Chapter 331: Close to the Red, One Becomes Red

ed meat stuffed tofu, braised pork spareribs, stewed chicken with mushrooms, braised pork ribs with radish, stir-fried pig liver, and of course the indispensable carp leaping over the dragon gate, plu..."This village is called Zhengjiazhuang, nestled in a mountain valley. It's over ten miles from the nearest town and very quiet and secluded. If you need anything from them, have Yishan and Dongmei send a message. You are too young now to be convincing, so wait for a better opportunity before taking you there. Also, the jade pendant I gave you is a token to prove your identity." The marquis instructed.

Jia Yin nodded immediately, understanding clearly in her heart.

Ask a three or four-year-old child, even the most intelligent one, who could easily give birth to a heart of obedience

On the contrary, maintaining a sense of mystery and gradually building trust through small actions over time is more likely to be convincing.

Especially these artisans, starting from their skills, can make them feel a sense of belonging.

As for skill, there's room in the small courtyard. With her half-room of books as a foundation, it's not a problem at all.

Of course, all of that is for the future. For now, she still wants to be a good child and enjoy her happy childhood!

Some things can be done again, and it's never too late to mend a broken fence, but time won't rewind. The childhood she finally rediscovered won't have a third chance!

"Father, I'm tired and want to sleep!" Jia Yin yawned, hugging her stepfather's neck. "I still want to hear Father tell stories, about the barbarians!"

The lord couldn't help but chuckle and gently tap her little nose.

Even the smartest little ones are still just babies, always prioritizing eating, sleeping, playing, and having fun...

The next morning, after breakfast, Li's courtyard was bustling with activity.

There was nothing else to it, Lao San's family, Jia Ren and Li Ge were going back to Luo An.

The classes at the academy can't be delayed too much, two days off is already extra care from the master.

Since the eatery has been open for so long, students particularly love it and almost eat here twice a day. After being closed for too long, they are worried that the students will be disappointed.

Zhao Yuru hugged her niece and smiled with her mother-in-law, saying, "All the children studying outside are having a hard time living without their families around. Let's take good care of them, and it will make us happy."

"Yes, that's right. Our family isn't short of silver these days, so you can earn as much or as little as you like. Just remember to be honest in your trade selling food. If you can help these children a little bit along the way, all the better."

The old woman patted her most honest and hardworking daughter-in-law, "You all as well, don't be stingy with food, drink, and clothing in your daily lives. No matter if the boys are studying or getting married, they have a family to rely on. Don't make yourselves too miserable trying to save money."

Zhao Yuru blushed. This time back, she also discovered that at home and outside, only she and Lao San dressed the simplest, wearing half-old clothes.

An uninformed outsider might think that this family is being mistreated by their mother and brothers!

She hurriedly replied, “Mother, I’ll go back and make several sets of fine clothes, and I’ll wear all my hairpins and bracelets.”

"That's right!" The old woman laughed heartily, pointing at the busy Jiahuan and saying, "Jiahuan has gotten used to living in Luo'an. Look, he's so happy when he hears he's going back!"

Zhao Yuru's face held a hint of pride as she smiled, "Jia Huan cooks delicious dishes that the students all enjoy. Occasionally when Jia Ren is busy, or if the academy has a master order food, he goes to the school for a visit. Perhaps it's because he frequents the academy so often, I find his personality becoming more lively. Lately, he even recites poetry and practices calligraphy with Brother Li."

"Alright, close proximity to vermilion makes one red; close proximity to ink makes one black. Back when I opened a shop in Lu'an, it was indeed the right decision!"

"Yes, Jiahuan isn't suited for studying, but it's always good to learn a few more characters."

"Jia Xi has been doing well with his studies lately, so don't worry about him anymore. This kid is very caring towards Mao Ge and Jia An, he acts like a good older brother."

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had chatted for a long time, both reluctant to part ways. However, they knew they had to set off early to make it to Luo'an before nightfall, as it was still over forty miles away.

The family bid farewell with a carriage, and as the carriage disappeared from sight, the old woman continued to stare until finally, she sighed.

When times were hard, children and grandchildren were all around. Now that life is better, it's harder to get them all together.

She turned her head to take her granddaughter back, but when she saw the braid in her granddaughter's hand, she was impressed. "Who braided this for Funiu The craftsmanship is really good!"

Jia Yin's eyes rolled, she smiled mischievously and refused to speak, struggling to the ground. "Grandma, I'm going to play with Auntie Shi!"

Having said that, she ran to Cui's courtyard.

The old woman smiled helplessly, "This child is growing up, she's really unmanageable. She'll flatten the thresholds of several courtyards."

Tao Hongying was going to the valley. Hearing this, she comforted her mother-in-law, "Mother, Funiu is smart. Don't worry about her. Let her play by herself. You should rest when you need to."

"Alright, you go busy yourself. I'm fine. I'll just take a look at the vegetable garden and pick some vegetables to dry."

The old woman waved her hand and drove her daughter-in-law away, urging her to get busy.

Today's weather is great, the fruit on the mountain hasn't bloomed yet, and the melon fields have been harvested clean. Besides that area in the valley, there isn't much else to keep us busy.

So, the villagers were pleasantly idle. After talking to the village chief, many of them set off for the city in groups.

The Marquis and Li Laosi, accompanied by others, quietly went to Yunchuhe Town to see how the corn and potatoes were growing.

With the autumn harvest just around the corner, he had a clear understanding of the situation and was ready to report it to the emperor.

Li Yong tried his best to compensate his pregnant wife, so he didn't go. Instead, he borrowed a carriage from the Li family and took Huiniang to the city to buy things.

Over the past few months, after being tempered by war, he was no longer the frail and delicate young master of the Yan family. Not only had his physique become much stronger, with a tanned complexion, but his walk and speech also carried the boldness of a seasoned soldier.

Just an old acquaintance seeing him, if you're not careful, you definitely wouldn't recognize him!

Huiniang wore a veiled hat. Because she was pregnant and nourishing her body, she had lost her former slender figure and even had a somewhat hunched back and wide shoulders.

This couple walked together, quite a match made in heaven. They resembled ordinary couples from the common folk, and weren't afraid of being exposed.

The Li family took good care of Huiniang on a daily basis. They would send her food and provisions every few days, not to mention suitable cotton fabrics for children's clothing, needles and thread, and various other necessities.

For the past few months, Hui-niang hasn't been idle either. The baby's bedding, hat, clothes, shoes, and socks are all ready.

Li Yong, as a father, wanted to do something for his child but didn't know where to start. Finally, he decided to buy two pairs of bracelets and two long life locks for the child.

With her husband by her side, Hui Niang was already very happy. To go shopping together and get things for their child, it was truly a heart full of sweetness.

The young couple went into a small silver shop, picked out some items, and spent over thirty taels of silver.

Li Yong suggested, “Yesterday was Fu Niu’s birthday, you gave her a dress, I haven’t given her anything yet. This girl is a little materialistic, let me pick out a small trinket for her.”

Of course Huiniang agreed. Li Yong then pointed to a string of golden fruit beads and asked the shopkeeper to take it out for a look.

This kind of bead necklace has been very popular in the city recently.

These are mostly hollow fruits made of gold and silver in various colors, strung together into a string. They have colorful ribbons hanging at the bottom, worn on the waist of young girls. They look festive and beautiful.

The price is a bit high, after all, it's made of gold and silver, and the craftsmanship is exquisite.

Hui Niang felt sorry for her husband as he earned military pay with so much difficulty, and said: "Our child is still young, it's better to return the gold bracelet and keep only two longevity lockets."aren looked much calmer. When he saw his grandmother, he knelt down and kowtowed, "Grandmother, I'm sorry for worrying you. Your grandson is back!""Good, good!" The old woman patted her grandson and s...