Li Lao Er quickly recounted his chance encounter at the teahouse in detail, and then added, "My elder brother must have injured his head, which is why he doesn't recognize me or remember his home. He will definitely come to the valley in a few days. I'll find an opportunity to see his birthmark then and have a good talk with him."
"Yes, yes, your elder brother has a birthmark the size of a copper coin on his lower back. Take a closer look. Also, invite Doctor Zhang over for dinner tonight. I want to personally ask him to examine your elder brother's pulse."
The old lady wrung her hands anxiously, as if she had too many things to do and was overwhelmed with thoughts, not knowing what to do first, and finally burst into tears.
"Your older brother didn't abandon his family for wealth, did he? Your older brother injured his head and can't find his way home, right?"
Li Lao Er's eyes also reddened, and he nodded emphatically, "Mother, my eldest brother is doing very well. He hasn't suffered any hardship, and all the neighbors like him. He's still as handsome, cheerful, and tall as ever..."
As he spoke, tears began to fall from his eyes.
Even if my eldest brother can't remember his family in the future and can't reunite with them, knowing that he's alive and well is enough.
Jiayin held up her chubby little hand, wiped away her grandmother's tears, and then went to wipe her second uncle's tears. She was so busy that she finally sighed and gave up.
Because her arms were sore, let them cry it out first.
Jiayin's helpless little face amused Grandma Li and Li Lao Er.
The two wiped away their tears and tapped the chubby girl's forehead. "Little one, why are you sighing? Be careful you don't grow old."
Jiayin rolled out of her grandmother's arms and rolled around on the mattress, ignoring the mother and daughter talking. Soon she fell into a sweet sleep.
In the evening, everyone in the family returned home, and they also invited Dr. Zhang, the village chief, Uncle Zhao, and Chief镖头 Liu over.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Old Lady Li told them about her eldest son.
From the time his son passed the imperial examination and went away to study, to the time he hadn't returned for many years, to the time a few days ago when Miao's eldest daughter-in-law came to extort money, Mr. Wen helped to find out the details, and even went to his second son to confirm it with his own eyes.
The crowd was filled with surprise and astonishment.
A mother worries when her son travels a thousand miles. This old lady, Li, has worried for more than ten years. How much bitterness must she have felt in her heart?
The village chief was the first to speak, "My dear sister, your hardships have finally come to an end; this is a joyous occasion."
"Yes, once the eldest son is recognized, the family will be reunited and everything will be perfect."
"It's a blessing that people are still alive."
Chief镖头 Liu and Doctor Zhang nodded in agreement.
This world is so chaotic. Situations like the Li family are commonplace. Yet, the Li family has managed to find their son and will soon be reunited. It is truly a blessing for a family that has accumulated good deeds.
Old Mrs. Li wiped away her tears, stood up and bowed to Doctor Zhang. "Doctor Zhang, my eldest son has injured his head and doesn't recognize his family. When he comes to the valley, we'll have to trouble you to take a look at him. If you can cure him, we'll be happy. If you can't cure him, or if the treatment is too painful, then... then we won't need to treat him. We don't expect to benefit from his treatment; we just want him to live a good life."
A loving mother's heart values her child above all else.
Doctor Zhang stood up and helped the old lady up, solemnly assuring her, "Don't worry, sister, I'm practically family to you. I can't just watch a child have a home but can't come back. I'll do my best!"
Li Lao Er and his whole family quickly bowed and expressed their gratitude.
The village chief asked, "How can we help?"
Grandma Li said, "I will have my family members secretly check the eldest son's birthmark. If it's not bad, we'll find an opportunity to talk to him privately and get him treated privately. After all, he's been away from home for so many years, and he married into the Wang family to repay a debt of gratitude. Nobody knows if he has any hidden difficulties. Let's not make a big fuss about recognizing him as a relative and cause him trouble."
"You're right, it's always good to be cautious."
"We won't go around saying anything. Let's identify the child first and get his injuries treated."
At this point, everyone had reached a tacit understanding, exchanged a few more casual words, and then dispersed.
Jiaren hesitated before approaching his grandmother, "Grandma, should I postpone my trip to the academy for a few days until we have a definite answer about Uncle's matter..."
“No, you should go to school as usual.” Grandma Li refused her grandson outright, saying, “Your uncle’s matter has dragged on for more than ten years. Even if we find someone now, treating his injuries won’t be resolved in a short time. Just go to school. We’ll send you a message if anything happens at home.”
After saying that, Old Lady Li was also a little worried. Her second son definitely couldn't leave, since he was the only one who had ever met the eldest son. But she also couldn't let Jiaren go to school alone.
Putting everything else aside, just the fact that you have so much luggage means you'll need someone to help you.
So she called to her youngest son, "Fourth son, you take Jiaren to the academy the day after tomorrow."
Before Li Laosi could respond, Jiayin jumped up and down, shouting, "Grandma, me too! I want to go too!"
Jiayi grabbed Jia'an and Jiaxi, who were also jumping up and down, and shouted, "Grandma, I want to go too!"
Jia Huan stepped forward and whispered, "Grandma, I also want to see my eldest brother off."
Grandma Li picked up her noisy granddaughter and patted her, but didn't stop her. She just instructed, "Fourth brother and Jiayi, help Jiaren with his luggage. Jiahuan, take good care of Funiu."
Everyone quickly responded, but Jia An and Jia Xi hung their heads, looking extremely dejected.
Jiayin quickly got down, grabbed her brother and ran, squatted behind the millstone, and deftly stuffed a candy ball into each of her brothers' hands.
Sure enough, with candy, everything was fine. The two boys were immediately happy and carried their little sister around everywhere.
The crowd found it amusing and couldn't help but chide her playfully, "That girl, Fu Niu, has completely won over her two older brothers!"
"That's right. She's only two years old. When she gets a few more years old, Jiayi and Jiahuan will probably have to listen to her."
"It's good to be smart, so you won't get tricked by some silly boy when you grow up."
Two days passed in a flash, and Master Wang still hadn't come to the valley, so the Li family dared not leave easily.
So, Jiaren went to the academy early in the morning, and everyone could only see him off at the gate.
Fortunately, Madam Cui had finished her work at the estate and came to stay for a while by carriage. When she heard that Jiaren was going to the academy, she gave up her carriage.
Ye Shan and Dong Mei, who lived next door, were worried about Jia Yin, so they used the excuse of helping him catch the train to insist on going with him.
In this way, they managed to fill the entire carriage with both luggage and people.
On a cool early summer morning, the air is moist with the scent of evaporating dew, making it exceptionally pleasant to breathe.
Jiayin sat in Dongmei's lap, and together they looked at the scenery on the carriage shaft, kicking their legs, feeling incredibly carefree and happy.
Dongmei found it amusing but dared not be distracted, lest she drop her.
The closer we got to the new capital, the more carriages appeared on the road. After passing the new capital and heading towards Luo'an Academy, the road became quiet again.
Just as Jiaren said, Luoan Academy is a really good place.
Nestled against the misty mountains, facing a small town of two or three hundred households, nestled by the mountains and water, yet overlooking the bustling world, it's a place that's pleasing to the eye no matter how you look at it.
Upon arriving at the academy gate, Li Laosi and Jiayi carried the luggage and books, and led Jiaren inside to pay respects to the teacher and settle their belongings.
Ye Shan watched the carriage, and Jia Yin then urged Jia Huan to go for a stroll nearby.
Jia Huan had no choice but to grab the bamboo basket and tie his younger sister tightly to his body, and then slowly wandered around the town.
Dongmei followed quietly behind, never leaving Jiayin's side.
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