Chapter 240

Lin Tian'er frowned slightly as she watched the weeping woman before her.

"Can land deeds really bind people?" she wondered silently.

The woman wiped her tears. "The landlord wrote our names on the deed. If the new owner won't let us farm, we'll have no food."

Three gaunt children peeked out from behind the woman, their eyes fixed on the bread in Lin Tian'er's hands.

"I'll do what I can." Lin Tian'er broke the bread and shared it with the children.

The woman's eyes brightened. "We can still plant one more crop of wheat before July!"

Watching the children devour the bread, Lin Tian'er suddenly had an idea.

"Listen—bring me snails and eels from the fields. I'll pay five coppers per pound."

The woman rubbed her hands excitedly. "Those things are everywhere in the paddies!"

Xiao Shan stomped his foot anxiously. "Little sister, you'll lose money on this deal!"

Lin Tian'er simply smiled and packed the vegetables left by the women into her basket.

On the way back, Xiao Shan kept muttering, "Skewers sell slowly. We should stock less."

Gazing at the distant mountain shadows, Lin Tian'er seemed lost in thought.

Five days later, Zhu Huanhuan waited eagerly at the city gates.

"Little sister!" She waved her plump arm. "I've lost seven pounds!"

Lin Tian'er studied her noticeably slimmer face. "Madam Xu, you look radiant."

Zhu Huanhuan eagerly pulled out banknotes. "Give me more of those pills!"

But Lin Tian'er pushed the money back. "There's something I'd like your help with."

Lowering her voice, she explained the tenants' plight.

Zhu Huanhuan thumped her chest. "Leave it to me!"

A grateful smile crossed Lin Tian'er's face as she produced five pills from her sleeve.

"But remember—only one pill per day."

Zhu Huanhuan nodded vigorously, then leaned in conspiratorially. "I heard you're opening a shop at the post station?"

Lin Tian'er's eyes sparkled. "You're very well-informed."

"I got you a business permit." Zhu Huanhuan proudly waved a scroll.

The two women exchanged knowing smiles—each getting what they wanted.

At sunset, Lin Tian'er stood on the field ridge, watching the distant figures of working tenants.

"System," she asked silently, "how many virtue points will this earn?"

A breeze carried the scent of fresh earth.