Linxia

Chapter 157, Arriving Home

A horse carriage and a donkey cart were traveling on the country road. Fang Lin's family, Fang Chuanhui, and Fang He looked at the familiar scenery outside the car window. They were all excited as they were eager to return home.

“The road here is much smoother than before.”

"I feel the same way. Hey, this section of the road seems a little narrower?"

"The road was leveled after the summer harvest. The road became narrow on this side because the people from Nanping Village dug into their fields. The road became much narrower after my father went to talk to them," Qiao Sheng replied.

"How can I have that kind of face?"

Qiao Cunzheng shook his head: "If it was in the past, there would definitely be a quarrel. But now, in our Xiaohe Village, our uncle is as capable as your family. The letters sent back have spread... Outside, people look up to our village... This matter is also because they are not in the right, so it was resolved without a quarrel."

This was the truth, and he was deliberately flattering Fang Lindu after seeing that County Magistrate Hou was trying to please him.

……

As they were talking, the village could be seen in the distance.

Grandpa Fang, Grandma Fang, and the other three branches of the old Fang family were waiting at the entrance of the village. There were also some other people. When they saw a donkey cart and a horse carriage, they knew that Fang Lin's family was probably back. Someone shouted, "The third family of the Fang family is back."

When they heard the sound, everyone in the village, both adults and children, rushed out and headed for the village entrance.

Fang Lin's letters had already raised their expectations to the highest level. When they heard that Fang Lin and his family were back, they naturally wanted to see them as soon as possible to see how Fang Lin's family was doing now.

In addition, some families were cunning and had heard that Fang Lin's family was now wealthy, so if they went to the village entrance to greet them, they might get some small gifts or something and take advantage of them. Some even brought their children with them, hoping to get an extra portion.

When they arrived at the entrance of the village, they saw a donkey cart and a horse cart surrounded by villagers. Fang Lin's family, Fang Chuanhui and Fang He got off the carts. When the villagers saw them, they talked happily in a flurry.

"What did I say? I heard a magpie calling in front of Old Fang's house early this morning."

"Uncle, yes, you guys didn't come back for the New Year last year, but you finally came back this year."

"That's great! Hey, Chuanhui and Hezi, I haven't seen you for a few months. You've changed so much that I can hardly recognize you."

……

At the old Fang family, when Grandpa Fang and Grandma Fang saw Fang Lin's family, their eyes were slightly red and they kept saying, "Good! Good! It's good that you're back!"

"Dad, Mom, we have plenty of time to talk. Let's help the third brother get his stuff first."

The first, second and fourth wives said this, wanting to help Fang Lin's family get their things and free up the carriage, which was thought to be rented, so that they could go back.

"Don't bother. If you can't fit all your stuff in, just buy this carriage. It's more convenient." Fang's mother said casually.

Wow, just because there was no room for his stuff, he directly bought a horse-drawn carriage. He was so generous that the villagers who heard it were so shocked that they didn't know how to respond.

Fang Lin saw that Fang's father and mother were talking and forgot something, so he went to get something from the car, gave Tian Xuan a big bag, and distributed it to the villagers: "My sister Xuan and I are getting married in the city, and it's not convenient to invite everyone. Now these things can make up for it and bring joy to everyone."

The adults had dried fruits, and the children had candies. Each person had a big handful, and they couldn't even put them down. The villagers were all smiling and secretly sighing: "The Fang family is really rich, and they spend differently!"

Yes, the people of Xiaohe Village are so 'useless' that they can be bribed with just a little bit of money!

Grabbing so much and spending money lavishly like this made Grandpa Fang and Grandma Fang's eyelids twitch, but at this time, with so many people around, it was hard to say anything.

Fang's father and mother saw it but didn't feel anything. They still came over to post it. They were not as stingy as Fang Lin and Tian Xuan at all.

Firstly, these are not expensive things and you can buy a lot of them with just a few taels of silver; secondly, it allows everyone to share in the good fortune!

But in their eyes, it is not a top-notch thing, but in the eyes of the villagers, it is extremely rare and they are even reluctant to eat it.

Adults and children alike expressed their gratitude, saying nice things.

"Linzi, Xiaoxuan, give birth to a big fat boy soon!"

"Get rich, get rich!"

"I wish you a long life together. What did Qiao Cunzheng say? Oh, yes, a long life together."

……

Not only did they congratulate Fang Lin and Tian Xuan, but there were also many people who spoke nice things to Fang's mother, making her smile from ear to ear.

Different from the people in the city and the alleys, who are relatively subtle in their flattery and fawning, the people in Xiaohe Village say nice things in a crude and straightforward manner, but they suit the other party's mother's taste very well.

Father Fang was also happy. As a small manager at the dock, he was often flattered and fawned upon, but he always felt that something was missing. Now that he had face in front of the villagers, he was particularly happy and his face was beaming.

Not to mention Fang Chuanhui and Fang He, who were either surrounded by their brothers and sisters or enjoying the attention of their former friends. Although they were insignificant bookstore clerks in the provincial capital, they were well-known figures in this village.

Fang Lin and his party returned happily surrounded by the villagers.

At that time, there were endless fiery clouds in the sky, and the golden red light dyed the entire sky, adding a lot of festive colors to this happy day.

……

Because Fang Lin and his party returned in the evening and it was almost time to cook, the villagers did not say much or sit for long. They stayed for a while and then left, saying nice things.

Fang Lin's family naturally has a house in the village. The first, second and fourth wives knew that they were coming back, so they cleaned the house early, opened the door, put down their things, and came over to the first wife's side. The fourth wife would have a dinner together tonight.

At this time, the sun sets and a bright moon rises. The evening breeze blows through the gaps in the woods like a cool stream. Some remaining insects in the forest call from time to time.

The leaves of the big poplar tree were cast on the duckweed, and filtered by the moonlight, it looked like a piece of printed cloth.

The dinner party of the four branches of the Fang family started in this environment.

For dinner, Fang Lin bought lamb legs from the county town, stewed lamb soup, and served them with pancakes made by Grandma Fang. It was quite comfortable on this slightly cool late autumn night.

"I didn't know you were coming back, so I didn't prepare anything and had a simple meal," said Aunt Fang Liu.

"Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? We are all poor people and have lived through hard times. In the past, we could only eat good meals during the Chinese New Year." Fang's mother said.

"This is the taste of the pancakes my mother made. I miss them often in the capital city." Father Fang said, obviously very happy.

Today, Grandpa Fang and Grandma Fang’s favorite was their grandson Fang Lin. They kept picking up food for him and asking him questions, and Fang Lin answered them one by one.

Afterwards, the second uncle Fang Zhonggui also talked about the changes in the Fang family in the village: "Since Linzi's letters came back one after another, our Fang family has gained a lot of face. Every family in the village envy us and we have a very good relationship with people... Do you remember the year when Fu Hong stole the fish? Two months ago, old man Fu also found a way to return it."

Fang Lin nodded, remembering it.

Walking down the road in front of the house, there is a small pond, which belongs to the old Fang family. Some grass carp seedlings are placed in it. Fang Chuanzong, Fang Chuanhui, Fang Lin and other generations sometimes throw small crucian carps caught from the fields into it. I remember that in the past, he liked to squat by the pond the most, watching the green backs of fish looming in the pond, making the pond water ripple endlessly, and he especially liked the sound of fish splashing in the water. But some people in the village were dishonest and sometimes stole fish. One year, Fu Hong was the most excessive and stole all the big fish raised in the pond - I didn't know that until later. I heard that Fu's mother was dodgy and went to wash clothes with fishy smell early in the morning.

That time, it was almost the New Year, and the four families of the old Fang family were about to share the fish, but the fish was stolen and gone. I remember that day, Fang's mother was so angry that her legs became weak, and she walked home slowly, sat on a chair, and did not eat lunch.

"Not only this, Linzi is becoming more and more successful in the capital city, and the young men and women in our Fang family are overwhelmed by the choices! Not to mention those far away, just take my daughter Cao'er as an example. There are so many people who come to propose marriage to her, from our village, the neighboring Nanping Village, and even farther away... But what are they thinking? My daughter is going to marry into the city in the future..." said the second mother Fang Wang.

"Ahem!" Second uncle Fang Zhonggui glanced at his wife and interrupted with a cough. Although Fang Lin had hinted at it, could he say it out loud?

Fang Wang realized that she had let the cat out of the bag and quickly covered her mouth.

At this time, uncle Fang Jiping took over the conversation: "Our Fang family is getting better and better, all thanks to you, Third Brother and Linzi. Back then, we were sorry for going to the capital..."

"It's all in the past. If we hadn't gone to the provincial capital, we wouldn't be here now." Father Fang waved his hands. He really didn't hold a grudge about this matter.

The whole family was in harmony, chatting and laughing as the meal passed, and the atmosphere was warm.

After the meal, the first, second and fourth wives argued about whose house Fang Lin's family should eat at after returning to Xiaohe Village. In the end, Fang's mother politely declined, saying that since she had hands and feet, she should cook at home.

After some shopping in the county town, there was no shortage of vegetables, grain, and other things. Even without mentioning the shopping, there were two acres of excellent paddy fields in the village. The first, second, and fourth wives cultivated them together, and after paying taxes, the rest was kept for Fang Lin's family... In short, during the time in Xiaohe Village, life was not a problem at all.

……

After the dinner, the first, second and fourth wives of the Fang family went back and also talked about Fang Lin's family.

……

Large room.

When Fang Chuanhui came back, he naturally brought gifts for his sister Fang Yuyu. After returning from the dinner, Fang Yuyu couldn't wait to change into new clothes. Amid the praises from her two brothers Fang Chuanzong and Fang Chuanhui, she put her hands behind her back, tapped her toes, lowered her head, and felt a little shy and embarrassed.

"Don't be so conceited. Put your clothes away quickly before they get dirty."

"I was careful! Oh, you hit me on the head again, Mom."

Fang Yuyu stuck out her tongue, went to change her new clothes, and came out quickly, with a smile on her face, she said to Fang Chuanhui: "Second brother, you are so good to me."

"It's because of the good job given to me by Brother Linzi that I have money to buy you gifts. It's also because of my elder brother's giving in to me that I can go to the provincial capital." Fang Chuanhui said.

"I'm stupid, it's you who should go, second brother." Fang Chuanzong really follows his uncle. He is an honest and kind person, and he has no complaints at all.

Today, Fang Lin and his family came back. The brothers got along well, and the children were happy. Fang Boxian was very happy and said, "Chuanhui, you are tired from the journey, go to bed early!"

"Dad, I'm not tired. We came back by Taiping car..." Fang Chuanhui talked about what he ate and drank and what he saw on the road.

Uncle Fang Boxian and aunt Fang Liu both sighed when they heard this.

"From what you said, this isn't a journey at all. It's simply a trip!"

"Isn't it? I saw Chuanhui was unhappy for a day or two when he came back last time, but look at him this time, he is not unhappy at all."

Since we are not sleepy, let’s continue chatting and sit together as a family to talk.

Fang Chuanhui talked about his experience in Fucheng: no one looked down on him in the store, but because of Fang Lin, everyone was nice to him; the owner of this branch was Liu Hongru, he learned calligraphy from Fang Lin and read a lot of popular novels, now he can recognize commonly used characters; he also talked about all the details of Fucheng, how clean the ground was, how many fleets there were at the dock, how many restaurants and teahouses there were, etc.

Fang Yuyu listened attentively with her eyes wide open, asking a question from time to time.

When the eldest uncle Fang Boxian heard this, he was very happy to know that his son was living well.

Aunt Fang Liu thought of more. She noticed that her second son spoke clearly and was becoming more mature. His vision also exceeded theirs. He was truly different. Besides being relieved and happy, she was also grateful to the Fang Lin family.

……

Second bedroom.

Fang He also brought back a lot of things, and Fang Caoer and Fang Xiaoxiao were looking at them happily.

Uncle Fang Zhonggui nodded and praised: "You are a bit more manly now. You know how to take care of your sisters."

"And ours? It's good that you've got that in mind, but how much will it cost!" Second mother Fang Wang was both happy and distressed about the money.

Fang He scratched his head. Actually, he bought things just because he lived and ate with Fang Chuanhui and learned from him. It was not because he cared too much about his family or did it on purpose.

However, he really didn't care much about the money: "Mom, it's not much. Brother Chuanhui bought more than me. Our wages are also high. Usually we get more than three taels of silver a month. Last month, I started selling character cards, and with the share of the rewards, I got more than six taels of silver.

"How come that card is so powerful?" Second mother Fang Wang was shocked when she heard it.

"The character card, the character card of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It's hard to explain. Mom, you just need to know that it makes a lot of money. I tell you, Brother Linzi is really good at making money! Not only does he make money, but there are other things as well... In short, he is really good. Everyone in the city knows Brother Linzi."

Fang He talked about everything, saying that the business in the store was booming; that Fang Lin's sworn brother passed the imperial examination; and that on the wedding day, a noble person gave him a gift of one thousand taels of silver.

Fang Cao'er and Fang Xiaoxiao seemed to be listening to a story, their eyes were bright and full of admiration.

Compared with children, adults knew better what this meant. When the second mother, Fang Wang, heard this, she was so shocked that she couldn't close her mouth. Even the second uncle, Fang Zhonggui, couldn't keep calm after hearing the end.

After digesting it for a while, the second uncle Fang Zhonggui warned: "Hezi, don't tell these things to anyone in the village, and be careful about what you say."

"I know, Dad." Fang He agreed in a muffled voice. Having worked in the store for so long, he was not ignorant of the ways of the world. He knew that telling these to others might bring some minor troubles to Fang Lin's family, so naturally he would not say anything.

Furthermore, he had a little thought. Fang Lin was too powerful. If he told his former friends about it, wouldn't he cover it up? If he didn't mention Fang Lin, but only talked about what he had seen and heard in the capital, he would be flattered and show off in front of others like his cousin!

……

Four rooms.

"The gifts brought by Third Brother's family include those from the first and second wives, and we also got our share. I think Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law, and Linzi really don't hold a grudge against us. In the future, An An will definitely be able to move to the city..." said the young lady Fang Qin optimistically.

"Even if this kind of thing is talked out, there will definitely still be a thorn in your heart, especially Linzi, who knows it!"

Uncle Fang Jiping sighed, "Let's just be honest and not make trouble or get jealous. Third brother's family sees this and will treat us better than outsiders in the future."

"That's the truth."

……

(End of this chapter)