Chapter 81. Chapter 81. There will be joy, and even more so, happiness. ...

Cao family

In the courtyard of the brick and tile house, there was a square patio in the middle. Uncle Cao called his two sons and daughters-in-law over.

Candles were lit in the hall, and the dim candlelight reflected on everyone's faces, making it impossible to see their expressions.

"Tomorrow is your sister's wedding. I don't expect you to take much care of her afterward, but at least maintain the Cao family's reputation. Eldest son, you are the eldest brother, you will escort Yuan'er to her wedding tomorrow." Uncle Cao coughed twice as he spoke, "You will be the head of the family from now on, you know what to do, right?"

A few days ago, the Cao family invited their elders to discuss how to divide the family property, and none of the Cao brothers had any objections.

Cao Hao was the eldest son and inherited the most of the family property. He had thought that his father favored his younger sister and would give her more than half of the family property, but that didn't happen. So he was happy. "Father, don't worry. My younger sister also has the surname Cao. No matter what, I will not disgrace our family."

“Yes, the same goes for you, third son. Your eldest brother is the eldest son, and I will rely on him to support me in my old age. It is only right that he should be given a few more acres of land.” Uncle Cao squinted, wanting to see his two sons more, but unfortunately, he was old and his eyesight was failing. “All the land in the family will be divided among you. The jewelry and ornaments I gave Yuan’er are what she deserves.”

Cao Ping glanced at his older brother. Although he hadn't received as much land as his elder brother, it was still better than he had imagined, so he was satisfied. "Father, we are the older brothers, why would we hold such a grudge against our younger sister?"

Although he was reluctant to spend money on jewelry and headwear, it was far less valuable than the land his father had allocated to them. It seems that in his father's heart, his sons were still more important than his daughters.

In the eyes of Cao's two sons, they received more than they had expected, and Cao Yuan's dowry was more than that of the average person in the village, but far less than theirs, so they could accept it.

They weren't particularly close to Cao Yuan, but they didn't dislike her either. They had initially been wary of her, fearing her father would favor Cao Yuan over the family fortune. Now that the inheritance had been divided and they had received their desired benefits, they found Cao Yuan quite agreeable.

“After Yuan’er gets married, I will have no more worries, and our family will divide the property as we agreed before.” Uncle Cao sighed. He knew his two sons very well, and they would not have given up if it were not arranged this way. “You are both old, so I’ll say a few more words today. In this life, money is important, but people are more important. Without people, no matter how much money you have, it’s useless.”

He looked at his eldest son, "Eldest son, your family was poor when you were young, and you suffered along with them. You should know that a family can only get things done if they work together as a team. Third son, you are eight years younger than the eldest. When you were born, the family was already well-fed and clothed, so you were raised to be a little more selfish. Don't think my words are harsh; no matter how harsh they are, I can't say anything to you for much longer. Don't just think about your own interests. Brothers and sisters can only live a good life together if they help each other. You haven't encountered difficulties yet, but you will understand later."

After speaking for a long time, Uncle Cao was tired. He took a deep breath and then stood up, leaning on the table for support. "I don't expect you to be too affectionate towards Yuan'er. Just treat her like an ordinary relative from now on and behave yourselves."

Uncle Cao, leaning on his cane, trudged across the threshold. It was getting dark, and he was tired.

After the old man left, the Cao brothers breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

"Big brother, Dad has said these things several times. Why is he treating us like thieves?" Cao Ping pouted. "We don't have the same mother as our little sister, but she's quite well-behaved and obedient. She's never argued with us. We're not heartless brothers. Dad still says I'm selfish. How am I selfish?"

Cao Hao looked at his younger brother. As the eldest brother, he had some experience of fatherhood as his children got married and had children of their own. "Third brother, Dad is getting old. Whether he is right or wrong, we should just listen to him and not argue with him about these things."

"I know, I'm the youngest son anyway, so Dad will live with you from now on." Cao Ping knew that his father still had money, and that his older brother would benefit from it in the future.

Even after the family splits up, he still has to come over often so that his older brother can't take advantage of him.

The two brothers had nothing more to say and went back to rest.

The next morning, relatives and friends from the Cao family came and went in an endless stream. Everyone in the village was surnamed Cao, so they were all relatives, making it a very lively place.

As noon approached, the wedding procession arrived. Cao Yuan finished dressing up, and when she saw her father enter, tears streamed down her face again.

"Don't cry, don't cry, you can't cry anymore." Uncle Cao smiled at his daughter. "My Yuan'er is so beautiful. Remember what your father said. Live a good life from now on. Be happy and joyful, so your father can rest easy."

He watched as the matchmaker covered his daughter's head with a red veil, then, leaning on his cane, escorted her out the door step by step. Only after his daughter boarded the bridal sedan chair did he pat his son-in-law's arm and say, "Jiaxing, Yuan'er is now in your care. You must treat her well."

"Don't worry, father-in-law, I will definitely treat her well!" Qiao Jiaxing was beaming with joy on his wedding day.

"Yes, I believe you. Let's go, there's still a long way to go." Uncle Cao waved his hand, watching the wedding procession walk away, and didn't make a move for a long time.

It wasn't until his four-year-old great-grandson came over and took his hand that he turned around with a smile and said, "Let's go, let's go eat at the feast too."

"Yay! Grandma said she saved a big chicken leg for me. Great-grandfather, why are you crying? My mom and the others said today is a good day, we should be happy!" The child couldn't see through the adults' worries, he only felt that his beloved great-grandfather was crying, so he stood on tiptoe to help wipe his tears. "Could you squat down and let me wipe them for you?"

He stretched out his hand, but still couldn't reach it.

Uncle Cao patted his great-grandson's head and smiled, "Let's go, if we don't get on the table soon, the big chicken leg will be gone."

Upon hearing the mention of the big chicken leg, the child swallowed hard, but still said, "Then don't cry, okay? Seeing you cry makes me sad too. Let's sit down at the table together, and I'll share half of the big chicken leg with you!"

Chicken drumsticks are the most delicious thing in a child's eyes. His great-grandfather was good to him, and he wanted to be good to his great-grandfather in return. That's what a child thinks.

On the other side, the wedding procession, with all the banging and clanging, took quite a while to arrive at the Qiao family's house.

Qiao Huanhuan and her brothers stood at the alley entrance. When they saw the wedding party returning, Qiao Huanhuan shouted, "They're back! Brother Jiaxing is back from the wedding party! Big brother, second brother, hurry up and set off firecrackers!"

Today, Qiao Jiacheng and Qiao Jiaxi were in charge of setting off firecrackers. Qiao Jiaxi was timid and his hands trembled as he held the firecrackers. Qiao Jiacheng had already lit them, but Qiao Jiaxi hadn't lit his firecracker yet.

Amidst the crackling sounds, Qiao Huanhuan snatched the firecracker from her second brother's hand. "Oh dear, second brother, you're so useless! Let me do it!"

Despite her young age, she wasn't afraid at all. After lighting the firecrackers, she ran back excitedly to announce, "The wedding procession is back!"

When the Qiao family heard the firecrackers, they knew it was the wedding procession. Madam Lin and Qiao Mancang put on clothes they usually wouldn't wear, and Madam Lin tiptoed to look at the door.

Qiao Mancang tugged at her sleeve, "Don't worry, they're almost here."

"I understand." Lin Shi still stood on tiptoe, watching her son carry his daughter-in-law in, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.

"I bow to Heaven and Earth!"

"Bowing to the parents twice!"

"Husband and wife bow to each other!"

"The ceremony is complete!"

Cao Yuan was led to the bridal chamber by Hu Qianqian, while Qiao Jiaxing was surrounded by a group of brothers who were prepared to get him drunk.

He went to the kitchen to announce, "Mianmian, Jiawang, the dishes are ready to be served!"

"Alright, we're all ready!" Qiao Mianmian said, holding a soup spoon and having already divided most of the dishes.

The dishes were similar to those served at Qiao Jiawang's wedding, only the season was different and the vegetables were different.

As dish after dish was served, by the time Qiao Mianmian and the others finished, their stomachs were growling with hunger.

Qiao Mianmian specially reserved two tables of food for the people who were working.

Seeing Lu Zhao come in wearing an apron, Qiao Mianmian found it a little funny. "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Lu. We invited you to the banquet, but you've ended up helping to serve the dishes. Please wash your hands, and we can sit down and eat too."

As she spoke, she pointed to Lu Zhao's apron.

Lu Zhao blushed instantly when she lowered her head.

Qingjiu said impatiently, "No need for the hassle of washing hands, we're all clean. Miss Qiao, let's eat quickly, I'm starving."

"Okay, let's eat." Qiao Mianmian was hungry too.

She first picked up a piece of pork knuckle skin, which was tender, smooth, and fragrant. She swallowed it with just a gentle suck. Then she took a big mouthful of rice and felt extremely satisfied.

Seeing that Chen was too shy to pick up food, Qiao Mianmian helped her pick up a large piece of braised pork and a piece of fried fish. "Sister-in-law, don't be shy. When you eat with us neighbors, you have to eat quickly, or you won't be able to get any food."

Jin laughed heartily, "Mianmian is right, you are the daughter of a scholar after all, that's why you are so refined. Look at the rest of us, none of us care about table manners."

Chun Sheng's mother pointed to the green wine on the next table, "Look at our young man, Qingjiu, he's already eaten two bowls of rice in the blink of an eye. If you don't add more food, we'll finish it all!"

Chen blushed and looked at everyone. She remained very polite and said softly, "I have vegetables to eat."

Meanwhile, Lu Zhao at the next table had already blushed as he finished his third bowl of rice with Qingjiu.

Wang Dazhu joked, "Lord Lu, are you usually so hungry that you need to drink Qingjiu?"

Meng Dayong praised Qingjiu's good appetite, saying, "I thought my Chunsheng could eat a lot, but I didn't expect Qingjiu to have an even better appetite!"

“Dazhu, you’re wrong. Look at Qingjiu. Does she ever go hungry?” Zeng Hongzhi said, picking up two more pieces of food for himself, afraid that if he didn’t eat soon, there wouldn’t be any left.

Hiring helpers costs money, and according to the old custom in the alley, when someone is making wine, everyone goes to help out.

So everyone in the alley came. The women washed and chopped vegetables, the men carried tables and chairs, and others served dishes. The host had instructed everyone in advance who would do what, so if anyone didn't come to help, no one would be there to help when the family made a feast later. Even Aunt Wu, who had moved away, came to help today.

After a busy day, everyone went home after dark.

Qiao Jiaxing was plied with alcohol and got completely drunk; Qiao Jiawang had to carry him into the house.

Qiao Jiawang was particularly embarrassed. "Sister-in-law, please don't be angry. There are so many relatives and friends here today, and they all want to drink with us. We've already tried our best to help them."

Cao Yuan, her face covered by a red veil, was now only filled with nervousness. She murmured "Mmm," unsure if Qiao Jiawang had heard her. Only after the door closed did she try calling out, "Husband?"

"Shh, don't make a sound." Qiao Jiaxing rubbed his temples as he came over. "I'm not really drunk. Those guys were trying to force me to drink, but I'm not as direct as my older brother. I quietly threw up all the alcohol I drank."

His wedding night was such an important day; he wouldn't get drunk. "Wife, are you...are you hungry?"

Qiao Jiaxing removed the red veil and looked at Cao Yuan, whose cheeks were flushed, with burning eyes.

"My fifth sister and the others brought me some food." This implies that she is no longer hungry.

Cao Yuan noticed that Qiao Jiaxing was staring at her, so she raised her hand and touched her face. "Does it look strange that I'm wearing rouge? I told my sister-in-law not to, but she said that girls have to wear it when they get married... Waaah..."

Before Cao Yuan could finish speaking, Qiao Jiaxing leaned down and kissed her. Her lip rouge was sweet and fragrant, with a faint scent of roses.

Qiao Jiaxing put his arm around Cao Yuan's slender waist. "Then I'm hungry, my wife."

The red candles flickered until dawn. The next day, as expected, Cao Yuan woke up late. She was so anxious she almost cried, "What should I do? Will my parents think I'm ill-mannered?"

"No, they're the easiest to talk to." Qiao Jiaxing picked up a comb. "I'll comb your hair for you."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Qiao Mianmian. "Second brother and sister-in-law, are you up yet? Parents said if you're not up, don't worry, we'll go to the food shop to open it first."

Qiao Jiaxing was about to say no, but Cao Yuan quickly interjected, "Get up, we're coming!"

Cao Yuan tied her hair up and hurriedly opened the door. Seeing her sister-in-law smiling at her, she felt guilty and quickly went to offer tea. "Father and Mother, I'll go to the food stall with you."

"No need. You can do the housework after you return home. That's what happened when your sister-in-law first came into the family." Madam Lin handed over the sealed envelope. "I'll have Jiaxing talk to you about things at home these next few days."

In Cao Yuan's mind, when a new bride enters the family, she must first serve her parents-in-law. In some families, the new bride is expected to cook and demonstrate her abilities on her first day.

Why is it different at the Qiao family's place?

Qiao Mancang also gave a red envelope, saying, "Jiaxing, you should spend the next two days with your wife. The restaurant has been closed for three days. Many customers are getting impatient. We'll open for business now. You can eat at home for lunch, and come to the restaurant for dinner in the evening, just like before."

Watching her in-laws leave, Cao Yuan was still uneasy. "Can we really stay at home?"

“Yes, that’s fine. My sister-in-law was like that before too.” Qiao Jiaxing pulled his wife back into the house. He had just started eating meat and couldn’t get enough to eat.

When Qiao Mianmian and her group arrived at the food stall, there were already quite a few customers waiting.

"Congratulations, Manager Qiao! But if you hadn't come soon, I would have come to your house to look for you!"

"Yes, I miss your noodles. Hurry up and make them."

"I want to eat braised pork, give me a big plate."

Upon learning that there would be no braised meat, many customers were quite disappointed. Mrs. Lin quickly said, "Everything will be as usual tomorrow. Thank you all for continuing to patronize us. Today's noodles will have more for the same price!"

After the door opened, Lin hurriedly started a fire to cook noodles, Qiao Jiawang went to the back kitchen to chop vegetables, and Qiao Mianmian killed chickens and ducks to prepare vegetables for sale at noon.

On the day Cao Yuan returned to her parents' home, Madam Lin specifically instructed, "Be careful on the road, and Yuan'er, I see your father isn't feeling well, so stay home for a couple more days and don't rush back."

Cao Yuan had thought the same thing, but she was too embarrassed to say it. Hearing her mother-in-law's thoughtfulness, she felt a warm glow in her heart. "Mother, we'll be going now."

"Please give our regards." Lin and Qiao Mancang saw their son and daughter-in-law to the door, and only after they turned out of the alley did they prepare to go to the food stall.

Cao Yuan was eager to return home and traveled very quickly.

Fortunately, Qiao Jiaxing could walk, and the two of them would jog from time to time. After entering the village, Cao Yuan walked even faster.

Before they even got home, villagers told them to hurry back. Cao Yuan's heart skipped a beat. When she ran to her doorstep, she saw the white banner hanging high and shouted, "Dad!"

Qiao Jiaxing was stunned. It wasn't until Cao Ping came to lead him inside that he learned his father-in-law had already left.

"The day after my younger sister got married, I went to call my father for dinner, and he passed away. He passed away peacefully, with a smile on his lips. He had no more worries after seeing his younger sister get married smoothly."

Cao Ping walked ahead, saying, "I was going to inform you yesterday, but my eldest brother said it might break the rules of the homecoming ceremony, because Dad definitely wants to see my little sister have a happy ending. My little sister will be very upset, so please comfort her later. You have no idea how afraid Dad was that we would harm my little sister, but now he can rest assured."

Tears blurred his vision without him realizing it. Cao Ping thought he wouldn't be too upset, after all, his father's health had been failing for a long time. But when the day actually came, he couldn't stop the tears. He said to himself with a self-deprecating smile, "The night before my little sister got married, my father said I was selfish, and I was not convinced. But you know what? At that time, I was thinking that I should come over often after the family split up, otherwise all the money in my father's hands would be used to subsidize my eldest brother."

They arrived at the mourning hall, where Cao Yuan was already weeping uncontrollably.

Qiao Jiaxing changed into mourning clothes and knelt down with Cao Yuan to greet and see off guests until the day his father-in-law was buried, when his parents also came.

"Why so fast?" Madam Lin sighed. "I just saw that Yuan'er has lost a lot of weight. You have to make sure she eats. No matter how bad she feels, she has to eat. Never mind, I'll go instead."

She carried a bowl of rice to Cao Yuan's room.

Cao Yuan looked up and said, "Mother, I'm not hungry."

"How could you not be hungry? Jiaxing said you didn't eat much this morning. You're worried your father won't rest in peace, aren't you?" Madam Lin held the bowl and fed the food to his mouth. "Do you know what your father said the day he came to propose marriage?"

"Shouldn't you be taking good care of me?"

"Yes, he said that after he leaves, you can't rely on your maternal family, you'll only have your husband's family. He asked me to be more patient and tolerant with you. He said you're a child without a mother, and you've been sensible since you were little. I said, leave it to me. If you marry Jiaxing, I'll be your mother from now on. Let your mother see if you've swallowed it?"

Lin spoke in a tone as if coaxing a child, "It's alright, just eat it. In this life, there are gatherings and separations. Your father protected you for eighteen years, he was more than responsible enough. Don't blame him for leaving in a hurry, he also had people he wanted to see."

Before Cao Yuan could swallow the second bite of rice, tears rolled down her cheeks. "But Mother, he didn't get to enjoy the blessings I gave him."

"How could there not be? Didn't you serve her when you were at home?" Madam Lin put down her bowl and hugged her daughter-in-law. "Yuan'er, cry as much as you want now. But you must finish your meal. Only when you are full can you get better, and only then can your father be at ease. Do you remember your father's instructions?"

Live a good life, be happy, be joyful. These were the words Cao Yuan's father said to her before she got married.

Seeing her son come in, Lin made room for him and handed him the bowl.

Qiao Jiaxing sat down next to his wife, "Yuan'er, eat..."

Before Qiao Jiaxing could finish speaking, Cao Yuan took the bowl and began stuffing large mouthfuls into her mouth. She finished the bowl completely.

Qiao Jiaxing poured some warm water and said softly, "It's about time to send Father on his way."

"Mmm." Cao Yuan raised her hand to wipe her eyes. She hadn't slept well these past few days and had cried too much, so her eyes were sore and painful.

But she's not crying now. She remembers what her father said—she will live a good life, be happy, and be blessed.