Chapter 78 Nice chest! Nice abs!
Qiao Mianmian ran over and hugged her mother, "Why are you still out here? We're not three or five-year-old children anymore."
"I think you're just little kids." Lin said with a smile, pinching her daughter's cheek. They went into the courtyard together, tidied up, and started eating.
The next day, Qiao Manhua and his wife were to return home. When they set off, Qiao Jiasheng was still asleep.
"Aren't you really going to call Jiasheng?" Qiao Mancang asked.
Qiao Manhua shook her head, "We won't call him anymore. We'll be reluctant to let him go when we see him later. Please keep an eye on him for me for a few days."
The garden at home needs constant care; it's time for pruning, and I have to go into the garden to work every day.
Qiao Mancang said no more and saw his younger brother out.
After Qiao Manhua and his wife left, Qiao Jiasheng and the others got up. Upon learning that his parents had left, Qiao Jiasheng was stunned. "Why didn't you tell me?"
“They’re in a hurry to go back and trim the garden. You should go wash up and eat. Don’t you have to report for duty today?” Qiao Mancang said.
"Oh, I'll go wash my face now." Qiao Jiasheng went to the kitchen, scooped hot water from the pot, and jumped up when he put his hand in.
Seeing this, Qiao Jiaxing frowned and asked, "There's boiling water in the pot, why are you using it directly?"
“My mother usually fetches water for me, and I wash my face directly,” Qiao Jiasheng said softly.
Qiao Jiaxing shook his head. "Third Uncle and Third Aunt spoil you too much. If you don't know if the water is hot or not, you can first open your hand and put it on the water to see. If the heat near the water surface is unbearable, you should add cold water. Actually, at this time, you don't need hot water. My eldest brother and I wash our faces with cold water. Only Fifth Sister knows how to use hot water."
He helped Qiao Jiasheng wash his face, fearing that Qiao Jiasheng might not know anything else, and told Qiao Jiasheng to go out with them later.
They ate zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and rice soup for breakfast. There were sweet and savory zongzi. Qiao Mancang ate two, while Lin Shi only ate one. After everyone finished eating, they went out.
When Qiao Mianmian got up, she also ate a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) and then slowly went out.
Four days passed in this way. Qiao Jiasheng went out happily every day and came home cheerfully, looking particularly energetic.
That afternoon, Qiao Mianmian had just finished cooking the last dish and was about to go to the private room on the second floor to lie down when she saw the Cao family father and daughter arrive.
Uncle Cao was carrying two gifts. He glanced at his daughter, then looked at Madam Lin and Qiao Mancang. "Do you two have a moment? May I speak with you briefly?"
Lin didn't understand, but still agreed.
Watching the elders go upstairs, Qiao Mianmian saw Cao Yuan standing there and, fearing Cao Yuan would feel awkward, took the initiative to go over and greet her, "Miss Cao, come and sit down. Although I don't know what your father wants to say, we are about the same age, so we should get along well."
As she spoke, she looked Cao Yuan up and down. She had delicate features, bright black eyes, and healthy wheat-colored skin, though it was probably from sun exposure; her natural skin tone would be a bit lighter.
Cao Yuan's hands fell stiffly to her sides. She knew what her father was going to say, so she was extremely nervous. "Miss Qiao... Fifth Miss Qiao, you don't need to come with me."
"That won't do." Qiao Mianmian had just finished speaking when she saw her second brother bring over tea. It wasn't strange that he brought tea, but it was osmanthus tea with honey added. When she took a sip, her mouth felt sweet. When she looked at her second brother again, she noticed that his cheeks were noticeably red.
When I looked at Cao Yuan again, even the tips of her earlobes were completely red.
Even if she were slow on the uptake, Qiao Mianmian could tell that something was going on between the two. No wonder she never saw her second brother every afternoon; had they fallen for each other?
Qiao Mianmian was curious, but she couldn't ask Cao Yuan in front of her, so she could only keep looking at her second brother.
Qiao Jiaxing felt embarrassed by her gaze and said stiffly, "Fifth Sister, weren't you going to rest? Go ahead."
Is this a way to get me out of the way?
Seeing that her second brother didn't dare to look her in the eye, Qiao Mianmian gave him some space, saying, "Okay, I'll go rest for a while, you two chat."
That's what she said, but she didn't actually leave. Instead, she hid on the stairs, secretly watching in the direction of her second brother and Cao Yuan.
Qiao Jiaxing glanced back to make sure no one else was around before asking, "Is the osmanthus tea good?"
Cao Yuan nodded, "It's just a little too sweet."
"I was worried it wouldn't be sweet enough, so I added some more honey." As he spoke, Qiao Jiaxing poured tea for the young lady again, "Add some more, and it won't be so sweet."
Cao Yuan nodded again, keeping her eyes fixed straight ahead without turning her head even once.
Qiao Mianmian watched from the stairs, feeling itchy to see what would happen between the two. She figured they wouldn't make any progress, so she decided to go to the door of the private room and listen. Even if she was discovered, it wouldn't matter; at worst, her mother would just twist her ear.
In the private room, Uncle Cao had already explained his purpose. Seeing that the Lin couple were stunned, he explained it more clearly: "Yuan'er is my daughter born in my old age. Jiaxing may not have told you, but I have received a favor from Jiaxing. I have always wanted to find a good home for Yuan'er, but after looking around, I have not found anyone with good character."
"These past few days, thanks to your request for Jiaxing to come and take care of me, I've been able to feel a little better. They say time reveals a person's true character, and I've come to trust Jiaxing's integrity; I believe he's a kind and virtuous person."
Lin Shi and Qiao Mancang: ...When did they send their second son to take care of Uncle Cao?
“Yuan’er is my second wife’s youngest daughter. She is not close to her older brother and sister. After she gets married, she will no longer have to associate with them.”
Uncle Cao took a sip of tea. “I started from scratch. When I was young, I sold rice cakes and other traditional cakes on the streets. I saved up money and bought land. After so many years of accumulation, I now have fifty or sixty acres of land. I will give a portion of it to Yuan’er as part of her dowry.”
Cao Bo's family is considered one of the best in the village. Even though they own land, he insists that his descendants continue to work the land. Only those who have experienced hardship know how hard-won sweetness is.
Lin looked at Qiao Mancang, then at Uncle Cao, and said, "Our family doesn't care much about dowries; it's mainly up to the children."
“The fact that I came means that my Yuan’er is willing,” Uncle Cao said. “I am an honest man, and my days are numbered, so I have to make things clear to you whether it’s good or bad, otherwise your family will be dissatisfied in the future.”
Without a family to rely on, and if his in-laws are also difficult to get along with, he will die with regrets.
In terms of conditions, the Cao family owns land and business, making them a suitable match for the Qiao family. However, Madam Lin has always valued family traditions, and she was somewhat conflicted. "From what you've said, Miss Cao doesn't seem to have a good relationship with her older brothers and sisters. But how can you just cut off contact with your brothers and relatives like that?"
It wouldn't sound good if word got out, and it could cause trouble.
"It's not about severing all ties. We can just go back and burn some paper money every year during Qingming Festival. They've divided the family business, so they're probably afraid of Yuan'er causing trouble and won't dare to come looking for us." Uncle Cao had already made preparations. On the surface, he divided the family business among his sons, but in reality, he gave his daughter a small dowry of silver notes, making his sons feel that he had only given her a small amount.
Lin nodded thoughtfully, then nudged Qiao Mancang under the table.
Qiao Mancang quickly chimed in, "Our children's marriages are a major life event. Not only do we have to think it's good, but they also have to agree. I need to ask Jiaxing what he thinks about this."
“Of course. We’ll be heading home early tomorrow morning, so just give us your reply then.” Uncle Cao got up and went downstairs with his cane. “If your family agrees, the 26th of this month would be a good day. I want to see Yuan’er get married.”
Upon hearing the sound of crutches, Cao Yuan rushed over and helped her father leave.
Qiao Mancang beckoned to his second son, "Come upstairs with us, we have something to ask you."
“I…I do.” Qiao Jiaxing said there was no need to go upstairs. “It’s a marriage with the Cao family, right? I agree.”
“But Jiaxing is a relative of the Cao family, and it sounds like he’s not easy to get along with.” This was a point that Lin was particularly concerned about.
"I don't mind, I only value people." Qiao Jiaxing was too embarrassed to say outright that he valued Cao Yuan, but everyone present knew what he meant.
Qiao Mancang asked, "How could you agree so quickly?"
"I know!" Qiao Mianmian raised her hand and ran over, smiling as she looked at her second brother. "Second brother, I haven't seen you these past few afternoons. Did you go to work for the Cao family?"
"But what business does the Cao family have that makes you go there every day? Tell us, why did you fall for Miss Cao?" Qiao Jiaxing blushed deeply after Qiao Mianmian's words, stammering for a long time. He looked at his sister, then at his parents, took a deep breath, and made up his mind, saying, "I just want to marry Miss Cao. She is a good girl. Please, Father and Mother, agree!"
Hearing Qiao Jiaxing's firm tone, Madam Lin had no further ideas and turned to look at Qiao Mancang, "Mancang, what do you think?"
“We’ve been saying this for the past few days. We’ll pick and choose when it comes to our children’s marriages, but in the end, it has to be the children’s own wishes that make it a happy and harmonious marriage.” Qiao Mancang patted Lin’s hand. “The Cao family father and daughter are both quite good. We can’t expect perfection. Since Jiaxing is willing, we’ll agree.”
Having finally heard her son say he was willing, Qiao Mancang didn't want her son to be upset. As for the rest of the Cao family, if they were really not good, there were always ways to deal with them.
Madam Lin could only nod. "Jiaxing, now that you've agreed to this marriage, you must treat Miss Cao well. She'll only have you to rely on from now on."
"Don't worry, I can definitely do it!" Qiao Jiaxing's voice was loud and clear, and the corners of his lips were raised high with joy.
Lin looked at her husband and said, “Don’t make them wait another night. I think the Cao family is very anxious. Let’s go home, change our clothes, and go to the Cao family to settle things.”
She could also tell that Uncle Cao was not in good health, and if something happened to him, the marriage would have to be postponed.
Qiao Mancang understood Lin's meaning, gave her a few instructions, and then they went home together.
Qiao Mianmian then leaned closer, "Second brother, you still haven't told me, why did you take a liking to Miss Cao?" She pressed her second brother, curiously digging for details, "Tell me, we're siblings, is there anything we can't say?"
"Aren't you...aren't you ashamed?" Qiao Jiaxing asked, embarrassed.
"What's there to be shy about? Neither of you is married, so it's perfectly normal for you two to like each other. Why should I be embarrassed?"
Qiao Mianmian only had a gossipy heart and felt no embarrassment whatsoever.
Faced with his sister's persistent questioning, Qiao Jiaxing couldn't bring himself to answer. Fortunately, he saw Lu Zhao and ran over to him as if he had been granted a pardon. "Lord Lu, it's been so long! You've been gone for quite some time. Where's Qingjiu? I haven't seen him."
"Qingjiu injured his leg, and he kept asking for your food, so I've packed two dishes for him." Lu Zhao had just returned, looking exhausted, as if he could fall asleep at any moment.
Qiao Mianmian noticed the dark circles under Lu Zhao's eyes, indicating that Lu Zhao's trip had been difficult. However, she didn't inquire about his official career and only asked him what he wanted to eat.
"One order of braised pork, Qingjiu specifically asked for that." Lu Zhao's stubble was still sturdy, and despite being sleepy, he stood ramrod straight. "And the same thing, you guys make it as you see fit. Can you hurry up?"
"Sure, sure, the braised pork is ready. I'll just serve it to you." Qiao Jiaxing ran to the kitchen.
Qiao Mianmian remembered that Lu Zhao liked to eat tofu, "Then I'll make you a Mapo Tofu. It cooks quickly, so you can sit for a while and it will be ready soon."
Bring water to a boil in a pot, blanch the tofu to remove some of the bean curd residue taste, then heat oil in the pot and stir-fry the fermented bean paste until fragrant. Add some chili peppers, ginger, and garlic, then add the tofu and simmer.
Use soft tofu for a smoother texture. Once the tofu is coated in a dark brown color, add cornstarch slurry in three batches. Finally, add a handful of chopped green onions, and your fragrant Mapo Tofu is ready to serve.
Qiao Mianmian packed up the food and rice and took it out to Lu Zhao.
After Lu Zhao left, Qiao Mianmian still remembered her second brother, but when she turned around to call for someone, she didn't see her second brother.
She walked around the food stall and only saw her eldest brother. "Where's my second brother?"
"You should hide now." Qiao Jiawang was happy to know that his younger brother's marriage was settled. "Mianmian, your second brother is shy, so don't ask anymore."
"Alright, I won't ask then. I'll ask my second sister-in-law when I'm more familiar with her," Qiao Mianmian said.
Qiao Jiawang shook his head as he watched his sister, then went into the kitchen to chop vegetables and prepare dinner.
When his parents returned, Qiao Jiawang saw his younger brother following behind and realized that his brother had gone to the inn.
Seeing his parents smiling, he pulled his younger brother upstairs. As the older brother, he should ask them directly, "If you're too embarrassed to tell Mianmian, tell me why you insist on Miss Cao?"
"I...I don't know either." Qiao Jiaxing blushed visibly as he spoke of this. "The first time I went to the inn to deliver food, I saw Miss Cao busy running around, giving Uncle Cao all sorts of instructions. I felt so close to her."
"And then you just went to the inn every day?"
"No!"
Qiao Jiaxing shook his head vigorously, "The day after the delivery, I ran into Miss Cao haggling with someone in the market. The shopkeeper was a big, burly man, but Miss Cao wasn't intimidated at all and managed to negotiate back and forth several times. Although she only got a two-copper discount in the end, she was very happy, and I thought her smile was really beautiful."
“My parents always asked me what kind of wife I wanted to marry. At first, I didn’t have an answer. But after seeing Miss Cao, I realized that I wanted to marry a wife like my mother.”
Qiao Jiawang belatedly realized what was happening, "You... I understand."
“When I was little, people often said that our mother wasn’t our biological mother, and that even if she was good to us at the time, she would eventually be exposed. I was very scared then. I heard that stepmothers would secretly beat their children, so I often clung to you.”
Speaking of his childhood memories, Qiao Jiaxing found them all amusing. "Later, as I grew older, some people said that it was a blessing for us brothers to have met such a kind and hardworking woman as our mother. I didn't know what that blessing was before, but I understand now. Brother, between men and women, to put it simply, it's like a turtle seeing a green bean; as long as they're attracted to each other, that's good. Don't worry, I'm not just acting on a whim."
Qiao Jiawang patted his younger brother on the back, "Yes, you've grown up."
Just then, he heard his parents calling him to dinner downstairs. Qiao Jiaxing pushed open the wooden window, grinning from ear to ear, "Coming!"
After saying that, he turned to look at his eldest brother and whispered, "Don't tell anyone what I just told you. No matter how much your fifth sister pesters you, don't tell her."
"But……"
"No buts, if everyone finds out about this, I'll be too embarrassed to face anyone. Just think, if Fifth Sister finds out, Mother will find out, and then the whole family will know!" Qiao Jiaxing knew his family very well.
"Alright then." Qiao Jiawang thought of his sister and his mother and nodded in agreement.
When Qiao Mianmian saw her two older brothers upstairs, she asked her eldest brother what he had said when she got home. Qiao Jiawang replied directly, "Don't ask. Jiaxing told me not to say."
"Second brother is so annoying. How come I never noticed before that he's so shy?" Qiao Mianmian snorted. "It's okay, I can ask my second sister-in-law the same thing in the future."
Qiao Jiaxing and Cao Yuan's wedding is set for the 26th of this month, which is about half a month away.
With time on their hands and a heavy workload, Lin and Qiao Mancang had many things to prepare. They walked quickly and went straight into the house to calculate the money and guests.
Qiao Mianmian and her brothers walked behind. Seeing that the Lu family's door was open, she thought of Qingjiu's leg injury and went over to knock on the door. "Lord Lu, Qingjiu, may I come in?"
"Miss Qiao Wu!"
With a loud, high-pitched voice, tinged with a sob, Qingjiu limped out of the house, leaning against the roof beam, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at the three Qiao siblings at the door. "I...I'm finally back! Look at me, haven't I gotten so dark and thin?"
Qiao Mianmian looked Qingjiu up and down. Qingjiu was dark-skinned, but she was thin... Looking at Qingjiu's double chin, she found it hard to say something against her conscience.
"Miss Qiao Wu, why aren't you saying anything?" Qingjiu looked at the Qiao brothers again. "Why aren't you saying anything either? Can't you see how haggard I look?"
Qiao Jiaxing nodded immediately, "You really look haggard, you don't seem to have any energy. Qingjiu, what happened to your leg?"
"When we were chasing the bandits, I jumped down a hillside and twisted my ankle. The doctor said I need to rest for at least half a month. I don't know what to do without my master for so long!" Qingjiu frowned, looking very worried. Then his eyes widened as he began to recount the bandit raid. "You didn't see it, those bandits were incredibly fierce, each one a menacing demon. Luckily, we're all skilled in martial arts, especially my master, he was incredibly brave..."
Qingjiu spoke with great enthusiasm, and Qiao Mianmian and her two siblings listened with great interest until Lu Zhao came out of the bath, at which point everyone looked over.
Qiao Mianmian only glanced at him before her two brothers abruptly pulled her around, simply because Lu Zhao's clothes were unbuttoned, revealing his chest and waist!
A few words flashed through Qiao Mianmian's mind—Great chest! Great abs!
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