If as soon as Old Man Lu mentions wanting to build an ancestral hall, someone says things like, "Oh, you're rich, go ahead and build it," Old Man Lu naturally doesn't want to say anything more.
But in reality, no one said that. Even those families who had just paid back the money they borrowed from the Lu family during their escape from famine and didn't have much money left, were thinking of contributing money or labor as they could, and that's why Old Man Lu took the initiative to speak up.
Hearing He Jiu Niang's words, Sun Shi finally calmed down a bit. After thinking for a moment, she said angrily, "Am I that kind of petty person? What I'm angry about is that he didn't discuss this matter with me. If he had talked to me properly, would I have refused?"
"Yes, yes, I know Ms. Sun is the kindest and most lovely. It's all my dad's fault for not discussing it with Ms. Sun. Let's have a good talk with him tonight and teach him a lesson, okay?"
He Jiuniang coaxed Sun Shi like a child. Sun Shi couldn't hide her smile and slapped He Jiuniang's hand, saying, "All you ever do is try to make me happy!"
"No, I'm just telling the truth. Ms. Sun is kind, beautiful, generous, and understanding..."
"Alright, alright, shut up already. What's the point of saying all this? Aren't you ashamed!"
That's what she said, but the smile on Sun's face never stopped. As it turned out, she was indeed happier than usual when her third son's wife was at home.
While He Jiuniang's words seemed to be meant to please her, they actually hit the nail on the head.
If she were stingy, she wouldn't have spent so much money to redeem Lotus during their escape from famine, nor would she have sold her two horses to lend the money to her people and help them get through the crisis.
She actually supported the idea of repairing the ancestral hall. Her family had fled from famine to this place, and not only had no one been injured, but they had also gradually prospered. She knew it was thanks to He Jiuniang, but on the other hand, she was also grateful for the blessings of her ancestors.
The people of this era are sincere and simple, believing that there are gods watching over them, and that their ancestors are silently protecting them. They have been settled here for almost a year, and it is time to build an ancestral hall for their ancestors.
Her family is the best off among the clan members, and they are also the healthiest. For that reason alone, spending more money to repair the ancestral hall is acceptable.
Seeing that she had truly calmed down, He Jiuniang went out to tell Lu Baichuan and the others that she would borrow tables and chairs from the neighbors. The brothers happily went out to borrow tables.
After the tables and benches were set up, but the dishes were not yet ready, and it was getting dark, He Jiu Niang had someone bring bowls and pour wine. She also placed a large basin of Lu Hei Ya (a type of braised duck) on each table, telling them to drink and chat first, while the kitchen could slowly prepare the food.
These Lu Black Ducks are quite expensive, and only families with slightly better financial conditions can afford to buy them. People like the Lu family in the village would never be able to afford them.
Many people were tasting Lu Hei Ya for the first time, and they were all amazed by its deliciousness.
After we'd almost finished gnawing on the duck necks, the main course was finally served.
Everyone sat down at several tables, with the men drinking at two or three tables pushed together so they could chat more easily.
The remaining children sat at one table, and the women at another, each eating and chatting separately without disturbing each other.
The men chatted happily, first planning how the ancestral hall should be built. Those clansmen who had no money took the initiative to do the work, and those who had money were not stingy and contributed money so that everyone could work together. Then they talked about Lu Baichuan's escort mission, lamenting the hardships of the world and how difficult it was to go out.
As the conversation went on, it turned to the fact that Lu Lao Er, Zhang Song, and Zhang Yong wanted to go to the grasslands to buy cattle.
As soon as the topic came up, Lu Lao Er immediately decided not to go, saying that he hadn't thought it through before and had made things difficult for himself, but now that he understood, he didn't want to go out.
Zhang Song and Zhang Yong said that no matter what, they still want to go out and see the world, maybe there will be other opportunities.
The group then engaged in a lengthy discussion about whether or not to go.
Some people say it's better not to go out, because the world is in chaos now, and if you go out, you might not be able to come back.
Some people say that there are better opportunities outside, and that one might be able to achieve success like Lu Baichuan and bring honor to the family.
Then someone immediately retorted, "If you don't have Lu Baichuan's abilities, don't even think about those things..."
The women were also chatting, and the atmosphere on their side was much more relaxed, unlike the men who were speaking loudly and boisterously.
Qin Shi has been experiencing severe pregnancy symptoms lately and has had little appetite. Today, He Jiu Niang returned and had the maids prepare appetizers according to her recipe, which Qin Shi is now enjoying.
He Jiuniang said, "Life is good now, all you sisters-in-law and sisters who want to have children should hurry up! If you all get pregnant, come to me and I will prescribe a formula to help you have a safe pregnancy. I guarantee that every baby you give birth to will be chubby and adorable!"
"Oh dear, what's the use of you saying that to us? Even those of us younger than you have two or three kids already. Look at you, you only have one dog and one child. Shouldn't you all hurry up and have one?"
"Hahaha, that's right, and you're talking about us!"
"I heard from Mother that when they came back before, you and your third brother were sleeping in separate rooms. Why did you two have a fight? Have you made him go back to sleep now?"
"Why are you sleeping in separate rooms now? Are you angry that my third brother has been gone for years without a trace, and you're going to give him a good talking to? But let's just say, you're a married couple, a little discipline is fine, but don't keep your third brother waiting too long~"
Originally, He Jiuniang was just teasing them, but in the blink of an eye, trouble ended up on her own.
He Jiuniang blinked, looking at Madam Sun with some displeasure: "Ms. Sun, you can't do this! How can you be so blatant, saying everything!"
Sun retorted dismissively, "What, you're allowed to talk about others but others aren't allowed to talk about you?"
He Jiuniang was still angry and said, "You clearly know that he wanted to sleep in a separate room from me, so why are you blaming me?"
Sun looked up at the sky and said, "I don't know about that. That's a matter between you two."
He Jiuniang: ...How come things are getting worse by trying to explain?
Fortunately, she honestly explained the details to everyone: "He felt that he was injured and disfigured, and was afraid of scaring me, so he asked us to sleep in separate rooms."
"Oh my, our third brother is so thoughtful!"
Yu was the first to start the commotion, and Cui'er and the others joined in the laughter. He Jiuniang's thick-skinned face finally couldn't help but blush.
Sitting next to her, Qin nudged her and whispered, "But I see that Third Brother's face has almost recovered. Besides, there's an opportunity tonight. Shouldn't you seize it?"
Just as He Jiuniang was about to refuse, Sun Shi said, "I think it's fine!"
Although she doesn't say much usually, she always worries about the relationship between the third wife and her husband. After all, her son has been away from home for many years and has been disfigured, so he is not good enough for her daughter-in-law. As her mother, she is quite anxious about this.
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