Lin He looked at Madam Zhao beside her and asked, “Grandmother, does Grandfather still go out to the fields these days? How are both of your healths? Can you still manage the chores around the house?” “Heh, you’re thoughtful, He’er. Your Grandfather and I are both quite sturdy.

We only have so much land. I said I didn't want to farm anymore, but your Grandfather refused, saying that if country folk stop working the land, they don't know how to live life. I just let him have his way. We have a maidservant for the chores now.

I spend my days helping your Eldest Aunt and Third Sister watch the children. Life is quite good.” Madam Zhao said with a smile. Hearing this, Lin He chuckled lightly and said, “Yes, Grandfather is just like my father; he’s thinking about those fields all day long. Look, my mother has been hoping for my father to go into town for days now; he just can’t bear to leave his fields.” When Lin He mentioned her mother, Madam Zhao’s previously smiling face immediately soured: “Hmph, your mother has a good life now, abandoning her husband at home, living well in town.

I say, she ought to come back and stay by your father’s side. Wherever your father is, that is where she should be.” “Mother, He’er and the others rarely come back for a visit. Why say such things? Besides, Second Sister-in-law is in town with a whole family; there’s plenty to do there too.

The two younger ones are studying there; someone certainly needs to look after them. It was my Second Brother’s choice to stay and watch things here. Why blame Second Sister-in-law?” Hong Yun complained softly, then looked apologetically at Lin He. Lin He smiled faintly and shook her head slightly, then turned back to Madam Zhao with a smile: “Eldest Aunt speaks rightly.

There is indeed much going on in town. Eldest Brother is busy at the shop and rarely home, and the youngsters need supervision for their schooling. Little Bao will be taking the county level Tóngshì exam soon; the household is quite busy. Mother herself doesn't even like staying in town.

She says life is much better here with you all for company and embroidery work.” Hearing Lin He say this, Madam Zhao’s expression softened: “Is that so? Then perhaps we can’t blame your mother. Little Bao is that capable? He’s taking the Tóngshì exam?

I heard Er Niu say that if he passes the Tóngshì, he’ll become a Xiùcai. He’er, is that right?” Madam Zhao’s face was once again covered in smiles when talking about Little Bao. Lin He had always understood her grandmother, Madam Zhao’s, character. Although the old woman was aged, and her temper had softened somewhat in recent years, certain things would never change in her heart.

In her mind, the highest priority was always themselves, then sons, then grandsons, and then daughters, ranked down from there. In her heart, anyone surnamed Zhao was family; she wouldn't concern herself with others. Whenever trouble arose, she would show no mercy. Although the old woman was old, her mind hadn't dulled one bit, Lin He thought, secretly chuckling to herself.

Thus, as Madam Zhao swung from anger to smiles, Lin He said nothing, merely nodding with a continuous smile: “Yes, that’s right. If Little Bao passes this time, he’ll be a little Xiùcai.” “That would be wonderful! Our village hasn’t produced a Xiùcai in many years. If Little Bao becomes a Xiùcai, it truly brings glory to our ancestors!

When the news arrives, have your parents bring your whole family back for a visit. We must hold a grand celebration in the village for several days and go offer incense at the ancestors’ graves so that Little Bao can advance further.” Madam Zhao finished, clasping her hands together and muttering something under her breath. Hong Yun, standing nearby, wasn't as anxious as Madam Zhao. She shot Madam Zhao a chiding glance and asked Lin He, “Little Bao is so accomplished at such a young age; he truly brings honor to our Lin family.

But is all that studying tiring for him? I haven't seen him in ages; I wonder if he’s gotten thinner? And what about Big Xiong and Little Xiong? I heard they are also studying in town, how are they doing?” “Just the usual.

He hasn't gotten thinner; studying isn't heavy labor, not too hard. Those two little ones also attend half-day classes and are full of mischief every day,” Lin He replied. Seeing Da Mao beside her, she asked again, “Eldest Aunt, Da Mao must be six years old now, old enough to start school, right?” “Yes, his father did say he wanted to send him to the academy, but our place is too far from the school, and there’s no one to take him. Also, he’s still too young now; we aren't comfortable with him going to the academy alone.

We plan to wait until he’s two years older. But this boy of mine is very naughty; I don't know if he has the making of a scholar, but we might as well let him study for a few years anyway.” Hong Yun stroked Da Mao’s head. “Yes, that sounds sensible too. It really is too far to the academy from here.

If only there were a schoolhouse in the village, it would be much more convenient for the children’s studies,” Lin He agreed. “Indeed,” Hong Xia said with evident regret. Lin He chatted with Hong Xia and Madam Zhao for a while longer. Er Niu was called back by someone and was very happy to see the Lin sisters had returned.

He quickly sent Chang Geng into town to buy things and invited Hong Yun and Madam Zhao to stay for lunch. At noon, Madam Zhao and Hong Yun went to help prepare the meal. Since there were no maidservants at home now, Er Niu usually ate with Old Man Qin. Now that Lin He and the others were back, the cooking had to be done by the family members themselves.

While everyone was busy, Lin He discussed with Er Niu that she needed to go to Aunt Xu’s house, saying her mother had specifically asked her to deliver some things. Er Niu was a perceptive man; he said, “I won’t go. You take Chen’er with you. Aunt Xu took good care of our family in the past.

Since you’ve rarely returned, it’s good to go pay your respects.” Chen’er was reluctant to go, but unable to sway his father, he had no choice but to follow. Lin He deliberately left the maidservants behind this time, taking only Chen’er and carrying some things each as they headed to Aunt Xu’s house. Upon reaching Aunt Xu’s place, they could see Uncle Li from a distance, crafting furniture in the courtyard. Li Zheng’s younger sister was running around the yard.

Lin He nudged Chen’er and walked into the yard, calling out with a smile, “Uncle Li, Aunt Xu, are you home?” Hearing the call, Aunt Xu and Uncle Li both came out. Seeing that it was He’er and Chen’er who had arrived, they were stunned for a moment, then warmly greeted them: “Oh, it’s He’er and Chen’er who have returned! Quick, quick, come in and sit down.” Li Zheng, who had been sitting listlessly in the far corner of the courtyard, suddenly sprang up from his chair when he heard Chen’er’s name and looked over. Upon seeing that it was indeed the Chen’er sisters who had arrived, his face instantly lit up as if from deathly pale to full of joy.

However, looking at Chen’er’s expression, he stopped in his tracks, standing rooted to the spot. Lin He noticed this scene immediately and spoke out, “Li Zheng, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy to see Chen’er and me? Why are you turning back?” Li Zheng forced an awkward smile upon hearing this, but then walked towards them, chuckling, “No, no, I was just going to bring out a couple of stools for you to sit on.” Saying this, he glanced over at Chen’er standing behind Lin He.

Lin He didn't expose him, smiling instead: “No need to bring stools. We aren’t guests. I just came to check on Uncle Li and Aunt Xu; I haven’t seen them in ages.”