Chapter 182
182 Visiting Aunt
“Eighth Grandfather.” Han Baozhu nodded. “Let’s go back and pack up first. Let’s have a meal together in a few days. When the time comes, everyone will come.”
“Okay, go. You’re lucky.” Han Kuan patted Han Baozhu’s shoulder and glanced at Le Yao. “Lan, your parents didn’t dote on you for nothing.”
Le Yao smiled and nodded. “I’ll be filial to them.”
When she was young, when she first came to the village, the villagers often laughed at Han Baozhu and Liu Sujuan for being fools. They couldn’t even raise their own children well, so why would they pick up a child? Among them, the Han family’s grandfather objected the most. Because of the additional child, wouldn’t his grandson have to eat and drink less? He even threatened to sever his father-son relationship with Han Baozhu if he kept this girl.
However, the couple was determined to keep this daughter. For this reason, Han Baozhu was beaten up by his father. In the end, the village chief, Han Kuan, stepped forward to mediate.
In less than two years, Grandpa Han of the Han family was paralyzed. It was Liu Sujuan who personally served him for three years. At the end of his life, he finally acknowledged Han Binglan as his granddaughter.
The Han family’s house was in the westernmost part of the village, near the foot of Pear Blossom Mountain.
There were four main rooms and a large courtyard. There were also two rooms on both sides.
Because no one had lived there for a few months, they needed to open the windows to ventilate, clean, and dry the bedding. Everyone got busy.
At this moment, a white-haired head appeared above the wall next door. “Zhu, Juan, I’ve finished cooking. Come over and eat first. You can cook at night. I’ve wrapped locust flower buns…”
This person was Fifth Grandma, who lived next door. His husband who passed away was Han Baozhu’s fifth uncle. He did not have five blessings and was quite close to her. His son and daughter had settled down in the county city, so she usually lived alone.
Although Fifth Grandma was an old lady with small feet, her voice was very loud. Her voice was like a bell, and half the village could hear her.
“Alright, we’ll go over in a while.” Liu Sujuan nodded. “Fifth Aunt, don’t step on the ladder. Be careful not to fall.”
“Don’t worry, my legs are great,” the old lady said as she went down the ladder. “The buns won’t taste good when they’re cold. Xiangdong, come and peel the garlic first…”
After lunch, they began to distribute the gifts they brought back.
These were all prepared by Le Yao. Every family had them. The ordinary ones got two cigarettes, two bottles of wine, and two packets of snacks. Those who were closer, such as the village chief and Fifth Grandma, even had tea and milk powder.
Dinner was cooked at home. Le Yao cooked. The neighbors sent the rice, noodles, meat, and vegetables. It was quite sumptuous.
The night passed uneventfully. After breakfast the next day, Le Yao suggested visiting her big aunt.
Her aunt was Liu Sujuan’s eldest sister, Liu Su’e. She happened to be married in Shangmatun, which was only a river away from Hetao Village. She used the excuse of visiting her relatives to investigate Shuo Shuo’s family’s situation and would not arouse anyone’s suspicion.
“After your father’s accident, your big aunt sent 20,000 yuan overnight. I was originally thinking of going over in a few days.” Liu Sujuan kept the gifts while talking to Le Yao about her eldest sister’s family situation. “This year, Yulan’s college entrance examination results are not bad. She got into Xiling Teachers’ College. I reckon it’s time for her to give notice… That child has a violent temper, but she’s not a bad person. If she says anything unpleasant, don’t lower yourself to her level…”
“Mom, I’m the older sister. I won’t mind.” Le Yao nodded.