Farming with kids: My deceased husband returns and I spoil him rotten.

Shang Qing was very sincere when she met this young master Zhao. Moreover, after spending so much time together, she knew that young master Zhao was a gentleman, although she still couldn't quite understand how he had treated Xi'er before.

Now, considering his words, perhaps he really did treat Xi'er as his own daughter.

Thinking of this, Shang Qing dispelled her doubts about him and was also very gratified by everything he had done for the child.

Gu Yu felt a little guilty. He felt terrible thinking about how he had neglected his family all these years, causing Shang Qing to suffer in silence for so long.

Therefore, as soon as the two returned home from the county town, Gu Yu immediately began cleaning.

Shang Qing distributed the pastries that Gu Yu had bought to the three children. They were overjoyed. Xi'er hugged Gu Yu's face and kissed him several times. Seeing how happily they got along, Shang Qing didn't think much of it.

That night, as dusk fell, wisps of smoke began to rise from nearby chimneys. Shang Qing asked the children what they planned to eat that evening, but Xi'er patted her little belly contentedly and said, "Mom, the pastries Uncle Zhao bought were so delicious! I'm so full now, I'm not hungry at all!"

Shang Qing was amused by her adorable appearance: "What do you think? Did Uncle Zhao buy it so you could finish it in one meal?"

Xi'er pouted her cherry-like lips and said to Shang Qing in a coquettish tone, "Xi'er knows that Mother is the best, Mother, can you have a piece too?"

Sitting to the side, Gu Yu watched everything unfold before him, his heart gradually warming.

"Alright, alright, I'll go make dinner. You guys play by yourselves for now."

Shang Qing was about to get up after speaking, but Gu Yu stopped her: "Why don't I go cook? You look pretty tired today. You rest for a while, I'll do it."

Before Gu Yu could even step out of the house, the three children had already surrounded him.

Pan'er was the first to speak up and stop him: "Uncle Zhao, don't trouble yourself with this kind of thing."

Nian'er chimed in, "Yes, Uncle Zhao, why don't you stay and play with us!"

Xi'er blinked her innocent, watery eyes and said softly, "Uncle can't cook, Uncle has to stay with Xi'er."

Gu Yu looked confused. It's just cooking a meal, isn't it?

Shang Qing and Lao Zong exchanged a smile, both understanding the underlying meaning.

Finally, Lao Zong coughed lightly and tentatively said, "The food your Uncle Zhao makes is indeed not very good."

Gu Yu suddenly realized what was happening and was about to give Lao Zong, who had embarrassed him, a meaningful look when the guy quickly grabbed Xi'er and walked out, saying, "Come on, Xi'er, I'll take you to see the moon."

Seeing this, Shang Qing couldn't help but laugh, got up, and walked past Gu Yu to the kitchen.

After Shang Qing finished cooking dinner, Lao Zong brought Xi'er back right on time.

"I was just thinking of sending Pan'er to find you two, but you've come back just in time."

The family was sitting down to eat, but Lao Zong's expression was not good.

Shang Qing hurriedly asked, "Did something happen?"

Lao Zong had no intention of hiding anything, so he told the truth: "Just now I was carrying Xi'er and strolling around outside when I saw two people sneaking towards the back mountain. We followed them and found that they had actually gone up the mountain."

Their family had already booked that mountain long ago. Anyone who wanted to go up the mountain had to get Shang Qing's permission, not to mention that they were doing it secretly, which clearly meant they had ulterior motives.

"Did you see who it was?"

Shang Qing asked a question, and Lao Zong first shook his head, then nodded.

"I only saw two women, but I don't know the specifics. It was late at night, and I was afraid they would find me, so I didn't dare to follow them too closely. But they are definitely still on the mountain now."

Even Xi'er tried hard to recall, and after a moment she blurted out: "Mother, I saw two of them carrying baskets, and one of them looked a lot like Aunt Zhang."

The "Aunt Zhang" that Xi'er mentioned must be Zhang Cuilan.

This woman had always been on good terms with Jiang Yingyue, and her nature was similar to hers. That's why they say snakes and rats are from the same nest.

As for the other person, it is very likely to be her daughter, Liu Shuqin. Shang Qing can't think of anyone else besides her for the time being.

As Shang Qing thought this to herself, she already felt restless.

Upon hearing her words, Lao Zong hurriedly replied, "While they are still on the mountain, I'll go over there now and wipe them all out! I want to see who dares to oppose us at this critical juncture."

After all, Jiang Yingyue and Gu Tianyou had just been dealt with by the county government, and now someone still dared to invade, and even invaded the back mountain!

Shang Qing naturally couldn't stand it. He stopped eating and, thinking about how to deal with the situation, walked out.

Gu Yu, who hadn't spoken until now, finally spoke up: "You can't go alone, I'll go with you, don't worry."

Pan'er also volunteered, "Mother, I'll go with you too. I'm all grown up now."

Shang Qing did not refuse, but at this moment, Xi'er started crying and making a fuss.

She's still young, and she does this every day at this time.

With Gu Yu there, Lao Zong felt at ease. He immediately picked up Xi'er and, while comforting her, said to Shang Qing, "You three go ahead. Nian'er and I will stay home and watch the house. You can have your own snacks."

Gu Yu had already found some tools to take with him, just in case.

As for Shang Qing, she knew Zhang Cuilan's character well and knew that one couldn't be too lenient with such a person, so she didn't advise Gu Yu.

The three of them tidied up quickly, and when they came out, it was already late.

Fortunately, the moon was bright and clear tonight, and the three of them arrived at the foot of the mountain at a leisurely pace.

Pan'er asked cautiously, "Mother, could they have already left? I met Aunt Zhang before, and she didn't seem like a bad person. What was she doing on our mountain?"

Shang Qing gently patted her head and said meaningfully, "Pan'er, remember, judging a person's character isn't based on feelings. Time reveals all. I've told you the meaning of this saying several times, and you need to understand it for yourself."

Pan'er nodded as if she understood but not quite.

Gu Yu then chimed in, "Your mother is right. You should remember these words well; they will benefit you for life."

The three chatted for a while, and seeing that there was still no movement around them, Gu Yu stared at Shang Qing and deliberately lowered his voice, saying, "This can't go on. What if they are quick and have already left?"

Shang Qing understood: "Are you planning to go up and investigate?"

Gu Yu hummed in agreement and then said, "You and Pan'er stay here. I'll be right back."

Upon hearing this, Shang Qing could only agree: "Alright, then Young Master Zhao, please be careful and watch your step."