Old man Xu’s words touched the old lady’s heart. She became happy and looked at her son eagerly. She dreamed of living at the feet of the emperor for a few years.
Xu Qingyan was torn. If his father had been as sensible as his mother, and hadn't taken them to Beijing, he would have taken them to the provincial capital to enjoy a comfortable life. But his father's recent behavior had truly disappointed him, and his previous desire to have them live with the second wife was beginning to waver. But seeing his mother, who was so understanding and righteous, with her hair already mostly gray, he felt a dilemma again...
He said vaguely, "I just worked as a guard and was busy. I didn't want to settle down in the capital right away."
The old man did not give up and asked again, "Your wife and children will not follow you to the capital?"
Xu Qingyan shook his head and said, "They won't go either."
The old couple was very disappointed. Since the man's wife and children didn't want to go with him, they couldn't really say they had to go with him. They thought that they would try to convince their second son later that since he became an official, he should let his parents, wife and children go with him to enjoy the good life...
Afterwards, Old Man Xu called everyone in and informed them that Xu Qingyan had a woman outside and had a daughter.
Everyone was in another room, and their conversation would occasionally get louder and a few words would be heard. They already knew that Xu Qingyan had a woman and a daughter outside. It seemed that the woman had died, and old man Xu also cursed Qin, as well as honor, ancestral hall, silver and so on.
Everyone else was bewildered, unable to understand what was going on. Only Xu Lanzhou had a rough idea. Grandpa was indeed just as his sister imagined. It was truly unbelievable. Fortunately, with the support of his father and grandmother, his mother hadn't suffered any injustice. For the first time, he felt resentful of Old Man Xu as his grandfather.
Others wanted to ask but didn't dare. Only Xu Daya was brave enough to ask, "Master, what's going on with that woman of Second Uncle? Is she even involved with Rong Yao?"
Old man Xu got angry when this matter was mentioned, but when he saw his second son and the old lady with serious faces, he didn't dare to say anything.
Old Lady Xu scolded, "You're a married woman, so stay out of your natal family's affairs, and even less so, stay out of your elders'." She glanced around at everyone and added, "If I find out who's gossiping outside, my second son won't get a penny. Of the gifts he brought back today, share the food, but keep the rest. I'll divide it up later."
Everyone saw the colorful things on the kang and didn't know what the old lady was singing about. No matter how envious they were, they didn't dare to ask for a share immediately.
Mrs. Gu was so angry that she scolded her daughter.
Xu Qingyan said with a sullen face, "Some things shouldn't be said now. You shouldn't ask too many questions, and don't go out and talk too much. When I become rich, I will definitely not forget you relatives. But if you don't listen to me, I won't be polite either."
Xu Qingyan was rarely at home. He was a mysterious presence. Apart from the old couple, everyone was afraid of him, including his brother Xu Qingming. After hearing his words and seeing his dark face, they all nodded in agreement.
A few people who thought they were smart thought about the words coming out of the house and felt that it must be related to Qin and the dead woman.
After dinner, Xu Qingyan took Xu Lanzhou back to the county town. Xu Zhiniang's family and Xu Daya's family stayed behind, wanting to have a buffet tomorrow before returning home.
On the way, Xu Lanzhou told Xu Qingyan again what the old man had said before about how he should be wary of Qin and Xu Lanyin.
Xu Qingyan said with a sullen face, "Dad knows what to do. Don't tell your mother what your grandfather said when you get home. She'll be sad if she hears it."
Xu Lanzhou didn't dare tell Qin when he returned, but whispered to Xu Lanyin what he had heard.
Xu Lanyin had also guessed what was going on. She hadn't expected Old Man Xu to be so shameless. He slandered and suppressed the Qin family, and wanted to use Zhou's tablet to gild the Xu family. He also wanted to withhold the money from Zhou's mother and daughter to give to his grandson...
This is a good thing, letting Xu Qingyan know his father's character. If that old man is brought to the second house, Qin will really be angry to death.
Xu Qingyan performed quite well today. And that old lady, it's sensible of her to look for her less. I should be filial to her in the future.
Seeing Qin, Xu Qingyan felt even more sorry for her. Life was hard enough for an orphan and a widow, and now her father had to constantly speak without restraint, adding to her frustration.
Qin pointed at a maid of about thirteen or fourteen and said, "We just bought this girl today. Her name is Dujuan. She will serve Xiao Niuniu exclusively from now on. As for the room, we're moving soon, so we'll let her live with Yin'er for the time being. This will also help foster a sense of gratitude between them..."
Xu Qingyan smiled and said, "Let Yanmei take care of the arrangements for Xiao Niuniu."
Xu Lanyue came over and tugged at Xu Qingyan's clothes, saying, "Auntie took my elder sister, Huazi, and me shopping today. They also went to our shop. The snacks they sell there are really delicious."
Xu Qingyan's smile widened.
The next day, Xu Qingyan took his wife, children and the imperial edict to Xiaozao Village.
Several elders had arrived early to wait at the Xu family's gate. As soon as Xu Qingyan and his family arrived, he held the imperial edict in both hands. The elders, along with Xu Lizheng and several men from Old Man Xu's family, knelt and kowtowed before the edict, then followed him to the ancestral hall. Many villagers lined the path, not only from Xiaozao Village but also from other villages eager to see the edict. As soon as Xu Qingyan, holding the edict, passed by, they knelt and kowtowed, daring only to stand up once he had passed.
Xu Lanyin was also shocked by this spectacular scene. Such a grand display was not organized, but spontaneous. These people revered the imperial power from the bottom of their hearts.
Led by their fifth grandfather, Xu Yindou, Xu Ershi, Xu Lanzhou, and several other young men went to the back mountain to level Xu Qingyan's tomb. It seemed like this kind of thing required a specific time.
The yard became quiet and everyone's eyes turned to Xu Lanyue.
Xu Lanyue's life story has spread throughout the village. It is said that she was born by a woman Xu Qingyan found while on a mission.
People thought Xu Qingyan had high standards. Just look at Qin Shi, and you'll know for sure he'll find a beautiful concubine, and any daughter he'll have will surely be pretty too. But when they saw Xu Lanyue, they were horrified by the long scar on her face. It was too scary. How could she be pretty? Moreover, even without the scar, she looked far worse than Xu Lanyin and her brother.
Xu Lanyue was used to strange looks, but she was still frightened by so many people and the fact that they didn't shy away from her gaze. Her lips were tightly pursed, and her palms were sweating as she pulled Xu Lanyin.
Xu Lanyin pinched her little hand and whispered, "Don't be afraid." She took the little girl into the house and kowtowed to Old Lady Xu.
The old lady's eyes softened as she called the girl over, praised her a few times, and presented her with a round fan embroidered with Hunan bamboo and Suzhou embroidery as a gift. This was something Xu Lanyin had bought for the old lady in the provincial capital, but she had never been willing to use it.
After introducing them to the other relatives, Gu took them to a separate side room. Once the door was closed, the noise and gossip outside were blocked out.
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