Chapter 235: Chapter 227: Returning to Her Parental Home
The second day of the Lunar New Year is the day when married daughters return to their parents’ home, and the Tian Family is especially bustling on this day. Several married daughters have returned, bringing not only their husbands but also several grandchildren, filling the Tian household to the brim.
Tian Bajin’s three daughters, Old Man’s three daughters, Tian Manmu and Tian Mantu’s two married daughters all rushed back on this day. Yes, this year Tian Manlan also came back, returning to her parents’ home openly for the first time in thirteen years since getting married.
This was also thanks to Tian Sisi’s diligent efforts, but mostly because Shou Jizu had truly reformed in the past two years, becoming a genuine farmer, which had somewhat softened Old Man’s heart. What completely made him soften his stance was the news of Tian Manlan’s pregnancy before the New Year.
The day Tian Sisi returned from Huangkeng Village, she told the news of Tian Manlan’s pregnancy. Hearing this, Granny Zhao let Tian Mantong take her to see her daughter the next day. She not only brought two full baskets of nutritious items such as chicken and eggs but also specifically went to boast to Old Lady Shou, which infuriated the old lady immensely.
Then there was no "then"; after returning, Granny Zhao unusually opposed the Old Man for once, insisting on restoring ties with her youngest daughter. She even threatened him, claiming she would move to live with Man Lan if he disagreed, leaving him to fend for himself.
In fact, the Old Man had wanted to relent for some time now, hindered only by his pride and lack of a way out. Now with Granny Zhao providing this opportunity, and with his son and daughter-in-law speaking well on the side, he finally agreed smoothly.
Shou Jizu, walking behind Tian Manlan carrying New Year gifts, felt completely uneasy. He really did not want to come to offer New Year’s greetings at all. Every time he saw his own Old Mount Tai, his legs would go weak. However, since his wife sobbed and pleaded to return, he had no choice but to follow. Ah, what can be done when his wife is pregnant now? Pregnant women have the most say!
Tian Manxing’s family arrived the latest. They only got picked up from Suicheng Railway Station by Tian Mantong around lunchtime, much to Tian Sisi’s delight. Her childhood friend Qiqi also came along unexpectedly. Liu Qiqi had grown into a beautiful young lady, even taller than Tian Sisi, roughly around 165 centimeters.
"Sister Qiqi, how did your Daddy and Mama allow you to come out?" The two young girls chatted joyfully in a corner.
"They definitely didn’t want to let me go, but I had already gotten it approved with Mama. Once she agreed for me to come here with my uncle and aunt, Daddy and Mama had to agree as well."
Tian Sisi gave her a thumbs-up, and Liu Qiqi was quite proud.
The young girl was quite familiar with everyone here. Seeing Tian Lili staring at them from across the room, she lowered her head and asked Tian Sisi, "Sisi, who is that girl with the slightly crooked eyes? Such a pretty girl, it’s a shame she has strabismus!"
"Pfft," Tian Sisi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Tian Lili would be furious if she heard what Liu Qiqi was saying.
She whispered Tian Lili’s identity to her, specifically instructing, "Sister Qiqi, my cousin and I don’t get along. Since you’re my good friend, she definitely won’t show you any kindness either. Don’t mind her later."
Once Liu Qiqi heard this, she understood immediately. This girl named Tian Lili must be envious because Sisi is prettier than her, just like how her own cousins are always envious of her. Ah, Jianghu really exists everywhere! (Tian Sisi faints, girl, you must be the one from another time.)
"No worries, I am not afraid at all!" Liu Qiqi didn’t care.
The Tian sisters gathered in the Tian Family courtyard, cracking sunflower seeds and chatting. This has been a long-standing tradition for the Tian sisters to return to their parental home on the second day of Chinese New Year and gather at their father’s house for a meal and chatting, which also allows the sisters from both families to bond warmly.
The Tian Family courtyard was bustling with activity. Dozens of children were gathered together, making a ruckus, especially a group of boys who took firecrackers outside the courtyard to set them off, constantly creating popping sounds. The girls, however, were much more reserved, just sitting in the courtyard chatting about girls’ matters.
As soon as Tian Manxing got out of the car, she ran to find Tian Aiguo to inquire about her son Hu Weiwen’s situation. Although her son always wrote back with reassurances, she still felt uneasy and wished she could fly and see for herself, although flying there was definitely not feasible. The most realistic option was to ask her third brother.
After receiving a satisfactory answer, Tian Manxing was content knowing her son was doing well. She thought for a moment and then said to Tian Aiguo, "Third Brother, you must keep a close eye on Weiwen for me. Make sure he doesn’t start dating there, and if he must, he should date a girl from Shanghai. Ah, it’s better not to date at all. Third Brother, keep a close watch, and if Weiwen disobeys, feel free to knock some sense into him, don’t be polite!"
Tian Aiguo could only laugh and cry at her words. Manxing still treated Weiwen like a child, but such a grown young man certainly had his own opinions. However, Manxing’s concerns were also valid. If Weiwen really settled down in Inner Mongolia, it’d be hard for him to return to Shanghai.
Tian Manxing then contentedly returned to chat with her sisters. At that time, the Tian sisters were surrounding Shou Jizu, educating him with their statements one after the other.
"Brother-in-law, since you’ve already decided to reform and start anew, you must keep it up. Live well and let our sister Man Lan also enjoy some peaceful years," said the eldest sister, Tian Mantao.
"Yes, before marrying you, our sister Man Lan lived like a young lady at home, but after marrying you, she ended up living a beggar’s life for over a decade. It was really tough!" said the second sister, Tian Manju.
"Brother-in-law, now that Man Lan is expecting again, you’ll soon be the father of four. You need to think about the future. Work hard, save some money, and aim to build a few new houses this year. Your current house with just one room is not enough for living. Whenever we sisters come to visit, there’s no place for us to stay," said Tian Manxing, the third sister.
"Yes, building a house is a must. If money is a problem, we sisters can chip in," said the fourth sister, Tian Manlian.
"Let’s do it this way, brother-in-law, when you go back talk to the village officials to get a land allocation. It’s best if you can secure a plot for five rooms; one for you and Man Lan, and one for each of the four kids. Just perfect. Don’t worry about the money, us sisters will contribute enough," said the fifth sister, Tian Manju.
Shou Jizu was rendered speechless by the women’s army, just nodding repeatedly and smiling bitterly inside. You all have planned everything already, why bother telling me!
"Brother-in-law, don’t take our words as the wind beside your ears. Remember them in your heart," emphasized Tian Manju.
Shou Jizu quickly nodded in agreement, promising he would remember every word and not dare to forget any.