Like many families at that time, the He family lived in a typical quadrangle courtyard house. The main gate faced west, with two rows of wing rooms on either side of the gate, an entrance hall, a central hall, a rear courtyard, a main bedroom, and corridors all around, extending to several smaller quadrangle courtyards. The rear courtyard had ancient trees reaching for the sky, artificial hills and flowing water, lush flowers and trees, although it couldnt compare with the Liu familys exquisite luxury and grandeur, it still had its own cozy and lively atmosphere.

  After entering the central hall, Erlangs wife, Bai Shi, ordered the maid to serve sugar, cream, cherries, and tea. The whole family surrounded Mrs. Cen and Peony, chattering and gossiping. Coming from the cold Liu family, Peony suddenly felt the warmth of a family and received selfless care and love from her relatives. She was extremely happy in her heart. However, looking at the sea of dark heads in front of her, smelling the various fragrances on her six sisters-in-law and over ten nieces and nephews, and listening to the chatter and noise of the adults and children, she couldnt help but feel a thread of fear. With so many people, could she get along with them? The saying goes that "distant fragrance is better than nearby stench." Moreover, among sisters-in-law, there have never been many who can get along well since ancient times.

  Its no wonder she worries, although He Zhizhong and Madame Xian manage the household fairly and strictly, without distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate children. The men work diligently under He Zhizhongs unified command, going out early and returning late, each doing their job, supporting their families, and not daring to be lazy. The women, under Madame Xians management, are diligent in taking care of their husbands and children, managing household chores, exchanging clothes and accessories, beautifying themselves, taking leisurely strolls, attending lavish banquets organized by wealthy merchants, or playing polo, living a life of ease and comfort. As a result, the large family lives together in one mansion, although each person has their own thoughts and there are occasional conflicts and quarrels, they generally get along harmoniously without any major contradictions.

  The He familys household is indeed too complicated. Peony has six older brothers: Dalang, Erlang, Silang, Wulang and Yilang were all born to Lady Shen, while Sanlang was born to Wu Shi, Lady Shens maid; Liu Lang was born to Yang Shi, a concubine from Yangzhou. Dalang married Xue Shi and had two sons and two daughters; Erlang married Bai Shi and had three sons and one daughter; Sanlang married Zhen Shi and had two daughters and one son; Silang married Li Shi and only had one daughter but no son; Wulang married Zhang Shi and had a pair of twins; Liu Lang married Sun Shi, they just got married over a year ago and still have no children.

  Counting He Zhizhong and his wife, as well as the two concubines, there were around thirty people in total. I was close to her, but he had a good relationship with them too, making their relationships very complicated. Not to mention the servants serving each room, even if they were extremely careful, it would be hard to avoid conflicts and disputes. Even among those who were close, after several conflicts, feelings would get hurt.

  If Peony was still the original He Mudan, perhaps some minor details would not be noticed and would not be taken seriously. But she is no longer the original He Mudan, her thoughts and feelings are different. When enjoying family affection, she is not as confident and proud, when encountering grievances and misunderstandings, she is not as calm and indifferent. In everything, she cannot help but be more careful and try to please others, fearing that she will bring inconvenience and discomfort to others.

  Everyone in the impression has their own temper, there are no great evils, and many clever people. For example, among the same mothers children, Da Lang, Er Lang, Si Lang, and Wu Lang have a closer relationship. Da Lang and Er Lang are similar in age and get along well. Si Lang and Wu Lang like to go together to handle affairs. As for the three Lang and Liu Lang who were born out of wedlock, there is a certain tacit understanding between them, but they are not very close. San Lang likes to please Da Lang and Er Lang, while Liu Lang likes to follow He Zhizhong.

  But this is just the relationship between men, and its even more complicated among several daughters-in-law. Among the legitimate daughters-in-law, the elder sisters-in-law Xue Shi and Bai Shi are older and have been married into the family for the longest time, so they have a good relationship and are relatively stable and broad-minded, getting along well with others; The third sister-in-law Zhen Shi is talkative and likes to gossip, while the gentle and warm fifth sister-in-law Zhang Shi does needlework and chats with her, but secretly pulls in the sixth sister-in-law Sun Shi to unify the concubines front line. However, she doesnt get along well with the fourth sister-in-law Li Shi; yet the young Sun Shi and the beautiful and lovely Li Shi like to go shopping together.

  As for the children, generally speaking, they are all happy and carefree, without any distinction between thick and thin. They eat from a big pot, everything is the same, no need to talk, no need to compare. If theres anything different, its just about being obedient or not, being clever or not, being diligent or not.

  Peony silently filtered out this information, took out ten times the spirit to respond to everyones concern and inquiry, and tried not to miss the unintentional reactions and expressions of the people around her.

  Taking advantage of the fact that everyone was not paying attention, Xue Shi pulled Bai Shi aside and whispered to discuss Peonys residence: "This time Dan Niang comes back, she should make a long-term plan to live with us. The courtyard where she originally lived is now occupied by Huai Niang and Yun Niang of the third sons family, and Rui Niang of the fourth sons family. If we ask them to move out, although they wont say anything, they will definitely be unhappy, and may even have some ideas. After thinking about it, I think only our two families three daughters are older and more sensible, let the three children squeeze a bit, make room for their aunt, what do you think?"

  Bai smiled slightly: "I have no opinion, my Wan Niang is still young, let her live in the courtyard for two years, its not a big deal. But Ying Niang and Rong Niang are older, its inconvenient for them to squeeze with you. How do you plan to arrange for them? Otherwise, I think, dont be so particular, just let her aunt and children squeeze together."

  Xue thought to herself, the house was already cramped with three people living there, but if Peony were to move in, it would be impossible for them to fit. One of the three children would have to leave. Although Juanni was still young and could squeeze in with her parents, from a fair perspective, it wouldnt be right to only ask Erlangs family to move out. As the eldest sister and mother of two daughters, she had to make sacrifices within her own family to gain everyones consent.

  As for whether Bai would be willing to let Wan Niang move out, that was her own affair. For now, she said: "Where can four people squeeze in? Her aunt has a lot of things and encountered such a situation, so naturally she has many ideas. Letting her go and squeeze with the children might make her uncomfortable. Never mind, Ill go discuss it with Rong Niang and let her move out to squeeze with us. In two years, Ying Niang will get married and that will be fine."

  Its easy to move out, but hard to move in. Bai heard Xue say this, but didnt mention the previous words about moving Yan Niang out. He just smiled and said: "Ying Niang is getting married, and Ruer will be getting married too. What you said is treating the symptoms not the root cause. I think we should make do with squeezing in for now, then discuss with Father and Mother to buy a bigger house. Looking at it now, its really too cramped."

  Xue was somewhat disappointed, and Bai changed the subject, refusing to let Juan move out. After all, its inconvenient for a sensible daughter to live with her parents. She sighed: "Buying a house is not an easy thing? Those are things for later. Now we need to get this matter settled first. Lets do it this way, Ill go ask Rong to move out, you take care of them cleaning the house, and later when the stuff is sent back, help with the arrangement. Ill go prepare dinner."

  Bai Shi grabbed her sleeve and quickly scanned the crowd, lowering his voice: "Otherwise, let them move, or let Dan Niang and Hui Niang live there. That house was originally hers, its also bigger."

  Xue shook her head: "Both families are talkative, Third Aunt is afraid to say that the illegitimate granddaughter has no status, Fourth Aunt is afraid to say that she was bullied and had no son. Why bother finding more things to say? If its really not possible, tomorrow go ask someone to come and take a look, see which place is suitable for excavation, build a few more rooms, and by the end of the year, it will be done."

  Bai thought for a moment and said, "I remember that the backyard of my mothers house has three corridors. Let someone clean it up and make it more quiet and comfortable." After all, He Zhizhong and Qians wife were already old, and He Zhizhong had two other concubines, so they didnt need to avoid many inconvenient places like young couples did.

  Xue Shi remained silent, thats the fact, what can be done? Even if she had ten times more courage, she wouldnt dare say: "Dan Niang, go squeeze in with your mother-in-law, theres no room for you anywhere else." If she dared to say this, He Da Lang would probably be the first to not forgive her, and his parents would also have a bad impression of her.

  Bai saw Xue not speaking, and played with the hem of her skirt on his fingers. Finally, he let out a long sigh and said: "Forget it, Dan Niang also grew up under my care, I also love her. Let Juan Niang move out and live with me, then hurry up and repair the house." After finishing speaking, he didnt ask Xues opinion, but went forward smiling: "Mother, I just discussed with Eldest Sister, let Juan Niang move out and live with me, Second Sister moves to live with Ying Niang and Rong Niang. What do you think?" Since he made the sacrifice himself, he had to make it clear.

  Peony had long noticed that Xue and Bai were whispering to each other, guessing that they must be discussing her accommodation. As a guest, she didnt want to bring it up herself before her sister-in-law spoke. Just as she was about to mention the matter, Madam Cen pressed her hand, signaling her not to speak and just listen. Peony had no choice but to open her eyes wide and listen obediently.

  But just as Bais words fell, Zhens face showed a displeased expression, and she smiled: "Still, elder sister-in-law and second sister-in-law thought it through thoroughly. Without making a sound, they settled everything." Youre the ones who know how to curry favor!

  "Lis face was calm, and he said directly: Fourth Brother is often not at home, let Rui Niang move in with me first. Her house can be cleaned up and given to her aunt."

  Zhangs daughter was still young and lived with her, while Sun had not yet given birth to a child, so she was naturally not involved in this matter. They all listened with a smile, without saying much.

  Several sisters-in-law were waiting for Peony to make a statement, and Peony looked at Mrs. Cen in distress. Mrs. Cen slowly took a sip of tea and said, "Dont rush, the children will live where they should live. Just now on the road, Dan Niang had already told me that she didnt want to trouble everyone, so eldest sister-in-law, go and tidy up the three rooms in my backyard, and let her move there."

  So, apart from Zhang and Sun, everyone else secretly let out a sigh of relief.

  ——*——*——*——

  Wow, He Jia can really give birth!!!!!

  As there are more and more characters appearing, I made a main character relationship table, you can go to the relevant section of the work to take a look, O(∩_∩)O~

  ——*——*——*——

  Wow, He Jia can really give birth!!!!!

  As there are more and more characters appearing, I made a main character relationship table, you can go to the relevant works section to take a look, O(∩_∩)O~

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