Regardless of whether life is going well or not, time never stops. Before she knew it, Xie Yushu had been at home for five or six days. She had seen the people she needed to see and said the things she needed to say. On the seventh day, the entire Xie family dressed in new clothes and followed Xie Yushu back to Yuquan Manor.

When Xie Yushu returned, she was driven by four large horse-drawn carriages. Xie Baotian's family also had a small donkey cart, which could accommodate all the people.

Lu Shi, Wang Shi, Liu Qiang's mother, and Xie Yumin and Xie Yushu rode together in Xie Yushu's carriage, which was spacious and stable.

Lu Shi, Liu Qiao'er, Xie Tianlin, Xie Baotian, Xie Tianqi, and Xie Tianming rode in one carriage, while Liu Nan, Liu Bei, and several of Liu's younger brothers rode in another. The remaining carriage and donkey cart were left for the accompanying constables.

Han Zhongyu had official business to attend to and returned home first. However, Magistrate He had been keeping an eye on things and, knowing that Xie Yushu and her party were returning today, he specially brought people to see them off.

He used to stay hidden in the village and didn't think there was anything different about their family. But now, seeing the county magistrate, whom he used to kneel and pay his respects to, now chatting and laughing as he saw his daughter off, Xie Baotian realized more clearly that things were different now.

Although Xie Baotian had been to Tai'an Prefecture twice before, his state of mind was completely different this time. The first two times he came, he carried mountain goods to exchange for food. He was struggling to make ends meet and his future was bleak. He didn't know how he managed to make it to the place while carrying such heavy loads and not having enough to eat. He still found it unbelievable when he thought about it now.

The second time, Xiao Yi ran off with Xiao Jinyu without a word, which made him extremely anxious. He was rushing on his way and had no time to appreciate the scenery.

But this time was different. He was traveling in a large carriage to his daughter's place to enjoy herself, so he was naturally in a good mood. He even complained that the view from inside the carriage wasn't far enough, so he specially sat in the "passenger seat" on the outside, humming a little tune every now and then, or chatting animatedly with Xie Baoshu about the mountains, rivers, local customs, and people along the way. In Xie Baoshu's words...

"I've lived half my life without feeling this relaxed!"

Even the Lu family members looked around curiously.

Xie Yumin went directly to Nanxing halfway there and asked her to take her horseback riding.

Liu Qiang's mother was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes, and she grabbed Xie Yushu's hand and said...

"You are truly a benefactor to our family. I never dreamed that one day, four of our sons would serve in the imperial court. I am a man with one foot in the grave, yet I can still ride in such a fine carriage!"

It's a pity the child's father died young; he didn't have the chance to see how successful his sons have become!

Xie Yushu comforted her after hearing this.

"I believe Uncle Liu, if he could see from heaven, would know that you are doing well!"

Liu Qiang's mother nodded.

"Look at me, I'm perfectly fine. Now that we've started talking about him, let's not talk about him. Yu Shu, I've heard all the stories from my family. They owe everything they have today to you. Without you, they might have stayed in the mountains last summer!"

"This old woman of mine isn't good at saying anything else, but I'll just say one thing: you saved their lives. My sons may not be very talented, but they're loyal. Just let me know if you need anything."

"Auntie, please don't say that. Your sons are all capable. They have achieved what they have today through their own hard work. Don't talk about giving orders or anything like that. When we're out there making our own way, we're like brothers and sisters. We support each other and move forward together, so outsiders won't dare to bully us!"

The hard times are over now, everything will get better and better, so just wait and enjoy your retirement!

Hearing this, Liu Qiang's mother beamed with joy, her face filled with contentment.

"Thanks to you, all four of them have managed to establish themselves outside. When they came back this time, they gave me fifty taels of silver for household expenses. The houses at home have also been rebuilt into two-courtyard houses. The four younger ones each have three tiled rooms, and there are a few empty rooms reserved for Qiangzi and the other three, one room each, so it will be convenient for them to stay when they come back."

Ever since this house was built, people have been coming up to arrange marriages for Qiangzi and his three brothers from time to time.

Those four stubborn guys, every time I bring them up when they come back, none of them respond.

Dongzi is fine, he's too young. Lao San is also okay, I heard he has a girl he likes. I'll go see her this time. If they're both willing, we can settle down. What worries me is Qiangzi and Lao Si.

They're already twenty years old, and people their age already have kids running around in the streets. They're not in a hurry at all. If they keep delaying, they'll get old. What girl will want to date two old bachelors like them?

"You know, back when we were dirt poor, if they couldn't get married, so be it. Our ancestors for generations were all poor, no money, no land, so it wasn't my fault they were bachelors. But now we've turned our lives around, we have money, we've built houses, and if they still can't find wives, how am I supposed to explain this to their father?!"

Xie Yushu couldn't help but laugh, thinking that this old lady's thinking was so peculiar that she blamed her ancestors for being poor and unable to find a wife. She really didn't put any pressure on herself!

But seeing her serious and worried expression, I still advised her...

"Auntie, twenty years old isn't too old, is it?"

Besides, Brother Liu and Liu Bei are both handsome and have jobs, so they don't need to worry about finding wives!

Look, Liu Nan has already taken a liking to one. Gradually, Liu Qiang and Liu Bei will surely find girls they like as well. When it comes to fate, things take time, and good things come to those who wait!

Besides, this daughter-in-law will ultimately be living with them; you have to let them choose for themselves so they can live a comfortable life.”

After listening, Liu Qiang's mother thought for a while and nodded.

"What you say makes sense."

However, still unwilling to give up, he added, "I see you're of higher status than them, and they all listen to you. If they still haven't married by the New Year, you should issue a decree to them: 'They're getting old; all the good girls have already been taken.'"

"Okay, if they still haven't made a move by the New Year, I'll urge them for you."

Since this topic has come up, Xie Yushu was actually thinking about who among her people would be a good match for Liu Qiang and Liu Nan. Nan Xing and Chun Yu were definitely not suitable. She had spoiled them all and they had no intention of being good wives and mothers. Besides, she couldn't bear to part with them.

There are several needlework girls in the sewing room; they are all kind-hearted and good-looking.

There are also two pastry makers in the kitchen; they seem nice. I'll ask them about it when I have the chance.

Xie Yushu was planning to act as a matchmaker for the young maids of the manor, while the head maid of the manor was almost fooled by Fu Guang, also known as Chen Da.

This young lady wasn't Nanxing or the others, but Hongmei, who assisted Qu Xiaodie.

Although Hongmei wasn't Xie Yushu's constant companion, she had been following Qu Xiaodie around busily, so it could be said that she knew the manor just as well as Nanxing and the others.

It could even be said that they know the layout of the villa like the back of their hand and have some knowledge of some secrets. Although they are not the core members, they are enough to pose a threat to the villa.