Chapter 136: Chapter 135: Generous Congratulations Gift

Grandpa Li saw his little niece for the first time, always hearing from his wife how the daughter of their youngest daughter was different from other girls, if only she had been a boy.

This time, Grandpa Li wasn’t celebrating a grand birthday; he only invited close relatives. Those who cared made the effort to come. Farmer families wouldn’t hire chefs, so everyone chipped in to prepare the meals and set up several tables in the living room and courtyard.

Uncle and Young Uncle, along with their wives, politely received Hongji and his wife before starting to busy themselves in the kitchen.

As a son-in-law, Hongji didn’t just stand around; when visiting his father-in-law’s home, it was expected of farmer family members to lend a hand. To wait around like a guest for the meal would have been inappropriate and might have led to gossip.

Elder Aunt’s husband and Elder Aunt went to the kitchen to help as well; the men slaughtered chickens and ducks while the women chopped and washed vegetables, working together efficiently.

Mrs. Li didn’t stay behind to chat intimately with her parents; she also went to help in the kitchen.

Grandma Qi handed the baby she was holding to Grandpa Li, letting him, who always longed to hold his grandchildren, feel a bit awkward with the unfamiliar task.

Daughters married off and relatives who came to celebrate a birthday would typically bring chickens or pork. Eldest Sister Li brought a chicken, and they were slaughtering chickens outside, having also killed two of their own ducks.

Grandma Qi went to look at the gifts Mrs. Li had brought. It was customary to return the favor when receiving gifts, so she checked to see if there was any pork or similar items to cook and cut in half to give back.

As Grandma Qi looked at the gifts, she felt moved; there was cured meat, roast chicken, roast duck, and even roast pork–these were all sincere offerings. There were also two sets of clothes made from cotton, warm coats for winter.

Seeing that they came in both men’s and women’s styles, Grandma Qi understood that these clothes were meant for them, the elders, and there was also fabric in colors suitable for both men and women.

Grandma Qi hadn’t asked her daughter earlier whether she had purchased these gifts herself or not.

Seeing these gifts, Grandma Qi hurriedly called her husband to take a look. When Grandpa Li saw them, he didn’t complain about his son-in-law’s lavish spending. Instead, in front of the relatives, he felt proud for the first time.

Where could his son-in-law have afforded these gifts in the past?

Grandma Qi hadn’t received an answer from her son-in-law or daughter when she asked earlier. Now she questioned her oldest niece, Daya, suspecting her parents must have spent a considerable sum.

“Little sister, isn’t it wonderful that your daughter and son-in-law are so filial? How can there be too many gifts?”

Within the relatives, Grandpa Li’s elder sister had eyes filled with envy as she gazed at the gifts.

“That’s true,” said Grandma Qi. “But money isn’t easy to come by; one shouldn’t be too extravagant.” Her words had just fallen.

Daya replied, “Grandma, my mother said that all these gifts were congratulatory presents from the Tang Family people to Grandpa, not bought by my mother.”

“Oh, the Tang Family people are really generous.” Grandma Qi took out the chickens, ducks, pork, and cured meat, ready to take them to the kitchen to cook, and planned to keep some chicken legs and other meats for their family to take back home.

Grandma Qi brought the items to the kitchen, unaware of the gifts’ specifics, as Mrs. Li and Hongji were busy helping out.

Seeing all the meat, Uncle Li, who was cooking, felt this was the perfect opportunity to show off his culinary skills.

The meal was quickly ready with the combined effort of many.

Daya took the little sister from Grandpa Li and, along with a few other sisters, played with some cousins on the side while the adults prepared to eat. Because the dishes were abundant today and there weren’t many guests, women and children were allowed to join at the table.

The driver also dined with the Tang Family people. Grandpa Li was radiant on his birthday, and Uncle Li picked up the jug of wine sent by the Tang Family, pouring a full glass for each man present.

Men started off by drinking and eating before having their meal, and Hongji also had to drink a toast to save face, as everyone was celebrating Grandpa Li’s birthday.

While the men were drinking and eating, they began chatting and the conversation became more open.

“Hongji, how’s the woodworking been lately?”

Grandpa Li had heard a bit about it, but as a relative, it was awkward to inquire himself, so he only heard gossip, such as his son-in-law had made a fortune and should be giving him, as the father-in-law, more money as a form of filial piety.

He felt a little comforted by what others said, but he did not ask his two sons, who were growing and selling vegetables, to seek a job from their brother-in-law.

“Not bad, I’ve been doing woodworking for a while and learned carving, but never used it to make money. Recently, I’ve had some ideas, and just so happened that the Tang Family took a liking to my carving skills and want to collaborate with me to open a factory, which is currently under construction.”

Hongji did not hold back any words in front of his father-in-law; everyone here was family.

“Brother-in-law, could you find a job for me as well? Recently, we’ve had a lot of medical expenses for the elderly at home, and finances are a bit tight, so I’m looking for work.

“Eldest Brother-in-Law, I’m not in charge of factory matters. For instance, even the current house construction, it’s Housekeeper Tang who is hiring workers. If you need a job, you should apply.”

“Brother-in-law, I don’t have any particular skills, just brute strength, and I’m not clever, indeed letting down your elder sister.”

“No worries, go and apply. Many don’t have skills, just take the opportunity to learn and do it. Making a bit of money is better than nothing, especially with the New Year approaching, it’s not easy for anyone.”

Uncle Li and Young Uncle, hearing their conversation, also wanted to join in.

“Brother-in-law, take a look at us two, we also don’t have any particular skills. All these years we’ve been making a living by farming vegetables. If you have any ideas, like finding a market for our crops…”

“”Or perhaps when your factory is up and running, I could also get a job there. I’ll learn what I don’t know, having a job there might be better than what I can earn farming.”

“Yeah! The two of us can’t make much just by farming, and some tasks even our women can do. Now it’s the slack season in farming, and we need to earn some money for the New Year!”

Hongji understood what they were implying; they were looking for him to give them special treatment.

“It’s the same as I said before, if you want to find work, go see Housekeeper Tang. I only do woodworking and am not involved in hiring.”

If it were someone who didn’t know Hongji well, they might think he was evading the issue and didn’t want to introduce work to them.

But since everyone here was close kin, they all understood that Hongji was a man who didn’t meddle in such matters.

“Alright, let’s go and apply first thing tomorrow morning. It’s only a two li walk, much closer than the walk to the county to sell vegetables.”

As the men chatted, Grandpa Li felt reassured hearing that his sons and son-in-law were all eager to work.

As their father, he didn’t wish for them to be extremely wealthy, just diligent in their work, and they would not have to worry about their next meal.

Mrs. Li and her mother sat together, and Grandma Qi said her daughter looked skinnier and should eat more.

“Second Sister has become much prettier than before, you even look younger than me,” Younger Aunt said enviously, observing Mrs. Li’s fair complexion, unlike her own, which was sunburned, making her look older than Mrs. Li despite being a couple of years younger.

“Second Sister, from your appearance, it looks like being a wet nurse isn’t too bad!” Eldest Sister Li said with a look of envy.

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