Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

When Xia Yu arrived at Zhangjia Village, it was already dark. Nowadays, every household in Zhangjia Village is a large house with blue bricks and tiles, and the roads, big and small, in the village are all paved with smooth blue stones.

Although the road was smooth, the sound of a dozen or so horse-drawn carriages passing by on the bluestone brick road still attracted the attention of many families in the village.

Some people came out with bowls to check, and just then they saw a horse-drawn carriage carrying luggage pass by the gate.

"What are you doing here? With so much luggage, are you just passing through and thinking our village is a town, trying to find lodging here?"

"Who knows! If you're curious, just follow them and see," someone suggested.

Actually, he didn't even need to watch; the news quickly spread among the neighbors.

"Xiaxia is back! All those luggage were brought back by Xiaxia."

"Tsk tsk, a young lady goes out and runs away for half a year, and doesn't act like a lady at all. Who would dare to marry her in the future?" said an old lady with a sharp tongue.

"They went out with the delegation to see the world, unlike you who will never leave your own little world. It's fine to be envious, but why say such sour things!" Another old woman who came out to watch the commotion couldn't help but chime in after hearing what the old lady had said earlier.

"Hmph, I can't be bothered to talk to you. Everyone knows you're good at sucking up to the Zhang family."

“Of course I’m trying to curry favor with the Zhang family. It’s because of them that everyone in our village can live in a brick house. The children in our village have the opportunity to go to school; the men in our village can earn money without leaving home; and we women can also earn money without having to watch our husbands’ faces every day. If I don’t curry favor with them after they’ve given me such great benefits, do you expect me to support you, this heartless old woman who doesn’t know how to be grateful after receiving their favors?”

"You...you..." The old lady who had spoken ill of Xia Yu was rendered speechless by the old woman's retort, and could only point at her with her finger and keep saying "you, you."

Xia Yu's family was naturally unaware of these matters. Therefore, any malicious speculations about Xia Yu's six-month absence were quickly refuted by others on behalf of the Zhang family.

When the carriage stopped in front of the Zhang family's gate, all the servants came out to greet them. Under the direction of Da Niu Shijiu and Gou Dan, they helped unload the goods from the carriage and carry them to the appropriate courtyards.

Aunt Liu had been feeling down these past few days because of the annulment of the engagement. When she heard that Xia Yuchang had returned from outside, she tidied herself up and stood at the door to greet him.

Seeing Xia Yu get off the carriage, he stepped forward and grabbed her hand, tears streaming down his face before he could even speak.

"You're finally back, my little rascal!"

"Auntie, I'm back. Please stop crying, or your eyes will hurt."

Xia Yu took a handkerchief and wiped away Aunt Liu's tears. Over the years, the two had been like teacher and friend, and since Aunt Liu was only a few years older than her, they got along very well.

"Let's go inside and talk." Liu came over and took one of their hands in each, leading them into the courtyard. Zhang Youtie and Changyun walked behind.

Xia Yu's family has a living room for receiving guests and a flower hall for dining, but usually the family prefers to gather in the courtyard where Liu Shi lives to eat and chat.

So this time was no different; the group went straight back to Liu's courtyard.

"Dad, Mom, Aunt, my brother and I brought you some gifts, but they're still in the box and we haven't unpacked them yet. I'll bring them to you tomorrow."

"Okay, okay, we'll wait." Madam Liu smiled and pulled her daughter and son to sit down beside her.

It's too late today. After dinner, go back and get some rest. Tell us about your trip up north tomorrow.

"Okay, Mom."

"Also, go to the old house with your father tomorrow morning so that your grandparents know you're back. When your grandmother found out you two went to such a far place with the mission, she was so angry she was practically spitting all over your father's face. And your grandfather keeps coming over to ask if there's any news about you; he's so worried."

"it is good"

"Okay, Mother," the brother and sister said in unison.

Although she was talking to Liu Shi, Xia Yu noticed that Aunt Liu had lost a lot of weight. She couldn't see clearly in the dim light outside the door, but now she looked not only thinner but also more haggard.

"Auntie, how come you've lost so much weight?" Xia Yu suddenly asked, but as soon as she spoke, she felt Liu Shi pinch her hand.

"Maybe I haven't been eating enough lately." Aunt Liu paused for a moment, unconsciously touched her face, and made up an excuse.

"Alright, but now that I'm back, I'll definitely cook some of Auntie's favorite dishes for you tomorrow, and try my best to fatten her up again."

Xia Yu's exaggerated expression made Aunt Liu burst out laughing.

"You silly girl, nowadays women all consider thinness beautiful, but you've made your aunt plump and fair..." She suddenly stopped talking, and the smile on her face faded away.

Just as Xia Yu was feeling somewhat puzzled, Aunt Liu suddenly stood up, curtsied to Liu Shi and Zhang Youtie, and said...

"Big sister, brother-in-law, I haven't been feeling well these past two days. The doctor said it's indigestion and I need to skip a couple of meals to feel better. I won't have dinner with you tonight; I'll head back to the yard first."

Knowing that she was upset and that it would be awkward for her to stay and force a smile, Madam Liu nodded.

"Have the maid prepare some pastries for you in the room, in case you get hungry again during the night."

"Okay, I understand, eldest sister," Aunt Liu replied softly and left.

After the people had gone far away, Xia Yu and Chang Yun looked at their parents, wondering what had happened at home while they were away.

"Mom, what's wrong with Auntie?" Xia Yu couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, the Hu family has broken off the engagement with your aunt."

"How could this be? Why?" Xia Yu found this unbelievable. In her opinion, her aunt's looks and character were no less than those of the young ladies in the capital.

"I don't know how the Hu family found out about your aunt going missing, and they're holding a grudge."

"But my aunt only learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting in one place; she didn't learn anything else!"

"..." Lady Liu remained silent. In this era, a woman's reputation and integrity were more important than her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

"Mom, did you read the letter I wrote to you?" Xia Yu suddenly thought of Zhang Haoran, who had come back with her.

"I read it, but I didn't tell your aunt." When Liu heard her daughter mention the letter, she immediately knew what she was talking about.

"I didn't say it before, but I can say it now!"

Having spent a lot of time with Zhang Haoran lately, Xia Yu felt that he was just honest, but otherwise, he was impeccable. Her aunt might not live a life of great wealth after marrying into the family, but she definitely wouldn't be mistreated.

"Let's wait a little longer. She's been in a bad mood lately. A few days ago she said she wasn't going to get married and was going to become a nun at a temple."

"Mother, Zhang Haoran is back. He came back with us on the same boat. The Emperor even made him learn Russian from me," Xia Yu suddenly said slyly.

"Really?" Upon hearing her daughter's words, Madam Liu's eyes suddenly lit up. The worry on her face vanished completely.