he next extra chapter will be when we hit 300 reviews, my little treasures. Keep those fingers moving and give us five-star ratings! Let me just say plainly, I'm eagerly awaiting lots and lots of five...Li Lao Si was afraid his mother would be worried, so he quickly took two steps forward and helped her up, saying: "Mother, we're back. Niu's wife is idle and came to stay for a while."
Getting married and then going out to socialize, while also staying for a short visit at other people's homes No one else follows this custom!
Mrs. Li knew that things weren't as simple as they seemed, but this wasn't the time to speak up. She smiled and said, "Of course! Welcome, welcome! All the children are going to school now, it's so quiet at home. It would be nice if Er Niu's wife stayed for a few days, she could keep me company as an old woman."
Wei Erniu quickly pulled his wife, Xiao Cuier, forward to bow and thank her. "Thank you, Madam. We...have disturbed you."
“What kind of nonsense are you talking about,” Li Laotai patted his shoulder, and then smiled as she took Xiao Cuier’s hand and said, “Child, Er Niu and my fourth son are best friends, closer than real brothers! You can consider this place your home. We’ll talk later.”
Xiaocui’s eyes turned red, her gaze filled with three parts grievance and seven parts fear. She carefully opened her mouth and said: “Auntie, I didn't shirk my work. I can do it. If you have any tasks, just call me.”
"Alright!" Li Laotai understood the child's nervousness and replied with extra enthusiasm, "Don't worry, harvest is coming soon, there's plenty of work at home. You can help me tidy up the vegetable garden then."
Xiaocui'er giggled, "Auntie, I know how to pickle salted vegetables! The villagers all say my pickled vegetables are delicious. I'll pickle some extra for you."
"Alright, that's settled then!" Li Laotai shook her hand and called out to the crowd, "I'll take Xiaocui and Erniu to settle them in. You all follow Lao Si to wash your hands and faces. There weren't any less steamed buns made this morning at home, we'll warm some up for you soon so you can fill your stomachs."
"Thank you, Madam!" Everyone responded in unison, and just as they were about to head to the next courtyard, Li Yong and Huiniang heard the news and rushed over with their child.
The dragon and phoenix twins were no longer weak, after eating and drinking for two days, their spirits recovered. Now one mischievous one was pulling at father's hair, while the other one was moving back and forth in mother's womb.
Everyone was delighted and couldn't help but rush forward to hug and play with it.
"It's strange that Wei Erniu brought his wife here," Hui Niang said. "When I heard they wanted to stay at Li's place, I said, 'Aunt, you have many visitors coming and going, both in the front and back yards, which is quite a hassle. Why not let Erniu and Xiao Cuier stay with us instead'"
"On a normal day, Er Niu and Dayong went to the docks. It would be so nice if Xiao Cuier came with me for company."
Li Yong also chimed in, "That's right, Auntie, it's more convenient for them to live at our place!"
Wei Erniu also knew that the Li family was truly keeping them, but in such a large courtyard, all comings and goings were distinguished guests. Relatively speaking, it would be more comfortable at Li Yong's place.
Then, he had his wife pay respects to Old Lady Li and went to Li Yong's house.
Li Laotai didn't stop them either and said, "You guys can choose wherever you feel comfortable to stay. Just rest for today. Tomorrow, I'll make some delicious dishes at home for all of you to enjoy. Let's have a good celebration."
After a few laughs, Hui-niang and Li Yong put the child down and took Wei Erniu's couple back home...
Jia Yin woke up from her nap, washed her face, and went to the front yard. She saw the dragon and phoenix twins sitting on the chairs under the eaves of the porch.
The two chubby children were given nicknames by the village head. The boy's name was Pingping, and the girl's name was Anan.
At this moment, they each held a fruit and were happily munching on it.
The fruit was peeled and some lines were carved into it, ensuring that both children could taste it without biting off too big a piece and choking.
Old Mrs. Li sat beside them, occasionally teasing the two chubby children. Steam billowed from the stove, heating up steamed buns and congee.
Jia Yin walked over and kissed the twins on their cheeks. Then, she took hold of her grandmother’s arm and asked, "Grandma, why are you cooking at this time Why did you come here peacefully"
Li Laotai told about how she brought Wei Erniu and his wife over. Jia Yin's curiosity immediately flared up like a bonfire.
"Milk, what's going on Didn't Second Uncle just marry a wife Why is he bringing his wife out to live"
Li Lao Er slapped his granddaughter and scolded, "At such a young age, don't be like the gossipy women in the village, always talking about others' family affairs. There's nothing you don't want to know!"
"Hee hee!" Jia Yin giggled, quickly finding an excuse, "Uncle Er Niu saved Father, so I'm just concerned about Uncle Er Niu!"
As she was speaking, Hui'niang arrived. Knowing that Old Madam Li was thinking of her, she didn't wait to be asked and proactively spoke up.
"Auntie, the Wei family is not honorable! Er Niu is honest and hardworking since he was young, but he is not as good at talking and flattering people as his older brother, so his family favors his older brother.
His elder brother's wife was the daughter of the owner of a textile shop. Xiao Cuier was an orphan from the village who was taken in by the Wei family and became a child bride for Er Niu.
For the past few years, Brother Er Niu and his wife have lived in the county town, but their food, clothing, and shelter were all paid for by their family. Brother Er Niu's military pay was given to his older brother, leaving Xiao Cuier to work like an ox and a horse for the Wei family. She was beaten and scolded, and she didn't even have enough to eat or wear warm clothes.
This time, when Er Niu returned to her hometown for her wedding, she learned about all this. Moreover, the Wei family hosted a very frugal wedding banquet for them and didn't even prepare a wedding dress for Xiao Cuier.
"The fabric and jewelry we gave were directly taken by Er Niu's mother to give to her eldest daughter-in-law, saying that she would rely on the eldest son's family for support in their old age and wouldn't depend on Er Niu anymore. "
"Er Niu wanted to take Xiao Cuier with her, but they refused. They wanted to keep Xiao Cuier at home and make her work as a cow or horse, chasing Er Niu out to earn money again..."
"This is too much!" Old Lady Li was furious, "Flesh and blood are all their own children! Are the old couple of the Wei family blinded by lard Even if we don't talk about the eldest son being reliable or not, just look at Er Niu and Xiao Cui, they are so filial and sensible, they can't be treated this way!"
"Indeed," Hui'niang also sighed, and said in a low voice, "This family is just like the Yan family, too heartless."
"What are those two bulls planning" Li Laotai frowned, "Playing favorites won't do! These old couple relies on the eldest son to support them in their old age, I don't think they'll be able to count on him. Maybe later, they'll turn to Er Niu..."
Hui Niang nodded and replied, "According to Xiao Cui, Er Niu is going back for another trip. His uncle passed away early, and no one inherited the family business. Er Niu wants to be adopted under his uncle's name, so that in the future, his parents will rely on him instead of his elder brother. Since he came here, it means he's a relative."
Even though he wasn't home, Xiaocui wouldn't be bullied too badly by her parents.
"That's a good idea too!" Old Mrs. Li's eyes lit up. "They say there are no perfect parents in the world, filial piety is paramount, but Er Niu has really bad luck to run into such parents. It's best for her to keep some options open for herself!"
"Little Cui'er seemed to be a diligent and honest girl. If the old couple from the Wei family remained obedient, Little Cui'er wouldn't let them become completely destitute."
The two of them were chatting excitedly, but Jia Yin was anxiously fidgeting on the side.
There's no other reason, I just can't bear to part with it!
The jewelry she gave, was given by Xie Erniush to repay my father's life. It is not for these greedy wolves from the Wei family!times it's afraid of the wind, sometimes it's afraid of slippery roads from snow. It won't even take an extra step! ""My whole life, I've been in charge. I don't want to be old and still not free!"M...