The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

"Handsome Daddy, give me the silver, give me the silver."

Ye Zi’an, seeing his son’s excitement, felt somewhat bewildered. This little rascal seemed to be aiming for exactly five taels of silver. His hand, which was touching his purse, hesitated.

Seeing that his father wasn’t pulling out the silver, Yangyang looked at him anxiously, "Handsome Daddy, you’re not going back on your word, are you? Handsome Daddy, grown-ups mustn’t lie to children."

Ye Zi’an raised an eyebrow but eventually took out five taels of silver and gave them to him.

However, the story hadn’t ended there.

Lele, who had been in the next room with Yang Chuxia, came in. He glanced at his brother putting away the coin purse, walked up to Ye Zi’an, who pretended to be sipping tea, and calmly extended a little hand, "Dad, we are both your sons, you can’t play favorites."

Ye Zi’an nearly spit out a mouthful of water.

In that moment, he realized that this little devil Yangyang must have been acting on Eldest’s suggestion.

After considering for a moment, he said, "Hmm, you’re right, I must be fair." He then took three one-tael silver pieces out of his purse, "Here, this is yours, keep it safe."

Who knew the kid wouldn’t take them, just looking at him.

"You wanted fairness, didn’t you? Why aren’t you taking it?" Ye Zi’an asked.

"Dad, did you perhaps give too little?" After pausing, he saw Lele turn his head and ask Yangyang, "Handsome Daddy gave you five taels, right?"

Before Ye Zi’an could say anything, Yangyang had already nodded his head.

Listening, Lele turned back to Ye Zi’an with a resolute look, not saying a word, his face saying, you figure it out.

Helpless, Ye Zi’an had to take out a five-tael silver coin and give it to Lele, only to watch him calmly pocket the silver into his purse.

Ye Zi’an thought for a while but still asked, "Tell me the truth, did you two plan this together just to get five taels?"

Lele wanted to deny it, but then Yangyang betrayed him, "Yeah, yeah, Handsome Daddy, isn’t Brother smart? He told me to start by asking for ten so that you would surely bargain."

"How did you figure I would bargain?" Ye Zi’an asked, confounded.

"Sister Mingcui’s mother comes back from grocery shopping saying she bargained and saved quite a bit of money. I overheard and asked a few questions. I figured it’s probably similar logic when little brother asks you for money."

Fine, Ye Zi’an was convinced. This rascal hadn’t lifted a finger—just used his mouth to boss Yangyang around—and then with a single comment about being fair, had landed himself five taels of silver.

Looking at his youngest son, then at his eldest, Ye Zi’an’s feelings were complex. Such a little scamp was still so young. If, when he grew up, he used his wits for good, it would be a blessing; but if he took the wrong path, catching him would be no small feat. It seemed that starting now, he should pay more attention to both boys, ensuring that they don’t pick up bad habits.

"Alright, you got your silver, it’s time to sleep. Daddy will go check on your mother."

"Goodnight, Daddy,"

"Goodnight, Handsome Daddy,"

Once the door was closed, they could hear Yangyang whispering, "Why does Handsome Daddy seem a bit unhappy? Could it be because he gave us the silver?"

"Of course not." Lele said with premature wisdom, "I guess he’s just astonished by our cleverness."

Ye Zi’an outside the room couldn’t help but shake his head as he listened to his two sons’ conversation.

When he returned to his room, Ye Zi’an sat on a chair, consumed by a variety of gloomy thoughts.

Yang Chuxia smiled knowingly, "How much silver did you give away?"

"How did you know?" Ye Zi’an’s voice was full of surprise.