Chapter 371: The Appearance of the Wáng Family

rted food stall had a fragrant smell. The charcoal stove was smoking with heat, steaming white dumplings, round and plump, they looked really good. 。Some people were impatient being crowded with other...The village head and Uncle Zhao's eyes turned red with emotion, their speech became incoherent with excitement.

They were nothing but broken, discarded soldiers clinging to life outside Kyoto, despised and ridiculed by all. Who would have thought they'd be so highly regarded by many esteemed individuals today

Thinking back on the hardships of guarding the border in icy snow during their youth, the destitution after retiring from the army, the anxiety of fleeing south, and the glory they enjoy today, the two felt a surge of mixed emotions.

"No, no, it's our duty!" the village chief waved his hands repeatedly.

Uncle Zhao also nodded vigorously, "We haven't done anything wrong, we just fled together to survive. They are all young, and we have lived a few more years, so we should protect them more."

Everyone was amused by these two simple old men. Li Lao Er picked up his chopsticks first, and everyone else began to eat.

Naturally, the conversation turned to fleeing their homes. After a bowl of wine, the village head and Zhao Uncle also started talking.

The villagers worked together to drive away the wolf pack, spent the winter in a cave, and unexpectedly got news that the Guo family had been murdered after they fought off bandits to save a child...

Uncle Zhao thought of the journey, and tears welled up in his eyes.

They, several old brothers, were either without arms or lame, burdens to carry. They were truly being carried step by step out of the mountains by the young and old of the Li family, on stretchers.

Mr. Liu nodded along, while Mr. Peng was deeply moved.

Even in such dire circumstances, the Li family refused to abandon even disabled veterans.

Such a loyal and righteous person, with impeccable character. Perhaps there are only a few others like him in all of Tianwu.

His daughter-in-law coming in would definitely not be wronged. Their Peng family would have such a powerful ally with this in-law in the future!

In the east wing, another table was set.

Old Mrs. Li accompanied Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Cui, bringing the melodious voice of Jia Yin. The two boys from the Liu family, Jia An, Jia Xi, and the children like Li Ge'er and Mao Ge'er, all joined in the lively feast.

Several kids especially liked the boiled fish in chili oil, their mouths turned red from the spiciness but they still didn't want to stop eating.

Jia Yin snatched two pieces of fish meat and was immediately suppressed by her grandmother.

The old woman was afraid that because she was too young, her stomach wasn't good and spicy food could easily upset her.

Mrs. Cui asked for a bowl of warm water, rinsed the chili oil off the fish flesh, picked out the bones, and put it into Jia Yin's bowl.

Jia Yin ate happily with a smile on her face, and even wanted to kiss her teacher's aunt, making Mrs. Cui quickly dodge. Everyone laughed non-stop.

There were five tables set up in the courtyard. Li Laosan and Wu San Shu, Wang Si Shu and others accompanied three local officials, along with more than ten villagers who had come with them, taking up two tables.

Li Laosi and Li Yong then sat at three other tables with the prince's personal soldiers.

Actually, they've been through thick and thin together, their brotherhood forged in fire. Li Lao Si and Li Yong might not be there every day, but no one would begrudge the others for getting together. Still, when the brothers are all gathered together, drinking large gulps of alcohol and feasting on hearty portions of meat, everyone is happier.

Outside the courtyard, there were also tables and chairs set up. People of all ages from the village gathered together to eat and drink.

Although the dishes were not as elaborate as a banquet, steamed buns and braised meat were sufficient.

For those who are unable to come over, you can also take a ceramic bowl and bring the food back home.

Jiarren, Jiahuān, and Jiayì, the three brothers, ate a simple bite in the kitchen before taking their wine jug to each table to pour drinks for everyone.

Today's visitors are all close friends and relatives. As a junior member of the family, it is also my duty to personally pour wine for them.

As expected, everyone took their wine cups and were delighted, praising the three boys one after another.

Jia Huan flushed as she poured wine for Mr. Peng. The more Mr. Peng looked at his son-in-law, the more satisfied he became. He instructed him: "You and Wenjuan's marriage is settled now, don't be afraid of what others say. Come visit often when you have nothing to do."

Jia Huan quickly nodded in agreement, but Li Zhensheng laughed and said, “Mr. Peng likes this child Jia Huan, we are all happy about that in our family, but this child will probably not have much free time in the future!”

"The big restaurant I own in the city is reopening, and I want to transfer this child there to be the head chef. I also want him to learn how to cook seafood from the chefs who were brought back from the south."

"Oh Really That's wonderful news!" Mr. Peng's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Although the Li family was thriving, Jia Huan was still working at his wife's food stall. Being a son-in-law wasn't very prestigious.

If I could manage a big restaurant in the future, it would be even more successful than now!

Li Zhensheng said again: "I have set up a small fleet in the south, and in a few days fresh seafood will be transported back. When the reputation is good in Xindu, branches will also be opened in other prefectures."

"I'm too busy to handle everything on my own. There are so many children at home, only Jiahuan can help me. By then, Mr. Peng shouldn't blame this child for being too busy and unable to be with you often to show filial piety."

“No, no, Master Peng, you're joking. As elders, we are only overjoyed when our children succeed. There's no reason to keep them by our side!” Mr. Peng beamed and patted Jiayuan’s arm. “Study hard when the time comes, a variety of skills will never weigh you down.”

"Yes, sir," Jiahuan replied respectfully, her face reddening even further.

Li Lao'er remembered his mother's plans and asked when the academy would reopen for enrollment.

Mr. Peng readily agreed when he heard that the Li family was sending three more children to the academy.

He was worried about how to get closer to the Li family, and this was a great opportunity! Besides, the Li family's children were studious and could help his son-in-law.

Li La Er continued, "I won't be able to teach at the schoolhouse anymore, but the children in the village can't be left behind. Mr. Wen, do you know anyone who could help introduce someone to teach in the village"

The village head agreed, "It's best to find a strict one, a harsh teacher produces outstanding students! These mischievous kids in the village can't be too relaxed, otherwise they'll easily cause trouble."

Mr. Wen smiled and said, “This is easy. I'll go back and ask around. Recently, Suijin Beach has become famous near and far, so many people would probably be willing to come.”

Li Zhensheng reminded: “It’s best to find a liberal-minded teacher. Children in the village, both boys and girls, should all study and become educated. It’s not good for girls to be discriminated against, as it would hurt their feelings.”

"Well, don't worry," Mr. Wen nodded. "Actually, I've always felt that girls should study too. Even if they can't take the civil service exams, in the future when they get married and run their own households, manage housework, and raise children, it would be much better than others."

"The gentleman is right," the village head and others also said happily, "the girls and boys in our village are all the same, they are all treasures."

As he was speaking, Liu Yang suddenly ran in from outside the courtyard, shouting: "Father, you'd better go home quickly, your wife has given birth!"

"What"

Liu Biao's head was startled, he didn't have time to greet the crowd, so he turned his head and ran. When he got out the door, he turned back and took a sheet of divine physician.

The divine physician Zhang, with a chicken leg in his hand, leaned against Liu Diao's back, calmly continuing to gnaw on it, completely unfazed.

He was really used to it, he was just a brick, wherever there was work, he would be moved!

And every time, I don't have to walk myself. Someone always carries me!

Everyone jumped in surprise. Li Laoer quickly soothed, “Let’s continue eating, don’t worry, with a divine doctor taking care of her, the mother and child will surely be safe. Besides, Liu’s sister-in-law is nearing term, not as dangerous as Da Yong’s wife was back then.”

When it comes to Li Yong, one has to talk about the Yan family. Old Master Liu shook his head and said, “Those people in the Yan family are also brainless. They only have one son who is promising, yet they drove him away by splitting the family.”as buried in her second uncle’s arms, unwilling to come out.Li Lao'er still thought his niece had been wronged, but when he understood the whole story, he laughed so hard his chest trembled.Li, the ol...