520 more, continue to ask for monthly votes, three consecutive days of 10,000 more, physical exhaustion, don't know if I can hang on to the end of the list, if possible, try to add one more chapter. Excess votes (if any) will be kept in account and used for additional chapters when ranking top 10 in October.

  *****

  When Xia Xiuzai said this, Xia Erniang squeezed her eyes at Xia Daguni. Xia Daguni turned away and gave Xia Zhi a piece of sugar vinegar ribs, as if she hadn't seen Xia Erniang's gaze.

  Xia Er Aunt didn't give up either, and she winked at May and July.

  Xia Xiuzai's temper was well-known to everyone, and he seemed to be born not understanding other people's sarcastic words. Xia Ershu felt that talking to this elder brother was still as meaningless as before.

  In fact, Xia Xiuzai has a very good temper. He never argues with people in language. Some words he doesn't understand, but simply don't care. It's because of this advantage that Li Shanzhang values him so much, arranging him at Wenshan Academy and giving him preferential treatment in many places.

  Xia Xiuzai was well-connected in the academy and was known for his kindness.

  It's no fun talking to Xia Xiuzai, so Xia Ershu said to Guo Gufu and Changsheng. This time he talked about the business of Gui Fangzhai, saying that the business was good, and also saying how he and Xia Zhi were in power inside.

  "Longsheng, the family's shop is enough for your parents to take care of. Otherwise, come to Guifangzhai, and Second Uncle will arrange a good job for you." Xia Ershu glanced at Guo Aunt and then looked at Longsheng, speaking in a grandiose manner.

  The Guo family had this grocery store, and even if they didn't make as much money as the Gui Fang Zhai, neither Aunt Xia nor Uncle Guo would ever let Zhang Sheng go work in another store, not even as a manager.

  The other party's family is the minority shareholder of a grocery store.

  Changsheng smiled and didn't say anything. Guo's uncle naturally blocked the way in front of him. He said thank you for Xia Ershu's kindness, but Changsheng is indispensable in the grocery store.

  "Don't look at your nephew's young age, the grocery store can't do without him." Guo uncle smiled and said in a very good temper. "Although it's a small business, passed down from ancestors, it must be passed on. As long as Zhang Sheng can manage the grocery store well, that's all right."

  At this point, Uncle Guo's tone suddenly changed: "Since this uncle is in charge, he should take care of his nephew and pay more attention to the business of your shop from now on."

  Guo's uncle let Changsheng give Xia Ershu a toast, hoping that Xia Ershu would take care of the Guo family grocery store business in the future.

  Chang Sheng hastily stood up and toasted Xia Ershu.

  Xia Er Shu gazed at Changsheng with a drunken look, hesitated for a moment, and then clinked glasses with him: "Changsheng calls me Second Uncle, what more is there to say!"

  This was considered settled. Uncle Guo immediately smiled with joy.

  The topic immediately turned to Changsheng. Guo's uncle said that someone came to propose a marriage for Changsheng two days ago, and it was the daughter of the Xie family who ran a pawnshop on West Market Street.

  Xie's pawnshop on West City Street is also famous, and in terms of family wealth, it can be compared to the Guo family. Moreover, Xie's daughters are all very beautiful, this year they are fifteen years old, and are the same age as Zhang Sheng.

  In Guo's uncle's view, this marriage is not bad at all.

  "I'll discuss with your sister and once we've decided, I'll settle it with Zhang Sheng. Let's get the marriage arranged as soon as possible, so we can put our minds at ease. In the future, having your sister around will also give us an extra pair of hands at home."

  As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Er Uncle hadn't had time to say anything, when Xia Er Aunt spoke up: "We just arrived in the prefectural city and already there's someone acting as matchmaker for Wu Yue."

  Xia Dagu hastily picked up the conversation and asked with concern who told Wu Yue which family it was.

  Xia Er Shu curled his lip, seemingly looking down on him, yet also seeming somewhat proud: "He's just a nephew from the family of the Imperial Censor, with an identity even higher than that of the Imperial Censor. He's the young master of the Tian family, who are hereditary officials in the capital city. He's about the same age as us, and has already become a Xiucai. If he takes another exam, he'll be a Jinshi, just like his ancestors before him, and will also become a high-ranking official."

  "It's the Salt Control Censor." Xia Er Shu corrected Xia Er Shu with some impatience, "What kind of censor are you talking about? You're making a big official sound like nothing."

  "Yes, it's the Salt Control Censor." Xia Erniu smiled slyly, "That's an official position that brings in a lot of money, with silver piling up like mountains at home..."

  Xia Dagu felt that this statement was too exaggerated, but she still asked: "Such a good young man, did Second Brother and Sister-in-law agree?"

  "We didn't agree, how could we agree?" Xia Erniu said with a hum, "We haven't even seen the person, but at least our May is someone who can match up to us. Eldest aunt, take a look, doesn't our May have a good appearance?"

  Xia Dagu smiled and looked at May for a while: "Our May is really good-looking."

  "Look, her aunt said so too. We were the top family in the village in May, and when we came to the prefecture, we weren't inferior to others either. The Tian family is good, but there are many good families. We still need to see what kind of person the younger generation is. Her aunt, you say it's right or not?"

  Xia Dagu knew that what they had just said was probably untrue. She wouldn't expose them, and instead went along with Xia Ershu and Xia Erjie's words.

  Both families have said so, then no one will mention Changsheng and May again. Uncle Guo just mentioned this topic for this purpose.

  The goal is achieved, and Guo's uncle is happy. He says that the little girl in May is good, but the mother-in-law wants to carefully select her: "Let her older sister help too." The only fear is that they won't be able to find someone as good as Master Wang. My wife and I know some small business people, but we're afraid that Second Brother and his wife will look down on them.

  Aunt Xia was gnawing on a pork rib, her mouth greasy: "The marriage in May will eventually fall to Master Jian's family. After July, it's hard to say, depending on where Master Jian takes office."

  Guo's uncle let out a loud "Ah-yo!" and then toasted Xia Ershu: "In May and July, shouldn't you both find an official position?!"

  Xia Er Shu was very pleased, but still intentionally humble, just not quite to the point of humility, his mouth almost curled up to his ears. "We can't say that far away, our stage is already set for them. It's up to their own good fortune."

  After finishing a meal, everyone was delighted. The dinner table was cleared and tea, melon seeds, and snacks were served, and they all moved to the east room to chat.

  Xia Xiuzai didn't forget Xia Zhi's words, he had already asked about the well-being of Old Master Xia and Old Lady Xia, now he brought up the matter of Xia Yang with Second Uncle Xia.

  "Don't be disobedient when I, as your elder brother, speak. Father and mother are both advanced in years. Little Yang is still young and should follow his mother."

  Uncle Xia Er had too much wine and mumbled: "In two days, in two days, let someone bring Little Yang over."

  He agreed, but Xia Erniang was unhappy. "My niece specifically told me to come alone and take good care of the monitor's grandmother. You all came together, and she didn't say anything. I brought a little Yang too, what does that look like!"

  It seems like some earth-shattering secret has been spilled!

  (。)