Third Aunt Ding was still waiting for good news from Grandmother Ding.

However, when Grandmother Ding came over, she said, “Eldest Daughter-in-law, you all get ready. I’ve said my goodbyes to my in-laws, and it’s time for us to go. If we stay here any longer, they won’t be able to get any work done.” The “eldest” she referred to was Third Aunt Ding’s elder sister-in-law.

Eldest Aunt Ding replied, “Oh, I understand. I’ll go call the children.”

After the meal, the women gathered in one room to chat and eat snacks, while the men were in another room, and the children had their own room.

As Eldest Aunt Ding spoke, she walked to the door to call the children, all of whom were little ones.

Although there’s a separation of genders starting at the age of eight, in the countryside, it wasn’t so strictly observed.

Generally, the cutoff was around thirteen or fourteen, and as long as there was no engagement, the rules weren’t too rigid.

So, at this moment, a few children in their early teens were playing together.

Some who were already married, like Eldest Aunt Ding’s son, naturally joined the adults.

Eldest Aunt Ding called her daughter-in-law over: “You go call the children; I’ll go call the eldest.”

The “eldest” she referred to was her eldest son.

The daughter-in-law responded, “Okay.”

While Eldest Aunt Ding took her daughter-in-law to gather everyone, Third Aunt Ding hurriedly grabbed Grandmother Ding: “Mother, what about Tadpole’s situation? Did you talk to Eldest Sister about it?”

Grandmother Ding replied, “What about Tadpole? I only said goodbye to my in-laws. Let’s go.”

Third Aunt Ding San’s face immediately fell: “Mother, you can’t do this! You promised to persuade Eldest Sister about this. How can you just ignore it?” Although her voice was soft, the two were pulling at each other, catching the attention of those nearby.

Mother Qin pretended not to see; she knew what they were discussing.

Grandfather Ding, accompanied by the men, also came over and frowned at the scene: “Let’s go back.”

Grandmother Ding responded, “Oh.” Saying this, she walked over to Grandfather Ding.

Grandfather Qin said, “In-laws, when we come back next time, you all can come over again, and we can gather then. This time, it’ll be a few years before we can return.”

Unless there was some special situation, such as trouble at home in the second branch.

Grandfather Qin thought that the only possibility for them to return in the next few years would be for that reason.

Today, Grandfather Ding was genuinely happy; his eldest grandson had made a name for himself, and he felt proud.

Wherever he went, he felt a sense of pride. As one grows older, one tends to care more about face. “When you get there, you must write to us. Ah Fang’s maternal grandmother thinks about him every day. It will be hard for her not to see her grandson for a few years.”

Grandmother Ding smiled and said, “It’s really her who misses him.”

Grandfather Ding didn’t mind her teasing: “Yes, yes, it’s me who misses him.”

Once all the children were gathered, the Ding family prepared to leave.

Grandfather Qin and Grandmother Qin personally saw them off to the village gate.

If it were ordinary in-laws, they wouldn’t send them off like this.

Given that there were many people, Third Aunt Ding couldn’t say much.

But once they left Baili Village and the Qin family returned home, Third Aunt Ding started murmuring to Third Uncle Ding. “Tadpole and Siya’s matters have not been resolved. Mother promised to persuade Eldest Sister, but when it came to everyone, she said nothing.”

Third Uncle Ding, who was a bit carefree, didn’t think much of what Third Aunt Ding said: “If Mother didn’t say anything, then so be it. Besides, Tadpole is still young.”

Third Aunt Ding replied, squeezing his hand: “What are you saying? Children in their teens should start discussing marriage. Do you think it’s that simple? Just because they decide to marry doesn’t mean it will happen! Moreover, with Siya out there, if we don’t settle her engagement, what if someone else does?”

Third Uncle Ding said, “But she’s out there right now. Even if we want to settle it, we can’t.”

Third Aunt Ding retorted, “Traditionally, marriages are determined by the parents and matchmakers. As long as Eldest Sister agrees, the marriage is settled.

Siya doesn’t understand anything! Besides, do you still want to live well? If Siya and Tadpole become engaged, wouldn’t the Qin family look after Tadpole? Siya’s dowry will surely be substantial, and then Tadpole will have a good life. If he has a good life, then you, as his father, won’t have a good life either?

Moreover, look at it now: Ah Fang has made something of himself, but he has taken all the Qin family members away.

We, the maternal family, are also relatives!

Why hasn’t he arranged for us?

It sounds nice to call us relatives, but we have a general nephew for face; but can face feed us?

We still have to budget every piece of meat! Even if you don’t think about yourself, you need to think about your son. Do you want your son to farm for the rest of his life?”

Ding Sanjiu pondered for a moment and said, “But now that we’ve left, my elder sister and the others will also be going to Yunxiang County the day after tomorrow. What can we do? Are we supposed to let Father and Mother go back? Mother didn’t say anything at that time, and surely she wouldn’t go back now.”

Third Aunt Ding wife rolled her eyes and said, “I have a solution.”

Ding Sanjiu always thought his wife was very clever, so he couldn’t help but curiously ask, “What’s the solution?”

Third Aunt Ding waved her hand, and he leaned in to listen.

Eldest Aunt Ding turned around and saw Ding Sanjiu and his wife walking at the back, whispering to each other.

She snorted, her eyes filled with disapproval, feeling that they were embarrassing themselves.

In broad daylight, their behavior was really inappropriate.

If they wanted to whisper, they didn’t need to get so close; anyone who didn’t know would think they were up to something.

Of course, she knew they weren’t doing anything.

Eldest Aunt Ding was aware of her sister-in-law’s plan to arrange a marriage between Siya and Ding Dou’Er(Tadpole).

Not only Ding Sanjiu’s wife, but even if there were suitable children in their family, she would also have the same thought.

However, it was just a thought.

Firstly, there were no suitable children in their family.

Secondly, everyone knew that the Ding family and the Qin family were no longer of the same social standing.

If the children from the two families were to get engaged, it would only be for those who only thought about their maternal family.

But her sister-in-law was not that kind of person; she would not just let her daughter marry into the Ding family.

That was just a dream.

However, looking at the current situation, this matter was definitely not going to happen.

Ding Sanjiu’s wife was trying to persuade Grandma Ding to make the match; she was worried that Grandma Ding would be blinded by immediate benefits and say something.

But in fact, she had seen Grandma Ding going to find her sister-in-law.

Curious, Eldest Aunt Ding walked over to Grandma Ding and said, “Mother, I’ll support you as you walk.”

Grandma Ding glanced at her and said, “No need; I’m fine.”

Eldest Aunt Ding smiled, “Mother, sister-in-law is about to go to Yunxiang County; you must be reluctant to part with her.”

Grandma Ding sighed, “Who wouldn’t? It’s such a far place… But even if I’m reluctant, there’s no need to worry. Ah Fang is over there, and Yueying is following her son there, not going to suffer. Speaking of which, I never thought Yueying would have such good fortune in her lifetime.”

At her old age, being able to have a noble position, wasn’t that a blessing?

Eldest Aunt Ding chuckled lightly, “My sister-in-law is fortunate, and that’s because you gave birth to her, which shows you are fortunate too. Moreover, Ah Fang is your direct grandson. If Ah Fang succeeds, doesn’t that reflect well on you?”

Grandma Ding patted her belly and nodded, “That’s true.”

When she left earlier, her daughter had given her a red envelope, which she didn’t want, but her daughter insisted on giving it to her.

She thought that since her daughter’s situation was better now, she might as well take it.

Speaking of which, Yue Ying was indeed filial.

Now, she didn’t ask for anything else; she just hoped that the children would be safe and sound.

Eldest Aunt Ding naturally didn’t know about Qin Mother giving Grandma Ding the red envelope.

She said, “Mother, how about if our Ding family and the Qin family become even closer?”

Grandma Ding was shocked, “What did you say?”

Qin Da Jiu Mu said, “I heard from Third Brother’s wife that they want to arrange a marriage between Tadpole and Siya. Do you think that’s inappropriate?”

Grandma Ding wasn’t a fool; upon hearing Eldest Aunt Ding’s words, she knew she was here to inquire about this matter.

She said, “That can’t happen. Dou’Er can’t marry, so don’t even think about it.

What status does our family have?

What status does the Qin family have now?

If we try to get engaged, wouldn’t that just be making a fool of ourselves?

We should stay put; if there’s ever an emergency in the future, Ah Fang will still care for the children.

If we force ourselves into it, even if Ah Fang is understanding, Yue Ying won’t be accommodating.”

How could her maternal family compare to her own family?

How could they compare to their own sons and daughters?

Didn’t she know her own daughter well enough?

---

Qin Mother took all the family’s money out and counted it over and over, feeling heartbroken.

Qin Father came in, seeing her look as if she was slicing her flesh, and couldn’t help but laugh and ask, “How much money do we have left?”

Qin Mother said, “The hundred taels of silver that Yanyan left for building the house is down to thirty taels. Last March, when they had their wedding, Yanyan gave ten taels of silver, and at the end of last year, they sent back a message and also sent ten taels of silver… in the form of a silver note.

So counting all the small amounts, Yanyan gave a total of fifty taels of silver. Today, Father wants to give the official who delivers the imperial edict a red envelope, so I gave the ten taels of silver note that Yanyan sent back last year.

I wasn’t sure how much to give; if I give too much, it wouldn’t fit, and given our current situation, I thought it was better to give ten taels.”

Hearing about the ten taels of silver, Qin Father gritted his teeth as well; it hurt him just as much.

However, he comforted Qin Mother, “Fortunately, the imperial edict is a good thing. I don’t know what great merit our son has earned, but it could bring two noble positions.”

Qin Mothet frowned, “It’s a good thing, but since I haven’t seen anyone, I always feel unsettled, my heart racing. I’m afraid my son might be in danger.”

Qin Fu said, “Don’t worry; I asked Huang Huzai, and he said our son’s achievement this time is without danger. It’s just that this matter is confidential and cannot be disclosed.”

Upon hearing “confidential,” Qin Mother became even more worried: “I haven’t seen anyone; I just can’t be at ease.”

In the blink of an eye, it was the day after tomorrow.

Besides Second Uncle Qin family, the entire Qin family set off for Yunxiang County.

Meanwhile, in Baili Village, there had long been stories circulating about the Qin family.