Speaking of Jinxia, Old Liu was filled with gratitude. Both Jiao and Lizheng had been very kind to Jinxia, and Qiudong was an even better child. He was very filial to his father-in-law and would send her things from time to time.
Old Liu liked to smoke dry tobacco and often bought some from the market. When Qiu Dong found out, he planted a patch of it behind his house and sent it over on a donkey cart.
Old Liu remembered all of this, but Jinxia was heavily pregnant, so when she went back to her parents' home, it was just a short visit.
What troubled her most was Yinxia's situation. Although Aunt Liu had agreed to it, Jiang's family was poor, and Yinxia probably didn't have the same reputation as Jinxia, Old Liu sighed inwardly.
Many people in the village wanted to say a few words to Grandma Zhao, but Grandma Zhao only wanted to talk to Liang Shuyan. Liang Shuyan gave some instructions in the kitchen and then came to the tent.
Everyone sat at a table of five. Normally, the villagers would just greet each other when they met, but today Liang Shuyan was exceptionally enthusiastic: "Eat and drink well, everyone. Don't be shy with me since you're here. The new house is finished, but we can only move in a few days. We've been quite busy with things at home lately."
The plump auntie picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks, put it in her mouth, smacked her lips a couple of times, and said with a smile, "By the way, Auntie, when is your daughter-in-law's one-month celebration? We're all waiting to see your granddaughter!"
Mentioning this, Liang Shuyan slapped her forehead and said, "Oh dear, I really forgot about this. My daughter-in-law's one-month celebration is in two days. Everyone who wants to see my granddaughter is welcome to come. I might arrange for everyone to go to our family restaurant, since our house is still not spacious enough."
"We can all eat at your restaurant now. I heard that your restaurant has a very complete selection of dishes, all of which you developed yourself. A plate of food costs at least twenty coins or more."
"I heard that only wealthy people go to your restaurant; ordinary people can't get in. And the restaurant is very high-class; even the waiters' clothes are embroidered. Is that true?"
Seeing everyone discussing the restaurant, Liang Shuyan nodded: "You're right, the dishes at our restaurant were indeed created by me, but I believe they're colorful and delicious. Since it's my granddaughter's one-month celebration, I won't let you all spend money, don't worry!"
After she finished speaking, she came to Grandma Zhao's side and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, Auntie. Because the villagers are very concerned about when my granddaughter will be one month old, I went to tell them a few things. Please make sure you eat well and have enough. We'll be waiting for you to visit our new home later."
Grandma Zhao said happily, "Oh my, what a wonderful thing! I heard that your family is building a new house, but I don't know where it is. Perfect, this old woman also wants to travel around."
In the courtyard, everyone had finished eating. The villagers followed Li Zheng in a group, and Liang Shuyan led Old Lady Zhao, Old Lady Jin, Old Lady Liu and her entourage to the new house.
The new house was built in the center of the village, just a stone's throw from the school.
The gate was specially built by Liang Shuyan. It features carved beams and painted pillars, with blue bricks as the lining. The black gate is adorned with some exquisite rivets, and the entrance is paved with pebbles, making it very smooth.
Old Mrs. Zhao looked up and exclaimed, "Wow, I never expected to see such a gate in the countryside! Not bad, not bad at all!"
Stepping into the courtyard is even more stunning. The entire courtyard is made of polished pebbles, smooth and beautiful, with colorful carvings on the walls. In the center is a large garden, which is also surrounded by exquisite brick carvings.
The main house has about five rooms and is particularly spacious. Near the window is an earthen platform, which is also paved with floor tiles, making it look very exquisite.
Li Zheng said curiously, "This is the earthen kang that Da Shan Niang had someone build. In winter, we can keep warm on the kang."
Everyone was very curious, touching and looking at this and that. When had any of them ever seen such a big house before?
The tiles on the ground were modern ceramic tiles that Liang Shuyan bought from the system. They were exquisite and beautiful. The plump aunt was dumbfounded when she saw them: "Oh my, where did you buy these? They must be very expensive. They're incredible. We country folk can't even dream of such things."
Jiao nodded repeatedly, "I really didn't expect her aunt to be so good at planning. She built the courtyard like a palace. Who would dare to come to your house for a chat in the future?"
Liang Shuyan threw her head back and laughed heartily: "Look at what you're saying! You built a courtyard, but now the villagers are afraid to come? What was the point of building it? You can come anytime in the future. Just tell me what you need, and I'll give it to you!"
There were rooms on both sides. Apart from the kitchen, which was a little small, each of the children had their own room. In the last room, Liang Shuyan built a bathroom because she needed to solve the problem of taking a bath.
After inspecting the front yard, she went to the back yard. In addition to her donkeys, horses, chickens, and ducks, all these livestock needed a proper shed. So, she ordered the craftsmen to build a special livestock area. To the right was a vegetable garden, which was separated from the main yard. Next to it was a well with a sealed opening and a bamboo tube design for drawing water, which was very convenient.
Old Zhao pointed to the bamboo tube used for drawing water and said, "This thing can draw water?"
"Yes, that's right. Considering that there are children in the family, it's not safe for the children to have the well open, so we sealed the well opening and made this design so that the well water can be pumped up directly. It can be used to irrigate the vegetable garden or for drinking. In the future, we won't have to go a long way to fetch water."
Grandma Zhao, holding Liang Shuyan's hand, asked in astonishment, "Did you design all of these things?"
Liang Shuyan nodded: "Yes, I designed it and had the craftsmen make it!"
"Wow, I'm really impressed by you. I really don't know what your brain is made of to come up with such a brilliant idea!"
The villagers were full of praise for Liang Shuyan's new home. Aunt Pang thought of Liang Shuyan's old house and tentatively asked, "Auntie, do you think you could let us have your old house? I can give you more money, is that alright?"
Liang Shuyan was somewhat embarrassed: "It's not that I disagree, it's just that my mother has already given our old house to Daya, I'm really sorry!"
Auntie Pang said, "Oh dear, this girl is living in our Daling Village now. When relatives live together, relationships can easily deteriorate. My mother and my younger sister are a case in point; things have gotten worse for them."
Grandma Jin coughed slightly: "Da Ya is my daughter, so naturally our house should go to her. What's wrong? Do you have a problem with that?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com