The saltpeter mine was not far from Pingyang County, near the home of Hu Si'er, who supplied squid to Fengyuelou. After buying the mine, they would have to find someone to mine it, so the Huo family and the people from Fengyuelou headed towards Lianjia Village.
Mantuo didn't come this time. The young lady is pregnant and it's better for her to stay in the building and rest peacefully. Besides, with Mother Cen and Chunying out, there always needs to be a few people in the building who can make decisions, and Mantuo is one of them.
"I've never seen the sea before!" Hou Xiangxiang said, leaning against the window.
"Me too." Huo Xiaolong was still not serious in the carriage, and loved to lie on the fluffy blanket, taking Miss Hou with him.
Da Ni'er also wanted to lie down, but she was too tall to fit.
This time, Aunt Wang brought Da Ni'er along. The child hasn't been out to see the world yet. She spends all her time with Huo Xiaolong and Hou Xiangxiang. Our family isn't as wealthy as theirs, so I don't know if the child will feel inferior.
In any case, the Wang couple would give whatever they could within their means.
Actually, Da Ni'er didn't think that much about it, nor could she think about it in that direction. She had everything before; she was a grassland princess and the most favored member of the Yalan royal family.
What good would that do?
She was abandoned by her father just like that; fine clothes and delicacies couldn't compare to the sesame seed cake in Aunt Wang's hand.
Before even reaching Hujia Village, the damp, salty sea breeze swept over us. Against the backdrop of the azure sea and sky, several fishing boats drifted on the water. The weather was perfect today, with a slight breeze, making it a bountiful day for the fishermen.
"Hey? Isn't this Ah Cai from the brothel?"
The Hu family members were very familiar with the Fengyue Tower. Hu Si'er went up to greet Ah Cai, who was driving the carriage.
If it weren't for the brothel, his family wouldn't be living in a house with blue bricks and white tiles. When Ah Cai came over, he wished he could pull him into his house and stay for a few days.
"Why did you come all this way? If you needed anything, just let me know when you delivered the fish. Why did you have to come all this way?"
Ah Cai jumped down from the carriage. The village roads were difficult to navigate, so he had to lead the horse slowly. He led the horse and said to Hu Si'er...
"My boss bought that mine, so I came over to help out and recruit some people."
The man had just gotten off the fishing boat. His trousers and sleeves were rolled up, he was wearing sandals, a straw hat, and his hair was wet. He looked somewhat unkempt.
"So you mean the owner of the brothel is in the carriage?" Hu Si'er asked in a low voice, looking up at the carriage.
Ah Cai nodded.
"Yes, a few of us girls came too, just to relax. And our boss's friends, those kids haven't been to the sea before, so we all came together."
"Tsk, look at the mess this has made. Where is our boss going to live?"
Ah Cai replied
"How about I rent a few courtyards from the village chief? Brother, can you introduce me to someone?"
"Sure! Absolutely no problem. My house has been renovated too. Would it be convenient for the landlord to come over for a casual meal and rest? We can go there after we've rented a place?"
"I'll go ask."
Ah Cai came to the window and told Cen Ang about Hu Si'er's invitation. They had been cooperating for almost half a year, and it wouldn't be good to refuse. Besides, none of the fish he delivered were bad. He was honest and reliable in business.
Mrs. Cen nodded and said
"Sure, but wouldn't it be too much of a bother for them if we all went?"
Ah Cai shook his head.
"No, boss, don't worry. Hu Si'er is the eldest son now."
When Hu Si'er returned home with the brothel patrons, his wife was sitting with a wooden bucket in front of her, picking out the squid that were either dying or half-dead, otherwise it wouldn't look good when they were sent to the brothel the next day.
"Wife, look who I brought home!"
The woman, dressed simply, stood up, a few strands of hair falling beside her cheek. Her hands were stained with fish, and she wiped the sweat from her brow with her arm before speaking.
"Oh, isn't this Ah Cai? Come in and wait a moment."
Hu Si'er took out a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his wife's sweat, and said...
“Brother A-Cai didn’t come alone today; the owner of Fengyue Tower is here too.”
"Really? Well, I'll go change my clothes and then go to the door to greet the employer."
"Need not."
Cen Ang dismounted from the carriage upon arriving at Hu Si'er's house and led the group from Fengyuelou inside. He then addressed Hu Si'er's wife...
"We've already caused you trouble by coming to your home, so please don't come to pick us up as well."
Looking at the group of people who had elevated her yard to a whole new level, Hu Si's wife felt a little lost. It was as if these people were shining brightly, making her unsure where to look.
Huo Xiaolong broke the silence. The little dumpling squatted in front of a large basin, looked at it, and asked...
"Aunt Hu! This crab is huge! Is it edible?"
"Yes! Of course you can! Your aunt will make you something to eat in a little while."
"Thank you, Auntie!"
Look at that other person's child, so good-looking and lovable, much better than her nephews.
"Aunt Hu, Aunt Hu, what's this? Why is this fish blue?" Hou Xiangxiang asked, pointing to the fish in the tank.
Hu Si's wife was surrounded by questions about the three children, so Hu Si'er led everyone to the main room and poured them a pot of tea.
Ah Cai still remembers that when he first came to the Hu family, he drank sugar water. Now they've really made a good living.
Hu Si'er's newly built house was not far from his brother's house, and the news of his house had already spread. Old Man Hu brought his other three sons to take a look, but they hesitated at the door, wondering if going in directly would disturb the landlord.
"Dad? What are you doing standing at the door? Come in quickly," said Hu Si's daughter-in-law.
"It's perfect that you've arrived, sister-in-law. Please go in and greet them. There are a lot of female guests this time, and I can't get away for a while."
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