Chapter 597: 597: As Children, We Always Owe Our Parents

Tong Tiehu didn’t expect Qiao Xiaomai to actually say that the Zhang Family’s demands were reasonable. He was clearly taken aback, “Don’t you think your mother’s demands are excessive?”

“Not excessive. She is the mother of Sanlang, and that’s enough.”

Madam Zhang had never abused Tong Sanlang. On the contrary, being the younger son, both Madam Zhang and Tong Xingda doted on him. They had never reprimanded him as he grew up.

Of course, it was also because Tong Sanlang had always been a well-behaved boy.

Regardless, before Tong Sanlang ever got involved with her, Madam Zhang truly hadn’t done anything to wrong him. She fulfilled her responsibilities as Tong Sanlang’s mother.

So regardless of what Madam Zhang might pull in the future, considering their seventeen years of rapport, she was willing to hand over the silver.

She was thankful to Madam Zhang for giving birth to and raising Tong Sanlang.

Moreover, from another perspective, this was also a good thing.

Her Tong Sanlang was priceless.

But now, with just over a thousand taels of silver, she could guarantee his relationship with his birth mother, Madam Zhang. This was just too inexpensive.

It was just over a thousand taels of silver. Even if she didn’t have it now, she would find ways to earn it.

Now that she has put forth this silver, she stands on the moral high ground. Even if Madam Zhang caused trouble in the future, she would be in the right. Even if the dispute reached the emperor, she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

“But you’re also in debt, and considering her current situation, she’s not even treating Sanlang as her son.” Tong Tiehu said.

“Debt is not a problem. The fact that she once saw Sanlang as her son is enough. She deserves this silver.” Qiao Xiaomai replied.

Hearing this, Tong Tiehu stared at her, his emotions complex.

After a while, he sighed and asked, “Don’t you feel you’re losing out? After all, you and her share no emotional bond.”

“Not at all. She gave birth to and raised Sanlang. So far, Sanlang hasn’t been able to repay her in any way. As children, we’re always in debt to our parents. I’m willingly giving this silver.”

After all, she and Tong Sanlang are the younger generation. No matter the world, showing filial piety is a must.

As for later, let’s deal with it when the time comes.

Anyway, her style has always been straightforward – she won’t refuse what should be taken, but if someone crosses the line, she will definitely fight back.

“You’re a good child.” Tong Tiehu heaved a deep sigh.

She’s thoughtful and loyal, it’s comforting to see such youngsters.

Qiao Xiaomai smiled and didn’t say anything.

“So, what recipes are you planning to give her?” Tong Tiehu asked.

“Hmm…Sour and Spicy Fish? Cold noodles? Stinky Tofu? Fried Tofu?”

All these are snacks, which can’t earn even a tael silver per day, but if sold in town, they should be able to make dozens of coins.

However, if one is diligent with Fried Tofu, they could earn much more as it goes for one tael silver per pound.

Tong Tiehu frowned, thought for a while, then asked, “Sour and Spicy Fish?”

“She can make it at home, bring it to town and sell it by spoonful. As for the pickles, I’ve made two jars at home. She can take them.”

The local people didn’t know how to make pickles, so she made two small jars for use as side dishes, but Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami, father and son, didn’t like it.

“For cold noodles, it’s also simple. Prepare all the ingredients at home, then sell them directly in town. If she only sells these two dishes, she won’t need charcoal fire, making setting up a stall a lot easier.” Qiao Xiaomai said.

“Then let’s start with these two.”

“When winter comes, cold noodles won’t sell well, then she can sell Fried Tofu and Stinky Tofu.” If Stinky Tofu is not acceptable, then sell Fried Tofu. After all, there are many kinds of deep-fried snacks in the future.

In sum, if she could legitimately separate herself from Madam Zhang through these dishes, she really wouldn’t mind or feel heartache.

[Giving more now will facilitate standing tall and firm in the future…]