Then, Zhen Fugui received servants from Changshun County and Hanshan County in succession.
Han Lide was completely numb. He quietly rubbed his face, which had stiffened from smiling.
Following Zhen Fugui, they continued to receive the last county magistrate, who was also the steward of Chen Yong, the county magistrate of their own county.
"Lady Zhen, my master heard that today is Old Master Zhen's birthday, so he had Madam prepare a gift well in advance. I am here to convey my best wishes on behalf of my master and Madam for Old Master Zhen's long life and good health..."
The butler said a lot of auspicious words, and Old Master Zhen's smile deepened, and he nodded to himself.
Zhen Fugui worked in the yamen and inevitably came into contact with Chen Yong, so he was also familiar with the people around him.
He had met the butler in front of him a few times before.
"Thank you for your concern, sir! I will personally thank you when I go on duty tomorrow."
The steward smiled, personally delivered the gift to Zhen Fugui, then politely declined his invitation and returned with the other county magistrates.
Zhen Fugui stared blankly as the carriage departed, gazing at the gift in his hand, and silently swallowed.
"Brother-in-law, father-in-law, this..."
Han Lide looked at the father and son in front of him, hesitant to speak, his heart filled with doubts that almost overwhelmed him.
"Lide! Let's go inside and talk!" Grandpa Zhen looked at his brother-in-law's dumbfounded expression and didn't know where to begin.
Moreover, it depends on whether my daughter is willing to reveal this.
The true owner of the sweet potato was known only to the Zhen family and a few powerful figures; even his younger sister was not told.
Although Han Lide was puzzled, he still obediently followed behind Grandpa Zhen.
Just as the three turned around, the sound of horses' hooves rang out behind them again.
Another carriage arrived within sight, but it was different from the previous one.
The carriage curtains used this time were made of rather ordinary wood, suggesting a wealthy household with some spare cash but no real status.
Only after everyone gave their names did Zhen Fugui realize that her guess was correct.
The other party was the richest man in Guangling County. Following the usual protocol, he had someone politely see him off.
Then a few more families arrived, one after another. Grandpa Zhen, Han Lide, and Zhen Fugui remained standing at the gate until it was time for the dinner.
Just before the sun was about to set, Da Ni called for dinner, but they were still standing dumbly at the door.
Once they were sure no one else would come, the three of them returned to the main room, looking exhausted.
Four tables were already set up in the main room, with various kinds of fish, duck, meat, and many other things that people usually couldn't bear to eat.
Upon seeing the three enter, Zhen Wanwan called out, "Dad, eldest brother, son-in-law, you can wash your hands and eat now."
The men sat together at the dining table, which had a few bottles of wine on it.
The Zhou brothers, Dongzi, the Zhen family father and son, and Han Lide sat together.
Next to them was a table of women: Aunt Zhou, Sister-in-law Zhou, Sister-in-law Zhou, Dongzi's mother, Dongzi's wife, Zhen Wanwan, and Han Yiyi.
Among them, Dongzi's wife, heavily pregnant, sat next to Dongzi's mother, while Zhou Ersao, holding her two-month-old baby, sat next to Zhou's aunt.
Guabao and Tianbao were placed on a baby chair made by a carpenter next to Li Laotai so that it would be convenient to feed the children.
Granny Zhang and the servants brought by Han Yiyi were also sitting together.
The last table was occupied by a group of children, who were making a lot of noise and creating a lively atmosphere.
Yuan Huizhou, along with Gou Dan, the Zhou family's children, and Xiao Shitou, sat steadily on the stools, waiting for the meal to begin.
Grandpa Zhen looked around at his children, feeling both gratified and somewhat saddened.
"Sigh, I'm getting old, but I still have a bunch of wonderful children and grandchildren by my side. My life has been worthwhile!"
"Uncle, what are you talking about being old? You look young to me! You'll definitely live to be a hundred!"
"Yes! The old man is a lucky man. All his children are successful, and he himself is in good health. He is the envy of countless people!"
At the dinner table, everyone refuted Grandpa Zhen's claim that he was old.
Grandpa Zhen chuckled, not annoyed at all. He raised his wine glass and sighed, "Then I, this old man, will take everyone's good wishes and live a long and healthy life. I still want to see my great-grandson born!"
All around were various auspicious sayings, which made Grandpa Zhen laugh heartily.
A smile also appeared on Zhen Wanwan's face.
"Sir! Is dinner ready yet? I'm starving!"
Dog Egg stared at the braised pork and roast chicken on the table, his mouth watering. He worked so hard at school, using his brain every day, and now that he was growing, he got hungry quickly.
If he doesn't eat soon, he'll faint from hunger.
After being bombarded with such a long speech by Gou Dan, Grandpa Zhen stopped making any polite remarks.
He waved his hand, signaling that everyone could start eating.
"Brother Zhen! Uncle! Aunt! Are you inside?"
Just as everyone was about to start eating, a boy's voice rang out from outside the courtyard.
Zhen Fugui's eyes lit up, and he jumped up, saying, "Mr. Qu is back! I'll go out to greet them!"
As she spoke, Zhen Fugui hurriedly went out and brought the Qu family mother and son into the main room.
Of the people inside the house, only the children, Mr. Li and Mrs. Zhou who needed to take care of the children, and Dongzi's pregnant wife did not come out to greet them; the rest followed behind Zhen Fugui.
Standing outside the house were the Qu family mother and son. After not seeing them for several months, Aunt Qu burst into tears upon seeing everyone.
Her eyesight has improved a lot; at least she can see normally now.
Upon seeing Aunt Zhou and Dongzi's mother, he ran over and embraced them.
"Hey girls, how are you all doing?"
Dongzi's mother was a sentimental person. When they were fleeing famine, their two families often helped each other and had a very good relationship.
Seeing Aunt Qu's tears, her own eyes welled up with tears too: "Good! Very good! It's just that I haven't seen you come back for so long, I miss you!"
Aunt Zhou was also very sad. She patted Aunt Qu's shoulder and complained, "You're so good to us. You've been gone for months without even coming back to see us. Is life in the prefectural city too luxurious for you to come back?"
Aunt Zhou wasn't really complaining; it was just another way of expressing her longing, and Aunt Qu knew that too.
So she wiped her eyes, and explained with a sob and a hint of grievance, "I've been thinking about coming back day and night, but I don't know the way and I can't find it."
As she spoke, Aunt Qu glared at her son. She didn't know how many times she had told Qu Huaiyuan that she wanted to go back to Meizi Village.
Unfortunately, for various reasons, I haven't been able to find an opportunity.
Qu Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow, looking guilty and apologetic, and said, "It's all my fault! I've been too busy and haven't had time to bring Mother back to see my aunts. I hope you aunts will forgive me..."
"You really deserve a shout-out!" Old Mrs. Li said as she slowly walked out, carrying Tianbao, and looked at Qu Huaiyuan.
"My dear child, we've been thinking of you every day since you left!"
"Sister-in-law..." Aunt Qu wiped away her tears and looked at Old Lady Li with a wronged expression.
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