Chapter 101 Conflict
It took only ten days to harvest the osmanthus. Then it was the autumn harvest season.
The wind and rain were on their side this year. It was a bountiful year. Since last year, Su Family no longer needed to buy food from outside. The produce from their own land was not only enough for Su Family to chew, but also supplied some flour for Su Family's snack shop. This year's grain harvest was bumper. This was also excellent news for Su Family, who currently had nearly a hundred mu of fertile land.
The autumn harvest was a big event for Su Family. To the little ones, it was a big event. The autumn harvest meant that they could play in the fields again!
After coming to Luohe Prefecture, under You Jin's insistence, an unwritten rule was added to Su Family- with the exception of Mrs. Su and the two youngest ones, everyone had to go to the fields to 'transform' themselves. You Jin euphemistically called it 'recalling the bitterness, thinking the sweetness'.
Although the current situation of Su Family had improved by more than a star and a half compared with before, You Jin still insisted that her younger sisters go to the field to grind. The younger sisters were all young and the family can be regarded as a nouveau riche now. It was possible for them to be raised crookedly. You Jin cared about her younger sisters no less than Mrs. Su. Mrs. Su also knew that she was too weak. She was relieved to let You Jin discipline the children.
In the past two years, the eldest to the seventh went to the field. But now little Eighth and Kang-er can walk and run, You Jin counted the two youngest in when the long-term workers in the field report that they can prepare for the autumn harvest.
The two youngest have never participated in the autumn harvest, but they had heard from their elder sisters that there were grasshoppers and sparrows in the field during the autumn harvest. Full of yearning, they wished to immediately head out. Only Mrs. Su was a little bit reluctant.
"Little Eighth and Kang-er are still young. Kang-er has poor health. Why don't we just forget about it this year?" Mrs. Su tentatively asked Eldest Daughter. She only had this one son, Kang-er and had always held him in the palm of her hand for fear that he would fall. Although it was autumn now, the autumn sun was still fierce! What if Kang-er suffers from heat stroke?
You Jin had a smile on her face when Mrs. Su called her. But after listening to Mrs. Su's words, the smile on You Jin's face gradually faded: "If Kang-er doesn't go, what about little Eighth?"
"With little Eighth's temper, I'm afraid she can't be pulled back. So let her go!" Mrs. Su didn't notice that her daughter's attitude was getting cooler and only thought that she agreed with her idea. She continued: " You Jin, you don't know. Kang-er usually has to be coaxed and held after walking two steps. How can he endure this bitterness? He isn't in good health, so what if he bumps into something? "
After listening to Mrs. Su's expression of distress for son, You Jin's heart was completely cold. She spoke: "Our family has autumn harvest every year. Since Kang-er is a member of my Su family, he should go to the field with us. I will take good care of Kang-er. Mother, just take care of yourself."
After saying that, she ignored Mrs. Su's unfinished words and left on her own.
No matter how dull Mrs. Su was, she could tell that her daughter was angry at this moment. But she didn't understand why her daughter was mad about? She had only one son, Kang-er and Kang-er wasn't in good health. What was wrong with her loving him a little more?
This time, You Jin wasn't only angry at Mrs. Su. She was also thinking about how to govern Kang-er in this aspect. Although the current Mrs. Su was able to read a few words, she still had to rely on others to survive like a dodder flower. In the past, she relied on Yue Chang Lu. Right now, her. It seems her future hope was already on Kang-er, who wasn't yet three years old?
When she was thinking about how to solve the predicament in front of her, she witnessed Kang-er, who accidentally fell while running and playing in the yard. He slapped the servant woman on the face who helped him up. The expression on You Jin's face instantly became serious: "Su Kang, what are you doing!"
Kang-er had been spoiled to no limit by Mother for a long time. Just now he fell and was in great pain. So he slapped Auntie Zhang's face who came to pick him up. It wasn't the first time for Auntie Zhang to be beaten by him. Thinking about how Younger Master Kang was the only son of Su Family and he was young, she dared not say anything even if she had complaints in her heart. This time, she thought getting slapped was the end of the matter. Unforeseen, Eldest Miss suddenly made a fuss. She instantly knelt down: "It's all Servant's fault! Servant knows my wrong! Eldest Miss, please spare the servant!"
You Jin looked at Su Kang who had already climbed up on the stool and was eating snacks. Not a glance was spared to Auntie Zhang who was kneeling on the ground, as if this matter had become normal for a long time. Only then did she realize that she was really too negligent with governing youngest brother on normal days. It made him have such a temper at such a young age.
She helped Auntie Zhang up by herself: "Auntie, what are you doing? Why are you kneeling for nothing?" Seeing that her left face was slightly red and swollen after being hit, You Jin knew that Kang-er's slap just now used all his strength and fury bubbled. Still, she smiled and said to Auntie Zhang: "Auntie, go back and apply some medicine to reduce the swelling. You don't need to come to serve today. I will let you rest for a day."
Auntie Zhang thought that Eldest Miss was going to blame herself for not taking good care of Young Master and would punish her. Unexpectedly, Eldest Miss saw the injury on her face and gave her a day off. Seeing that Eldest Miss in a bad mood, she didn't say anything more and walked out of the backyard quickly; leaving only You Jin siblings and the two little maidservant who served You Jin.
Su Kang didn't care about these things. He acted like he didn't see Eldest Sister until she sat opposite him and stared at him. His next move was to hoard all the snacks on the table, for fear of being robbed and eaten by You Jin.
"Kang-er, why did you hit Auntie Zhang?" You Jin's heart sank slightly. Still, she felt that she should give young and ignorant younger brother a chance to defend himself.
Su Kang's fair little face was full of disgust: "That woman caused me to fall. So what if I hit her a few times? Anyway, they are our family's servants, no?"
"Who taught you this?" What little reasoning You Jin had just now was completely wiped out with Su Kang's words now.
Su Kang was young, so he naturally didn't keep these matters in mind. After swallowing the chewed snacks, he stuck his neck out, "I'm not wrong. They are our family's servants."
"Su Kang, properly stand up." You Jin's pretty eyes were full of sullen anger. Younger Brother was only three years old. How did he develop such an obstinate personality? Seeing that he was unmoved, You Jin stretched out her hand and heavily pat grumpy Su Kang's hands that were still holding a snack: "Stand up!"
Su Kang grew up under Mrs. Su's tender care and protection from small until three years old. How could he have suffered such grievances? His little hand rapidly reddened, swelled and emitted stinging pain. Su Kang's tears had already flowed down and he wailed out loudly.
Su Kang was playing in the courtyard. As soon as there was a movement, Mrs. Su hurriedly rushed over from within the main yard and came across her only precious son crying with watery eyes. His white jade little face was flushed red from crying. Immediately she rushed over and took her son into her arms. As she wiped his tears as she blamed You Jin who was standing at the side: "Jin-er, what are you doing? Your younger brother is only three years old. If there's any matter, just speak. Why did you have to hit him until he cried?" She noticed her son's red hands at a glance and her heart ached.
"Pull Mother to one side." You Jin took in this scene with cold eyes. The anger within was boiling. She directly ordered the younger sisters who heard the ruckus and came out.
You Bao and the others looked at each other before walking to Mrs. Su's side and softly coaxed her: "Mother, don't be anxious. Just sit down and rest for a while."
However, Mrs. Su simply shook off a few daughters who were pulling at her sleeves: "She dares to beat your younger brother when I am here. If I leave, wouldn't she beat Kang-er to death!?"
"Pull Madam away!" Seeing that the younger sisters couldn't persuade Mrs. Su, You Jin's anger reached its max and told Auntie Song to pull her away.
Although Auntie Song and the others were in a bit of a dilemma, they all knew that it was Eldest Miss who made the decisions in Su Family. So they hesitantly stepped forward and pulled Mrs. Su away. Mrs. Su sullenly looked at You Jin: "You Jin, what are you doing?" She knew that Eldest Daughter was someone with opinions. Today she actually embarrassed her like this in front of all the servants in the family?
You Jin frigidly glanced at her and signaled Auntie Song and the others to retreat: "Auntie Song, take everyone out."
The servants weren't without tacit. They naturally saw the undercurrent between the masters. After getting the words from Eldest Miss, they naturally left in a hurry. Only Mrs. Su, You Jin, You Bao, little Sixth, little Seventh, and Su Kang were left in the pavilion. Everyone was speechless for a while. The little ones didn't know what happened. Quietly. Their gaze went back and forth between Eldest Sister and Mother.
"Su Kang, do you know your mistake?" You Jin solemnly asked and stared at Su Kang who was dejectedly standing there with little tears still hanging on his face.
"I know my mistake..." Seeing that no one helped him, Su Kang knew that Eldest Sister had the final say in the family despite being little. Although he didn't feel that he was wrong, he had the tact to acknowledge his mistake immediately.
But You Jin didn't give him a chance to muddle out of the troubled waters and persisted in questioning: "Where are you wrong?"
"You Jin!" Su Kang shrank his head. Before he could say anything, Mrs. Su couldn't bear it anymore. She stepped forward to protect Su Kang behind her: "Kang-er is only three years old. What does he know? What are you doing this for!"
"Mother also knows that he is already three years old!" You Jin's expression that she had been trying to maintain finally collapsed. Her voice became a little higher as they glared at each other :"Little Fifth, little Sixth, and little Seventh already knew to pick rice ears behind us when they were three years old. What about him!?"
Mrs. Su was startled by her daughter's sudden rage. Her spirit couldn't help feeling a little weak and she softly murmured: "This is different. Kang-er is a boy. His body is weak..."
"Mother, what's the difference between you and those from Yue Family?" Hearing Mrs. Su's remarks, You Jin couldn't help feeling her heart become a little colder.
The younger ones have almost forgotten what happened three years ago. But You Bao still remembered. Naturally she knew how much Eldest Sister hated those people in Yue Family. Since she said this, it was clear Mother made Eldest Sister's heart break. She moved a few steps to You Jin's side and said in a mournful voice: "Eldest Sister..."
Mrs. Su didn't expect defending her son would result in her daughter putting such a big hat on her. She felt sad and angry at the same time: "You Jin, what happened to you today? After hitting Kang-er, are you going to accuse me now?"
It went without saying Mrs. Su won't forget the hardships she had suffered in Yue Family. She was repulsed from the bottom of her heart being classified as the same as Yue Family by daughter.
Chapter 102 Discipline
"Mother said, Kang-er is a boy. He's different from us." You Jin stared straight at Mrs. Su. Her tone didn't fluctuate at all, but it hurt like a needle prick in You Bao's heart. Although the young ones don't remember the trivial things in the past, they all remember clearly why their family came to Luohe Prefecture- because Yue Family despises themselves for being a girl/ Disdained their mother for not being able to give birth to a son. And disliked their younger brother for being sickly!
The eyes of the little girls ached. Their red eyes looked at Mrs. Su, as if she had turned into a man-eating monster.
Seeing that her daughters' attitude towards her changed instantly, Mrs. Su couldn't help feeling a little flustered: "No, You Jin, Mother doesn't mean that. It's just that this family will still depend on your younger brother to be the head of the house. Mother is afraid that he will suffer grievances."
In Mrs. Su's opinion, she wasn't in the wrong. Wasn't everything in the family now going to be handed over to her son in the future? She only had this one son. It wasn't like the family conditions can't allow it, so what if she spoiled him a little?
"My younger sisters and I have worked so hard to build up the family business. In the future, when Younger Sisters get married, it will be their dowry. Who said it will be given to Kang-er?" You Jin still looked straight at Mrs. Su and slowly uttered: "I thought Mother had already hated people like Yue Family after living so many years of hard life. I didn't expect that in the end, Mother turned into that kind of person."
"Since ancient times, men have always been the head of the family. Why is it different when it comes to our house?" Mrs. Su never knew that her daughter had such shocking thoughts. She couldn't help being a little angry. There was also a trace of fear: "You Jin, what do you mean by saying this today? Could it be that you would rather give such big business to outsiders than to your younger brother?"
"Outsiders? Who are outsiders? I want to leave this family wealth to my younger sisters as dowry. It can't be that younger sisters are outsiders?" You Jin became even more infuriated when she heard Mrs. Su's remarks: "Mother is also a female. Isn't it a little self-deprecating to say that! Today Kang-er can hit Auntie Zhang just because he tripped. Tomorrow he can take advantage of his wealth and commit murder? If Younger Brother is like this, I would rather he hadn't been born in the first place!"
You Jin's words phrased it too harshly. Mrs. Su was shocked after hearing this and took several steps back. In the end, she tripped and sat on the ground in a slump. Panic and rage were in her eyes.
These children were normally very close to Mrs. Su. But today at the sight of their mother slumped on the ground, no one stepped forward to help her up. Now they were all agitated and were rooted to the ground. At a loss, they turned to Eldest Sister. They didn't know what to do.
"You, You Jin!" Currently limp on the ground, Mrs. Su really wanted to slap Daughter in the face to teach her to be more sensible: "Are you so vicious that you want your younger brother to die?"
When Su Kang heard Mother condemn Eldest Sister in this way and Eldest Sister was standing upright with a majestic appearance, he felt that Eldest Sister was bullying Mother. His chubby body rushed forward and began to beat You Jin: "Bully Mother! Bully Mother!"
You Jin grabbed Su Kang's aggressive little paw and coldly uttered: "If it wasn't for me, Su Kang would still be alive to this day? I'm afraid he would have turned into soil now!"
She swung down hard on Su Kang's bum. "Since Kang-er thinks beating people is fun, how about Eldest Sister play with you every day?"
Although You Jin also controlled her strength, it was enough strength to make Su Kang scream in pain. Adults' scolding and children's cries were mixed together. The servants, who were hiding outside and dared not come in, were all terrified. No one dared to come forward to say anything. After all, it was the masters' private affair. How could they, who were servants, dare to get involved?
"What do you mean? What do you want to do to Kang-er?" Mrs. Su supported herself up with the stone table and stared at You Jin with red eyes. Only then did she realize that her eldest daughter was no longer under her control. She didn't even have the ability to resist her daughter at all.
Glancing at Su Kang who had changed from howling to sobbing softly, You Jin gave a faint smile, "I don't want to do anything. I just want to discipline our only heir, that's all. If not, how can he hold up the family in the future?"
After these words were out, the heavily emphasized 'the only heir' made Su's eyebrows twitch.
"Three years old defines one to old age. Now Kang-er is this big, he starts beating and kicking the people at home. Won't he beat and scold others at will in the street in the future? If we let Mother indulge and pamper like this, our family's pillar will grow crooked. Since I can teach my younger sisters well, I can naturally teach Kang-er well. Now that we brought it out in the open, I'm not afraid of making Mother mad. If Kang-er keeps growing up spoiled like this, will he be any different from old Third Chen and Yue Family in the future?"
At this time, You Jin had calmed down. Her solemn eyes fell on the somewhat bewildered Mrs. Su and looked straight at her: "If Mother raised Kang-er to be that kind of person, it would be better if he wasn't born in the first place."
"It's not that serious..." Hearing her daughter phrasing it like that, her expression became very serious. She couldn't help feeling short of breath and guilty. She stammered out: "Kang-er is still ignorant. I'll slowly teach..."
"Mother said that Kang-er is ignorant, but little Eighth never hits people." The childish voice of You Bao sounded. She firmly stood on Eldest Sister's side, especially when she witnessed Kang-er beat Eldest Sister just now. She was very displeased with Younger Brother. Little Sixth and little Seventh often played with Kang-er and little Eighth on normal days. When they heard Fourth Elder Sister speak out, they all nodded in unison: "That's right. Younger Brother likes to beat people. He even bit me!"
Seeing the dislike toward their younger brother on the faces of her little daughters, Mrs. Su couldn't help but wonder if it was really her own fault that caused the sibling's heart to separate. But letting Son be disciplined by others, even if this person was the backbone of the family, she was reluctant: "You Jin, do you really distrust Mother? Mother promises that I will discipline Kang-er well from now on!"
As long as Son was still by her side, Mrs. Su felt that she could overcome any difficulties: "No matter what, Mother had given birth to so many of you. And you are so busy, You Jin. How can you have time to manage it all?"
You Jin indifferently glared at Su Kang who was biting her hand. She pinched Su Kang's aggressive mouth with her free hand: "Since you like biting people so much, you move to Xiao Hei and Wang Cai's place and live with them?"
Little Hei and Wang Cai had their own den now. With Su Family's current big business, it was pretty good to have six or seven wolf dogs guarding the house.
Su Kang's round eyes glared at the half-squatting Eldest Sister. Thinking of the dirty and smelly kennel, he shook his head at once: "Not, not ive with dogs."
Having his little face pinched by You Jin and couldn't even speak properly, Su Kang quickly rejected Eldest Sister's "kindness".
"If you bite again in the future, I'll have someone move your bed to the kennel." Seeing that Su Kang showed weakness, You Jin let him go with satisfaction: "You Bao, take Younger Brother to freshen up. Then get someone to clean up the vacant room by the study in the front yard. Kang-er will move to live there from now on."
Seeing Daughter disregard affection and have her son move out of the main room, Mrs. Su felt a little displeased. As an elder, she had pleaded with her daughter with a lowered head. Still, Daughter insisted on having it her way. Displeased, she spoke: "You Jin, you order Kang-er to move out. Have you asked me? I don't agree with this matter. "
"Mother, it's better to beat your own child than to let the official beat him. If we don't discipline Kang-er well today and he commits a crime of murder tomorrow. Is Mother satisfied when the official beat him then?" You Jin indifferently swept her gaze to Mrs. Su: "It's the father's fault if the son isn't taught well. We don't have a father, so Mother took on the responsibility of raising children like this? Mother always thinks that Kang-er is young and blindly dotes on him. Kang-er developed his current temperament and Mother doesn't reflect on it. Instead, you blame me. If Kang-er is someone else's child, who doesn't know etiquette, and loves to beat and bite, would Mother still think he is good?"
You Jin said this lightly, but it exploded in Mrs. Su's mind like a thunderbolt on the ground. Her thoughts turned back and forth in her brain. She thought how the older ones were already taking on the responsibility of supporting the family and the younger ones were very well-behaved and sensible. Only Kang-er had the most troublesome temper!
Seeing Mrs. Su's self-struggle for a long time, You Jin breathed a sigh of relief. Mrs. Su's struggle indicated she was thinking it through. Although her son was said to be the pillar of the family, You Jin was determined not to let Su Kang ruin the family business she and her younger sisters have worked so hard for if he was raised crooked. Although there weren't many restrictions on women in this era, women were always at a disadvantage. In addition, You Jin had always been a strong character. She had already made up her mind to divide the family property into nine shares among the family members.
But Mrs. Su had the weakest temperament. Going by her temperament, she would adopt 'obedience to son after husband's death'. If Su Kang was brought up wrongly, them sisters will definitely be implicated in the future. For their own sake of them sisters not turning into supporting-brother-demon, You Jin can no longer let Mrs. Su be.
This turmoil ended with Mrs. Su's compromise and You Jin's concession. Su Kang still lived in the main courtyard, but he had to move out from Mrs. Su's side to live alone in the West Wing of the main courtyard. In addition, You Jin entrusted Third Master Huang to find a Xiucai surnamed Chen who was in his early fifties to become a teacher at home.
Third Master Huang had had a lot of business dealings with Su Family in the past two years. In addition, the eldest son of the owner family told him to take care of Su Family before he left. Now that You Jin came to ask for help, he tried his best to help. Within a few days, he found someone who opened a private school by himself in the early years, but no longer opened the school to teach due to old age in the past two years. He only accepted work as a hired teacher and lived and ate at the master's house. In a year, it cost the master family a small sum. This old Xiucai was a bit talented. Previously, he taught in a wealthy family in Luohe Prefecture, but the major household had many rules. So the old scholar resigned.
Hearing that it was a rich family in the countryside and the students to be taught were all the children of the family, Xiucai Chen was a little surprised. Usually only rich families consider having their daughters learn to read and write. How can rural people have such foresight? So he proposed to see the children of Su Family.
You Jin led the several younger siblings to meet Xiucai Chen. Xiucai Chen tested the children's knowledge one by one. Then he got the younger ones to write a few words. Then he nodded in satisfaction and praised little Seventh: "Not bad, not bad. Although there's no strength in character yet, it's pretty good to be able to write decently at such a young age."
Little Seventh understood manners now. She respectfully performed the younger generation courtesy: "Thank you for the compliment, Teacher."
Seeing how the little girl who was only five or six years old and acted so well behaved, old Xiucai nodded and agreed to Su Family's invitation.
The arrival of Xiucai Chen didn't have much impact on the little girls of Su Family who were used to reading and writing every day. However, it was really miserable for Su Kang who was doted on since little.
If he didn't concentrate on listening to the teacher's lecture, he would be hit. If he didn't finish his homework, he would be beaten. If he came up with a plan to skip class, he would be hit….The most extreme thing was that in order to control him, Eldest Sister chose two guards at home to guard him every day. She had instructed the guards that if he skipped class without reason, half a month's monthly payment would be deducted from them ... All these means was what the Teacher called notorious for one's misdeeds and too numerous crimes to record!
Seeing her son's red hands from being hit every day, Mrs. Su felt very distressed. But when she thought of what her eldest daughter said that day, she had no choice but to suppress the emotions in her heart. She could only smear cream for swelling on son's hands every day.
Have to say that Mr. Chen still had some tricks. In just a few months from the Mid-Autumn Festival to December, Su Kang had transformed. Although he hadn't yet reached You Jin's targeted standard, it was already much better than before.
Chapter 103 Glutinous Rice Seeds
In a blink of an eye it was midwinter again.
Now Su Family's girls no longer jog along the river embankment. The guard leader left by Xiao Family led them to learn some attack moves for half an hour every morning. One, for self-defense. Second, for physical fitness. Originally, Mrs. Su felt distressed for the youngest. So Su Kang didn't practice martial arts. But since autumn, Su Kang not only had to attend classes every day, but also practiced martial arts. Although it was tiring, the daily half an hour was quite effective after a number of months. Initially, when the seasons changed and they weren't careful, his little body would suffer from illness. This year, he had entered the winter safely.
Over the past few months, Mrs. Su had watched her son's changes. If she said she was unhappy, it would be a lie. Although she didn't want to admit that she raised her son wrongly before, Mrs. Su knew that the current way was good for her son.
"Eldest Sister, I'm going to study." Su Kang bowed his head respectfully and bidded goodbye to You Jin. Now Su Kang's daily schedule can be said to be full: get up in the morning to practice for half an hour. Then he had to arrive in the study room for two hours in the morning and in the afternoon to learn from Teacher Chen. The Su Family's girls were the same as Su Kang in the morning, but in the afternoon they learned qin, chess, calligraphy and painting with Yu Lan in the backyard. Although Yu Lan's qualification in the collection of classics and history wasn't as good as Teacher Chen, she was raised as a talented girl since young age. She can show off her qin-playing, chess, calligraphy and painting. In line with the idea that having too many skills won't be a disadvantage, You Jin naturally arranged it for her younger sisters.
You Jin nodded: "Before you go, change your clothes and drink some hot ginger soup to drive away the cold."
Although Younger Brother's body was better than before, he still needed to take care of it. Since the beginning of winter, the kitchen had prepared ginger soup every day. After the master finished their exercises and washed up, it happened to be 80% hot. Shortly after drinking it, the whole body can warm up.
"Understood. Eldest Sister, I'll go then." Su Kang nodded. Afterward, he walked back in small steps from the backyard where the martial arts was practiced to the front yard. Children were forgetful and it was easy to correct any bad habits. Seeing her younger brother's chubby body disappearing around the corner, You Jin heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Better late than never. If she waited until Younger Brother was a few years older, she might have to spend a lot of effort to correct these things.
After freshening up, she wore a pink floral brocade dress with a white rabbit fur jacket. It further enhanced You Jin's ruddy appearance. Because she hadn't come to age yet, her cloud-like strands were tied into two buns and adorned with a peach red ribbon. The young girl's delicate appearance fell into the eyes of the maid who waited upon her. The maid mentally remarked: Eldest Miss is truly powerful. She is good-looking and can make money. Don't know which family's gentleman or young master will be lucky enough to marry Eldest Missl in the future.
"When we come out of the West Market, we will go to Elder Sister You He's house first. Then we will go to Yunweixuan." Today, You Jin had an appointment with a merchant in the West Market to negotiate a deal and remembered the matter Third Master Huang mentioned last time.
This year's harvest was good. The people in Luohe Prefecture have enough to eat and got some spare cash in their hands. In addition, the inland waterway transportation was very convenient now. After winter, there will be no shortage of people in Luohe Prefecture.
Now outside the South City Gate from Wuliqiao to Luohe Prefecture, there were many merchants and farmers along the coast because the pier of the Luohe Prefecture route was located there. Before entering the city, You Jin can hear the lively shouts and bargaining outside from within the mule cart. There was also the aroma of fresh meat wontons leaking through the cracks of the mule cart. All of these indicated the earth-shaking changes that had taken place in the last two-three years.
The wasteland that Su Family bought two years ago before the canal digging had now been built with shops along the street. Although it wasn't as prosperous as the city, the string of four-five stores meant rent collection. After Su Family's storefronts were built, Mrs. Zhao of Lizheng family was the first to rent one of them. Now she sells some food every day. It was better than getting food from the ground.
Because of this incident, He Family and Su Family became closer. In addition, He Xuan Hai's marriage was also settled. With the niece of his academy's teacher. She just turned fifteen this year. She was pretty and literate. Her character and temperament were not bad. He Hao and Mrs. Zhao were very satisfied with this future daughter-in-law. The two families had brought it into the open. The marriage was scheduled for April next year. In order to save money for their son to marry a wife, He Hao and his wife went all out. They opened the shop every day from dawn to dusk. Because the taste was good and the portions were plentiful, the business was quite decent; a few hundred coins came in every day.
The mule cart noisily moved. It passed the South City gate and headed straight to the merchant's shop in the West Market.
It wasn't the first time that the merchant had done business with this young miss from Su Family. Although Su Family's miss asked him to bring back some weird things every time, Su Family's girl was willing to spend the money. He accepted her money and was working for her. There was nothing to say. This time he had helped Miss Su bring things back. Knowing that the customer would come to pick them up today, he waited for her arrival early in the morning. Seeing a familiar mule cart stop at the door, he rushed out to greet the young girl who was getting out of the mule cart after drawing the curtain: "Miss Su, it's so cold. Come in and drink some hot tea."
"Shopkeeper Chen, how did this trip go?" You Jin jollily nodded, and followed surnamed Chen into the shop. Shopkeeper Chen had grown older in the past two years. The work of going out as a merchant had been handed over to his son. Now he only watched the shop in Luohe Prefecture to do business. Whatever the customers wanted, his sons who traveled the south and the north will either bring them back by themselves or entrust the armed escorts to bring it back.
Shopkeeper Chen chuckled in response: "Thanks to Miss Su, everything is going well."
First, he served her some tea. Then he got the shop assistants to bring up the things she wanted: "Miss Su, look! Is it this kind of millet?" Shopkeeper Chen found the glutinous rice seeds that You Jin had been searching for for a long time this time. Although Shopkeeper Chen didn't know what the glutinous rice could be used for and assumed it was just food, the customer was the king since Su Family's miss had money.
Shopkeeper Chen's son asked an acquaintance merchant to bring back a few bags of glutinous rice. After the assistants carried the glutinous rice seeds out, he cleverly untied the hemp rope that bound the sack without asking before retreating.
You Jin stepped forward, grabbed a handful of golden glutinous rice seeds, held them in her hands, and examined them carefully for a while. Then she picked one up and put it in her mouth without caring if it was dirty, bit open the shell of the seeds, and tasted it carefully. After confirming that it tasted like raw glutinous rice, she nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, this is what I want."
After settling the final payment with Shopkeeper Chen, the assistants carried the few bags of grains requested by the guests to the mule cart. Shopkeeper Chen happily sent away Su Family's miss who had placed another order.
"The weather is getting colder and colder. Elder Sister You He is heavily pregnant. Let the family members worry about things in the shop. It's better for Elder Sister You He to take care of yourself." You Jin held a cup of steaming red date tea in her hand and took a sip. Smiling, she chatted with You He: "A few days ago, I got some hides. Mother specially told me to send some to Elder Sister. You should get someone to make two jackets tomorrow. Elder Sister, you're someone with two bodies. You must pay attention. If Liu Family dares to make Elder Sister aggrieved, don't hide it from us."
"Girl, your mouth is getting sharper and sharper. Look at me. My face has rounded up since entering winter. How can I be aggrieved? My parent-in-laws and younger sister-in-laws are very kind to me. Everyday, the soup and water never stops. Now, I don't need to worry about the shop's matter anymore. Mother-in-law handled it all. In good weather, I stroll over to check it. Everything is fine!" You He sat on the kang that was warm from the fire burning. A soft pillow was placed around the waist to share the weight. Her face was like a peach blossom. It was very apparent that she was living a very comfortable life: "While this hide. Aunt gave me a lot when I got married in the middle of the year. Now you give it to me again. How could I possibly accept?"
Today, You Jin gave two gray rabbit hides, two white rabbit hides, and another mink hide with excellent coat color. The rabbit skin was alright. While one can tell the mink hide was worth a lot of money at first glance. After arriving in Luohe Prefecture, she had been relying on Aunt's family's big tree to enjoy the shade. Even her dowry list was prepared by Aunt's family. She had always been grateful to Su Family. Now she was a married woman and was on a different branch from Su Family's younger sisters, this younger cousin sister still gave her things. How could she have the nerve to accept it?
Although You He was previously a bit weak-tempered, her bones revealed the generosity and reason taught by her clear-minded mother, Mrs. Han. Many things that have happened in the past year have sharpened her temper a little bit stronger. Now, her relationship with everyone in Su Family was becoming more and more harmonious. You Jin truly liked this elder cousin sister and was very willing to take care of her who was far away from her maternal family. Since the two sisters both wanted to be friendly with each other, their relationship would naturally be harmonious.
Returning from his classes in the academy, Liu Zhuo Ting heard that his wife's paternal younger cousin sister was here today. He also went to the main room to exchange a few words with this very powerful cousin. Then he left space for his wife and her cousin and hurried to the kitchen to have a drink before going back to the room to study.
"The beginning of the new year is the spring exam. Your elder brother-in-law is anxious, so don't mind him." You He smilingly explained her husband's behavior of running away after saying a few words: "After the spring exam, there is less than a year's time before the provincial examination. If he fails, he will have to wait for three years. Right now, the family is afraid of disturbing him. He doesn't sense anything; just buries his head in studying hard every day."
You Jin cheerfully responded: "Elder Sister, you don't have to say so much. I can understand. If Elder Brother-in-law was here, I don't know what to say!"
After finishing speaking, she winked at You He and made You He hold her stomach and directly laugh. In the East Wing, Liu Zhuo Ting, who was holding a book and studying hard, heard his wife's silver bell-like laughter coming from the main room. Unconsciously, a smile slightly hung on the corner of his mouth. However, his focus never wandered.
The two sisters whispered for a long time. Before leaving, You Jin stuffed another ten liang silver into You He's hand: "Elder Sister take it. Just treat it as me buying snacks for my little nephew."
"You Jin, what are you doing?" You He refused to accept the money: "I have a lot of dowry silver. I don't lack money, so you should take it back quickly."
As if the ingots of silver were like a hot potato, she refused to accept them no matter what.
"Elder Sister is heavily pregnant now. The whole family's food cost money. You can't have no money around you and reach your hand to your parents-in-law to ask for silver, right?" You Jin pressed the silver ingot tightly in You He's hand: "Elder Sister If you really treat me as a younger sister, just accept it!"
Seeing that You Jin's words have come to this point, You He had no choice. She only nagged a bit: "You girl!"
Still, her heart felt like it was padded warm. Because she knew that You Jin truly regarded herself as a family member. After seeing off younger sister, You He moved all the things that You Jin sent today back to the East Wing. She recounted the money stuffing matter to Liu Zhuo Ting, who took the opportunity to relax for a while: "This sly kid. Always trying her best to subsidize me like this. While me, the elder sister, who keeps benefitting, I'm really ashamed!"
Chapter 104 Restless News
"Long time no see, Third Master had become more and more blessed." You Jin respectfully bowed to Third Master Huang when she saw him.
"Su Family's lass, long time no see. You have grown up a lot." Third Master Huang had just returned from the capital and had just recovered from the fatigue of the journey when he heard Su Family's lass came to look for him. He hurriedly asked the people below to bring her to the wing room on the second floor, "You are well informed. I have only been back for two days and you came knocking."
Needless to say, Third Master Huang knew that the owner's family's eldest and youngest young master were on good terms with Su Family's lass. In addition, he personally witnessed Su Family make a fortune under the leadership of the little girl in front of him. He couldn't help but look highly upon Su Family's lass.
You Jin sat at the lower end. With a slight smile on her face, she spoke: "Third Master's words make me embarrassed. The main reason I came to bother you today is because I know Third Master is well-informed from your travels. I want to inquire about some news with Third Master."
You Jin didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
Although Su Family mainly relied on snack shops for their livelihood, they still grew a lot of vegetables on most days. In winter, they had supply Yunweixuan with rare fresh vegetables: bean sprouts and bean seedlings. She had always maintained a good relationship with Third Master Huang. It wasn't the first time that You Jin had asked him for information.
Third Master Huang put down his teacup, and replied: "I'm almost becoming a nosy parker. Tell me, what news do you want to inquire about this time?"
Although Su Family's little girl liked to ask him for information, Third Master Huang didn't keep it private and told her everything he knew.
In fact, Third Master Huang had always admired this little girl. She dared to think and do. If he had a son in his family, he would marry in this little girl home as his daughter-in-law. With such a daughter-in-law, would he be afraid that their family will not be able to get better each generation? Thinking how he only had three daughters, Third Master Huang could only sigh silently.
"I heard a few days ago that the north is about to start a war?" You Jin had been anxious since hearing the news a few days ago. Although Luohe Prefecture wasn't close to the border, if the northern border was broken through, the iron cavalry would be able to attack Luohe Prefecture in half a month. By that time, whether the dozens of members of her Su family would be able to keep their lives was another matter. You Jin was born in the army in her previous life, so she naturally knew how cruel war is.
Hearing Su Family's lass bringing up such an explosive topic, Third Master Huang was a little startled and coughed a few times. Once his breathing eased up: "I just received the news not long ago too. It's not a large-scale one. The war is just a few small battles where guerrillas robbed supplies on the border. This year, there was a severe drought in the north in spring and summer. There weren't many crops from the start as they were completely killed by the drought. Since winter, there have been continuous long snow falls. You know that the nomads in the north raise cattle, sheep and horses. Many of their animals died of freezing temperatures! Since there weren't enough rations, they'll naturally set their eyes on the people on the border of Dafeng."
Though he said that, Third Master Huang still looked worried. What was unspoken was that he was also afraid of a war breaking out. Luohe Prefecture was located in the north of Dafeng with abundant products and an important pass. It would naturally be one of the main targets of the enemy army.
What Third Master Huang thought of, You Jin naturally thought of it too. In the quiet wing room, one old and one young sat facing each other with their faces solemn.
After a long time, Third Master Huang broke the silence in the room: "Su Family's lass, don't think too much. Our Dafeng is now considered a wealthy and powerful country. If we really fight, we may not lose."
Though this was said, if fighting in the north happens, Dafeng's army will definitely not have the advantage like the enemy in the north. Third Master Huang didn't know what to say, so he had to respond with a few meaningless words.
You Jin absent-mindedly listened. Then she asked some news about the capital. It had been a while since she had received any letters from Xiao Lin Yu and felt inexplicably disappointed. So she couldn't help inquiring.
"I didn't see Eldest Young Master on this trip to the capital. But I heard from the capital's supervisor that Eldest Young Master seemed to have arranged a marriage. Youngest Young Master had also started to study in the official school in the capital. I'm afraid they won't be able to come to Luohe Prefecture for three-five years." Third Master Huang didn't know the key factor and assumed Su Family's lass was on good terms with Youngest Young Master. That's why, he mentioned a few more things about Youngest Young Master: "I was on Zhuque Street one day and saw Youngest Young Master riding a white horse through the street. The little misses in the capital secretly fluttered their eyes until it almost fell out!" Speaking of this, Third Master Huang couldn't help laughing.
You Jin's serious expression withdrew and a slight smile appeared. She replied: "I never thought that the people in the capital are so open. I will definitely go to see it if I have the opportunity in the future."
The two of them tacitly diverted the matter of the northern border. After talking for a while, You Jin got up and bidded goodbye: "I have bothered you today. Thank you, Third Master."
"It's nothing. It's winter now, I have nothing to do and just chatted to you in my free time. It's good to pass the time." Third Master Huang sent her to the stairs and the two exchanged a few more pleasantries. After leaving Yunweixuan, she finally made way to Sujiaxiang snack shop.
Sujiaxiang's business was booming now. When You Jin stepped into the door of her shop, none of the seven or eight little lasses who served the guests was free. Everyone had warm smiles on their faces and chirping like orioles and swallows. The customers who came to buy snacks were coaxed into merry mood. No wonder Sujiaxiang's business was getting better and better.
The manager noticed You Jin. She hurriedly finished the business at hand and greeted her: "Eldest Miss have time to come over today? Second Missl is upstairs!"
Eldest Miss didn't come to the shop on most days. If there is any problem, Second and Third Miss can discuss and deal with it. If they can't solve it, they will trouble Eldest Miss then. So when the manager saw Eldest Miss, he thought something had happened. Though the expression on his face remained the same, he felt a little uneasy inside.
"It's nothing. I happened to pass by after some meetings and came in to take a look. You go and do your work." You Jin dismissed the manager and went straight to the wing room reserved for Su Family on the second floor. She looked through the window. Watching people coming in and out of the shop, she talked with You Yin for a while.
Now Sujiaxiang's shop was big enough, You Jin had opened up elegant suite on the second floor. It provided a good choice for meeting friends or a shopping rest spot for the female family members of rich and noble families who had the condition and wanted to.
There were twelve elegant suites on the second floor of Sujiaxiang. There was a minimum consumption of one liang silver requirement. One liang silver wasn't worth anything in the eyes of the female members of rich families. In addition, several of Sujiaxiang's freshly produced snacks were only delicious when they were still steaming. Therefore, many female members of rich families came out to go shopping would always choose Sujiaxiang snack shop for rest break.
Therefore, these twelve elegant suites brought in a profit of nearly one hundred liang a month. You Yin, who was a little hesitant at first, was once again convinced by the decision made by Eldest Sister. As soon as You Yin saw Eldest Sister coming, she hurriedly put down the work in her hands and went up to her: "Why did Eldest Sister come here? Aren't you going to discuss business?"
Touching You Yin's shiny black hair, You Jin smilingly responded: "After I finished those meetings. Seeing that it's still early, I came to check up on you. How's business going?"
Hearing Eldest Sister's question, You Yin held the account book to Eldest Sister: "This month's consumption, two #dou and eight #buckets of fine flour, more than three hundred eggs, one dou each for red beans, mung beans and other beans. Expenses is two hundred and nineteen liang. The income was eight hundred and twenty-three liang."
It was only the middle of this month and Su Family snack shop had already made more than six hundred liang. It can be said that the business was blazing hot.
"Now you can do the accounts more and more clearly." You Jin nodded with satisfaction: "You should discuss things with the manager and You Zhu more often about the shop. If you aren't sure about something, tell me right away."
Right now, Sujiaxiang was under the care of the magistrate's wife and had many wealthy families in Luohe Prefecture as their loyal customers. Naturally, there will be no blind people who dared to come to blackmail or pick a fight like the beginning. Still, when it came to running a shop, there were many trivial matters. You Yin's temperament was still soft. You Jin had the heart to change her temperament. So even when there was no shortage of people in the family, she wanted You Yin to manage Sujiaxiang's business affairs from behind the scenes.
"Don't worry, Eldest Sister, I know." You Yin was delighted to receive Eldest Sister's confirmation. Knowing that Eldest Sister's words weren't malicious, she accepted the guidance.
Putting down the account book, You Jin took a sip of hot tea and asked, "How many raw materials are there in the storeroom now?"
The snack shop had its own storeroom. There were regular suppliers who delivered the goods to the door regularly. So there was no over accumulation of raw materials. At most about one month's worth of raw materials.
Sure enough, You Yin replied: "There is still about half a month's amount. Shopkeeper Song will send new raw materials over in two days."
"I'll ask someone to send a message to Shopkeeper Song in a while. This time, we will stock up raw materials for a few more months." You Jin pondered and decided to take precautions. In case of a real war, there would be at least some food to support the family to overcome the difficulties: "You should do a stock take for the storeroom when the time comes. Also, you must safeguard the keys to the storeroom."
"I know. Only You Zhu and I have the key to the storeroom. I hadn't even let the manager touch the key." You Yin nodded in response. She naturally knew the importance of their family storeroom. She always kept the key on her: "Eldest Sister, why are you want to prepare more food?"
"I heard people say that there is a snowstorm in the north. I'm afraid that the price of grain will fluctuate. It's fine to accumulate it first. Anyway, it's grain. It won't spoil in a year or two." You Jin glanced at the confused You Yin and smilingly explained with a smile. Since her expression was calm, You Yin accepted and didn't ask any more questions.
Although You Jin had no confidence, there was an 80% chance that it was true since the news of the turmoil in the north came from Third Master Huang. Even if she knew it was true, You Jin didn't dare to tell her family about it. She could only start to secretly prepare. If the war really starts, she has to pave the way for the whole family to survive.
The storerooms of Su Family in Wuliqiao and Sujiaxiang's shop in the city were full of grain. You Jin was also buying cotton and hide. Then she had someone kill two pigs from the pig farm on Houjiawan Mountain and smoked them all. Make bacon for the rainy days. Everyone in Su Family only thought that she was preparing for the New Year. No one knew that she was quietly preparing for the war.
It was only a few days after Su Family finished buying grain, the news of the war in the north spread quietly in Luohe Prefecture like a cold wind everywhere. As expected, everyone panicked for a while. Grain, oil, and cloth, which were necessary materials in wartime, began to rise in price one after another.
Even homebody Mrs. Su heard the news of the war in the north. She became quite worried, as if the nomadic cavalry from the north would break through the city gate of Luohe Prefecture at dawn tomorrow.
Chapter 105 Dingyuan's Relatives
From the beginning, the situation in the north was just guerrillas going south to occasionally grab food. After another month of continuous heavy snowfall in the north, a large-scale southward plundering war finally broke out in the middle of December. Luohe prefecture was about half a month away from the northern border. In addition, Luohe prefecture was a provincial fortress. There were troops stationed at the pass. So the war will not affect this side for a while.
The nomads were born brave and good at fighting. On top of that, they were forced to a dead end. They went all out when fighting. Since the beginning of winter, Dafeng's army had been short of food and wages. With this comparison, they were inferior. The border was broken through. The nomads stormed straight down and reached Jiaxing Pass, which was only a day's journey from north of Dingyuan County, in less than ten days.
Numerous days ago
Everyone in Yue Family was now like ants in a hot pot. The whole family was jumping up and down to pack their bags and flee to the south. Although the houses and fields of Yue Family were in Cuifeng Village, these external things weren't so important when compared to life.
In the past two years, Yue Wen Tao and Yue Wen Wei had both got married. Yue Chang Shou enjoyed the blessings of being equal to others like his second brother. Mrs. Han's whole body had aged rapidly in the past two years. She was unwilling to be close with Yue Chang Shou. Since his father-in-law passed away, Yue Chang Shou had no shackles anymore and came back drunk every day.
Later, he absurdly redeemed a prostitute and let her step into the house. She became his favorite person. The two sons had been beaten by Yue Chang Shou countless times because of this incident. The enviable family had long since fallen apart.
After Yue Wen Tao got admitted as Tongsheng, he married the only daughter of a merchant family. Because the new wife's bountiful dowry money and his father-in-law's support, Yue Family's first branch gradually became the most beloved among the three brothers. This time it was Yue Chang Fu and his family who were trying to escape to the south.
Yue Family currently had more than 20 members in total. How can they just up and go like that? Everyone in the first branch was smart. How can they let old Second and old Third's families scrounge their own money? The first room closed the door to discuss it, but didn't know the second and third branch had their own discussion. That night, the second and third branches took advantage of the first branch and the old couple's inattentiveness and quietly drove away the family's ox cart. Yue Chang Shou sold the shop in Dingyuan a long time ago, took all the money in the family, and only brought the prostitute and two sons. He had left Mrs. Han in Cuifeng Village.
The two sons of third branch have already been heartbroken by their father's actions in the past two years. If their mother didn't use her life as a threat, they would rather die with their mother in Dingyuan than follow their father. Quietly following the ox cart of Yue Chang Shou and others from Yue's house to the entrance of the village, Mrs. Han watched the ox cart going south in the dark night with red eyes. She can die. She also wanted Yue Chang Shou to die. But her two sons were still alive. For the sake of the children, she can only watch Yue Chang Shou and others leave.
It wasn't until the next morning when Yue Family's first branch got up that they found that the family's ox cart was gone and only Mrs. Han was standing at the door, staring blankly at the slowly falling snowflakes.
"Old Second and old Third, you two beasts!" Yue Da Fu was so infuriated that he fell backward. Although he had the intention of abandoning his two sons, he didn't expect his two sons to have the same thoughts as him. Sitting on the kang, he cursed a few times: "Two white-eyed wolves! Unfilial sons!"
"Father, no matter how much you scold now, old Second and old Third children have left long ago. Shouldn't we hurry up too. We're late by a day. The north side war might reach this!" Although Yue Chang Fu wanted to abandon these two still-not-dead, he knew that the two still-not-dead must have saved a lot of money over the years. If he takes them with him, he will have all the eating expenses along the way. So he can only swallow his anger and ask with a straight face.
"Go to the town and hire a mule cart back. Even if it costs more money, spend it. Let's leave quickly." As soon as Yue Da Fu heard that the war was going to reach Cuifeng Village, he hurriedly patted the kang and began to order the family to work: "Old woman, hurry, take Eldest's wife. Steam a few trays of mantou for us to eat on the road. Pack the clothes and bedding. Quickly pack. As for those that can't be taken, lock it all."
Although everyone was in a mess, Yue Da Fu's family head prestige still remained. As soon as he spoke, everyone hurriedly started to work away.
Everyone busied away. Only Mrs. Han acted as if all the troubles had nothing to do with her. When Mrs. Chen went in and out in a flurry, she had sent countless stabbing gazes which were ignored. Irked, Mrs. Chen immediately went to complain to her mother-in-law and came up with bad ideas.
"Mother, old Third didn't take old Third's wife away. It can't be that she still wants to go with us?" While kneading the dough, Mrs. Chen chatted with old Mrs. Chen: "I saw her standing like a rock just now. She doesn't know to come over to help. Truly a burden for that freeload!"
Mrs. Chen was used to putting eye drops on old Mrs. Chen. Sure enough, old Mrs. Chen immediately berated after hearing what she said: "A calamity star! Little whore! Her old man died for a whole day and only put on a weeping face! If it weren't for her, old Third would have married a city ministry councilor's at that time. Life would have been so much better now! A great family business had been ruined by her and she still wants to eat and drink for nothing with this old lady!? Dream on!"
Hearing what old Mrs. Chen said, Mrs. Chen secretly rejoiced. One less old family member meant one less burden and one less person robbing her family's two old things' savings. A gleam of joy couldn't help but appear on her face. Wen Tao's wife, who was squatting beside the fire, heard her mother-in-law and grandmother being and didn't dare to breathe hard. She just lowered her head and fanned the fire.
Yue Chang Fu soon hired a mule cart that happened to be fleeing south. The owners were a couple. Seeing that the price Yue Chang Fu offered was high, they agreed to pick up Yue Family and headed south together.
Now nine out of ten people in the entire Cuifeng Village have left. Only the old patriarch and a few clan elders refused to leave. The rest fled south one after another.
At the top of the main room, Yue Da Fu hid all the money and the title deed behind his back. Only then, he came out from the main room, locked all the doors one by one, and finally locked the main entrance. The whole family came out. After getting on the mule cart, the big young mule spread its hooves and ran south. Standing at the gate of Yue's house was Mrs. Han who was carrying a small torn bag and didn't know where to go. The members of Yue Family left Mrs. Han behind in the end.
"Eldest Miss! I picked the person up!" On the second day of the New Year, it was the day when Yue You He returned to her maternal home. The main courtyard of Yue's house was bustling with liveliness. Uncle Song from outside, came in a few big strides and whispered something in You Jin's ear.
You Jin nodded: "Bring the person in first."
Receiving the order, Uncle Song cupped his hands and retreated.
"Bring someone in?" Mrs. Su was chatting and laughing with You He when she heard You Jin's nonsensical words and casually asked.
You Jin sat beside You He, held You He's hand, and smiled without saying a word. Seeing her reaction, You He's heart couldn't help but tremble and uttered in disbelief: "Is it my mother?"
"She's fine, Elder Sister You He. Please don't get excited. You're almost eight months along now." You Jin's words confirmed You He's guess. Tears welled up in You He's beautiful eyes instantly. Still, she paid heed to You Jin's words. Holding her belly tightly with both hands, for fear that she would be too agitated and the child would also get agitated.
Uncle Song, who had exited, quickly returned back in. This time, he was followed by Mrs. Han who was already thin and out of shape. Mrs. Han thought that she was doomed to die in Dingyuan. She never thought that in the afternoon when Yue Family left, a young lad driving a mule cart, speaking with a foreign accent, carrying a letter with familiar handwriting in his arms, and looking for her. After reading the letter, she got into the mule cart, traveled all the way under the stars and moon, and finally arrived at Luohe Prefecture on the second day of the New Year.
"Mother!" You He stood in the main courtyard and saw Mrs. Han behind Uncle Song. She couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She took a few steps forward and threw herself into Mrs. Han's arms. She had already become a waterfall.
"Good child, everything is fine for Mother." Mrs. Han embraced her daughter whom she had parted with for a long time and comforted her softly. Looking at You Jin, she expressed her gratitude with her eyes.
Mrs. Su was initially a crybaby too. She couldn't stand this kind of scene. Her eyes turned red. Seeing that things were getting out of hand, You Jin quickly interrupted: "Elder Sister You He is pregnant now. Don't get too agitated. Third Aunt, you had been on the road for a good few days. Why don't you sit down and rest for a while. We will have plenty of time to get together in the future!"
Hearing what You Jin said, Mrs. Han discovered that her daughter had a big belly and hurriedly blamed her: "You child, you are going to be a mother and you cry so much. When the child is born in the future, what to do when it becomes a little crybaby?"
While blaming her daughter, she carefully helped her to sit down. Under Mrs. Su's gesture, she sat beside Mrs. Su's.
Liu Zhuo Ting, who stood awkwardly by the side for a long time, went forward to greet her: "Son-in-law, Liu Zhuo Ting, meet Mother-in-law."
Mrs. Han carefully sized up the husband that second branch had chosen for her daughter and finally nodded with satisfaction. The young man looked like a decent child. She said: "Good child, you have worked hard to take care of You He these days. Whatever the matter, I have to worry you a little bit more."
"Mother-in-law speaks too seriously." Although Liu Zhuo Ting was a bit rigid, it was the performance of this young man's understanding of etiquette in the eyes of the mother-in-law. It was true that the more the mother-in-law looked at her son-in-law, the more satisfied she became.
You He accepted the warm handkerchief handed over by Su Family's maids and wiped her face. After a while, she calmed down. Although the mother and daughter had been separated for a long time, the blood relationship was still there. She affectionately remarked: "Mother is biased. As soon as you come here, you only look at Son-in-law and forget about Daughter!"
Although she spoke so coquettishly, You He couldn't help feel sour when she see Mrs. Han looked seven or eight years older than when she left Dingyuan last year: "Since Mother had come to Luohe Prefecture, you're not allowed to leave in the future."
Mrs. Han patted You He's hand in admiration. Her daughter had really grown up.
Seeing that the mother and daughter were not so excited anymore, You Jin slowly asked, "Third Aunt, why are you here alone? Where are Wen Sheng brothers?" You Jin sent someone to pick up Mrs. Han and her two cousins. After all, it was impossible for Mrs. Han to leave her two sons behind.
Mrs. Han sighed before recounting what happened to Yue Family in Cuifeng Village a few days ago.
After listening to Mrs. Han's words, You He only felt her chest thumping with anger: "How did Father become like this? Will something happen to younger brothers when they follow Father?"
You He and her two younger brothers had been tight knit since she was little. Now that there was turmoil outside, she was naturally worried.
You Jin didn't know whether to laugh or not when she heard that. The men of Yue Family were really a family. They went their separate ways when the disaster was imminent. Lightly patting You He's hand, she comforted in a deep voice: "Elder Sister You He and Third Aunt don't worry. Since they fled to the south, they might also come to Luohe Prefecture. I will ask someone to inquire. Once they found them, they'll be brought over and prevent them from suffering with my Third Uncle."
Agitated, Mrs. Han stood up. She knelt down in the direction of You Jin and Mrs. Su and kowtowed a good few times: "Thank you Elder Sister-in-law and You Jin. If it weren't for your help, our family's You He and I might even lose our lives."
"Auntie (you), what are you doing?" You Jin jumped up together with Mrs. Su and hurriedly helped her up and sit down. Mrs. Su grasped Mrs. Han's hand. Her voice was hoarse: "We are all one family. If you hadn't helped us openly and secretly, You Jin and her sisters might have suffered a lot!"
Ever since Mrs. Han came to Wuliqiao and saw the gate of Su Family, she knew that Su Family had really made a fortune. She thought that people would be bewitched by money and silk and felt a little uneasy. Now, it had completely disappeared. The two sister-in-laws were as close as ever.