Chapter 868: A Thoughtful Gift, Light but Meaningful

econd Uncle just came back from the city. Did Grandma buy good things""Maybe, I'd guess snacks.""I guess it's sesame sugar."Jia Yin was laughing non-stop. These two brothers are foodies, the assessmen...This "landlord" of Jia Yin left behind.

Jia Ren and Li Ge'er will have the big exam next spring and must stay.

Jia Huan, despite running the tavern business, also needed to stay behind.

Li Laosan had to take care of the academy's dining hall, so he had to stay.

The rest of the elderly, weak, women and children were taken care of by Li Zhensheng, and they went south to Quanzhou to live there for a year.

Included were Mrs. Wen, Yue'er, Huiniang and her two children.

Even, Liu's wife would have to go on the trip for Liu Yang's marriage...

That night, the Li family, young and old, slept very late.

Li Zhensheng's brothers, of course, had to arrange things for the south.

Jiarren and Jia Yi hadn't seen each other in years, lying on a big kang together, with endless things to say.

Li Laotai, Tao Hongying, and Zhao Yuru were busy sewing while discussing what delicious dishes they could make for Jiayi.

And Jia Yin was also busy making a list.

From the day she was born, she was almost inseparable from her grandmother.

This time, not only Grandma, but also my mother, aunts, and sisters-in-law will be going on a journey together.

Of course she couldn't rest assured. She wanted to take care of everything, from food and clothing to housing and transportation, leaving no detail unattended...

On the second day, everyone in the Li family woke up late. After breakfast, the sun was already high in the sky.

Jiarren and Jiayi, along with their sons Li'ge'er and Mao'ge'er, dressed in their finest attire, bade farewell to their family members as they set out for the city.

Last night, Lu Zong's post was sent over, inviting them to a small gathering at his place.

Jia Yi was not suffering in prison at all and even received many favors from the warden.

And the warden's network is Lu Zhong's connections, no matter what, the Li family has to go and thank him properly.

So, Jia Ren told his family last night.

Today, I not only brought my family to the Lu's house but also brought a generous gift.

Apart from the usual stationery, there was also a bear skin cloak sewn by Old Mrs. , Tao Hongying, and Zhao Yuru for Lu Zong together.

These things may not be very good, but they are all imbued with the Li family's heart.

A while back, Jia Yin was confined to the house with nothing to do. She couldn't stand seeing her brothers go out carrying heavy bamboo boxes when they went on errands.

So, she took her grandmother's maids and made many leather men's handbags.

The style is generous, the capacity is large, it's waterproof and dustproof, and it can also be slung across the body.

From the youngest to the eldest, everyone in the family was involved: Li Zhensheng, Mr. Wen, and Jia Ren and his brothers all had a role to play.

After everyone received it, they all particularly liked it.

Especially Mr. Wen, he was a man who never left his book, and sometimes even took the government files home to continue reading.

When it rained or snowed, he would untie his cloak and wrap his school bag in it for fear of getting his books wet.

Now with this sturdy leather tote bag, I no longer need to be so clumsy.

The Jia Ren brothers were also inseparable.

Jiarren and Li Ge'er naturally put away their books, while Mao Ge'er placed his beloved snacks and handy notepad. Of course, small things like silver wouldn't be stuffed into pockets, it was too cumbersome to hang on the waist.

Now, a cowhide bag can solve everything.

Today, Jiayin heard that Jiaxu, Guo Wenhao, Zhimin, and Xiujie were all at the gathering. It's not a good idea for them to see her bring a gift for Lu Zong.

Then, she took out the remaining bags and gave them to her brothers, making sure everyone got one. She wanted to make everything festive and lively.

It is said that a woman's needlework should not be given to outsiders.

But she was only ten years old, not quite a grown woman.

Moreover, Guo Wenhao, Zhimin, and Xiujie are childhood friends who have a close relationship. There's no need to be too reserved around each other.

When Jia Ren and his brothers carried such leather bags, Lu Zong and others were envious but didn't dare to ask for them.

Now that their wish has come true, they are overjoyed!

Especially Guo Wenhao, he put all his small belongings into the bag at that time. He even refused to let the servant help him carry it...

Lu Zong came from a family of warriors, and having heard that Jia Yi was born with superhuman strength, he naturally wanted to have a contest.

As expected, only through "testing" can one truly know another. The two quickly became familiar with each other, playing all day and seeming to have known each other for a long time...

As the sun began to set and it was time for everyone to part ways, they made plans to visit a blacksmith shop run by an old soldier named Lu the next day to see the weapons.

A man by nature loves martial arts, how could he not be interested in weapons

Thus, after a night's sleep, the Li brothers went out of their home again...

For three straight days, the little boys were wild with excitement, and it was impossible to get a hold of them.

Li Laotai was delighted to see her grandchildren gathered together, lively and close. But she still smiled and scolded, "These little rascals, once they go out, you won't be able to catch them back!"

Since Tao Hongying was also going into the city, she smiled and said, “Mother, why don’t you come with me for a walk and clear your head”

Li Laotai quickly waved her hand, "I'm not going. You go quickly. When you come back, remember to buy a few roasted chickens in the south of the city. Jiayì likes to eat them."

"Understood, Mama!"

Tao Hongying smiled in reply, picked up her embroidered gold cloak, and with support from Lin Mama's hand, boarded the carriage.

When Mrs. Liu's family had something to do, she went out and helped them with all her might.

Today, Mrs. Liu hosted a small tea party, inviting her and Mrs. Wen, along with several close female friends, to enjoy refreshments and chat.

Yesterday, Mrs. Wen took Yueya'er with her and went to her natal home for a night's stay.

So, at this moment, Tao Hongying was traveling alone.

Soon they arrived at Liu's house, where everyone drank tea and chatted.

Since they were all acquaintances who knew each other well and had similar personalities, they didn't hesitate to speak freely.

One woman asked Tao Hongying, "I heard that your second house's young general has taken a liking to a girl from Quanzhou"

Tao Hongying was taken aback.

This is something only family knows, how did it get out

She was dubious, but smiled and replied, "It's nothing like that. It's just a few coincidences."

After all, our family lives here, and it's too far from Quanzhou.

The woman nodded and smiled, saying, "I thought so too. When looking for a daughter-in-law, it's best to find someone from the same social standing and preferably local."

Otherwise, even daily meals, clothing and other necessities would be different, which would also be bothersome.

Like a perfect match

Tao Hongying's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that the girl involved with Jiayi's family has been exposed!

She tentatively said, "Matters concerning our children's marriage are all decided by my mother-in-law. These days, things at home have been... alas!"

She sighed, putting on a helpless expression.

Indeed, the madam immediately chimed in, "Actually, the elder madam's concerns aren't unfounded. It's said that the girl is an orphan. Such a child must surely be lacking some fortune in life!"

Your second wife's family has a noble title. Finding a daughter-in-law with such an identity would be too lowly.

Tao Hongying responded with a few random words and gave Liu's wife a wink.

Lady Liu immediately changed the subject, bringing up the New Year's gifts and trivial matters.

Tao Hongying had something on her mind. After having lunch at the Liu family, she and Mrs. Wen and her daughter hurried back home.

Elder Li was just about to take a nap when she saw her daughter-in-law return. She asked, "Why didn't you go shopping in the city And did you buy the chicken"

Tao Hongying had no time to think about cooking chicken. She pulled her mother-in-law into the house and whispered, "Mother, our family or perhaps our village might have a traitor. Someone who eats inside and outsides and reveals family matters!"

Li Laotai was startled and turned to look at Mrs. Wen who followed, asking, "What did you hear in the city"

Tao Hongying and Mrs. Wen quickly told the woman's words.o busy in the valley” Tao Hongying nodded, "My second brother has already told the guests today that they are not allowed to take extra wine. The guests are a little dissatisfied, but I think things...