Zhang Qiao'er knew that a few young girls had come, so she sent Xiaotou over to let them talk. Xiatian didn't have seeing Zhang Qiao'er on her schedule today. Zhenzhu and Xiao Heiyu followed her, and they didn't care whether or not they saw Zhang Qiao'er. Only Guo Yuhuan was delighted, and before Xia Erniang and Wuyue could speak, she stood up with a smile to talk to Xiaotou, saying that she had just been thinking of paying respects to Dà Nǎinai.

  In May, he glanced at Guo Yuhuan with a slanted eye, seeming to smile but not speaking. Xia Erniang didn't think much of it and even felt that Guo Yuhuan dared to speak up and was capable of handling things.

  "Coming all the way from afar, how could I not let you see the true god! Yuhuan, I told Big Nainai that you're here, and only then did she agree to meet you. Generally, people who come wouldn't be granted an audience with Big Nainai." Xia Erni was very affectionate towards Guo Yuhuan.

  "I knew Aunt would be kind to me. If I hadn't been really busy, I would have come to visit Aunt yesterday and pay my respects to Grandma." Guo Yuhuan immediately smiled and said to Xia Erniang.

  Xiao Yatou led the way in front, while Xia Erniang and Wu Yue brought Xia Zhi, Zhenzhu, Yu Huan, and Xiao Hei Yu'er to meet Zhang Qiaor from behind. Along the way, Xia Erniang kept telling them about the etiquette they needed to follow when meeting Zhang Qiaoer, such as bowing and not speaking loudly.

  "Old Mrs. is pregnant with a precious body, if she gets startled, it would be disastrous." Xia Erniu said with a worried tone.

  It was Wu Yue who said, "You don't have to be too afraid either. After all, there's my mother and me. The eldest lady will have to give us some face." Meaning that as long as Xia Zhi didn't cause any trouble before the summer solstice, everything would be fine.

  "Only Auntie and Sister have this honor, I'm afraid." Guo Yuhuan smiled carefully. She didn't know when she started calling them Auntie and Sister instead of Second Aunt and Third Sister, which made her sound more intimate.

  Compared with Pearl, Guo Yuhuan is more like the person who is directly related to Xia Erniang and Wu Yue.

  Zhang Qiao'er lived in a small three-room house, with only two or three maidservants waiting on her outside the corridor. As soon as she stepped up onto the steps and entered the room, a strong scent of perfume wafted out to greet her.

  The little black fish didn't adapt well to this smell and let out a loud sneeze as soon as it entered the door.

  Xia Er Aunt turned her head around with a whoosh, wanting to say something about Xiao Hei Yu, but was stared down by Xia Zhi's shiny black eyes. The words that had reached the tip of her tongue were swallowed back in and she only managed to utter a low "be careful".

  The little black fish let out a soft hum, if it wasn't for accompanying Xia Zhi, he wouldn't be willing to come here.

  It seemed that she had heard the sound of them entering, and a young woman came over to greet them from behind the screen. The woman looked like she was only seventeen or eighteen years old, with a pointed chin, big eyes, and a few faint freckles on her cheeks. She was quite a pretty woman, and her eyes were especially lively. If you looked closely, this young woman's face also had a kind expression.

  This woman looks a bit like Xia Erniang, and can be said to be the young and beautiful version of Xia Erniang. Without needing anyone's introduction, Xia Zhi had already guessed this woman's identity.

  As expected, Xia Ershen let them address this daughter-in-law as Zhang Dainai instead of Juanzi Jie.

  Luojun's gaze quickly swept over several children, lingering on Xia Zhi's face for a moment, and the smile on her face became more enthusiastic. She didn't put on airs like Xia Erniang, but instead warmly greeted everyone. Luojun also called Xiao Heiyu "Old Uncle", then told Xia Zhi that the girls in Xia's family were indeed one more beautiful than the other.

  After saying a few words, Luo Juan led the way in front, and everyone walked around the screen and turned over a beaded curtain, only to see a beautiful woman with a head full of pearls and jade lying on the imperial couch.

  Zhang Qiaoer was sixteen or seventeen years old, with a melon-shaped face and big eyes. However, due to her pregnancy, her face was slightly swollen, which reduced some of its radiance. Her figure was slender, and she was already showing signs of pregnancy.

  Seeing someone coming in, Zhang Qiao'er still leaned on the couch without moving. It was Luo Juan who walked forward, bent down and said a few words to her in a low voice, and Zhang Qiao'er slowly sat up.

  Xia Erniang had Xia Zhi and several others pay their respects to Zhang Qiao'er, addressing her as "Big Madam". Guo Yuhuan was already ahead of them, accompanying a smile as she paid her respects to Zhang Qiao'er, calling out "Big Madam" with great enthusiasm.

  Zhang Qiao'er seemed to have perked up a bit, asking Luo Juan and Xia Erniang who everyone was. Xia Erniang hastily introduced them to Zhang Qiao'er, whose face was expressionless, her gaze sweeping over the faces of several girls before finally landing on Xia Zhi's face.

  "Who is this little girl?" Zhang Qiao'er asked Luo Juan again, as if she hadn't heard Xia Erniang's introduction just now.

  Luo Juan hastily accompanied a smile and told Zhang Qiao'er: "This is the younger sister of May, named Xia Zhi, nicknamed Sixteen... This year she has just turned twelve years old."

  Xia Zhi glanced at Luo Juan and thought she seemed to have a good understanding of her own affairs.

  Zhang Qiao'er took another look at Xia Zhi and then asked: "Why is his nickname Sixteen?"

  "This time it was Xia Er Shu who rushed to answer: 'She is a person born on May 16th, and her nickname is Sixteen.'"

  "The names that Auntie's family gave to the kids are quite interesting." Zhang Qiao'er seemed to think it was funny and chuckled twice. Xia Erniang and Luo Juan both looked delighted. Luo Juan even smiled and said to Zhang Qiao'er: "Look at these little girls, they're all good. Let them keep you company and chat with you, so you won't feel bored."

  "It's all because of you people, this won't work and that won't work either. I'm only allowed to stay in this room all day, not even allowing me to move." Zhang Qiao'er complained.

  "Quickly lowering her voice, Luo Juan explained: 'We're doing this for the sake of Madame. Only in this way can the fetus be stable.'"

  Xia Zhi heard Luo Juan's words and understood that Zhang Qiao'er was protecting her fetus.

  Zhang Qiao'er let out a sigh, then remembered to invite everyone to sit down. Xia Zhi first asked Xiao Hei Yu to sit down and called out "Old Uncle". Xia Er Niang was confused, but Luo Juan was very perceptive and quickly came over to chat with him.

  "Old aunt is pregnant and not in good spirits. We are all family, so Uncle and Sixteen don't take offense." Yet she was being overly cautious and diplomatic.

  She finished the ceremony on this side and went back to whisper something in Zhang Qiao'er's ear. Then Zhang Qiao'er started talking to Xia Zhi, asking her how long she had been in the city from the countryside and how much longer she planned to stay.

  "I've heard Auntie mention you. Why didn't you come see me sooner? The west city street is quite noisy, and I'm afraid it's not very convenient for you to live there. Why don't you just move over here and stay with me? Look at my place, it shouldn't be beneath you." Zhang Qiao'er said to Xia Zhi, her big eyes constantly sizing him up.

  Xia Zhi thought Zhang Qiaoer's words were a bit strange, but she didn't think deeply about it.

  "Thank you for your kindness, Grandma. I've been staying at my aunt's place and it's been great, but I'll be heading back home in a couple of days. Before I go, I wanted to come visit my uncle and aunt. Seeing that they're doing well here puts my mind at ease. My uncle's family has been troubling you, Grandma, so if there's anything else, please don't hesitate to let me know."

  Xia Zhi spoke straightforwardly, neither arrogant nor humble. Zhang Qiaoer, although somewhat haughty, had to sit up straight at this time and looked at Xia Zhi with a different gaze.

  Luojun realized at this time that they had delayed Xia Zhi, and let Xia Zhi pick up the reason. She reacted quickly and said that Uncle Xia Er and Auntie Xia Er were invited by her to help.

  "They are all real relatives, our village people are the most simple and honest, and they don't pay attention to those empty courtesies." Luo Juan said with a smile. Neither she nor Zhang Qiaoer had anything to do with the four words "village people" from head to toe, but when she said this, she didn't blush at all.

  After chatting for a while, Zhang Qiao'er started talking with Guo Yuhuan. Both of them came from small business families and seemed to have more common topics to discuss. Moreover, Guo Yuhuan was very good at flattering people, and she made Zhang Qiao'er very happy.

  At this time, July and a little girl walked in from outside, with July holding a stew pot. Zhang Qiaoer saw people coming in and suddenly lost interest in talking.

  May walked forward, took the stew pot from July's hands and carefully carried it to Zhang Qiao'er's face. Luo Juan then opened the lid of the stew pot and picked up a silver spoon to persuade Zhang Qiao'er to eat some.

  "It's been simmering for two or three hours, and it's not greasy at all. Big Madam, please eat some, if not for yourself, then for the child in your belly." Luo Juan, Xia Erniang, and Wu Yue all advised Zhang Qiao'er like this.

  Zhang Qiaoer was very impatient, but still took the silver spoon and, under Lu Juan's persuasion, ate a bowl of stew clean.

  "One day, if you don't stay in a place like this and eat, even the most delicious food will get tired of eating." Zhang Qiaoer had just put down her silver spoon when Luo Juan took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, and a little maid brought water in to serve Zhang Qiaoer washing her hands.

  Xia Er Aunt retreated to one side and explained to Xia Zhi and a few others, "Usually the number of people serving is several times more than this. The eldest lady's body is precious now, ordinary people are not allowed to approach her, it's just us few close relatives who take care of her."

  So the stew was actually made by Qi Yue herself, and Xia Er Shu, Wu Yue and Qi Yue were actually replacing Zhang Qiao's personal maidservants in serving her.

  They must have done this in order to guard against the tactics of that female proctor.

  Zhang Qiao'er had finished taking the tonic and was once again languid. Just as Xia Zhi was about to take his leave, a young maid rushed in to report that "the master has sent someone over".

  Lu Juan was overjoyed, and Zhang Qiaoer seemed to have taken some kind of magical medicine, immediately sitting up from the bed with a radiant complexion. Zhang Qiaoer hastily said "please" as her gaze swept towards Xia Zhi and the others.

  Summer immediately got up and said it was late, wanting to bid farewell and leave.

  Zhang Qiao'er immediately smiled and agreed: "I'm bored alone, you and Yu Huan come over to keep me company and chat with me often." Then, Zhang Qiao'er winked at Luo Juan, "Sister-in-law, don't let him come here for nothing this time."

  Luojun readily agreed and turned around to go inside, when she came back, her hands were holding several things. "This is a gift from our eldest grandmother for meeting you."

  Xia Zhi, Pearl, Guo Yuhuan and Xiao Hei Yu Er, each with a handkerchief and a silver ring.

  Guo Yuhuan happily accepted it and directly put the ring on her finger, praising the ring's style as exquisite. Xia Zhi, however, pushed the thing back.

  "Thank you, Grandma, we appreciate the thought, but it's not necessary." Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu both refused to accept the gift. Pearl looked around, hesitated for a moment, and also withdrew her hand. When she came, Xia Da Gu had secretly instructed her to follow Xia Zhi in everything.

  Luojun's face didn't look good. Xia Erniang, on the other hand, was very pleased and whispered to Luojun that if Xia Zhi didn't want it, then she shouldn't have it. They could just save this thing, and while everyone wasn't paying attention, she would take back those few pieces of cloth and the ring.

  Xia Er Auntie, Wu Yue and Qi Yue were all sent out to deliver summer clothes. As soon as they came out of the house, they saw that little servant girl leading a finely dressed young man into the house.

  When Xia Zhi walked to the gate of the courtyard, that little servant also came out from inside the house. Then, a loud noise was heard from upstairs, like something had fallen to the ground.

  It seems that what fell is still a big thing, otherwise the sound wouldn't be so loud.

  Xia Er Aunt and Wu Yue seemed to be sending Xia Zhi out, but they kept looking back in the direction of the upper house. The mother and daughter also exchanged a few quick glances, as if they were not unfamiliar with this situation.

  Because the carriage stopped just outside the front gate, Xia Er Auntie sent them off at the second gate.

  "From now on, don't come in through the front door again. Go to the side door at the back and ask for Zhang Mama. She'll bring you straight to me." This was Xia Erjie speaking to Guo Yuhuan.

  Guo Yuhuan said she would come visit Xia Ershu often from now on, and Xia Ershu seemed to like Guo Yuhuan very much too.

  "Second Aunt, when are you going back home?" Xia Zhi asked Second Aunt Xia in front of the second gate.

  "This is still unknown. I also took care of Dà Nǎi Nai until the end, and Dà Nǎi Nai couldn't leave me even when she was sitting in confinement." Xià èr Shěn said.

  Guo Yuhuan smiled and interrupted: "Aunt has been taking care of the eldest lady, and in the future, the young master will probably also need Aunt's help to take care of him. Aunt is working hard for a great cause, and it's likely that she won't be able to return to the village again."

  Xia Erniu smiled with satisfaction, thinking that Guo Yuhuan was not only clever but also considerate, saying everything she wanted to say in a more clear and dignified way.

  "What about your family's land, Second Aunt? It's almost time for the wheat harvest." Xia Zhi asked again.

  "It doesn't matter whether we harvest that little bit of wheat or not. We won't be short of food here." Xia Erniang said indifferently, "Sixteen, don't worry about it. Your Second Uncle has made arrangements."

  "Then I'll go ask my second uncle." Xia Zhi said. She was asking for Old Man Xia's sake. "If you all don't get your act together, Grandfather will be worried to death."

  Xia Er Aunt seemed not very pleased to hear Xia Zhi mention Old Man Xia, and only responded vaguely, with an expression that was eager for Xia Zhi to leave quickly. Xia Zhi sighed silently and turned to walk away.

  Sitting in the carriage on the way back, everyone was silent, only Guo Yuhuan was excitedly talking. When they returned to Xishi Street, Guo Yuhuan didn't go to Xia Dagou's place and went home directly.

  Xia went to see Xia's aunt and roughly told her what had happened. Xia's aunt had been to the Medicine King Temple Hutong once before, so she could see what was going on.

  (。)