Chapter 263: Trouble

Translator: 549690339

But since the money was indeed given to buy medicine, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask too many questions, so the shopkeeper swallowed the words that came to his mouth several times.

The villagers were all overjoyed.

Mugwort leaves were widely available everywhere, abundant by the river, and easy to dry. Adults, children, women, and the elderly alike could participate; a bit of effort and diligence would earn them silver. It was hardly any different from picking up money.

In a short span, the villagers were overflowing with gratitude towards Zhuang Qingning. She, too, was warmly reciprocated by the villagers.

This family brought apricots, that family brought peaches. One family sent over a bowl of steamed dumplings they made for lunch, while another sent over a plate of dumplings. Some who had gone to the town to buy jujube cake and mahua brought back a piece, while some who caught small river shrimp also delivered a bowl…

In essence, the food and clothing supplies, as well as the task of carrying water, were all undertaken by the neighbors; Zhuang Qingning didn’t have to worry about these chores at all.

There were even a few overly enthusiastic aunties who, in their scramble to help Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui make shoes, had a verbal spat and nearly initiated a physical fight. They calmed down only when Zhuang Qingning intervened and assigned them each a pair of shoes to make.

As it turns out, being despised is a problem, but being too popular is also a problem.

Zhuang Qingning felt that she had unwarrantedly invited some trouble for herself.

In no time, the day arrived for Zhuang Qingning to warm her new house.

Those families who used to frequently deliver gifts to Zhuang Qingning’s house now had a full-fledged occasion to show their enthusiasm and carefully prepared housewarming gifts.

Chicken, duck, fish, and meat, as well as eggs of chicken and duck, peaches, apricots, fish caught from the river, shrimp scooped from the creek, rabbit hunted from the mountain, fabric purchased from the town, and self-made bed sheets and curtains…

There was an array of things, everything imaginable was present.

There were also those who were practical and knew that Zhuang Qingning had to serve lunch to the housewarming guests today, so they thoughtfully brought several baskets of steamed cornbread so that everyone could have lunch together, and Zhuang Qingning didn’t have to worry about arranging this meal. The tables, chairs, and benches, as well as the bowls, chopsticks, and plates needed for dining, had all been voluntarily moved to Zhuang Qingning’s courtyard by the villagers.

Upon finishing the tour of Zhuang Qingning’s new house, the men busied themselves chopping firewood, setting the table, and arranging benches, while the women busied themselves selecting and washing vegetables. Everyone performed their duties without chaos.

At this moment, Zhang Yongchang’s face was reddened by the fire from the stove, and the sweat that fell down his cheek couldn’t hide his cheerful smile. Firstly, he was happy because Zhuang Qingning finally had a home of her own. Secondly, he was happy because he was cooking today’s meal.

Since the day he left Fushun Tower, although he had been cooking constantly, they were small stoves for just a few dishes. It had been a long time since he had cooked a large pot full of food with such hearty vigor.

This sense of reunion gave Zhang Yongchang a sudden excitement and he was even unwilling to put down the large iron spoon.

Seeing Zhang Yongchang happy, Lian Rong was naturally happy, too, and the kitchen knife in his hand made a clanging noise on the chopping board.

Zhuang Jingye and Zhuang Yonghe were busy welcoming guests while Mrs. He accompanied some young women and elderly aunties in conversation, offering them sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui were also busy laughing and talking with their close friends.

“Hey, I must say, you all come here to warm the house for Qingning, but from what I see, these gifts are not enough. These chicken, duck, fish, and meat may seem practical, but they are common after all.”

Zhuang Jingye made an exaggerated facial expression and laughed.

“What do you mean by that, Village Chief? What’s wrong with your gift? You’ve also prepared a fish. Although it’s a bit rarer than ours, it’s still a fish. It’s food after all, and it will be the same once in our bellies. You can’t just prepare your own fish and then criticize our fish.”

“Yeah, Village Chief, you shouldn’t say that about us.”

“Oh, don’t you all know what kind of character the Village Chief has? If he looks down on our gifts, he must have prepared something fancier. He’s just waiting to show off in front of us.”

“Your words are spot on! The Village Chief is indeed this type of person. Now that we mention it, I’m quite curious about what gift The Village Chief has prepared for today.”

“That’s right, let’s bring it out and have a look.”

“What’s the rush!” Seeing the situation was just about right, Zhuang Jingye squinted his eyes and broke into a chuckle, “You’ll see it soon. But when you do, make sure to look carefully. However, let me make one thing clear, no touching! If you ruin it, no one can afford the damages!”

You can’t touch it, and it could be easily damaged? And if it’s ruined, no one can afford it?

After hearing Zhuang Jingye’s words, everyone was more perplexed and curious, and began to guess.

“Could it be silver?”

“With such grandeur, it might even be gold…”

“Gold and silver are not afraid of touch, in my opinion, it might be pearls. I’ve been to the city before and saw pearls being sold in jewelry shops. They were very expensive and could only be looked at, not touched. Even if a wealthy person wanted to buy them, they would have to use a handkerchief to pick them up.”

“This thing is so expensive, but the Village Chief might not be willing to part with it. I reckon it might be flowers. Miss Qingning likes flowers and plants, and the Village Chief also has to cater to her preference. These flowers can’t be easily touched.”

“That makes some sense…”

What the hell!

Zhuang Jingye rolled his eyes.

He was a village chief! How could he be like the rest of you, presenting either gold, silver, flowers, or fruits like peaches and apricots?

What he was going to give was far more precious, something that could be kept, something that would bring blessings, or even something that could be enshrined!

Just wait and see, soon you will all understand and stop with your ideas of money, foods, or whatever. You are all really too coarse!

As Zhuang Jingye thought this, he strutted away towards the door. After looking around at the entrance, he spit when he saw the sun rising too high in the sky.

It was getting so late and his elder brother still hadn’t arrived. If he came after lunch, wouldn’t it mean that he had missed the opportunity to show off?

Just as Zhuang Jingye was secretly complaining, he suddenly noticed someone running towards him from afar.

Upon a closer look, wasn’t this his eldest brother, Zhuang Lean?

Zhuang Jingye’s eyes immediately lit up, but his expression tightened when Zhuang Lean reached him, “What took you so long? Do you know that you nearly caused a delay? What would have happened if we crossed lunchtime? How could you show the prowess of your father and your status in front of the county head?

“Do you have the gift with you? Take it out and let me have a look.”