Everyone chatted for a while, and Xia Qiao took Xiao Shu back to the front yard. He came to the backyard mainly to talk to Old Master Xia about Tian Shi's affairs. Since Old Master Xia would no longer pursue Tian Shi, he put his mind at ease.

  The two brothers had just left, and Tian Lai Bao arrived with a young child from the Tian family. After putting down his small trunk, he left. This little brat, Tian Lai Bao, was served by servants and maids in his own home. Now living at his maternal grandparents' house, although he didn't bring anyone to serve him, everyone in his grandparents' household was willing to cater to him.

  This kid, by generation, is still his younger cousin, but in fact, he also serves as his personal attendant and follower. That's why when he comes to the Xia family, there are many idle people who get in the way, otherwise, from the moment he leaves his maternal grandparents' house, he would definitely be surrounded by attendants, just like the first time Xia Zhi saw him.

  Tian Lai Bao got on the kang and sat at the table. Old Man Xia came over, personally supervising the three children as they recited books and wrote characters. Tian Lai Bao was now extremely familiar with Xiao Hei Yu Er and Xia Zhi, but whenever there were adults around, he became especially well-behaved. However, Xia Zhi would soon discover that today's Tian Lai Bao seemed somewhat distracted.

  Old Xia watched as the children finished their homework for the day and then went out, allowing the kids to relax.

  Tian Lai Bao supported his chin and let out a sigh.

  "Come on, Lai Bao, what's wrong with you today?" Xia Zhi asked while packing things up. Xiao Hei Yu also raised his head to look at Tian Lai Bao.

  "Sixteen, Uncle, I have to go back home in two days," Tian Lai Bao replied. This home, of course, was not the Daxing Zhuang where his maternal grandparents lived, but rather his own home in the city.

  Xiao Hei Yu'er was reluctant to part with Tian Lai Bao: "Stay for two more days, there's something fun in the city."

  "I don't want to go back either, but my parents sent someone to say that they'll come pick me up in two days," Tian Lai Bao told Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu. Actually, this was the first time Tian Lai Bao had stayed at his grandparents' house for such a long time, and there was a reason for it. It seemed that something had happened at the Tian family's pastry shop, and his parents were too busy to take care of him, so they let him stay in Daxing Village for so long.

  Now, the matter of Tianjiapu should be almost settled. His parents have already sent someone to urge him several times, but Tian Lai Bao is reluctant to return. This time, his parents want to come and pick him up personally, he has no choice but to go back.

  So Tian Lai Bao was worried. "I don't want to part with you... sixteen, Old Uncle."

  "Sixteen, what did you just call me? Call me sister! Don't make me hit you!" Xia Zhi gathered her things and gave Tian Lai Bao a knock on the head. Tian Lai Bao exaggeratedly covered his head and pitifully shouted "Xia Zhi jie".

  "Come on, Brother Bao, are you going back to the city?" Little Shu'er came over from the front yard and heard Tian Lai Bao's words.

  "Yes." Tian Lai Bao nodded, "Xiao Shu Er, you will think I'm not. Otherwise, follow your brother to Fu Cheng, and your brother will take you to eat delicious food and drink spicy drinks."

  "Come on, Brother Lai Bao, take me in? Then I'll go with you." Little Shu'er went to hug Lai Bao's arm.

  Two kids hugged each other and started to get bored. I don't know when they invented this game, but every time they play it, they seem to have a lot of fun. Little Black Fish chimed in on the side, saying he was in charge of giving Little Tree to Tian Lai Bao, telling Tian Lai Bao to take him away immediately.

  At this time, Xia Yue led in Xiao Xialin. Xiao Xialin saw the excitement and ran over with his short legs, pounced on Xiao Shu's thigh, and shouted "Take me away".

  Xia Zhi pushed his hair back, got down from the kang and put away the paper and pen. Xiao Shu ran over, pulled at her hem. The siblings walked outside, Xia Zhi looked at Xiao Shu with some curiosity: "What's up, pulling me out to talk?"

  "Sister," Xiao Shu'er quickly glanced around, then lowered his voice and spoke in Xia Zhi's ear, "Mother asked you to bring Bao Ge back home, Mother also said she prepared lunch and wants to keep Bao Ge at our house for dinner."

  Xia Zhi's face suddenly turned black. Tian Shi still has a lot of initiative! She certainly didn't want to follow Tian Shi's will. What kind of competition, that was just a carrot she hung in front of Tian Shi, she had no intention of really giving it to him.

  "Come to Grandma's house today there are guests, he has to go back to accompany the guests, can't eat outside. He left immediately. Little Shu, you go back and tell your mother like this."

  "Is that so." Xiaoshu was a bit displeased. What Xiaqiao and Xiashi understood, he didn't quite understand. He got along well with Tianlaibao and was willing to be close to him more often. Brother-in-law stuff, he was happy about it too. Tianlaibao would often bring delicious food for everyone to eat.

  No mistake, Xia Shu this kid, he is essentially a foodie.

  Although he was reluctant, Xiao Shu still ran to deliver the message to his sister. However, after a while, he ran back and said, "Sister, Mother said it's okay if we don't keep Bao Ge for dinner, but we have to bring him home to wait for a bit."

  He paused, then whispered to Xia Zhi: "Second Aunt came over yesterday. She sent me and Big Brother out, and talked to Mother for half a day. I only heard two sentences before Mother discovered us eavesdropping and chased us away. Sister, Second Aunt said bad things about you, and Mother wasn't happy. Sister, why don't we invite Bao Ge over to our house to sit for a while? What else can we do?"

  Xia Zhi thought for a moment and had an idea. "Alright, you go back and tell your mother, I'll bring him over."

  The little tree responded with a sound and ran happily.

  Summer solstice returned to the upstairs house.

  "Where did you go at 16?" asked Xiao Hei Yu Er, but before waiting for her response, she discussed with her where to play.

  "Where does Lai Bao want to go?" Xia Zhi asked. Lai Bao wants to return to the imperial city, she should be nice to him, after all, he is a little buddy.

  "Wherever you go is fine, as long as we're together." Tian Lai Bao said with a smile.

  Xia Zhi thought to herself that Tian Lai Bao was a clever kid, so she made up her mind: "Let's go to my house and sit under the eaves for a while. It's cool there, and we can look at the flowers. There are still some cherries on the tree in my yard, let's pick them and eat them." Xia Zhi also invited Lai Yue and Xia Lin to come along.

  Everyone was happy to chat and laugh as they came out of the backyard and first arrived at Xia Zhi's small backyard, where they picked cherries together with Xia Zhi.

  Mrs. Tian came out of the house as soon as she heard the noise, and she deliberately combed her hair and changed into a more elegant outfit than usual at home, wearing an old green Hangzhou silk jacket, which made her look like no ordinary farmer's wife. Little Black Fish saw her first, took a glance, turned his head back and gave her a nod, continuing to eat the cherries picked in early summer, completely ignoring her. Lao Yue and Xiao Xia Lin both called out "Auntie", but the two children didn't dare pick any cherries yet.

  "...the cherries are for you to pick and eat." Tian Shi smiled, her eyes falling on Tian Lai Bao's face, "Whose little young master is this? I've never seen him before."

  "Mother, this is Bao Ge." Xiao Shu'er followed behind Tian Shi and came out, smiling as he introduced him.

  Tian's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at Xia Zhi with a hint of displeasure, resenting him for stealing the spotlight.

  Tian Lai Bao's clever child heard Xiao Shu calling out to his mother, and upon taking another look at Tian's attire, he immediately knew who Tian was.

  "Great Aunt." Tian Lai Bao bowed respectfully and greeted the Tian family. "I am Tian Lai Bao, the grandson of Old Tian's family under the big oak tree."

  "Ah, look at this child, so handsome and charming, so well-behaved. Come on in, come on in." Tian's eyes sparkled with a smile as she sized up Tian Lai Bao, "This is a rare guest, hurry up and go inside to sit down." Then she instructed Da Qiao and Xiao Shu Er, "You two pick some cherries, wash them clean and bring them inside. Xia Zhi, you come in with your mother too."

  The host was very considerate, but ignored Rui Yue and Xia Lin, and also didn't greet Xiao Hei Yu Er.

  Tian Lai Bao nodded in agreement, looking at Xiao Hei Yu who was lying still with his eyes closed, and he himself didn't move either.

  Tian's family didn't call for Dong to come over, her eyes scanned the room and she remembered what Xia Qiao had said before. She understood now. Although she was unwilling in her heart, she still put on a smile: "Little Dragon, let your nephew help you pick cherries, you and Lai Bao follow Big Sister into the house, we'll talk."

  The little black fish didn't respond, a pair of shiny big eyes glanced at Xia Zhi's side, seeing that Xia Zhi had no expression, he slowly moved his feet. Tian Lai Bao also quickly glanced at Xia Zhi, then happily followed behind the little black fish.

  Xia Zhi followed suit and entered the house, gesturing for Ruan Yue and Xia Lin to come in as well. These two children were not close to Tian Shi, but they were happy to listen to Xia Zhi. As soon as Xia Zhi entered the house, she noticed that Tian Shi must have deliberately cleaned up again.

  Their home was already clean enough (Mrs. Tian had her shortcomings, but to be fair, she was a hardworking and cleanliness-loving housewife, which also influenced the children), now it's even more spotless. Mrs. Tian also brought out several decorations that were only taken out during holidays to decorate the door.

  It seems that Tian has been prepared for this.

  The kang had a kang table on it, and a satin-faced cushion was spread out. Mrs. Tian asked Tian Lai Bao and Xiao Hei Yu Er to sit on the kang on the cushion. She brought up all the fruit dishes she had prepared for the summer solstice, then took out a set of celadon teapots and cups, and poured a cup of tea for each of them.

  "It was sent by the students of your uncle's academy, saying it's rock tea, which is hard to come by around here." Not like calling out to a child, but more like greeting a noble guest.

  Tian Lai Bao was also very polite, he always let Tian Shi not have to bother, until Tian Shi sat down on the kang, he followed and sat down. However, he didn't mean to help Tian Shi like before. When Xia Laotaitai was busy with tea and snacks, he would definitely jump off the kang and help Xia Zhi carry things.

  "Summer solstice, come sit with me... Uncle and you, Baobao brothers, come over and sit down." After Tian Shi sat down, she also beckoned Xia Zhi to come and sit next to her, her attitude extremely affectionate, as if Xia Zhi was very spoiled at home.

  Then, Tian Shi started chatting with Tian Lai Bao. She asked about Tian Lai Bao's age, and where he studied, and then asked about his mother. When Tian Shi married into the Daxing Zhuang family, Tian Lai Bao's mother was still at home as a young unmarried woman, and she knew Tian Shi. In Tian Shi's words, she and Tian Lai Bao's mother were good friends.

  "Your mother married into the city and has been busy with things, so we haven't seen each other in many years." The tone is somewhat regretful.

  Tian Lai Bao immediately said: "My mother often talks about my aunt, saying that my aunt is the most fortunate, she is a xiucai's wife, and her demeanor is impressive, the people she knows are unmatched."

  Tian's face almost bloomed into flowers.

  Xia Zhi gave Tian Lai Bao a surreptitious glare. This little brat is the best at flattering people. Although the Xia and Tian families have had dealings with each other, their relationship isn't particularly close. The two families rarely visit each other's homes. It's possible that Mrs. Tian and Tian Lai Bao's mother may have met before, but it would be nothing more than a casual acquaintance of exchanging a few words. Whatever Tian Lai Bao said must have been fabricated.

  Tianlai Bao rushed towards Xia Zhi with a smile, and also ignored the white eyes of the little black fish beside him. He even carefully peeled a fruit for the little black fish and handed it over.

  Xiao Hei Yu hummed, he was quite good with Tian Lai Bao, but he still looked down on Tian Lai Bao's flattering and bootlicking. Moreover, Tian Lai Bao actually flattered the Tian family so much, Xiao Hei Yu felt displeased. He was giving Xia Zhi face, so he reluctantly sat quietly there.

  Xiaqiao and Xiaoshu brought in a plate of clean cherries. Tian Lai Bao hastily jumped down from the kang, calling out to Xiaqiao as "brother" and inviting him to sit down.

  "Please sit down, you're a guest." Tian Shi smiled at Tian Lai Bao, "This child is indeed well-mannered..."

  Before she could say more, the door curtain rustled outside. Xia Erniang came in with a smile, followed by a string of people from tall to short, namely Wu Yue, Qi Yiyue, Xia Zhu and Xia Yang.

  The Tian family and Xia Ershen's relationship is quite good on the surface, the two sisters-in-law have common topics to talk about, and they often chat together for half a day. Just now, I heard from Xiao Shu'er that Xia Ershen had already come to the Tian family before. Now she has come again, and she has brought several children with her.

  In May, several people took a close look and were all neatly dressed up, even Xia Yang's face was washed clean.

  "Wow, it's still lively!" Xia Erniang exclaimed as she entered the house.

  Tian's face sank slightly before he forced a smile onto his face, "His second aunt has arrived..."

  Xia Er Aunt didn't wait for Tian Shi to finish speaking and continued: "The children knew that their eldest aunt had returned, and they were making a fuss about coming. Eldest sister, you've been gone to Xiao Wang Zhuang to collect vegetables for half a month, and the several children have been thinking about it."

  Tian's smile was somewhat frozen on her face. As soon as Xia Erniang opened her mouth, she didn't mention anything else, but instead mentioned Xiao Wangzhuang and specifically brought up the vegetable collection, which was clearly a case of "not opening one pot and mentioning another", intentionally exposing Tian Laibao's scars in front of everyone. Xia Erniang's purpose in doing so was not unknown to her. The children didn't understand what was going on, but she understood it all at once.

  Since Aunt Xia came, it's not like she can be driven away just by saying so. Moreover, she can't lose her temper and drive Aunt Xia away in front of Tian Lai Bao. Madam Tian twitched the corner of her mouth, not letting Aunt Xia sit down, but her gaze fell on Wu Yue instead.

  "Look at our May, she's changed a lot after not seeing her for several days. Her aunt asked her grandfather to find a husband for May? I heard that the other family didn't think highly of May! Oh dear, who knows what kind of family they are, but May doesn't think much of them either!"

  (。)