145 – The Family of Four Goes to Travel
There were many things to be arranged before leaving. Most of the employees in the winery and vermicelli workshop were from the village; apart from emphasizing confidentiality, there was no need for special attention. Eating Savory Restaurant and the bakery were arranged as per usual. Only Double Xiang House was the key point of Qin Mian’s arrangement. In the past three years, Double Xiang House had hardly developed any new dishes because it had held activities almost once a month, such as a poem recitation contest, lottery drawing, collecting all kinds of cards for prizes, storytelling contest, and fruit-picking competition. All kinds of new activities emerged one after another. The business of Double Xiang House had not deteriorated at all but had become more and more prosperous. This trip would at least take two months, so in case there was any mishap in the business, there was none in the family that could take charge. Therefore, Qin Mian told Manager Sun that while he and Lei Tie were away, Double Xiang House no longer carried out activities; everything had to be secured-oriented.
Lei Tie only planned to take Lei-Qin Le, Lei-Qin Zhong, and Lei-Qin Shun together. As for the remaining seven armed servants, he arranged two to stay in Leisurely Farmhouse and five to oversee Double Xiang House.
The news of the Qin Mian family’s trip to the Capital soon spread. Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui came when they heard the news.
In the 3rd lunar month, peach blossoms were in full bloom. The peach blossoms clustered together, woven into a pink cloud tree. It was a peaceful sunny day and the spring breeze was gentle. Lei Tie was leading Yuanyuan and Manman to practice boxing under the peach tree with White Spot and Golden Fur followed to wobble along as they joined in the fun.
A round table, two large armchairs, and two small armchairs were placed under the peach tree not far away. On the table were a tea set, a basket of apples, and two plates of snacks. Qin Mian was leaning forward on the table as he wrote and drew.
Next to the round table, there was a rug and some toys scattered. It was unknown when a big and red apple tumbled on the ground.
As the spring breeze gently blew, a few peach petals fluttered in a carefree and leisurely manner.
“Clench your left hand and push forward,” instructed Lei Tie with a demonstration.
Yuanyuan and Manman looked very serious. Their left legs were straightened while the right legs squatted into a horse-stance, arms were raised, and small hands clenched into fists, which suddenly punched forward with a tender shout came out of their mouths.
“Stand straight, change to your right fist. Spin and strike again.”
Qin Mian watched the big one and two small ones with a smile. Only after a good while did he withdraw his eyes and continued to write the planning book.
When Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui looked at the warm and lively scene of the family of four, they could hardly bear to approach and disturb the family.
The manservant came to report to Qin Mian, “Reporting, Little Master. Fifth-gongzi and Gentleman-in-law1 are here.”
Qin Mian beckoned Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui.
“You two are here.”
Right now, Huo Sirui’s identity was no longer Lei Xiangzhi’s schoolmate, but Lei Tie’s younger brother-in-law. He came to Qin Mian and bowed with his hands folded in front, “Sirui greets Eldest Sister-in-law.”
“Eldest Sister-in-law.” Lei Xiangzhi also greeted him.
Lei Tie brought Yuanyuan and Manman to come over.
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui saluted again, “Eldest Brother.”
The two little boys, with sweat all over their faces, cupped their fists and bowed down solemnly to salute, “Yuanyuan/Manman greets Fifth Uncle and Uncle-in-law!”
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui were amused and both laughed.
Qin Mian picked up handkerchiefs and wiped Yuanyuan and Manman’s sweat.
“Yuanyuan and Manman are truly good boys.” Huo Sirui took out two round colored stones in the size of sweet orange from his sleeve pocket and handed each to Yuanyuan and Manman. “These are the stones that Uncle-in-law picked up by the riverbank while strolling outside. They aren’t worth anything; only precious in nature and fascinating. For you two.”
Yuanyuan and Manman looked at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie nodded as he perceived that the stones were indeed ordinary.
“Thank you, Uncle-in-law!” Yuanyuan and Manman took off their shoes and went to play on the rug at the side.
White Spot rubbed its soles on the footpad and jumped on the rug, rolling the stones with its snout as it played with the boys.
Golden Fur lazily tramped at the side; it huffed and puffed, which blew away the petals floating in front of it.
After pouring two cups of tea, the manservant brought two chairs and retreated to the side.
Qin Mian casually motioned Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui to sit down, served the two cups of tea, and asked Huo Sirui, “It’s rare for you to come here, why didn’t you bring Little Sister too?”
After Lei Chuntao married Huo Sirui, she gave birth to a daughter, whose childhood name was Dangdang2. Huo Sirui was fine with it, but both Dean Huo and Madam Huo were disappointed. Dean Huo had always dreamed of having a little grandson whom he could teach; as for Madam Huo, she also wanted a grandson the most. However, perhaps it was because Lei Chuntao had seen many conflicts between a mother-in-law and daughters-in-law in her home before she got married, she subtly learned a lot. After a while, she got along with Madam Huo like a biological mother and daughter. Even Dean Huo also changed his attitude toward her. Owing to Lei Chuntao taking good care of her parents-in-law, Huo Shirui naturally loved her more. Now, the whole family got by in a joyous and harmonious relationship.
In Green Mountain Village, the villagers who knew about it secretly envied Lei Chuntao’s marriage.
Huo Sirui and Lei Xiangzhi looked at each other before Huo Sirui said, “Eldest Sister-in-law, Eldest Brother, actually, Fifth Brother and I came here to ask for something, so we didn’t bring our wives here.”
“Oh?” Thinking of the coming spring examination, Qin Mian vaguely guessed something.
As expected, Lei Xiangzhi said, “Eldest Sister-in-law; Sirui and I will participate in the spring examination on the 4th month this year. However, Capital City is quite far. Perhaps, it will take nearly 20 days to arrive by carriage. Both of us are very worried about encountering mishaps on the way.”
“If we miss the examination date by an unforeseen event, the ten years of studying hard will fall short of completion.” Huo Sirui was somewhat embarrassed as he continued, “I heard that Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law are going to take Yuanyuan and Manman to visit the Capital. We want to ask if you can start ahead of time and go with us? Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law are both highly skilled in martial arts. If you two accompany us, Fifth Brother and I can be at ease.”
Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian in silence.
Qin Mian was in a bit of a quandary. If they had to hurry up for the examination date, they had to set out at the end of the 3rd lunar month at the latest. It rained a lot in the 3rd month and, to be honest, it was a pleasure to journey on rainy days from time to time. His and Lei Tie’s original intention of the trip was to bring Yuanyuan and Manman to “play”. If they were confined in the carriage all the way, where was the fun? Besides, if they set out ahead of time, Yuanyuan and Manman would not be able to celebrate their birthdays at home.
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui didn’t know that both Yuanyuan and Manman carried a spiritual tool that could warm up the wearer’s body; they thought that Qin Mian was worried about Yuanyuan and Manman’s health. The spring in the 3rd lunar month was chilly and the children would easily get sick on a long-distance trip. The two men dared not to urge and quietly waited for Qin Mian’s decision. They both knew that they were forcing the other party, but they were truly afraid of mishaps on the road. If the ten years of studying hard were destroyed at the last step, how could one be reconciled?
Qin Mian thought about it for a while and put himself in Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui’s situation; he sympathized with them. Then, he slightly nodded to Lei Tie.
Lei Tie perceived Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui’s bad presumption. He pinched Qin Mian’s shoulder and pondered for a moment, “Set out as soon as possible. In case the weather is too cold, stay somewhere temporarily for a few days.”
Qin Mian was a little puzzled. After thinking about it, he understood why the man said so. He nodded with a smile, “Alright.”
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui looked happy. Both men stood up and bowed with their fists cupped in the other hands to Qin Mian and Lei Tie, feeling embarrassed.
“We’ve troubled Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law. Not only that, but we’ve also wronged Yuanyuan and Manman; their birthday won’t be celebrated at home. We really feel bad about it.”
Yuanyuan and Manman thought the adults were calling them, so they turned their heads and looked over. However, they didn’t get any response. They shrugged their shoulders like little adults and continued to play.
Qin Mian waved his hand and said, “It’s fine. It’s the same anywhere one celebrates one’s birthday.”
Lei Tie lightly spoke, “You two go back to prepare. Is it alright to set out in five days?”
“No problem.” Lei Xiangzhi looked at Huo Sirui.
Huo Sirui responded, “I also have no problem.”
“If you have friends who are also going to the Capital to take the exam, you can invite them to go together. But it’s better not to have too many people. A-Tie and I dislike too much noise.”
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui were very happy when they heard that and thanked the couple again.
“Eldest Sister-in-law can rest assured that there are only Qu Zongwen, Bu Qingyun, and Zhao Tianhe. You and Eldest Brother know them.”
Qin Mian nodded.
“Well then, we are going.”
After Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui left, Qin Mian and Lei Tie went busy. Qin Mian went to arrange the family business; Lei Tie was responsible for packing up the clothing and other articles of daily use for their family of four. Many things could be put in the space, but on the surface, everything that should be prepared should not be missing, lest its aroused suspicion.
Lei Xiangzhi and Huo Sirui were very considerate. The next day, Huo Sirui had people sent a brand-new cotton-padded jacket to Yuanyuan and Manman respectively. Meanwhile, Lei Xiangzhi’s wife, Li Shi, gave Yuanyuan and Manman each a soft hat, on which there was a small animal that warded off evil spirits embroidered by Li Shi herself. One could see that she was very thoughtful.
Four days later, the sky was clear and the spring sun was warm. Two carriages drove out of Leisurely Farmhouse. At the front was a double-carriage driven by Lei-Qin Le. Qin Mian, Lei Tie, Yuanyuan, Manman, and even White Spot were all on that carriage. The poor Golden Fur’s body was too large that for this trip to the Capital, it had to stay behind and guarded the house. Lei-Qin Zhong and Lei-Qin Shun rode on horsebacks, and behind them was another double-carriage driven by a manservant, carrying the entourage’s baggage and other items.
The carriages stopped at the gate of the old house. After Lei Xiangzhi bid farewell to his parents, wife, and child, he got on the first carriage with his baggage on his back. Huo Sirui’s family had a carriage. When they got to the county, he would ride with Huo Sirui.
The villagers who cared about Lei Xiangzhi stood at the entrance of the village and watched the carriages go away.
Yuanyuan and Manman liked to sit on a carriage. They leaned on the window as they watched the village gradually distancing. Lei Tie held the boys in each of his powerful arms.
With their Old Dad holding them, Yuanyuan and Manman felt very safe and not afraid at all. From time to time, their hands and heads stretched out of the window. The two little boys were obviously excited as they kept chattering.
“Gege, look, there are many birds on the trees.”
“En.”
Note:
Footnotes
- 姑爷 [gū ye] is a form of address for a son-in-law by the family of his wife. I took the liberty to use “gentleman” since the speaker is a servant. welp
- (onom.) dong/ding-dong (bell)
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