Chapter 335: Conspiracy

Zuo Zhanshan glanced at his wife, “Old lady, do you understand what we’re after? It’s not about catching fish, but about the experience, am I right, Old Chen?”

Old Chen nodded with a smile, and Wu Changyong, feeling restless, set down his fishing rod. “You two talk too much. It’s unbearable just sitting here without catching any fish. I’d rather go water the crops. Weiguo, come and take over the fishing. Catch a few more. I’ll take them home to eat. These two old folks aren’t here to fish; they’re here to fish for their mood.”

Unable to sit still any longer, Wu Changyong stood up and led his wife to tend to the crops.

Upon seeing Zhang Weiguo, Wang Qian remembered that she hadn’t resolved his matter yet. She whispered to Mingyuan and Zuo He for a while and then the two of them left. Only Wang Qian knew what they were up to.

Wu Changyong drew water from the well and happily tended to the crops with his wife. Zhang Lan, alongside her husband, busied herself preparing dinner for the evening.

“Zhenhe, it seems like we made the right choice with this yard. Just look at Uncle and Auntie, they’re so happy here. When we’re older, we should come and live here. It feels just like our home back there,” she remarked.

Wang Zhenhe was all in for that idea. Living in the city wasn’t much different from the countryside; he could tend to his own land and grow his favorite vegetables.

“Yeah, once the business is stable and Mingyuan takes over, we’ll bring Mother-in-law and Father-in-law here too. They can live in the house where high-ranking officials used to reside. We’ll get a taste of the wealthy life too,” he agreed.

The couple joyfully prepared dinner, and Zuo He and Mingyuan returned before sunset with some meat in hand.

Wang Qian glanced at them, and Mingyuan gave her a reassuring look, “Mom, this is what Zuo He bought. It’s to add to the meal.”

Impressed by Zuo He’s thoughtfulness, Zhang Lan happily took the meat, “Zuo He, Auntie will make braised pork for you all to enjoy. Just wait.”

Dinner mainly consisted of vegetables and fish, with Zuo He’s meat addition. It resembled the meals they used to have at the Wang household, and the elderly gentlemen savored every bite. “It still tastes the same as before. This fish has always been cooked perfectly. Niece  still cooks delicious meals,” remarked one of them.

All four nodded in agreement. The food they were eating wasn’t just a meal—it was a taste of memories, a reminder of past hardships.

Zheng Furong genuinely appreciated Zhang Lan’s culinary skills. Her authentic rural dishes and the exceptional flavors she created were beyond what most people could achieve.

“Niece, I finally understand now why your uncles always praise your cooking. With your skills, most people in the countryside truly can’t compare,” remarked Zheng Furong appreciatively.

Zhang Lan chuckled as she served the guests some dishes, “Auntie, you always speak highly of me. I can only cook simple home-cooked meals. If you ask me to make something fancy, I might struggle.”

Wu Changyong took a piece of potato and ate it, “Niece, you don’t need to know those fancy dishes. What you cook is perfect. I enjoy these flavors—honest and satisfying. This kind of meal is what fills my stomach. I’ve never felt full with those flashy but insubstantial dishes. This is just right.”

Zuo Zhanshan and the others nodded in agreement. They all shared Wu’s sentiment. They had dined in restaurants before, where the meals were visually stunning and flavorful, but they always left feeling unsatisfied.

Wang Qian chuckled, “Grandpas, if you want to feel full at a restaurant, you have to eat like this. A big bowl of rice, one dish, eat it together with the rice—simple and delicious. But I doubt you would eat like that.”

Hao Lianchun couldn’t help but hold back a chuckle, “Little one, if we really ate like that, we’d probably gain quite a reputation by tomorrow. That’s why I usually don’t eat out. Eating at home is always comfortable. I’d rather save that money and cook at home for convenience and satisfaction.”

Zheng Furong, being a woman herself, shared the same sentiment. Wang Qian couldn’t help but reflect inwardly. At that time, the officials were truly incorruptible and frugal, far better than some corrupt officials in later generations. Their generation genuinely worked for the people.

“Weiguo, why didn’t you bring Jianing with you?” Wu Changyong inquired, to which Zhang Weiguo sighed, “Uncle, her mother is keeping a close eye on her. I can only see her if she’s going to the hospital for treatment. Otherwise, I won’t have a chance to see her.”

Old Wu, full of sympathy, patted his shoulder, while Mingyuan smiled reassuringly at him, “Little Uncle, don’t worry. We’re already working on a plan. Your future mother-in-law should be prepared for what’s coming.”

Although Zhang Weiguo didn’t take Mingyuan’s words to heart, knowing Bai Jianing’s mother’s stubbornness, they needed to carefully consider their next steps.

He acknowledged his nephews’ intentions and smiled, reaching out to pat Mingyuan’s head, “Nephew, you’re about to report in soon. I’ll figure out my own matters.”

Mingyuan and Zuo He simply smiled back at him. Since they hadn’t accomplished their task yet, they didn’t plan to say much for now.

After helping the four elderly individuals pack their belongings to take with them, they saw them off at the gate. Zhang Lan’s family then went back inside with Yang Nuo and Cong Tao to rest.

After a long day, they were quite tired. The couple didn’t worry about their children at home; they went to rest first. Yang Nuo came to settle the accounts with Wang Xuan after finishing their sales for the day. Seeing the substantial amount of money Yang Nuo brought back, even Wang Xuan felt they had been selling well these past few days.

“Yang Nuo, have some fruit first. I’ll jot down the accounts. And remember to take a shower later. I’ve already prepared the water for you,” she advised.

Cong Tao teasingly nudged his brother, “Ah, being pampered makes a difference. Even I’m benefiting from it. Yang Nuo, you stay and settle accounts with Xuan’er first. After I shower, you can take your turn.”

After his quick remark, Cong Tao darted off, afraid his good buddy might chase him down to playfully scold him. Knowing Wang Xuan was sensitive, Cong Tao and the others rarely teased them. Despite getting the green light from both families, they maintained a pure relationship.

Finding no one else in the room, Yang Nuo approached Wang Xuan, leaning in with his head propped up, gazing at her. While Wang Xuan focused on bookkeeping, she couldn’t ignore the presence beside her. Sensing a warm gaze fixed on her, even though there were no outward signs, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of sweetness.

“Brother Yang Nuo, do I have something on my face?” she asked.

Yang Nuo withdrew his gaze with a grin, “Xuan’er, there’s nothing on your face. In fact, you look even better without anything. It’s been two days since I last saw you. Have you missed me even a little?”

Seeing Yang Nuo’s pitiful expression, Wang Xuan subtly nodded. This almost made Yang Nuo leap with joy. He had always thought he was the only one taking the initiative, unsure of what was on the girl’s mind. Some things were hard to voice, but today he finally received a positive response. It would be strange if he wasn’t excited.

Wang Xuan finished counting the money and tidying up the accounts. As she raised her head, she caught Yang Nuo staring at her affectionately. Feeling a bit shy, she lowered her head and teased, “Fool, what are you staring at? Haven’t you seen enough of me every day?”

Yang Nuo couldn’t get enough of gazing at her lovely blushing face. He wished he could keep her with him all the time.

“I can never get enough, Xuan’er. You are truly beautiful,” Yang Nuo said, his eyes fixed on her.

Blushing, Wang Xuan playfully scolded him, “Silly, go take a shower. I’ve set up the mosquito net for you. We’ve had a long day, so rest early. We have to go out to sell goods tomorrow.”

Rarely having a chance to be alone with someone he liked, Yang Nuo lingered, not wanting to leave. He sneakily took Xuan’s hand and gently stroked it. It was the first time Wang Xuan had her hand held so discreetly by him, evoking a strange yet exhilarating feeling. The sensation of his larger hand enveloping hers was different from the usual sibling hand-holding, leaving her feeling excited and sweet.

“Alright, go take a shower quickly and rest early. Otherwise, Cong Tao will start teasing us again,” she added.

Wang Xuan didn’t resist as Yang Nuo held her hand, just gently nudging him to go take a shower. In a moment of opportunity, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek and swiftly left, leaving Wang Xuan standing alone in the room, her heart in a whirlwind of emotions.

“This guy, really…” She shook her head, trying to push aside the chaotic thoughts. She hurried back to check the account books and assess the inventory. She needed to know how much stock they had left; running out of goods and needing more at the last minute would be too late.

Meanwhile, Wang Qian, Mingyuan, and Zuo He were inside discussing their plans. It was a crucial matter, and they couldn’t afford any mistakes along the way.

“Brother, make sure you’ve got everything sorted with that person. We can’t afford any slip-ups,” Wang Qian reminded.

Mingyuan assured her, “Don’t worry, sister. I’ve already briefed him on their family’s situation. If he can’t remember that, he doesn’t deserve his meal. If we can’t handle even this small task, what’s the point? We’ve paid the deposit, so rest assured. He won’t dare to run away. We even know where he lives—there’s nowhere for him to escape to.”

Wang Qian chuckled as she glanced at Mingyuan, acknowledging his thorough approach to tasks. Zuo He added, “We’ve gathered information about her usual route and timing. It rarely changes. Tomorrow, let’s split up and take action. How do you plan to get little uncle to go over there?”

Zuo He was also concerned about Zhang Weiguo’s cooperation, but Wang Qian exuded confidence, “Zuo He, don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll accompany my little uncle and wait along the planned route.”

The adults in the room never imagined that the three children had devised such a monumental scheme with the sole purpose of facilitating Zhang Weiguo’s marriage, primarily targeting the elderly lady from the Bai family, Han Ying.

Before wrapping up, Wang Qian couldn’t help but ask, “Zuo He, what if that person mistakes the identity? Have you shown him the real person?”

In response to Wang Qian’s concern, Zuo He smiled indulgently, “Qianqian, they are professionals in this field. They likely know the residents in this area better than we do. You can rest assured.”