Chapter 120: I Just Wanted to See You
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qiao Mai knew the elderly couple didn’t want to return home, but she couldn’t persuade them. They only spent two months a year in their hometown.
They also had children and grandchildren, and it was important to gather during festivals and special occasions.
On the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month, she steamed some red and garlic sausages and brought them to the old couple while they were about to have lunch.
When they saw her, they made space on the heated brick bed.
“Dear, join us for lunch?”
“I brought some delicious food for you. Try it, and if you like it, you can take some with you when you leave. I’ve prepared extra for you. If it’s not good, I won’t bring it for you.”
“It’s definitely delicious.”
Qiao Mai smiled as she took the sausages out of the food container. They were neatly cut and arranged on a plate.
“What’s this?”
“These are sausages I made. Try them out; if I tell you what they are, you might lose your appetite.”
The two used their chopsticks to pick up a piece and taste it. “Oh, it’s delicious. It’s a bit like the luncheon meat you make.” “It’s finer in texture and has more seasonings.”
“Not bad.”
“There’s another type of sausage, but it hasn’t been sun-dried long enough to taste. I’ve already steamed both types. When you want to eat them, heat them in a pot. The other one needs to be steamed for about two-quarters of an hour after sun-drying.”
“Are you saying we can’t have this at your home?” “I’ll pack some for you to enjoy at home.”
“Is there anything else you want to bring for us?”
As they enjoyed the sausages, the old couple asked about the New Year gifts she prepared for them.
“There are also twenty pieces of preserved meat, a more flavorful type of cured meat compared to regular pork.”
“Anything else?”
“Fruits, stewed pig trotters, pickled vegetables, and more. There’s a whole cartload of goods. I’ll hire a horse-drawn carriage to deliver everything to the Wang Residence.”
“We really like you, dear. You’re so considerate.” “Alright then, enjoy your meal. I’ll be going.”
“Wait.”
Old Mistress Wang reached into a cabinet and took out an exquisite gift box.
She placed it on the table and gestured for Qiao Mai to take it.
“Here, this is for you to wear during the New Year. You’re already the mistress of a wealthy household. You can’t dress casually anymore. You need to adorn yourself beautifully, understand?”
Qiao Mai glanced at Old Mistress Wang, noticing her attention was focused on the sausages. The same goes for Old Mister Wang.
Qiao Mai reached out and opened the gift box on the table. To her surprise, it contained a set of ruby jewelry.
“Oh my, I don’t even pay you tuition, yet you’ve given me such exquisite jewelry. Is there such good fortune in the world?”
The old couple couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Stop acting humble. Don’t be shy and accept it. You should wear it during the
New Year.”
“If it’s a gift from you, then I will gladly accept it. I’ve earned a set of fine jewelry by making some sausages. I’ve truly struck gold.”
“Look at you, so obsessed with money.”
“To accumulate wealth, one has to be obsessed with it. Those who aren’t obsessed with wealth are monks or Bodhisattvas who give away their fortunes.’
“Hurry up and take it.”
“Alright, I’m leaving. We’re family, so I won’t be courteous.”
Qiao Mai closed the box and carried it with her as she left, humming happily. The old couple exchanged smiles. “It’s always comfortable to be around her.”
“That’s a valuable item from your secret stash.”
“I can’t take it with me when I die, so I’d rather give it to someone who appreciates it. Do you believe she won’t complain about anything if we spend our retirement years in her home? What a good woman.”
“Have you noticed? Jiaqi doesn’t live with her. He said Chuan’er is still young and will be scared. He can’t sleep alone at night and needs Jiaqi to accompany him.”
“I noticed it a long time ago. Let’s not meddle in their affairs. Anyway, they seem to get along well, whether they are biological or adopted children.
Whether they sleep together or not doesn’t matter. Perhaps Jiaqi can’t stand it? Or there might be other reasons. We’re at such an old age. No need to worry about their matters.”
“Yeah, as long as they’re doing well.”
On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the four brothers from the Yuan family came to visit. They carried gifts and waited at the door for the maidservant to announce their arrival.
Yuan Jiaqi was surprised when he heard about their visit. He had the maidservant invite them into the living room and put down his books to join them.
When he saw his four elder brothers, he was not surprised. Instead, he appeared calm.
“Little brother, even though our parents were wrong, we’re still siblings. It’s been a year since we separated our family, and we all wanted to come and see you.”
They placed the gifts they brought on the table and then sat in the guest chairs.
“Thank you, but we have everything we need at home. You should take these gifts back to your children.”
“After we divided the family, we’ve all been living comfortably in our respective households. These gifts are for you and your son.”
“Do you need any help from me?”
“No, we only wanted to visit you.”
“I’m sorry, you brought gifts, but I can’t offer anything in return. As the son-in-law who married into the family, I can’t keep taking from them.”
The four brothers quickly waved their hands. “We didn’t come for gifts from you. We regret not helping you when you were mistreated by our parents. Now that we think about it, we feel guilty. However, brothers are still brothers. We are your elder brothers. If you ever need anything in the future, call us. Even if we don’t have money, we’ll help in any way we can.”
Yuan Jiaqi felt a bit moved, but he maintained his composure.
“I appreciate it, then.”
After saying what needed to be said, the four brothers bid their farewells and left. Yuan Jiaqi accompanied them to the door, watching them before returning inside.
He carried the gifts back to his courtyard. When Chuan’er saw the gifts, he put down his books and asked, “Father, what’s this?”
“Your uncles came to visit.”
Although Yuan Jiaqi didn’t have a smile on his face, the tone of his voice indicated he was in a good mood.
“Father, do you want to reconcile with them?”
“It depends on their behavior. Reconciliation with your grandparents is impossible, but the four of them aren’t bad. They merely didn’t dare to help me back when our parents mistreated me.”
“If you have plans to reconcile, it’s best to discuss it with Mother and see if she’s willing to accept these relatives.”
Yuan Jiaqi paused and then replied, “That’s certain. I can’t upset your mother.”
Qiao Mai didn’t pay much attention to this matter but commended Yuan Jiaqi’s character.
After becoming the student of a high-ranking official, he remained humble and dedicated to his studies. Despite gaining wealth and status, he didn’t become arrogant. He continued to treat people as he did before, staying true to his principles. It was admirable.
However, Qiao Mai couldn’t help but wonder if he would remain as composed when he became an official, surrounded by beautiful and talented women.
On this day, Wang Jiaru sent a New Year’s gift, a whole cartload of goods, from the city.
Qiao Mai sighed as she accepted it. It seemed that she couldn’t skimp on the return gift this time. Perhaps she’d have to bring another two cartloads of the free fruits from her space.
Since they sent a cart, she had to send two in return.
Soon, the people from the Wang family came to pick the old couple up. The old couple didn’t really want to leave yet.
The maidservant who had come to fetch them had to assist them onto the carriage. Several goods carriages followed behind, packed tightly with items and covered with quilts, as they were afraid they might get cold during the journey.
In the afternoon, Liu Hai and Liu Ye visited Qiao Mai.
“Hello, cousin.”
“Yes, are you on your break?”
“Yes, it is. We came to tell you that Mother said you could come to the Liushu Village for your maternal home visit. Although our family doesn’t have much to offer, our mother makes delicious corn pancakes, and her sweet potato porridge is especially tasty.”
As they spoke, they felt a bit embarrassed to continue.
“Please thank Auntie for me. I won’t be coming on the second day of the Lunar
New Year. How will you be returning to the village later?” “We’ve already arranged with someone to use their ox cart.”
“Alright, please sit for a moment.”
Qiao Mai glanced at the servant outside and instructed, “Go to my courtyard and find Yue Hong. Have her bring the things I’ve prepared and deliver them here.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
Qiao Mai gestured toward the chairs, “Please have a seat, both of you.”
“Okay..”
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