They slept until dawn. Guoguo slept soundly in the space, and the three of them left. Qin was guarding the door. When she noticed her master getting up, she said, "Master, the water is here." Guoguo said, "Come in." Yeheng washed his son's hands and face first, then Guoguo's, and finally himself. Guoguo applied perfume to her son and also applied some to Yeheng, saying, "Spread it evenly on yourself."

The three of them went to the main hall to eat. Li Ru said, "We're going to my mother's house later. Guoguo, do you want to go with us?" "Yes, we can walk. It's not far. It's better to walk more." Ye Heng said, "Okay, let's go together after dinner." Li Ru said, "I'll send someone to tell them."

Old lady Li said, "I feel like I'm dreaming now that I'm living a good life." Li Ru also said, "Who would have thought that life would be so good before." Guoguo said, "Mom, you still don't know how to live, madam. You just eat, drink, defecate and urinate, and you work every day, doing this and that. You two don't need it." Li Ru laughed and said, "I'm still young, so don't move! No, no, I have to work." Zhang Baohua said, "I can't stay idle for a day either. Yesterday, I almost suffocated myself." Guoguo laughed, "Second aunt." Hahaha. "Second uncle's mother is in a hurry to open the shop," Zhang Baohua said. "We can't open the shop right now. I'll go weed the greenhouse and plant the crops later." Old Lady Li said, "Take a few days off and talk to Jiaxing." Zhang Baohua said, "He's busy. He hasn't even checked into the hotel yet. He'll be gone soon." Guoguo said, "I'm sorry to trouble Second Uncle. I'll train someone to help you." Jiaxing said, "He's helping me right now. How about I stay home now?" Guoguo said, "Find a few more people. We don't lack loyal and reliable people." Jiaxing said, "Okay, I'll find another helper."

The family ate and talked without interruption. Old Mrs. Li helped pack the gifts, filling a large carriage. Fourth child Li Ru, her son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson walked to her parents' home. They all accompanied Guoguo on the walk.

Old Lady Li and her three daughters-in-law were drinking tea and chatting in the family greenhouse. Little Chen, the only child left, had no one to play with, so he went to play in the mud in the fields. Someone was always burning a fire here, keeping it warm, and the vegetables were growing beautifully. Wang Min said, "Mom, the vegetables in our greenhouse are good all winter long and growing well, but they don't look as good as here. There's a difference." Old Lady Li glanced at her and said nothing. She changed the subject, asking, "How are your parents doing now?" Wang Min said, "Much better. They come to our village to work in their free time and earn a lot of money. Jia He helps them find work, and thankfully, my older brothers are willing to help." Old Lady Li said, "Don't be reluctant. Give your parents some money. You can't let them raise you in vain." Wang Min said, "Yes, Mom, I'll listen to you. I'll give it to you when I get home." Old Lady Li was a kind daughter-in-law, but she was very controlling. Once she got the money, she wouldn't give it away. She was a good daughter-in-law. Old Lady Li pulled out a banknote and said, "One thousand taels of silver per family. Don't think it's too little." The daughters-in-law refused to accept it. Old Lady Li said, "This is for my parents' expenses during the New Year." She gave it all to the daughters-in-law. "We can withdraw cash in the county." Then several men came in.

"Okay," Old Lady Li continued, "Baohua, you've been here all these years and haven't come home. I usually ask your father to look after you at your parents' house. You're doing okay. When you get home, have Jiale go check on them and find them work. Farming is the way to earn money, and things will get better over time." Zhang Baohua thought of her parents, and Jiaxing consoled her, "I'll have someone come back to check on them. If they're not okay, bring them here." Zhang Baohua quickly said, "No need. I'll find them some work at home. They can't read. I'll also give them some money." Zhang Baohua lowered her head, fearing what outsiders might say. When she was at home, she rarely visited her parents' home. A daughter who's married off is like spilled water. Those with whom she's close still keep company, but those with whom she's not close no longer. This is the way it is in every household.

Old Lady Li consoled them, saying, "Don't be sad. I'm not unreasonable. Just take care of your family." Jia He said, "My second brother isn't home waiting for me to go back. I'll find them work. If they can't afford it, give them an ox cart each, and they'll help out." Old Lady Li said, "Okay, one ox cart each." Jia He added, "We need to build roads and haul coal. Let them all work. They'll earn a lot of money, and everyone can use it." Zhang Baohua said, "Thank you, brother. Please educate them for me."

Jia He said, "Don't worry, sister-in-law." Jia Xing said, "I'd like to thank you right here, big brother," and casually handed a banknote to Jia He, "Give it to my father-in-law's family." Jia He took it and said, "Okay." Zhang Baohua said, "Big brother, I'll give you a little less money later and spread it out over time." Jia He suddenly understood and said, "Second sister-in-law is a smart person." Jia Xing said proudly, "That's right. Otherwise, my wife can help me look after the shop." Jia He said, "You make it sound like your wife is the only one who has talent. My wife also looks after several shops and factories at home." Wang Min smiled. Old Lady Li also smiled.

The family was in a happy mood. The guests were entertained with music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and tea and snacks and fruit were served. There were also a few cups of milk tea for the women.

Wang Min ate and drank durian and said, "Durian tastes good, it smells bad but tastes good." Fu Zhaoxia also picked up a piece and took a bite, "It's delicious." She hadn't eaten it yet, so Grandma Li called out, "Chen'er, come to grandma, eat something and then play." Jia He said, "Hey kid. I'll go get him." Jia He looked at the greenhouse, which was much bigger than the one at home and looked better.

"Xiaochen, stand up and let uncle see where you are." Xiaochen said, "Uncle, I'm here!" Jiahe couldn't see anyone and followed the sound. He was reduced to a clay figure. Jiahe picked him up and said, "Wash your hands, eat something, and then play." Xiaochen nodded. The food at home was delicious. Old Lady Li said to Xiaochen, "Your mother has returned to her hometown. You can stay here with grandma. Don't leave." Xiaochen looked at his mother and said, "Okay. I won't leave. I'll play with Xiaoxiao." Old Lady Li said, "He's going to school. You should go too." Fu Zhaoxia said, "Xiaochen, you can go to school here. I'll come to see you in the winter." She thought the teachers here should teach well. Little did she know that the teachers back home were also talented.

Old Lady Li said, "Don't worry. I'll stay here for a long time." Jia He was anxious. "Mom, I have to leave early. There are many things to do in spring." Chai Ping'an said, "Why are you in such a hurry? Come with me."

Old Lady Li said, "If you want work, go find Li Dong. He runs a carpentry shop now, and he holds an official position. What one is it? He's the Minister of Revenue. I heard that when the Minister of Revenue retires, he will take over the position." Jia He said, "He's a high-ranking official, probably quite a high-ranking one." Jia Xing said, "Yes, a very high position."

I didn't expect Li Dong to be so capable. When he was at home, he was still in need of a wife, which worried his parents. But look at him now, he's doing amazing!

Jiaxing said, "Mom, your fourth son was a military commander, a high-ranking official." Old Lady Li said, "Yes! My son is also a high-ranking official, I was so happy that I almost forgot." Jiaxing continued, "Great-grandfather was Duke Dingguo, and Guoguo was Princess Xile, a princess with a fiefdom."

Old Lady Li knew this and was delighted. Chai Ping'an drank tea and ate fruit. When he was young, he never imagined his life would be so easy now, with no worries about food or drink, let alone shelter. He heard his granddaughter has a big hotel. He'll go check it out in a couple of days. He's so happy now. Chai Zhen went out and someone invited him.

It was almost noon. The night butler came to report: "Tell Qin, the prince said he won't be back for lunch today, let's eat." Qin: "Okay, I'll inform the masters." The night butler said, "I'll have someone serve the meal."

Qin went to report: "Master, the prince said he would not be back for dinner, so let's start the meal." Old Lady Li said: "Okay, send him to the main hall." Qin said: "Yes, I will go right away."

Mrs. Li said, "Let's go and have lunch." Jia He picked up Xiao Chen and said, "It's time to eat."

At the dinner table, Old Lady Li said, "Why do I think my own food tastes better?" Chai Ping'an replied, "That's right. Most of the food in the palace is cold and tastes bland. I'm used to eating my own food." Old Lady Li thought to herself, "Our water is different from theirs, so how can our food be the same?" In all these years, none of them had been ill; they were in good health and enjoyed their meals.

The night housekeeper is in charge of external affairs, while the musicians, chess, calligraphy and painting are in charge of internal affairs.

The servants all ate well. Butler Ye said, "Everyone, eat well, dress well, and be careful and work hard. Our master is a good person. Don't make mistakes and you can work here for a long time. Anyone who does something bad will end up in a bad way. Princes, princesses, and generals are not to be trifled with. The most powerful people in the world are here. The welfare is good, and the master treats the servants well. Don't be proud. Remember to be simple and honest. Work hard. Talk less and do more. Let's eat." Butler Ye often scolded the servants and said harsh words, but he treated them well. He never hit them. Ye Renwen sat down to eat. After eating, he would go to the gate to watch, in case something happened and he was not there.

There is also a manager in the kitchen. Normally, the night manager doesn’t take care of things much, but he has to talk and do some chores once a year.

Qin sent word to clear the food and serve fruit and snacks. Several women hurried off.

Qin eats last, and Qi takes her place.

……

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