Moreover, the Yang Family isn’t the type to gossip outside, especially about their own family matters.

At first, Yang Xiaocui was worried, fearing that the Yang Family might spread something. Now that she heard there was nothing about the hairpin outside, she felt relieved, thinking that it must have been Yang Dong who spoke to his family, so the Yang Family didn’t say anything.

In fact, Yang Dong hadn’t specifically instructed his family.

But regardless, this was exactly what Yang Xiaocui hoped for. The hairpin matter was successfully kept from her family.

Finally, the agreed time with Yang Daniu arrived.

This day was also the last day for their family to work in the fields because all the corn had to be harvested today. After today, the whole family would stay home to shell the corn, and by then she would have no reason to go out.

But fortunately, today she was giving the hairpin to Yang Daniu, so this matter was settled, and she wouldn’t have to come out anymore.

Just like usual, she hid it from the kids at home and went up the mountain. This time, she was more cautious and put a knife in her basket, fearing that Yang Daniu might change his mind again.

At the usual spot, she met Yang Daniu as expected.

Yang Daniu saw Yang Xiaocui and asked, "Did you bring the silver?"

"I brought it." As she spoke, Yang Xiaocui took out the silver hairpin. "This silver hairpin is worth at least three taels of silver. You can have it, but you must promise never to bother me again and never to speak of my matters."

When he saw the hairpin, Yang Daniu’s eyes lit up. He didn’t expect Yang Xiaocui to be so resourceful, getting the hairpin in such a short time. It looked very new, probably just bought.

The only person capable of buying a hairpin for Yang Xiaocui was likely Yang Dong.

He had heard about Yang Dong gifting two fish for Yang Xiaocui’s birthday, it seemed Yang Dong was indeed good to her. In the future, maybe he could still extort more silver.

As he lifted his eyes, he saw the glint of the knife in Yang Xiaocui’s basket, and a wicked smile appeared on his lips. He hadn’t expected this usually gentle Yang Xiaocui to be quite ruthless, bringing a knife up the mountain.

If he pushed her too far today, she’d probably stab him with the knife.

He decided to let her relax a bit first, and with that thought, he said, "Don’t worry, since I’ve taken your money, I’ll keep the trouble away. I won’t say a word." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

When Yang Xiaocui saw that Yang Daniu agreed, she handed over the hairpin to him, "You better keep your word."

"Alright," Yang Daniu accepted the hairpin, thinking he’d leave Yang Xiaocui alone for a few days while he enjoyed himself in town.

And so, the two of them descended the mountain.

In the following days, Yang Xiaocui felt very anxious, worried that Yang Daniu wouldn’t keep his word and might spill the secret. She observed the villagers for a few days, and seeing no signs of any gossip, she finally felt at ease, believing the matter had come to an end, and she was safe at last.

During these days, she was quite obedient, helping her family shell the corn. Ever since Yang Dong brought food a few times, her family treated her much better. Because they actually saw things improving, they pinned their hopes for a better life on her.

They would often remind her to ask Yang Dong for more food, assuming she was the one asking for it since she used the pretext of getting food to go up the mountain.

Now that the matter was resolved, she had no reason to go up the mountain nor ask Yang Dong for food anymore. Besides, the past few times, it was Yang Dong who proactively gave it; she hadn’t asked at all.