Song Anxin felt more and more that she was right to earn an imperial title for herself. Although she had eaten a meal with Master Liu when they first met, they were still just casual acquaintances, with only a little appreciation between businessmen. But now, Master Liu's desire to get closer to her family was obvious.
"Don't worry, Madam Hui, my household will take good care of Consort Lin. Madam Hui should also visit Consort Lin, Mingzhu, and Mingyue when you have time."
Song Anxin maintained a polite smile and said, "Then I'll visit Master Liu another day. I've also prepared some snacks for Peach Blossom, Pearl, and Mingyue. Please take them, Master Liu."
When Master Liu heard about and saw the box of pastries again, his eyes almost crinkled with laughter. Not only were the dishes made by Madam Hui's family truly delicious, but it also showed that Madam Hui was willing to be close to the Liu family. However, Madam Hui said that this box of pastries was only for Aunt Lin, Mingzhu, and Mingyue, which indicated that Madam Hui was still displeased with Mingjie's antics earlier.
Sigh, it seems he really needs to stay home for a while and personally discipline Mingjie. I don't know how that Su family taught the child; Mingjie has become increasingly unruly. If Jinxiu were still here, her children would surely be humble and polite. Thinking of his deceased wife, Master Liu couldn't help but feel sad.
Soon they boarded the carriage and left Linjia Village. Little Grass and Big Grass were very reluctant to part with their two beautiful and kind aunts. Big Grass said to Song Anxin:
"Grandma, can you take us with you when you visit your aunt and cousin? We love playing with them."
"Mother, how about I go during the next break at the academy? I like my two cousins too," Lin Fengyao said from the side.
Lin Erxi and Lin Dongzi quickly said, "I want to go too, Auntie, please take us with you."
Sister-in-law Lin said from the side, "Oh dear, is the Liu residence a place you can just go to casually? Why are you all getting involved?" She sighed and then said to Song Anxin, "Sister-in-law, I've finally understood things now that Madam Liu came today. Peach Blossom's life may not be as good as we think."
Today, Madam Liu's protectiveness towards her own was obvious, and coupled with what Liu Mingjie said, her sister-in-law naturally noticed it as well. Song Anxin patted her hand and said:
"Don't worry, sister-in-law. Now that I'm a married woman, Master Liu will definitely value Taohua because of my family. Today, Liu Mingjie said such things in public, so I gave Master Liu a warning. When he goes back, he will definitely focus on his family. Taohua, Mingzhu, and Mingyue will live well."
After that, Madam Su held a grudge against Song Anxin. Not only did the master personally discipline Mingjie, but he also forbade her to interfere at will, saying that he had spoiled Mingjie. Even the tutor she hired had to be changed. The master was so strict, how could her son Mingjie have suffered like this? Every time Mingjie came to her crying, she was heartbroken.
What angered her most was that the master now frequently went to Concubine Lin's courtyard. The servants in the mansion often heard the master and Mingzhu and Mingyue laughing and joking in Concubine Lin's courtyard. The master was also paying more attention to Concubine Lin. She was so angry that she almost ground her teeth to powder. If the master stayed at home like this all the time and valued Concubine Lin so much, how could she possibly do anything when Concubine Lin gave birth?
On Song Anxin's side, Brother Lin called on the men in the village to deliver the tables to each household. Sister-in-law Lin and Meizi were distributing some leftover dishes from the banquet to the women who came to help with the cooking. Although they were leftovers, they were still good things, especially since it was such a lavish banquet at Song Anxin's house.
Grandma Han said, "Oh my, I've never seen such a big and good feast in all my years of life. Dongzi's mother, that's enough, that's enough. Xiaohe and I can't eat this much. It would be a waste if it went bad."
Aunt Zhao said, "That's right, my family is really generous during a bountiful year. Even the leftovers are top-quality. It was definitely worth helping them today."
The village head said, "If you ask me, Fengnian's mother is really a great benefactor to our village. Not only did she become an official and live a good life, but she also thinks about the people in our village. Look how many times we have eaten meat this year. In the past, we couldn't even get a bite of meat scraps."
The villagers immediately agreed, and felt even more grateful to Song Anxin.
Some people said, "Now that Aunt Lin is a lady, it's not appropriate for her to live in a house like this anymore. She should at least have a brick and tile house built to match her status as a lady."
"That's right, that's right. Let's go ask Sister Lin when she's going to build the house. We can get a job and earn some money then."
Everyone immediately agreed that Aunt Lin deserved to live in a brick house, and they all went to ask Song Anxin when the house would be built and if they could come and work, promising to put in plenty of effort and not slack off.
Seeing this, Lin Li chased those people away: "Go away, I know whether you're going to slack off or not. Fengnian's mother, you choose a place. I know where to find good bricks and tiles. Master Da Mu is a bricklayer. I can ask him to help you build your house. If there's anything else I can help you with, just tell me. Don't be polite."
Song Anxin hadn't expected that the villagers would assume her family was going to build a large brick house before she even brought it up. She thought it was time, so she smiled and said:
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle and everyone. I haven't decided on the specific location yet. You know the village best, Uncle. Why don't you take a look and see where in the village would be suitable for our family to build a house? I'll also need your help in selecting some people to build the house. If there's anything I don't understand, please give me your advice as well."
Song Anxin spoke very humbly, without acting superior or bossy just because she was a lady.
Lin Li was very pleased to hear this and quickly replied:
"Alright, alright, it's alright. This matter can't be delayed. Winter is coming soon, so we can take advantage of the winter off-season to build a house for your family. When spring comes, Fengnian's mother, your family can move in. I'll go and see which place is suitable for your family now. Don't worry, Fengnian's mother, I will definitely choose the best place for your family."
They left in a hurry, and when the men heard that Aunt Lin had given the village head full authority to select people, they naturally followed along. Everyone wanted to make a good impression on the village head so that he would choose them.
Song Anxin shook her head and smiled helplessly. The village head was even more enthusiastic than her family, and she was very grateful to him. However, she didn't want to move into a big house only in the spring. Winter was hard to endure, especially in such harsh conditions in ancient times. She had to draw up the house's floor plan first. She definitely needed to build a kang (heated brick bed) inside so that it would be warm when sleeping in winter. It would be wonderful for everyone to sit on the kang together to keep warm, eat melon seeds, and chat in winter.
Suddenly a group of people rushed out from beside her. When Song Anxin looked up, she saw that they were several restaurant owners.
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