Su Fengzhi sighed. “I noticed how anxious you are. I won’t be so envious.”

“You can be envious, but you’re not allowed to snatch my daughter from me,” Su Fengmao said smirkingly.

Madam Liu realized her husband had returned to his old self and looked at the two brothers playfully arguing. The smile on her face became even broader.

Meanwhile, Su Wenchi sniffled and suppressed his emotions. He said, “This is great.” He had always hoped to see his father happy again so his family could live a good life.

Su Binglan also smiled. She thought her third uncle was as funny as a clown. Indeed, it was good that he was laughing and joking like that. She held her father’s arm and said, “All right, Father. Uncle Fengzhi was only joking.”

Su Fengmao was aware of that, but he was genuinely happy when he saw his brother like that.

Su Binglan continued, “Although charcoal is expensive, we can make our own. That way, barbequing the lamb will be more convenient because we won’t have to bring firewood to town.”

Everyone was stunned when they heard that.

Su Wenchi scratched the back of his head. “We once saw people selling charcoal in town during the winter, but we don’t know how to make them. I heard it’s a skill and that not everyone will know how to make charcoal.

“Charcoal is expensive and common folk can’t afford it, but you said we can make our own?” Su Wenchi smacked his lips when he thought of charcoal prices. He dared not think about buying charcoal for the upcoming winter.

Su Fengzhi patted Su Wenchi’s head. “Your brain can’t compare to your cousin’s, you brat. If your cousin said she could do it, then she can. We’ll have charcoal for ourselves soon enough.”

Su Fengzhi and his wife believed in their niece’s words, but Su Wenchi felt misunderstood. However, Su Wenchi felt delighted in his heart and believed his cousin. He only had a few doubts.

Su Binglan saw how much her family trusted her and felt good. She explained, “We can make our own charcoal because I know how to. When winter comes, Uncle Fengzhi can sell them too.”

Su Fengzhi felt touched when he heard that. Still, he said, “Don’t worry, Binglan. I’m not greedy. Curing my nose and throat is equal to saving my life, and you’ve also taught me how to make barbeque skewers.

“I’m truly grateful to you, but I cannot accept the charcoal business. That is something you can use to earn money so you can keep that business idea for yourself and your family.”

Madam Liu nodded. She had been too anxious to speak just now, but Su Fengzhi was in charge of the family, so there were some things she could not decide.

Su Wenchi said, “As the saying goes, contentment is bliss.”

Su Binglan felt a sense of lightness in her heart because the Su family members were great people. It meant that her grandparents and great-grandfather had taught their children well.

Su Fengmao said thoughtfully, “Binglan is in charge of my family, Fengzhi, and she wants you guys to take the charcoal business. Besides, Binglan has done enough for my side of the family. We can barely keep up with our business right now, so how will we have time for a charcoal business?”

His daughter was competent, after all, and they still had plenty of money at home.

Su Fengzhi was speechless, and his head was hurting. He thought having Su Binglan as the family’s lucky star was more helpful than anything else.

Su Binglan echoed, “I insist, Uncle Fengzhi. Please accept the charcoal business as well. However, it’s not that simple to make charcoal because you need to chop wood and put them in a furnace. These things require kung fu, so my parents and big brother can’t handle it. Wenlin and Wenchi can help you with the charcoal.”

Su Fengzhi felt so touched that he was at a loss for words. He looked at Su Binglan and nodded. “Okay, I won’t decline since you’ve said so. If you guys need anything in the future, please let me know.”

Su Fengzhi choked up as he spoke because he knew his second brother had brought his daughter to help him and his family. In addition, these were money-making ideas, yet Su Binglan did not hesitate to share them with him.

Su Binglan said, “This is the right way, Uncle Fengzhi. This way, we can stay close to each other as a family. Don’t worry. It’s almost winter, so I might need some charcoal from you.”

She deliberately said that because she did not want her third uncle to feel burdened.

Su Fengzhi did not hesitate and said, “You can have as much charcoal as you want. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

Su Binglan continued, “Next, I’ll tell you about the charcoal-making method. As for the barbeque lamb skewers, I’ll come back here early tomorrow afternoon. Then we’ll slaughter a sheep, and I’ll teach you how to make the lamb skewers. After that, you can go to town, set up a stall, and sell them.

“As for your throat, Uncle Fengzhi, it’ll be back to normal in just a few days. Besides, barbecuing lamb skewers won’t affect your throat.”

She wanted to quickly arrange things to make a trip to the capital and check on Su Wenxiu.

Su Fengzhi said, “All right, I’ll follow your lead, Binglan. It’s just that it might be too troublesome for you.” He felt a little guilty for burdening his niece.

Su Binglan said, “It’s no trouble at all, Uncle Fengzhi.”

She had many money-making ideas but not enough workforce, so she had to take things one step at a time.

“Also, this is how you make charcoal,” Su Binglan explained the charcoal-making method in detail, “We need to make a furnace first to burn the charcoal.

“We must control the fire. The furnace can isolate the air outside and airflow below. We also need a big wooden tree to burn. This process takes a long time, so we must pay attention. After the wood turns red, we remove them with iron pliers and shock them in water.”

Su Binglan explained the steps in detail while Su Wenchi’s eyes lit up because he showed interest in her explanation. He asked his cousin many questions, and Su Binglan looked at him with admiration as she continued to explain.

Su Binglan talked for a long time as everyone listened with great interest. Still, she was willing to teach Su Wenchi. She looked at Su Wenchi’s sparkling eyes and saw his determination, so she was willing to say more. She enjoyed seeing everyone’s upward momentum.

…

It was very late, so Su Binglan and Su Fengmao were about to return home. Only then did Su Fengzhi and his family reluctantly send them off.

Suddenly, Su Fengmao remembered that he had not seen Su Fengzhi’s daughter and Su Wenlin, his eldest son. “Where’s Wenlin?” Su Fengmao asked.

Madam Liu explained, “He and his wife brought their son to his mother-in-law’s house. It’s far away, so I reckon they’ll come home in a few days. When he returns, I will tell him to go to your house to thank you for all you’ve done.”

Su Fengmao waved his hand and said, “You guys are always welcome.”

Su Binglan and Su Fengmao walked far away and still saw Su Fengzhi, Madam Liu, and Su Wenchi standing at their door, seeing them off.