Margaret Evans's Wish
The greenhouse vegetables were thriving, and the hired workers tended to them with great care. Before long, rows of lush green seedlings sprouted up, each one growing vigorously. Lily Evans beamed at the little sprouts—once these vegetables matured, not only could she supply her Vegetarian Bistro, but the surplus could be sold at premium prices!
By then, Lily Evans’s family would be the only ones in the entire country with fresh, vibrant vegetables in winter. She could set the price however she wanted!
The mushrooms in the mushroom house were halfway grown, plump and juicy. Once this batch matured, there would be at least ten thousand catties. After supplying Xiangmanlou and her own Vegetarian Bistro, the rest could be dried and sold in the capital through Li Yanhao—another hefty sum!
Lily Evans could practically see silver raining from the sky with her eyes closed; she was so happy that even her steps felt lighter.
Just then, Uncle Arthur returned with great news—the Vegetarian Bistro was fully renovated!
Early in the morning, Lily Evans’s family got up and dressed up specially to visit the elegant Vegetarian Bistro at Tenmile Hill.
Margaret Evans was all smiles, choosing a royal blue robe that looked both wealthy and dignified. Belle grinned as she styled Margaret's hair and adorned her with a set of cloisonné hairpins gifted by Mrs. Charlotte Evans.
“Madam, you look absolutely stunning!” Belle exclaimed. Clothes really do make the person—Margaret Evans, all dressed up, looked nothing like a farmer’s wife, but rather a wealthy lady from a prominent city family.
Margaret Evans reached up to adjust her hairpin. Lately, she’d had a maid to serve her, housework was handled by the older women, and she didn’t have to lift a finger—just embroidery and playing with Goldbean and Silverbean. Her hands had grown much fairer, and her face was smooth and delicate thanks to the nourishing cream Lily Evans bought her.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Margaret Evans couldn’t help but smile. “Belle, I used to go hungry and cold, washing clothes in icy water in the dead of winter, my hands cracked and raw. Ah, back then I never dreamed I’d see days like this. Just look at my clothes and jewelry—these were things I never thought I’d wear in my whole life.”
Belle laughed, "Madam, this is what it means to be blessed in your later years! Our Lily and Lucky are both filial and capable—your good fortune is only just beginning!"
Margaret Evans, beaming, leaned on Belle’s arm as they walked out. From afar, she saw Lily Evans and Lucky waiting for her in the courtyard—Lily was lovely and sweet, and Lucky was handsome and dashing. They truly were a perfect match!
"All I wish for is for Lily to give me a few grandchildren to dote on. Then my life will be complete!" Margaret Evans whispered with a smile to Belle.
Belle covered her mouth and giggled, "With how loving Lily and Lucky are, I bet you’ll be hugging your grandchild in no time, Madam!"
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Charlotte joined them, and the whole family rode in Uncle Arthur’s carriage. As the carriage passed by the Parker family’s gate, someone suddenly dashed out, nearly colliding with the carriage. The driver hurriedly reined in the horses.
Helen Parker, dressed in coarse clothing, ran out from the yard. Lila Green stood at the gate with her hands on her hips and kicked a bucket out, pointing at Helen and scolding, "You lazy woman! You can’t even carry a bucket of water? Want me to do it myself? I’m carrying the Parker family’s precious great-grandson—he’s worth his weight in gold! Hurry to the river and fetch water, then come back and cook. I’m starving!"
With that, Lila Green slammed the door shut.
Helen Parker, still suffering from the aftereffects of her stroke, sat crying on the ground, cursing, "That wretched little tramp! How did I end up with such a daughter-in-law? What a curse!"
Helen’s face was streaked with tears and dirt. She turned to see the carriage curtain lifted, revealing a richly dressed woman adorned with exquisite jewelry, gemstone rings, and heavy silver bracelets glittering in the sunlight. The elegant lady looked at her and said, "Big Sister, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"