Speaking of this, Zhao Dawen said he was very angry. "My second brother and I don't know how many times we tried to persuade her. We started trying to persuade her the year before last, but she only realized something was wrong last year and started to avoid certain foods."

We thought it would be alright, but it was too late. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and she lost weight very quickly.

“Not only that,” Zhao Dayong chimed in, “the main problem is that she starts eating again as soon as she gets a little better. There’s just no way to talk to her. She’s so immature.”

"Yes, her health deteriorated drastically in May and June this year. The reason was that she was cheating on her husband again from before the Lunar New Year. We couldn't control her, and the servants couldn't control her either. She was extremely willful."

It wasn't until three or four doctors said she was probably beyond saving, that her health was deteriorating drastically, and that they were afraid they couldn't cure her, that she became anxious and scared, and started to abstain from certain foods. But it was all too late.

"You see, it's become like this; I'm afraid it's not going to make it."

Zhao Dashu nodded, "I brought a doctor back from the prefectural city this time. The doctor just went to see her and said that Mother is unlikely to make it."

In fact, both Zhao Dawen and Zhao Dayong hoped that their mother could hold on for a few more years. If she could, their connection with Zhao Dashu would become stronger.

Did the doctor say how much longer Mother could hold on?

"That is, something that will happen before or after the New Year."

"So fast!"

The third brother's return was just in time.

"Yes, do you think we should prepare a coffin? Father's death came suddenly, and everything was rushed, but Mother's was different."

The two looked at each other. "If Mother knew we were preparing her coffin, do you think she would go crazy?"

My mother is afraid of death. Ever since she fell ill, she has needed someone to be with her day and night. If she knew she was going to die and they started preparing for her funeral, she would definitely not stop.

They might have to stay with her every day.

Zhao Dashu had forgotten about this. "How about we prepare it quietly? You should know that good coffins must be prepared in advance, otherwise where will we find one at the last minute?"

"Then let's prepare quietly, make the reservation first, and not let her know."

"Third brother, this matter must be kept a secret. You absolutely cannot let your mother know."

"I see."

Before the group had finished talking, the clan chief rushed over.

"Third brother, you're finally back! This humble subject greets Your Excellency!"

I still don't quite understand what official title Zhao Dashu was given as clan chief. I only know it was a noble title, but who knows what a noble title is!

I heard it's better than being a county magistrate!

The Zhao brothers had deliberately ignored the fact that Zhao Dashu had become an official ever since they saw him, but they never expected that the clan chief would come over and say something.

"Third brother, how did you come to be granted a title by His Majesty?"

Others may not know, but Zhao Xiucai knows perfectly well that if one doesn't have made a great contribution, this opportunity wouldn't fall to Zhao Dashu.

"Oh, do you use the seedling raising method to grow rice in the village? And do you also raise fish in it? And is wheat planted again in winter now?"

The three nodded, wondering which brilliant idea had come up with that had greatly increased everyone's harvest, and how land was now much more valuable than before.

“You…” Zhao Dawen’s pupils dilated in shock.

"This is something my daughter and I worked hard to achieve, so I deserve the title of Duke!"

The clan chief was shocked. "You did this, kid? Really?"

"I'm lying, I don't have any money."

What? He got it? His daughter, his daughter!

"Xiaoyu and I worked together to create this. That girl dared to dream, and I dared to dream even more. I never thought it would actually happen."

"You guys are amazing!"

The clan chief sincerely praised them, never expecting that these methods came from their own hands. Previously, the county magistrate had also sent people to the village to sing praises of Zhao Dashu, but they didn't understand at all.

At that time, the villagers who were studying were not in the village. After finishing their studies and returning home, they only knew that Zhao Dashu had become an official.

They were so envious. He could become an official without studying. That speaks volumes about his ability.