Tian Dabao rubbed his hands together and chuckled. He pushed Tian Dabo, who was sitting stupidly on one side, towards Xia Xiucui and the Tian family, letting Tian Dabo call out to them.

  Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi arrived, but Tian Dabao remained seated, completely unaware that he should stand up, let alone take the initiative to speak with Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi. Pushed by Tian Dashu to face Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi, Tian Wangshi came over and taught him two sentences, after which he called out "Aunt" and "Uncle", then stutteringly repeated what Tian Wangshi had told him.

  There were only two sentences, and they weren't even complicated ones, but Tian Dabao still couldn't learn them. Yet, it seemed that this was enough to make the Tian family happy.

  Tian Wang's eyes were filled with doting affection as he looked at Tian Dabao: "Dabao has grown up, just listen to how well he can talk with his aunt and uncle."

  Tian Dabao's uncle and Jiang's family followed beside them, all saying that Tian Dabao was becoming more and more capable and intelligent.

  Xia Zhi couldn't help but look away, it was simply unbearable to gaze at this family.

  Tian Lao Tou had been sitting on the kang all along, surrounded by the Tian family members who were all talking to Tian Da Bao, but he hadn't said much. After everyone else finished speaking, he finally looked at Xia Zhi and a few others.

  The Tian family was busy, so they called Xia Qiao, Xia Zhi and Xiao Shu'er to come over and pay their respects to Old Man Tian. As soon as Xia Zhi arrived, she knew that the Tian family didn't want to see her, so she refused to go forward, only following behind Xia Qiao.

  Xiaqiao was still protecting his sister, and also brought a small tree. Xia Zhi followed them to pay respects to Old Man Tian. Old Man Tian praised Xiaqiao and the little tree for two sentences, but didn't say a word to her.

  But after boasting about Xiaqiao, Lao Tian let out a sigh and glanced at Xia Zhi with the corner of his eye. "You Xia family has always been a dignified family for generations, but at such a young age, your eyes are already looking down on us old Tian family in Shan Tun. Daqiao and Xiao Shu are still okay, they don't look down on us."

  This sentence is ostensibly praising Xiaqiao and Xiao Shu, but in fact it is secretly criticizing Xia Zhi. Xia Zhi refused to marry Tian Dabao as his daughter-in-law no matter what, which in the eyes of Old Man Tian and the rest of the Tian family, was being mercenary and looking down on them.

  What kind of crap logic is this!

  "This man should be self-reliant, with a straight posture and a calm demeanor. Is he still worried about others looking down on him?" Xia Zhi muttered under her breath, she really couldn't help it. The way the Tian family was grabbing things outside, and now Old Man Tian's deliberate show of arrogance, she truly looked down on them."

  Although Xia Zhi's voice was low, Lao Tiantou still heard it. He narrowed his small eyes and cast a cold glance at Xia Zhi. However, he didn't scold Xia Zhi due to his self-satisfied identity, but instead turned his gaze towards Tian Shi and Xia Xiucan.

  Tian's family was just talking to Tian Wang, and didn't hear Xia Zhi whispering something. But the old man Tian's gaze she understood. She immediately glared at Xia Zhi with her eyes. Xia Xiu only heard Xia Zhi's words, but got the entrustment of Old Master Xia, to take good care of Xia Zhi. However, he didn't dare say anything to Tian's family, so he intentionally blocked between Tian's family and Xia Zhi.

  Xiaqiao and Xiaoshu felt something was wrong, so they quickly protected Xia Zhi. Xiaqiao also said to Tian Lao: "Grandfather, you talk, we'll go out and take a look."

  As they spoke, Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu'er brought Xia Zhi out of the house.

  Xia Zhi is not in the house, and both Tian Lao Tou and Tian Shi have lost their target. They still think there's something important to discuss, so they can only put Xia Zhi's matter aside for now.

  But it was just a whisper, and not everyone heard it anyway, it wasn't a big deal.

  Xia Zhi followed Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu'er out of the house, but refused to go far. This time she came with an important mission. She not only had to listen carefully to what the Tian family was discussing with Xia Xiucan, but also had to make an appearance when necessary.

  So Xia Zhi stood at the door, and she smiled at Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu: "Let's just stand here for a while. I guess they're talking about serious things now, and they won't pay attention to me."

  "That's what I'm saying, but you still need to be careful." Xia Qiao instructed Xia Zhi, "Our grandfather has sharp eyes and ears. Sixteen, don't talk nonsense again."

  "I didn't speak nonsense." Xia Zhi smiled and explained in a sentence, without saying more. "Brother, rest assured, I will be careful."

  At the door, Xia Zhi stopped for a moment and then dragged Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu back into the house. Inside the house, Tian Shi was carefully arranging the things she had bought, saying who each item was for and what it was used for.

  Tian Wang, Tian Dabao and Jiang were all smiling, Tian Dabo was also silly happy, Da Ya and Er Ya two little girls were staring at the things brought back by Tian with shining eyes.

  Although they moved things into the house, none of them dared to move anything in front of Old Tian. They didn't even dare to take a closer look.

  Tian's side had already made everything clear, she was watching Tian Wang collect things while somewhat apologetically explaining to Old Man Tian.

  "These days, your uncle's academy has been having some difficulties, and he hasn't earned any extra money. We've bought fewer things, so please don't mind, Father." Tian Shi was extremely obedient in front of Old Man Tian, and she rarely looked up to make eye contact with him when speaking.

  The old man nodded slightly. "Mmm... You're also doing this to save money for Da Bao's marriage. These things are all trivial, Da Bao's marriage is the big thing. If it weren't..."

  As he said this, Old Tian glanced at Xia Zhi who had returned to the house. "If it weren't for... everyone wouldn't have to live so frugally."

  Old Tian didn't say it clearly, but the people present, including Xia Zhi, all understood. Old Tian was referring to Xia Zhi's unwillingness to marry Tian Dabao.

  If Xia Zhi is willing to marry Tian Dabao, the Tian family doesn't need to prepare so much silver, which means Xia Xiuren doesn't need to raise so much silver, and everyone can relax.

  What kind of crap logic is this!

  They didn't know what absurd things they would say next, so Xia Zhi simply moved a long bench from the side and sat down. Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu also sat on either side of Xia Zhi, as if they were aware of their own accord.

  These two brothers are determined to protect Xia Zhi well. If the Tian family is unfriendly to Xia Zhi, if it weren't for Old Man Tian mentioning Xia Zhi several times earlier, Xia Qiao and Xiao Shu Er wouldn't be so tense either.

  Old Tian's one sentence not only brought Xia Zhi along, but also directly shifted the topic to today's main issue. Next should be discussing Yin Zi's matter.

  Tian Lao always had a stern expression on his thin face, and his small eyes were always narrowed, making it difficult to discern any emotions. But Tian Dabo's expression was more straightforward and easier to understand.

  Tian's uncle rubbed his hands together, his big white and black eyes twinkling. However, before discussing the main issue, Tian's uncle had not forgotten another important matter.

  Tian Dabo urged Tian Wangshi and Jiangshi to hurry up and cook. "Look, my sister and brother-in-law have come from afar, quickly go prepare the meal."

  Tian's family not only bought five catties of pork, but also a roasted chicken. Tian's brother-in-law was already drooling when he saw the roasted chicken earlier.

  Jiang looked at Tian Wangshi for a moment. Tian Wangshi thought for a while, she was very concerned about what they were going to talk about next. But thinking again, cooking in the outer room didn't affect her from hearing the conversation inside the house, when it's time for her to speak up, she would naturally come in and join the conversation.

  Thinking so, Tian Wangshi glanced at Old Man Tian.

  Tian Lao Tou didn't look at Tian Wang Shi, but nodded with his eyes closed. Tian Wang Shi then took Jiang Shi and also called out Da Ya and Er Ya to help with cooking. Tian Wang Shi glanced at Xia Zhi, but didn't call him.

  She wasn't being kind to Xia Zhi and not letting him work, but rather was cold-shouldering him, expressing her dislike and disdain for him.

  How could Xia Zhi put her emotions on her mind? Tian Wangshi didn't call her, and she was happy to be idle.

  Now, let's get down to business. Tian Lao's gaze swept across the faces of Xia Zhi and his siblings. He didn't say a word, but instead looked at Tian Shi. Tian Shi immediately understood that Tian Lao wanted to drive the three Xia brothers away.

  "Daqiao, take the little tree out to play for a while." Tian Shi then ordered Daqiao and also glared at Xia Zhi, "Xia Zhi, why are you still sitting there? Go help your grandma with cooking."

  "My grandma doesn't need me." Xia Zhi smiled mischievously, "Mother, we're all very concerned about Da Bao Ge's matter, and want to hear about it."

  Xia Xiuzai finally knew he was useless, and at this time, he hurriedly picked up Xia Zhi's words. "Let the children do what they want, don't bother them. Daqiao is also big now, it's okay for him to listen to family matters." He didn't mention Xia Zhi and Xiao Shu'er. Xia Zhi and Xiao Shu'er sat there honestly and didn't move at all.

  The old man Tian was not very happy, but the marriage of his grandson Dabao was the most important thing. Since Xia Xiuren had spoken out, he couldn't afford to offend this son-in-law either.

  The old man no longer paid attention to Xia Zhi's three people, but fixed his eyes on Xia Xiuren and Tian Shi, as if reminding them that it was time to take out the silver.

  Finally, the silver was mentioned, and Tian's heart became somewhat nervous. At this time, she looked at Xia Xiuzai and seemed to want to get some supporting power from him. Xia Xiuzai should have felt Tian's emotions and nodded to her.

  Tian's family then slowly pushed the small package in front of him to Old Tian.

  The old man had actually seen the bundle long ago and judged that it should be filled with silver. He couldn't help but secretly measure this bundle, feeling that its size didn't quite match his expectations.

  His gaze fell on the bundle again, and then he raised his eyelids to glance at Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi. He didn't move the bundle himself, but instead signaled to Tian Shi to open it.

  Tian hesitated for a moment.

  Tian's uncle didn't hesitate at all, seeing that Old Tian and Mrs. Tian were unwilling to open the package. He stretched out his big hand, pulled the package in front of him, and with a few quick movements, he opened the package wrapper.

  Inside the package were large and small silver ingots, among which there were also many scattered silver coins. Tian Dashu's eyes immediately widened a bit, he picked up a handful of silver, and burst out laughing.

  The old man Tian didn't smile, instead he sank his face. He asked Tian Shi: "Nizi, what do you mean by this?"

  "Dad." Tian's forehead suddenly felt a bit sweaty, "Something happened at your uncle's school, the mountain master is not willing to pay wages in advance. Your uncle borrowed money from others, but only borrowed this much."

  "How much is it?" Old Tian asked again.

  "It's thirty taels exactly." Tian said in a weak tone.

  Old Tian seemed to be enraged by what he heard. He raised the tobacco pouch in his hand and slapped it towards Third Master Tian's hand. Third Master Tian felt a stinging pain, and with a flick of his wrist, the silver coins fell from his hand.

  "Dad, what are you doing?" Tian Dashu stared at Tian Lao with wide eyes.

  "How old are you, can't you be more open-minded?" Old Tian scolded Tian Da Shu, "This little bit of money is enough for what? Enough for your son to marry a wife? You're just happy about it!"

  Xia Zhi looked at it clearly from the side. Lao Tuo is not scolding Da Shu, but telling a story to Xia Xiuzai and Tian Shi.

  Tian Dabo slowly came to his senses, and then he asked Tian Shi and Xia Xiuzai in a loud and rough tone: "Sister, brother-in-law, didn't we agree on thirty taels? Brother-in-law, you promised me before, can you at least give me one hundred taels of silver this time? Brother-in-law, what do you say?"

  Xia Xiuzai was asked by his younger brother-in-law, and he was a straightforward person, so he nodded and said yes. "But this time it's really impossible to get that much money. Our mountain chief said that from now on, we won't advance wages to the teachers. I want to borrow money, but there's nowhere else to borrow."

  "Brother-in-law, what do you mean by this?" Tian's reaction was a bit slow, but he also understood some of the meaning in Xia Xiuzai's words, and he became somewhat bewildered.

  The old man Tian frowned even more, according to Xia Xiuren's words, the thirty taels this time were still too many, and in the future, Xia Xiuren would not be able to send a large sum of silver here again.

  This is still okay.

  Actually, Lao Tien had long been prepared for the future. In recent years, he has used various excuses to get money from the Tian family and Xia Xiucui. Now there is only one big thing left with Tian Dabao, and later they will not have such a good excuse to ask Tian and Xia for money again.

  Moreover, Tian Lao still had a backup plan. He thought that Xia Xiuzai hadn't passed the imperial examination to become a jinshi in all these years, and it was hard to say what would happen in the future; perhaps one day Xia Xiuzai really wouldn't be able to get any money.

  So he plans to take advantage of Tian Dabao's wedding and also take advantage of Xia Xiucui being able to get money, to ask for more from Xia Xiucui at once.

  Two hundred taels of silver is enough for Tian Dabao to marry a wife and even have three or four children in the future.

  Tian Lao is a far-sighted man who has already thought about the next few decades for his grandson and his family.

  "Is that all you have, just these thirty taels?" Tian's uncle finally came to his senses and asked with wide eyes.

  Tian Lao didn't ask anything, but his silence was the strongest silent pressure for Tian Shi. Tian Shi hurriedly explained and guaranteed to Tian Lao: "......the wheat harvested today can still be sold for some money, and after the New Year, the two pigs at home can also be sold for cash, I...we..."

  "How much money can you gather for Dabao if you put all these together?" Tian Lao asked.

  "It's about...about...forty taels, I suppose." Tian said, biting his lip.

  "Forty taels, you said forty taels, is forty taels enough for Dabao to marry a wife? You, you want Dabao to be a bachelor all his life!" Tian Lao shouted at Tian Shi, reproaching him bitterly.

  (。)