When they were in the prefectural city, Madam Xue would mention Sweet Baby almost every day, praising her for being so smart and cute, and so likable...
And although Jinshan usually seemed a bit slow-witted, that child had a certain drive, and he would surely do well in the future.
Ever since she heard about Magistrate Chen's daughter, Xiao Ran, being betrothed to Gao Jingde, Madam Xue could no longer sit still and insisted on making a trip to Dashui Village...
"Dinner's ready, dinner's ready!~" Yun Jinshan called out twice from outside the windmill.
A moment later, Prefect Qin emerged with a beaming smile, in exceptionally good spirits.
Since Sweet Baby could design such sophisticated tools, it seemed that without him needing to report to the Emperor, His Highness the Crown Prince would surely intercede on her behalf to request rewards...
Besides millet porridge and pickles, Huaihua had also stewed a pot of mashed potatoes. After serving it, she mixed in shredded pickled cabbage and green onions, and with a brief scald, it yielded a distinct flavor.
Crisp and refreshing, it was a perfect accompaniment to the meal...
Little Xi Tian also took out plenty of green vegetables from the space, including radishes, cucumbers, and coriander. As the seeds in the early spring fields had not yet sprouted, the old Yun family could feast on fresh vegetables.
"Wow, this looks quite a spread!~" Prefect Qin's eyes crinkled with delight as he sat down at the guest seats next to Old Man Yun and Yun Daman. Madam Xue sat opposite Gu Shi.
Old Man Yun held up a wine jar and asked Prefect Qin, "Prefect, would you like some?"
At the old Yun family's home, it was unheard of not to drink wine...
If Prefect Qin refused in various ways, it would seem rather stiff.
Madam Xue shot Prefect Qin a look, warning him, "Just one bowl, no greed for more..."
"Yes, yes, I'll listen to you, Madam, haha!~" Prefect Qin quickly extended his wine bowl to Old Man Yun and whispered, "Pour a bit more, fill it up!"
Old Man Yun: "..."
How long has it been since you've had a drink? Why are you so thirsty?
Yun Daman and Yun Erman were also warm and hospitable, raising their bowls to drink and chattering away.
"Shanshan, don't busy yourself, come and sit down to eat!~" Gu Shi beckoned to Du Tieshan with a look of affection, "You're pregnant, you can't always be touching cold water. Come, eat while it's hot..."
Du Tieshan smiled with pursed lips, "Mother, you all eat first. There's still steamed chicken cake in the kitchen!~"
Madam Xue heard this and exclaimed in surprise, "Your Shanshan is pregnant?"
"Yes!" Yun Erman puffed out his chest, his face full of pride, "This time, Shanshan is sure to give birth to a little girl..."
Yun Erman never held back when praising his wife.
Upon hearing this, Madam Xue quickly put down her chopsticks and looked at Du Tieshan, "Then I congratulate you in advance on an early birth of a precious son, no, an early birth of a precious daughter!~"
"Thank you for your good wishes, Madam..." Du Tieshan's eyes curved in a smile.
Little Xi Tian sat beside Yun Jinshan, occasionally kicking him with her foot.
Alas, second nephew, why are you only eating by yourself? You should be serving food to Yiyi.
Yun Jinshan buried his head, his face almost in his rice bowl. Little Xi Tian was always so exasperated by his clumsy behavior...
The meal was very joyful. And to be able to eat pickled vegetables in this season was truly a treat, something that money couldn't buy.
After the bowls and chopsticks were cleared, Prefect Qin and his wife stayed in the main hall for tea, accompanied by Old Man Yun, Gu Shi, and Yun Erman...
There was still some work to be done in the fields, so Yun Daman single-handedly carried a hoe and went to the fields.
Little Xi Tian, along with Qin Yiyi and Qin Fenglan, played Go in the inner room, and incidentally overheard the conversation in the main hall.
Prefect Qin chatted briefly before, under Madam Xue's constant nudges and kicks, getting to the main topic...
"Ahem, Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law, how old is your Jinshan this year?" Prefect Qin asked.
Gu Shi paused slightly, "He's fourteen after the New Year!~"
"And is he betrothed to any young lady?" Prefect Qin pressed.
Upon hearing this, Gu Shi exchanged a glance with Old Man Yun, and instantly understood Prefect Qin's intention for this visit...
Madam Xue had mentioned it before, but at that time, there were too many household chores, and Jinshan was a child who loved to play. Moreover, Qin Yiyi was only nine years old after the New Year, and the age difference was a bit too much, so Gu Shi had not agreed to the engagement.
Today, Prefect Qin brought up the matter again, and Gu Shi suddenly felt she had been too conservative before...
Since the two children shared similar interests, had feelings for each other, and enjoyed spending time together, why not fulfill their wishes.
Old Man Yun chuckled heartily, "He's not betrothed yet. What does the Prefect mean?"
Prefect Qin, with words on his lips, looked at Madam Xue and nudged her, "You say it!~"
Madam Xue: "..."
Useless fellow.
"Brother Yun, Sister-in-law Yun!" Madam Xue put down her teacup and smiled faintly, "I came today not only to see you, Big Brother and Sister-in-law, but also to discuss the engagement between Yiyi and Jinshan. You must know that the two children have been exchanging letters since last year, they get along well, and they like to be together. What a wonderful pair..."
"In the future, when Jinshan studies, he can go to the prefectural city. As long as the engagement between the two children is settled, then we will be family. My Qin and I will treat Jinshan as our own son. If he studies alone in the prefectural city, it will save you worry, won't it?"
At this point, Madam Xue picked up her teacup again, her smile serene, "Even if, for the sake of argument, Jinshan doesn't pass the imperial examinations for Xiu Cai or Ju Ren, Old Qin can arrange for him through various means so that he doesn't fall into decline. We only have two daughters, Yiyi and Fenglan, and we have a special connection with your family. If we can become in-laws, it would be a joyous occasion for all. Big Brother, Sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Little Xi Tian, who was playing Go in the inner room, beamed with joy upon hearing this...
Aunt Xue was the most eloquent.
If she had to wait for her second nephew to actively pursue Sister Yiyi, she would be worried to death.
Qin Yiyi had clearly heard these words, and her pretty face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple...
Gu Shi and Old Man Yun were also beaming with joy, and Yun Erman included, was so happy his eyes were nearly invisible.
The dignified Prefect personally visiting to seek an alliance with the Yun family was something ordinary folk could not even dare to imagine...
But it was precisely because the Yun family had a lucky charm that Magistrate Chen and Prefect Qin were vying to form a marriage alliance.
Gu Shi took Madam Xue's hand and said earnestly, "Sister, actually, there are some things I shouldn't say, but since the conversation has led to this point, I'll mention it. Please don't be angry, Sister..."
Madam Xue: "???"
Prefect Qin: "???"
What's going on? Is the matriarch of the Yun family refusing the engagement?
If that were the case, the Prefect and his wife would lose a lot of face...
Gu Shi pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.