As for the matter of the Jiang family's old residence, Mu Yi'an could just listen and let it go. In any case, in this ancient era, as a woman confined to the inner quarters, she didn't have much say.
During this period, Mu Yi'an celebrated the birthdays of Shao Ming and Shao Yun one after another.
The two children were born in November and December, unlike the first month of the lunar calendar, whose birthday is in March.
After the winter month, we enter the twelfth month.
In the village, Uncle Li and Jiang Shuhe had already led people to build pigsties, sheepfolds, and chicken coops. The winter wheat was also growing well. Mu Yi'an had Uncle Li plant purple clover on the dry land that was to be planted with watermelons next year; it would fertilize the land and also provide some for livestock.
Uncle Li asked Xu Wu's family to look after the estate, and they returned to Jiangjia Village in the twelfth lunar month.
"Madam, everything on the estate is done. Xu Wu's family will stay there to look after it. Shuhe and I have contacted the village chiefs of the nearby villages, and we can recruit workers from their villages next spring."
My second uncle also went over to say hello. The village chief knows we have connections in the county government, and they all said they'd help look after the village and wouldn't let anyone in or out freely.
After Uncle Li finished telling Mu Yi'an what he had been doing during this time, Mu Yi'an told him to go back and rest.
"Shuhe, are you really going to continue working for me as a long-term laborer? You've worked hard this year, and in addition to the agreed wages, I'll give you a bonus."
"Sister-in-law, you know my family's situation. I have several younger brothers and sisters who need to get married, and the house is small. I don't even know where they will live after they get married."
I don't want my wife and children to live the life I once lived after I get married. It's not that I resent my parents, but those days were too hard. I'm thinking of leaving the money I earn this year to my parents, and then building a few more houses. I'll work for my sister-in-law for two years, and with the money I earn, I can set up a small family for myself, and then my wife and children can live a normal life.
This was the first time Jiang Shuhe had spoken so much; he had always been focused on his work.
"If you've thought it through, then we'll move to the county town after the New Year. You can go to the estate then and work with Uncle Li to manage things there. Uncle Li is experienced, so you can learn from him."
"Thank you, sister-in-law. I will study hard."
Jiang Shuhe scratched his head and went out with a big smile on his face.
"Second sister-in-law, Shuhe has some good news. I saw him go out happily."
“He wants to give the money he earns this year to his parents so that they can build two houses. Next year, he will work as a farmhand for us again, earn money, get married, and then not let his wife and children live the life he has lived.”
Mu Yi'an thought Jiang Shuhe's idea was quite good. He neither neglected his parents nor devoted himself to his extended family, causing his wife and children to suffer.
“You’ve thought it through quite clearly. Otherwise, with such a large family like Third Uncle’s, the burden would be incredibly heavy! With Shuhe taking the lead, the younger ones will also find ways to make a living on their own, instead of just relying on their parents.”
Jiang Qi felt that Jiang Shuhe was very responsible. At the very least, as a man, he didn't rely solely on his family or listen to his parents. He had his own ideas, and such a husband was rare for a woman.
Mu Yi'an looked at Jiang Qi in a daze, probably thinking of her ex-husband, a typical mama's boy who had no sense of responsibility.
“Sister, once we get to the county town, you don’t need to worry about what happened before. Let’s hold our heads high and be upright people. It’s not you who made a mistake.”
"Second sister-in-law, I know, I don't care at all now, really. I'm just amazed that Shuhe seems so quiet, but he actually has his own ideas."
Jiang Qi truly didn't care anymore. She had been very happy and relaxed living with her second sister-in-law for over a year.
“Jiang Qi, people change with their environment. Shuhe works with Uncle Li and learns things from him. They used to work for officials and have their own ways of surviving.”
Mu Yi'an thought Jiang Shuhe was pretty good. He knew his shortcomings and was willing to learn. He also knew to ask questions when he didn't understand something.
The two women, sister-in-law and aunt, spent a long time reflecting on Jiang Shuhe's situation.
After entering the twelfth lunar month, time flew by, and the New Year was getting closer and closer. Mu Yi'an and the others counted the days, calculating the day Jiang Shuyun would arrive home.
"Mother, how many more days until Father arrives home?"
"Mother doesn't know the exact time either, but it should be in the next few days."
"I miss Dad so much, why is time moving so slowly?"
Shao Yun looked towards the gate, wishing his father could come in.
Mu Yi'an patted Shao Yun's head. The child had a good memory; he still remembered his father. Chu Yue had completely forgotten that her father even existed. She spent her days wandering around the yard looking for food.
What's this, Dad? Is it tasty?
In the little girl's heart, her mother is the most important, followed by her aunt, then food, and her brother comes last, not to mention her biological father who has been away from home for some time.
When Jiang Shuyun arrived home, it was already past mid-December.
"Father! Mother, my father is back! My father is back..."
Jiang Shaoyun rubbed his eyes; it was indeed his father who had returned, and he hadn't been mistaken.
"father……"
Shao Yun rushed towards his father, stretching out his arms and asking his father to hug him.
Jiang Shuyun put down what she was holding, picked up Shao Yun, and spun her around several times.
"Haha... Wow, this is so high! This is so much fun!"
"Play, play, I want to."
Chuyue was drawn over by her brother's laughter, and seeing the stranger holding him, she wanted to play too.
"Chuyue, you've grown taller again. Have you missed your dad?"
"I want to play!"
Chuyue couldn't understand, so she reached out her arms for a hug.
"Sister, this is Father. Father is back."
Shao Yun introduced his younger sister to his father, knowing that she was still young and probably didn't remember him.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
