“It’s getting dark, let’s go to the last house,” Sister-in-law Huang explained with a smile. “This time we’re going to the clan chief’s house. It’s a good thing. Since we’re willing to benefit the villagers, we should let the people who should know know.”
Jiang Nuan mentally gave a thumbs up, "Sister-in-law, why did it take you so long to go?"
"Don't do it too deliberately," Sister-in-law Huang advised earnestly. "If you want to build a reputation without leaving a trace, you have to be patient. There are a few shrewd people in the village, and our clan chief is one of them. He can see through any little schemes at a glance."
"They actually used a roundabout method?" Jiang Nuan touched her nose. "Huangjiakou is truly full of talented people."
"What roundabout method?" Sister-in-law Huang was completely bewildered. "I don't understand the affairs of you scholars."
"You don't understand. You've already done it," Jiang Nuan thought to herself, but she admired Sister-in-law Huang even more.
She simply couldn't keep up with the lengths and complexities of these social relationships.
It seems I still need to study hard, Jiang Nuan secretly decided.
The Huang clan chief's house is the most impressive courtyard in Huangjiakou.
The three-courtyard house is made of blue bricks and gray tiles. Only the surrounding walls are made of mud. The main gate is a wooden door that is two people high, which makes it look very heavy.
Among the low and simple mud-brick houses, it stands out like a crane among chickens.
The two sisters-in-law knocked on the door knocker hanging on the door panel and stood at the door waiting for the visitors.
During the conversation, Sister-in-law Huang said enviously, "I wish we could live in such a magnificent house someday."
“Your sister-in-law’s house isn’t bad either,” Jiang Nuan chimed in. “It has the same blue bricks and gray tiles, just a bit smaller.”
Of course, that statement is somewhat exaggerated.
The house where Village Chief Huang lives was built by Old Man Huang when he was young. Although it was built with bricks and tiles, it only had five rooms because of limited money.
Compared to the Huang clan chief's large mansion with its ten or so rooms, it is far inferior.
“How can they be the same?” Sister-in-law Huang shook her head. “Such a big house not only shows that the family is wealthy, but also means that the descendants will be prosperous. Unlike our family, Da Shan’s wife has been married for seven or eight years and has not laid a single egg yet.”
"Don't worry, sister-in-law, it's all about fate when it comes to having a child," Jiang Nuan said, then tentatively asked, "Have you seen a doctor yet?"
“I’ve seen a doctor,” said Sister Huang, her face showing distress. “The doctor couldn’t say what’s wrong with me. I’m so worried that my hair has turned white.”
As she spoke, Sister-in-law Huang pointed to the white hairs at her temples.
“When the time is right, the child will come naturally,” Jiang Nuan comforted. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law, they are still young and will have children.”
"What do you mean, still young?" a middle-aged woman suddenly asked.
The two were so engrossed in their conversation that they completely forgot they were standing in front of someone else's house.
"Sister-in-law," Sister-in-law Huang turned her head and saw the clan chief's wife smiling at the two of them, "We were talking about Da Shan and his wife. They haven't had a child all these years, and it's giving me a headache."
“They are indeed young,” the chief’s wife gently reassured them. “Don’t worry, they will come.”
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Jiang Nuan, "Fifth sister-in-law, you don't come here unless you have something important to say. Is there something you need today?"
“Sister-in-law,” Jiang Nuan said with a smile, “I want to buy some cabbage. It’s one coin per pound. If you have any, you can send them to my house. I’ll pay you in cash.”
"One coin per pound?" The clan chief's wife's eyes flickered. "Alright, I'll have the men deliver it when they get back. Why don't you come inside and rest for a while?"
"No, thank you," Sister-in-law Huang refused directly. "It's getting late. We won't keep you any longer. We'll go now. You can continue with your work, Sister-in-law."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com