"Uh-huh." Xia Xiuzai smiled and nodded, "It's not originally a holiday now, if we don't go back today, Shan Chang will be unhappy."

  Xia Xiuren didn't go back, it's not just that Li Shanzhang wouldn't be happy, he wouldn't make money for the Tian family if he didn't go back to the academy, and the Tian family would not agree.

  "Dad, how are you planning to go back? Have you talked to Grandpa about it?" Xia Zhi asked Xia Xiucai again.

  "Isn't today the grand fair in Linshui Town? Let me see if there are any cars from our village going to the fair. Once we get to Linshui Town, it'll be easy to find a car back to Fucheng." Xia Xiucan said slowly and deliberately.

  It seems he plans to hitchhike all the way. This way, even if they still have to spend money, it's much cheaper than hiring a car. Xia Xiuzai was so frugal that Xia Zhi couldn't help but turn his head and take a look at Tian Shi.

  The Tian family is very particular about their appearance when they go out.

  Tian's wife was pulling down her eyelids and was giving pancakes to Da Ya and Er Ya, but she didn't say anything else.

  "My uncle asked my grandfather to find a car, and we plan to go to the market later." Xia Zhi said to Xia Xiucai.

  "That's great, I can bask in your glory." Xia Xiuren said with a smile.

  "Off to the market again?" Tian still had a droopy eyelid, his tone almost flat.

  "Hmm." Xia Zhi nodded, without explaining anything to Tian Shi or asking if he agreed.

  "The oil at home is gone." Tian said after a moment of silence.

  "Oh..." Xia Zhi didn't rush to answer, seemingly deep in thought, before smiling and saying, "Then I'll go up the mountain to see if I can buy some back."

  Tian's family no longer spoke up.

  Xia Xiuzai felt that Xia Zhi and Tian Shi's conversation was not as simple as it seemed on the surface. He looked at Tian Shi, then at Xia Zhi, but in the end said nothing.

  After eating breakfast, Xiaoshu surrounded Xiatian and begged to go to the fair together. Xiatian deliberately teased him, not agreeing for half a day, until Xiaoshu was about to cry, then smiled and nodded.

  The little tree was so happy it almost jumped up.

  "Who's going to do all the household chores if everyone goes to the market?" Tian finally couldn't help but say, somewhat annoyed.

  "Hey, I'm still here." Xia Qiao, who had been quietly sitting on the side, immediately picked up Tian's words and said, "If there's any work to be done at home, just leave it to me."

  Tian's eyes swept over Xia Qiao quickly, then withdrew her gaze, pursing her lips. If it were any other day, she would have definitely blown up at Xia Qiao, but today she restrained herself.

  It's not just that it's summer solstice, from now on, she can't easily lose her temper with Xia Qiao either. Knowing this in her heart, Tian Shi's mood was extremely bad.

  Da Ya and Er Ya stood on one side. They looked at Xia Zhi, Xia Qiao, and then at Tian Shi, and they all busied themselves smiling and talking to Tian Shi. "Auntie, we can do any household chores, no need for Da Qiao Ge. If Da Qiao Ge is willing to go to the market, then he can go."

  "You know nothing!" Tian's anger, which couldn't be vented on her own children as usual, was instead directed at her two nieces with these words, before she stormed out of the room.

  Da Ya and Er Ya looked at each other in dismay, both revealing expressions of being at a loss.

  Xia Xiuzai hurried over to mediate. "It's not that your aunt is targeting you, Da Ya and Er Ya, don't take it to heart. Your aunt has a sharp tongue but a soft heart."

  Da Ya smiled at Xia Xiuren: "Uncle, we know. My aunt didn't treat us as outsiders." Er Ya immediately nodded in agreement.

  Xia Xiuzai also smiled and seemed to be moved: "You two are good kids. You both know your aunt's temper, so if there's anything in the future, don't take it to heart."

  "We know that for sure, it won't be taken to heart. Aunt and Uncle are all for our own good." said Da Ya and Er Ya in unison.

  Xia Xiuzai praised the two for being sensible, but she couldn't help thinking of what Xia Zhi had said. Da Ya and Er Ya's attitude was a bit too much, making people feel uncomfortable.

  Thinking of this, Xia Xiuzai told Xia Zhi and Xia Qiao to be more careful when speaking with Tian Shi in the future. "I'm not at home, your mother is just that kind of temper. It's just a matter of mouth, it doesn't hurt anything. She's your own mother, you have to respect her."

  It means that when he is not at home, as long as Tian Shi doesn't do anything excessive, even if she says something unpleasant or excessive, the children should let it go and give in to Tian Shi a bit.

  Xia Zhi smiled and didn't bother to argue with Xia Xiuzai, but readily agreed to her request.

  She nodded in agreement, and Xiaqiao and Xiaoshu both fell silent.

  Xia Xiuzai felt a sense of relief in his heart, and went out to find Tian Shi. As a result, he saw Tian Shi standing outside the front courtyard gate, talking to Sun Wangshi from next door.

  Sun Wang was beaming with joy, her face radiant with a big belly. Tian Shi had his back to the courtyard, so he didn't see Xia Xiuzai approaching, but Sun Wang was facing the courtyard and saw Xia Xiuzai coming over, her smile growing even brighter.

  "Oh dear, Brother Shucai has arrived just as my sister-in-law was about to come out for a while!" Sun Wangshi wasn't particularly good-looking, but she was very skilled at making herself presentable and had a clear and pleasant voice. The four words "Brother Shucai" sounded especially pleasant coming from her mouth.

  And she was also good at talking, this half-joking and teasing remark was a compliment to Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi's good relationship, Xia Xiuzai was very close to Tian Shi.

  Xia Xiuzai called out a greeting to his younger brother and sister, then turned to talk to Tian Shi, telling him to go back inside.

  Tian saw Xia Xiuzai coming to look for her, and Sun Wangshi's words also made her face shine with glory. For a moment, her mood improved a lot. However, she still remained reserved in front of Xia Xiuzai.

  "I just came out for a moment, and you're already looking for me? Can't even leave for a second without being bothered. It's laughable. I'll go talk to the Sun siblings and then head back, do whatever you want."

  Xia Xiuzai smiled and accompanied him, not getting angry at all.

  Sun Wang was a woman with great insight, she laughed and said: "Brother Xiucai is going back to the city, ah, that's a big deal. I'm at home every day, wherever I go, my sister-in-law can talk to me anytime. Hurry back and help me, Brother Xiucai, to tidy up."

  Tian's family just glanced at Xia Xiuzai and didn't say anything this time.

  Sun Wangshi laughed again: "Brother Xiucai this time went to the prefectural city, and it's unknown when he'll be back. Leaving my sister-in-law alone at home, who knows how hard it is for her!"

  "I don't have the energy to care about this!" Tian's eyes were filled with resentment as he glanced at Xia Xiuzai again.

  Xia Xiuzai smiled again, but in front of Sun Wangshi, he didn't get too familiar with Tian Shi, and just urged Tian Shi once more.

  Tian's family didn't take Qiao this time, she politely said a word to Sun Wangshi and followed Xia Xiuzai back home. After the couple left, Sun Wangshi stood at the door until they entered the house, then slowly returned home with a seemingly good mood, humming a little tune as she walked.

  Xia Xiuzai returned without bringing any gifts, and went back even more neatly dressed, except for a pair of shoes made by Tian Shi, there was nothing else to take.

  However, Xia Xiuzai wrapped the shoes in a piece of cloth and tucked them into his sleeve like a treasure. He also repeatedly thanked Tian Shi for her hard work.

  "Dad, it's getting late. Are you going back to the city without telling Grandpa? We were just about to head to the backyard." Xia Zhi couldn't help but remind them as she watched the two of them being affectionate.

  Xia Xiuzai also noticed that it was getting late and bid farewell to the Tian family. "It's been a lot of trouble for you with household matters." He looked reluctant to leave.

  "What's so hard about it? We've been living like this for years." Tian said, his eyes darting towards Xia Zhi and Xia Qiao.

  Xia Xiuzai immediately understood and, in front of Tian Shi, instructed the children to listen to Tian Shi's words and live a harmonious life.

  Xia Zhi smiled and nodded in agreement.

  "That's good." Xia Xiuzai smiled and nodded.

  Tian's family hummed a soft voice and sent Xia Xiuzai out.

  Xia Xiuzai was going to the backyard, and Tian Shi sent him off at the door, giving him a few words of instruction, but refused to follow Xia Xiuzai to the backyard. Xia Xiuzai knew she didn't get along with Old Master Xia and Old Mistress Xia, so he didn't force her, and instead went to the backyard with Xia Zhi, Xia Qiao, and Xiao Shu'er.

  Mr. Xia and his family had already finished their breakfast, and he was chatting with Xiao Hei in the house. Mrs. Xia took out a needlework basket from the cabinet and carefully put an embroidered purse into a cloth bag.

  "Father, mother, I'll return to Fucheng today." Xia Xiuren entered the house and spoke very respectfully to Old Master Xia and Old Mistress Xia.

  Old Lady Xia stopped what she was doing: "You've only been back for a few days, and the kang at home hasn't even warmed up yet. Can't you stay for two more days? Your dad misses you, and you should have a good chat with your grandfather."

  Mr. Xia did not comment on Mrs. Xia's words.

  Xia Xiuren hastily explained that he had been granted special leave by Li Shanzhang for the past two days, and if he didn't return now, it would be too late. After all, there were still many students waiting for him to teach at the academy.

  "Now, matters are urgent." Old Master Xia finally spoke up and instructed Xia Xiuzai to return to the academy to study hard and do things well. "Li Shan Zhang is good to you, we must also repay his kindness. You focus on teaching, don't think about other things, and don't disappoint Li Shan Zhang."

  Xiao Hei Yu'er and Xia Zhi returned from the prefectural city, having already told Old Man Xia about how Li Shan Chang treated them. Old Man Xia was naturally even more grateful to Li Shan Chang.

  As for the matter of Xia Zhi asking Li Shan Chang not to pay wages in advance to Xia Xiu Cai, Xiao Hei Yu Er received Xia Zhi's entrustment and didn't tell Old Master Xia or Old Madam Xia.

  Don't look at Little Black Fish's young age, his temper is still very straightforward, but if he really wants to keep a secret, he can absolutely keep it confidential.

  As for Old Man Xia's instructions, Xia Xiuzai responded very obediently.

  Mr. Xia said to Tian, "The matter of her two nieces, if they were living in your house, you would be supporting them anyway, it's just a matter of two more mouths to feed. But as for their marriages, don't get involved. People like the old Tian family, we don't know what kind of relatives they want to find... If you introduce someone to them, it will lead to lifelong resentment."

  Losing money is a small matter; what's important is that it doesn't sound good for one's reputation.

  Xia Xiuzai's eyes sparkled and he also vaguely responded to these words.

  Old Man Xia probably knew that Xia Xiuren couldn't be the master of the Tian family, so he sighed. "I've said all I should say, you can't be confused again."

  "I understand, Father." Xia Xiuzai replied with his head bowed.

  "Grandpa, we need to hurry to the market, and my dad also needs to go to Linshui Town to catch a ride. Do we have a car?" Xia Zhi asked Old Man Xia.

  "Yes." As soon as Xia Zhi spoke, Old Master Xia's mood immediately cleared up. He smiled and told Xia Zhi, "Your third uncle had already come back to tell me earlier. I asked your third uncle to go ask, he should be back by now."

  It seemed to be in response to Old Man Xia's words, and Uncle San Xia walked in from outside. He greeted Xia Xiucui and then told Old Man Xia: "Lao Liu's car is coming today, I told him, the car will arrive soon."

  "Hurry up, hurry up." Old Man Xia urged everyone to get ready quickly. Because Xia Liu was driving a cart to the market to do business and couldn't afford to waste any time.

  "Listen to Old Man Xia urging, hurry up and bring over the purse to hand it to Xia Zhi. 'No matter how much money you sell, don't take it back, just buy Grandma a ball of black thread and a ball of white thread, and spend the rest as you and your uncle like.'"

  "That's it." Before Xia Zhi could say anything, Xiao Hei had already readily agreed.

  Because he agreed too quickly and was too quick-witted, he ended up making everyone in the house laugh.

  Lan Yue had also finished packing and rushed over. She was holding a bag, which contained the embroidered pouches she had made in recent days. Lan Yue took out the pouches to show Xia Zhi.

  "Wow, Ruan Yue, you've made so many!" Xia Zhi was shocked by the number of pouches Ruan Yue had brought out.

  "There's also an embroidery done by my mother." Lao Yue said with some embarrassment.

  Xia San Aunt had found out about Xia Zhi selling lotus-embroidered pouches and thought it was a good way to earn some extra money for the family. Her needlework was quite skilled, and she was also very diligent and hardworking, so she took some time off to embroider several pouches as well.

  Xia San's embroidered pouches may not be as good as Xia Lao Tai Tai's, but they are on par with Sun Lan Er's and can also fetch a high price.

  "My third aunt is really capable." Xia Zhi said with a smile.

  Xia San Shu was just beside him, smiling foolishly. Xia San Shu's wife still felt a bit embarrassed, she walked over and whispered to Xia Zhi, "If you can't sell it for a good price, don't argue with others. Even if you get the lowest price, that's okay."

  "Third Aunt can rest assured, it will definitely sell for a good price." Xia Zhi said with a smile.

  As they spoke, everyone came out. Because Xia Xiucai was also going to Linshui Town by car, Xia Sanbo and Xia Sanbi stopped Xia Lin from following. Xia Lin felt a bit sulky, but after being promised to buy sugar in the twelfth lunar month, he forgot his unhappiness.

  Everyone walked to the gate, but the car had not arrived yet.

  Tian Shi stood at the back door of the front yard with Da Ya and Er Ya, and everyone happened to see each other's face. However, Tian Shi did not intend to walk over and talk.

  Xia San Shu and Xia San Shu hurriedly greeted the Tian family across the street, affectionately calling out "Da Jie" (older sister). The Tian family reluctantly walked over, speaking with Old Master Xia and Old Madam Xia. She still didn't address them as Father and Mother, only calling out "Lao Ye Zi" (old master) and "Lao Tai Tai" (old madam).

  This is extremely rare even in the Tian family.

  Xia Zhi looked at Tian Shi, and was slightly surprised in her heart.

  (。)