Chapter 388: Braised Pork

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 Chapter 387: Educating Children

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 Chapter 890: Liang Shi's Sense of Righteousness

Everyone was puzzled, and even the old lady frowned and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Mother, today we went to eldest brother's house and brought a lot of rice and food. We planned to have a meal at noon, but there was still a lot left. Sister-in-law wanted to hog it all to herself, and I couldn't let her do such a thing, so when she wasn't paying attention, I carried the rest and put it in the cart."

Liang Shi spoke with a righteous demeanor, exuding confidence.

It would have been even more convincing if she didn't plan to take all those things and bring them back to her own family instead.

The old lady pointed at her. "You're not much different from your sister-in-law. I've never seen people like you who take advantage of their own mother."

Liang Shi hurriedly climbed onto the cart and waved at Lu San Zhu. "Hurry up, mother said it's getting late. Aren't you going back?"

Lu Sanzhu immediately carried the two children onto the cart and urged them on by pulling the reins.

Liang Shi stuck her head out and said to the old lady, "Mother, I didn't take advantage of you alone. Compared to my maternal family, I'm much filial to you."

The old lady took off her shoe and was about to throw it at her. She had never seen such shamelessness before—taking things from her maternal and marital families and daring to compare them.

Shu Yu helplessly intervened, "Grandmother, please calm down. You know third Aunt's temperament. It's not worth getting angry with her."

"I'm even more aggrieved for her parents. They gave birth to such a shameless daughter. You don't know, last time she brought a pound of meat to her parents, they were almost moved to tears. They even packed a basket of fresh vegetables for her when she returned. She's taken advantage of their kindness. If I had known, I wouldn't have prepared those specialties for her."

Yes, specialties.

When the Lu family returned from the southwest, they bought many local specialties in Linzhang Prefecture and collected rare and unusual items along the way. Each family received their share, ensuring that no one missed out.

The portion for the main branch had been sent over in the morning, while the rest had just been moved to the cart. Since Lu Sanzhu and his wife couldn't be trusted, the old lady entrusted it to Lu Sixing and his family.

Little did they expect Liang Shi to be so untrustworthy, regretting giving her those things.

In the cart, Liang Shi noticed several sacks behind the cart, causing the children to huddle together, making the cart quite crowded.

Liang Shi found it strange. "What's this?"

Lu Sixing chuckled, "Third sister-in-law, these are the specialties brought by Mother and Second Brother from the southwest. Each family gets a share."

Liang Shi's eyes lit up. "What do we have? Let me see."

As the cart jolted, Lu Sixing hurriedly supported her. "We'll look when we get back. Hold onto Bao Ya for now, so you won't fall."

Liang Shi could only step back, but her eyes kept glancing over, silently counting the number of sacks in her mind.

Once both families had left, the second branch finally quieted down.

Shu Yu could finally take a look at the courtyard they were currently living in. This time, the courtyard had four rooms, with a small study among them. The other three rooms were larger than the previous rented courtyard.

The small study was reserved for Da Hu, who had a small bed inside for reading and resting.

After a long day, the whole family quickly tidied up and went to sleep.

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 Chapter 141: Warmth (2)

Xin'er was still fine, cherishing the current days of worry-free food and clothing. As for Zhen'er, being younger and less mature, he had recently become picky and even left leftovers in his bowl, which was not a good habit.

As soon as Zhen'er heard it, he knew his sister was talking about him. Thinking about his wasteful behavior, he couldn't help but blush. He tugged at his sister's sleeve and said softly, "Big sister, Zhen'er knows he was wrong. I won't waste food anymore. Please don't be angry, okay?"

Where would Mo Yan get angry with him? Listening to his childish words, her heart had long softened, but she still needed to teach him what was right: "It's good that you know you were wrong! In the future, before wasting food, think about the hardships we endured in the past. If you can't remember, go and see those people on the street who have no clothes to wear and no food to eat. Remind yourself constantly not to waste."

Zhen'er nodded vigorously. "Zhen'er listens to big sister. If Zhen'er wastes food again in the future, I'll punish myself by not eating for a whole day."

Mo Yan looked at his serious expression and suppressed a smile. "This is what you said yourself, and your second sister and I heard it!"

"Yeah, Zhen'er is a man of his word!"

Xin'er covered her mouth and chuckled, winking at her big sister. Mo Yan smiled and patted her head.

Afterwards, Mo Yan bought a few more pounds of pork and a block of tofu. She had originally wanted to buy two crucian carp to make soup, but after looking around, she didn't see any fish for sale, so she had to take her siblings home.

When preparing lunch, Mo Yan initially wanted to do it herself and let Xin'er assist, but Li Xiu and her niece were embarrassed to sit and wait for the meal, insisting on coming in to help.

The kitchen was not spacious, and with four people squeezed inside, it became a bit crowded. Mo Yan sent Xin'er and Li Yan out to help, leaving her alone with Li Xiu to cook.

While chopping vegetables, Mo Yan spoke to Li Xiu, who was washing the pot, "Aunt Li, Grandpa Li said your embroidery skills are excellent. Xin'er really likes embroidery, but she doesn't have a master, so her embroidery skills haven't improved. If you have time, could you teach her?"

Talking about her best skill, embroidery, Li Xiu's eyes lit up with a strange radiance. However, thinking of her dirty past, that radiance dimmed. "I, I can't, I..."

Mo Yan paused, seemingly unaware of her self-doubt in her words. "Can't? Could it be that Aunt Li's embroidery skills cannot be passed on?"

"N-no!" Li Xiu hurriedly explained when she heard this, "I, I'm afraid I won't teach her well."

Mo Yan smiled and said, "It's okay. Just teach her some basic stitching techniques and skills. If she doesn't learn well, it's because she's not smart, not because you didn't teach well!"

"This..."

Li Xiu couldn't find an excuse to refuse under Mo Yan's sincere gaze, and deep down, she didn't want to refuse either. So, she solemnly nodded and said, "Yan'er, rest assured. I will teach Xin'er seriously."

Mo Yan thanked her happily, "Aunt Li, that's settled then. If Xin'er doesn't learn well, don't go easy on her."

Li Xiu smiled shyly and agreed.

As they worked and chatted, they got along very well, and Mo Yan gained a deeper understanding of Li Xiu.

Just as Li Zhong had said, Li Xiu was gentle and somewhat introverted. If Mo Yan didn't ask, she wouldn't say much. This lack of social skills also explained why no one was willing to speak up for her when she was framed in the embroidery workshop.

However, judging from her words and actions, her character should be fine.

Li Xiu also had a good impression of Mo Yan. She was open and cheerful, understanding, and even though she knew about Li Xiu's past, she didn't show any discrimination. Li Xiu could feel that Mo Yan genuinely didn't mind her past, not just being polite on the surface.

The atmosphere in the kitchen was harmonious, and before they knew it, they had finished cooking six dishes and a soup. The six of them sat around the table, eating and chatting cheerfully, filling the air with laughter and joy.

Li Zhong kept serving Li Xiu, watching his daughter eat with relish, his eyes full of love and satisfaction. Their family was finally reunited!

As Li Xiu ate, tears unknowingly streamed down her face. She quickly wiped them away with her sleeve, afraid of affecting everyone's mood.

After lunch, Li Xiu and her niece clamored to wash the dishes, and Mo Yan didn't compete with them. The kitchen was a good place to bond.

"Yan'er, come here for a moment. Grandpa Li has something to tell you."

Mo Yan was about to return to her room but was stopped by Li Zhong. Seeing his serious expression, she followed him to the yard, feeling a bit puzzled...

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 Chapter 889: Qiu's Uneasiness

Fortunately, they had appeared now, and the clerk breathed a sigh of relief.

shopkeeper Qiu instructed him to attend to the front while he went to the backyard to talk to Shu Yu.

Seeing that Shu Yu was composed and didn't try to escape, shopkeeper Qiu wanted to inquire about what had happened and understand the situation.

However, Shu Yu went straight to the point and said, "Shopkeeper, I assume you have prepared the termination agreement. Let's act quickly. It's getting late, and I have things to attend to."

As she spoke, she took out a silver ingot. "I heard from my brother that there are still two months' worth of unsettled accounts, right? You can reconcile the accounts and let me know the amount."

Seeing this, shopkeeper Qiu, had no choice but to retrieve the termination agreement and account book.

Both parties had reached an agreement, and the process went quite smoothly.

The settlement amount stated by shopkeeper Qiu matched what Da Niu had mentioned, so Shu Yu didn't hesitate and paid the amount. After terminating the agreement, she immediately left.

shopkeeper Qiu stood at the entrance of the cloth shop and frowned as he watched them leave.

With no one in the shop now, the Assistant quietly approached him from behind and asked, "shopkeeper Qiu, what's the matter? Didn't you feel relieved after terminating the agreement? You don't seem too happy."

shopkeeper Qiu rubbed his temples and sighed. "I have a lingering feeling of unease, and I don't know the reason. Moreover, since Lu Shu Yu dares to openly appear in Jiangyuan County, it's likely she no longer has any legal issues. She also has the support of the county magistrate..."

He paused, sighed again, shook his head, and turned back to the counter.

Meanwhile, Shu Yu and Da Niu walked leisurely towards Ningshui Street. When they reached Yiren Pavilion, Shu Yu checked the inventory.

There were still many finished garments, and with the fabric they acquired yesterday, the store should be able to operate smoothly for the time being.

Once she finalized the house and discussed the renovation plans, she could buy the property and then look for a suitable source of goods in the capital city.

Shu Yu's plans were going well, but little did she know that the next day, all the clothes in the shop would be sold out.

After bidding farewell to Da Niu and Zhou Qiao, she returned to Liufang Lane on her own.

She didn't need to search; she could tell which newly rented courtyard was hers just by seeing the carts parked outside Liufang Lane.

However, the old lady had several children waiting at the door. As soon as they saw her, San Ya stood up, holding Xiao Zhen and Bao Ya's hands, and ran towards her.

"Second Sister, you're back."

Shu Yu smiled and approached. "Is our newly rented courtyard here?"

"Yes, it's even bigger than the previous one," San Ya said, leading her into the courtyard.

Everyone in the courtyard was busy tidying up. Due to the large number of people and the fact that the house had been rented, Ah Xiang and her daughter had come early to help with the preparations. As a result, the courtyard was almost organized by now.

Then, the old lady mercilessly sent everyone away. "Alright, it's getting late. Go back early; it's not safe to be out too late. Take the cart outside the gate, and return it tomorrow."

Lu Sanzhu had a look of dissatisfaction on his face. They, oh no, his wife had been working so hard, and yet his mother wouldn't let them eat dinner here before leaving.

Really, she didn't understand the rules of human relationships.

But he didn't dare to complain in front of Shu Yu and could only leave with his wife and children.

Unexpectedly, Liang Shi walked toward the cart in the courtyard and laboriously carried several bags out from the carriage.

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 Chapter 386 Getting Along

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 Chapter 385 Extraordinary Temperament

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  Chapter 140: Warmth (1)

Not long after the shopkeeper left, Li Zhong brought Li Xiu back. At this moment, Li Xiu was wearing semi-old plain clothes. Perhaps due to the recent days of fear and unrest, her complexion was pale, and her spirits were not too good.

This was Mo Yan's second time seeing Li Xiu. Compared to the first time, she looked much calmer now, but there was still a hint of melancholy between her brows.

Li Xiu also recognized Mo Yan as the girl she 'coincidentally' met that day. Although she was weak-willed, she wasn't stupid. Thinking about how smoothly her father had found her, she quickly understood Mo Yan's good intentions. For a moment, she was filled with mixed emotions, overflowing with gratitude in her heart.

But had she been to such a place, did they really not mind? Thinking like this, a hint of unease appeared on her face.

Mo Yan could naturally see her discomfort. She nudged the dumbfounded Li Yan next to her and teased, "Yan'er, your beloved aunt is back. Why are you still standing there foolishly?"

"Aunt... Aunt!" Li Yan spoke dazedly. She had never seen her own aunt before, so seeing this woman who bore a seven-point resemblance to herself, she couldn't snap out of her reverie.

"Ah, good girl, good girl!" Li Xiu was also very excited to see her only niece. Thinking of her deceased brother and sister-in-law, tears filled her eyes, and she became even more affectionate towards Li Yan.

Feeling her aunt's joy, Li Yan also reached out and hugged her aunt's waist, lifting her head buried in her aunt's embrace and revealing a bright smile on her face.

After all, blood relations naturally carried a sense of closeness in their bones. The aunt and niece enjoyed a close moment together, while Li Zhong on the side laughed with tears in his eyes.

Mo Yan and her siblings were deeply moved, genuinely happy for the Li family's reunion.

After the Li family of three calmed down, Mo Yan brought her siblings forward to greet Li Xiu. Naturally, she maintained a close and friendly attitude, dispelling the last bit of unease in Li Xiu's heart.

In fact, besides Mo Yan, who knew about Li Xiu's tragic past, she hadn't told anyone else. Although her father wasn't a conservative person, and her siblings were kind-hearted, even if they knew, it wouldn't matter much. However, since both families would be living in Liuyang qVillage in the future, with many people around, if this matter accidentally leaked out, the gossip could cost Li Xiu her life.

Out of various considerations, Li Zhong also didn't tell Li Yan about this matter. Perhaps he wanted to wait until Li Yan grew up and matured before considering telling her.

After chatting happily for a while, Mo Yan left the space to the Li family of three and took her siblings to the street to sell vegetables, preparing to make a delicious meal to celebrate the Li family's reunion.

It was already late March, and the weather was gradually getting warmer. There were many more vegetable stalls on the street, especially those selling mushrooms and wild vegetables. At this time of year, the mushrooms and wild vegetables were tender and fresh, attracting many customers eager to try them.

"Big Sister, back in Mo Village, we used to go digging for wild vegetables and mushrooms all the time, but our home was too far from the town, and we didn't have enough rice to eat, so we filled our stomachs with the wild grass we dug up."

Xin'er looked at the mushrooms and wild vegetables in the basket, recalling the bitter days in Mo Village.

"Big Sister remembers the rough rice porridge made with wild vegetables and mushrooms. Add a bit of salt, and you and Zhen'er could eat a big bowl!" Mo Yan smiled and said, looking at her siblings' round and rosy faces, feeling inexplicably satisfied.

"But, big sister, wild vegetables don't taste good, and we don't lack vegetables at home. Why do we need to buy them?" Zhen'er frowned. He really didn't want to eat unpleasant wild vegetables anymore!

Mo Yan glared at him, her tone rather stern. "Don't like it, don't eat it? Our family's days are better now. When you're picky and wasting food, have you ever thought about how many people are still like our old selves, unable to even have a meal?"

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