Qin’s Mother was curious about the promotion of Qin Fang to the rank of Thousand-Man Leader.

She also mentioned that the second and third branches of the family would be happy about it, mainly to see what Qin’s mother thought about the situation.

Through Qin Fang’s words and her interactions with Qin Grandma and Qin Mother, she had gained some understanding of the Qin family.

Generally, Qin Grandma made the decisions, but she wouldn’t take charge over Qin Mother.

In front of the second and third aunts, Qin Grandma’s word was final.

This was understandable since Qin Mother was the successor groomed by Qin Grandma, which gave Qin Mother a certain respect in the family.

In ancient times, the significance of the eldest son and grandson was immense.

Yang Haiyan wanted to hear Qin Mother’s opinion about the second and third branches because the family would definitely discuss Qin Fang’s promotion.

However, at that time, the family hadn’t split yet, and some of the money had to be submitted.

If Qin Fang got promoted, the family might expect him to support them.

She informed Qin Mother in advance to prepare her, but she unexpectedly heard some gossip instead.

She didn’t have much impression of Third Uncle Qin, having only met him once.

Her strongest impression was of Second Aunt Qin, who seemed to be a rather outstanding character in the family, especially because of Niu Dan’s influence. Yang Haiyan curiously asked, “Mother, what does it mean that Uncle San has other plans?”

Qin Mother was open with Yang Haiyan.

Now that the eldest son had become successful, the children of their branch would rely on him.

Relying on the eldest son was no different than relying on the eldest daughter-in-law, provided the daughter-in-law was intelligent.

In Qin Mother’s eyes, Yang Haiyan was certainly clever.

So she explained, “In the past two years, Ah Fang has brought back several taels of silver each year. Not that he brought it all back, but typically, ordinary families spend so much on food and drink that they can’t save even three taels in a year.

So, in everyone’s eyes, Ah Fang has succeeded. If your Third Uncle adopts Shoucheng, and Ah Fang is successful, he surely wouldn’t neglect his younger brother.

Shoucheng is older and knows the ways of the world. He doesn’t actually want a biological son; at least, in name, Shoucheng will be his son, and they’ll be considered close relatives.”

Yang Haiyan understood, “This isn’t about adopting a son; it’s about pulling him into a relationship with the family. To put it bluntly, it’s using the money from the main branch to support a son.”

Qin Mother confirmed, “That’s exactly the point.”

Yang Haiyan said, “But it’s unnecessary. Let’s not even discuss whether Third Uncle’s daughter will take care of them or see them through old age.

Even if she doesn’t, Third Uncle wouldn’t stand by idly. After all, he’s their own uncle. If we have enough to eat, they will too.”

Given Qin Fang’s character, he would definitely support them.

Furthermore, it would be expected for Qin Fang, as a nephew, to take care of them in their old age.

So, it wouldn’t make sense to adopt.

Qin Mother replied, “That’s true, but your Third Uncle doesn’t believe that.”

Yang Haiyan countered, “If neither Father nor Mother agrees, can the family force them?”

Qin Mother said, “No one would force it, but if it becomes public, it wouldn’t look good. Even though your father doesn’t agree, as the elder brother, he can’t be too firm with his words, so I have to stand firm against this.”

Yang Haiyan was aware that if Qin Father disagreed, others might say he didn’t care about his brother’s well-being.

But since Qin Mother was only a sister-in-law, she could speak freely. “What did Grandma and Grandpa say?”

Qin Mother replied, “They neither agreed nor disagreed. They said it was up to us to decide.”

She understood her in-laws; after all, both sides had sons, and regardless of adoption, they were still their grandchildren.

Yang Haiyan thought about it and then said, “Mother, now that Husband is back, what if Third Uncle brings this up?”

Qin Mother snorted, “He wouldn’t dare. Your father and I are still alive. If your Third Uncle dares to trouble Ah Fang, let’s see how I deal with him. Historically, no living parents have allowed their eldest son to let his son adopted by his younger brother.”

Yang Haiyan thought, “What if we let the third brother go with us to the border?”

Qin Mother was surprised, “What?”

Then she added, “No need, your lives are hard enough; how can you bring more trouble?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “Life at the border isn’t bad. Husband is a Captain a Thousand-Man Leader, and he can have five personal guards.

Although they need to be funded by him, they are the trusted aides he trains. I used my dowry to open a shop in town, and we’ve bought a few servants.

I didn’t bring any servants back this time; one reason is that I was worried they wouldn’t adapt, and the other is to avoid stirring gossip. But you are family, so I can’t hide this from you Mother.”

This kind of matter was not something she could keep from Qin Mother.

Otherwise, if Qin Mother found out, she might feel hurt thinking her son and daughter-in-law were keeping secrets from her.

Of course, Yang Haiyan shared this only because she trusted Qin Mother, as she was a reliable mother-in-law.

If it were someone like Second Aunt Qin Er, she wouldn’t have shared anything.

Qin Mother was taken aback, unable to fathom it.

Her son had guards now, and her daughter-in-law had opened a shop and bought servants.

Then she realized it made sense; her son was now an official, so how could they not have servants?

After all, how could one act like an official without them?

Qin Mother concluded, “Let’s forget it; it’s better not to trouble Shoucheng.”

Yang Haiyan insisted, “What’s the trouble in that?”

Noticing the children of the Qin family were thin, she knew life was hard for them.

“Living with us there, we often have fish and meat to eat. The soldiers hunt in the mountains, and the fish come from the river, so it doesn’t cost us anything. If the third brother comes with us, he’ll definitely be well taken care of.”

She couldn’t say the fish and meat were bought; otherwise, Qin Mother wouldn’t let the child go. “Moreover, when he’s there, Husband can teach him skills. He’s young and can learn more to have a better future. Or are you worried I’ll bully the child?”

Qin Mother felt a mix of emotions, both touched and amused, “Let me think about it.”

Since the eldest son was away, it would be fine to let the younger son follow the eldest and daughter-in-law.

This way, the younger son would develop a good relationship with the daughter-in-law, which would benefit them later.

Furthermore, the younger son would also learn more by following the eldest.

As for what the daughter-in-law said about not being able to finish all the fish and meat, she wasn’t overthinking it.

However, looking at how big and strong her eldest son was, she thought it might actually be true.

And if the younger son left, what other thoughts could the third house have?

Yang Haiyan didn’t bring up the matter again; she had only mentioned it casually.

If Qin Fang’s younger siblings lived well, it would be a good thing for him too.

After all, if they were having a hard time here, Qin Fang, as the eldest son, couldn’t just ignore them.

He would have to take care of them anyway.

It’s better to invest in their upbringing now than to deal with bigger problems later. “By the way, mother, earlier grandma mentioned that Second and Third Sister went to learn embroidery. Why didn’t Fourth Sister go?”

Qin’s mother sighed, “It’s a long story. In our Qin family, all the farm’s income is handed over to the communal fund.

After the busy farming season, everyone goes to the town or county to find work, and whatever money they earn, they keep half and give half to the communal fund.”

This system seemed quite fair, after all, the family’s houses were built with communal money.

If they didn’t contribute, where would the money for building houses come from?

Yang Haiyan listened attentively.

Qin’s mother continued, “Then, two years ago, when Ah Fang sent word home, he also sent three taels of silver.

In the letter, he expressed his hope that if possible, the family could send the younger brothers to school so they could learn to read a few characters.

That way, they could find better work in the future and not spend their lives toiling in the fields, barely earning enough to afford meat buns.

At that time, Ah Fang’s grandfather believed that the money was earned with Ah Fang’s life on the line, and it wasn’t even Ah Fang’s duty to serve in the military.

So, the communal fund took one tael, and the remaining two taels were given to Shouye and Shoucheng to study, covering their tuition.

However, grandpa also said that the family didn’t have any extra silver, so how much they could learn would depend on their own fate.”

Yang Haiyan thought that grandpa’s decision as the head of the family was reasonable.

However, she didn’t express this out loud and instead continued to listen quietly. “What happened after that? How did it connect with embroidery?”

Qin’s mother got a bit angry when she brought this up. “It was all because of their second aunt. She said that our household had more children, ate more food, and Ah Fang only contributed a third of his earnings.

This wasn’t fair to the second and third households. We couldn’t really argue with her, so Ah Fang’s grandmother decided to let the second household’s Second Sister and the third household’s Third Sister go to the embroidery workshop this year.

The tuition for one person was 500 wen, so for the two of them, it totaled one tael, which was paid by the communal fund.”

Yang Haiyan wasn’t sure how to comment. “In that case, why not spend another 500 wen and send Fourth Sister along too?”

Qin’s mother replied, “The embroidery workshop only accepts girls over the age of ten. Your Fourth Sister isn’t old enough yet. I plan to send her next year when she turns ten. Since Second and Third Sister are going, we can’t leave Fourth Sister behind. And it’s good for a girl to learn a skill; even if it’s just embroidering handkerchiefs, she can sell them for a few coins.”

Yang Haiyan thought of how she had seen Fourth Sister at the village gate earlier, carrying a basket of pig grass on her back.

Even though this was how most people lived, she felt that if the girl had the means, she should be properly cared for.

So, she said, “Why don’t we take Fourth Sister and Shoucheng with us when we leave?”

Qin’s mother was taken aback, “This…?”

Her daughter-in-law was so different from others.

Most daughters-in-law didn’t like to associate with their husband’s siblings.

Qin’s mother thought her eldest daughter-in-law was truly kind-hearted.

But it wasn’t just that.

Yang Haiyan felt lonely on the border, and Qin Fang’s younger siblings were still his family.

Helping them would benefit everyone, especially since Qin Fang wouldn’t be able to turn a blind eye if they were struggling in the future.

Besides, she was used to taking care of the servants with goat’s milk every day. If she could care for the servants, why not Qin Fang’s siblings?

Yang Haiyan explained, “I was taught embroidery by a master in the capital. I may not be as skilled as a professional embroiderer, but teaching my little sister-in-law is no problem. I can also teach Fourth Sister to read and write. Though girls have fewer opportunities than boys, if they have the chance to learn, it’s worth it.

Moreover, I have a dowry shop that sells pastries. If Shoucheng and Fourth Sister come with us, they can help me manage the accounts and the shop.

I’d trust them more than the servants. And honestly, if they aren’t relying on the communal fund, then Second Aunt won’t have any reason to complain about our household taking up too much of the resources.”

She genuinely liked Shoucheng and Fourth Sister.

Both were well-behaved, especially Fourth Sister, who was an adorable little girl.

When Yang Haiyan had invited her to ride the carriage earlier, she had shyly run away.

How could anyone not like a girl like that?

Qin Fang, who was outside listening to his wife talk with his mother, felt guilty for not being around for five years.

He also thought that bringing Shoucheng and Fourth Sister with them was a good idea.

It would keep his wife from getting bored, and she could teach Fourth Sister many things.

As for his brother, Qin Fang would train him himself at the military grounds.

However, Qin Fang didn’t speak up just yet. He wanted to discuss it with his wife in private to hear her thoughts further.

The carriage reached the village gate, and Qin Fang saw a small figure pacing back and forth. “Siya?”

Qin Siya heard her eldest brother’s voice and ran over, staring longingly at the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Qin’s mother and Yang Haiyan also heard the voice.

Qin’s mother lifted the curtain and asked, “Siya, why are you here?”

Qin Siya grinned and said, “Mother, I came to see Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law’s carriage.” Her little eyes sparkled with desire.

Both Qin’s mother and Yang Haiyan understood her meaning immediately.

Yang Haiyan asked, “Fourth Sister, would you like to come up and sit?”

Qin Siya looked at her mother.

Qin’s mother chuckled, “Get up here, you little rascal. Did you think we wouldn’t know what you were thinking?”

Without hesitation, Qin Siya happily climbed into the carriage.

A carriage’s height was nothing for a child who grew up in the countryside.

Once inside, Qin Siya shyly looked at Yang Haiyan and softly called, “Big Sister-in-law.”

Yang Haiyan responded, “Yes, Fourth Sister, you’re such a good girl.”

Qin Siya smiled.

Although she was shy around her new sister-in-law, she was genuinely happy.

Before long, they arrived at the Qin family home.

Grandpa Qin and the others were sitting in the courtyard, while Grandma Qin, along with her two daughters-in-law, were busy in the kitchen.

Niu Dan, Qin Shouye, and Qin Shoucheng gathered around the horse, watching with excitement, despite simply standing there with nothing to do.

When the carriage finally arrived, they turned their attention to it.

Qin Fang was the first to get off, and as he reached to help Qin Siya down, she had already jumped off the carriage by herself.

After her came Mother Qin and Yang Haiyan.

Niu Dan saw Qin Siya get down and immediately dragged her away to ask about her experience sitting in the carriage.

Qin Siya recounted it excitedly, full of pride.

Qin Fang carried the festive quilt into the house, while Yang Haiyan brought in the other things, and Mother Qin headed to the kitchen.

Since the room for Qin Fang and Yang Haiyan was newly built, the bed, tables, and stools were all new as well.

After Qin Fang placed the quilt down, Yang Haiyan started making the bed, and the couple worked together to spread out the sheets.

Once they were done, Grandma Qin came over: “Ah Fang, Yanyan, are you ready? It’s time to eat.”

Yang Haiyan replied, “Yes, Grandma, we’re all set.”

The meal today was excellent, even better than what they had during New Year celebrations.

Normally, dishes served at banquets weren’t much better than this.

There was fish, pork, and eggs—Grandma Qin had prepared everything she could for this first meal welcoming the new bride into the family; it couldn’t be a humble affair.

There were two dining tables in the Qin household, one for the men and one for the women, since there were too many people to sit at one.

However, today was special, so they brought out a large round table, placed it on top of the smaller table, and squeezed everyone in—more than a dozen people, but they managed to fit.

Grandma Qin said, “Everyone sit down, but don’t start eating yet. Your grandpa has something to say.”

Even Second Aunt Qin, who usually ate like lightning, didn’t touch her chopsticks.

Grandpa Qin nodded and took a sip of tea before speaking. “Today, we’re all gathered together as a family. Ah Fang is a good boy, showing filial piety to his father and uncle. Remember, five years ago, he didn’t go to serve in the army as a replacement for anyone; he went in place of the men in this family.”

The Qin family responded, “Yes.”

Grandpa Qin continued, “What’s even better is that Ah Fang left alone and came back with another person. The court rewarded him for his military achievements by granting him a wife. This is a great honor for our Qin family.”

The Qin family replied again, “Yes.”

Yang Haiyan observed everyone’s expressions. This wasn’t just a casual response.

To these common folks, the court bestowing a wife was indeed a significant honor.

Grandpa Qin went on, “Ah Fang’s wife is also wonderful. She’s educated, literate, and even teaches Ah Fang. So, remember, our family must stay united.”

The Qin family said, “Yes.”

Grandpa Qin concluded, “That’s all I have to say.”

Suddenly, Qin Fang stood up.

Everyone looked at him.

He stepped away from his seat, walked up to Grandpa Qin, and knelt down with a thud, saying, “Grandpa, your unfilial grandson has returned.”

The force of his kneel made Yang Haiyan’s knees hurt just from watching.

Seeing this, she quickly stood up, intending to kneel as well, but Grandma Qin held her back. “Good child, you stay seated. This is between them.”

Since Grandma Qin said so, Yang Haiyan didn’t go over.

Grandpa Qin wiped his eyes and helped Qin Fang up. “It’s good that you’re back. You’ve grown up now and started your own family. I can’t control you anymore, but I hope you live well.”

Qin Fang replied, “Don’t worry, Grandpa.”

Grandpa Qin smiled, “Alright, let’s eat.”

As soon as Qin Fang sat down, the table became lively with people grabbing food.

However, it was mostly Second Aunt Qin and her children scrambling for food.

The third family was quieter, but Mother Qin was quick to grab meat, though not as aggressive as Second Aunt Qin, who stuffed her mouth and also filled her bowl.

Yang Haiyan quietly ate the vegetables.

She didn’t lack for meat in her daily life, so she didn’t compete with them.

Seeing this, Grandma Qin picked up a piece of meat and placed it on Yang Haiyan’s plate. “Child, eat some meat.”

Yang Haiyan wasn’t used to others giving her food, especially using their own chopsticks, but she understood that common folk didn’t have such concerns.

Smiling, she passed the meat to Qin Fang and explained to Grandma Qin, “Grandma, I can’t eat fish or meat these days. I’ve been feeling unwell since last night when we reached the county. The doctor said the bumpy ride and dry food have hurt my stomach, so I need to drink some porridge for the next few days to heal.”

Hearing this, Grandma Qin believed her.

She had a good impression of Yang Haiyan and wouldn’t think otherwise. “Alright, I’ll make you some porridge tonight. You’ve really had it rough these past few days.”

Yang Haiyan smiled, “As long as I can be back here and see everyone, I’m more than happy.”

Second Aunt Qin curiously asked, “Ah Fang’s wife, what’s it like at the border? I see Ah Fang has grown so tall and strong. Do they eat well there?”

Grandma Qin shot her a warning look. “What kind of question is that? If you don’t know what to say, don’t speak.”

Actually, Second Aunt Qin didn’t mean any harm.

She had even thought that if the conditions at the border were good, maybe next time it would be a good idea to send Niu Dan to serve in the army, and after five years, he could come back tall and strong like Qin Fang.

Second Aunt Qin shrank back at Grandma Qin’s warning but was quick to recover.

She was used to such reprimands and didn’t stay silent for long.

Yang Haiyan answered earnestly, “I got married and moved to the border last August. Before that, I lived in the capital, so I don’t know what life was like for my husband before. However, I arrived at a bad time. We went through two months of winter disasters. According to the other soldiers’ wives, this happens every year at the border—two months of harsh winters.”

“During these months, the wind and sandstorms are particularly fierce, and the cold is unbearable. There’s no one on the streets, and all the shops are closed. But no matter the weather, even in rain or storms, my husband still had to patrol outside.”

“Before the New Year, the barbarians infiltrated the county, causing chaos. The city gates were closed for several days until the barbarians were captured. They were vicious and cunning, even taking children as hostages. Thankfully, the children were rescued.”

These mixed-up events scared Second Aunt Qin, making her rethink sending Niu Dan to serve in the army.

The others also listened in fear.

Yang Haiyan continued, “After the New Year, our country went to war with the barbarians. My husband was at the forefront, leading his men to hide at the enemy’s gates for an entire month, surviving on dry food, sleeping on the roadside, and enduring the sandstorms and rain. Although our country won the war, my husband suffered several injuries. Thankfully, none were fatal, but it pained me to see him like that.” As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and soon tears were streaming down her face.

In truth, Yang Haiyan’s intention was to make the Qin family understand how difficult Qin Fang’s life had been so they wouldn’t have any ulterior motives.

But as she spoke, she couldn’t help herself—she genuinely felt her husband’s struggles.

That month, she had lived in constant fear, worrying about him every day.

Qin Fang initially realized that his wife was deliberately saying these things, but he hadn’t expected her to truly cry.

He quickly put down his chopsticks and comforted her, “Yanyan, I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’ve told you I’ll be careful. You have to trust me.”

He thought to himself, Wow, my wife is really good at this.