Qin Si Ya was usually quite lively, but she was a little quiet now. She looked at Qin Fang, but had no impression of her eldest brother in her mind.
Qin Shoucheng shouted on horseback: "Si Ya, this is your elder brother." Knowing that it was his elder brother Qin, Qin Shoucheng was much bolder now than he was timid just now.
After hearing what her third brother said, Qin Si Ya felt relieved and called out, "Big Brother." Her voice still contained a hint of girlish shyness.
Qin Fang didn't think much about it: "Si Ya, do you want to ride on the horse?" There is of course another reason why Wu Shuai can run fast. The horse is bigger than ordinary horses, so it is no problem for Wu Shuai to carry three children on his back.
Before Qin Si Ya could answer, Yang Haiyan said, "My husband, my fourth sister is a girl, how can she sit on a horse? Let her get on the carriage."
Qin Si Ya heard the female voice coming from the carriage, and heard the other party call her "big brother and husband", and she knew that it was her family who talked about her sister-in-law last year, and her sister-in-law even brought her cloth to make new clothes. She curiously passed Wu Shuai and looked towards the carriage, only to see a girl who was prettier than the girls in the town looking at her.
Qin Si Ya had never been to the county town. In her mind, the town was already a great place. And the girls in the town were all very beautiful. At her age, being beautiful was not just about looking pretty, but mainly about wearing beautiful clothes, having beautiful hair ornaments, etc.
When Yang Haiyan saw the little girl looking at her, she smiled and waved: "Four girls, huh? I'm your sister-in-law. Would you like to sit in the carriage?"
Qin Si Ya stared at Yang Hai Yan for a moment, then blushed and said, "I'm going to the field to call my father and mother." Then she ran away quickly. Although she was carrying a backpack and was small, she ran very fast.
Seeing this, Qin Fang and Yang Haiyan had no choice but to follow her.
Qin Fang led the horse: "Shoucheng, how is the family situation these years?"
Twelve-year-old Qin Shoucheng would be considered a grown-up boy in a family with a small population, so it was natural for Qin Fang to ask him.
Qin Shoucheng also answered honestly: "Grandpa's waist was a little sore a few days ago, and my father asked him to see a doctor, but he didn't go. Grandma was sick at the beginning of the year, and the doctor prescribed five days of medicine. Now she is fine. My father, mother, uncles and aunts are all fine."
Qin Fang felt a little distressed when he heard Qin Shoucheng talking about his grandparents. He was the eldest brother in the family and the first grandson of his grandparents, so his grandparents loved him the most. At the same time, he also cared about his grandparents. He was very nervous when his grandparents were sick.
Yang Haiyan was sitting in the carriage. Because children don't know how to lower their voices when speaking, she could hear the conversation outside clearly.
Soon, they arrived at the Qin family’s door.
Niu Dan shouted loudly: "Grandma, we are back, Grandma and Big Brother are back."
Grandma Qin came back from the vegetable garden and was going to wash some vegetables so she could cook for lunch when she heard Niu Dan's voice. Niu Dan was a chatterbox, having inherited his unreliable mother. Fortunately, however, this child had a good personality and was very cheerful.
Hearing Niu Dan's voice, Grandma Qin said in the yard: "What do you mean, eldest brother is back? What a foolish thing to say. I think you went to be lazy and left the work to your third brother." After a while, she heard the movement at the gate of the yard and went out for a while. Then she was dumbfounded, "Ah... Ah Fang?"
When Qin Fang saw Grandma Qin, his eyes couldn't help but turn red.
"Ah Fang... my precious grandson, it's really you..." Grandma Qin hurried forward and pulled Qin Fang to look at her, tears streaming down her face. She had cried a lot when her grandson secretly signed up for military service without telling them. She also blamed herself for being useless and that her family couldn't afford the money for military service, otherwise why would her grandson have to serve in the military at such a young age
Qin Fang hurriedly comforted her: "Grandma, I'm back. This is great news. Why are you crying?"
Before Grandma Qin could refute, Niu Dan chuckled in the stable: "Grandma, you are an adult, and you are still crying. It's so embarrassing."
Grandma Qin didn't have time to cry anymore. She went to meditate on the horse and scold her unfilial grandson.
Niu Dan said arrogantly: "Grandma, you can't hook it, you can't hook it..."
Grandma Qin was so angry: "A Fang, drag this kid down for me."
Qin Fang carried Niu Dan down from the horse with an expressionless face. As soon as Niu Dan landed on the ground, he threw away the backpack and ran away, looking back as he ran, fearing that Grandma Qin would catch up with him.
Yang Haiyan had already opened the carriage door curtain. She chuckled, "Niu Dan is so lively." He is innocent, a little naughty, but also cute.
When Grandma Qin heard the gentle laughter, she couldn't help but look over, only to see a beautiful young woman coming out of the carriage. She couldn't help but be stunned.
Qin Fang introduced: "Grandma, this is Yanyan, my wife."
Grandma Qin had guessed it from this, but she didn't dare to take the initiative to recognize her, for fear of recognizing the wrong person. After all, this girl looked prettier and more impressive than the daughters of the wealthy families in the county. Grandma Qin was still more discerning than Qin Si Ya, who only recognized the girls in the town, but Grandma Qin thought of the girl in the county.
But now that Qin Fang introduced her, Grandma Qin felt confident. She said enthusiastically: "This is A Fang's daughter. This is her first time here. Are you used to it? Come on, come in and have some tea." While talking, Grandma Qin moved closer to Yang Haiyan, but she didn't pull her. She saw that the girl was wearing beautiful clothes and the material was carefully made. She didn't dare to pull her, for fear of getting it dirty and making the girl unhappy. If she did that, she was afraid that it would make her grandson embarrassed.
Unexpectedly, Yang Haiyan stepped forward and took Grandma Qin's hand affectionately: "Grandma, when I came here, I was worried that the elders at home didn't like me. Seeing you so kind, I feel relieved."
If you act like a spoiled child, you will get candy. This is right. When Grandma Qin saw that Yang Haiyan didn't mind her dirty body and was so close to her, she inexplicably liked Yang Haiyan. She immediately patted Yang Haiyan's hand and said, "Don't worry, my girl. We are all kind-hearted people in the Qin family. Everyone in the family is easy to get along with."
Yang Haiyan smiled lightly, her voice gentler than Qin Fang had ever heard: "Thank you, grandma."
No, Qin Fang thought, when they just got married, he was on night duty, and she came to deliver lunch every day at noon, and she also called him husband so gently. But now... it seems that she is not as gentle as before. Qin Fang did not understand the gentle trap of women, nor did he know how to think about it. He was happy to see his grandmother and his wife being so nice. He paid the driver and asked him to go back, and he moved the things in the carriage into the carriage.
The noise of the horses and carriages coming was quite loud, so several families nearby saw it. At this time, some people secretly watched in their homes and yards, while some people simply came out to watch.
Some people recognized Qin Fang from the previous scene, so they greeted him: "This is Qin Fang, it's been five years in a blink of an eye, you have grown so big."
"Qin Fang, have you completed your military service and returned with a wife?" Many people in the village knew that Qin Fang had married a wife. Last year, the whole family wore new clothes to show off, saying that Qin Fang's wife had brought them over, so everyone knew about Qin Fang's marriage. Ancient people didn't have much fun, so the new daughter-in-law bought new cloth for the family to make clothes, which was something worth showing off.
Although Qin Fang's personality had become much colder due to his five years in the military camp, he was still somewhat of his old self when he met his fellow villagers: "Yes, auntie, I have completed my five years of military service, so I brought my wife home to see you."
"So you're back? Or are you going to go back?"
Qin Fang: "I have to go back."
"Then how long can you stay here this time?"
Qin Fang: "About twenty days."
"Qin Fang, I heard that your wife was given by the imperial court. She is so beautiful."
Qin Fang: "Yes, this is a gift from the court." He bowed to one side and said, "This is the emperor's grace. They sympathize with us soldiers on the frontier, so the court arranged a marriage for us."
"Oh, this emperor is so nice."
"So, with so many of you soldiers, has the court arranged marriages for you one by one? How many young ladies would that require?" Everyone was naturally not interested in the court's affairs, but they were naturally interested in gossips such as marriages. Knowing about them would broaden their horizons, and maybe even help them brag about it.
Qin Fang explained patiently: "No, it's the soldiers who have made military achievements that the court arranges marriages for them." To put it simply, only centurions can have it. After all, there are not many girls, and it is impossible to take care of them all.
When everyone heard that Qin Fang had made military achievements, they thought that Qin Fang was even more powerful.
At the same time, Qin Si Ya had already run to the field. She opened her voice and yelled: "Grandpa, Dad, Mom, my elder brother is back with his sister-in-law... Grandpa, Dad, Mom, my elder brother is back with his sister-in-law..."
Mother Qin threw down the hoe and ran to the shore: "What did you say? Your eldest brother came back with his wife? It's your eldest brother? Are you sure it's your eldest brother?"
Qin Si Ya: "Yeah, yeah, my third brother, fourth brother and I went to cut grass for pigs and came back. We met my eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law on the road. My eldest brother asked my third brother and fourth brother to sit on the big horse, and my eldest sister-in-law asked me to sit in the carriage. I didn't sit, so I came to call you." There was a little pride in her tone. She, Qin Si Ya, could also ride in a carriage to please others. Although she had never ridden in one, she felt as if she had ridden in one before, and she could show off to the little girls.
Mother Qin didn't believe it and asked again: "Is it your eldest brother?"
Qin Si Ya: "Mother, my third brother has already said that he is my eldest brother. How can he admit his mistake? Can others let my third brother ride on a horse? Let me ride in a carriage?"
Mother Qin breathed a sigh of relief. She had heard correctly that it was her eldest son who had come. Wait: "Your eldest sister-in-law is here too? How is your eldest sister-in-law?" In fact, the family had also calculated that the son might come back after serving in the army for five years, but they did not expect that he would really come back. Fortunately, the family built a few more rooms last year, thinking that the son would come back with his daughter-in-law and would not be able to share one room with his brothers. Also, thinking that Shouye had grown up and was about to have a daughter-in-law, they simply built a few more rooms, and it was really the right thing to do.
Qin Si Ya thought back to the elder sister-in-law in the carriage who was prettier than the young lady in town. She said loudly, "My elder sister-in-law is so pretty, prettier than the young lady in town. She even asked me to ride in the carriage."
After hearing this, Qin's mother hit her daughter on the head and said, "You still think it's good-looking."
Qin Si Ya: "Of course I know that."
Father Qin had already come over with Mother Qin's hoe on his back, and behind him, Grandpa Qin and other members of the Qin family asked: "Is it really your eldest brother who has returned?"
Just as Qin Si Ya was about to speak, Niu Dan ran over and said, "My elder brother is back... My elder brother is back... My elder brother is back on horseback..."
All right, no one asked Qin Si Ya anymore, they all believed that Qin Fang was back. So, Grandpa Qin took the lead, and the family went home again. It was different from the previous time when Qin Fang brought something back, although they were happy before, but this time everyone had joy on their faces, after all, Qin Fang was back safely.
Unlike everyone else who was happy, Mother Qin was still a little nervous. Not only was the daughter-in-law nervous when meeting her parents-in-law, but the parents-in-law were also nervous when meeting their daughter-in-law. The parents-in-law from the peasant family were also uneasy when meeting the daughter-in-law from the rich family. Although to others, Yang Haiyan was born a slave and had a low status. But the court abolished her slavery. She was a good citizen from a wealthy family. She had read books and knew how to write. She could write well. To ordinary people, she was like a lady from a wealthy family. Mother Qin asked Qin Si Ya again: "How is your sister-in-law after she left?"
The eighteen-year-old Qin Si Ya didn't understand what her mother meant, so she said, "My sister-in-law is so pretty, she's prettier than the young lady in town."
Okay, Mother Qin won’t ask anymore. She feels like she won’t get any results from asking.
The group returned home and saw Qin Fang moving things on the carriage. However, none of them recognized Qin Fang. The reason they couldn't recognize him was the same as Qin Shoucheng's. The height difference between the sixteen-year-old Qin Fang and the twenty-one-year-old Qin Fang was so big that they couldn't recognize him at all.
It was Qin Si Ya who said, "Brother is moving things."
Qin's mother was stunned for a moment: "Is that your eldest brother?" Oh my God, has her son grown so tall
Qin Fang is a martial artist, so his hearing is naturally better than that of ordinary people. He also heard the voices of Qin Si Ya and Qin's mother. Of course, they were also close. Qin Fang turned around and saw the Qin family. At that moment, the Qin family recognized him. Although five years have passed, Qin Fang has grown taller, stronger, and his facial features have opened up, but he is still his parents' son, and seeing is more than just appearance.
Mother Qin's eyes were red: "My dear Ah Fang..." She ran over and hugged her son, "You are finally back, you are finally back, you really worried me to death." Although their son would bring a letter back every year, they were still worried. Especially as a mother, she was more worried than cutting off her heart.
Qin Fang also hugged his mother: "Mom, my son is back. He is fine and has no injuries. My wife has consulted a doctor and has taken care of my body. Don't worry."
Grandpa Qin: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back." As he spoke, his voice became a little hoarse.
Qin's father was also happy with his son. He had always been a man of few words, and his wife was the one who made the decisions at home. But now, seeing his son coming back, he was so happy that he could hardly control himself.
Uncle Qin: "Finally you're back, it's good to be back."
Uncle Qin: "Afang has grown so big now."
Aunt Qin: "That's right, isn't the food in the military camp very good?"
Aunt Qin didn't say anything.
Mother Qin glanced at Aunt Qin. This dog couldn't spit out human food, and she didn't want to argue with her. "Son, do you still need to move this thing? Let your father and others move it. You must be tired after walking all the way. Go back and rest."
Father Qin: "Yes, yes, let's move it."
Qin Fang: "No more, just this box of stuff. But this carriage and horse are ours, but the gate to the yard is too small, the carriage can't go in, so we have to leave it outside."
Uncle Qin said: "Tear down the gate of the yard and make it bigger. It's quick to change this gate." The wall of the yard was built with stones and clay, which was not very solid, so it was convenient to tear down some of the width. After all, no one was at ease leaving such an expensive carriage outside.
Aunt Qin: "Yes, yes, tear down the wall."
Grandma Qin: "What are you all mumbling about outside? Ah Fang's wife is still in there, come and see her."
When Qin's mother heard this, she hurriedly pulled her clothes and said, "Oh, they are a little dirty because of working in the fields today, but it's too late to change now." She walked into the yard cautiously, feeling that this was the mood of a daughter-in-law meeting her parents-in-law.
Yang Haiyan was sorting the boxes that Qin Fang had moved in. However, although the Qin family had prepared the house, they had not prepared any back cushions or quilts. They were afraid that even if they prepared, it would take too long for Qin Fang and his family to come back.
So Grandma Qin said to Yang Haiyan, "Let's go to town later to buy a wedding quilt for you and Ah Fang. You were not here before, and your family didn't know about the wedding, so we didn't prepare anything."
Yang Haiyan: "Thank you grandma, you are so thoughtful. My husband always mentions grandma, saying that he feels relieved that he has grandma as the backbone of the family. He is just worried that grandma is old and doesn't take good care of herself, and that you will be tired."
When Grandma Qin heard this, regardless of whether Yang Haiyan's words were true or not, she was happy that her granddaughter-in-law could coax her: "My grandson is filial. He was not originally the one to go to the military service, but he..."
Yang Haiyan smiled and said, "He is my father's son, he should be filial and serve in the army on behalf of his elders. This is what he should do. Besides, if he hadn't served in the army, I wouldn't have met such a good husband."
When Qin's mother heard this, she walked in and said, "We, Afang, are so lucky to have married such a good wife."
Yang Haiyan turned around and saw a shrewd woman walking in.
Grandma Qin said, "This is Afang's mother. Come on, come on, don't crowd in the room, let's go outside to get some sun and get to know our family. We can go back to your and Afang's wedding banquet, and then get to know other people. Oh, by the way, are you going to go back this time?"
Yang Haiyan first bowed to Qin's mother and said, "Mother, my name is Haiyan, and I am Afang's wife."
Mother Qin quickly helped her up: "Hey." As Si Ya said, she was a prettier girl than the girls in the town. Look at her face, it's as white as flour. Look at her voice, it's soft and gentle, not as loud as other shrews. She is gentle and polite, and her grandchildren will definitely be as good as her. Mother Qin looked at her again, her eyes were clear and upright, and she didn't mean to look down on them, and she was satisfied. If possible, who doesn't want to marry a good daughter-in-law for their son
Yang Haiyan stood up along with Qin's mother and continued, "My husband has a month's vacation this time, but it takes us ten days to travel back and forth, so we can only stay at home for twenty days. Grandma, mother, if there is a good day during these twenty days, you can make up for my husband and I's wedding banquet, and let me meet all the relatives and friends at home."
When Grandma Qin heard this, she knew exactly what she meant: "Okay, okay." This granddaughter-in-law is really nice. She explained everything clearly.
Aunt Qin: "Afang's wife, I am Afang's second aunt."
Mother Qin said: "This is your second aunt, and this is your third aunt."
Yang Haiyan smiled slightly, and also performed the greetings of a younger generation: "Second Aunt, Third Aunt."
Second Aunt Qin: “Oh.” She thought to herself that her nephew was so lucky to marry such a pretty girl. Her upbringing was definitely different from others.
Aunt Qin San only had a daughter and no son. So she was not as confident as Aunt Qin Er and had a softer temper. She also responded politely, "Afang's wife."
Grandma Qin clapped her hands and said, "Children, come here and meet your sister-in-law."
Everyone came over, led by Qin Shouye. In fact, everyone kept their distance and secretly watched them. Grandma Qin introduced them from the oldest: "Afang's wife, this is Shouye, Afang's second brother. This is Shoucheng, Afang's third brother. Afang's eldest sister Daya is not here, this is his fourth sister Siya. This is Niudan, the fourth among the boys, from Afang's second uncle's family. And Erya and Sanya are not here, they went to the embroidery workshop to learn embroidery. Erya is also from his second uncle's family, she is fifteen years old this year, and Sanya is from his third uncle's family, she is twelve years old this year."
It has been five years since Qin Fang went to serve in the army. During these five years, Aunt Qin has not been pregnant. So not only Aunt Qin cannot stand up at home, but Uncle Qin feels like his spine is broken, and he always feels that he will not have any descendants. Therefore, he is particularly good to his nephews.
Yang Haiyan: "Hello, brothers and sisters, please wait a moment." As she said that, she went into the house and took out the cakes she bought from the county town, "Brothers and sisters, take these things and share them." As she said that, she gave the things to Qin Shouye, after all, he was the oldest among them.
Aunt Qin glanced at him but didn't follow him. When it came to food, everyone in the family was fair, so there had never been any conflicts.
Grandma Qin said, "Why don't you thank your sister-in-law?"
Qin Shouye and others said, "Thank you, sister-in-law." Then a group of people happily went to the main hall to share the food.
Niu Dan had the most food: "Second brother, second brother, please give me one piece first, and I will give you a smaller piece later."
Qin Si Ya: "No, if the beef eggs are finished, he will have to ask us for more. It's okay if we eat them together, otherwise they will all go into his stomach."
Niu Dan protested: "Si Ya, you have to call me Fourth Brother. How many times have I told you? You never listen."
Qin Si Ya: "You are a few days older than me." Speaking of which, Niu Dan was born on December 28th, and Qin Si Ya was born on the fifth day of the first lunar month of the following year. It seems that there is a difference of one year, but in fact there is only a difference of seven days. For Qin Si Ya, it is really annoying.