Chapter 193: Chapter 175, One Man Defeats Everyone_1
On the nineteenth of the first month, accompanied by Li Xingnian, the three Daohua siblings returned to Xingzhou.
“Grandmother, I’m back!”
As soon as she entered Old Madam Yan’s room, Daohua threw herself into the old lady’s arms, “I was gone for so long, did you miss me?”
Old Madam Yan was pushed backward by Daohua’s embrace and lightly patted her back with mild annoyance, scolding with a laugh, “How old are you now, and you’re still so clingy!”
As she spoke, she pulled Daohua away to take a careful look at her.
This girl had grown up by her side since childhood; this was the first time she had left her. Indeed, having gotten used to her granddaughter buzzing around her like a little bee every day, the sudden departure had left her somewhat unaccustomed.
She wondered if the girl had been eating and sleeping well while staying at her uncle’s these past half a month.
Seeing the concerned gaze from the old lady, Daohua simply twirled in front of her and thick-skinnedly asked, “Grandmother, take a quick look, haven’t I become prettier?”
Seeing Daohua’s rosy complexion and slightly plumper cheeks, Old Madam Yan rolled her eyes at her and seated her beside herself before laughing and speaking to Li Xingnian who had followed behind, “This girl has been spoiled by the old maid, a sight that surely amuses Uncle.”
Li Xingnian replied with a smile, “It’s because Old Madam and Daohua are close.”
There wasn’t much to do in the Governor’s Office today. Having learned that Uncle had come back with his three children, Yan Zhigao went back to the inner courtyard, and soon after, people from the second and third branches arrived as well.
Yan Zhigao first exchanged pleasantries with Li Xingnian, then brought up the business of the three Daohua siblings in the provincial capital.
“What? Daohua hired a team of Courtyard Guards for our family?”
Perhaps it was the shock, but when Li Xingnian mentioned Qin Wu and the others, Yan Zhiyuan’s voice suddenly rose sharply.
The outburst startled Daohua, who had been whispering with Old Madam Yan, causing her to look over.
Seeing her glance their way, Yan Zhiyuan immediately assumed the stance of an elder, “Daohua, it’s not just about scolding you; making such a big decision as hiring Courtyard Guards, how could you not discuss it with the family beforehand and just decided on your own? Isn’t your boldness a bit too much? Also, did you even consider your father?”
Upon hearing this, the smile on Li Xingnian’s face instantaneously faded a bit.
Yan Family’s Second Master had words within words!
What did he mean by not considering her brother-in-law? Was he insinuating that he had overstepped and interfered in Yan Family’s affairs?
Yan Wenxiu, who was sitting below, also frowned slightly and said, “Second Uncle, about hiring the Protector, Big Sister discussed it with me, and I agreed. Furthermore, I was the one who went to the Governor’s Office to fetch them.”
Yan Wenkai felt he should not be overlooked and added, “I agreed as well.”
Seeing her two brothers speak up, the furious Daohua finally refrained from speaking.
Was her so-called Second Uncle taking on a bit too much of a role? Her cheaper father hadn’t even spoken, and here he was, starting an outcry.
With his two nephews contradicting him, Yan Zhiyuan felt somewhat embarrassed and with a stern face said, “Wenxiu, Wenkai, you two are still young and haven’t experienced much. You don’t understand the cunning of the world.”
“Hiring Courtyard Guards concerns our family’s safety. You two are not experienced in judging people. If you hire some restless or ulterior motivated individuals, wouldn’t that be inviting disaster upon our family?”
“Unlike other affluent families, their Protectors are well known to them. But you, casually hiring people after just one trip to the provincial capital, without knowing anything about them, are acting too thoughtlessly.”
Yan Wenxiu felt very uncomfortable being spoken to this way, but considering that Yan Zhiyuan was an elder and with Uncle present, moved his mouth without further rebuttal.
As for Yan Wenkai, his complexion immediately soured, feeling very unhappy. He was eager to retort, but not sure how to express himself, he could only stare helplessly.
Not being able to stand it any longer, Daohua spoke up, “Second Uncle, I don’t agree with what you said. Brother and Fourth Brother aren’t fools. They may be young and not have experienced much, but that doesn’t mean they can’t handle affairs.”
“Brother and Fourth Brother attend Wangyue Academy and have met a fair number of people. They might not be as good at judging people as Second Uncle, but they still have their own insights on distinguishing the good from the bad.”
“Brother had checked the Courtyard Guards’ household registrations and references in detail; Second Brother spoke with them and spent time with them, inquiring about their backgrounds. If they were unkind people, surely something would have been detected, wouldn’t it? How can it be said that they acted thoughtlessly?”
“Moreover, it was I who suggested hiring them, and I’m not out of my mind. I wouldn’t just bring a bunch of people home from the street on a whim. Of course, I have my reasons.”
Finishing her speech, she no longer looked at Yan Zhiyuan, turning instead to Old Madam Yan, “Grandmother, you know the people we hired, they are Brother Xiaoliu and his companions!”
Madam Yan was taken aback, “Are you talking about Qin Xiaoliu and the others who escorted us before?”
Daohua nodded, “Grandmother, you know about Brother Xiaoliu and Uncle Qin’s character and martial skills. Second Uncle doesn’t trust me and my two elder brothers, so you tell him.”
Madam Yan looked towards her eldest and second sons and nodded, “I am aware of Qin and his team. If it were not for their protection, Daohua, Wentao, and I might have taken much longer to reach Linyi County.”
“As for Qin, he is responsible, doesn’t look for trouble, and takes his duties seriously. Those under him are all honest folks trying to make a living.”
Hearing what the old lady said, Yan Zhiyuan’s face showed a trace of embarrassment.
Yan Zhigao gave him a glance, “Second brother might have been a bit too impulsive this time. In the future, let the children finish speaking before you start teaching them a lesson. There’s no hurry.”
Yan Zhiyuan gave a sheepish smile, “I was just worried that Wenxiu and his siblings might act too hastily.”
Li Xingnian, noticing the awkward atmosphere, quickly interjected with a laugh to smooth things over, “Yuan brother’s concerns are valid. If my own child acted in such a way, I would be anxious too.”
“However… sometimes, opportunities pass in the blink of an eye, and once you miss the village, there’s no longer a shop. The three children were also considering what’s best for the family. They wanted to retain the people and didn’t greet the family first – their actions are understandable.”
Yan Zhigao smiled and nodded in agreement, “What second uncle said is true. Once the Protector arrives and I see there are no issues, I will certainly reward them handsomely.”
“Enough about this, let’s move on. Daohua, you brought gifts for your brothers and sisters, didn’t you? Where are the gifts?” Madam Yan said with a smile, deftly changing the subject.
Daohua gestured for Wang Manman to come over.
Soon, Wang Manman came in carrying a pile of gifts.
“These are for second brother, third brother, and fifth brother. And these are for the second sister and the others.”
The gifts Daohua got for the boys in the family were writing brushes, ink, paper, and other stationery, while for Yan Yihuan and the others, they were fashionable silk flowers sold in the provincial capital.
Everyone received their gifts with smiles and thanked Daohua.
Yan Yile, after taking her gift, said to Daohua with a smile, “Elder sister, you’re really lucky, being able to visit our uncle’s place after New Year. Unlike us who are confined to the house.”
Daohua’s expression did not change as she replied directly, “Third Sister, you have an uncle too. If you want to visit, just ask Second Uncle and Second Aunt to take you. After all, they have nothing to do all day.”
Upon hearing this, the color drained from Yan Zhiyuan’s face, “What do you mean I have nothing to do? Aren’t I the one managing the household affairs and social interactions?”
“Oh?” Daohua made a sound of surprise and said with a smile, “Second Uncle, I am really sorry, I did not notice. Mainly because you always seem to be so free.”
Yan Zhiyuan’s face stiffened, intending to enumerate what he had done, but after a moment of reflection, he realized that indeed he hadn’t actually done much, leaving him awkwardly silent.
Seeing this, Li Xingnian was inwardly amused. To hide the smile on his face, he had to lift his teacup as a disguise.
This Daohua was indirectly criticizing her second uncle, suggesting that if he always had nothing to do, he should stop bossing everyone around.
“The silk flowers from the provincial capital are really beautiful. The city must be bustling. I would love to go see it. I’ve never visited the provincial capital despite being this old.”
After Yan Yile finished speaking, Yan Yishuang looked enviously at Daohua.
Daohua felt a bit of a toothache regarding this, especially upon seeing her stepfather begin to fret again. Her headache only grew.
“Third sister, actually, speaking of being fortunate, none of the siblings in our family are as lucky as you and Fifth Brother.”
“Huh?” Yan Yishuang was surprised, and so were the others in the room, looking puzzled.
Daohua said earnestly, “Think about it. My second sister and I have to travel long distances to see our uncle. But you and Fifth Brother?”
“Your uncle has always been right by father’s side. Whenever you want to see him, you can see him. How convenient, right? I’ve often seen him running to the back courtyard. And every time, he arrives with a small packet and leaves with a big one.”
“Tell me, what’s there for you to envy?”
“…”
The room fell into dead silence.
Li Xingnian almost failed to hold back his laughter, barely managing to keep the tea in his mouth, grateful for his restraint; otherwise, his brother-in-law’s face would have looked even worse.