Font Size:
Seeing that Sun Ergou had grown significantly taller, nearly reaching the height of an adult, but still maintaining a childish demeanor, Jiang Mixia stifled a laugh. “It’s hard to say if you can win in a debate.”
Having grown up with his father, Jiang Mixia knew him well. Despite his usual clumsiness, when it came to arguing and debating, others often found themselves outmatched.
“Is that true?” Sun Ergou expressed doubt.
“You’ll find out soon,” Song Jingyun squinted his eyes.
Seeing both his sister and brother-in-law so confident, Sun Ergou felt a bit nervous. However, considering his uncle’s usual fumbling speech, he remained unconvinced.
He was ready to give it a try.
Straightening his chest, Sun Ergou followed Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun’s carriage all the way home.
Jiang Youcheng and Liu Shi were both very pleased to hear about the return of the two individuals and quickly helped with moving various items.
Taking advantage of the moment, Sun Ergou raised an eyebrow, “Uncle, didn’t you say that Big Sister Xia and her husband wouldn’t be back today? Now that they are back, what do you have to say about that?”
Jiang Youcheng, without a hint of embarrassment, quirked an eye, “What can I say?.”
Sun Ergou was left speechless.
“If you were wrong, shouldn’t you acknowledge it in some way?” Sun Ergou was a bit unwilling to let it go.
“You cheeky brat, what acknowledgment do you need?” Jiang Youcheng playfully flicked Sun Ergou’s ear, “If I didn’t tell you I didn’t believe you, You wouldn’t have angrily gone to the village entrance today hoping to be the first to see your Sister?”
Sun Ergou was at a loss for words.
Despite knowing he was being cunning, why did it suddenly make so much sense?
He simply couldn’t argue back!
Unable to argue back, they finished packing, and Liu Shi began preparing lunch.
Ma Shi and her daughter Zhucui also joined in the bustling activities.
Although it wasn’t the Lunar New Year, this was a long-awaited reunion meal, and the lunch was prepared quite lavishly.
Steamed pork ribs with rice flour, braised pork with preserved vegetables, pan-fried tofu, stir-fried pork, chicken stew with mushrooms, sautéed lotus root slices, shredded pickled vegetables with scrambled eggs… a variety of dishes filled the table.
Jiang Youcheng even brought out a pot of Fenjiu purchased in the county town, warmed it up, and prepared to have a couple of drinks with Song Jingyun.
Initially hesitant about drinking, Song Jingyun subconsciously considered refusing, given his low alcohol tolerance and tendency to get undressed after drinking.
However, upon further reflection, realizing he was at home with family, he felt less apprehensive. After all, it would just be in front of his wife, which should be fine.
Moreover, it seemed like his wife actually quite enjoyed this aspect.
After a brief internal struggle, Song Jingyun decided to join Jiang Youcheng for a drink.
Since it was a family gathering with no pressure to drink, Song Jingyun didn’t end up consuming too much by the end of the meal, feeling pleasantly tipsy.
Song Jingyun felt a tinge of regret as he realized he wasn’t even slightly intoxicated.
What a missed opportunity.
In the afternoon, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun paid a visit to the senior Jiang Youfu’s house.
As tradition dictates, younger family members visit their elders’ homes before the Lunar New Year, bearing numerous gifts.
Fabrics, tea leaves, medicinal herbs, and some pastries were among the offerings.
“Why bring so much?” Yang Shi playfully scolded, “Treating this place like relatives. I’ll Keep the pastries and tea, take the rest back.”
As she spoke, Yang shi attempted to take the items to return them to Jiang Mixia’s home.
“We’re not often home, and it’s rare to come back, especially during the New Year. It’s only fitting,” Jiang Mixia intervened.
“Just accept them, Mother. Sixth Sister and her husband live in the county town now, and they occasionally visit. If you wait a couple more years, when Sixth Sister’s husband is assigned to the capital, they might not be able to come back as easily during the New Year. You might regret not having these things then,” Jiang Chunyu chimed in.
“You rascal.” Yang shi playfully flicked Jiang Chunyu’s ear, but then added, “But your words do make sense.”
Seeing Song Jingyun’s diligent studies and promising future prospects, it was evident that Jiang Chunyu’s words hit the mark.
“In that case, I’ll graciously accept everything this time, but no more next time,” Yang Shi smiled. “I’ve saved some persimmon cakes and dried apricots at home, knowing that both you and Jingyun enjoy them. I’ll have them ready for you to take back with you later.”
Welcoming Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun into the house, Yang Shi immediately called for Jiang Youfu to join them and asked Jiang Chunyu to fetch some melon seeds and peanuts.
Once the tea was brewed, snacks were prepared, and dinner arrangements were underway, Yang Shi busied herself with preparing the evening meal. She also instructed Jiang Chunyu to fetch Jiang Xiaoxing and Zhu Yongwu to join them for a gathering.
Jiang Xiaoxing and Zhu Yongwu had tied the knot in October, and it had been two months since their wedding. Their bond had deepened over the years due to their mutual affection and longstanding friendship, making their marriage a strong foundation for their relationship.
As they dined together, not only did they sit closely, but they also exchanged tender glances and shared affectionate words, almost dripping with love in their gaze.
During a conversation with Liu Shi, Jiang Mixia learned that Zhu Yongwu was always eager to pamper Jiang Xiaoxing and would never let her do anything he could manage himself.
Truly, Jiang Xiaoxing had found a wonderful match.
Reflecting on this, Jiang Mixia recalled Song Jingyun’s assurance to Jiang Xiaoxing when she called off her engagement with the Hong family – that she would indeed find an excellent match. Seeing it come to fruition now, Jiang Mixia felt Song Jingyun’s words had brought additional brightness to his reputation.
The dinner at the senior Jiang’s house was sumptuous. After the meal, Jiang Youfu, along with Song Jingyun and Zhu Yongwu, indulged in some drinks.
As the women found the atmosphere at the table dull, Yang shi, along with Jiang Mixia and Jiang Xiaoxing, moved to another room to enjoy some snacks and engage in intimate conversations typical of women.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chunyu and Zhu Guangtai couldn’t sit still. The two children, unbothered by the cold, played in the courtyard, setting off firecrackers and lighting lanterns.
Starting from the autumn of this year, Jiang Chunyu and Zhu Guangtai were sent to the Hongle Academy in town to study under Master Zhang.
Neither of them were exceptionally gifted, and given that they started their studies relatively late compared to others, they faced greater challenges in catching up, leading them to work even harder than their peers.
Due to the demanding nature of their studies, the two boys found themselves diligently studying. Now that the academy was on break, they seemed like birds released from a cage, chirping and chattering non-stop.
Jiang Mixia and her companions listened to their men drinking and playing games nearby, while the children played outside, bringing constant joy and laughter to their faces.
“When will Big Brother and Sister-in-law return?”