The news that the Yu family was going to the capital quickly reached the courtyard of the great-uncle next door.
My great-uncle was squatting on the threshold when he heard this, and the thing in his hand fell to the ground with a thud.
"What? To the capital?"
The old woman, who was sewing shoe soles inside the house, peeked out with her sharp ears.
"I heard it clearly just now. That kid is taking his whole family with him! He said the new emperor has opened a special imperial examination, and he's going to take it right now!"
My great-uncle slapped his thigh and stood up abruptly.
"Then...then we're family too!"
He hurriedly headed towards the house, saying, "I'll go pack my things now. We're all from the Yu family, how could he not take us with him?"
"You're insane!"
The old woman grabbed him, her eyes gleaming, and lowered her voice.
"What are we packing up? Once they leave, their yard, which is as big as any yard in the county town, will be ours, won't it?"
My great-uncle was stunned.
"The land deed is in their hands, how can it be ours?"
The old woman gave him a disdainful look and poked his forehead.
"You stubborn fool! Are you stupid?!"
"Then we'll just pick the lock and move in! We'll tell everyone that Xinran asked us to look after her!"
"Who dares to say a word? We're all family, who has the right to tell us what to do?"
"When the time comes, we'll bring our son and grandson from the countryside! They'll live in the county town and go to school!"
My great-uncle's eyes lit up instantly.
He rubbed his hands together and chuckled.
"You're so thoughtful! Yes! Let's do it that way!"
…
Inside the Yu family courtyard, a bustling scene unfolded.
Grandmother directed everyone to stuff bags of dried herbs and grains into the box.
"Take this with you, it'll help An'er recover!"
The mother then wrapped each jar of pickled vegetables and cured meat in oil paper.
"These books! You absolutely mustn't forget these books!"
As she folded clothes, the older sister-in-law kept muttering to herself while looking at the mountain of luggage.
My nieces were running around in the yard, excited and curious, and every now and then my sister-in-law would yell at them to stop causing trouble.
After selling the last batch of ice, Yu Luo leisurely returned home, carrying several bags of newly bought pastries and writing materials.
She distributed the items one by one, and each niece received a brand new set of paper and pens.
"You all need to study hard."
Looking into their bright eyes, Yu Luo spoke earnestly.
"Remember, in the future, women can also hold official positions and make a difference."
"Second Uncle, we understand!"
The girls nodded solemnly, their faces tense, as if they had received some sacred mission.
"Why are you buying so many nice things for a few girls!"
The elder sister-in-law started yelling in a shrill voice and snatched the calligraphy brush from her daughter's hand.
"They're already getting away with eating and drinking for free at home every day! Why do they need such a nice pen? They can just take turns using one!"
The light in the eyes of her nieces dimmed instantly, and they lowered their heads in grievance.
Yu Luo's face darkened.
She didn't speak, but just quietly looked at her sister-in-law.
That look was devoid of any warmth.
"Sister-in-law, they are your daughters, you should trust them."
The older sister-in-law felt uneasy under her gaze, and secretly glanced in this direction. She swallowed back what she was about to say and ultimately didn't dare to utter another sound.
The atmosphere in the courtyard was somewhat tense.
With a loud bang, the courtyard gate was violently pushed open from the outside.
My great-uncle and aunt stormed in with their whole family.
"Yu An! You biased, ungrateful wretch!"
The old woman's voice preceded her arrival, her triangular eyes fixed intently on Yu Luo.
She spotted the paper and ink in her little niece's hand immediately, rushed forward, and snatched it away.
"Oh, so what if you're rich!"
"Do you even know who the Yu family members are? You're buying such good ink for these girls, what can they do? Draw turtles?"
She weighed the fine ink block in her hand, spitting as she spoke.
"Such a good thing should be given to your little cousin! He's the one with a son! He's the future hope of our Yu family!"
Yu Dahai, the eldest son of my great-uncle, stepped into the courtyard gate, followed by his wife. Before they even entered, they started shouting.
"Auntie! Is this how you run a household? Our little Bao'er doesn't even have a decent piece of paper, and you're giving money to this little brat to waste?"
His chubby, well-fed son, seeing his parents cheering him on, rolled his eyes and plopped down on the ground.
"Wow! I want a new pen! I want new ink! I also want to live in a big house! Wow!"
That pig-like screaming instantly stirred up a hornet's nest.
The neighbors in the alley were either peeking out or leaving their houses, and soon the entrance to the Yu family's house was completely blocked.
"What's going on with the Yu family?"
"I heard it's because the items weren't distributed fairly, all over a few pens."
An old woman squeezed to the front, smacked her lips, and looked like she'd been there all along.
"That's right. Girls will eventually get married and become someone else's family. Buying them such nice things is just benefiting outsiders."
As she spoke, she took a deep sniff.
"Oh my, what's that smell in the yard? It smells wonderful!"
Only then did everyone notice that the things in the little girls' hands were indeed unusual.
The paper is Xuan paper with a warm, lustrous sheen, as smooth as solidified fat.
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