The village chief and Uncle Zhao's eyes reddened as they listened, and they were so excited that they could hardly speak.
They were nothing more than crippled and wounded soldiers barely surviving outside Kyoto, despised and looked down upon by everyone. Who would have thought they would be so highly regarded by so many nobles today?
Thinking back to the hardships of guarding the border in their youth, the destitution after retiring from the army, the anxiety of fleeing south to escape famine, and the glory of today, the two were filled with mixed feelings.
The village chief kept waving his hands, saying, "No, no, it's what we should do!"
Uncle Zhao nodded vigorously, "We didn't do anything special, we just fled famine together to save our lives. They are all young, and we have lived a few more years, so we should protect them more."
Everyone was amused by the two simple and honest old men. Li Lao Er was the first to pick up his chopsticks, and everyone else began to eat as well.
Naturally, the conversation started with the topic of fleeing famine. After the village chief and Uncle Zhao drank a bowl of wine, they also started talking.
The villagers worked together to fight off a pack of wolves, hibernated in a cave for the winter, fought off robbers to rescue their child, and unexpectedly learned that the Guo family had been murdered...
Uncle Zhao wiped away tears as he recalled that journey.
These old brothers were either missing hands or lame, like a burden. They were carried step by step by the Li family, young and old, and dragged out of the mountains.
Grandpa Liu nodded repeatedly as he listened, and Mr. Peng was even more excited.
Even under such difficult circumstances, the Li family refused to abandon even a few disabled veterans.
Such loyalty and integrity are rare to find in the entire Tianwu realm.
His daughter will definitely not suffer any grievances after marrying into the family. With such a powerful in-law, the Peng family will have an even stronger support in the future!
A table was also set up in the east wing.
Grandma Li accompanied Madam Liu and Madam Cui, along with Jiayin, the two boys from the Liu family, Jia'an, Jiaxi, Li Ge'er, Mao Ge'er, and a whole host of other children, all enjoying a lively meal.
The boys especially loved the boiled fish; even with their mouths burning red from the spiciness, they wouldn't stop eating.
Jiayin tried to grab two pieces of fish, but was immediately suppressed by her grandmother.
The old lady was worried that she was too young and had a weak stomach, so eating spicy food would easily upset her stomach.
Madam Cui asked for a bowl of warm water, rinsed off the chili oil from the fish, removed the bones, and put it into Jiayin's bowl.
Jiayin ate with a beaming smile, her greasy little mouth even trying to kiss her aunt, which made Madam Cui quickly dodge, and everyone laughed nonstop.
Five tables were set up in the courtyard. Li Laosan, Uncle Wu, Uncle Wang, and others accompanied the three village heads, as well as more than a dozen villagers who had come with them, occupying two tables.
Li Laosi and Li Yong sat at three other tables with the Marquis's personal guards.
In fact, they had been through thick and thin together, and their brotherhood was so strong that no one would complain if Li Laosi and Li Yong weren't there. But when the brothers got together, drinking and eating heartily, everyone was happier.
Tables and chairs were also set up in the open space outside the courtyard, where villagers of all ages gathered to eat and drink.
Although the dishes weren't as plentiful as those at a banquet, there was still plenty of white steamed buns and stewed meat.
If there are family members who are unable to come over, they can bring the food back in ceramic bowls.
The three brothers, Jiaren, Jiahuan, and Jiayi, ate a quick bite in the kitchen, then took the wine jug and went to each table to pour wine for everyone.
Those who have come to celebrate today are all close relatives and friends. It is only proper etiquette for the younger generation, such as nephews and nieces, to personally pour the wine.
Sure enough, everyone was happy to receive the wine bowls and praised the three young men.
Jia Huan blushed as he poured wine for Mr. Peng. The more Mr. Peng looked at this son-in-law, the more satisfied he became. He instructed him, "Your marriage with Wen Juan is settled. Don't worry about what outsiders say. Come visit us often when you have nothing to do."
Jia Huan quickly nodded in agreement, but Li Zhensheng smiled and said, "Mr. Peng likes Jia Huan, and our family is very happy, but this child probably won't have much free time in the future!"
“I’m reopening my big restaurant in the city, and I want to transfer this kid there to be the head chef, and let him learn how to cook seafood from the chefs we brought back from the south.”
"Oh? Is that so? That's great news!" Mr. Peng's eyes lit up.
Although the Li family was thriving, Jia Huan was still working in the kitchen of a small food shop, so being his son-in-law wasn't exactly a glorious thing.
If I could manage a big restaurant in the future, I would be much more successful than I am now!
Li Zhensheng added, "I've assembled a small fleet in the south, and fresh seafood will be transported back in a few days. Once we've gained a good reputation in Xindu, we'll open branches in other prefectures as well."
“I can’t handle all the work by myself. Of all the children in my family, only Jia Huan can help me. When the time comes, Mr. Peng, please don’t complain that the child is too busy and can’t be there to take care of you often.”
"No, no, you're joking, sir. As elders, we're overjoyed that our child is so successful. There's no reason for us to keep him by our side!" Mr. Peng smiled broadly and patted Jia Huan's arm. "Study hard when the time comes. It's always good to have more skills."
"Yes, sir," Jia Huan replied respectfully, her face turning even redder.
Remembering his mother's plans, Li Lao Er asked when the academy would reopen its enrollment.
When Mr. Peng heard that the Li family was going to send three more children to the academy, he immediately agreed.
He was just worried about how to get closer to the Li family, and this was a good opportunity. Moreover, the Li family's children were doing well in their studies, which would also be a boost to his son-in-law!
Li Lao Er continued, "I won't be able to teach at the school anymore, but the children in the village can't be neglected. Mr. Wen, do you know anyone who could help introduce someone to the village?"
The village chief chimed in, "It would be best to find a strict teacher. A strict teacher produces outstanding students! These mischievous boys in the village can't be allowed to relax too much, or they'll easily cause trouble."
Mr. Wen smiled and said, "That's easy. I'll ask around when I get back. Recently, Broken Gold Beach has become famous far and wide, and I'm sure many people would like to come."
Li Zhensheng cautioned, "It would be best to find an enlightened teacher. Children in the village, regardless of gender, should all be educated and understand right from wrong. It's not good to let girls be treated differently and hurt their feelings."
“Okay, don’t worry.” Mr. Wen nodded. “Actually, I’ve always felt that girls should study. Even if they can’t take the imperial examinations, they will be much better than others in terms of marriage, managing the household, and raising children.”
“Sir, you’re right,” the village chief and the others echoed happily. “In our village, girls and boys are all the same; they are all treasures.”
As they were talking, Liu Yang suddenly ran wildly into the yard, shouting, "Dad, come home quickly, Mom has given birth!"
"What?"
Liu, the镖头 (bodyguard), was startled. Before he could greet the others, he turned and ran away, only to turn back and carry the Divine Doctor Zhang on his back.
Doctor Zhang, holding a chicken leg in his hand, lay calmly on Liu Biaotou's back, continuing to gnaw on it with relish, completely unfazed.
He's really used to it; he's like a brick, ready to be moved wherever there's a problem!
And each time, I don't have to walk myself; someone always carries me on their back!
Everyone was startled, but Li Lao Er quickly reassured them, "Let's continue eating. Don't worry, with Doctor Zhang going, the mother and child will definitely be safe. Besides, Sister Liu's delivery was a natural one, unlike the dangerous situation that happened to Dayong's wife."
When Li Yong is mentioned, the Yan family must be brought up. Old Master Liu shook his head and said, "Those people in the Yan family have lost their minds. They only have this one promising son, and they even forced him to split up the family line."
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