. Even now, the eldest son of the Wang family still wants to trip up Li Lao Er!On the surface, they appear harmless, but behind closed doors, they are like venomous snakes, requiring constant vigilanc..." Auntie Wu nodded repeatedly, taking hold of Old Mrs. Li's hand gratefully and saying, "Elder sister, we have been living a good life thanks to your family. Both Da Yong and Hui Niang were saved by your family, in the end, it was our lucky day."
"Oh, Auntie, you can't say that! You and Uncle have been so kind to these two children. You haven't spared any effort in taking care of them! Besides, Dayong said our family is the husband's family, and your family is the wife's family. Look, both our families are these children's support system. How good is that!" Grandma Li said with a smile, "Auntie, we just believe that kindness is rewarded!"
"Yes, yes!" Auntie Wu wiped away her tears and reached out to hug the twins, giving one to Old Mrs. Li. She couldn't help but boast, "Look, aren't these two children beautiful"
It's not that the house was lively, but Hui Niang and Liu Saozi brought several women from the village to cook. Tao Hongying and Zhao Yuru wanted to help, but they were pushed into the room to crack melon seeds and gossip.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of food during the Chinese New Year, and it's also easy to prepare the feast.
Soon, the food will be ready.
Daya and Huiniang held the two children and kowtowed to the village head and Wu Da Niang, calling them "father" and "mother."
Mrs. Wu directly took off the silver bangle on her wrist and put it onto Hui's hand.
The two of them clung to each other and wept bitterly. One would have a mother from now on, and the other, a daughter to support her in old age.
Everyone quickly urged him and congratulated him one after another.
A meal, eaten with fervor and joy, until the sky darkened and even the village chief was hard of tongue from drinking.
From his hardships in his youth to his happy life now, he cried tears of joy and sorrow.
Everyone persuaded him, and finally managed to get him settled in the west room for a nap. Li Yong stayed by his side, afraid that the old man might want a drink of water or something at night.
Hui Niang then took the child and slept in the east room with Wu Da's mother.
On the fifth day, Shuiyun and Shuiling returned home.
Both of them looked well, having gained some weight, which showed they hadn't been short on good food at home.
They brought two sets of clothes and two pairs of shoes for Laotai Li and Jia Yin, all hand-stitched by their mother.
Firstly, it's about respecting the master. Secondly, it's about thanking the master for treating the two young girls well.
The two little girls, since they returned home these past few days, have been practically chanting "Old Lady Li" and "Miss" nonstop. They bring it up every now and then.
From their attire and meals, it was evident that they had never experienced any hardship or suffering.
Of course parents are happy when their children live a good life!
Therefore, out of gratitude, he worked all night long and made these stitches.
Besides, Shuǐyún and Shuǐlíng also brought Jiāyīn some delicious food that their family was particularly good at making.
One kind of fish cake, especially delicious.
It should be a batter that is mixed with red bean paste, poured into a mold, baked until golden brown on both sides. It's soft and fragrant when eaten.
Jia Yin ate three in one breath, which made Shui Yun and Shui Ling very happy.
Of course, most importantly, two young men, Zheng He and Zheng Feng, returned with them.
Zheng He and Zheng Feng were brothers in their twenties, both already married.
They, like Shui Yun and Shui Ling, were chosen to learn martial arts from a young age, but they also had a few years of schooling.
This time, I'm here at the Li family's place to do my duty, following the orders of the Marquis.
Let me know if you have any other text you'd like translated!
The Li family didn't have many people at their disposal on a daily basis, only Ye Shan. Sometimes, he was too busy to handle everything himself.
From then on, the two brothers lived in the Ye family courtyard and were available at any time.
It so happened that on this day, the head steward of the Marquis's mansion also arrived, bringing with him the personal attendant that the Marquis had arranged for Li Lao Er.
This man's name is Ye Tong. He's in his thirties, short and stout. He always has a smile on his face when he speaks, making him seem approachable. However, the shrewdness in his eyes cannot be overlooked.
Having heard that Ye Tong was familiar with the situations of various families in Kyoto and knew all the rules and regulations of the court like the back of his hand, Li Laotai couldn't help but want to worship him!
Some say she's timid, others call her cowardly. This mother, she just wants to keep all her sons close to her, safe on the shores of gold dust, none of them venturing out. All she cares about is a peaceful life.
But there's no way around it, the eldest son wants to do business, the second son wants to go into government service, the third son wants to look after the children's studies, and the youngest son wants to go on a campaign.
Her heart, it aches to be divided into four parts, each worrying about one person.
What she missed most was her second son. After all, the imperial court was a place where one wrong word could lead to disaster.
Having someone familiar with court etiquette and rules around her son would allow her and her whole family to rest easy.
The steward of the Hou Mansion was left to eat lunch before returning to the city.
The Lord has been going to the palace frequently these days, so he stays at the Marquis's mansion in the evenings. He wants to keep a close eye on things and make sure the servants serve him properly...
Thus, the Li family grew by three more members.
Although they lived in the Ye family courtyard, Lao Tai Li always felt that her own place was too small. The matter of building a second courtyard had to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
After dinner that night, she gathered her children and grandchildren to speak.
After a few more days, when the fifteenth day passed and the weather turned warm, I'd better prepare the materials in advance and hurry up to build the backyard.
Li Laotai held her granddaughter, watching as the little girl played with her jade ornament. Afraid it might fall to the ground, she turned the child slightly towards the side of the table and continued, "When the courtyard is built, I'll move in with Hongying and Funiuer. We'll leave rooms for Lao San and his wife, and Jiahuan and her husband. Then the front yard will be yours, do whatever you want with it."
Of course, Li Zhensheng's brothers had no objections. Li Zhensheng said, "Mother, when I was away from home, I didn't contribute to building this courtyard. Now that we finally have a chance to expand it, I must contribute money for the stone and wood."
Li Lao Er also chimed in, "Then I'll be responsible for finding someone to build it."
Li Laosan and Li Laosi were about to speak, but Li Zhensheng stopped them. "Laosan, just take care of the children. Laosi, go to the camp from time to time, and don't worry about home."
Li Lao'er also chimed in, “Big brother’s right, let’s arrange it this way. My brother and I can’t handle it alone, so we’ll call you guys back to help out if needed.”
Building a house next to someone else can be a big deal, and it's even caused many feuds.
But at the Li family, the four brothers decided in just a few words.
Lao Li was delighted to hear this. Having such a son, she really had nothing more to ask for in life.
Jiayin also hugged the jade ruyi and smiled happily.
Thinking about the new courtyard being built, she would be able to have her own room in the future, which would make it more convenient to enter and exit.
In the blink of an eye, it was already the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, and the Academy was about to start. Li Lao San and Zhao Yu Ru were preparing to take their children back to Luo An.
Li Laotai and Tao Hongying were helping Zhang Luo, loading big and small packages onto the carriage. They wanted to move their whole house over there.
Even the mischievous boys were reluctant to leave.
They just can't get enough, not even Jia Ren seems to have the energy left.
The dependence on home is innate to all people, regardless of age or distance. Home will always be where the heart belongs.
When Li Laotai thought about how empty her home would be, she sighed. But the children's futures were important!
She hugged each of her grandsons one by one, then pushed them into the car and instructed, "Study hard at school. When it's February 2nd, Grandma will bring a big pig's head to visit you!" her too."Your days will only get better, and Jiaren will like you more and more!"Xíng Wǎn'ér still wanted to say something, but seeing the tiredness between her mother’s brows, she quickly changed he...