Chapter 61

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

 

Chapter 61: Moving

     

The next day, Mr. Liu and Butcher Liu finally took their leave. When Zhang Cai, Zhang Xiaohu, and Liu Qian went to the village entrance to see them off, Zhang Cai repeatedly assured them that he would promptly seek out the head of the Guo clan to discuss Mr. Liu’s relocation. Mr. Liu, however, indicated that it would be best to wait until the Zhang family’s matters had settled before proceeding with the discussion.

     

Only then did everyone part ways.

     

The days that followed were calm but very lonely. Everyone struggled to adjust to life without Grandmother. Occasionally, they would think of her and gaze at her room, tears streaming down their faces.

     

Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua moved into Grandmother’s small house. At night, neither of them felt afraid. Although Grandmother was gone, the house was filled with her presence, a presence that was full of love and memories, how could it make them afraid?

     

Zhang Xiaolong stayed with Liu Qian in the adjacent main house, which had originally been prepared as a new room. Now, with Zhang Xiaolong injured, he had no choice but to remain bedridden and accept Liu Qian’s care.

     

It was already early March. While the spring plowing for other families in Guo Village was nearing completion, the Zhang family had fallen behind due to the recent funeral. They were just starting their work, and with Zhang Xiaolong unable to labor, the others had to work even harder. Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua had gained considerable strength. Although he couldn’t sustain it for long periods, it was more than enough for plowing and farming.

     

After finishing his own small plot, he would go help Zhang Cai and Zhang Xiaohu. Eventually, the three of them worked together on Zhang Xiaolong’s land. Guo Sufei and Liu Qian were also busy cooking, washing clothes, and taking care of Zhang Xiaolong. In their busyness, the pain of loss was gradually worn away over time, leaving only deep longing in their hearts.

     

Perhaps it was the efficacy of the medicine from the Piaomiao Sect, or perhaps it was the miraculous quality of the Zhang family’s well water. In any case, Zhang Xiaolong’s injuries healed rapidly, and his complexion improved day by day. By the time the spring plowing and planting were almost finished, his wounds had nearly healed as well. Fortunately, this time Zhang Xiaolong didn’t go to Old Liu, the veterinarian, for treatment, otherwise, Old Liu would once again be amazed at his own medical skills.

     

Once the seeds were sown in the fields, the entire Zhang family finally breathed a sigh of relief. The busy days had been a deliberate distraction from their grief. Now, with the workload easing, their thoughts inevitably returned to their sorrow. The family frequently visited Grandmother’s grave, and in doing so, they also kept Grandfather’s grave exceptionally tidy.

     

People are indeed peculiar. Grandfather had passed away many years ago, and the Zhang family only visited his grave during the annual festival for a brief ritual. In daily life, they rarely thought of him. However, Grandmother’s sudden departure left the family deeply heartbroken and constantly thinking of her. As Zhang Xiaohua put it, he had never even met his Grandfather, whereas his Grandmother had doted on him for over ten years. The disparity in their feelings was only natural.

     

Every time Zhang Xiaohua took the time to visit his grandmother’s grave, he was filled with a sense of regret and guilt. The feeling he had while kneeling before her coffin did not diminish with time, instead, it grew heavier. Perhaps he was destined never to return to the carefree farming life he once knew.

     

However, he just didn’t know, what should be his next step?

     

Could martial arts be learned as long you leave home?

     

The weather had warmed up, and Zhang Xiaolong’s injuries had healed significantly. Seeing this, Liu Qian couldn’t help but remember the matter of arranging relocation for her father, so she took Zhang Xiaolong with her to find Zhang Cai.

     

At this moment, Zhang Cai suddenly remembered that he still owed his in-laws a favor. With everything happening at home and in the fields crucial for the family’s livelihood, he had completely forgotten about it. However, upon checking the calendar, he realized it wasn’t too late. Hurriedly preparing a gift, he went with Guo Sufei to find the clan head. They initially thought it would be an easy matter, but unexpected complications arose.

     

The reason was simple, there were few children in the village who could learn to read, and no one could be found to teach them. The clan’s school had been idle for years, so they had disbanded it and let clan members live in the schoolhouse. Now that Mr. Liu had come, there was no place to accommodate him, let alone students to teach.

     

Zhang Cai was quite frustrated. The clan leader was indeed short-sighted. Without a school in the village, how could the children learn to read? Reflecting on his own past shortsightedness for not educating his children, he felt inferior during casual conversations with Mr. Liu due to his lack of literacy and limited knowledge. He deeply regretted not sacrificing more to ensure his children received an education. This clan leader completely dashed the villagers’ hopes. If they wanted education, they would have to go to another village. This only strengthened his determination to bring Mr. Liu to Guo Village.

     

Since there was no housing available, Zhang Cai could only compromise. He asked if Mr. Liu could relocate to Guo Village, and Mr. Liu was responsible for finding his own place to stay. The clan leader managed all affairs of Guo Village, and anyone moving in required the clan leader’s approval. If the clan leader didn’t agree and Mr. Liu moved into the village without permission, life would be difficult to lead normally.

     

The clan leader had seen Mr. Liu at Grandmother’s funeral and was impressed by his demeanor. Having someone like him relocate to Guo Village would certainly benefit the Guo clan, especially ensuring no worries about finding a teacher in the future. There was no reason for the clan leader to disagree. In fact, he even offered assistance to Mr. Liu to renovate his housing. Zhang Cai thanked him on behalf of Mr. Liu and then took his leave.

     

When Zhang Cai returned, he told Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian about it. They were both happy. In fact, they had never planned to use the schoolhouse. While it would have been convenient to move in immediately, it was far from Zhang’s home and they would have to follow the clan’s arrangements, which would be uncomfortable. If they built their own house, although it would be hard work, they could have it their way, which would be much more convenient.

     

Behind Zhang’s house was a small pond, with a bamboo forest on one side and an open space on the opposite bank. Normally, it was littered with garbage and overgrown with weeds. If cleaned up, it would make a perfect small courtyard by the pond. They could plant lotus flowers and other plants there. In the summer, they could enjoy the endless green lotus leaves stretching out on the water. The adjacent bamboo forest added to the serene atmosphere. Liu Qian was very pleased upon seeing it, and Mr. Liu probably wouldn’t have many objections either.

     

However, since it was now overgrown with weeds, showing it to Mr. Liu would be remiss. So the Zhang brothers started cleaning it up together first so that Mr. Liu could make a decision after seeing it.

     

When Mr. Liu received the message and returned to Guo Village, the vacant land had already been cleaned up and the pond tidied. Mr. Liu grabbed Zhang Cai’s hand, he was so pleased that he didn’t know what to say. The environment here is really wonderful, nestled in a corner of the small village with the rustling of bamboo and a pond for boating. Though not large, it carries poetic charm. He was extremely satisfied.

     

With Mr. Liu’s approval, the Zhang family naturally began preparations for construction. Mr. Liu funded the purchase of building materials, while the Zhang family provided the labor. The clan leader also arranged for laborers from the village to help during their spare time. They watched as the courtyard and house gradually took shape, piece by piece.

     

At this time, there wasn’t much work to do in the fields, mostly just watering and weeding. So most of the Zhang family members were busy working on the house. Zhang Xiaolong treated working as a way to recover his strength. By the time the house took shape, he had fully recovered as well.

     

Zhang Xiaohua mostly worked in the fields, which was relatively easier compared to the house construction work. Originally, it was Zhang Xiaolong who was supposed to work in the fields. However, considering Xiaolong and Liu Qian’s newlywed life, Zhang Cai let Xiaohua go instead.

     

However, Zhang Xiaohua was becoming less interested in the work in the fields. His mind was set on his own matters, particularly wanting to learn martial arts. He just didn’t know how to broach the subject with the adults.

     

And another person feeling down was Zhang Xiaohu.

     

Zhang Xiaohu is about the same age as Zhang Xiaolong. Similar to Zhang Xiaolong in the past, he didn’t pay much attention to the girls around him. However, since meeting Liu Yueyue, he seemed to have fallen in love at first sight and developed feelings. He just hadn’t had the opportunity to confess his feelings yet. Watching Liu Qian and his elder brother happily tie the knot, he felt envious. Finally, he found a chance to approach Liu Qian to inquire about his chances with Liu Yueyue.

     

At this point, Liu Qian was already Zhang Xiaohu’s elder sister-in-law, so there was no need to be cautious in their conversations. She candidly told Zhang Xiaohu all about Liu Yueyue’s situation. This instantly extinguished Zhang Xiaohu’s fervent enthusiasm. His initially blushing face eventually turned pale, looking dismal. Upon reflection, it made sense. There aren’t many women like Liu Qian in the world who can see through social norms so clearly. Moreover, it took many fortunate coincidences for her to marry into the Zhang family. Otherwise, with her excellent conditions, why would she seek out a rural farmer? Who wouldn’t want a wealthier, more handsome partner for a prosperous life? What is love? It’s just a pie in the sky, which is used for longing, not to fill hunger and daily life.

     

After suffering a setback, Zhang Xiaohu couldn’t help but feel downhearted. Thinking about the girls around him before and now comparing them to Liu Yueyue, he felt that his future life lacked color. He even began to entertain thoughts of changing his life, similar to Zhang Xiaohua. If he continued to work in the fields like this, marrying and having children with a woman he didn’t love, life would be as tasteless as plain water. Wouldn’t that be very boring?

     

However, Zhang Xiaohu diligently worked on the house every day without showing any signs of distress. Liu Qian thought maybe he had given up, so she didn’t mention this matter to Guo Sufei. She just thought that in the future, if he met someone suitable or a girl he liked, as his sister-in-law, she would definitely do her best to help him forget about Liu Yueyue and live a good life.

     

As the weather gradually warmed up, with the help of villagers, Mr. Liu’s house and small courtyard were also completed. Mr. Liu moved in quietly by himself, packing his essentials and his beloved calligraphy and paintings. He drove a large cart over, leaving other belongings to Liu Kai. Accompanying him were Butcher Liu and Liu Kai.

     

Upon receiving the news, Liu Qian naturally felt very happy. She pulled Zhang Xiaolong over to help. Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei also rushed over. Mr. Liu didn’t have much belongings, so he quickly settled in. Looking at his simple courtyard, Mr. Liu let out a sigh of relief, feeling indescribable emotions. He realized that he would spend the rest of his life here. Looking at his reluctant son and his joyful daughter, Mr. Liu’s eyes became slightly moist.