She had no idea that there wouldn't be an opportunity. There would be no opportunity to take her sister along to work or teach her how to work and survive.
Half a month later, Weixin returned from the county. At the same time, it was also the sisters' last day together.
That day half a month later, Weixin walked into the house happily. Madam Wang and Madam Liu immediately came over and asked, "How is it? Did you ask? How much is it?"
Weixin said proudly, "My classmate went home to ask. For a girl 8 to 12 years old, 12 taels. Between 13 and 16 years old, 14 taels. I spent a long time trying to convince him how beautiful and diligent my sister is. My classmate only added 1 tael. Now, it's 13 taels."
Madam Wang said excitedly, "Selling her to someone else as a servant girl is eight taels more than marrying her off. Hahaha, Weixin, well done!"
Weixin patted his chest and said, "Of course. Who else would be more capable? By the way, Grandma, you have to use this money for my marriage!"
Madam Wang smiled and narrowed her eyes. "I know! It more than covers your marriage. Hahaha."
They didn't feel sorry for Juxiang and her sister at all. They even felt proud that they were really good people. If it weren't for the fact that they fed the girls leftovers, the girls would have starved to death long ago. What was the big deal about doing some housework? As a granddaughter, it was filial duty to let her grandmother enjoy life. Why didn't she say that the children of the eldest and second sons were also her grandchildren who had to do chores? Of course, she had the two sons watching over her! Moreover, both their wives' first-borns were sons.
All of them felt that they were decent people. If it had been other people, the two girls would not have grown up at all. Their family was benevolent and had brought the girls up till they were this old, but it was now time for them to contribute to this family.
On this afternoon after lunch, Juxiang brought food to her little sister. Madam Wang came over and called out, "Juxiang, come here."
"Yes, Grandma? I haven't eaten yet!"
"Who cares about eating? Just come when I tell you to. Don't dawdle. Hurry up."
"Yes, I'm coming."
When Juxiang arrived at the hall of the main residence, she saw that everyone in the family was sitting there. Madam Wang pulled Juxiang to the center and said, "Juxiang, you've grown up. It's time for you to earn money for the family. The income we earn from relying on your grandfather and two uncles working in the fields is too little. Our daily finances are tight. Your eldest brother is about to get married and doesn't even have money."
Juxiang was dumbfounded. What could she do about this? She wouldn't be able to earn any money for her brother's marriage either! Up till this point, the poor girl had no idea that they were going to sell her for money.
Madam Wang said guiltlessly, "I've decided to sell you in exchange for money to get your brother a wife."
Juxiang's mind felt as though it had exploded.
"No, don't sell me. My sister is still young. She can't do without me." Juxiang knelt in front of the people and kowtowed to them. Tian Zhuangzhu took his tobacco pipe and went to stand under the eaves of the kitchen door. Then he sat there smoking.
Just as Tieniu was about to speak, Madam Liu stopped him and said, "Don't even dare interfere! If you ruin our son's business, I won't let you off!"
Since he had no say, Tieniu walked out as well.
Madam Wang pointed at Juxiang and scolded, "Wretched girl, listen carefully. You have to go today whether you like it or not. If you do so obediently. I'll treat your sister better and won't let her starve to death. Also, when she turns eight, I'll sell her as a servant girl to that rich family that you're being sold to. Maybe if you do a good job there, you'd still get to look after your sister in the future!"
After being frightened by Madam Wang, Juxiang did not dare to retaliate further. She was afraid that her sister would starve to death once she left. She kowtowed desperately to Madam Wang and said, "I'll go. Please don't starve my sister to death. She's still young. Please take care of her!"
Madam Wang said impatiently, "Alright, you just have to be obedient and go with Big Brother Weixin. Do whatever your Big Brother tells you to, understand?"
"Yes, I understand! I wish to explain this to Little Sister, is that okay? Please."
"Alright, go. When Big Brother leaves later, follow him. Don't play tricks on me, or I'll break your legs."
"I won't."
With that, Juxiang got up and went back to their dilapidated house. She had to cherish every remaining moment she had with her little sister and explain things to her.
Juxiang ran home and saw that her little sister had not eaten. The girl was waiting for her elder sister to come back to eat with her. Juxiang's tears fell like rain as she approached her little sister.