Chapter 59: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

A good meal is never too late, and this time, the eldest son truly had luck on his side—he has married an exceptionally wonderful wife. Madam Fang shot a fierce glare at her other disappointing children before turning back to her daughter-in-law.

“Child, you are a good one. Your father and I both like you very much. From now on, this household is yours to manage. If your younger siblings misbehave, let Lisheng handle them; there’s no need to buy them treats to win them over.”

Tang Xin’s eyes grew moist. She realized that ever since marrying into the Li family, she had become more sentimental. She could feel her mother-in-law’s sincerity and, stepping forward, she half-embraced Madam Fang and spoke softly, “That’s not it.”

“Mother, I’m not doing this to coax them or to curry favor. I simply want our days to be a bit better. Besides, you are all my family now. I hope our family can be united, and that everyone can live well.”

Tang Xin helped her mother-in-law sit down, then let her father-in-law take the other seat. She spoke to them earnestly, “If I didn’t have the ability, I would certainly keep to myself and not meddle. But since I can do these things now, why should we insist on living a hard life? Mother, Father, I know you care about me and want me to save money. But rather than pinching every penny and suffering just to save, why not live a little better and enjoy life while we can? Who knows what the future holds—I can find ways to earn money too. Besides, buying these things isn’t about currying favor or bribery. You are all good to me; shouldn’t I be good to you in return?”

She paused, then continued, “Moreover, as the one managing the household now, I need to show some authority. If they eat what I provide and take what I give, yet still refuse to listen, then they can’t blame me for being harsh.”

Tang Xin spoke plainly, making her intentions clear from the start. She had promised to treat Lisheng’s family well, and that included correcting those who were straying off the right path, even if it meant using some tough measures. Sorting things out now would save trouble later; if anyone refused to cooperate, she wouldn’t hesitate to resort to force if necessary.

She might be small and not much of a fighter herself, but she had a powerful ally.

Madam Fang nodded, “Hearing it this way, daughter-in-law, you do make sense.”

Father Li was blunt as well, promising, “If they dare misbehave, I’ll help you deal with them.”

Well, Li Xiyue suddenly felt her future looked bleak and hopeless. Even her parents had been won over by this little enchantress?

Tang Xin praised herself inwardly—she had cleverly found a way to bring out the goods from her space farm openly, and had made her attitude clear before her in-laws. From now on, she could give orders in this household with even more justification.

A good commander only needs to control the overall situation and allocate subordinates wisely; that way, she wouldn’t have to work in the fields herself anymore.

How clever—Tang Xin almost admired herself. She took a pack of sandwich biscuits from her basket, opened it, and first fed a piece to Madam Fang.

Then she ate one herself. This kind of biscuit wasn’t available on the market yet; it was far tastier than the one Lisheng had brought home before.

By habit, Madam Fang never ate snacks or sweets at home, but now that her daughter-in-law had put one in her mouth, she began to chew it slowly.

Sweet—so sweet. She had never tasted such delicious treats before.

Then everyone began to look through the basket seriously—there was fish, meat, white flour, and rice, all plentiful. And then—

“Toothpaste?”

Few people in the commune used toothpaste, but everyone knew of it—the educated youth had brought it when they came to the countryside. Many urban goods only became popular in the commune after being introduced by them.

But rural folk were used to stretching every penny; they wouldn’t spend on things like toothpaste or soap.

“Yes, I bought toothpaste for everyone, so we should brush our teeth morning and night,” Tang Xin said to Madam Fang with a smile. “Mother, I’m not wasting money—brushing with toothpaste prevents toothaches and saves the cost of medicine. It’s actually frugal.”

In fact, Madam Fang wanted to say that no one ever bought medicine for toothaches; everyone just endured the pain until it passed. But knowing her daughter-in-law meant well, she nodded along, “Mm, you’re the cleverest.”

Li Xiyue pouted, but her eyes caught something in the bag—fragrant soap?

Following her gaze, Tang Xin took out a bar of scented soap and placed it in Li Xiyue’s hand.

“This is for bathing; it’s gentle on your skin.”

Li Xiyue immediately brightened, examining it eagerly, forgetting all her earlier dissatisfaction with her sister-in-law.

Oh, it really did smell wonderful. “Sister-in-law, how much does this cost? I don’t think the commune sells it.”

“It’s only available in the county.”

Li Kai, who had been quietly observing, looked up at her but said nothing.

Only in the county? But weren’t all these things bought at the commune’s supply and marketing cooperative?

“City life really is better. Sister-in-law, do you miss the city? It must be hard for you to marry into our family.”

Tang Xin gave Li Xiyue a deliberate look and replied, “Why don’t you wait for your brother to come home and say that again in front of him?”

Li Xiyue was at a loss for words. As expected, Tang the Enchantress was as annoying as ever!

After everyone had examined most of the items, they returned to their respective tasks.

That night, Father Li decided to cook himself and told his children to help, leaving the old lady and the daughter-in-law to sort and store the goods together.

With so many things bought, they had to be put away properly. If others found out, not only would relatives and friends come to borrow, but gossip would also spread—and it would be unpleasant.

“Old man, if you’re going to cook, make some soup with the big bones,” Madam Fang said, troubled as she helped her daughter-in-law sort things. She was happy the children could eat and use better things, but she still fretted over the money.

Even if it wasn’t her own money, she couldn’t help but feel distressed—thrift was second nature to her.

“Why buy so much candy? And these biscuits and pastries—there’s no need. The boys should be happy just to have meals.”

“There are many people and many children in the family—we can share some with the eldest sister. Besides, sugar keeps well; we can save it for New Year's.”

Tang Xin wasn’t especially fond of sugar herself; she liked sweet things, but more those with sweetness aside from plain sugar or candy. Maybe she’d had too much before, so seeing those candies didn’t tempt her anymore. Still, since this was a rare chance, she took all the sugar cubes from her warehouse at once.

She had a feeling that future upgrade packages would include all sorts of candies.

Her farm would play a huge role in her life from now on—it was the golden finger she’d received upon traveling to this world.