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Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua did not linger once things were settled; they took Stone and Wood and left. As they stepped outside, they were met with the curious gazes of many onlookers, who scanned their faces repeatedly, trying to glean some information. Some even had the audacity to approach and ask what had happened, but the couple managed to evade their inquiries.
When they arrived at Wang Dashan's doorstep, they spotted Zhang Lianxiang talking with someone. Zhang Lianxiang also inquired about their situation, and they did not hide anything from her. They recounted the events, and Zhang Lianxiang shook her head repeatedly, saying that Auspicious was committing sins by harming the in-laws and dragging down her maternal family.
"Fortunately, this time it didn't involve you. It seems moving out early was a good decision. Your mother-in-law actually doesn't want to split the family. Now that she has used the sons' Silver, she will surely claim that there isn't enough money for building houses, which might be her excuse to delay the division."
Zhang Lianxiang seemed to understand the Wang Clan quite well; her guesses were spot on.
Xiao Lihua smiled and said, "With my Sister-in-law around, this family will still have to split. However, if there isn't enough money to build houses, we'll just have to stay in the old home! But my mother-in-law shouldn't think about reclaiming the Silver. In the end, she might just watch it but won't get her hands on it, which will surely be frustrating for her. I doubt my brother's Sister-in-law would be happy about it either."
"You have a point," Zhang Lianxiang laughed, realizing that Xiao Lihua was now much more insightful than before. They truly connected well.
After parting ways with Zhang Lianxiang, Xiao Lihua began preparing lunch as they hadn't eaten yet and were quite hungry. After finishing their meal, the family sat in the courtyard enjoying the coolness of the evening as the sun set. After a hot day, the weather finally turned pleasant; a gentle breeze made it very comfortable.
Xie Youshun watched Xiao Lihua sewing clothes. He admired her serious profile as she focused on her work, noting the fine stitches on his clothes that were now clean and tidy. He felt a wave of emotion wash over him; he thought he had finally endured hardships and was now reaping rewards—his wife had returned to him. Looking at their two sons playing nearby, he noticed they no longer looked dirty; although their clothes were old, they were clean, their hair neatly arranged, and smiles on their faces made his heart feel light as if it had been refreshed by the wind.
The next day, Xie Youshun and Xiao Lihua, along with their two sons, went to Caotou Village. They shared what had happened during their visit to Xiao Family Village, reassuring everyone that Liu Butler would not come looking for trouble again. They handed ten taels of Silver over to Xiao Pozi.
The entire Xiao Family was both surprised and delighted. They had not held out much hope regarding Xiao Lihua's trip to see the Xiao Family, yet she succeeded and even brought back Silver.
"Sister, thank you!" Meihua cried as she hugged Li Hua. This time it was tears of joy; she had resigned herself to marrying Liu Butler. Now that was no longer necessary, she felt like laughing and crying at once. In her heart, she acknowledged that Xiao Lihua was her sister because she could not blame her for her own misfortunes in finding a husband. However, when she learned about marrying Liu Butler, she still felt sad. Now that her sister had saved her, she promised herself never to resent her again; her sister truly did everything possible for her!
Xiao Pozi also cried while Wang Shi comforted her from the side. She felt very happy; her niece was now both sensible and capable.
With a smile on his face, Xiao Dashu suggested having a nice meal for lunch today, which made both Xiao Shi and Stone and Wood jump with joy.
Xiao Dashu went out to buy meat and wine. When villagers saw him so cheerful, they asked if there was some good news. Everyone was puzzled; how could the Xiao Family, who seemed to be in trouble before, now be so happy? Not wanting to embarrass himself regarding Liu Butler, Xiao Dashu simply said that his big sister had returned home and everyone was joyful about being reunited. However, later in the afternoon, those who had previously come from the Xiao Family, claiming that Liu Butler was injured and needed Silver, returned to Caotou Village. Upon arriving at Xiao Dashu's home, they apologized profusely for not being able to bring him along due to his injury. They expressed ignorance about knowing Miss Xiao, apologized for any offense caused, and brought many gifts as tokens of goodwill.
Some onlookers had followed them over; upon hearing their words, they were immediately astonished. When did the family of Xiao Dashu become acquainted with the young lady from the Xiao Family! This meant they had a significant backing now! It should be noted that most people in Caotou Village rented land from the Xiao Family Village, which held more importance in their eyes than even local officials or emperors—it was their source of livelihood!
Once those associated with Liu Butler left, villagers gathered around with smiles on their faces, eagerly trying to extract more information from Xiao Dashu.
He clarified that it wasn't him who knew them but rather his sister; he said this knowing full well his sister's poor reputation and wanting to save face for her. He understood that people in the village were gossiping about how his sister tried to climb high only to fall hard; now he wanted them to see that his sister also had prospects by being able to converse with someone from the esteemed Xiao Family.
The people of Caotou Village looked at Xiao Lihua differently now. They thought to themselves that Li Hua was truly remarkable; a villager could make the young lady of the Xiao Family manage the capable steward of her household, who was also a relative. Of course, many believed that she had been a maid in a wealthy household, which explained her cleverness. They wondered if they should send their own daughters for some training, thinking that even if they didn't become concubines, they could at least become more capable.
Xiao Lihua chatted casually with those who spoke to her, wanting her family to have a better life in the village. Naturally, she didn't explain everything about her trip to Xiao Family Village in detail. She spoke in a roundabout way, leaving those around her stunned. Xie Youshun listened and couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
"Li Hua, I used to think you had changed a bit, but now I realize you haven't changed much at all. You're still so talkative, just more charming than before," Wang said as she sent off the last few villagers with a smile.
Meihua nodded and added, "Sister has become more eloquent; your smile is lovely."
Xiao Lihua felt embarrassed. The old Xiao Lihua loved to talk but often argued loudly; she herself didn't like quarrels. However, she didn't refute them. She was now Xiao Lihua, and everything the former Xiao Lihua had done was hers to carry on.
In the afternoon, the family left, and this time many people spoke with them as they were laughed and waved off from the village.
Xiao Dashu walked out straighter than usual.
"This Xiao Family Village really has some prestige. Just one incident can change how the villagers view someone they dislike. It seems having money and land is truly beneficial. If things go well, we should strive to buy more land and become big landlords ourselves."
"Sure," Xie Youshun replied. In the past, he had dreams of working hard to become wealthy, but over time that dream faded. After marrying Xiao Lihua and having two sons, he mostly just wanted to see them grow up well. Now that his wife had improved and no longer looked down on him for being unsuccessful, he felt a spark of ambition reignite within him.
Seeing that Xie Youshun no longer worried when she mentioned making money, Xiao Lihua's smile grew brighter. He was the father of their two children and the man she planned to spend her life with; it was essential for them to be united in purpose.
Shitou heard his parents talking about making money to buy land and become big landlords and smiled happily. Although he was still young, he understood that having more money and land meant a better life—living in a first wife's house, wearing new clothes, and eating good food. Mumu saw his parents and brother smiling and giggled along.
Upon returning to the village, they first went home before heading to Wang Dashan's house to return the cart and repay the silver they borrowed from there.
"What’s the rush? You just borrowed it for a few days!" Zhang Lianxiang exclaimed upon seeing them return the money. "Did you borrow money from Li Hua's family? Hurry up and return it! Didn't you just say your aunt is sick and needs money? How can you take money from them? We have enough; use ours first!"
Wang Dashan was also home at that moment and urged Xie Youshun to take the money back.
Xiao Lihua thought these two were truly generous people. She insisted on returning the silver, saying it was just right since her family had this silver available; they insisted on taking it back.
Zhang Lianxiang could only accept the silver reluctantly.
When they returned home, they found the courtyard gate open, and the sound of a child crying came from inside. The two hurried in and saw the Li Family and Auspicious coming out of the house.
Xiao Lihua angrily said, "What are you doing in my house?! Why is the child crying?! Wood! My precious baby! Don't cry, Mama is back!"
After shouting at them, Xiao Lihua didn't pay them any more attention. As she lifted the curtain, she saw Wood sitting on the ground crying, his little face red from tears. Heartbroken, she rushed over, picked him up, and began to sway him gently while showering him with kisses and soothing words.
Wood clung tightly to Xiao Lihua's neck with his small hands, hiccuping from his grievances.
Shitou also rushed over to hug Xiao Lihua, exclaiming, "Mama! They rummaged through our house and even pushed us! They twisted my ear!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lihua's anger flared even more. She gently set Little Wood down and looked at Shitou's ear, which was indeed red. Furious, she turned to Xie Youshun and said, "Look at your good sister-in-law and good younger sister! While we were away, they came to our house like bandits! Rummaging through your rooms and bullying your children—are they trying to take over our household? If you don't handle this, don't blame me for getting physical!"
Xie Youshun was also angry. It had only been a short while since they left home, and now it was in such disarray. Just when he thought he could enjoy some peace at home, trouble arose from within his own family!
"What were you looking for? What is there to rummage through in my house? If you don't clarify this matter, we'll go to Parents' place and discuss it. Is there a rule that sisters-in-law and younger sisters can just rummage through someone else's house?"
"Fourth Brother, don't be angry. I lost a gold ring that I brought back. They said your Shitou picked it up, so I came to ask for it back. But Shitou refused to give it to me no matter what. I had no choice but to search. Fourth Brother, just look at Shitou—he's so young already acting like this; how will it be in the future?" Auspicious said without blinking.
The Li Family added fuel to the fire from the side: "Yes, our Xie Family hasn't had a thief in years—especially not a family thief. This is unacceptable. You should hand over that gold ring quickly; otherwise, it might spread around and become hard to explain."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lihua was so enraged that she laughed. She shoved Wood into Xie Youshun's arms and then slapped Auspicious across the face before kicking Li Family on the leg.
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