Chapter 25

The Song family’s good fortune seemed endless—first earning money, then having one of their own pass the scholar exam. They had become the envy of the whole village.

As the weather turned colder, the nearby sea froze over, making it impossible to fish. Northern winters were never good for crops either, so this was the quietest season for farming households.

Even though it was a quiet time, people still felt uneasy—there was no income coming in. Many went into town to look for odd jobs just to get by.

The Song family, however, had a secure supply of food in their granary, so the winter wasn’t too hard for them. But Old Master Song wasn’t the kind to sit idle—he took his sons out regularly to gather firewood.

With the cold weather, and many heated kang beds in the house, firewood consumption naturally increased.

In the blink of an eye, the New Year was approaching.

“This year went by fast, and now it’s almost New Year’s. We’re heading to the market today to buy some goods. We actually have money this year—each of you make a new set of cotton-padded clothes for your families. I’ve already made Sweet Bao’s; I’ll give you the money for yours in a bit.”

Early that morning, Old Madam Zhou called over her daughters-in-law. In the past, they didn’t always buy new clothes for the New Year, but now that they had some money, she wasn’t being stingy anymore.

She gave each family the same amount of silver. What kind of clothes they made was up to them, but Sweet Bao’s had to be made personally by Grandma.

The second daughter-in-law, Zhang, said, “Alright, Mother, but isn’t it still a bit early to buy New Year’s goods?”

There was still over half a month before the New Year, and Zhang was afraid that if they bought things too early, they’d finish eating everything before the actual holiday.

But the old lady wasn’t worried. They had enough money—it wouldn’t make them poor just by buying some snacks.

Old Madam Zhou said, “It’s fine, we’ll go again before the New Year. We can enjoy the treats early this year.”

The daughters-in-law all happily agreed. It was like starting the New Year’s celebration early, something most families would be too frugal to do.

After breakfast, Old Madam Zhou took a few daughters-in-law to the market. The third son, Song Fugui, drove the cart.

Old Master Song and the other sons stayed home, warming themselves by the fire and chatting. Sweet Bao sat obediently on the kang, listening to the adults talk.

Thinking about it, the New Year was just around the corner. By spring, she’d be able to speak. Time really flew.

“Dad, we’ve already gathered all the materials and built our new homes. How about we build a new one here at the old courtyard too?” suggested the eldest son, Song Fusheng.

The fourth son, Song Futian, nodded. “Yes, Father, you and Mother are getting older. Since we all live in new houses now, it’s time to build a better one here too.”

They had the money now, and building a few more houses was no big deal. But it felt wrong to live in nice big homes while their parents remained in the old one.

Old Master Song had no such plan. It wasn’t about money—this courtyard and house held too many memories.

He had raised his children here, spent decades of hardships and joy here—he simply couldn’t bear to tear it down.

He shook his head and said, “Your mother and I have discussed it—we won’t build. We’re old now. Big houses are hard to manage, and we’re just used to this old home.”

The sons, being honest and filial, could only nod in agreement.

The second son, Song Fucai, then said, “Then when our new houses are done, you and Mom can rotate living with each of us. Stay wherever you want, for as long as you like.”

Old Master Song agreed on the surface, but deep down he didn’t want to burden his sons. They all had their own lives to live.

Fucai continued, “Let’s go in order from the east—eldest, me, third, then fifth. Fourth will be last so you’ll be closest to Sweet Bao.”

Everyone knew how much the old couple doted on Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao. They couldn’t go a day without seeing her.

Normally, the fourth would’ve gone before the fifth, but this way kept Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao closest to Grandpa.

Old Master Song nodded and pulled Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao into his arms. “My precious granddaughter needs to stay close to us. If I don’t see her for a day, I miss her so much.”

Seeing Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao’s chubby cheeks and bright smile filled the old man with joy—she was just too adorable.

All the sons laughed, and even Song Futian beamed with pride. His little girl was loved by everyone.

As the men sat by the fire chatting, they heard the door open. Song Futian went to check and saw the village head lift the curtain and enter.

“The village head’s here—please, come sit!”

Old Master Song greeted him quickly, but the village head waved him off.

“I’ve got business.”

Old Master Song knew it had to be something serious. “What is it?”

The village head said, “Good thing you didn’t go to the market today. The county magistrate gave orders summoning you and your fifth son to the yamen today. Hurry and go.”

Being summoned by the county yamen was no small matter. To common folks, the magistrate was like a parent official—sacred and powerful.

Ordinary farmers feared officials most of all. Old Master Song’s heart started pounding. What had happened?

Could it be that the fifth son caused trouble in town? That didn’t sound like him…

“Do you know why?” he asked.

The village head shook his head. “Not sure. But it can’t be anything serious—if it were a real crime, constables would’ve come to take you, not just send a summons.”

Old Master Song breathed a little easier. “Then maybe it’s not trouble from the fifth.”

The village head said, “Your fifth son isn’t the type. Don’t scare yourself. Hitch a cart and get going.”

He then turned to the sons. “You boys should go with him—your father’s not young anymore.”

The eldest and second sons nodded. Since the family cart was at the market, the second son ran to borrow one from the neighbors.

After the village head left, Old Master Song took the eldest and second sons to the county office, while the fourth son, Song Futian, stayed home to watch the children and Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao.

Watching them leave, Futian felt anxious and uneasy. Without knowing what was going on, and no one left to take charge, he couldn’t sit still.

But Little Sweet Treasure Xiao Tianbao wasn’t too worried. She guessed it wasn’t anything bad—most likely related to the sweet potatoes, which had been reported to the authorities a while back.

This crop was high-yield and delicious—in ancient times when grain was scarce, that made it a huge deal.

On a small scale, it could keep a person from starving. On a large scale, it could solve a national food crisis.

If the court took notice, it was bound to treat the matter seriously—maybe even hand out a reward.

Futian waited anxiously until noon, when Old Madam Zhou and the others returned. The moment they stepped in, he told them about Old Master Song and the fifth son being summoned by the county magistrate.

“Oh no, your father and the fifth? Did something happen?” Old Madam Zhou worried aloud. “We’ve always kept to ourselves. This doesn’t make sense.”

She wondered if it was because they had made too much money, but they had paid all their taxes.

The third daughter-in-law, Zou, said, “Could it be about the sweet potato crop?”

Old Madam Zhou thought for a moment. “But if it’s about the sweet potatoes, why summon the fifth?”