Chapter 374: A Happy Family
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Tian Zao came to understand that Jiang Chuan had always been fortunate. In the county town, he had stumbled upon some opportunities and made a bit of money through bartering. Thus, it made sense that Jiang Chuan’s family was doing better and better, especially since Jiang Chuan was quite capable himself. He had handled the distribution of grain very well, which is why the former chief captain had offered him the position of accountant.
However, the thought of Jiang Chuan being the accountant was like a thorn in Tian Zao’s heart. It wasn’t that she insisted on Wang Xing for the role; she understood the logic that those with ability should be in charge. But with every new official comes the adage of ‘three fires,’ and it seemed some of the resulting heat had made things uncomfortable for Jiang Chuan.
Tian Zao was about to inquire further when she heard voices from the courtyard; it was Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan returning home.
Zhou Lan had just come out from the Li family’s place when she bumped into Jiang Chuan, and they walked back together.
On the way, they were still discussing the details of making pickles.
Zhou Lan was troubled. “Talking about making five vats of pickles in half a month is easy, but what about the raw materials? We need a lot of sugar for pickling, and we simply don’t have enough sugar or ration tickets at home. Maybe you could go to the county town and get some granulated sugar?”
Jiang Chuan’s voice carried a hint of difficulty, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to get away these next few days. The army is about to station in the deep mountains, and the commune will probably have a lot to handle. Plus, we just planted the corn seeds, and 1 need to check on them occasionally. I’m worried the seeds won’t germinate well, and everyone’s hard work will go to waste. Our family is also in the midst of building a house; it’s been a bit too hectic these days. It takes half a day to go to the town, and it would be too tiring for you to go by carriage. Let’s just make do with the sugar we have for now.”
Zhou Lan playfully pushed Jiang Chuan with her wrist, teasingly saying, “How long have we been husband and wife and you’re still talking like this. We need to focus on what’s important right now.”
Their conversation was full of the breath of life, interspersed with affectionate teasing. Tian Zao, just by listening, could already feel the happiness they shared.
Tian Zao thought to herself: a man who constantly worries about the villagers and the harvest, who lives such a harmonious and happy life at home, whose daughter is so well-educated and sensible—how could such a person be bad? Perhaps she had really misunderstood Jiang Chuan.
The conversation between the two paused briefly, then Zhou Lan spoke in a surprised tone, “Does that smell like braised pork ribs to you?”
Jiang Chuan took a couple of deep sniffs. Indeed, it was the aroma of pork ribs, “Don’t mention it; the scent is identical to the ribs you make. Did you cook this afternoon and forget about it?”
Zhou Lan playfully slapped Jiang Chuan’s back, “I’m not senile yet. How could 1 forget if I cooked a meal? It definitely wasn’t me.”
They looked at each other and simultaneously exclaimed, “It can’t be Jiang Xia!”
At that moment, Jiang Xia had already come out from the house, speaking in a resigned tone, “Thank you for remembering me. Who else but me could make such delicious braised pork ribs?”
The parents couldn’t help but shower their daughter with praise.
Jiang Xia had lived a life of comfort at home, never expecting to learn how to cook after coming here. Her parents were very relieved.
Just as they were about to spill the beans out of excitement, Jiang Xia quickly reminded them, “Hurry inside, we have guests today.”
“Oh?”
Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan, puzzled, walked into the house and saw Tian Zao and Shen Mo, who had stood up waiting for them. They quickly invited them to sit down.
Jiang Gu had already set the bowls and chopsticks, and served six bowls of rice. The six people finally sat down to start their meal.
During the meal, Jiang Chuan almost forgot that the chief captain was there, vigilantly keeping an eye on Shen Mo, making Shen Mo feel somewhat uneasy.
Noticing her husband’s intense scrutiny, Zhou Lan nudged Jiang Chuan’s leg under the table, signaling for him to soften his gaze, not to scare the guest. Through a look, Jiang Chuan conveyed, “A child? He has his sights on your daughter; shouldn’t I be vigilant?”
Shen Mo’s interest in Jiang Xia instantly energized Zhou Lan, her eyes shifting continuously between Shen Mo and Jiang Xia.
Zhou Lan felt validated; she had long suspected the handsome young man fancied Jiang Xia and now felt her suspicions were confirmed..