096 – The Small Mansion Gate
“Servants will take our leave.” After the nine people saluted together, they went running with Lei-Qin Le.
Lei Tie said to Qin Mian, “I’ll accompany you today.”
Qin Mian smiled, “Good, I’ll accompany you too.”
Aunt Fu and Uncle Fu lowered their heads and looked down.
“Are the two coachmen gone?” Qin Mian asked Uncle Fu.
Uncle Fu said, “Yes. They left early this morning. They asked me to convey their gratitude to the young masters.”
Lei Tie saw Qin Mian’s unconscious action of supporting his waist. “Uncle Fu, go contact the building materials shop in the town and ask them to send some bricks and tiles.”
Uncle Fu asked, “Yes. May I know how much Eldest Young Master needs?”
Lei Tie said, “Based on the house where Little Young Master and I live now.”
“I’ve got the estimation. Will go at once.” Uncle Fu left in a hurry.
“Forget one thing.” Qin Mian said to Aunt Fu, “Aunt Fu, the new people are treated the same as you three. You tell them all. Besides, if they need any daily items, let them report to Uncle Fu to purchase them together.”
“Yes.”
“That’s all. You can leave.”
After Aunt Fu left, Qin Mian stood up in a somewhat awkward posture, “A-Tie, I want to go soak.”
“Together,” Lei Tie said.
White Spot, who lay in the corner, seemed to hear a sound and came running with its tail wagging.
Qin Mian then brought it together into the space.
As soon as they entered the quadrangle courtyard gate, he and Lei Tie simultaneously stunned. Their eyes fell on the pink ball in the flower bed. It seemed that overnight, the pink ball had doubled in size. The previously round flower bud finally split into a very hierarchical, tightly clustered petal tips.
“I didn’t expect that the flower would grow very fast. Is it suddenly enlightened?” Qin Mian joked and went over to touch it. The flower bud was slightly elastic and very comfortable to touch. Suddenly, his hand stopped. A trace of surprise appeared on his face. Was that his illusion? He felt a vague sense of delight from the flower bud. Did it like his touch?
“What?” Lei Tie had a keen observation.
Both of them didn’t notice that White Spot didn’t run around as soon as they entered the space as before. Instead, it looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie in turn, with a very strange expression. Then, it ran away with its tail wagging.
Qin Mian shook his head. He didn’t know how to answer, so he said, “You touch it.”
Lei Tie’s big palm covered the flower bud, and he was also surprised.
Qin Mian knew that it was not his illusion just then, so he took Lei Tie’s hand with a smile and let him touch the flower bud again. “I’m sure this flower must be a wonderful flower when it blooms! Since it likes it, we’ll touch it when we water it later.”
Although Lei Tie felt that touching a flower was a little weird, he still nodded, “Go soak.”
They no longer paid attention to the pink ball and went to the spiritual spring.
Lei Tie filled a barrel of spiritual spring water with a bucket, which was directly heated by an internal force. Qin Mian lay inside and sighed comfortably. Lei Tie rolled up his sleeves and massaged his wife’s waist.
The spiritual spring water cured Qin Mian’s discomfort. After soaking for a while, he recovered his energetic appearance.
“Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master. The second gongzi’s wife came and said there is something urgent.”
From outside the space, the two men heard Aunt Fu report at the door. They quickly left the space.
When Qin Mian opened the door, he saw Zhao Shi holding a not-so-ripe peach and gnawing at it. The corner of his mouth twitched.
“Second Brother’s wife, what’s the matter?” Qin Mian asked dully. Seeing that Zhao Shi was not anxious, he knew that nothing was wrong.
Zhao Shi gave him a fawning smile, “Eldest Sister-in-law, it’s like this. Little Mother is pregnant. Father asked me to tell you two.”
“Oh?” Qin Mian raised his eyebrows. It was indeed a major event in the old house. It had been more than half a year since Wei Shi married Lei Daqiang, and yet there was no news. Wei Shi was still very anxious some time ago, but unexpectedly she got pregnant. Heh. The excitement in the old house could make a major drama series, titled “The Small Mansion Gate”1.
“It’s a great joy event.” Qin Mian said, “A-Tie and I will clean up first. Then we will go over.”
“No hurry, no hurry. Take your time. I’ll wait for you.” With that, Zhao Shi forced her way into the central room.
Qin Mian made an eye signal at Aunt Fu.
Aunt Fu straightened her sturdy chest, went to Zhao Shi’s side, and stood still.
“Second Brother’s wife, wait a moment.”
When Qin Mian and Lei Tie entered the kitchen, Zhao Shi stood up, wanting to look around.
Aunt Fu took a few steps and blocked in front of her. She said with a happy smile, “Second Gongzi’s wife, sit down. It’s very tiring to stand.”
Zhao Shi snorted. Since the servants of Eldest’s family called Lei Xiangren the Second Gongzi, she should be called Second Nainai2. What’s more hateful was that they always called her the Second Gongzi’s wife; it was truly annoying.
She didn’t have to think about it. The relationship between the two Masters of Leisurely Farm Residence and some people in the old house was not amicable. They already gave Lei Xiangren a lot of respect by calling him the Second Gongzi, so why would she call her the Second Nainai?
Qin Mian had always been quick to do things, and soon picked up some of the snacks in the snack cabinet and put them in the food box, which Lei Tie carried.
They went out with Zhao Shi.
When passing by the peach tree at the end of the bridge, Zhao Shi stood on tiptoe and grabbed a large honey peach with one hand. She then pulled hard, plucking two peaches off.
Qin Mian was in a good mood and didn’t bother to argue with her.
Out of the gate, Qin Mian saw Qian Shi standing not far away. He was surprised.
“Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law.” Qian Shi very politely greeted Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian nodded to her, “Third Brother’s wife.” He had a better impression of Qian Shi not only for the relationship with Lei Xiangyi but because she also never bothered them again.
Zhao Shi and Qian Shi fell behind Qin Mian and Lei Tie. Qian Shi gave Zhao Shi a bad look. It was not proper for men to talk about Wei Shi’s pregnancy after all, so Lei Daqiang originally asked her to go to Leisurely Farm Residence to inform Lei Tie and Qin Mian. She planned to take this opportunity to ask the two men to help her family separate from the old house. Since Lei Xiangyi couldn’t speak about it, she had to. But she didn’t expect Zhao Shi to come first and made her miss the opportunity. It was very aggravating.
“What’s wrong with your eyes, Third Brother’s wife?” Zhao Shi asked aloud.
“Nothing!” Qian Shi took two quick steps, not wanting to talk to her.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie had gone far away, walking briskly.
Zhao Shi gnawed on the honey peach while secretly looking at the harmonious figures of the two men. Why did she think these two men were not the same as usual? They were closer than ever, and their shoulders would touch from time to time.
When she couldn’t come up with anything, she stopped thinking about it and hastily caught up.
“Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law have skills. This peach is so sweet, even unripe. When it’s ripe, it must be sweeter. Eldest Sister-in-law, since we’re family, can we buy it cheaper?”
Qin Mian took a meaningful look at her; she learned to be smart ah. Instead of taking it for free, she wants to “buy”. Unfortunately, he still wouldn’t believe her.
Without waiting for him to say anything, Qian Shi said, “Really, Second Sister-in-law! Who in our village doesn’t know Elder Sister-in-law’s fruits are to be supplied to their wine house this year. Aren’t you putting Eldest Sister-in-law in an awkward position?”
Zhao Shi gave her a cold stare and dared not entangle more because Lei Tie was present, “Haha, I forget for a moment?”
When they arrived at the old house, they heard Lei Daqiang’s happy laughter before entering the door.
Wei Shi caressed her abdomen that hadn’t shown yet, with a smile on her lips. Occasionally, she raised her eyes to look at Lei Daqiang.
Qin Mian looked at her for a moment and admired her in his heart.
“Eldest and Eldest Daughter-in-law, you two are here.” Wei Shi stood up to greet them.
Lei Daqiang quickly helped her, “Be careful.”
“She’s not obviously pregnant yet! Old man, you can accompany Little Sister every day later, lest she is careless and breaks like porcelain.” Du Shi’s shrill voice came from the door. Her eyes fixed on Wei Shi’s abdomen, hoping to gouge out a hole in it.
“Thanks for your concern, Sister.” Wei Shi’s subconsciously put a hand on her abdomen and smiled very amicably toward Du Shi. She had been very anxious not getting pregnant after being married to Lei Daqiang for half a year. She was afraid that Lei Daqiang had some physical problems, and it would too late to have another child. Now, her wish had finally come true. Ever since Lei Xiangzhi became an entry-level examinee, Du Shi was arrogant in front of her every day; she probably never heard of ‘’fortunes rise and fall’’. Having a child at an old age, Lei Daqiang would certainly give special treatment to her child. From now on, Du Shi could not think of being rampant in front of her.
Wei Shi said to Lei Daqiang, “Husband, it’s time to plant paddy seedlings now. You and Sister have many things to worry about. How can I let you accompany me every day while Sister works alone? So, I thought, why not we buy a maid? The maid can take care of me. Since I’m unable to share Sister’s burden now, I feel very sorry. The maid can also help Sister in her spare time. It’s best for both sides.”
Du Shi’s expression drastically changed. She clenched her right hand until the palm hurt, but she wasn’t aware of it.
“No way!” She objected at once, “We are just a family of pheasants. Why should we buy a maid? Don’t make others laugh.”
Zhao Shi, Qian Shi, and Lei Xiangren were not good at interrupting the affairs of their elders, and so they all kept silent.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie wouldn’t even want to interrupt. They sat at the side as the background.
Unconcerned, Lei Daqiang dismissed her, “What about it being a good laugh? I even married an equal wife, and still afraid of being laughed at for buying a maid?”
Wei Shi had her own money, so it was not feasible to stop Wei Shi with the excuse that there was no money at home. After restraining herself for a long time, Du Shi said, “If you buy a maid, where is she going to live?”
Wei Shi smiled, “Sister doesn’t have to worry about this. It’ll be fine to let the maid sleep on the floor in the room. Now it’s hot, not easy to catch a cold. The future matters are for future discussion. There will be a solution.”
“It’s settled then.” Seeing that his old wife was so angry, Lei Daqiang didn’t want to be too heartless and comforted her, “Alright, this matter is not only for Wei’er but also for you. Isn’t it better for our family to be harmonious than anything else?”
Du Shi did not say anything at all. She sat down with a cold face. From the gloomy look in her eyes, she certainly was unwilling to drop the matter.
After watching a full-scale drama, Qin Mian stood up and motioned Lei Tie to pass the food box to Lei Daqiang.
“Father, Mother, and Little Mother, congratulations. This is my and A-Tie’s little regard. We hope you don’t dislike it.”
“Well, you and Eldest has taken a lot of trouble.” Lei Daqiang opened the food box and looked at it with a smile. “Your Little Mother is pregnant now, so her taste in food will be strange. If she wants to eat some fruits from your orchard, can–”
Wei Shi interrupted with a smile, “Husband, their business in the wine house is important. I heard pregnant women prefer sour or spicy food.”
Qin Mian smiled without saying anything.
Wei Shi gave him a kind look. Whether it was Lei Xiangzhi, Lei Tie, or Qin Mian, they were all the targets she wanted to draw to her side.
Qin Mian gave a noncommittal smile. “Father, Mother, and Little Mother, it’s not too early. A-Tie and I are going back.”
Wei Shi nodded, “Alright, come to visit when you are free.”
Qin Mian and Lei Tie left side by side. Du Shi didn’t even look at them.
Out of the old house, Qin Mian laughed, “Haha!”
“Happy?” Lei Tie asked.
Qin Mian raised his head high as he said, “Of course! I’m glad to see Du Shi humiliated!” Lei Tie was often abused by Du Shi when he was young, but Qin Mian hadn’t known how serious it was until last night. The old wounds on Lei Tie’s back were so intensive and shocking.
Lei Tie held his hand and looked ahead, “Wife, having you is enough for me.”
“En.” Qin Mian breathed a sigh of relief and calmed his mood. “The situation of the old house is becoming more and more complicated. It’s a pity that Third Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, and Little Sister still have to stay in the muddy water.”
Then again, how did the matter of separating the family came to nothing?
Shoutout Corner: Thanks a lot TucTuc! That’s a very nice message! 🙂
Two more chapters left from me and one bonus.
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