Seeing his flushed face, Qin San Niang was taken aback and worried that the clan elder was drunk, so she instinctively dared not pour him any more wine. After all, he was so old; she didn't want him to get too drunk here.
The men eating at the banquet outside, though they had heard there might be alcohol, never expected it to actually be served! What kind of treatment was this? The banquet itself was already lavish enough, and now they even had alcohol! The families' status in the villagers' eyes was rising even higher! How generous!
As for the women, considering that most of them couldn't drink strong liquor, they were served sorghum wine. Some of the women who could drink could have a small sip, but most of them said that they were happy with the vegetables and that spicy food couldn't compare to meat! No way, they wanted to eat meat!
This isn't just boiled pork; who knows how many seasonings, oil, salt, and sugar were added! Who could be so generous?! They consider it a luxury to be able to eat boiled pork like this on ordinary days; this is just too delicious! For a moment, everyone held their bowls, no one exchanging pleasantries or words, just the clatter of bowls and chopsticks…
The meal was a great success, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves!
After the meal, no one was in a hurry to leave. They would help the host clean up the dishes and tables and chairs! The family that lent out the dishes was especially proud. If there were any leftovers in the kitchen, they might be able to take some home for dinner!
Qin San Niang expressed her gratitude to the women who helped wash the dishes and filled their bowls with food before leaving.
Seeing the overflowing food in their bowls, their faces beamed with smiles. They offered a string of congratulatory and thankful words before happily heading home!
As for Wang Guixiang and the others who helped, they received special treatment from Qin Sanniang. Not only were they given two large bowls of meat and vegetables, but Qin Sanniang also took out two pieces of dark blue fine cotton cloth from her space. This color was suitable for making clothes for any family member.
Grandma He Xing looked at the piece of cotton cloth, which was over ten feet long! It wasn't cheap! But thinking of her grandson at home, she couldn't refuse it no matter what! She was so happy that she didn't dare to touch it with her rough hands, what if she damaged it?
The other two were also quite happy. Summer was just around the corner, and this cloth could be used to make short-sleeved shirts for the children and the men!
Unexpectedly, after working only half a day, besides having a full meal, they also received money, a piece of cloth, and two bowls of meat! It was truly a wonderful surprise! The group quickly finished cleaning up and happily went home!
After finishing, Qin San Niang hurried to the front of the hall, where Si Li Ren was still waiting!
Today, Manager Si seemed preoccupied. Qin San Niang, a forensic doctor who had also studied psychology (though ultimately only a half-baked expert), could tell that there was probably something she wanted to tell her privately.
Upon seeing her enter, Sili Ren stood up to congratulate her, "Congratulations, sister! This house is built amidst green hills and clear waters; it's truly enviable!"
With a smile, Qin San Niang told him that he could come over often if he had time, just to relax! Besides, her courtyard wasn't completely tidied up yet! Later, she planned to plant flowers and trees, which would create a unique ambiance.
Sili Ren laughed heartily, his face lighting up with delight. Thinking back to the wine they'd drunk earlier, he showered it with praise. It seemed there was always a constant stream of surprises with Qin San Niang.
"My dear sister, your wine is truly excellent! I think it's top-notch! I never imagined you had such skill; you're sure to have a prosperous future! Your good fortune is yet to come!" Sili Ren said slowly, a sense of melancholy weighing on his heart. He sighed with regret, lamenting that he didn't have the fortune to share in the glory.
Qin San Niang was startled, knowing that something must have happened, and asked in a slightly hurried manner, "Brother, has something happened?"
"Well, I won't hide it from you, I'll be leaving Jiangzhou soon!" Si Liren said with a faint smile.
Seeing the surprise on Qin Sanniang's face, he simply told her everything, "Something has happened! A few days ago, I went to visit my aunt at our ancestral home in Jiangzhou as usual. Something happened in the family; my elder sister and brother want the whole family to move elsewhere."
"My elder sister's husband is from the Wang family of Jiangzhou. Oh, you might not know, but we are both long-established merchants, and we've had business dealings for years. But now, a Xie family has suddenly appeared out of nowhere, using many underhanded methods and colluding with local officials in Jiangzhou. I'm afraid they're going to target our two families!" Si Liren revealed a rather angry expression.
At this point, his emotions stirred slightly, and his fist clenched gently in his sleeve. Even now, he still couldn't quite believe that the Si family had fallen to a villain! What on earth is wrong with this world?
The Wang family of Jiangzhou? Of course she knew; they were related to the Sima family by marriage, the maternal uncle's family of the sixth Miss Sima.
After a moment's thought, Qin San Niang realized that it wasn't hard to understand. With the Sima family's fortunes waning, many unscrupulous hands would naturally try to reach out to them. Their immense wealth would be the envy of even the royal family! Alas, it's tough to have money without power!
Sili Ren calmed herself down and continued, "This time, my aunt and elder sister both advised me to go with them. As for where we're going, I can't tell you yet, but I'll contact you when we arrive. If possible—and I mean if I, your elder brother, can make a comeback—I might go back to the wine business, and I'm afraid I'll need your help, sister!"
Hearing him say that, Qin San Niang also felt a little sad. She was afraid that the Si family had already made the worst possible plans.
The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. No matter where they go, the wealth of the Si and Wang families is enough to make the rulers drool. It will probably not end well without some bloodshed!
"Brother, I wish you all the best for the rest of your life. Remember, as long as you're alive, you can always make a comeback. When do you plan to leave?" Qin San Niang asked tentatively. Although this was a secret of a large family, and many things had to be kept confidential, leaving unscathed wouldn't be easy!
As expected, Sili Ren hesitated slightly, but ultimately did not tell her the specific departure time. He also believed that Qin San Niang would understand.
“Sister, I might be leaving soon, and I need to wait for news. Not many people in this county know about our relationship, and I can’t cause you any trouble! But I have one more request, and I hope you can agree.”
"Brother, you're too kind. Please go ahead."
“You know, Siji Pastry Shop is my life’s work. I’m afraid I won’t be coming back after this departure. I’ll give you this shop, and I’ll also give you the keys to my house in the south of the city. You can live there or rent it as you please.” Si Liren made arrangements quickly. He had many friends in He County, but only Qin Sanniang had the ability to keep the shop running. He knew that Qin Sanniang was no ordinary person.
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