90 chapters plus additional updates, next update will be 110 chapters

  *****

  Xia Zhi's mouth twitched, and she slowly walked back home. Tian Shi was sitting on the edge of the kang, holding a half-finished shoe sole in her hand. Xia Zhi glanced at her from the main room, but didn't say anything, and was about to head to the west wing. Tian Shi had seen Xia Zhi coming back and was waiting for her to talk, but seeing that she was being ignored, her eyes stood up straight.

  However, she thought for a moment and didn't get angry, but instead greeted Xia Zhi: "Xia Zhi, you're back?"

  "Hmm." Xia Zhi responded with a murmur and continued walking towards the west wing.

  Tian put down the shoe sole in his hand, "Xiatu, come here, mother wants to ask you a few questions."

  Xia Zhi had no choice but to walk back to the east house and stood in front of Tian Shi. Tian Shi beckoned her to sit down: "Sit down, have a good talk with your mother. How did you come back?"

  "I've already asked my aunt. The backyard was bustling, so I came back." Xia Zhi replied, but she didn't mention that she and Wu Yue, Chang Sheng were chatting under the eaves of the backyard door.

  "Changsheng followed your aunt here, didn't he?" Tian asked again.

  "Hmm." Xia nodded.

  Tian felt it was tiring to talk to Xia Zhi. She glared at Xia Zhi with hatred: "Xia Zhi, do you still think I'm your mother? What's wrong with me these days? You're not even willing to say a word to me!"

  This is a precursor to Tian's explosion.

  Summer solstice sees good then collects, she asks Tian Shi: "Mother, what do you want to ask after all?"

  "I'm asking for your sake, aren't I?" Tian Shi asked Xia Zhi in detail about what he had seen and heard in the backyard. Xia Zhi picked out some things that could be said and told them. A thoughtful expression appeared on Tian Shi's face, then suddenly she asked Xia Zhi a question: "Has Chang Sheng fixed his engagement yet?"

  "How would I know? Nobody told me about this." Xia Zhi said.

  "What's the use of you!" Mrs. Tian was furious. "Look at May Fifth..." She said half a sentence, then felt she had misspoken and stopped abruptly.

  "Your second uncle is a sly one. That little girl in May will follow him anywhere. They're quite quick about it!" Tian said several sentences in a row, leaving Xia Zhi bewildered.

  "Mother, I'll go and work on some needlework." Xia Zhi thought of leaving.

  "Don't go, I still have something to say to you." Tian Shi stopped Xia Zhi, "Tian Lai Bao has returned to the city, when will he come again? Have you been to his house?"

  "No." Xia Zhi replied succinctly, knowing Tian Shi's thoughts. She intentionally added, "Lai Bao was taken back by his parents. By the way, Mother, you said you're close to Lai Bao's mother, and she came back to pick him up, knowing he often plays at our house, why didn't she come see you?"

  Tian's face turned red. Those words were what she used to coax Tian Lai Bao, but unexpectedly they were remembered by Xia Zhi. Because of her unease, her expression became stern: "Who am I that someone would come to see me? If your father were a scholar or a county official, you think she'd come?"

  This seamless logic left Xia Zhi speechless as well.

  Tian's family vented their anger, and she felt a bit better. She also knew in her heart that no matter how ugly the May side was, the Tian family should not have looked down on the Xia family's door. The marriage between Xia Zhi and Tian Lai Bao that she had been thinking about might be hopeless now.

  But Xia's family probably understood even more clearly than she thought, just look at how Wu Yue treated Guo Changsheng. Is that the normal attitude of a younger female cousin towards an older male cousin? That little girl Wu Yue was obviously flirting with Guo Changsheng.

  It turned out that the person who was peeking from behind the wall just now was indeed Tian Shi.

  She refused to go to the backyard properly, but after a few children left, she walked out of the door and looked around in the backyard. Later, when she heard voices inside the back door, she hid behind the wall and peeked with her feet up. As a result, she saw how Wu Yue hooked up with Chang Sheng using his eyes. If Xia Zhi hadn't suddenly come back, she was afraid of being discovered by Xia Zhi, and she still planned to continue peeking.

  Although Guo's family is not as wealthy as Tian Lai Bao's, they are still considered to be well-off, much better than ordinary people. If it weren't for this, she wouldn't have thought of asking Xia Xiucan to borrow money from Xia Dagou. Among all the families she knew, only Xia Dagou could take out one or two hundred silver coins at once.

  It's clear that Mei Yu has taken a liking to Guo Changsheng, probably at the behest of Xia Ershu and his wife.

  Tian Lai Bao's side is hopeless, but Guo Chang Sheng is different. With the relationship of Xia Da Gu, Guo Chang Sheng should be easy to grasp. Tian Shi secretly resents himself for being slow-witted and falling behind Xia Er Shu. At the same time, he also resents Xia Zhi for not being ambitious and having a narrow mind.

  Xia Er Aunt had said that she wanted to marry a rich family in May, not only would her own life be better off, but also could stick more stickers on her mother's family. She didn't have such an idea either. Moreover, in her opinion, her family needed more stickers than Xia Er Uncle's family.

  Xiaqiao is already fourteen years old, and it's time to talk about marriage. However, in recent years, all the money at home has been spent on her dowry for her mother's family, and she and Xiaxiu have no savings. At the same time, they also need to save money and borrow money for Dabao to marry a wife. In total, it's unlikely that less than three or four hundred taels of silver will be enough.

  Where did they go to find these three or four hundred taels of silver, selling it wouldn't even be enough for the summer solstice.

  But if Xia Zhi could marry into a wealthy family, it would be different. Just like her, although the Xia family is not rich and noble, they have managed to make ends meet by pinching pennies and fighting for every bit, and over the years she has also contributed quite a bit to supporting her natal family.

  If Xia Zhi marries a rich and noble family, all problems will be solved. Not only will things go smoothly on her mother's side, but also the marriages of her two sons and other major events will have a good outcome.

  The Guo family is not very wealthy, but squeezing a bit, all these things can still be done. Moreover, there is also the relationship with Xia Dagu, and in the future, when Xia Zhi wants to take care of her natal home, it will be even more convenient.

  Even if a daughter-in-law has the intention to take care of her husband's family, if the parents-in-law are harsh, it will still be very difficult. In this regard, Guo Changsheng is obviously better than Tian Laibao.

  "Ah, it's summer solstice! How does this child of Changsheng look?" The more she thought about it, the happier she became, and Tian Shi's expression actually turned pleasant.

  Xia Zhi didn't know that Tian Shi's brain hole had already opened to the sky, she thought Tian Shi was very strange today. "I think they're quite good. Mother, what are you going to do?" Xia Zhi thought Tian Shi wanted to find someone for the backyard and take action against Guo Changsheng.

  "Summer solstice, you go back and bring that Longsheng child over for me to take a look." Tian Shi instructed Xia Zhi.

  "Ah……” Xia Zhi Man responded, but actually didn't plan to call Guo Zhang Sheng. She first got rid of Tian Shi and then said anything else. Just as she stood up, Xia Qiao came back. Tian Shi hurriedly greeted Xia Qiao: "How come you're back? Not accompanying Zhang Sheng in conversation?"

  "I've been waiting in the backyard for half a day. Changsheng was talking to Wu Yue, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise, so I came back." Xia Qiao replied honestly.

  Tian's family was anxious, feeling that their own children were not as clever as others. "What did Changsheng and Wu Yue say? I think Wu Yue looks very bad. As the elder brother, you should speak up for her and also consider some dignity."

  Xia Qiao also felt a bit strange and embarrassed when he came back, but after hearing Tian Shi mention shame, he was still shocked and thought that Tian Shi had said too much.

  "Mother, what's going on in May? There are Second Uncle and Second Aunt, it's not up to me to take care of."

  "You this child!" Tian Shi was both angry and helpless, then thought of Xiao Shu'er, "Where's Xiao Shu'er? Is she with Changsheng?"

  "Xiao Shu'er has gone to play at He Suo with Old Uncle," Xia Qiao told Tian Shi.

  "I knew it! You're all a bunch of wooden heads! Tian pointed at Xia Qiao and Xia Zhi, then ordered Xia Qiao, "Go get Zhang Sheng over here, I need to have a word with him."

  "Mother, my aunt has arrived, and you won't even go to see her. Now you're asking me to call Eldest Brother over just by opening your mouth. Mother, if you really want to see Eldest Brother, then you can't go to the backyard, it's better for everyone to take a look together." Xia Zhi couldn't help but persuade Tian Shi.

  "What do you know?" Tian Shi said disapprovingly, and she also scolded Xia Zhi, "We have a great favor to your aunt. She can't repay it for her whole life."

  "What's up with our eldest aunt?" Xia Zhi asked.

  "Your great aunt was brought by your grandmother. When she came, she only had the clothes on her body and nothing else. It was the Old Xia family that raised her to be so big and even arranged a marriage for her. Isn't this a great kindness?!" Madam Tian said with a matter-of-fact tone.

  Xia Zhi was really fed up with her. Even if the Xia family had a favor to ask of Xia Dagu, but she, as a daughter-in-law who didn't even put the old couple in her eyes, why should she count this favor on her head? Where did she get the nerve to think that others should be humble to her?!

  Still the same sentence, Tian has her own unbeatable logic. In her world, understanding is a sign of incompetence.

  Xia Zhi didn't listen to Tian Shi, but Xia Qiao was persuaded by Tian Shi after just two sentences and went to the backyard. However, he quickly came back. He told Tian Shi that Chang Sheng was no longer at the backyard door. It was almost time for dinner, and the upper house in the backyard had prepared food and was about to start eating. Chang Sheng should have gone back to eat.

  It seems that Tian's family hasn't even started preparing lunch yet.

  Xia Zhi didn't say anything. Last time when she invited guests, Xia Zhi took charge of ordering the dishes, and afterwards Tian Shi was not very happy, seemingly feeling that her authority as the mistress of the house had been usurped. From that day on, Xia Zhi no longer took charge of ordering food, and just listened to Tian Shi's instructions. Whatever Tian Shi told her to do, she did.

  "Wait until they finish their meal, then you can go over." Tian instructed Xiaqiao.

  At this time, the curtain behind the door rustled. Da Qing slipped in first, and Xiao Hei followed closely behind her.

  "Sixteen, your grandfather told you to go eat in the backyard." Little Black Fish called out as he entered the door, greeting Xia Zhi.

  Summer solstice looked at Tian Shi.

  Tian's face didn't look very good. She asked Xiao Hei Yu: "Is it called Xia Zhi, not Da Qiao?"

  "Let's have dinner at home, Sixteen come with me." Little Black said and came to pull Xia Zhi, "The dishes are all set, just waiting for you, Sixteen."

  "Xia Zhi isn't going either." Tian Shi said with a gloomy face. There were guests in the backyard, and they asked the children to go over for dinner. This wasn't just about one meal; it was about status and dignity. Such dignity should be given to Da Qiao, how could it be given to Xia Zhi? Tian Shi thought that Lao Ye Zi and Lao Tai Tai had done something wrong. "Xiao Long, did you hear incorrectly? Wasn't the old master calling for Da Qiao?"

  "Anyway, I'm taking Sixteen away. You can't stop me."

  "My daughter, can't I take care of her anymore?" Tian's face immediately turned red with rage.

  "Sister, you've forgotten our agreement again." Xia Zhi said calmly.

  Xia Qiao saw that several people were about to quarrel, so he hastily intervened. He advised Tian Shi, "Mother, I'll eat with you at home, I won't go to the backyard. Let Sixteen go instead, Sixteen can help with cooking and chores, and also accompany my elder sister and Zhenzhu."

  The Tian family didn't respond, and seemed to want to fight with the Xia family until summer. Of course, they were stopped by Xia Qiao. The Tian family was also very strict with the children in the backyard, not allowing them to get close to the Xia family. In the past, when there were guests in the backyard, no one had ever been invited over for dinner before. This was the first time. In fact, the Tian family felt a little proud inside.

  But the one being lifted in the backyard is not her son, but Xia Zhi. She's not pleased about it. So she wants to make a scene, on the one hand, she doesn't want to give Xia Zhi the satisfaction, and on the other hand, she wants to remind everyone in the family who's in charge.

  She could see that her words were ineffective, and her daughter was fine, but her son also indiscriminately blocked her, making Tian Shi's heart both hateful and angry.

  "Sixteen, let's go." Little Black Fish glared at Tian Shi and pulled Xia Zhi away.

  "Sister, brother, I'm leaving." Xia Zhi said to Tian Shi and Xia Qiao, then followed Xiao Hei Yu Er away.

  Tian didn't go to stop Xia Zhi again. After Xia Zhi left, she muttered under her breath: "Little brat, if she becomes someone in the future, who else will be in her eyes? It's useless to hope for her!"

  Although he scolded like this, after all, there was still a thought in his heart. The condition given by Xia Zhi was too tempting.

  That's why she didn't stop Xia Zhi from leaving. Moreover, if anything happened, she thought that only Xia Xiu could borrow money from Xia Da Gu.

  Walking to the backyard, Xiao Hei was still indignant about the summer solstice. The summer solstice was actually quite calm. If Tian Shi didn't jump around and make a fuss, it wouldn't be Tian Shi. Tian Shi being Tian Shi, she didn't take it to heart, and just did what she had to do.

  The backyard was set up with a house, and the table had already been put up. Old Lady Xia was carrying dishes to the table, saw Xia Zhi coming, and smiled to greet her to come quickly to the table.

  "Mum, let me help you." Xia Zhi washed his hands and was about to help Grandma Xia serve the dishes.

  Old Lady Xia wouldn't let her carry it: "Go sit on the kang with your uncle, and keep your elder sister and Pearl company for a bit. There's also Third Aunt and Lao Yue, they don't have much to do either."

  Xia San Aunt and Lao Yue were indeed helping with the work in the main room. What surprised Xia Zhi was that Wu Yue was also there. Wu Yue snatched a dish from Lao Yue's hand and put it on the table, then turned around and snatched another dish from Xia Laotaitai's hand. She smiled: "Grandma, you go ahead and sit down first. Let me handle these chores. Grandma, why didn't you call for me earlier? I can do all sorts of things like stir-frying and cooking."

  May is devoted to Old Lady Summer, but today's sun seems to be rising from the west?!

  Xia Zhi's black eyes turned slightly, and she didn't bother to be polite to Old Lady Xia anymore. She went up the kang and sat down between Pearl and Xiao Hei Yu. Pearl was sitting next to Eldest Aunt Xia, while Chang Sheng's seat was beside Old Master Xia.

  When May saw Xia Zhi come to the table, her face changed slightly. Then, she smiled and called out to Xia Zhi: "Sixteen, don't rush to sit down yet. Come help sister wash these few bowls again."

  (。)