Linxia

Chapter 63, All Living Beings

On this day, when the people of Xiaohe Village who left the provincial capital returned to Xiaohe Village, it was already noon. The villagers did not know that they were coming back today, so naturally there was no welcoming ceremony, and the team dispersed and went back to their homes.

Soon, many people came to the Qiao family. Most of them were people who stayed in the city and wrote letters back, and wanted Qiao Cunzheng to help read the letters.

——The villagers were all rough and uneducated, how could they read? I asked someone to write a letter and then asked someone to bring it back. But when the letter arrived, I couldn't read it, so I had to ask Qiao Cunzheng to read it. Sometimes, when Qiao Cunzheng was not around, I had to try my luck and ask the peddlers who roamed the streets to help me read it.

The Fang family was among them. You Chaodong brought the letter back and came with the whole Fang family. Grandpa Fang, Grandma Fang, the first wife, the second wife, and the fourth wife were all there. After all, reading letters was a rare thing in Xiaohe Village, so everyone, young and old, came to join in the fun.

Seeing Qiao Cun picking up a letter, the people present started talking excitedly as if they were listening to a play. They came over excitedly and formed a circle around him.

"Ahem, silence!" Qiao Cunzheng asked everyone to be quiet. He opened the letter and read it directly. There was no privacy. Everyone gathered around to listen to the family's letter.

——This is how it is in this era. The village is so small and the villagers are closely connected. Anything that happens in one family can spread throughout the village in half a day. There is no point in hiding it, and no one has any sense of privacy at all.

Qiao Cunzheng read two letters, one from the Zheng family and the other from the Bai family, and then it was the Fang family's turn.

He opened the letter and read: "Don't worry, Dad and Mom. We are all fine in the city... I work at the dock, and every day I can see large ships coming and going with red, blue and green flags on them... Linzi also found a job in a bookstore and settled down... This is what I plan to do with the house in the village and the remaining two acres of land...

Dad and Mom, you are old now, you should take care of your body, get more rest, don't drink raw water on weekdays, and pay attention to your diet. Beans are not easy to digest, so don't eat too much, and eat less spicy food...

And big brother, don't work so hard on weekdays, take a rest... The same goes for second brother, second sister-in-law is a bit hot-tempered, but she's not a bad person... Little brother, you should also take care of your health. When I left, you broke your leg, it should be healed now, right? I haven't seen you for a month or two, is everyone else okay? Has An An gained some weight..."

When the villagers heard the contents of the letter, they were more moved than before. They opened their mouths wide and felt a huge shock.

All I can say is that compared with the first two letters from the Zheng and Bai families, Zheng Yu and Bai Bao were not good at speaking, they just said that everything was good in the city and they didn't have to worry about anything else; Fang Lin's letter started with what he saw and heard in the city, and then went on to greet his family, men, women, young and old, leaving out no one, big or small matters, meticulously and sincerely, and the language was simple so that everyone could understand, as if the person was speaking right in front of them.

Compared with the previous two letters, this is simply a dimensionality reduction attack!
Qiao Cunzheng had just finished reading Fang Linjia's letter. After a brief silence, the atmosphere suddenly exploded into something extremely heated.

“This letter is really well written!”

"Isn't it? I heard that Mr. Fang is really filial to his parents and really cares about his brothers. No one forgot to write a letter, and he greeted everyone in the family, big and small."

"As an outsider listening to this, I am about to burst into tears."

……

Almost all the villagers were moved, with only a few smart ones praising the gifts out loud and perhaps muttering a few words in their hearts: “The words sounded so nice, but no one mentioned anything that was given as a gift.”

"Everyone, listen to me. There are some things that were not written in Uncle Fang's letter. I know about it, but I have to tell you, otherwise I will feel guilty!"

You Chaodong, who had brought a letter on behalf of Fang Lin's family, also came along. He was deeply moved by the contents of the letter and also noticed that the letter did not mention the theft. He thought that Fang Lin's family only reported good news and not bad news, so he immediately knew that it was his turn to take action.

He felt that he had an obligation to explain for Fang Lin's family and let the villagers know how difficult their lives were. This was not only a way to repay Fang Lin's kindness, but also a way to make up for the guilt he felt for what happened in the city.

"You guys don't know that on our way to the city, Aunt Fang fell ill and the Fang family left alone. Then all the money was stolen. It rained heavily for two days... When we got to the city, although Uncle Fang worked at the dock, I went there too. It was so tiring. Although Linzi found a good job in a bookstore, everything in the city was expensive and life was tight. Even so, Uncle Fang still paid someone to write a letter and asked me to bring it back."

You Chaodong said, "Uncle Fang didn't mention these things in his letter, but I have to let everyone know. Don't misunderstand Uncle Fang's family."

When he said it as a third party, it was more convincing. Those who were already moved were even more moved. A few people who had some small ideas also believed it at this time and began to sigh at Fang Laosan's filial piety.

The atmosphere was set to this point, and although Grandpa Fang was still not very noticeable, Grandma Fang was already so moved that she was choking up and wiping away her tears. The first, second, and fourth wives also spoke well of Fang Lin's family.

"The third child kept silent, but I knew he was a filial son. He didn't even mention such a big thing, and he even spent money to write a letter to greet our parents and us."

"Yes, the third brother is honest and filial. I, as his brother, feel that I can't compare to him."

"I broke my leg in the county town, and it was my third brother's family who went to help me. I never expected that my third sister-in-law fell ill and her money was stolen. I am so sorry to my third brother!"

……

Regardless of what the Fang family thinks, just looking at the surface, it is truly a story of a loving father and filial son, and brothers being friendly and respectful to each other.

When other families saw this, they also praised and sighed. They looked at the Fang family and then looked at the scattered pieces of their own family. They felt indescribable envy in their hearts and secretly took the Fang family as an example.

……

As it was already noon, after reading Fang Lin's letter, Qiao Cunzheng asked everyone to go back, saying that they should get together for a meal first and talk about anything in the afternoon.

……

On the way back.

Grandma Fang sighed: "I didn't notice it before, but I realized how filial the third child is when I was far away."

"The city is not as expensive as our village. The third brother's family was robbed. Even if he found a job, it must be difficult for him to live. Even so, he still spent money to write to us. The third brother is really honest!"

As she spoke, she added, "It would be nice if we could bring some money to the third brother's family, old man, don't you think so?"

"Uh-huh!"

Mr. Fang agreed to the letter, but he was thinking in his heart that the words in the letter didn't sound like something the third brother would say. Instead, they sounded more like... Lin Zi from the third brother's family.

I want to ask him if the other party is worried about the Lin family at this time?
I'm really not worried. With Fang Lin, my good grandson, I have overcome all the difficulties on the road. It will be no problem when I reach the provincial capital.

……

Large room.

"The third brother is honest and values ​​affection. I, as the eldest brother, am not as good as him." Fang Boxian was silent for a moment, then sighed, "The third brother has set an example for me. This is how brothers should behave!"

Fang Liu moved her lips, wanting to say something, but in the end, she didn't say it.

……

Second bedroom.

"I never thought that the third brother, who is so honest, could say what was written in the letter?" Fang Wang said.

"Hey, do you really think that was what the third brother said? That was Linzi from the third room." Fang Zhonggui's tone was certain, and he sighed: "Linzi is smart, look at what he brought back? Nothing, empty talk, and he wants a good reputation."

After the window paper was broken, Fang Wang suddenly realized: "Master, you are right. Linzi is really a thief. But, wasn't all the money of the third brother's family stolen on the way? I think life in the capital is difficult now."

"I'm afraid that's not the case. I heard from the young man from the You family that the third brother's wife fell ill on the way and was robbed. It also rained heavily for two days. Under such circumstances, the third brother's family went there. How could they be stuck in the prefecture?"

When Fang Zhonggui said this, he suddenly sighed without any context: "Linzi, you are amazing!"

Obviously, he believed that Fang Lin played a crucial role in the process of finding a job from the county town to the provincial capital and then to the provincial capital.

"Isn't it good to be powerful?" Fang Wang said happily: "Then wait until the third brother's family takes root in the capital city, and then they can help our Hezi."

"Hey, you're wrong again. Even though they are cousins, don't think of asking Linzi to help you for nothing or taking advantage of you."

Fang Zhonggui smacked his lips, his eyes deep: "I have a little idea of ​​that boy's pulse. For someone like Linzi, you have to use your emotions and exchange sincerity for sincerity. If you want to scheme, it won't work!"

...Four rooms.

"It's a good thing that we gave away that wild ginseng, otherwise the third brother's family would have encountered such a big incident on the road. I'm afraid that you brothers would not be able to do it afterwards." Fang Qin said.

"Yes!"

Fang Jiping sighed: "Sending that wild ginseng was just to make up for it... In the future, I don't expect the Third Family to help us much, as long as they are better than they treat outsiders."

……

Not only the branches of the Fang family, but also the people who went to the provincial capital and came back caused a huge disturbance in the other families in the village.

……

Joe's house.

After the villagers left for the time being, Qiao Cunzheng asked Qiao Xu to come over and tell him what had happened on the way.

When Qiao Xu mentioned that Song Kai, Bai Bao, and Zheng Yu were banding together, Qiao Cunzheng showed an unexpected look on his face.

When Qiao Xu talked about Song Kai's suggestion to take a small road, he was excluded from the vote, and he encountered robbers by taking a small road...

Qiao Cunzheng sighed, "How foolish! Just wait and see, this matter will become more serious!"

When Qiao Xu arrived at the provincial capital, most of the villagers worked at the docks, and only Fang Lin and a few others found jobs in the shops.

In this regard, Qiao Cunzheng's evaluation is: "Fang Lin from the third family of Fang, this is due to his ability; Geng Shi from the Geng family is a down-to-earth person, this is because he followed the right person, and his future will not be bad; Fu Hong? Even though he seems to have found a good job, if he doesn't change his personality, he will definitely suffer in the future. After all, the outside world is not like our village."

……

Fu family.

"Hongzi is usually good at talking. He really showed his talent in the capital city. He even found a job in a pawnshop. He will be a city dweller from now on."

Mrs. Fu looked proud and fancied, "Who knows, we may be able to go to the capital city to enjoy life together in the future!"

Father Fu listened in silence for a while before he said, "I don't want to enjoy my life any more. I just hope he doesn't cause any trouble and harm himself, and also implicate us. Then I, an old man, will be the one to collect his body."

"Fu Shiyou, what kind of nonsense are you saying? How can you curse your own son like that? You are obviously happy, but you have to say such depressing things!" Fu's mother exploded.

"Alas!" Seeing this, Old Man Fu could only sigh and said nothing more.

……

Geng family.

"I told you, the Fang family is honest people, so it's probably a good idea to get closer."

As Geng's father spoke, he looked at his eldest son Geng Cong, who had been silent since returning, and sighed, "Congzi, don't be jealous. Your brother Shitou is a loyal man, and his wife is smart. The two of them will not suffer any loss when they are together outside. You are different. You have some tricks, but not many. Even if you are allowed to go, it won't work..."

Geng Cong lowered his head, and it was unclear whether he heard it or not.

……

White House.

Old Lady Bai cried and wailed, "Why did my son Bai Bao stay in the city? He is out there, I wonder if he is suffering, and when will he come back?"

"Mom, it's right for my brother-in-law not to come back."

The wife of the Bai family had long been fed up with the fact that the Bai family favored her younger brother-in-law. At this moment, she secretly said, "He and Song Kai from the Song family suggested taking a small path, and they were robbed. How dare they come back? If they come back, they will be like rats crossing the street, and everyone will shout and beat them."

"Big Boss's wife, what are you talking about? Didn't you hear what the kid from the You family said? It was the kid from the Song family who suggested taking the shortcut. What does it have to do with our precious child? Even if the villagers came to find me, I would still say the same thing!"

……

Zheng family.

Father Zheng blamed himself: "Before I left, I told my son that our family and the Song family are close relatives. When he is away from home, I told him to get closer to the rich people of the Song family so that he can take care of him if something happens... I didn't expect that I almost hurt him!"

"Humph, thanks to our son's intelligence, he woke up in time and stayed away from Song Kai and Bai Bao, so he found a job in the restaurant."

Zheng's wife looked at her husband with displeasure and snorted coldly, "Don't go to bed tonight!"

……

Song family.

The Song family's door had been blocked at this time. Those families who were victims of the robbers, such as Yao Bin's family, came to the door and shouted, demanding an explanation from the Song family.

Song Guangcheng was such a smart man that he didn't dare to offend the public. He could only speak nicely and apologize, saying that Song Kai had not returned, and if he did, he would let each family deal with him at their discretion. He also said that he would sever ties with Song Kai, and only then did he reluctantly send these people away temporarily.

"What a sin! I've been smart all my life, but how could I give birth to such a thing?" Song Guangcheng sat down as soon as he entered the room, his lips trembling with anger.

He felt ashamed when he heard about what Song Kai had done along the way: he fought with You Chaodong and was impulsive; he pulled Bai Bao and Zheng Yu to form a small group, which was okay, and he was quite smart; but because he was afraid of hardship and fatigue, he encouraged the villagers to take the back road, which was simply stupid; he abandoned his wife and children and ran away when he encountered robbers, which was stupid and irresponsible!

"Boss, calm down." Song Liu advised.

"Calm down? Cough cough!" Song Guangcheng was so angry that he coughed repeatedly and patted his chest: "Forget it, forget it, I'll just pretend I don't have such a son!"

……

Old Chen’s house.

There were close relatives of the Chen family in the neighboring village. When they heard that the Chen family had become extinct, they came in the afternoon and made a lot of noise. Naturally, they wanted to wipe out the entire family, but who knew that Sister Guihua would cut off the source of the trouble and directly sold all the fields and other things in advance.

No matter how noisy they were, Sister Guihua was far away in the city and could not hear them at all.

These people also discussed going to the provincial capital to look for Sister Guihua, but the provincial capital was so far away, and they were afraid something might happen on the way. Even if they arrived in the provincial capital, they didn't know where Sister Guihua lived, and they didn't know whether they could find her or not. Even if they could find her, they were unfamiliar with the place and had no connections, so they might not be able to come back to file a lawsuit.

There is no other choice but to give up for now.

……

The people of Xiaohe Village returned from the provincial capital, like a stone hitting a deep pool, which broke the tranquility of Xiaohe Village, caused quite a stir, and revealed the various faces of all living beings.

However, Fang Lin's family did not know this for the time being. In the distant city of Huai'an, on the other side of the mountains and the river, the family had already adapted to life and had completely settled down. A new chapter in their lives had begun.

……

(End of this chapter)