A few days prior, Jin Huaihua had bought candy for Fu Xiaoqiang and Du Jinqiang, asking them to keep watch at the village entrance and inform her if their family members returned.
Hearing the clamor outside, Jin Huaihua's face lit up with joy. She quickly put down what she was holding and ran out, lifting her skirt.
Xiao Jinfeng was also very happy. When he was in the capital, he was eager to return to see Huaihua and hadn't visited the General's Mansion or the Yun Mansion.
Several carriages were arriving from the west end of the village, accompanied by six or seven guards from the General's Mansion.
Kong Xingzhuo, along with Xiao Ying and Xiao Jun, walked at the very front of the procession, their demeanor dignified and very handsome.
Xiao Xitian was the first to peek her head out of the carriage, waving at Jin Huaihua. "Sister Huaihua, we're back!~"
Jin Huaihua was overjoyed and rushed to the carriage, ruffling Xiao Xitian's hair. "It's good that you're back, good that you're back..."
How did it feel like this sweet baby had gotten plump during her absence from Dashui Village? It seemed the food in the capital was very good!
The village chief, along with Old Man Du and Fu Daqiang, came to the Old Yun family's house to drink tea, eat melon seeds, and chat.
"Old Man Yun, I'm not one to gossip, but why did you suddenly leave the village without telling us? We were terrified, thinking something had happened to your family..."
The village chief pinched a wisp of tobacco from Old Man Yun's tobacco pouch and put it into his own pipe. As he puffed, he grumbled, "And those people were like mad dogs, running into Dashui Village and biting people indiscriminately. They even dared to detain the county magistrate! Miss Huaihua was beaten black and blue, it broke my heart just watching..."
Upon hearing this, Madam Gu pulled Jin Huaihua's hand, her face full of concern. "You've suffered!"
When they had entered the house earlier, Madam Gu had called Huaihua into her room alone to inquire carefully about the events.
Huaihua kept shaking her head and smiling foolishly, saying she was fine.
Madam Gu knew that this girl wouldn't speak of her hardships, and she was diligent and optimistic. It was a blessing for Young Master Xiao to marry her as his wife.
"It's okay, it doesn't hurt!~" Huaihua smiled, pursing her lips.
Seeing this, Old Man Yun cursed in a low voice, "I heard from Young Master Xiao that Shen Ducai is a scoundrel, oppressing the common people and killing innocent people. It's said that the Emperor had him beheaded. He deserved it..."
The village chief grunted and nodded gently. "Old Man Yun, are you still planting crops this year? It's time to sow seeds!"
The village chief thought that the Old Yun family, with their strong background in the capital, could live off their wealth without doing anything. What was the point of farming?
Moreover, Da Man and his wife, and Er Man and his wife, had opened restaurants and milk shops in the county town, and they were said to be earning a lot of money every day.
"Why wouldn't we plant?" Old Man Yun's eyes widened, and he tapped his tobacco pouch. "If we don't farm, will our family drink the northwest wind?"
If he were forced to go to the capital to enjoy life, he would die of boredom.
The village chief was slightly taken aback. "Then who will help you with so much land? You can't do it all by yourself. If the villagers have time, they might help you turn the soil and water the plants, but you can't expect everything from others, right?"
In the past, the Old Yun family had a large population, so there was no shortage of labor for farming.
Now that Da Man, Er Man, and San Man had all opened shops, and Si Man was never in Dashui Village, only Old Man Yun was left as the main force. Although Jin Xiaolou could help with the work, he was still a child.
"You don't need to worry about that!~" Old Man Yun glared, feeling very indignant.
If no one helped him, he wouldn't farm?
What a joke!
Even if he worked himself to death, he would die in the fields.
Madam Gu smiled helplessly. "Old man, don't try to be tough. If you must farm, hire a few permanent workers during the busy season. It won't cost much, and besides, Da Man and Er Man will come to help too!~"
Now, Yun Gui Fang had hired managers. The restaurant on the first floor and the milk shop on the second floor were both managed perfectly by the managers, who were equivalent to store managers today.
With the help of the managers, Da Man and Er Man were only doing odd jobs and running errands at the shops, doing small repair work.
Old Man Yun remained silent, deep in thought for a long time. He looked up at Jin Huaihua. "Huaihua, go get some dishes. I'll have a drink with the village chief..."
"Okay!~"
Half an hour later, the main hall was filled with guests. The village chief, Fu Daqiang, and Old Man Du were all gathered around the dining table, drinking with relish. Even Xiao Jinfeng came to accompany them.
"Uncle Yun!" Xiao Jinfeng took a sip of wine and smiled. "If you really don't have enough hands, I'll let Er Longzi help you with farming. I also want to swing a hoe and get some exercise in the fields!"
Er Longzi: "......"
Master, you are truly willing to part with me.
"How can I let Young Master Xiao do farm work? You are a distinguished guest!" Old Man Yun fiddled with his fingers.
After speaking, he glanced sharply at Xiao Jinfeng, thinking he had misread.
Xiao Jinfeng was wearing a plain dark blue robe, his hair tied up in a simple headscarf. Even the jade pendant at his waist and the jade thumb ring were removed. Looking at him like this, Xiao Jinfeng's attire was no different from that of an ordinary villager.
The only difference was his innate temperament and sharp eyes.
"Haha, Uncle Yun, I am now a commoner. How can I be a distinguished guest?" Xiao Jinfeng's smile was hearty. He pulled Jin Huaihua to his side. "I've decided. After the house is built, I will marry Huaihua. You all must come to the wedding feast then..."
Madam Gu was surprised. "Young Master Xiao is building a house in Dashui Village?"
"Yes, Auntie!" Xiao Jinfeng nodded with a smile. "It's right next to your house. I'll find the craftsmen in the next few days to lay the foundation, and we can start construction anytime..."
Madam Gu said "Oh" and silently blessed Huaihua in her heart. This couple seemed very well-matched.
In the study of the west wing.
After returning, Xiao Xitian taught Xiao Jinheng the structure and principle of a windmill.
The two little buns crowded around the desk, unfolding the drawings and chattering incessantly.
"It's truly ingenious!~" Xiao Jinheng exclaimed with admiration, touching the drawing with his hand. "If this kind of tool were promoted nationwide, it could save a lot of labor."
Xiao Xitian blinked her big eyes. "I just want the livestock in the village to rest. They are too tired..."
If the village had electricity, she could install a motor on the millstone, and it would spin with the press of a button.
Xiao Jinheng couldn't help but laugh. "You are truly a clever little thing!~"
The little village child always made contributions to the country in an imperceptible way.
Although she was carefree and didn't like to mention it, Xiao Jinheng meticulously recorded all her contributions.
Just then, Jin Xiaolou stood outside the study and knocked on the door. "Sister Xitian, can you come out for a moment? I... I have something to say..."