The box was placed in the Su family's straw pile without anyone noticing.
Su Laosan was uneasy all day. After all, he had sensed that the box was definitely not ordinary; it was too heavy.
He suspected that the box might contain gold.
But he couldn't say anything, and neither could anyone else.
Su Nainai was as uneasy as Su Laosan.
All day, Su Nainai looked outside countless times, always worried that someone might have discovered something.
Su Ye Ye noticed something amiss and quietly called Su Nainai to ask.
Su Nainai told Su Ye Ye about the matter.
She actually regretted it. Why did she bring such troublesome things into the house?
One cannot be greedy. It was too late to regret now.
After explaining the reason for the matter, Su Nainai said guiltily, "Old man, you can scold me if you want. I know I was wrong."
Su Ye Ye pondered for a moment and then said, "Fortune favors the bold. You are not wrong about this."
The children in the family were growing up one by one. People said that many children brought much fortune, but Su Ye Ye knew the burden it entailed.
If it weren't for these children, his wife wouldn't have taken such a risk!
"You have had many secrets recently. You don't say, and I don't ask. But this matter is too big, it's different," Su Ye Ye said in a low voice.
He guessed that not only he had seen through it, but others in the family had also seen it. This old woman couldn't keep anything hidden!
"We should know this ourselves, but we must let the children in the family know," Su Nainai asked hesitantly.
It was troublesome!
Not only was she worried about being discovered by others, but if it were found, their whole family would be in trouble. She also worried about what would happen if the children in the family found out!
"This matter must be known by all three branches of the family," Su Ye Ye said after thinking for a moment. "Let only the generation of Mantian know."
This was done by Laosan. If the other two branches noticed anything amiss, they might cause trouble in the family over such a small matter.
Su Nainai breathed a sigh of relief. This was what she worried about the most.
She had been entrusting many things to Laosan during this period. Perhaps the other two sons and their wives in the family already had opinions.
As Su Nainai guessed, people from the eldest and second branches also felt that the atmosphere in the family was strange today. Qi Liangying had even asked Su Lao Er.
But Su Lao Er insisted that Qi Liangying was overthinking and said that if anything happened in the family, they would definitely not hide it from their second branch.
Qi Liangying resented that her husband was a simpleton and knew nothing.
But thinking about it again, it seemed that her in-laws acted quite fairly.
The only unfairness was that they doted on Little Sweet more than other grandchildren.
As for the eldest branch, it was Su Lao Da who discovered something was wrong, but he didn't say anything, not even to his carefree wife, Wang Xianghua.
After dinner, Su Ye Ye sent all the children in the family to the cowshed, ostensibly to study.
Su Xiao Tian knew what was going to happen and immediately happily pulled her brothers along.
Su Ye Ye immediately closed the main door and gathered all the adults in the main hall.
The three couples looked at their in-laws' expressions and became nervous. Had something happened in the family again?
Thinking back to Su Nainai's unusual behavior today, they were even more worried.
"Dad, has someone reported us to the authorities again?" Su Lao Er asked.
"No! I've called you here to tell you something," Su Ye Ye said calmly. "Laosan, bring the thing over."
Su Laosan hurried out.
Su Ye Ye said to the others, "This matter is of great importance. Your mother and I have discussed it, and we cannot hide it from you, but you must remember not to tell anyone."
Su Ye Ye glanced at his three daughters-in-law. "You can't even tell your own families, otherwise, our whole family might lose our lives!"
The three daughters-in-law saw their father-in-law's expression and knew that the matter was not simple. They all nodded.
But they were still confused. What important matter was it that could lead to the loss of their lives?
Su Laosan dug the box out of the straw pile and carefully carried it to the table in the main hall.
The others were even more surprised when they saw the dirty box on the table.
"Dad, Mom, what is this?" Su Lao Da couldn't help but ask.
"You'll know when you open it," Su Ye Ye gestured for Su Laosan to open the box.
The box originally had a lock, but because it had been buried for a long time, it had rusted. Su Laosan's strength was great, and with just a few twists, the lock fell off!
The moment the box was opened, everyone was stunned.
Even Su Ye Ye and Su Nainai, who had guessed earlier, were so surprised that their mouths couldn't close, and they remained silent for a long time.
The entire main hall seemed to have stopped in time, silent!
What did they see?
The small box, about a foot square, was neatly stacked with large and small gold ingots.
Gold!
It was a box of gold!
Wang Xianghua trembled and tugged at Su Lao Da. "Your father, I'm dreaming!"
Could she still see gold in this lifetime?
It must be a dream.
Su Lao Da was also incredulous. "Dad, is it true?"
"It should be true!" Su Ye Ye said. "Laosan, count it."
Even if it was unexpected wealth, it had to be counted in front of everyone to prevent future disputes among the sons over money.
In this regard, Su Ye Ye had always been clear-sighted.
Normally, giving the children an extra egg or two wouldn't cause any complaints from the sons and daughters-in-law, but with so much gold, it was strange not to have complaints!
It had to be said that Su Ye Ye usually appeared taciturn, but he was a truly sober person.
It was precisely because he saw things clearly that the entire family lived in harmony.
Su Laosan counted it twice with trembling hands and then said, "Dad, twenty large ones and twenty small ones."
He couldn't estimate the weight, but he had calculated in his heart that so much gold would definitely be worth a lot!
Wait, something seemed wrong!
Su Laosan suddenly felt that the box was not right. It looked quite deep, so why was there only one layer?
He instinctively tapped the bottom of the box and immediately discovered that the sound was wrong.
"There's a false bottom!" Su Ye Ye said, taking a puff of his pipe.
A false bottom? Everyone held their breath. If there was a false bottom, it meant that there might be even more precious treasures in it!
As expected, as Su Laosan worked, the second layer of items appeared before everyone's eyes.
It was even more dazzling than the first layer. This layer was all jewelry and jade!
They were ordinary people and did not know the value of these jewelry and jade. But knowing that they were hidden at the bottom of the box, according to common sense, they were likely more valuable than the gold above.
"Mom..." Even the usually calm Qi Liangying couldn't help but exclaim.
Heavens, when did their family acquire so many treasures?
Did the old Su family originally have them, or did they suddenly appear from somewhere?
"Dad, Mom, where did they come from?" Su Lao Da finally came to his senses.
Their family had always been poor, so these things appearing was very strange!
"Laosan and Xiao Tian picked them up on the mountain today," Su Ye Ye said calmly.
Picked them up?
Several people looked at each other.
They knew Xiao Tian was lucky, but picking up mushrooms and wild fruits, or even pheasants and rabbits on the mountain was one thing. But how could they pick up gold and jewelry?
These things weren't like stones on the mountain, that they could just pick them up, and so much at once!
"I'm showing you these things so that you have a general idea."
"You all know the current situation. We can't divide them for now. We still have to hide them to avoid bringing trouble."
Everyone finally understood why Su Ye Ye had said earlier that it would bring trouble to the family!
If these things were not hidden properly, they could indeed cause trouble!
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Including the three daughters-in-law, none of them thought of dividing these among themselves.
They still vividly remembered the last time they were reported and searched. They were scared after that one incident.
Wang Xianghua shivered and said, "Why don't we just throw them into the ditch? Money is good, but it's not as important as life!"
When she said this, everyone's expression was strange.
Throwing them away was definitely not something they could bear to do. There would be many expenses in the future, and they would regret it to death if they just threw them away!
But hiding them at home was not that easy!
"Dad, where should we hide them?" Su Lao Er asked with a sigh.
If only they hadn't asked or looked. Now, they wouldn't even be able to sleep at night!
Su Ye Ye had also thought about this for a long time, even before dinner, and by now, he had pretty much decided.
"You three go to our vegetable cellar and dig a six-foot-deep pit. Bury the box there. No, six feet isn't enough, dig deeper."
Su Ye Ye's expression was calm, but his heart was churning.
"You three do this tonight. Tomorrow morning, put our melons and other produce in the cellar. Your mother and the three daughters-in-law will do it. Don't let the children get involved," Su Ye Ye's words settled the matter.
That night, most of the people in the old Su family couldn't sleep.
Who wouldn't be restless if their family suddenly acquired so many treasures?
Liang Xiu tossed and turned on the kang, always feeling that this matter was too terrifying. When those people came to search last time, they were so thorough. What if they came again and found it?
Qi Liangying had previously felt that her parents-in-law were biased towards Laosan, letting Laosan handle all the secret matters.
Now that she knew, Qi Liangying felt that it was better not to know. This constant worry made it impossible to sleep peacefully.
Only Wang Xianghua, who had always been carefree, slept soundly.
The Su family spent several days in trepidation, and when nothing happened, they finally felt somewhat relieved.
Just then, Li Zhuzi came to the Su family and told them something.
Su Ye Ye asked in disbelief, "Zhuzi, you mustn't speak nonsense about this."
"Uncle, I'm not someone who doesn't know what's important. How could I make up such a thing?" Li Zhuzi said earnestly.
"Xiao Qin is only a few years old. How could she do such a thing?" Su Nainai felt that she couldn't understand it no matter what.
"Auntie, it's not that my mother doesn't believe what you're saying, but she can't believe that Su Xiao Qin is already like this at such a young age," Su Laosan quickly comforted.
Su Ye Ye sat on the kang, smoking his old pipe, and remained silent for a long time.
However, Su Xiao Tian noticed that his hands were trembling, clearly indicating that his mood was not as calm as he appeared.
"Grandpa, it's okay, it's all in the past," Su Xiao Tian reached out her small hand and held Su Ye Ye's rough big hand, gently comforting him.
"We are all family, and there is no deep hatred. How could she do such a thing?" Su Ye Ye murmured.
Although he had known for a long time that Su Xiao Qin was not a good person, he had never expected that this girl could be so heartless.
Was she trying to take their entire family's lives?
"A few years ago, Su Xiao Qin ate at our house quite often. It was all wasted on a dog," Wang Xianghua cursed. "An ungrateful white-eyed wolf!"
"Sister-in-law, forget it. The person can't be found. Getting angry now is not worth it," Qi Liangying advised Wang Xianghua. "This child has gone astray!"
"With Liu Xiuying like that, she can't raise a good child. Old man, let's just consider it as being bitten by a dog," Su Nainai sighed.
"I just don't know if Su Xiao Qin acted on her own or if an adult in the family instructed her," Su Laosan said glumly.
If Su Xiao Qin went on her own, this child was too wicked. If an adult in the family instructed her, then it was even more terrifying!
In Hongxin Brigade, they were the closest relatives.
"It should be her own. This child has never been a good one," Su Ye Ye sighed.
Su Laosan suddenly realized and said, "No wonder the captain and Minister Chen said they wanted to investigate, but in the end, they never told us who did it."
He had thought it was difficult to investigate, but now he realized that they probably knew all along.
Perhaps because of Su Xiao Qin's relationship with their family, it was difficult to say?
Because of this matter, the atmosphere in the Su family remained unpleasant for several days.
Especially Su Nainai, who was sulking at home. Every time she saw Liu Xiuying, her eyes seemed to spew fire.
Since Su Xiao Qin couldn't be found, Su Nainai was taking her anger out on her.
Liu Xiuying was bewildered and didn't understand why.
She even recalled her recent actions. Apart from saying a few sour words when Su Manxiu got divorced, she hadn't provoked her eldest sister-in-law. Why was she looking at her with such hatred?
The children in the Su family also learned about this matter. Because of it, the boys beat up Jin Wa and Yin Wa from the second branch of the Su family.
Jin Wa and Yin Wa were cowards. When they were beaten, they cried and whimpered, dragging their snot bubbles to their grandmother to complain.
Liu Xiuying came to make a scene, but Su Nainai sent her away.
With a barrage of veiled insults, Liu Xiuying was defeated.
Speaking of which, Liu Xiuying herself was also a useless weakling, bullying the weak and fearing the strong. When Su Nainai wasn't being fierce, she was quite formidable. As soon as Su Nainai became fierce, she immediately cowered.
Su Nainai was already in a bad mood because of this matter.
Unexpectedly, Kang Rende came to visit at this time.
Kang Rende's attitude was very good this time, and he even brought a whole cake.
But Su Nainai knew that he had embarrassed Su Manxiu at the supply and marketing cooperative, and she held a grudge against him, treating him with disdain.
Kang Rende always felt superior when he went to his in-laws' house, but he had never suffered such humiliation.
His mother-in-law disliked him, so he was naturally very unhappy.
But he was here today to ask his father-in-law for help in transferring his job, so he could only smile apologetically.
As soon as he started speaking, Su Nainai's words stopped him from saying anything further.
"You should go back. We have already severed ties with Su Manxiang, and you two have no further relationship with our family!"
Kang Rende's mouth gaped open, and he couldn't make a sound for a long time.
What did he hear? Severed ties?
Did he hear correctly?
"Auntie, are you confused? No matter what, Manxiang is your daughter," Kang Rende said anxiously.
It didn't matter when they severed ties, but severing them now meant there was no hope!
"Go back. Live your own lives from now on, and don't be dragged down by us common folk," Su Nainai pushed him and the cake out, then bolted the door from the inside.
The commune members had long heard that the old Su family had severed ties with Su Manxiang. They originally thought it was just talk.
But when they saw Su Nainai push Kang Rende out the door, they realized that the Su family might really be breaking off this relationship.
Kang Rende stood dumbfounded at the entrance of the Su family's house for a long time before coming to his senses.
He felt wronged and went back to beat Su Manxiang soundly.
He felt that it must have been Su Manxiu, this troublesome girl, who said something unpleasant. But he didn't realize that he was also partly responsible for what happened!
Kang Rende even forced Su Manxiang to go home and apologize, saying that if the old Su couple didn't forgive Su Manxiang, she shouldn't come back.
Su Manxiang returned to Hongxin Brigade crying, but neither Su Nainai nor Su Ye Ye softened their hearts.
After driving Su Manxiang away, the old couple were in a bad mood for the entire day.
After all, she was their own daughter. The words "severing ties" were easy to say, but it was difficult to actually do it!
County town.
Chen Zi'an and Su Manxiu were getting along harmoniously.
Since Su Manxiu arrived in the county town, she had been living with Chen Zi'an.
Su Manxiu wanted to move out, but Chen Zi'an said that since Su Manxiu didn't have her own house and would have to rent one if she moved out, it would be better for her to live with him, and she could at least pay him some rent.
Since many people rented houses in courtyards with multiple families, Su Manxiu didn't think there was any inconvenience.
She paid Chen Zi'an three yuan in rent each month, but Chen Zi'an turned around and gave her ten yuan, saying it was for buying groceries.
He also said that since Su Manxiu arrived, he could have hot meals when he came home, and the house was tidier, which was better than anything!
Su Manxiu was honest and diligent. Every day, she went out to buy vegetables, rice, and flour, and she clearly accounted for how much money and coupons were used.
The two lived in the same courtyard, in perfect harmony.
The jujube tree in Chen Zi'an's courtyard bore many dates, which hung on the branches, red and plump.
Su Manxiu felt it was time to pick the dates. During dinner, she discussed with Chen Zi'an about finding time to pick the dates in the next few days.
"With so many dates, picking them and drying them into dried dates can last for a long time."
Chen Zi'an hadn't thought of it originally, but since Su Manxiu suggested it, he thought about picking and drying them, and sending some to Manxiu's family and his uncle, as they were good things too!
Su Manxiu was capable. Holding a winnowing basket, she quickly picked the dates from the lowest layer.
Chen Zi'an was not very accustomed to doing such things, but Su Manxiu was enthusiastic, and he was also infected by her mood, so he volunteered to pick the dates from the upper layer.
Rolling up his sleeves, Chen Zi'an climbed the tree in a few swift movements.
"Minister Chen, you can climb trees too?" Su Manxiu asked with a smile.
When Chen Zi'an heard the words "Minister Chen," his eyes flickered slightly.
But in the end, he said nothing.
[Author's Note]
Babies, today's update is a bit late. It's a 5,000-character update. As long as I have time, I will work hard to write, but the speed is really a bit slow, like a turtle crawling. Babies are welcome to leave comments with any opinions or suggestions!