Grandma Qiao hesitated a bit. She was arranging a marriage for her granddaughter, and it wouldn't be appropriate to bring another granddaughter along.
However, Qiao Lian'er was thin and small, looking only eight years old. She was a child, and also a very opinionated one.
Grandma Qiao decided to take her with her.
“Okay, Lian’er, let’s go together,” said Grandma Qiao.
Qiao Lian'er brought a box of pastries. Although she was a little reluctant, she felt she should show some appreciation when visiting someone's home.
Qiao Xi'er stood at the door, watching the two elders and the young girl walk towards the Shen family's direction.
She was a little nervous, her hands gripping the hem of her clothes, and her heart was beating faster than usual.
The Shen family hasn't interacted with the Qiao family for a year. When they see each other on the street, they greet each other hurriedly and don't stop to chat.
Originally, the Shen family, being the groom's family, should have taken the initiative, but they remained silent, leaving the Qiao family completely unsure of what to do.
Grandma Qiao decided to leave it at that; at least she should have a clear stance.
Qiao Lian'er seemed to see a faint hint of worry on her grandparents' faces, but upon closer inspection, it seemed not to be there.
"Grandma, what kind of business does the Shen family do in town?" Qiao Lian'er asked.
"The Qiao family has a lot of farmland and is far from the river, so they always have a lot of new rice left over each year. At first, they sold it in the village, to villagers and nearby villages. Later, after accumulating some savings, they rented a storefront in the town. They sell not only rice but also noodles, and business has always been good. I heard they are planning to rent another storefront," said Grandma Qiao.
“The Shen family is one of the best-off families in our Datian Village. The Shen family members are also quite easy to get along with. When your eldest cousin marries into the Shen family, she won’t suffer any mistreatment in terms of food, clothing, daily necessities, or anything else.”
Qiao Lian'er thought hard for a moment. When Qiao Yunni was kicked out of the Song family that day, it seemed that the Shen family did not stand up for the Qiao family. Or were they not there?
However, with so many people at the entrance of the Song family's courtyard at the time, her memory was hazy, so she stopped thinking about it.
Like other villagers, the Shen family members either went up the mountain to find mushrooms or worked in the fields. The Shen family has four brothers and has not yet divided the family property. They take turns managing the business in town for a month each, and now it is the turn of the fourth brother, Shen.
Old Man Shen passed away ten years ago. Old Mrs. Shen, Liu, Shen Liang's mother, and Shen Liang's sister Shen Xiu lived at home.
Grandma Shen was chasing away the chickens and ducks all over the yard, sweeping up the chicken and duck droppings with a broom while constantly complaining.
"They eat and poop at the same time, it never ends, and I, an old woman, have to take care of them every day."
The Shen family's courtyard was spacious, and the house was beautifully built with blue bricks and red tiles. The courtyard wall was also higher than that of other families. The gate was an iron gate with openwork at the top, which was not locked and had two doors that were joined together.
"Sister-in-law Shen, I've arrived."
Grandma Qiao called out from outside.
Grandma Shen turned around and saw the group of people. She paused for a moment, then smiled.
She then tossed the broom against the wall and walked toward the gate, opening it as she spoke.
"Hey, so early in the morning! I didn't know you guys would be here. Have you had breakfast yet?"
"I've already eaten," Old Man Qiao said politely.
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