258 Qin Huai’s Gift
The four officials brought three people to the Wang Family Steamed Bun Shop. The bun shop was not open in the afternoon, so they naturally didn’t manage to meet anyone.
Someone pointed the way to the Wang Family for them.
There was even a group of onlookers following behind.
Old Madam Wang walked to the door with a calm expression. “Officers, what brings you to our Wang Family?”
When the official in front heard Old Madam Wang’s words, he thought that the owner of this house was very polite and was relieved.
What they were most afraid of were people who did not know etiquette and were rash. If the other party did not listen, they would ruin the Lord’s plans.
The official in front cupped his hands. “Sorry to disturb you. I heard that the Wang Family is a kind family. My brothers passed by and want to stay for a few nights.”
They wanted to go to an inn, but Nanhe Town was not big, and there was only one inn. Today, many peddlers came over and reserved rooms in the inn. Even if they wanted to stay, there was no place for them.
There was a reception officer at the courier station, but they were on official business now, so it was not convenient to reveal their identities.
They could only look for the Wang Family.
Old Madam Wang saw that the expressions of the officials fluctuated when they spoke, so she did not ask further and welcomed them in.
After that, she got her sons to lock the door, cutting off the gazes from outside.
When the others saw the officials enter the Wang Family and they closed the door, they were still a little confused.
“I thought the Wang Family had done something wrong, but from the looks of it, those officials specially came to the Wang Family to stay.”
“Our Nanhe Town also has a few rich families and squires. Why did the officials only choose the Wang Family? Could it be someone the Wang Family knows?”
“The Wang family has only been in our town for a few months. I haven’t seen them interact with any officials. Perhaps it’s their former connections.”
“No matter what, this means that the Wang Family has a background. We shouldn’t offend them casually.”
“The Wang family is so kind and didn’t make things difficult for us. Why do you say that?”
“I was just saying...”
As people discussed, they dispersed when they saw that there was nothing else to watch.
However, occasionally, people would look at the Wang Family’s house, wondering if they could hear some news to satisfy their curiosity.
After getting into the house, Old Madam Wang asked the women to brew tea and arranged for the tired children to sleep. Only then did she bring Old man Wang and her sons to receive the officials.
The officials thought that there were only a few people in charge of the Wang family. They did not expect them to occupy a large room.
Old Madam Wang said, “Sir, there’s no need to worry. These are all my good-for-nothing sons. They’re all family.”
The leader nodded. This was their business, so there was naturally no need to ask too much.
The official told Old Madam Wang and the others the purpose of their trip.
“Our Lord has just taken office. If we directly bring these witnesses over, the matter might be very troublesome. He instructed us to bring the witnesses here first. I hope it won’t cause any trouble for the Old Madam.”
It was naturally impossible to say that they were not troubled. However, if these witnesses really wanted to testify against the former county magistrate, their personal safety had to be protected.
Old Madam Wang nodded. “This is a matter of great importance. I’m not someone who doesn’t know proper etiquette. Please help me thank the Lord Governor for his trust. You and these brothers can stay here first. It won’t be too late to wait for the Lord to settle the matter of taking office first.”
“Old Madam is broad-minded!” The officials cupped their hands at Old Madam Wang.
Since the other party was willing to cooperate, it was naturally much easier for them.
Old Madam Wang said to Wang Chuanfu, “Go and make arrangements with Madam Feng. Let the officials and these brothers stay here first. I’ll get Madam Ma to go to the kitchen to cook a few dishes.”
“Old Madam, we’ve already eaten on the way here. There’s no need to trouble you.”
By the time Old Madam Wang finished arranging for the few officials, Little Ah Yu had almost opened all the gifts and filled the room.
Most of them were children’s gadgets, some pearls and flower hairpins, and some were embroidered shoes.
Wang Wulang was originally going to sleep, but when he heard that Little Ah Yu was opening the gifts, he ran over eagerly.
Wang Liulang and Wang Qilang heard the commotion and did not miss the fun.
Now that the brothers had seen a room full of gifts, their eyes were filled with greed.
“Last year, when we celebrated our birthday, we happened to not have any food at home. It was Grandma who traded an egg for us, so the two of us shared it.” Wang Liulang looked at the gifts with envy in his eyes.
Little Ah Yu picked out some flower hairpins and handed them to Wang Liulang.
“Sixth Brother, I can’t use them all. I’ll give these to you.”
Wang Liulang did not know whether to laugh or cry. “These are all for girls. I don’t have any use for them.”
Wang Wulang also said, “Little Sister Ah Yu, just put it away. You can only open gifts once a year. Don’t take what Liulang said to heart. Last year, our family was very poor and no one in our family celebrated their birthday. Now that our family is better off and the people in the village are living well, there are naturally more gifts.”
Wang Qilang added, “That’s right. It’s a happy thing to receive a gift, but there’s nothing wrong with not having a gift. We can all grow up healthy and eat our fill every day. This is better than any gift.”
Liu Shi was originally waiting at the side, wondering if these children would feel upset. At that time, she would have to comfort them to prevent these brothers from having any objections to their little sister.
Unexpectedly, they were so open-minded.
Even adults might not have such an open mind.
“Grandma said that we can all celebrate our birthday this year. At that time, we don’t have to hold a banquet, but we can still give gifts to our own family. Moreover, we’ve earned money from selling candied haws. During our birthday, Grandma will give us a portion of the money. Wouldn’t that mean that we can buy whatever we want?” Wang Wulang chuckled.
Liu Shi could not help but laugh. This was the best way to convince the children.
As they spoke, Chi Ding’s voice suddenly sounded outside.
“Ah Yu.”
Little Ah Yu ran out and saw Chi Ding and the others carrying a large box. When they saw Little Ah Yu go out, they smiled at her.
“Mr. Ding, what is this?”
...
Chi Ding wiped his sweat and thought to himself that it was a good thing that they had sent the news back in advance. The timing was just right. Otherwise, this gift would be meaningless tomorrow.
“This is a birthday gift from the Little Master. It was transported over from Wanning City.” Chi Ding smiled at Little Ah Yu. “Do you want to come over and take a look?”
This commotion also attracted Wang Wulang and the others. Everyone ran out and surrounded the huge box to look.
Not to mention the things in the box, just looking at the box made them feel that the gift was very extraordinary.
The box was made of mahogany. There was a protective layer of paint on the outside, and there were all kinds of exquisite carvings. If not for the fact that it was too big, it could have been used as an ornament.
There was an especially beautiful lock hanging on the box.
Little Ah Yu leaned closer to the box, but her face was a little conflicted.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to see?” Chi Ding looked at Little Ah Yu.
Little Ah Yu said shyly, “I didn’t give you anything for Big Brother Ah You’s birthday. Now that it’s my birthday, I shouldn’t take such a big box.”
“Grandma said that we can’t suffer a loss, but we can’t take advantage of others.”
She said every word especially seriously.
...
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