Song Dingxiang [Completed]

C31.2 Pickles. (2)

Chapter 31.2

Upon entering her home, Zhou San's wife grumbled, "What kind of nonsense is this? They're practically riding on my head, pointing fingers and giving orders. I swear! They think they've found a treasure, but it's just something I don't want!"

Zhou San, who had been rhythmically chopping firewood in the yard, paused at the sound of his wife's distress. He leaned his axe against the chopping block and wiped his brow.

A furrow forming between his eyes and he asked, "What's wrong now?"

Zhou San's wife said, "This Fourth Old Song's family... it truly baffles me. Everyone sings their praises, but whenever I see them for myself, it just doesn't add up. They don't seem to live up to the reputation they've built. Honestly, if it weren't for their wealth, do you think anyone would even give them a second glance?"

"Mother, you're back?" Zhou San's eldest daughter-in-law, smiling, walked over and said, "Mother, are you really going to hold a grudge against them? After Baosheng finishes his studies, you'll be considered a respected elder."

Zhou San's wife expression improved slightly but didn't want to appear too pleasant in front of her daughter-in-law, saying, "How many years have they been studying? Look at Xu Qiang; he's only eighteen and already holding a position. Look at your husband! Don't stick to him all the time; save some energy to study, can't you?"

Zhou Baosheng's wife cheeks twitched slightly, smiling, she said, "Mother, what are you saying? Nowadays, my husband is studying in town while I serve you at home. Why would I stick to him?"

"And you're saying you don't? I overheard a few days ago when the eldest son returned; you two were making love all night long!" Zhou San's wife pushed her daughter-in-law away and exclaimed, "A drop of essence is worth ten drops of blood, are you trying to drain Baosheng of everything he has?"

"Mother, you..." Zhou Baosheng's daughter-in-law was almost speechless with embarrassment.

Feeling that her words were getting out of hand, Zhou San intervened, saying, "What nonsense are you talking? It's been two years of marriage, and there's still no sign of a baby. Aren't you worried? Hurry up and cook, what's for dinner?"

"Eat, eat, eat, all you care about is eating!" Zhou San's wife snorted as she waddled towards the kitchen, "And what about the second son's family? What's going on with them? Am I to serve you food and drinks? Get out of here and cook!"

*

Song Dingxiang placed the pig liver in the kitchen and then entered the main room, where she saw Song Yulan. "Sister? Why are you here?"

Song Yulan smiled and said, "My little brother's one hundred days are coming up soon, so I came early to bring him some gifts. I've sewn a few bellybands and small padded jackets. Also, this outfit was originally made by Mom for the eldest, it's made of soft fabric and fits perfectly for the little brother."

Song Dingxiang said, "Why didn't I see you here earlier? Why did you come now? Did Dabao not come?"

Song Yulan replied, "He didn't come. I crossed over from the village, didn't take the main road, and I have to go back soon."

Just then, Fang shi brought in a bundle of buckskin, saying, "Your siblings are really precious, making you come all this way for this."

Song Yulan replied, "Who let her has it? She just wanted some dried fruit snacks. This isn't considered precious in our family. I happened to come to talk with Grandpa, Grandma, and my parents."

Fang shi asked, "Is your husband doing well recently?"

Song Yulan smiled and said, "He's doing well. Didn't Xu Qiang take some people? Many who wanted to follow but couldn't, Dashan at home kept saying it was fortunate he didn't go to give gifts. Otherwise, he wouldn't even be considered a distant relative, let alone be able to make money."