Chapter 96: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 96: Mo Yan's Strategy (Part 1)
Upon hearing Mo Fang's words, Mo Qingze agreed, "This is necessary. Mo family should not be wandering without roots."
However, despite Mo Qingze's approval, Mo Fang's face didn't show much joy. He hesitated, glancing at Mo Qingze as if there was something difficult to express.
Seeing this, Mo Yan's heart sank. She could already guess what Mo Fang was about to say, especially judging by the secret satisfaction on the faces of the others. She even anticipated why they dared to make such shameless requests.
Sure enough, Mo Fang looked embarrassed as he said, "Building a clan hall is a big matter for the clan. Each household should contribute money and effort. However... Qingze, you know our village is not wealthy, and we spent a lot of money on the way here. Building the clan hall requires at least eighty taels of silver. If divided among each household, it would be four to five taels per family. We simply can't afford it!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's hopeful eyes fixed on Mo Qingze. They practically told him directly, "We are poor, and your family is the richest. Just pay for the entire clan hall."
Now, even if Mo Qingze was foolish, he understood their intentions. He furrowed his brows, feeling a bit displeased.
"Clan head, building the clan hall is not something that can be done in a day or two. We can't afford it now, but it's only temporary. When times are better in the future, each family can contribute a bit. You don't need to worry."
Mo Yan praised her father's response silently. Acting dumb was the best approach at this moment. If Mo Fang dared to speak out clearly, she wouldn't give him face.
Mo Fang's disappointment was evident upon hearing this, but as the current clan head of the Mo clan in Liuyang Village, he couldn't directly voice his thoughts. He remained silent, contemplating his next move.
However, some people had no reservations. Mo Dashan, who had been the most enthusiastic in flattery earlier, stepped forward and said, "Qingze, building the clan hall is not easy for us, but for your family, which has prospered greatly, eighty taels of silver is just a drop in the bucket!"
"Yes, Qingze, you're also part of the Mo family. Since you have the ability, you should put your heart into it."
"Those of us without money will contribute with labor. When it comes to building the clan hall, leave it to us. You just need to provide the silver, without worrying about anything else."
"It's better to build the clan hall sooner rather than later. If we wait until we have enough silver, who knows when it will be! Qingze, despite what Uncle Mo's family did to your family, you're still good to them. Now that we're in trouble, consider it helping us poor relatives!"
One person spoke up, and four or five others followed suit with various comments.
"Heh heh~"
Hearing this, Mo Yan chuckled, but there was no humor in her eyes as she scanned the faces of the speakers. These people boldly made these statements, even using old Mo's family as leverage against her father. Did they think they would agree to this just because they had been lenient with old Mo's family?
Unfortunately, they were just ordinary clan members, not old Mo's family. She didn't need to consider so much.
"You all say building the clan hall is a big matter for the clan, but now you're forcing my family to provide all the silver. I wonder if the ancestors of the Mo clan will bless you when the clan hall is built."
As soon as this was said, several people's expressions changed. Indeed, even if the clan hall was built, what use would it be if the ancestors didn't bless them?
Mo Dashan retorted angrily, "We are all descendants of the Mo clan. As long as we offer sacrifices to our ancestors during festivals, why wouldn't they bless us?"
Some who had been wavering now thought Mo Dashan made sense, and their gazes towards the Mo family became less friendly.
Comments
Post a Comment