Xia Zhi smiled and told Xia Er Shu frankly, "These things were all brought back by my family as gifts. To say that I've become wealthy, isn't it far from the truth compared to you, Uncle? Uncle, my husband and I are heading home soon, do you have any messages or items you'd like me to bring to my grandparents?"

  Xia Er Shu's face immediately showed some embarrassment, and in his heart he said Xia Zhi was really not at a loss, and with just a few light words, he had won another victory. "Little Dragon, sixteen, I'm busy with this matter, can't go back, you guys help me take care of the old master and mistress." No matter what he thought in his heart, no matter how he would do it, Xia Er Shu's words were still spoken quite elegantly.

  Then he waved his hand and shouted to the young man farthest away: "Quickly, pack a few pieces of good pastries and let my brother and niece take them back home."

  That young fellow answered with his mouth, but his feet didn't move. Xia Ershu shouted again, and the young fellow turned around and went inside, saying he was going to get a fruit basket.

  Xia Er Shu then turned around and spoke to Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu: "Little Dragon, Sixteen, you two go back now. Once the pastries are packed, I'll have someone deliver them to you."

  "It's really troublesome for Second Uncle," Xia Zhi said with a smile. "I'll just wait here with Old Uncle for a while."

  "Alright, alright." Xia Er Shu's smile on his face became somewhat stiff. He accompanied Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu to say a couple of words, then said he had something to attend to and left them to wait by themselves.

  "Second Uncle, what's more important than being filial to my grandparents? Now that you're leaving, who knows when we'll be able to get the fruit box for Grandpa and Grandma?" Xia Zhi said with a smile. She usually spoke in a way that gave people face, but after what happened with Xia Zhu earlier, Xia Zhi didn't want to let Second Uncle off easy.

  Xia Ershu's face looked even worse, and he could only call out to the young apprentice again, but no one responded. It was unclear whether Xia Ershu was really clueless about running a shop or if he was intentionally playing dumb with his apprentices, just going through the motions.

  No matter which one, Xia Zhi just smiled and watched Xia Er Shu, looking at what he was going to do.

  Xia Er Uncle had no choice but to follow Xia Zhi and smile: "Sixteen, wait a minute, I'll go take a look in the back, maybe something's wrong."

  "Second Uncle, no need," Xia Zhi said with a smile. "As long as you have the heart to be filial to my grandfather and grandmother, they don't care whether you give them things or not."

  "Yes, yes, the old master and mistress are indeed kind and understanding people. I'll have someone prepare a fruit box for you." Summer Second Uncle's forehead was slightly sweaty, truly regretting that he shouldn't have poked his head out earlier to let Summer Zhi see him.

  After Xia Zhi came to the prefecture, she became even more fierce and difficult to deal with. This girl is someone who cannot be offended, Xia Ershu made up his mind that from now on he must control his mouth in front of Xia Zhi.

  But if he could really control his mouth, he wouldn't be Xia Ershu anymore.

  Xia Er Shu said so, Xia Zhi didn't plan to wait in the store anymore. She bid farewell to Xia Er Shu and followed Xiao Hei Yu out of Gui Fang Zhai, without avoiding suspicion, and entered Gui Xiang Zhai diagonally across from them.

  Young Zhang saw Xia Zhi coming and hurriedly smiled and came up. "Miss is looking for the boss, or do you want to order some dim sum."

  "Let's not trouble the shopkeeper today," Xia Zhi told the young apprentice, "You pick out two catties of soft and good pastries from the counter and put them in a fruit box for me."

  The fruit box is also a dim sum box, mostly printed with auspicious patterns of flowers and greenery, which is an essential product for visiting relatives and friends during the Spring Festival.

  The young man quickly responded, and he cleverly asked if Xia Zhi was for the elderly. Xia Zhi nodded in agreement. After a while, the young man had selected some pastries and packed them into a fruit box.

  When Xia Zhi took out the money and asked the young shopkeeper how much it was, the young shopkeeper busily smiled and refused to accept the money. "The master and the boss have already given orders that no matter what Miss takes from the store, we cannot accept her money."

  "This won't do." Xia Zhi smiled and insisted on paying the money. "A shop's business has its rules, I can't break this rule."

  They bought things and Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu Er returned to see Xia Da Gu. Xia Da Gu was delighted to see that they had bought these things for the family, then she also asked about their conflict with Xia Zhu.

  "Big sister, how did you find out so quickly?" Xia Zhi asked in surprise.

  "It was that kid from next door who came over to tattle on you." Xia Dagu gave a sideways glance, indicating that it was Guo Xi who had come over to inform on her. "He said you bullied Xia Zhu, didn't know the rules, and didn't respect your elders, didn't put him in his place. He rambled on and on, telling me all sorts of things. I asked him what was really going on. I said that Sixteen is my niece, I know her, she's not that kind of person."

  Guo Xi came to accuse Xia Dagou, but Xia Dagou was not easy to mess with. In the end, Guo Xi got a nose full of ash and left.

  "What's going on?" Xia Dagu finally asked Xia Zhi.

  Xiao Hei Yu hurriedly told Xia Da Gu about what had happened, and also said that Guo Xi was "a wicked person who informs against others first."

  Xia Dagu heard that it wasn't Xia Zhi's fault. What Xia Zhi did was not only not wrong, but also very right. It's rare for Xia Zhi to be willing to take care of Xiao Hei like this. At the same time as feeling relieved, Xia Dagu still worried about Xia Zhi.

  "That's the most narrow-minded person, both of their mouths are not good." Because of this matter, I'm afraid that in the future, Guo Xi and Guo Qian will inevitably say bad things about Xia Zhi. If this affects Xia Zhi's reputation, it won't be good.

  "It's nothing." Xia Zhi didn't take it to heart, "At that time, many people were watching from the side, we're in the right, not afraid of their gossip."

  "That's true." However, Xia Zhi beat up Xia Zhu in front of so many people and also scolded Guo Xi and Xia Ershu until they were speechless. People will say that Xia Zhu, Guo Xi, and Xia Ershu are not right, but Xia Zhi can't help but get a reputation for being too reckless.

  When it comes to reputation, young girls are especially vulnerable. Xia Zhi is a beautiful and lovely girl, if she were to be called a mother bug, her future marriage would be affected. Xia Da Jie is completely thinking for Xia Zhi's sake.

  She didn't care about the summer solstice, she never thought of seeking a reputation for being virtuous and gentle. A person suppressing their personality, living in a twisted way, saying one sentence but having to go around in circles, how tiring and meaningless it is. She didn't want to bother with that.

  Xia Zhi said Little Black Fish was full of energy, but in fact she was also full of energy.

  "Sixteen, when you speak, everyone's eyes light up. You're speaking the truth." Xia Dagu smiled, "Besides, they have mouths, but we don't? With me around, I won't let them wrong you."

  As soon as she finished speaking, Wang's sister sent over the moonlight-colored dress. Xia Zhi found some pearls to go with it, and the dress fit perfectly with the pearls on her body. She was so happy that she twirled around in a circle on the ground.

  "You're still not thanking your fourth sister, who's spoiling you rotten. If it were me, I wouldn't spend so much money to make a skirt like this for you." scolded Big Aunt Xia at Zhenzhu.

  Pearl thanked Xia Zhi with great enthusiasm. "It's still the fourth sister who is good to me." This was her inner thought. Guo Yuhuan had been running to Yaowangmiao Hutong these days and rarely came to play with her again.

  Wang's sister-in-law sent over a skirt and didn't rush off. She chatted with Xia Dagu about family matters, and slowly brought up the topic of Xia Zhi beating up Xia Zhu at Gui Fang Zhai.

  Xia Dagu explained Xia Zhi, saying Xia Zhi was protecting the little black fish.

  "Everyone praises Xia Zhi's daughter," said Wang Shuo with a smile.

  Xia Dagu deliberately said: "Just afraid people don't know the inside story, saying she's too formidable."

  "That's what a fool would say. Not to mention others, but the people on our street all say that Xia Zhi is great. She's not only pleasant and reasonable, but also clear-headed, making her worthy of respect. In the future, she'll definitely be a capable housewife who can hold up the family." Wang Shu smiled and praised Xia Zhi from head to toe.

  Xia Dagu was delighted and said to Wang Shu: "Everyone on our street is a sensible person."

  "Besides, someone wants me to come and ask you about Xia Zhi's daughter." Wang said immediately, with a smile that already had some other meaning.

  Xia Dagu was straightforward, and on this matter, she had already asked Xia Zhi about it, so her answer was ready-made. "Sixteen is still too young. Wang Shu, we are all close relatives, I also want to take care of her and slowly choose a good match for her, when the time comes, you must also pay attention."

  This is to tell Aunt Wang that now whoever mentions marriage to Xia Zhi's side will not respond, so it's better not to mention it. But she didn't say the words dead either, meaning that after waiting a few more years, if there are suitable conditions on Aunt Wang's side, they won't miss out either.

  Xia Dagu spoke very politely with Wang Shuo. People like Wang Shuo cannot be offended on the streets.

  Wang's sister understood, although she felt a little regretful, but didn't dare force the issue, and changed the subject.

  ……

  The next day was the day when Xia Zhi had to return to Daxing Village. Li Xia and Tian Lai Bao both came to see him off. Li Xia gave some stationery, including brushes, ink, paper and inkstone, to Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu, so that they could read more books and practice writing when they returned home. Tian Lai Bao brought over a lot of food, including various pastries and fresh fruits.

  Tian Lai Bao reluctantly bid farewell, repeatedly asking Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu when they would come to the city again. Xiao Hei Yu, on the other hand, repeatedly invited Li Xia and Tian Lai Bao to go to Daxing Village to play with him.

  Just before they were about to get on the carriage, a shop assistant was sent over from Xia Ershu's side with a package of pastries, saying it was for Old Master Xia and Old Mistress Xia.

  It was originally said that a large early-starting carriage would set off, but everyone was reluctant to part ways, and the sun was already high in the sky before they finally departed from Xishi Street.

  The horse carriage belonged to Tian Lai Bao's family, and it was the best vehicle in their household. Xia Zhi originally didn't want to trouble Tian Lai Bao, but Tian Lai Bao said his mother wanted to send some things to her hometown, which happened to be on the way. Xia Zhi naturally knew that this wasn't a coincidence, but rather something Tian Chang and Tian Fu Chun had deliberately arranged.

  The Tian family's carriage was much more spacious and comfortable than the Xia Dagu family's. Xia Zhi, Xiao Hei Yu and Xia Xiucai sat inside, with many packages of all sizes placed in it, but there was no crowding in the carriage at all.

  The cart was pulled by three big green mules, and the driver was a seasoned coachman. The carriage moved lightly and quickly on the official road.

  Near Daxingzhuang, Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei'er looked at the increasingly familiar scenery, both in a good mood. The two children chatted with smiles, while Xia Xiucai beside them frowned slightly.

  So there wasn't enough money for Tian's family, and Xia Xiuren would face a severe test this time he came back.

  "Dad, you promised me something, don't go back on your word in front of mom. You should think not just for yourself, but also for my brother, my younger brother and me."

  "Don't worry, I won't. " Xia Xiuzai said with a sigh, "I just thought of your mother... Ah..."

  "As long as you don't regret it, that's all." Xia Zhi didn't say anything more. Xia Xiuzai couldn't borrow the money anyway, and Tian Shi couldn't eat him up. The plan to drain the water from the cauldron was effective after all.

  As for the matter of the Dragon Boat Festival zongzi, she wasn't worried that Xia Xiuzai would spill the beans. Xia Xiuzai didn't know that the workshop was actually hers, and thought she was just working as a laborer for Li Xia and Gui Xiang.

  Xia Zhi returned from the city, and the banner of Champion Rice Dumplings was hung in Gui Xiang Zhai. From now on, Gui Xiang Zhai will supply Champion Rice Dumplings all year round, except during the Dragon Boat Festival period, when the quantity supplied is not large, but it can still meet the needs of people who love to eat rice dumplings.

  The horse carriage entered the Daxing Village and stopped at the back door. Xia Lin was playing at the front gate, saw Xia Zhi and others returned, shouted loudly, didn't even greet them, and ran inside to inform Old Master Xia.

  Xia Zhi got off the carriage and saw Xia Lin's chubby back, she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  Xia Lin arrived at the courtyard and shouted loudly: "My uncle, my fourth sister is back!"

  Mr. and Mrs. Xia almost immediately appeared at the door of the upper house, and Lao Yue also ran out from the west wing. Several people rushed to the gate to find that Xia Xiucan had returned as well.

  "Dad, Mom." Little Black Fish happily shouted and rushed towards Old Man Xia, but halfway through, he turned around and rushed into the arms of Old Lady Xia instead.

  Old Xia was delighted and let out a sigh of relief at the same time, but also felt a little lost.

  This commotion also reached the front yard, where Xiaqiao and Xiashu heard the news and rushed over. Everyone was calling out to each other in a chaotic manner, causing the entrance to become extremely lively for a while.

  Xia Zhi called out to Old Man Xia and Old Lady Xia, then one by one had Xia Qiao, Little Uncle, La Yue and the others come over to move things. In the end, even Xia Xiuzai and Old Lady Xia's hands were each carrying several packages.

  Xia Lao Ye Zi asked Xia Zhi whose carriage it was. Because he saw the emblem on the carriage and knew it wasn't a rental. He should have originally asked Xia Xiu Cai, but with one glance, he could tell that the person in charge wasn't Xia Xiu Cai, so he asked Xia Zhi instead.

  Xia Zhi then told Old Man Xia that the carriage belonged to Tian Lai Bao's family.

  "It's too much trouble for you." Old Xia invited the driver to come in and rest for a while, and also asked him to stay for dinner. This is the simplicity and hospitality of rural people treating their guests.

  The coachman was a servant, had long been instructed, and naturally did not dare to agree, but respectfully declined, saying that he would go to the big oak tree immediately, and the eldest lady had brought something back.

  Xia Zhi took out some money and gave it to the driver, telling him to buy some tea and snacks for himself. The driver thanked Xia Zhi with a big smile on his face and then drove the carriage towards the big willow tree.

  Old Man Xia looked at Xia Zhi and felt that the two of them probably had a lot to talk about.

  (。)