Chapter 1014: Chapter 1012: The Whole Family

The older ones went off to change clothes by themselves, except for Jinshao, who was too small and got stuck on the carriage wheel, unable to move up or down, hanging there with a bare bottom.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but laugh as she picked up Jinshao and placed him on the carriage, ruffling his hair, “Good Jinshao, today Grandma and Auntie are going to town for some errands. You’re still too young to go with us. We’ll take you next time when you’re older, okay?”

Towns are not like villages with fewer people, and everyone knows each other around here. Nowadays, there are kidnappers specialized in abducting children. If we’re careless and lose one of them, what would we do?

Jinshao clung to Wang Yongzhu like a piece of sticky candy, clinging to her clothes and refusing to get up: “Auntie… Jinshao… go…” He started drooling as he spoke.

Wang Yongzhu quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe Jinshao’s drool and fetched a candy from her pocket to give it to him.

“Good Jinshao, stay home and keep your mother company. Auntie will bring you back some candy to eat tonight, okay?”

Jinshao bit into the candy, drooling with delight, with his whole mind focused on the sweet treat.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu gently pat Jinshao’s little bottom and handed him over to Lady Jiang.

Once the children were all ready, giggling and running out, even the two daughters-in-law couldn’t hide their longing expressions. What woman doesn’t want to visit the town for a stroll?

Lady Jiang was fine, holding Jinshao, she knew she had no chance of going today.

But Liu Xiaoqiao, since getting married, had hardly been to the town. Previously, one reason was the in-law’s hundred-day period wasn’t over, inappropriate to go out, and there were many affairs at home too.

Now that the hundred-day period is over, and there’s no pressing matter, and the fourth house is financially comfortable, is it too much to stroll around the town since she can’t join the sister-in-law’s city visit?

She found it hard to utter her wish, only casting glances at Wang Yongping.

Wang Yongping was pulled aside by Song Chongjin, talking about who knows what, completely oblivious to his wife’s yearning.

Old Granny Zhang glanced at this cartload of buckwheat-colored kids, then at son-in-law Song Chongjin, who hadn’t stepped inside yet, feeling utterly drained.

Take a look at the son-in-law—so dark yet so handsome.

Her own kids, when tanned, looked like pieces of coal, and probably couldn’t be found after being scattered in ashes.

Especially Jinhua, nearly ten years old, and in two years she’d be of marrying age, but at first glance, she was just one among a batch of buckwheat buns with a hint more white flour—indistinguishable without a closer look.

Then considering Liu Xiaoqiao and Lady Jiang, though they pulled themselves together, the tasks completed told a different story. Over two months had passed, and they still hadn’t found a suitable match for Jindou. How dare they think of strolling the town?

Pretending not to notice, she sat firmly and instructed Jindou, “Alright, let’s go!”

Jindou cracked the whip, and the carriage set off steadily.

Though the children were excited on the carriage, they all curbed their enthusiasm and sat silently, mindful of Old Granny Zhang’s intimidating presence.

The hot weather prompted the carriage curtains to be drawn open, and Jinguan, Jinhua, and Jinpan crowded by the window, excitedly gazing out. Even the familiar mountain scenery fascinated them to no end.

Amidst the chattering all the way, they finally reached the town, leaving Old Granny Zhang’s head buzzing from the noise.

First, they parked the carriage at a small courtyard that Song Chongjin had bought previously. With a few people left by him in town, there was regular maintenance and cleaning.

The courtyard was relatively clean, and Wang Yongzhu had Jindou unyoke the carriage and lead the mule to a side of the yard, providing water.

After fetching water, everyone washed their hands and faces, cooling off a bit from the heat.

Jinguan and the others couldn’t sit still, found everything in the courtyard fascinating, and together with Jinhua and Jinpan, they explored each room with great interest.

Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu were left alone, sitting underneath the osmanthus tree, enjoying the cool breeze in the courtyard.

After resting a while, there was a knock on the door.

Jindou hurried over to open it, admitting a man wearing a bamboo hat. Upon seeing Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, he saluted, “Greetings, Scholar’s Lady!”

Wang Yongzhu quickly stood up, “Did Brother Song send you?”

The man nodded, “Last night, we received a carrier pigeon from Scholar Master. At daybreak, our brothers went to inquire, leaving some comrades nearby to keep watch. We were just waiting for you to arrive to report back.”

Old Granny Zhang now understood that her son-in-law had arranged for inquiries about Miss Quan’s situation.

She was instantly delighted, praising her son-in-law for being so considerate and filial, no wonder she adored him.

The man was efficient, explaining in a few words the information they had gathered about Miss Quan’s family.

That Quan family had been residents of the town for a long time, with a well-to-do background, and in this generation of Miss Quan’s father, there were three brothers.

Miss Quan’s father was second, hence called Quan Laoer, who, unloved by his father or mother, had no particular strengths except for being incredibly honest and obedient, especially to his mother.

Later, he married Miss Quan’s mother, unwilling to provide a dowry, so he found someone in the countryside to wed.

Quan Laoer and his wife struggled after marriage; with no separation of family property, all household chores were left to his wife, while laborious chores fell to Quan Laoer.

Initially, Quan Laoer’s wife suffered in silence, but when she became pregnant, she miscarried due to her mother-in-law forcing her to wash the entire family’s clothes in cold water during winter.

Before completing her confinement, she was forced back to work, cooking and cleaning for the family.

Quan Laoer’s wife finally couldn’t bear it, so she went back to her family to complain. Luckily, although she only had one biological brother, she had many cousins who all united and pitied her, causing an uproar at Quan’s house, forcing a division of property, leading to better days for her.

Quan Laoer’s wife had a determined nature; even though the property division was unfair, leaving their branch with the least, she was content.

She subtly influenced Quan Laoer, managing the family’s finances, gradually gaining more control over their lives.

Once pregnant again, Quan Laoer, who was always indecisive, started heeding his wife over his mother post-separation.

Life gradually improved for them.

Later, they had a child—Miss Quan—but due to complications during childbirth, her mother sustained injuries and treated the daughter with particular care.

Upon hearing that Quan Laoer’s wife couldn’t conceive again, the brothers eyed Quan Laoer for their own advantage.

Constantly telling Quan Laoer that his lack of a son would mean the end of their lineage.

Quan Laoer sighed in distress daily.

Quan Laoer’s wife was firm, but unfortunately, complications from the first pregnancy and damage from the second left her weakened; she held on until Miss Quan was six or seven before passing away.

Upon her death, the brothers became increasingly shameless. Quan Laoer’s mother pressured him to adopt another brother’s son, threatening the end of his line.

Initially, Quan Laoer remembered his wife’s words and didn’t agree, but over time, couldn’t withstand the persuasion from his mother and brothers, wavering in his resolve.