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Li Laotai's heart skipped a beat, and her legs suddenly felt weak. 。It couldn't be that the son was hurt and brought back by a carriage...Jia Yin didn't think it was likely, so she quickly climbed onto her grandmother's lap and hugged her neck. 。Then Old Li came to her senses and struggled to stand up. 。Fortunately, the people sitting on the carriage pole were all unfamiliar 。As he got closer, the middle-aged coachman driving did not move. Instead, a middle-aged woman sitting on the right side of the carriage jumped down. 。Before she could speak, a low cough came from inside the carriage. 。As if being suppressed with all their might, refusing to be heard. 。A middle-aged woman showed a touch of anxiety in her expression, and stepped forward to greet Mrs. Li with respect. 。"Auntie, we are passing through your area. It's getting late and we can't make it into the city. We would like to stay here for the night." 。"Is there anyone in the village with a clean and spacious house?" She said, reaching into her purse for a piece of silver to hand to Old Mrs. Li. 。... Lao Li quickly waved her hand, "No, no need, elder sister..." 。She still had some reservations, but hearing that these people were just passing through and looking for lodging, with patients in their car, she couldn't help but think of her own son who was also traveling far away. 。Thus, she became even more softened hearted. 。"If you're looking for the best families in the village, then ours is the one." 。If you don't mind, come with me. 。The middle-aged woman hadn't expected this, her eyes showing a hint of caution. 。Old Li laughed, "Don't worry, my son is out escorting goods. I think about him all day long" 。。The middle-aged woman looked at Jia Yin, who was plump and cute, and her eyes were filled with shame. 。"Forgive me, madam, our master isn't feeling well. As servants, we try our best to be as helpful as possible." 。"It's not easy being out and about." 。"Li Laotai smiled and led them towards the village." 。On the road, the coughing from inside the carriage seemed never-ending. 。 There were some villagers having a meal in the courtyard. Out of curiosity, one asked, "Auntie, do you have guests at home?" Li Lao replied vaguely, "Yes, are you guys already eating? I'm afraid our food isn't ready yet." 。" The villagers laughed, “That’s right, tonight it’s our turn to watch the crops. Eat quickly and we can get out early.” >>>。"Well, in another month, the grain will be brought back home, and everyone will feel at ease." 。" Li Laotai greeted them warmly, hugged her granddaughter, and guided the carriage all the way home. 。Tao Hongying was afraid her daughter would be hungry, so she was about to go out and find something for the two of them. 。Seeing a carriage following behind, he immediately called out to Zhao Yuru. 。Li Lao Er and Li Lao San were talking in the main hall. Hearing the commotion, they also went out. 。The middle-aged man and woman carefully looked over the Li family's home. The courtyard was clean, the house was tidy, and the family members, old and young, were all well-dressed. 。They were very satisfied, it was clear to see, this was a prosperous household living their best life. 。Li Laotai called her son to open the courtyard gate wide, and welcomed the carriage in. 。The middle-aged driver and woman got off the vehicle and bowed to the crowd. 。“I'm so sorry to bother you all tonight.” 。"Come in, you're a guest. Don't be so polite, miss." 。Li Lao Tai gave Jia Yin to Tao Hongying, then called Zhao Yuru. 。"Let a few boys sleep with you tonight, and West House brings out the drinks for the guests" 。 Get to it, don't dawdle. 。" Zhao Yuru was quick, she turned her head and went into the house. " 。Our house is always tidy, and occasionally Jiaren comes back to study and write in the west room. 。So the whole family, except for Old Lady Li and Jia Yin who lived in the east room, this was the best place. 。At this moment, the carriage door opened, and a middle-aged coachman helped down a man. 。He looked to be about the same age as Li Lao Si, but he wasn't as burly and strong. 。He wore a sapphire silk robe, a jade belt around his waist, and a golden crown upon his head. His features were handsome, with a touch of nobility in his eyebrows and eyes. 。But his face was pale, with an unusual flush on his cheekbones. 。He probably wanted to speak, but he coughed several times in embarrassment, so he could only bow his hands. 。The Li family members all hurriedly returned the greeting and ushered their three master and servants into the house. 。The three servants quietly observed the Li family, sizing them up without leaving a trace. Seeing that they were truly enthusiastic and showed no signs of disdain, their expressions eased considerably. 。Back then, when I stayed in the city, whenever people heard me coughing, they were afraid it might be plague or tuberculosis and refused to let me stay. 。The Xīwū's hearth was very large, covered with a new golden-yellow mattress. At the foot of the kang were two large camphorwood chests. 。There were several beds on the box, covered with clean floral quilts. 。Under the cabinet was a square kang table, on which were placed writing implements and books. 。This surprised the master and his servants. They didn't expect to find a child studying in such a humble farm family. 。This is not just about being wealthy, at least the head of the household has foresight and courage. 。Let me tell you, today the Tianguo dynasty is riddled with holes. The imperial examinations are practically nonexistent. 。Though young men and those with the degree of scholar can still take the exams, the selection of electe officials and imperial scholars has been suspended for five years. 。This was almost a path with no return, who would have thought that an old farmer would actually persist...Li Laotai didn't know what they were thinking. She personally spread the quilts and invited the man to rest on the kang. 。"Please have a seat, esteemed guest. My daughter-in-law is quite skilled in the kitchen and will bring some dishes over shortly." 。Just let me know if you need anything. 。" The man nodded, and the middle-aged woman quickly said, "Our young master is taking medicine and has dietary restrictions. I'll go help with cooking." 。" Okay, we're all hungry too. " 。Li Laotai seemed not to have guessed her precautions, laughing as she went out. 。Tao Hongying had originally cooked millet porridge, steamed white cabbage buns, and stir-fried a fragrant toon egg. 。The neighbor Zhao's share was already taken away, only their own
remained. 。But these dishes for entertaining guests were a bit meager. 。She scooped a ladleful of fine noodles, kneaded and rolled them, then sliced a piece of leaner salted pork. 。Two hours later, the three bowls of pork floss and vegetable noodles were ready. 。Two poached eggs lay nestled in the bowl, sprinkled with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. 。It was simply a feast for the senses! That middle-aged woman kept helping with the fire and cooking, while Old Lady Li held Jiayin on her lap on a small stool outside the door, chatting idly. 。The three of them, master and servant, were traveling from Kyoto for pleasure. Unexpectedly, the master fell ill with an old ailment along the way. 。The head of the household was surnamed Ye, his wife and coachman were a couple. The coachman's name was Ye Shan, and his wife's name was Dong Mei. 。They are all homegrown children and highly trusted by their master, so they often serve him. 。Perhaps worried about the master's illness, Dong Meimei's brow never relaxed. 。The Li family couldn't persuade them either, so they could only try their best to accommodate them. 。Fortunately, Tao Hongying's skills are still as popular as ever. 。Winter Plum and her husband finished all the noodles and added a few vegetarian buns. 。Even the frail young master Ye ate half a bowl of noodles and drank all the soup. 。This made the couple Dongmei overjoyed, they took out silver and gave it to Li Lao Tai 。Lao Li insisted on refusing, though their family wasn't wealthy, she didn't want to use this to make money. 。 Lend a hand, just a small favor. 。But Jia Yin was an exception. Seeing the rejected silver ingot, her big eyes gleamed with a green light. 。Unfortunately, no one cared about what a little kid like her thought. 。Soon everyone fell asleep, but in the middle of the night, the west house suddenly became noisy. 。Dongmei took the medicine bag and medicine jar, simmering the medicine under the eaves. 。And coughs echoed through the house, one after another, making everyone feel a tightness in their chests. 。Li Laotai went to the field and wanted to take a look. Jia Yin was curious and also pestered her to go together. 。The old woman carried her to the west room. Sure enough, Young Master Ye was sitting on the edge of the kang, coughing non-stop. 。When they came in, Ye Gongzi had wanted to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he sprayed Li Laotai and Jia Yin with blood all over their heads and faces! |
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