"Big sister, if you have something to say, say it quickly. I still have to go to the county yamen, I don't have time to argue with you!" County Magistrate Chen said in a muffled voice.
If it weren't for him supporting Chen Fuqin all these years, let alone opening a rouge shop, Chen Fuqin might not even have enough to eat…
Chen Fuqin's former husband disliked her for being too extravagant. Relying on her younger brother being an official, she looked down on her neighbors, spent money lavishly, and in a fit of anger, divorced her.
Chen Fuqin smacked her lips, picked up County Magistrate Chen's teacup, and took two sips. "Then big sister will be direct. Give me ten taels of silver, and I'll return it to you later!"
County Magistrate Chen: "..."
As expected, she came to borrow money.
"Big sister, it's not that your brother is saying this about you, but you really know how to squander money. Didn't I just give you five taels of silver not long ago? How did it disappear so quickly?" County Magistrate Chen asked, frowning.
If five taels of silver were placed in an ordinary family, and they were frugal, it could last them three to four years.
But she, on the other hand, had wasted it all in a few days…
Upon hearing this, Chen Fuqin grabbed County Magistrate Chen's ear and said sarcastically, "Yugang, what do you mean by that? When you were studying, who brought you meals and washed your clothes every day? Who drove the carriage and sent you to the capital to take the exam in the biting wind? You ungrateful wretch, you're stingy with a little money from your big sister? How can you be so heartless?"
County Magistrate Chen: "..."
So, time could make an idle person accomplished, and it could also destroy an excellent elder sister.
The former Chen Fuqin was so hardworking and caring, but now, she was like a vampire, biting County Magistrate Chen's neck every day…
"Also, you say I squander money, so you're thrifty at home, right?" Chen Fuqin put her hands on her hips, spitting as she spoke. "In a year, the money you spend just on game meat, if not five hundred taels, it's over four hundred taels, right? Aren't you squandering money?"
County Magistrate Chen looked helpless. "That's all money I earned myself. I can spend it however I want. If you have the ability, go earn it yourself…"
Not much ability, but quite a temper.
County Magistrate Chen felt that he had repaid all he owed Chen Fuqin over the years.
Chen Fuqin's eyes instantly blazed upon hearing this. She grabbed County Magistrate Chen's collar and was about to hit him. "You little brat, you've really gone too far, daring to speak to your big sister like this, I… I'll beat you to death today!"
Before she could even raise her hand, Jasmine suddenly ran in. "Master, Master, Miss is back, and the Yun family is also here!"
County Magistrate Chen's face lit up upon hearing this, and he quickly broke free from Chen Fuqin. "Quick, let them in!"
He had a headache from Chen Fuqin's nagging. Having guests from the Yun family to chat with him could also help him change his mood…
"Yugang, what are you doing? Big sister hasn't finished speaking!" Chen Fuqin persisted.
County Magistrate Chen glared at her and warned, "Big sister, the Yun family are my distinguished guests. If you still want money, shut your mouth and sit there obediently!"
If he didn't satisfy her demands today, Chen Fuqin wouldn't leave…
"Fine, I won't speak!" Chen Fuqin walked around to the back of the desk, sat in County Magistrate Chen's chair, pulled out a handful of melon seeds from her pocket, and began to crack them with a 'crunch crunch' sound.
A moment later, Yun Sanman entered the study, carrying large bags and packages, with his son, sister, and Chen Xiaoran.
Prefect Chen's eyes lit up with joy upon seeing them. He quickly went to greet them. "Oh, Sanman is here! When did you return to the village? Oh, Sweet Baby is here too, that's great…"
"Hello, County Magistrate Uncle!" Little Xi Tian said with a sweet smile and bowed.
Gao Jingde also stepped forward to greet them.
"Good, good, you are all well!" County Magistrate Chen was overjoyed.
"Your Excellency, this is dried goods and pork knuckles I brought from home, as well as some pork liver and offal. Please keep them and eat them slowly!" Yun Sanman said with a smile, handing over the items.
County Magistrate Chen quickly took the items, muttering, "You didn't have to bring anything when you came. We haven't finished the dried goods you sent last time…"
In fact, even if Yun Sanman hadn't said it, County Magistrate Chen could guess their intention.
Last time, he had expressed his intention to arrange a marriage with the Yun family elders, but old Mrs. Yun insisted on waiting for Sanman to return before discussing it.
And now, Yun Sanman had brought his son.
The matter of arranging a marriage was very likely to be settled…
"Sit, sit, please sit. Jasmine, why are you still standing there? Go and make tea for our guests. Also, bring out all the fruit candies and chestnuts from home. Are there any more pastries? Get some for Sweet Baby to try, and take more back with you!" County Magistrate Chen instructed.
The marriage with the Yun family was all thanks to Sweet Baby.
If he didn't take good care of this little girl, County Magistrate Chen would feel even more uncertain…
Chen Fuqin 'tsk'ed, licked her lips, and said sarcastically, "Yugang, you weren't this enthusiastic when big sister came. So you treat the old Yun family better than your own big sister? Humph, you're turning your elbow outwards, don't you remember who your relatives are!"
County Magistrate Chen: "..."
Can't you just crack melon seeds honestly?
Will you die if you don't speak?
Little Xi Tian heard this and tilted her little head to look at Chen Fuqin. Their eyes met, and an invisible spark flew between them…
"Don't you say anything!" County Magistrate Chen frowned and reprimanded Chen Fuqin.
Chen Fuqin casually threw the melon seed shells on the ground, clapped her hands, picked up the teacup again, and drank water with gulps, like drinking from a trough.
Yun Sanman ignored Chen Fuqin and reached out to stroke Chen Xiaoran's head. "Xiaoran is a very sensible child. She said that the New Year is coming soon and she wants to go home early to reunite with her parents. So I brought her back today…"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaoran pouted. Clearly, you guys told me to come back. Adults really love to lie.
"Oh, really?" County Magistrate Chen pulled his daughter over. "When did my Xiaoran become so obedient?"
Every time he asked her to go home, this child would cry like a pig being slaughtered, refusing to leave.
Did the sun rise from the west today…
"Sweet Baby, I heard you're opening a shop in the county town. That's a great idea. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to tell your uncle. Your uncle is willing to help you!" County Magistrate Chen said with a fawning smile.
At such a young age, she had already achieved so much. When Sweet Baby grew up, she would surely be even more remarkable…
Little Xi Tian smiled sweetly. "Yes, I want to open a restaurant for my eldest brother and sister-in-law, and I also want to sell some milk and other things!"
"That's wonderful!" County Magistrate Chen nodded with a smile, his face full of approval and praise.
When would their Xiaoran be so promising?
Sweet Baby was only six years old after the New Year, and she already knew how to help her family earn money…
Yun Sanman saw that the pleasantries were almost over. He put down his teacup and began to discuss serious matters with County Magistrate Chen.