The land she bought was some distance from her home. There were many people working in the fields along the road, and they would greet her when they saw her, and she would respond with a smile to each of them.
The rice seedlings in the fields are lush and green, growing vigorously. On the distant slope, Lin Daliang, along with Songzi and Huazi, are herding a flock of sheep to graze.
On a large open space along the East River, a large number of thatched sheds have been built, under which stand rows of wood ear mushroom sticks. The mushroom spawn has been inoculated into the sticks, and the first batch of wood ear mushrooms will be harvested in about a month. The first batch of wood ear mushrooms will not be sold; they will be kept to continue as spawn. This is because relying solely on the wood ear mushrooms from the mountains is not enough for large-scale cultivation, and after spring, as temperatures rise, the number of wild wood ear mushrooms on the mountains will decrease.
Song Anxin walked to her family's field, where Lin Fengnian, Anfu, Qingshan... and a group of people were working hard. When Lin Fengnian saw his mother coming over, he patted the dirt off his hands and went over to her, saying:
"Mother, what brings you here?"
"I came to check on things. Qingshan, Anfu... You've all worked hard. I'll have Granny Zheng prepare an extra meal for you tonight," Song Anxin said with a gentle smile.
"May you live a long and prosperous life..." A smile immediately appeared on the dark faces of the group of people.
"Thank you, madam, we're not tired at all!"
They were speaking the truth; this was far more enjoyable than serving those masters and young masters in the mansion. Qingshan, Qingfeng, and the others no longer had to constantly risk their lives. They worked in the fields during the day, enjoyed good food, and slept soundly at night.
At this moment, Qingfeng, who was bending over to work, noticed the dense stitches on Qingshan's shoulder and exclaimed in surprise:
"Hey, Aoyama, when did you get so good at needlework? Did you secretly practice behind our backs?"
Aoyama's usually cold and stern face suddenly became somewhat uncomfortable, and he said:
"Don't talk nonsense. Miss Da Xi saw it and sewed it for me on a whim."
Qingfeng was busy working with his head down and didn't see it. He said with a smile:
"Miss Da Xi is really kind; she's even willing to mend clothes for us servants."
Qingshan lowered his eyes upon hearing this, a hint of melancholy in them. He whispered:
"Yes, I am a servant. Miss Da Xi is a very kind person..."
Song Anxin naturally didn't hear Qingshan Qingfeng's conversation; she was explaining the precautions to Lin Fengnian after transplanting the chili seedlings.
"After transplanting these chili seedlings, you must pay attention to watering them. Now that the weather is getting warmer and the soil is too dry, insufficient watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt..."
Lin Fengnian listened attentively and took careful notes, planning to write them down when he got back. After Song Anxin finished explaining some precautions, she and Lin Fengnian walked a short distance to check the potato field. All five acres of land had been dredged, and the potatoes would be ready to be turned over and dried in two days before the beans could be planted.
The month drew to a close, and today was the day the Liu family was to hold a full-month celebration for Peach Blossom's child. The local custom dictated choosing between a three-week celebration and a full-month celebration. Because Lin Peach Blossom had a difficult childbirth and was weak, Master Liu chose to hold the celebration after the baby's one-month mark.
In fact, Song Anxin also thought it was better to hold a full moon celebration. At this time, the baby has adapted to the external environment and has a certain resistance, and Lin Taohua can also finish her postpartum confinement.
However, before going to the Liu residence, they had to go to her mother, Old Madam Song's, house first, because Song Anbang was leaving today to study at the Liuzhou Academy. He wouldn't be back until the end of the year for the Chinese New Year, so they naturally had to see him off.
Because Song Mei's morning sickness was still severe and she had to travel to both places again, she decided not to go with them, and Lin Fengnian stayed home to stay with her.
Soon the carriage arrived at the door of Old Madam Song's house, where Old Madam Song, Sun Lixi, and Mr. and Mrs. Sun were already seeing them off.
Song Anbang and Sun Lixi had just gotten married and were about to be separated for such a long time. The young couple looked at each other with great reluctance.
"Husband, I will take good care of Mother at home, so you can rest assured while you are away."
Sun Lixi, with a domestic air, said that as his wife, she must reassure Anbang so that he could focus on his studies at home.
Song Anbang said, "Li Xi, you should stay home and take good care of your mother. If you miss home while I'm away, go back and stay with your parents for a while. They must miss you, as it's lonely at home."
Master Sun and Madam Li were deeply moved as they listened. They had only one daughter, and they were truly unaccustomed to her marriage. Anbang was a thoughtful and good son-in-law, and their daughter had indeed waited for the right person.
Master Sun said, “Alright, Anbang, let’s set off. When you get to the Liuzhou Academy, remember not to be arrogant or complacent just because you are the top student. You must study humbly and diligently. If you have any questions, you can write to me to discuss them.”
Song Anbang replied, "Yes, I will follow Father's teachings."
Song Anxin patted his shoulder and said, "Anbang, take care of yourself in Liuzhou. I will come to visit your mother often and bring her home to live with us. You can focus on your studies and prepare for next year's autumn examination. You can write to me if anything happens."
Song Anbang nodded emphatically: "Then I'll have to trouble you, elder sister, to take good care of Mother."
"Mother, please take good care of yourself at home!"
Grandma Song wiped away her tears, but in the end she still waved her hand and said, "Go, go, Mother will wait for you at home."
A group of people watched Song Anbang depart. After Song Anbang left, Song Anxin and Brother Lin and his wife and their whole family went to the Liu family's house.
The Liu residence was bustling with activity. Master Liu had gone to great lengths to celebrate, inviting all his relatives, friends, and business associates. People came in droves to offer their congratulations.
"Congratulations, congratulations to Master Liu on the birth of your son."
"Congratulations to Master Liu on the birth of another son..."
"....."
Those who went inside began to whisper among themselves.
"I heard that this new young master was born to a concubine and is an illegitimate son. Why is Master Liu making such a grand show of it?"
“Hey, this concubine is no ordinary concubine. She is the sister-in-law of Lady Hui, who was personally appointed by the Emperor last year. How could Master Liu not value her?”
"So you're Lady Hui's sister-in-law. Lady Hui will be here today too, won't she? I've never seen Lady Hui before. I wonder what someone who could receive such a personal honor from the Emperor himself, a mere peasant woman, looks like."
"Of course I'll come. I've heard that this Lady Hui doesn't look like a peasant woman at all."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice came from the doorway.
"Madam Hui has arrived!"
"Old Master Lin has arrived."
As everyone watched, a group of people walked in, among them a woman who looked very young. She was dressed in an indigo brocade dress, and although she was simply dressed, she had a natural and elegant demeanor. Everyone knew at a glance that she must be Lady Hui.
"Madam Hui, Uncle and Aunt Mingyue, welcome, welcome."
Master Liu bowed and stepped forward to greet him, his face beaming with joy.
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