Chapter 1979: Warmth

At this time of year, peach blossoms and pear blossoms were on the verge of blooming. Some branches basked in the sunlight, showcasing their beautiful and delicate buds. Others had already sprouted, standing out amidst the evergreen fruit trees.

The garden was adorned with various fruits. Peaches and oranges still hung from some trees, their soft white skin blushing pink as they ripened, emitting a sweet fragrance that filled the air.

The plump, tangerine-like oranges were particularly eye-catching. Qiao Xuan plucked one and handed it to Anan, who eagerly accepted it with both hands and began nibbling, her adorable frown eliciting laughter from everyone.

Amidst the bounty were dragon fruits, papayas, and pineapple honey, all ripe and ready for harvest. Qiao Xuan filled her basket with the abundant produce.

Taotao smiled, remarking on the garden’s abundance. “We have so many fruits that we can’t possibly finish them all in a year. We also have dates, crisp persimmons, grapefruits, mangoes, lemons, and pineapple honey in the cellar. Additionally, there are chestnuts, walnuts, peaches, apricots, bayberries, and persimmon cakes, all homemade. I’ll give some to Fifth Sister-in-law later!”

Qiao Xuan nodded with a smile. “Our garden truly is a treasure trove!”

She made a mental note to acquire some fruit saplings from Liuhe Manor upon her return. When she got back, she planned to add a variety of fruit trees to her garden.

Although she wasn’t sure how long her husband would remain in Anze Province, it seemed likely he wouldn’t depart for the next three to four years. Besides, Anze Province was close to Yuzhang, so even if her husband wasn’t there, it wouldn’t pose a problem.

There was no harm in expanding their property holdings!

For breakfast that morning, they had steamed buns and porridge. The buns were small but packed with various fillings: dried plum vegetables, cured meat, radish pork, cabbage vermicelli with mutton, mushrooms, celery, pork, chives, eggs, shrimp, and winter bamboo shoots.

Fortunately, with many servants at home, they were able to prepare the meal early in the morning.

Anan didn’t have teeth yet, so Qiao Xuan added some chopped spinach into the fish porridge.

With a smile, Ms. Fang said to Qiao Xuan, “I’ve prepared a bit of everything, and they’re not large. Try them all!”

Qiao Xuan’s face lit up. “Mom, I’ll taste them all, I might need to go for round three!”

Ms. Fang chuckled at Qiao Xuan’s appetite. “I didn’t plan much, just thought we have so many vegetables from our garden and plenty of meat at home, so why not make more fillings! I’ll keep them warm and steam one for you whenever you’re ready!”

Qiao Xuan felt touched by her mother-in-law’s thoughtfulness and nodded appreciatively.

In truth, which family would prepare such a variety of fillings? Two or three options were already considered generous. It wasn’t like they were making them for sale at a shop. Ms. Fang had gone to the trouble of preparing so many dishes just for their enjoyment.

After breakfast, Ms. Fang, along with Qiao Xuan and Anan, bearing gifts, went to visit the patriarch, the Land Officer, and several elders.

Their family was here, and it was necessary to build a good relationship with the villagers. Ms. Fang and the others were still living in the village, and the second section of the family and the third section of the family were in a mess, so they might get into trouble from time to time.

At this juncture, the villagers’ attitudes held significant weight.

Their disposition hinged upon the patriarch, the Land Officer, and the elders. These figures held authority, and no one dared to voice dissent against their judgments.

For Shao Yunduan to navigate his career smoothly, he needed to uphold a sterling reputation. Any dissent from the second and third sections of the family had to be quashed within the village.