Chapter 173: Chapter 173: Keeping Your Word
Meng Yao couldn’t figure out why Meng Rongjin visited again.
But since he was here, they didn’t stop him from entering.
However, Zhao Xiaohua, upon seeing Meng Rongjin, gave him a thumbs-up, "You’re really something."
Meng Rongjin laughed awkwardly, "Letting Sister Xiaohua have a good laugh at me."
"No, no, no, to be fair, regardless of how things were between us before, I’m not laughing at you this time. I genuinely think you’re impressive. After all, if I were in your shoes, I definitely wouldn’t handle things as well as you have," Zhao Xiaohua said.
"Aunt Zhao, I came to apologize." Meng Rongjin’s expression was resolute, "The things they did before can’t just be written off. I, I also have many faults. I don’t expect Aunt Zhao to forgive, but I think I should admit my mistakes to you."
Knowing that Meng Yao didn’t like him calling her younger aunt that way, Meng Rongjin changed his address according to seniority.
Meng Yao was slightly surprised, considering it a case of "a good shoot growing out of a decayed bamboo."
The young boy’s eyes were sincere and clear, with no evasiveness, no deliberate actions.
From analyzing his expressions, Meng Yao knew that his apology was not an act but heartfelt.
"Apart from your elder aunt, my past with the Meng Family has already been written off with our severed relationship. As long as you don’t provoke me, I won’t hold grudges," Meng Yao said, "As for you, we’re both members of Shanghua Village, so as long as you don’t do anything illegal, if you ever truly encounter difficulties, I will help you if I can."
Meng Rongjin nodded happily, "Aunt Zhao, don’t worry, I will do well. I’ll take care of my grandpa, and when my grandma and the others come back, I’ll talk sense into them. Aunt Zhao, can I ask you, do you know where my mom and my sister have gone?"
Meng Yao shook her head.
She indeed didn’t know where Meng Ruyu and Lin were now.
Meng Rongjin was a little disappointed and subconsciously muttered, "My sister told me she was going to save my mom. I heard my mom was released, but why aren’t they coming back?"
This was a question that Meng Yao truly couldn’t answer.
Fortunately, Meng Rongjin didn’t press her about this question; after muttering a bit, he said, "Then Aunt Zhao, I won’t disturb you anymore. I have to go back and take care of my grandpa. Early this morning, the doctor came again to see him. He was so upset that one side of his body isn’t functioning properly, and he can’t be left alone."
"Then remember, try to keep his diet light, don’t let him eat greasy things, otherwise, the situation will worsen. As for you, as you’re still growing, you shouldn’t eat lightly," Meng Yao casually reminded.
Firstly as a doctor’s instinct, secondly out of a personal concern.
Because Meng Qingshan was a person who loved rich flavors and couldn’t do without meat, a bland diet would make him very uncomfortable.
"Okay, I remember what Aunt Zhao said," Meng Rongjin nodded seriously and waved at Meng Yao before running off quickly.
"This is probably getting what he deserves. With such a wicked heart, there’s no good end after all," Zhao Xiaohua sighed.
"One commits one’s own sin and cannot live," Meng Yao said, "Alright, let’s hurry and finish eating, after the meal, we’re setting off."
Zhao Dajiang was busy huffing and puffing, loading luggage onto the cart, while Song Xiu’er was trailing Meng Yao with her eyes red-rimmed.
"It’s not like we’re not coming back, we’re just going to Qingzhou Prefecture for a while, be good, don’t cry!" Meng Yao consoled her, "When you miss us, ask Dajiang to take you to Qingzhou Prefecture to play for a few days, that’s always possible, right? If Dahe doesn’t pass the prefectural exam, we’ll be back soon."
"Pish posh, no bad omens, only good. Mom, what are you saying! Second brother is talented and has studied hard, how could he not make it? He’ll definitely be on the list!" Song Xiu’er, needing to ward off the bad, pulled Meng Yao to join her in spitting.
Meng Yao couldn’t resist her, joining in the spitting only concluded the matter.
"Mom, this is for you," Song Xiu’er said as she stuffed the pouch into Meng Yao’s hand, "This is the New Year’s money you gave us, and Dajiang and I haven’t spent it. Usually, Mom gives me pocket money from time to time, but since we eat and live at home, there’s no use for it. Though sparse at home, the journey requires abundance, take more silver with you when going out."
The usual amounts given, Meng Yao roughly remembered.
Song Xiu’er and Zhao Dajiang’s savings combined would barely amount to two pieces of broken silver.
Still, Meng Yao was touched, as her daughter-in-law genuinely respected and showed filial piety to her as an elder.
Meng Yao took out a silver ingot and pushed it back to Song Xiu’er, "You mustn’t skimp on your meals just because we’re not at home. For your health, medication is just a supplement. The most important thing is to adjust through diet."
"Mom, this won’t do, this won’t do. You’re going to Qingzhou Prefecture, and I heard that place requires silver for everything," Song Xiu’er insisted, waving her hand, "We have land and grain at home, we won’t starve."
"Take what I give you!" Meng Yao commanded sternly, "What, I’m leaving, and you already don’t want to listen to me?"
"No, mom, no," Song Xiu’er hurriedly explained.
"Then take it, only then will I trust you," Meng Yao said.
In the end, it was Song Xiu’er who kept the silver but promised she wouldn’t waste it and said she had learned to read a little and would keep proper accounts, not disappointing Meng Yao’s intentions.
After a round of farewells, Meng Yao and her group set off.
First, they needed to head to the county town to send Zi’an back.
Along the way, Zi’an didn’t seem too happy.
Ever since knowing Meng Yao was going to Qingzhou Prefecture without taking him, the little guy was not pleased.
Despite Meng Yao comforting him in various ways, he was only happy for a moment before reverting to a sullen state.
Even though she couldn’t bear to see Zi’an unhappy, bringing him to Qingzhou Prefecture wasn’t feasible.
She could only harden her heart.
At noon, they arrived at the back door of the County Government.
Knocking on the door, it was opened by A Pu.
Seeing Meng Yao, A Pu was very happy, "Master and I were just preparing to cook, it’s timely for Madam Zhao to come. We’re in for a treat today."
A Pu helped park the carriage, and they all entered the backyard.
Meng Yao took Teacher Wang to meet Ren Zhong, although Teacher Wang was a bit reserved, Ren Zhong didn’t put on any airs. Soon, they engaged in a pleasant conversation.
Zi’an, not missing a chance to cling to Meng Yao, moved a small stool and sat at the kitchen door watching her and Wen Nuan busy themselves.
Soon, Meng Yao cooked a meal using the ingredients in the kitchen.
With a chicken, one half was made into braised chicken chunks, the other half was stewed.
Vinegar was used for the shredded cabbage, and the radish shreds were pickled in sweet and sour sauce.
Then an onion was served with sauce. The sprouting spring onions were not spicy, perfect for dipping in sauce.
A Pu, helping with setting the table, beamed with joy, "Madam Zhao’s handiwork is truly extraordinary."
After the meal, anxious to continue their journey, Meng Yao said goodbye to Ren Zhong.
Zi’an clung to Meng Yao, unwilling to let go, tears brimming in his eyes.
"I know you want to go with your aunt, but you need to wait for her to settle in Qingzhou Prefecture first, okay?" Ren Zhong pulled Zi’an aside, "No crying. If you cry, even if your aunt settles in, I won’t take you to her."
Zi’an held back his tears, "Dad, are you saying that once aunt settles in, you’ll send me to her? You mean it? You’re not just coaxing a child, right? Dad, you’re an official, you must keep your word. Otherwise, people might laugh at you."