"Brother, you go first."
"Sir, you must have heard about the recent business dealings between the village and the He family's restaurant. We would like to hear your opinion on the future development of this business."
Ruan Qian humbly replied.
Improving people's livelihood?
Deng Zisong originally planned to go back and settle the matter of Ah Chun's change of residence immediately, but upon hearing Ruan Qian's words, he couldn't help but stop.
Deng Zisong turned around and looked at Ruan Meng.
"Sir, I have nothing else to say. I just wanted to invite you and Officer Feng to have a meal together! You've worked hard!"
Village Chief Feng: "Sir, you and Feng Da, please stay. All the villagers who are here today, please stay!"
"Everyone got soaked in the rain all morning for Ah Chun, so how about we treat them to this meal!"
Besides gratitude, Village Chief Feng wanted to invite the village chief and Feng Da to stay for dinner, and the Ruan family would certainly have to prepare a feast...
But they are already facing difficulties building houses, so the village chief wanted to share the burden.
Furthermore, the villagers braved the rain to support Ah Chun, and it's almost mealtime; there's no reason for them to go home hungry.
Preparing a meal for the entire village is no ordinary expense, so the village chief naturally wouldn't let the Ruan family bear the burden.
Knowing the village chief's original intention, Ruan Qian first asked, "Village chief, the tide hasn't gone down yet when we leave. I wonder if we can still find seafood if we go to the shore now?"
The group was almost at the stone house. Looking towards the sea in the distance, the village chief said:
"The sea level hasn't risen much, so we should still be able to collect some."
Ruan Qian suggested, "How about this: everyone can go beachcombing, and aside from the seafood that Sister-in-law Feng collects, the rest can be given to us..."
"The village chief should know that my sister's cooking skills are quite good. How about we give everyone a few opportunities to try her food?"
This means that they are subtly suggesting that lunch be had at the Ruan family's house.
Even if the whole village eats sweet potatoes for lunch, the amount of oil, water, and salt needed to cook the dishes is beyond what the village chief can afford.
These past two days, the villagers have been helping the Ruan family build a house. They prepared food in advance and took on the responsibility, which they felt was their duty.
Deng Zisong glanced at the Ruan family, then at the village chief, and chuckled jokingly:
"Just now, facing the people from Wanjia Village, I felt that if I saw them on the road, they might throw stones at me..."
"Only now do I realize that I am actually quite popular!"
He said to Village Chief Feng, "I've eaten at your house before. I've heard that Miss Ruan is amazing; her seafood stew is incredibly popular in the city. I'd love to try it, but I can't even get a table."
"Since this opportunity arises, I'd like to try it..."
He said to Ruan Qian, "Let's keep it simple. I'll eat whatever everyone else eats."
Ruan Qian readily agreed.
The village chief's family understood the magistrate's consideration and were deeply grateful to the Ruan family.
Sister-in-law Feng and Sister-in-law Feng immediately reminded the villagers about the beachcombing, agreeing that the seafood would still be collected, and the rest would be given to Ruan Meng to cook for the whole village.
Feng Yun carried Ah Chun on his back and arrived at the stone house.
Ruan Meng took out her needle case, about to examine Ah Chun...
The village chief suddenly spoke up and asked Ruan Qian:
"Her older brother, what exactly happened to her younger sister? It's recorded in the documents, but from what I see, she seems very clever, which is why she was able to do all these business deals."
"But she just said... what happened?"
Deng Zisong and Feng Da were also somewhat puzzled and looked over at each other.
Ruan Qian explained, "Something happened at home; my parents passed away one after another, and my younger sister suffered a blow..."
"In addition, for her safety on the way, we said that because the officials asked."
"On the day we landed on the island, perhaps falling into the sea ignited my sister's will to survive, and she became lively and energetic."
"Actually, my younger sister has always been this intelligent since she was a child, but what happened later affected her for a while."
The village chief nodded, showing no sign of doubt.
Deng Zisong and Feng Da exchanged a glance. Although they still had questions, upon reflection, they realized that Deng Zisong, once the daughter of a high-ranking censor, was now a prisoner facing the news of her parents' deaths...
It's not impossible that they would be stimulated.
Many female convicts were tortured or even kidnapped by bandits during their journeys, and Ruan Qian's account is quite credible.
As for Ruan Meng falling into the water when they landed on the island, Deng Zisong had already learned about it from Feng Da.
Upon learning that Ruan Meng was alright, the village chief and his family visibly relaxed.
Their reaction deeply moved the Ruan family.
Seeing Ah Chun, exhausted and falling back into a deep sleep, Sister-in-law Feng finally dared to ask with relief:
"Little sister, is it really true that Ah Chun can't get pregnant in the future?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
