Chapter 41: Bickering
◎ How could one not be likable? ◇
Despite anticipating a restless night, surprisingly, everyone slept well. They had already acclimated to the hard wooden bed frames during their stay at Uncle Two's house. After a day of moving, settling in, and preparing their new home, they were all exhausted, even the twins, who fell asleep instantly and didn't want to wake up the next morning, clinging tightly to their small wooden beds.
More importantly, they were now in their own home. After a long journey and facing unfamiliar surroundings, they finally felt truly settled and secure, allowing them to sleep soundly.
As the sky began to brighten, Yu Lian opened her door to find Grandma Mei, Aunt Mei, and Little Guo'er already awake. They were washing their faces and brushing their teeth in the courtyard using the water they had fetched the previous day; it was now chilly after sitting overnight.
Little Guo'er knitted her brows while wringing out a towel.
Upon seeing Yu Lian, Aunt Mei rushed for help, "The water is freezing cold. Lian-er, please come and lend a hand."
Grandma felt somewhat displeased, "If it's cold, go heat the water. What use is calling Lian-er for this?"
Aunt Mei expressed her dilemma, "Grandma, I don't know how to do it…" Not to mention herself, who in the whole family knew how to heat water? Nobody had likely ever used a rural kitchen stove, except for yesterday afternoon when Yu Lian prepared ginger soup for Hua Zhan. Perhaps she was the only one in the family who knew how.
Grandma responded, "If you don't know, then learn. Nobody is born knowing everything. We can't rely on her for everything just because she knows how. Lian-er is our daughter-in-law, not a servant. You all must learn these things too, not burdening her with everything."
With that, she turned to Yu Lian, who had just approached and taken a seat beside the elderly matriarch. The grandmother smiled and said, "Lian'er, go teach Aunt Mei and also call your mother out. Let them watch and learn together. No one is allowed to be left behind! Now that we're living here, we'll all need to learn about farm life. We can't rely on others to do everything for us; anyone with such thoughts should put them to rest."
Little Guo'er raised her small hand and exclaimed, "Guo'er wants to learn too, Guo'er wants to learn! Yesterday, I learned how to pick and wash vegetables with Sister-in-law, today I'm learning to tend the fire, and tomorrow I'll learn something else. Sister-in-law said even sages love doing small tasks; only by starting with little things can we accomplish great ones."
The grandmother was pleased upon hearing this and felt much comforted. She praised the child with a smile, "Little Guo'er is such a good child, with a high understanding. Quickly, go to your parents' room and wake your mother up. From now on, no one in our family can act like a lord or lady, expecting others to serve them."
Aunt Mei sensed that the grandmother's words were directed at her. While she knew her granddaughter-in-law was excellent, this kind of favoritism was unfair. Yesterday, she received a scolding for a mere title, and today, she was reprimanded again for asking Yu Lian for help. She had known that being a concubine carried a lower status, and the grandmother didn't hold her in high regard. She never intended to compete with others, but feeling constantly lectured by the grandmother still grated on her nerves.
They were now peasants, common folk, yet the grandmother still held on to her noble airs?
Yu Lian was aware that the old madam's concern for her led to such words on the first day, as a precaution against the entire family pushing responsibilities onto her in the future, fearing she would become overworked and exhausted. Her heart warmed by this consideration, she nestled into the old madam's arm, indulging in a moment of coquetry.
Amidst heartfelt conversation, Mrs. Chen emerged, her cheeks flushed as she apologized to the matriarch for being late.
In the old days, when they were still in the Marquis household, the Matriarch was not one to excessively nag or torment others. She only required her daughters-in-law to pay respects and engage in conversation on the first, middle, and last day of each month. For the rest of the time, she left them be. Thus, Mrs. Chen spent her days comfortably in her own courtyard, enjoying a peaceful existence.
Later, the journey back to our hometown was akin to a harrowing escape, with no semblance of a regular routine. Amidst the chaos, I temporarily forgot about the duty to serve my mother-in-law.
Hua Zhan also rose, rinsing his mouth and washing his face with the cold water in the courtyard.
The matriarch declared, "Every one of us, including myself, will go to the kitchen to learn how to build a fire and boil water. No one is exempted."
She looked around, sensing an unusual silence. Then she remembered her grandsons.
"Where are Yan'er and Xing'er?"
"They're still sleeping, haven't woken up yet."
A mischievous smile crept onto Yu Lian's face. She went to the yard, immersed her hands in cold water for a moment, then dashed into the twins' room where the two rascals were sound asleep on their small bed.
Yu Lian slipped her icy hands into the necks of the unsuspecting boys...
After a brief moment...
A deafening scream echoed through the house, followed by complaints:
"Sister-in-law is wicked!"
"What are you doing, Sister-in-law?! Grandma, come quick, stop my sister-in-law, she's being mean! I'm freezing!"
"Father, Mother!"
Moments later, Yu Lian pulled the twins out from under the covers, urging them to dress themselves.
The twins sat on the bed, turning their heads away from their sister in defiance. Both were fuming, their hair seemingly standing on end. Their sister was so wicked, utterly detestable!
Yu Lian tossed the clothes toward them. "You're really not going to wear them? Should I call Father to help you then?"
The twins glanced secretly at her, then puffed up their necks when she looked back. "No, we won't wear them! Give us back our blanket; we want to sleep!"
"This blanket was carried back by us yesterday. It's our blanket, give it back right now!"
"I'm the one who bought this blanket."
The twins turned and roared in anger, "We carried it back!"
Yu Lian called out, "Father..."
Then came the voice of their father, Hua Zhan, "What's happening?"
Twins: !
The door opened, and Yu Lian emerged from inside, followed by the twins, who had their heads held high in a huff.
A hint of amusement flickered in the old lady's and Hua Zhan's eyes. The old lady then invited the family to the kitchen to witness and learn how to start a fire.
Presenter: Yu Lian.
With a group trailing behind her, Yu Lian led the way to the kitchen. Lighting a fire was a crucial step, as firestones were relatively inexpensive but difficult for novices to handle. Yu Lian had struggled greatly the previous day to ignite a flame. She had thus purchased a few fire tubes, which were more user-friendly; a gentle blow was all it took to produce a flame, making them easier for her inexperienced family to use.
After the fire was lit, they would save a burning ember in the stove, covered with thick ash, to be reused for the next meal. This was an economical method that Auntie Ma had taught her yesterday, and it was a common practice in every household in the village to maintain an unbroken flame.
Taking a bundle of easily combustible dry grass leaves, she ignited them, then added firewood. Once the wood caught fire, the flame would be stable, requiring only periodic fueling to prevent it from dying out.
"Add more firewood for a stronger flame, and for a smaller one, just place a couple of sticks inside to smolder. Keep an eye on it at all times."
The family watched, enlightened. "So that's how it's done..."
Mrs. Chen admired, "Lian'er, how do you know so much? You've learned so quickly."
Yu Lian added another piece of wood to the fire. "Yesterday, while Auntie Ma and the others were cooking for us, I sneaked in to learn. It's not that difficult; you just need to watch and practice a few times. Controlling the heat shouldn't be too hard – the more you do it, the better you'll get."
The elderly lady, having lived such a long life, had never actually tended a fire before and was unaware of its intricacies. Seeing her granddaughter-in-law manage it with ease, she expressed a desire to give it a try.
Yu Lian helped her grandmother sit on a small stool, then instructed her on how to add wood and manipulate the flames for proper heat control.
"I'm still quite new to this myself, figuring things out as I go along. But it doesn't seem too challenging," Yu Lian reassured her.
The old lady tried turning the wood herself. Unaware of the discomfort while standing, she found the experience quite trying. The heat initially singed her face, and then the squatting position required for tending the fire proved unbearable for her back and legs.
After only a short while, she couldn't bear it anymore and asked Yu Lian to help her up. "I'm getting so old, my back, legs, and knees ache after just a moment. These bones truly show their age."
Unable to manage it herself, she encouraged the younger generation to take turns. Each one had to repeat the process of tending the fire until they all had a go, even Little Guo'er and the twins.
Little Guo'er, with her quick understanding and willingness to learn, mastered it after just one attempt. In contrast, the twins needed two tries and still caused mischief, almost causing the fire to spread. Mrs. Chen also struggled to learn.
To avoid wasting time and delaying breakfast, Yu Lian asked Aunt Mei to pour water into the pot, while Little Guo'er and the twins were tasked with washing the rice. They would start by cooking a pot of porridge.
"Yesterday's leftover greens will be washed and stir-fried with eggs for lunch."
The twins asked, "And what about noon? What will we have for noon?"
Yu Lian playfully tapped their heads with one finger, smiling. "At noon, I'll send both of you to learn farming. You'll till the land for our family, becoming little farmers. You'll eat a hearty breakfast, head out with your hoes, and return with them at night. How does that sound?"
The twins promptly hid behind their parents, fearing that their eldest sister might actually make them farm.
Their eldest sister was truly wicked.
So wicked.
She would really do it!
Yu Lian straightened her expression and looked at her parents and grandmother. "After breakfast, let's have a family meeting to discuss our next steps. I've had some ideas lately that I'd like to discuss with Grandmother and both of you."
The old lady nodded. "Do whatever you wish, Lian'er. Grandmother supports you."
Hua Zhan agreed, "That's as it should be. One must always plan ahead; if you don't think about the future, troubles will surely come. It's good to consider things in advance."
The twins poked their heads out and asked, "What's a family meeting?"
Everyone looked over as Yu Lian explained, "Family refers to our Hua family, and meeting means... like when Father attended court in the past, where the emperor and officials held council meetings. When our family gathers to discuss matters, it's called a family meeting. It's a chance for us to bring up any issues and make decisions together. This is the purpose of a meeting. As newcomers to this place, we have many things to decide and discuss from scratch. If possible, I suggest we hold a family meeting every half-month. This will help us bond and resolve many issues collectively."
The twins initially understood a bit but soon lost track, so they simply stopped listening and went to squat by the fireplace, watching the firewood.
Yu Lian's suggestion was novel. The elderly matriarch had come from an aristocratic family in her youth and later managed a large household as a noble wife. She was no stranger to managing affairs, but she had never heard of such a concept. After pondering it, she found it quite reasonable.
"The idea is excellent and quite innovative. I've never heard of it before. In our household, the manager would gather the servants on the day of the monthly salary distribution to give them instructions. However, there has never been a formal gathering of the entire family to discuss matters. Grandmother believes that this method can strengthen familial bonds and unite our efforts to solve problems together. It's a wonderful idea, and Grandmother approves."
Hua Zhan commented, "In court, officials would report matters to the emperor or receive new instructions. There could be unexpected events to discuss or updates on previous assignments. Is our family meeting similar?"
Yu Lian nodded. "Father and Grandmother are right. Although our family is small, there are many issues to handle, especially given our current situation. With everyone's input and collaboration, we'll adapt better to our new circumstances."
"The logic is sound," the matriarch said, increasingly impressed with her granddaughter-in-law. "Lian'er, you're capable enough to manage any noble household."
With her ideas, abilities, compassion, and integrity, Yu Lian was a woman of outstanding character and competence. How could she not win people's admiration?
It was just unfortunate, in the end.
Thinking of Hua'er, she shook her head; what was the point of dwelling on such matters?
For breakfast, they had plain rice porridge with stir-fried vegetables and eggs. Although it was simple, it was considered quite good in their village. Which household could casually afford to fry eggs for breakfast every day? Or have such rich, creamy porridge? Most people made do with gruel mixed with coarse grains, accompanied by pickled vegetables.
After breakfast, Aunt Mei busily cleared the table and washed the dishes. The family then remained seated in the main living room, commencing their "family meeting."
Chapter 42: Writing a Letter
◎Landlady Lady Master◎
While the Hu family was in conference, Zhu Ying was penning a letter to his master.
Breeding homing pigeons was no easy task, and there were only a few at his master's disposal. The back-and-forth communication took time, and there was always the risk of loss due to predators or adverse weather conditions, resulting in a high attrition rate. To conserve resources, after reporting his safety when he first arrived at Shangyi Village, Zhu Ying had refrained from writing any further letters.
This time, however, he wrote extensively, detailing every event that had transpired within the Hu family since their last correspondence.
To be entirely honest, it was all trivial matters, insignificant trifles. But in the current state of the Hu family, what could qualify as a significant issue? If there were truly major events, they would pertain to life and death, matters that could bring ruin.
Yet, no matter how insignificant the matter might seem, it was never trivial in Zhu Ying's eyes. As Hua Ji's renowned chatterbox, he could go on and on when composing letters.
He wrote, all the while attentively eavesdropping with one ear.
In the room, the family sat in an orderly manner around the table where they shared their meals. At first, no one spoke until the eldest matriarch, being the most senior ancestor, broke the silence: "I will not speak at length about other matters; I shall address only two points. Firstly, as of today, we have truly settled down in this rural area. The Upper Village is our ancestral home and shall henceforth be our home. All of you must regard this place as your home from now on, casting away all memories of the capital city completely. Titles such as 'Houye' (marquis), 'Madame Hou', 'young master', and 'lady' are nothing but fleeting clouds to us; they hold no relevance to our lives now. My advice is that you maintain a balanced mindset and refrain from applying your past ways to your current life, for they will not work. If any of you fail to let go of your former status, you will only invite suffering upon yourselves."
At this point, the matriarch glanced deliberately at Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei before fixing her gaze on the twins, who were wriggling about on the bench, unable to sit still for a moment, discussing their plan to catch fish in the river later.
The matriarch said, "I'm talking about the two of you, Yan'er and Xing'er. Sit properly for your grandmother and listen carefully. If you don't behave, I'll send you to learn farming, and you'll be farmers' children in the future."
Upon hearing this, the twins promptly straightened their small bodies, placing their hands on their laps. They obediently replied, "Reporting to Grandmother, we're sitting properly and listening attentively."
Satisfied, the matriarch continued, "There's one more matter. Although our family is no longer the noble household it once was, regardless of our status, it's still a home. A home needs someone to manage and take charge. I'm old now, and I lack the strength to oversee everything. Mrs. Chen, you've always been indifferent to matters and gentle in nature. Therefore, my intention is to entrust our family to Yu Lian's care from today on. Everyone should follow her lead."
"Mrs. Chen, do you have any thoughts on this?"
Mrs. Chen kept her head down, silent. Instead, Hua Zhan spoke up, "Son agrees with this. The official deeds for the house and land have already been given to my wife. She's young and capable, so it's only fitting for her to take charge." He then looked at Yu Lian and asked, "Will my wife be burdened by this?"
Yu Lian shook her head and said, "Thank you for Grandmother's and Father's trust. Yu Lian will do her best."
The matriarch: "What about Mrs. Chen? Don't remain silent. Speak your mind in front of your family. Take advantage of today to voice your concerns, or it will be too late."
Only then did Mrs. Chen speak up. She glanced at her husband before turning to the matriarch and Yu Lian. Hesitantly, she said, "I have no objections, but... Mother, I am Yu Lian's mother-in-law. If the villagers find out, I..."
Even though Mrs. Chen didn't often socialize outside, she had come to understand that life in the countryside was different from that in the capital. In the capital, high society families kept their affairs private, but in the countryside, with low walls and neighbors living close together, even feeding chickens or pigs could be seen clearly from the outside. People worked in groups in the fields or washed clothes by the river, maintaining little personal distance and therefore, few secrets.
She had witnessed the power of gossipy village women firsthand. Most households here were run by mothers-in-law, and she feared that if they found out, they would talk behind her back, causing her embarrassment.
The elderly lady was almost amused by her daughter-in-law's naivety, which seemed to have no bounds despite her age. She was straightforward and couldn't hide her thoughts, speaking without any subtlety, even in front of Yu Lian. Did she have no shame?
"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of losing face? Or that people will say you lack the authority of a matriarch and have been overshadowed by your daughter-in-law?"
"I'll ask you this. Back in the capital, from the time you entered our family as a young woman, Mother already entrusted you with managing the household. What happened then?"
Mrs. Chen lowered her head in embarrassment, her cheeks turning slightly red.
The elderly lady continued, "At first, you did manage it, but then you delegated the responsibilities to the servant women around you. That Jiang woman had crooked roots, and within half a year, she embezzled how much of our family's property? The household was in disarray, just like a rat had burrowed into our home, stealing our belongings. When discovered, you held on for a while before begging Mother to take back the authority to manage the household, claiming you were incompetent and that it was too exhausting. So, Mother took over. Let me speak frankly today, do you have the ability to manage the household?"
"Our family is not like others, and can Yu Lian be compared to other wives? You've forgotten how she came to our family and led us all here to settle down? How can you be afraid of what outsiders might say and entertain the idea of comparing yourself to Yu Lian?"
Ashamed, Mrs. Chen's eyes reddened, and she whispered, "I was only talking. I'll listen to Mother."
The elderly lady knew that Mrs. Chen didn't have ill intentions. Though not very clever, her character wasn't bad.
Gently consoling her, she said, "Relax and don't worry about losing face. With Yu Lian here, you, as a mother, have an easy life. Others would be envious of you."
Seeing her mother-in-law's downcast posture, Yu Lian poured her a cup of hot tea. Mrs. Chen looked up at her, her eyes still rimmed with redness, tears threatening to fall.
Yu Lian: "..."
"Lián-er, you're now the head of our household. Tell us what we should do and how we should live from now on."
Yu Lian promptly poured hot tea for everyone at the table before saying, "There are two most pressing matters right now. First is the matter of building a new house. This cottage is old and small, originally built for the village school's teacher. It has been around for quite some time. When Yan'er and Xing'er grow up, they can't keep sharing a room with Grandmother. So I thought, since we still have some silver on hand and the villagers have been looking out for us since we moved in, we might as well wait until after the harvest season and ask our neighbors to help build us a new, larger house in one go, so we don't have to worry about expansions or renovations later on. When I was in the capital, I saw some rural estates. I want to build something similar to those."
"Secondly, when we arrived here, we had over five hundred taels of silver. We've spent over a hundred on purchasing land deeds and items these past few days. That leaves us with around three hundred taels. Building a new house will require a significant amount, so we can't just rely on our savings. I think this land is quite spacious. Even if we set aside an area for the house, we'll still have more than ten mu left. We can cultivate crops and fruit trees on these lands and eventually engage in trade."
The elder lady responded, "Lián-er, you've thought through the housing matter carefully. Grandmother agrees. But what kind of business can we do with crops and fruit trees? This place is poor. Your second aunt said that even carrying mountain goods to the town doesn't fetch a good price. If we go further to the county seat, it's inconvenient, and the journey would be too tiring for little profit."
Yu Lian replied, "Grandmother, others may find it difficult, but not us. We have a ready-made carriage, which is much faster than an ox cart. Father can just ask Brother Sanshu to make a trip. As for what to sell and how, I need to think more about it. I'll also inquire with Second Uncle about what grows well in this area."
"In the future, you can be a landlady and enjoy your life at home!"
The elder lady chuckled, her wrinkles deepening with joy. "You always know how to sweet-talk me, Grandmother loves listening to you."
Ever since Yu Lian's first day in the village, she had already planned how to utilize the riverside land. It was currently a stretch of green grass, mostly uncultivated. Villagers usually only came here to wash clothes or fetch water. No one had any ideas for this land, and over time, it had become solidified. If they wanted to cultivate anything, they would have to start from scratch and turn the soil.
Given its location by the river, if they were to till the land, they could plant a row of fruit trees along the bank. This would prevent soil erosion while also allowing them to make canned fruits or dried fruits from the harvest for sale. Then, behind the fruit trees, they could cultivate crops...
This was Yu Lian's initial plan, but the specifics were yet to be determined. She needed to consult Uncle Two about what crops would thrive in this area and what varieties were available. Before that, there was an even more pressing matter...
"Clearing land? Farming!"
The twins jumped down from their stools, hiding behind their mother with their heads shaking like rattle drums. "No, no, we won't go. We won't do it."
"Hold on, you two are the only male members of our family. If not you, then who?" Hua Yan extended his arm for his sister-in-law to see. "Aunt, we're still young! Look at these tiny arms and legs of mine. How could I possibly wield a hoe? The one I saw at Uncle Two's is taller than we are!"
Yu Lian put on a stern expression. "It's up to you two, so stop complaining. Starting today, grab your hoes and start digging."
The twins: "..."
After the first family meeting, Yu Lian enlisted the twins as laborers. She called upon her father-in-law to drive the carriage as they headed to town again. Since their family aimed to become landlords with vast lands to cultivate, they needed to order farming tools. Little Guo'er rushed out and pleaded, "Aunt, Guo'er wants to go too."
So, Yu Lian brought the little girl along.
Upon their return, Yu Lian descended from the carriage, followed by the twins and Little Guo'er, all three beaming with excitement as they carried three piglets. They refused to let go even after reaching home. Next, Hua Zhan carried down two large bamboo baskets, one filled with chicks, the other with two goslings. Their chirping filled the air, causing Hua Zhan to frown as he placed the baskets in the yard.
Chapter 43: Raising Pigs
At this age, tending to pigs?!
Having set down the two baskets filled with chattering creatures, Hua Zhan returned to the carriage to unload the remaining items as well.
Three children, each cradling a cherished little piglet, encircled two bamboo baskets, their faces flushed with excitement.
Back in the days at the Marquis's residence, where had they ever laid eyes on little pigs, chickens, or ducks? This time around, not only did they have the chance to see them, but their elder sister-in-law even purchased some and now they had the opportunity to raise these creatures themselves.
At this moment, they were discussing how to divide not just one pig, but also a basket of chicks among them.
"How do we divide these two little ducks?"
Little Guo'er replied, "These aren't ducks; Sister said they're geese that will grow very big!"
The twins suggested, "Since there are only two, let the two elder brothers raise them. You can have the pig."
Little Guo'er protested, "Sister didn't say they were for you either."
"Come, let's go ask Sister-in-law about this."
The occupants within the house emerged upon hearing the commotion. Mrs. Chen supported the elderly matriarch as Aunt Mei followed closely behind.
"What's the matter with the three of you, making such a fuss? What do you want to ask your sister-in-law?"
The twins spoke in unison, "Geese! We want to raise geese!"
However, both the matriarch and Mrs. Chen, along with Aunt Mei, simultaneously directed their gaze to the piglets that the children were cradling in their arms. "Pigs?"
"Where did these piglets come from? You three can barely take care of yourselves, how can you possibly raise pigs?"
The trio replied in unison, "Not just pigs, but also geese and chickens. Sister-in-law took us to choose them."
Little Guo'er, pointing at the piglet in her arms, said gleefully, "This one is chosen by Guo'er. This piglet is plump; it will grow up to be very big and we can sell it for a lot of money!"
The twins frowned, "How can you be so materialistic? Pigs are so adorable, why would you want to sell them?"
Little Guo'er kissed the piglet affectionately, dismissing her brothers' naivety. "A pig needs to be fat to be sold for silver, to be eaten, and to help support our family. Otherwise, Sister-in-law won't have enough money. I'll work hard to fatten this pig up, and none of you will catch up to me!"
The elderly matriarch praised her granddaughter for her maturity, but how could these three children really know how to raise pigs? Full of questions, the trio approached and indeed saw a basket filled with fluffy yellow chicks, while in another, two ducks flapped their tiny wings, trying to escape.
The twins corrected, "They're geese, big white geese! Not the same as ducks, the old man selling them said they'll grow up to be huge and impressive."
"You're so kind, Sister-in-law. You didn't make us do anything this time, and you even brought us all these adorable creatures. We'll definitely take good care of them!"
The grandmother patted her two grandsons' heads affectionately. "Could it be anyone but your big sister-in-law? Now, off to the side."
As she walked out, she called out, "Lian'er, Lian'er, you're back!"
Yu Lian was helping her father-in-law carry items. On her way back just now, she had passed by her second uncle's house and fetched some rice and wheat flour from him. They had agreed on this earlier; last year's harvest had been bountiful, and her second uncle had stored plenty of grain. Buying from him saved them the trouble of going to the town shop and paying extra for profit.
With a few large bags of provisions, Hua Zhan, still recovering from his injuries, found it somewhat strenuous. Yu Lian thus helped her father-in-law carry one end each, working together to bring them down.
Hearing the grandmother's voice from afar, Yu Lian replied, "Grandmother, I'll talk to you in a moment."
The grandmother had already reached the gate. Spotting the situation, she hurriedly called for Aunt Mei to lend a hand. Though Aunt Mei had been a dancer in the past, she possessed considerable strength, far more than Yu Lian, who came from a family of delicate ladies.
Seeing Aunt Mei join in, the grandmother, not wanting her granddaughter-in-law to suffer, summoned Yu Lian. "Come here quickly, Grandmother has something to ask you."
Only one bag and a few small items remained. Yu Lian informed her father and Aunt Mei, wiped her hands, then walked over. The elderly matriarch led her to the baskets, pointing at them with a mix of laughter and tears. "What's going on here? We can barely manage ourselves, let alone take care of so many little creatures. How can we handle it?"
Little Guo'er hugged her piglet and softly protested, "They're not little beasts, they're treasures. Look how adorable they are, Grandma. They'll even bring in silver someday."
The old lady's heart softened at her innocent and lovely granddaughter, but also turned sour. In the past, they couldn't even afford to see a pig, let alone raise one. Now, at such a young age, she was already concerned about the family's livelihood and knew that pigs could be sold for money.
Yu Lian smiled and said, "Grandma, I forgot to mention this during the meeting. When we were in town, I saw people selling chicks and ducklings, and it dawned on me that we need to not only farm but also raise chickens, ducks, and pigs. I asked Aunt Ma, and she said every household in the village does this. By being self-sufficient, we can spend less on silver, save more, and ease the burden on our family, especially since we don't know much else. Whether we sell or eat them, it will be beneficial."
In the past, the matriarch would always agree with whatever Yu Lian said, but now she looked at the chicks, ducklings, and three piglets with concern. She said with a difficult expression, "You're right, but who in our family knows how to raise chickens, ducks, or feed pigs?"
The three children, hugging their piglets, spoke in unison that they would do it; they would feed them!
The elderly woman waved them off to play elsewhere. "Let's not talk about whether you kids can actually take care of them. Even if you learn, raising these animals isn't a short-term task. It takes months or even years for them to grow. Not to mention the food they'll consume, what if they get sick due to inadequate care? Yan'er and Xing'er will probably lose interest after a couple of days."
Yu Lian linked arms with her grandmother, smiling. "So, this responsibility falls on you. You're the matriarch of our family, our anchor. I'm sure you'll handle these little ones with no problem. This year, we won't be able to plant for the spring harvest, and we'll have to buy food in autumn. But by then, our chickens will have grown and started laying eggs. By winter, the pigs will be fat. We can keep one for ourselves and sell the other two. Wouldn't that bring in some silver?"
The matriarch was taken aback. "Me?"
"…Lian'er doesn't mean to imply that Grandma is lazy or unwilling to learn or work hard. It's just that, honestly, without embarrassing you, my old body has become accustomed to a life of luxury. I find it challenging just to walk over here. Grandma wants to focus on preserving my health, to stay alive long enough to see your lives stabilize and settle down. Then, I can leave knowing you'll be alright."
"Grandmother's frail body is plagued with ailments, preventing me from exerting myself. I fear that any exertion might lead to further health issues, necessitating more visits to the physician and draining our silver. It would also burden you all with worry and labor... Grandmother truly does not wish to become an additional burden through any unforeseen incidents."
The elderly lady bowed her head, her hair a mix of white and silver, and wrinkles creased her profile, revealing the signs of an advanced age. Yu Lian understood that at this age, she was considered quite senior in this era, and her health was indeed frail. Her vitality was diminished, and her aged body, like fragile old bones, was susceptible to illnesses.
This is why she was even more fearful of any ailment befalling her, for it might cast a shadow over the entire family.
She gently shook the old lady's hand and smiled brightly, saying, "Grandmother, back when I was in my maiden's chambers, I read some miscellaneous books, one of which was written by a wandering physician. It mentioned that as people age, they should move around even more; those with weaker constitutions particularly require exercise. It's truly beneficial to keep the body active. Now, farming would surely be too strenuous for you, and sitting idly at home can be dreadfully dull. Over time, it wouldn't do your spirits any good either. So why not find something to occupy yourself with? Enjoy good food and drink, and perhaps take up tending chickens and pigs at home. Engaging in such activities will not only help improve your health but also elevate your mood."
The elderly lady hesitated, "Can it truly be that good?"
"But... Grandmother doesn't know how to do this, how... how would she feed me?"
Having spent her entire life as a respected Lady of a noble household, the Elder Madam never imagined that one day she would be tending to chickens and pigs in the countryside. At her advanced age, she was not repelled by this change in circumstances, but the sight of the two baskets filled with chicks and ducklings, along with the three piglets held by the children, still felt incredibly unfamiliar and uneasy to her.
She truly hadn't anticipated that her granddaughter-in-law's trip to the town would result in so many creatures being purchased, all for the purpose of assigning tasks to her.
"You'll be just fine, Second Grandpa is a master at raising pigs and chickens. I'll invite her over to our home soon, and she can teach you the ropes. This task is yours, and once you've learned, you can instruct our three children. In the future, you and the kids will take charge of feeding our poultry. As for me, my parents, and Stepmother Mei, we have other responsibilities to attend to."
The old matriarch nodded in front of her granddaughter-in-law, then turned to glance at the two baskets filled with little creatures, and compared them to the pigs held by her three grandsons. She rubbed her forehead in exasperation.
She... can actually do it?
At her age, feeding pigs?
Perhaps the granddaughter-in-law was overestimating her abilities.
Though Yu Lian's body appeared fair and beautiful, she wasn't a delicate or hesitant person when it came to tasks. She efficiently organized her grandmother's affairs. Once her father-in-law had moved everything in, she instructed the twins to visit their uncle's house and inquire about when their aunt could come over.
The twins clung to the little piglet, unwilling to let go. Yu Lian took out a bundle of sugar-coated Hawthorn sticks, several of them, swaying them before the twins, making their mouths water with desire.
They pleaded, "Sis, sis... give us the candy apples!"
Yu Lian distributed one stick to each twin and another to Little Guo'er nearby. Then, she counted out five more and said, "Take these along as well, for the children at Uncle's house."
The twins protested, "Sis, you underestimate us! We can easily finish two or three sticks each! No need to bother others!"
"It's not for you, but for the children at Uncle's house. They've helped our family so much, and now we're asking Aunt for another favor. They'd likely refuse other gifts, but giving their kids some candy apples is acceptable. You must deliver them obediently. One should know how to repay kindness and reciprocate favors. When asking for help, there's a proper way to do it - it's a matter of etiquette. Do you understand?"
The twins shook their heads honestly, "No, we don't!"
Little Guo'er: "I understand, I understand! Sister, Guo'er will go. Guo'er is willing to go; Little Pea must be thrilled!"
"Also, call Uncle Qiushou over and let him teach Father how to build a pigsty."
Hua Zhan held a bowl of water, sipping it as she listened, then proceeded to walk towards the house.
"..."
Chapter 44: The Story Scroll ◇
◎ Does it feel like he chased away the one you love? ◎
That very afternoon, the entire Hua family was bustling with activity. The matriarch and Hua Zhan were learning to build a pigsty, while Mrs. Chen followed Second Aunt to learn how to feed chickens, pigs, and geese, leaving them all occupied.
Taking advantage of the lull, Yu Lian pulled aside her mother-in-law, Mrs. Chen, and Mei Concubine, assigning them tasks.
"Mei Concubine, you're quick and nimble. From now on, you'll be in charge of the household chores around here."
Mei Concubine lowered her head for a moment before responding, "Alright..."
She hadn't planned on saying anything, but as Yu Lian turned to leave, she called out to her, asking, "And Lady...?"
Mrs. Chen looked over as well. Yu Lian took her mother-in-law's hand and walked towards the house, explaining, "I've bought some cloth. Mother, your embroidery skills are excellent. Please help me sew some clothing, two sets each for adults and children. One set should be made from fine cotton, and the other from coarse cloth. Use fine cotton for the undergarments, and make an extra set."
Mrs. Chen hastily agreed. Surveying the house and yard, she felt that there was no task suitable for her. Her husband and mother-in-law were busy with their own affairs, the three children were learning how to feed the animals, and Mei Concubine had been given a role. She found herself with nothing to do, feeling unable to contribute anywhere.
She knew nothing about farm work and wasn't sure how to interact with the villagers. The task Yu Lian assigned to her played to her strengths, and she wouldn't have to leave the house to deal with others, greatly alleviating her discomfort in this new environment.
Yu Lian smiled and said, "You don't have to work on it all day. A couple of hours each day will do. Otherwise, it could strain your eyes, and there's no rush to finish the clothes."
Mrs. Chen replied, "Don't worry, Lian'er. I'm used to sewing clothes. Back in the capital, I often made garments for them, your father and Hua'er. Hua'er particularly loved the robes I made for her…" As she spoke, Mrs. Chen's eyes reddened once more.
Lowering her eyebrows slightly, Yu Lian fell silent for a few seconds before taking her mother-in-law's hand and leading her into the house. She retrieved the fabrics for her.
Mrs. Chen felt the fabric, frowning. In her entire life, she had never seen such poor quality material. Even the finest cotton felt rough against her hands, a far cry from the exclusive fabrics available at the grandest cloth merchants in the capital. The coarse cloth beneath was so rough that it would be unsuitable even for curtains.
Could clothes made from these materials be wearable?
Thinking about her family having to wear clothes made from such fabric, her already reddened eyes grew even redder.
After a moment, she asked softly, "What style does Lian'er want? These fabrics seem rather crude, and many intricate patterns won't come out well. Even if they do, they might not look elegant."
Yu Lian replied, "Mother, I'm not very skilled in needlework. Please decide on the design yourself. Just one request: make sure they're simple and comfortable, allowing for ease of movement. Take a look at how the villagers dress and copy their styles."
Mrs. Chen recalled the attire of the villagers and fell silent.
Even the lowest servants in the East Yuan Marquis's household dressed better than they did!
By dusk, the entire family finally paused their labor.
Yu Lian accompanied Aunt Mei to prepare dinner. Little Guo'er, reluctant to part from the piglets drinking water in the makeshift pen her father had constructed, turned around and joined them, eager to assist with the firewood.
For dinner, they prepared cold noodles. The wheat flour was purchased from Second Uncle's house the previous day. While Grandma Two had come to teach them about raising pigs, she also instructed them on kneading dough, making steamed buns, and rolling noodles. Aunt Mei, despite her humble upbringing, had learned some household chores as a child and quickly recalled these skills, adapting swiftly.
Aunt Mei took charge of most of the cooking. She boiled the rolled noodles, drained them, and set them aside to cool. Then, she mixed shredded cucumbers and carrots with sauce and noodles, creating a refreshing bowl of cold noodles.
Considering everyone's hard work that day, Yu Lian decided to make an egg custard as an additional treat.
At the table, due to their hard work today, everyone was ravenously hungry. Ignoring the adults, the three children whined loudly about their hunger, staring eagerly. Their eyes lit up even more when they saw the egg custard.
Yet, the twins grumbled, "We want meat. It's been so long since we've had it. I crave the braised pork knuckle from First Rank Tower in the capital. That's truly delicious."
It was Hua Xing who spoke, but despite receiving a glare from their grandmother, he persisted with a pouting mouth, "Not just that, there's also the roast goose from Spring Phoenix Pavilion, Chef Wang's drunken chicken and drunken spare ribs in our estate, and the desserts from the Imperial Kitchen that Father brings back from the palace..." He couldn't stop listing them, counting on his fingers as he went.
As he spoke, his eyes reddened from the injustice of it all.
Hua Yan also started to cry, and the two brothers cried out together in unison, their voices filled with sorrow, "What kind of life is this?"
Before their father could scold them, the twins wiped their eyes, grabbed their bowls, and started eating noisily, each taking large spoonfuls of egg custard. Once they were full, they left the table and ran towards the yard.
Mrs. Chen called after them, "Where are you going?"
The twins replied in unison, "We're feeding the piglets. When they grow big and we sell them for silver, we can return to the capital!"
Little Guo'er quickly finished her last bite and rushed outside as well. She also wanted to work hard to feed the pigs, sell them for money, and return to the capital so she could find her aunt.
With the children gone, only the adults remained at the table, looking at each other silently, unable to find words.
The matriarch let out a long sigh and said, "Eat, eat. What do children know?"
...
Yu Lian lowered her head to eat, but her mind was preoccupied. She had thought that living peacefully and enjoying her simple life would be enough, but perhaps she was the only one in the family with this mindset. The others, even the three young children, had not fully left their past behind. The task of adjusting them to rural life was a daunting one.
Hua Zhan was the first to set down his chopsticks. He went outside to the yard, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing silently at the sky.
The women in the house finished eating, washed the dishes, and prepared water for the children's bath before each retiring to their own rooms.
Yu Lian boiled water herself and, with great care, wiped her body clean, planning to ask her second uncle tomorrow to find a carpenter to help build some furniture and a bathtub for soaking.
While the Hua family was gradually settling in Upper Village, their tales could still be heard everywhere in the capital.
Despite the East Yuan Marquis's residence being sealed off by the authorities, people would often stroll by, eager for a glimpse of what remained.
Each time they passed the grand gates and the stone lions guarding them, they sighed, lamenting the whims of fate. The once-mighty East Yuan Marquis had lost his son and been forced to return home in disgrace, leaving the vast estate deserted.
Most people were still captivated by the tragic love story between the sixth lady of the State Duke's mansion and the late heir of the East Yuan Marquis. Initially, when Yu Lian moved into the East Yuan Marquis's residence, there were whispers that she would soon regret her decision. But now, with her leaving the capital with her in-laws to endure hardships in the countryside, no one dared to utter such words anymore.
New editions of the storybook about East Yuan Marquis's heir, Hua Ji, and Lady Yu Lian, the sixth daughter, continued to emerge, each more poignant and devoted than the last. Listeners were moved to tears, and even the opera troupes adapted their tale into performances.
Recently, there was another lively topic circulating among those who frequented the East Yuan Marquis's gate. They noticed the commotion next door, where a certain prince's residence was filled with the sounds of hammering and clanging.
Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the prince's mansion had suffered a calamity. Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis, had vanished for a while and returned, seemingly mad. He rode his horse into the prince's residence, causing chaos and destruction.
"I've heard they had to tear down the wall that bordered the East Yuan Marquis's residence, and now they're hurriedly repairing it."
"Usually, there's no interaction between the old prince and the Ru Yang Marquis's household. Why would he provoke that young tyrant?"
"Moreover, he holds the title of a Duke, and is a member of the royal family. How dare Young Master Li be so audacious as to provoke trouble at his residence?"
Due to the recent commotion in front of the East Yuan Marquis's mansion, with numerous commoners coming to spectate or reminisce about the unfolding stories, vendors seized the opportunity to set up tea stalls, even offering snacks. This turned the area into a bustling scene.
The elderly Duke's household tried to chase people away, but to no avail. The vendors argued that they were only operating in front of the East Yuan Marquis's gates, not obstructing the Duke's property; what was the harm?
On this day, the tea stall was as usual, packed with patrons. They munched on sunflower seeds, sipped their tea, and gossiped about the antics within the old Duke's residence. The clinking sounds from the Duke's estate served as a peculiar background melody, eliciting laughter from the listeners.
A scholar with a silk scarf on his head chuckled and said, "What difference does it make if they're royalty or aristocrats? Young Master Li is also part of the royal family. Nowadays, rank doesn't matter as much as the favor one receives from the Emperor. The Empress Dowager is currently in favor, and the Ru Yang Marquis has been entrusted with important tasks. Rumor has it that he's about to become the prime minister. How much less prestigious is the current Ru Yang Marquis House compared to the former East Yuan Marquis? Besides, that old Duke has no real power aside from his royal lineage. I've heard the Emperor even spared him from attending court due to his old age."
The scholar burst into laughter. "Let alone tearing down one of his walls, he wouldn't dare to so much as fart if we didn't touch his concubine!"
The entire teahouse burst into laughter. When the mirth subsided, someone commented, "I heard that the old Marquis's grandson was also given a sound beating by Mister Li, that little plump fellow. I happened to pass by here that day and heard him crying out in agony. Could it be that the child provoked Mister Li?"
Oh, why bother with such matters? Is there a new tale about Miss Sixth today? Fetch it quickly for me to peruse.
"The script exists... but this time, it's rather unique. Previously, the stories were all about Miss Sixth and Prince Dongyuan. However, in this new version, Prince Dongyuan is portrayed as a deceitful and faithless man who broke Miss Sixth's heart. At her wits' end, she encounters an upright scholar. This scholar comes to Miss Sixth's rescue, and together, they forge a beautiful love story."
"I've brought the latest edition of the storybook, freshly released by June Publishing House this morning. It's been selling like hotcakes, and this is the last copy."
Tea-drinking spectators: "..."
At the residence of the Ru Yang Marquis...
Li Xiang held the storybook, engrossed in the part where the scholar and the sixth young miss finally unite in love, reading it over twenty times without tiring. He had indeed returned home in disgrace and been rejected by his beloved, but no one said he couldn't write storybooks. Now that Lian'er was no longer around, he could write whatever pleased him.
With this thought, he rubbed his hands together, ready to plan the next book. This time, he would still write about Lian'er and himself. What kind of irredeemable villain should he make Hua Ji, the deceased? Perhaps a bald monk consumed with jealousy and unrequited love.
Just as he was about to head to his study to start writing, he heard his father's furious roar from afar, followed by an object flying towards him, narrowly missing his forehead.
"Damn kid, what have you done now? Why did you destroy the Old Marquis's residence and even tear down their wall? Does that wall have a grudge against you? Today, the imperial censor and the Old Marquis filed a complaint to the Emperor, and with the Empress having given birth to a crown prince, the Emperor is preparing to reselect cabinet ministers. You really know how to cause trouble for your father at such a crucial time!"
Li Xiang scrambled away, then, when his father approached, he clung to his arm ingratiatingly. "Who asked him to keep his grandson in check? A mere marquis, eight generations removed from the Emperor, acting all high and mighty every day. I couldn't stand it."
His father sneered. " Couldn't stand it? There are plenty of arrogant people in the capital, yet you don't go picking fights with all of them."
"Was it because he drove away your beloved?"
Li Xiang turned her head to meet her father's meaningful gaze, and with a stiff neck, she admitted frankly, "If he hadn't allowed his plump son to bully Hua Ji's two younger brothers, Lian'er wouldn't have thought of moving away. If she hadn't left the capital, I would still have had a chance. But now that she's gone, I have nothing..."
"Let this matter rest. Don't ever mention it again, nor the East Yuan Marquis' family! The position of Junior Minister in the Supreme Court is vacant. Improve your behavior in the coming days and don't cause trouble. I'll try to secure it for you."
With a mournful expression, Li Xiang thought that the next storybook might be a long time coming.
...
These days, apart from the Ru Yang Marquis' residence, the Wei Duke's manor had experienced the most significant upheaval.
Chapter 45: A Bitter Struggle ◇
◎It seems Young Lady misses you again.◎
"It's all your fault, all your fault! If you, as her father, had any real power, our daughter wouldn't have been left with no choice but to return to the countryside with that family. If she had a father with influential sway, she wouldn't be in such a vulnerable position now."
"The old matriarch in the mansion is always watching us. As her parents, we can't even lend our daughter a helping hand without worrying about her wrath. Should she become enraged, she could expel us from the family, stripping us of the title of the Wei Duke's residence. Then, what would you, Wei Sanlang, amount to?"
"A mere sixth-rank official, dismissed by others and overlooked by your elder brothers in the mansion. The old matriarch doesn't value you, and the emperor doesn't even recall who you are. When will this endless misery come to an end?"
The room fell into a long silence. After a while, Yu Sanlang turned to leave with his hands behind his back.
Yu Niang hastily wiped her eyes, beginning to regret her words. She had only lashed out due to the news brought by her hired bodyguards that Lian'er had been hunted down and had now returned to her hometown with the Huas, never to come back. These days, she had been living in fear and constantly missing her daughter, grieving over her hardships. The more she thought about it, the more she blamed herself and her husband for being unable to protect their daughter, forcing her to seek refuge with the Huas in the countryside.
Thoughts had turned into an obsession, causing her to speak without restraint, hurting both herself and others.
She wiped away her tears, stood up, and took hold of her husband's sleeve. "I didn't mean those words, dear husband. Please don't take them to heart."
Yu Sanlang replied, "It's alright. What you said holds some truth. I'll go speak with Mother."
"Why are you looking for her?"
"To discuss the matter of separating households."
Yu Niang failed to stop him and watched in a daze as he left. It took her a while before she could chase after him.
The Wei Duke's residence had been in turmoil for several days. Nobody expected that the usually silent Third Branch would be the first to propose a separation, and to live independently at that.
Among the three brothers of the Wei Duke's family, the Third Branch was the weakest in terms of wealth and influence. The Eldest Branch inherited the title and managed all affairs within the household, enjoying a promising future and comfortable life. The Second Branch married the daughter of a wealthy merchant, so they never lacked money, and even bought a minor official position. Only the Third Branch was weak, lacking both noble rank and official status. Their wife was from a modest scholarly family, which was why they had held a low-ranking sixth-grade official position for years without any promotion.
According to everyone in the residence, the Third Branch should have been the most unwilling to separate, as they stood to lose the most. While still part of the Duke's household, they could benefit from its resources. Once they left, not only would their living expenses be affected, but the status of a mere sixth-grade official, stripped of the Duke's identity, would hardly guarantee a comfortable life outside.
To everyone's surprise, the usually reserved and straightforward Yu Sanlang, who never spoke much, was the one to approach the Matriarch first, requesting to separate and live on his own.
He didn't care whether his older brothers wanted to split or not; he just wanted his branch to live independently.
The Matriarch cried several times, but this time Yu Sanlang, who had always been filial and obedient, was determined to leave. Even the persuasion of his elder brothers couldn't change his mind.
The First Lady and Second Lady pretended to advise their younger sister-in-law, but they eventually stopped. Secretly, they were delighted. Without the burden of the Third Branch, the residence could save a significant amount of money and wouldn't need to support their entire family. Besides, regarding Yu Lian's identity... although she was no longer in the capital, she remained a potential troublemaker. Who knew when the emperor might suddenly recall past events and seek retribution?
They reached an unspoken agreement, both feeling that the separation of the third branch was for the best.
A few days later, the third branch of the Wei Duke's residence did indeed separate, with Yu Sanlang moving out with his wife, concubines, and children to live in the courtyard that had been his wife's dowry. This sparked a moderate amount of discussion.
Yu Niang blamed herself, believing that her words had been disrespectful and hurt her husband's pride, leading him to angrily leave the Duke's residence.
But Yu Sanlang said, "For all these years, both my success and failure have been tied to the Wei Duke's residence. I've benefited from its protection, but also grown weary of its constraints. I see now that the emperor has no intention of relying on old aristocrats. If I don't separate from the family, and continue to carry the title of the Wei Duke's residence, no matter how well I perform, the emperor will not see me, and my superiors won't promote me. I'm already in my thirties; if I don't strive for more now, when Lian grows up, she'll have nothing to rely on."
"Besides, living in the residence has always restricted us. For so many years, you've suffered because of me."
"Should we send someone to find Lian and persuade her to come back?"
Yu Sanlang shook his head. "Forget it. Although life in the countryside is poor, it's peaceful and safe. Let her stay for now. If one day…" He didn't finish the sentence, but Yu Niang could see the ambition in her husband's eyes. He was dreaming of the day he would rise to power and then call their daughter back.
But how easy would that be?
The bustling life of the capital seemed like a different world from the simple existence of rural folk.
The next morning, Yu Lian asked her uncle to find a carpenter from the neighboring village to make some furniture and wooden tubs and basins. Villagers usually cut down trees themselves, carried them down the mountain, and paid the carpenter for his labor. But the Hua family lacked the time for such tasks, as they were busy clearing land and planting crops. Thus, they paid extra for the materials.
Villagers were busy with spring planting, unable to spare anyone to assist. Fortunately, Second Uncle, being elderly and no longer working in the fields, had plenty of leisure time. He often wandered over to Hua Zhan's place, imparting his agricultural knowledge.
"Learn this first—how to plow. The key to clearing new land is to turn over compacted earth, making it loose, and removing all the weeds. As for what to plant, we'll discuss that once you finish this task."
Hua Zhan looked up at the vast expanse of green grass. As his daughter-in-law had mentioned, the plot was more than ten mu large. It would take him an entire year to plow it all by himself.
He never imagined he'd one day be vexed by such a large piece of land. His worries were so consuming that he almost forgot past events and lost the energy to ponder his eldest son's decisiveness.
Yu Lian came to the river to wash clothes, with Little Guo'er tagging along. She casually suggested, "Don't you have two other sons? Let them bring their small hoes and lend a hand. I asked the blacksmith to forge two miniature hoes, and the carpenter has already fitted handles. They can help you. In our household, there are only three men—father and sons. Tilling requires strength; no one else can assist. You've been working hard."
Upon hearing this, Hua Zhan put down his hoe and returned home. In the courtyard, the twins were crouched in front of the pigsty, conversing with the piglets.
They were idle.
Hua Yan: "Brother, do you feel a chill on the back of your head?"
Hua Xing, who had just withdrawn his hand from teasing the piglets, washed it in a bucket. "Surely Sister-in-law is plotting something for us again. We should find a place to hide."
The brothers exchanged glances. "Let's go to Second Uncle's place and play with Bean's older brother."
With their short legs scurrying, the two boys bumped into their father returning home. Just as they were about to sneak away by calling out "Dad," they were lifted up by him. "Dad, put us down, please put us down."
Hua Zhan carried his two sons back to the courtyard. Beside the pigsty, he found two small hoes hidden among the hay stacks and tossed one to each of them, ordering them to carry them.
The twins' faces fell. "Dad, how did you know the hoes were hidden here?"
Hua Zhan sneered. "Take them and work."
"I knew it, Eldest Sister-in-law is no good. She's bad; she must have told Dad."
"Dad..."
Hua Zhan started walking out. "No nonsense."
The twins, dejected, carried the tiny hoes as they followed their father towards the riverbank. Gazing at the lush green grass, they felt even more hopeless than their father. How miserable were they? In all of the capital city, who else was as wretched as they were? Bullying from their eldest sister-in-law, labor under their father – it was truly unbearable.
They had descended to the point of tilling fields and clearing land.
"Dad, we're still young!"
"Hard work begins with small tasks."
"Who said that, Father?"
"Our eldest sister-in-law did."
"..."
Satisfied with the twins' disgruntled glares, Yu Lian smiled as she carried the laundry basket with Little Guo'er in tow. Gazing at the basket, she mused that her current life was just the beginning. With more effort, when they moved into a grand house, she wouldn't have to do these chores herself. Instead, she could command others, counting silver and reviewing account books, living the life of a landlady – that would be the true good life.
In Zhu Ying's eyes, however, the young madam had it so tough and was truly exhausted. She worried tirelessly for the family, managing everyone's livelihood and educating the two young masters. Despite her intentions for their well-being, the two young masters remained stubbornly spoiled, constantly opposing the young madam. They were truly mischievous and deserving of a lesson!
After some thought, he added a postscript to the letter: "The two young masters, unyielding in their arrogance, are difficult to discipline. The young madam has a challenging task."
Seeing that the letter was already quite thick, he feared it might weigh down the homing pigeon, so he tied it securely to the bird's leg and sent it off by patting its wings.
The letter passed through several hands before finally reaching its rightful owner.
At that time, Hua Ji, under an assumed name, was traveling incognito with his subordinates for research. It wasn't until over a month later that he received the letter.
When all his subordinates had left, he sat down at his desk and carefully opened the letter.
Normally, when reading Zhu Ying's letters, he would skip over the lengthy rambling. This time, however, he read every word meticulously.
The letter described how his family had successfully settled in Shangyixiang Village, detailing his parents, grandmother, and siblings. This part occupied less than half of the content. The rest was dedicated to the Young Lady – how she was, what she said, and what she did.
He furrowed his brow, and those elegant, refined eyes took on a deeper hue, like bright moons.
The letter repeatedly mentioned the Young Lady: "Young Lady did this today... Young Lady said that... Young Lady made this..."
"The Young Lady seems to be missing you again. I saw her stay up half the night, gazing at the moon through the window..."
"The Young Lady is having a hard time..."
He folded the letter, took a small box from the bookshelf, and carefully placed it inside.
"Master, has Zhu Ying sent a letter? What did the boy write? It's probably filled with nonsense again. The messenger said the carrier pigeon was exhausted, its wings barely able to move after the journey."
The man in green walked out with his hands behind his back. "Not yet." He paused before adding, "Prepare for a journey to Jiangcheng tomorrow. Have the carriages and boats ready."
Scratching his head, the servant looked at his master's retreating figure in confusion. Could that chatterbox have changed her ways?
After the village had finished planting for the spring, the Hua family gradually adapted to rural life. Hua Zhan, accompanied by her twin sons, spent half a month clearing the wilderness. Amidst their busy schedule, her illness subsided almost unnoticed, and her strength returned. The two fair-skinned boys were tanned a bright red from the sun, and after two weeks, they began to acquire a healthy, bronzed glow, causing Mrs. Chen to shed tears of concern every day.
To Yu Lian's surprise, before she could even seek help, some astute villagers, with keen senses, approached her after completing their own fieldwork. They inquired if she was indeed planning to hire people for land clearance and farming.
"I heard from my wife that your family is going to build a new house. Is that true? Are you hiring laborers? How many copper coins per day? I used to work for wealthy families in the county, so I have experience in this."