Sell Yourself and Get the Money

"This... it's five taels of silver, and we're all neighbors here. Why do I have to sell myself?" Mrs. Thompson felt uneasy, her voice trembling at the mention of a selling contract.

"Five taels of silver is no small sum, Mrs. Thompson! That's enough for your whole family to get by. Besides, even if you sign the indenture, you won't have to work for me—it's just a piece of paper, your life won't change. Once you pay back the five taels, you'll be free again. What, are you scared to sign because you don't plan to pay me back?" Lily Evans smiled sweetly, her words both persuasive and teasing.

Mrs. Thompson was tempted by the five taels, but the thought of selling herself made her hesitate. Suddenly, Charlie Thompson kicked her in the leg.

Charlie Thompson stomped his foot and snapped, "You old woman, hurry up and agree! Even if you sold yourself for one tael, nobody would want you, but they're offering five! You don't even have to work, you get to stay home—what more do you want?"

Mrs. Thompson tugged at Charlie Thompson's sleeve and whispered anxiously, "Oh my goodness, Charlie, this is a selling contract! If I sign, I'll be Lily Evans's servant, and she can do whatever she wants to me!"

Charlie Thompson kicked her again. "I don't care—it's you, not me, who's selling yourself! Today you have to get the money and build the house, or do you want me and Dad to freeze to death?"

"But..." Mrs. Thompson shivered at the thought of selling herself, her hesitation obvious.

Lily Evans fanned the flames with a sweet smile, "Mrs. Thompson, this contract is just to make sure you pay me back. If you're honest and return the money, you'll be free again. Money doesn't grow on trees—I need some insurance, especially given your reputation in the village."

The villagers all chimed in agreement. Everyone knew the Thompsons were troublemakers—lending them money was like throwing meat to a dog. Five taels was a huge sum, so Lily Evans had to protect herself.

Besides, Lily Evans wasn't even charging interest—just asking for the principal back. If Mrs. Thompson refused, it was clear she planned to run off with the money. In that case, Lily Evans would have every right not to lend it. After all, she'd tried to help, and if Mrs. Thompson refused, that was her own fault.

Mrs. Thompson was still wavering, and Charlie Thompson anxiously dashed back inside to call his father.

John Thompson stormed out, slapped Mrs. Thompson hard across the face several times, and cursed, "You old hag, what's with all the fuss? Five taels for you, and you're still unhappy! Go look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are!"

Mrs. Thompson clutched her face and wailed, "You heartless brute! How could you want to sell me?"

"If I don’t sell you, where will I get the money to fix the house?" John Thompson didn’t care about Mrs. Thompson’s feelings—he just wanted Lily Evans to give him the five taels. As for redeeming Mrs. Thompson later, he couldn’t care less! Lily Evans had already said Mrs. Thompson would keep working for the Thompsons, serving him and his son as usual.

The villagers were all stunned by the Thompson family's greed and shamelessness.

Lily Evans smiled, "Alright, let’s go to the village chief’s house to write the contract, and have the chief and everyone else bear witness."