Chapter 274: You probably don

Because Liu Mei and her two siblings are the poorest, Liu Qiaoshi constantly gives her this or that, and now Liu Mei is also making a name for herself in her husband's family.

Mayor Qian has spared no expense on this year's New Year's gifts, and Qiao Mai has a life‑saving debt to his son.

The whole cartload of New Year goods, all free of charge, was sent into Jixiang Yuan; Qiao Mai didn't decline and took everything as ordered.

Ruyi also sent someone with New Year's gifts; she and her husband won't be able to return for a few days.

It is said her belly is big again, and her mother‑in‑law has been caring for her in the capital, but Ruxin has had no news; Qiao Mai doesn't mind.

Surprisingly, the Zhen Guogong Residence also sent New Year's gifts, along with two letters—one for Mu Guniang and one for Qiao Mai.

The wording is very courteous, mentioning the recovery of the Duchess's health and also bringing up the two children.

They also hope that once the war stops, the children's marriages will be arranged, since Mu Guniang is already nineteen after the New Year and can't be delayed any longer.

Qiao Mai immediately had return gifts prepared, and affixed preservation talismans to the bottom of every basket, so that they would arrive fresh in the capital.

"You"

Everyone says the Zhen Guogong family has betrothed with a low‑ranking official, but compare their in‑laws with those of others?

Giving two or three taels isn't wrong; they start off with twenty taels.

Mu Guniang looped her arm through Qiao Mai's and said, "My esteemed master is you."

"Hmm, you have many flaws of a rich lady, but also some worries; no matter how your status changes, remember that there is a heaven beyond heaven, and a person beyond every person. If you flaunt temporary strength, you never know if a superior will punish you later."

"Right."

If it weren't for the new tea house this year, where we can listen to operas and books, celebrating the New Year each year would truly be boring.

"Don't worry, once you try it, the next time you'll bring more, and you'll definitely keep it all for yourself."

"It's fine, learn some self‑defense."

"Yes, Feng'er is steady, Yun'er is a bit reckless."

"I'm saying, could you stop giving officials those things? It makes my side really hard to manage."

Every household would be proud to receive Qiao Family's New Year goods; Qiao Mai naturally knows this, she's just teasing Zhu Xianling.

Especially this year, with the Fengyun brothers absent, the festive atmosphere is much thinner.

Mu Guniang spent a wonderful New Year at the Qiao household; Qiao Mai also prepared a full set of New Year clothes for the daughter‑in‑law, who loved them so much she was reluctant to take them off from the first to the fifth day.

The mother‑in‑law and daughter‑in‑law, now at ease, sip tea and chat together; that feeling is truly pleasant.

"Did I bring the New Year gifts?"

"Ah, Brother Zhu, go ahead?"

She returned to the capital on the sixth day of the New Year; when she left, Qiao Mai rummaged through the house and loaded several carts of things she loves to eat.

"It wasn't me; my wife sent them. She said our county is too poor, our family runs a workshop, officials have too many concerns, and it's year‑end, so we wanted to show our goodwill."

"Yes, but I don't know what Brother Yun likes—does he prefer radishes or greens?"

Qiao Mai glanced at the small pitiful pile on the table and said, "As for me, I respect you a foot, I respect you a battle; you bring only a few items and expect a big profit back, dreaming of your own grand ambitions?"

Chuan'er, with Ling'er, started setting off firecrackers from the thirtieth, and the two spent the whole day with their faces as red as gourds.

"Then you also fire them; your daughter‑in‑law's hands aren't without assets."

"Teach me, please?"

"Mother, it's all because of your parents' fault, making you lie in bed for a year."

Mu Guniang's face flushed, "It must be possible, otherwise I would have wasted two years staying at your house."

Qiao Mai lifted the curtain and went in, "If you're incompetent, don't pretend to be a big head garlic; these are all my earnings, they have nothing to do with you."

On the twenty‑ninth day of the twelfth month, Zhu Xianling stubbornly took a cartload of New Year goods from the Qiao household and left; it is said he gave none to his subordinates, eating it all himself.

That fellow comes to the Qiao house every year to take things, and every time he returns he's never empty‑handed.

Zhu Xianling, once he got the letter, seemed to have a heart condition; before the New Year even arrived, he came bearing New Year gifts.

"You come from a military family; haven't you learned anything from your relatives?"

Yuan Jiaqi's family returned on the twenty‑eighth day of the twelfth month; when his subordinates say they're tired, they are tired, and when they speak of enjoying blessings, they enjoy them.

"That's good, being amicable in‑laws is fine. By the way, do you have any good sisters in the capital? If they're of good character, you could introduce them to Yun'er."

"I say, Brother Yuan,"

"Just a cartload of New Year goods, a trifle; sparring with him is just idle fun."

Mu Guniang looked at the five carts of New Year goods, feeling a bit regretful, "Aunt, why give them so much? It's a pity, many can't even fit into my parents' mouths."

"After marrying in, the household affairs will be yours to manage; can you handle it?"

"That's impossible; mother, just let that feeling die. A daughter born is a Yunfeng person, death is his ghost; if you arbitrarily pair mandarin ducks, a woman will atone with death."

There is no outsider, only him and Yuan Jiaqi.

"My mother won't allow it, saying it's something only the coarse people learn."

"Mother, just accept it; Feng'er isn't really bad, he's good‑looking. I heard he earned merit at the border pass; soon he'll return to the capital, and with the emperor's temperament, he'll surely be granted a post. Qiao men never take concubines, and daughters need not worry about women's affairs."

"If you feel guilty, just break up with that boy."

"Don't worry, as long as she doesn't cause trouble, she'll be fine later. I won't do anything to her. She's been lying down for almost a year; I guess she's had enough and probably doesn't want to come again."

"So you chose Feng'er?"

"Fine, you can eat by yourself, no problem; I don't care about your subordinates, each person feeds their own."

"It makes the officials on my side have strong opinions about me."

"Ugh, she never refuses food; whatever she sees she wants."

Yuan Jiaqi and Qiao Mai shook their heads; they both knew it would turn out this way—only because Qiao's food is so excellent, after finally taking back a cart, dividing? That's impossible!

"Hehe, my mother has many flaws, but one good thing is she has a good memory."

Mu Guniang finally returned to the Zhen Guogong Residence satisfied, and upon seeing her wife walking as before, she hugged her and cried with joy.

"What office has officials like this?"

When the Duchess of the Guogong was mentioned, Mu Guniang hurriedly covered her mouth, and Qiao Mai looked at her.

Zhu Xianling, with a mournful face, said, "Then just give me a little per person?"

When they're tired, it's because they have a lot of real work; when they enjoy blessings, it's because Yuan Jiaqi pays them high wages and often hands out small perks—especially at New Year, each person gets Ten Taels of Silver and a basket of specialties from Qiao Ji Snack Shop.

"Qiao Niang, well, you are a wealthy household of Yi County."

She and Mu Guniang both wrote letters and handed them to the person delivering New Year goods; Qiao Mai also rewarded each of the Duke of Zhen Guogong's men with twenty taels of silver. This errand was truly worthwhile, and they could see smiles on everyone's faces.

"Indeed, the food from your household is the best I've ever eaten."

"Nothing compares to your home. No, I'm here today—how much can you let me take back?"

Five carts of New Year goods were delivered, and Qiao Mai brought back five carts; none of it was any worse than that of the Duke of Zhen Guogong.

"If others give me, I also give."

Qiao Mai never imposes rules on the children in this regard; as long as they are happy, that's enough.

When Qiao Mai heard her so worldly words, she laughed happily, "Yes, then wait for him to return. Have Feng'er help ask around. Though they are twins, they don't even look alike, and their personalities differ quite a bit as well."

The Duchess of the Guogong kept a composed face, knowing that persuasion was futile, and could only nod in agreement to the matter.

In March, reports of victory arrived from Nanguan and Western Pass, saying the invaders were repelled, and the emperor was overjoyed.

In mid‑March, the Garrison Commander of the border passes returned to Jingcheng with the invaders' surrender document, and the emperor awarded honors according to their merit,

The Fengyun brothers, risking their lives, infiltrated the enemy camp and captured the enemy commander, which enabled the enemy to write a surrender document. The emperor was extremely pleased and bestowed the most elaborate honors on the two young men.

Although the sun has set, the body still feels uncomfortable. I want to tell everyone: be sure to keep warm; even if you sweat a little, do not catch a chill, cough, or have difficulty breathing. Although there is a post‑completion syndrome, it is also caused by one's own negligence. I hope the babies pay attention to their health, recover soon, play less on phones in the future, put health first, be more active, and improve cardiovascular function.

(End of Chapter)