Chapter 63: Gossip
Zhang Dazhu was stunned and asked solemnly, "Aunt Taohua, are you telling the truth?"
Li Taohua replied while hanging the quilt, "I don't know if it's true or not. Anyway, when I was weeding in the vegetable garden, Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Wang were talking in the vegetable field next to me, and I accidentally overheard them."
Who is Mrs. Zhang? She is the most gossipy old woman in the village, commonly known as a gossiper. However, her information is not completely reliable.
"Whether it's true or not, since Erzhu is not here, you and your wife should keep an eye on it." Tang Dafu said, "It's best to arrange the marriage as soon as possible."
"Even if we notify Erzhu now, he won't be able to come back. We don't know when the dam will be repaired. If it can't be repaired in a few years, the girl won't wait for Erzhu in vain." Zhang Dazhu said, "But I still have to thank Aunt Taohua. Whether it's true or not, at least she reminded me. If this really happened and I was kept in the dark, I really don't know how to explain to Erzhu when he comes back. No wonder grandma insisted that our family send someone to repair the dam. I took the initiative to sign up, but grandma said that my skills are better than Erzhu's, and it would be more profitable to stay at home and do carpentry work. She insisted that Erzhu go to repair the dam."
"Hearing what you said, this matter is probably almost certain." Tang Yichen said, "Go back and discuss with your parents what to do. If the girl is optimistic about Erzhu, she should not be easily shaken."
Zhang Dazhu left Tang Dafu's house with a heavy heart. As soon as he walked out of the door, Wang, who was carrying a basket of vegetables, stopped him and winked at him: "They want to buy from you on credit again?"
Zhang Dazhu waved his hand: "No."
Wang sneered and said sarcastically, "You are just too honest. Your family is also a small business, and you always let these shameless people buy on credit. No wonder you can't even take out two taels of silver."
Zhang Dazhui originally wanted to explain, but after hearing what Wang said, he remembered that Li Taohua said that she also made her guess based on the discussion between Mrs. Zhang and Wang, which meant that Wang knew the ins and outs of the matter better than Li Taohua.
"Auntie, let me ask you something." Zhang Dazhu said, "If you tell me the truth, I will make you a new stool."
When Wang heard that there was an opportunity to get something for free, her eyes lit up with green light.
"Hurry up and tell me." She urged anxiously. "As long as I know, I will tell you everything."
"Is my uncle in love with Xiao Chunni, a girl from the Xiao family in the next village?" Zhang Dazhu looked into Wang's eyes.
The smile on Wang's face disappeared.
She smiled awkwardly: "How should I know this?"
"Aunt, have you thought it through? If you lie, you'll lose your new stool." Zhang Dazhu said coldly, "Since I'm asking you, it must be because I heard something and I just want to find you to confirm it."
"Oh, I'm not trying to lie to you, it's just... I just heard it!" Wang quickly changed her words, "I heard from others that when your brother Erzhu was dating the girl from the Xiao family, your uncle happened to come back to get something and fell in love with Chunni from the Xiao family."
"Then what?"
"Your uncle pestered your grandma to let him meet the girl from the Xiao family. Your grandma had no choice but to send Erzhu to repair the dam. Your grandma has secretly contacted the Xiao family and said that she would give the betrothal gift plus two taels of silver and let the Xiao family marry the girl to your uncle. Of course, I also heard about it, I don't know if it's true."
Zhang Dazhui's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.
Wang saw that his face was not right, so she moved towards the door and reminded him worriedly: "You promised to give me a new stool, so you can't cheat, otherwise I will definitely complain to your grandma."
"Thank you, auntie. Please don't tell anyone what I asked you. If people outside hear about it, the new stool I promised you will be gone." Zhang Dazhui said and left angrily.
Wang shouted at Zhang Dazhu's back, "Hey, when are you going to give me the new stool? Should I go get it myself, or do you want me to bring it to my door?"
Li Taohua heard the conversation outside in the yard. She beat the quilt with a wooden stick and said, "Grandma Dazhu is really blinded by lard. She is now well-fed and well-clothed thanks to the eldest son's family. But she seems to have no brains and just dotes on the youngest son who only knows how to eat, drink and have fun. Just wait and see, she will regret it."
"Mom, too much has happened in the past two days. We should take a good rest. Let's have grilled fish tonight! Brother, aren't you good at catching fish? Go catch two big ones later, and I'll make you a new delicacy tonight."
"How come you have so many wonderful ideas at such a young age?" Tang Yichen said, "I suddenly want to see the legendary capital. You have such good skills after only learning a little bit. Isn't the skill of the famous chefs in the capital like the cooking gods descended to earth?"
Qin Huiyin felt a little guilty, but quickly straightened her chest.
After a long time of telling white lies like this, everyone will ignore the process and just need to know that the result is good.
What's more, even if she was blessed by the future era, she might not have the skills of the famous chefs in ancient times. They were professionals, and she was just playing a game of life.
Tang Yichen caught two big fish.
Tang Yi laughed and said excitedly, "Brother originally caught four, but he picked the two biggest ones and put the other two back."
"Is Third Grandpa at home?" Qin Huiyin said, "If he is, please invite him to dinner tonight."
Yesterday, I invited him to dinner, but something unexpected happened on the way, so the dinner was ruined. If I invite him to dinner again today, I think no one will come to bother them for the time being.
Tang Dafu went to invite Mr. Tang San in person.
Master Tang San came over quickly.
Brother Tang Yichen has already moved the dining table to the yard.
Tang Luwu and Li Taohua placed the washed and cut vegetables on the low table next to them.
The grill was the one they usually used for business. The charcoal fire was already lit, just waiting for today's main course to be served.
Qin Huiyin brought out the grilled fish.
The large square plate for the grilled fish was custom-made by Qin Huiyin at the blacksmith shop. It was used for the first time today, and she showed everyone a dish that she had never made before. From everyone's expressions, it can be seen that they are very much looking forward to this delicacy.
"Uncle Tang, there is a half-jar of wine in the corner of the main hall. Please go get it. Today's grilled fish is absolutely delicious with wine. People who like to drink are in for a treat. Your leg injury has recovered well. If you are craving for wine, you can drink a few glasses with Third Grandpa."
Tang Dafu's eyes flashed with joy. But soon, he seemed to have thought of something and looked at Li Taohua cautiously.
Li Taohua said unhappily, "My daughter asked you to drink, so you drink. Why are you looking at me?"
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