The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 429: Attentive

Chapter 429: Chapter 429: Attentive

After this incident, Wang Yongfu became more cautious, resolving to be extra careful when acquiring mountain goods in the future.

Just then, dinner was ready, and Lady Lin came out to call everyone to eat.

In the past, when the Wang Family dined, Wang Laozhu and Old Granny Zhang sat at the head of the table, with men on one side and women on the other, each taking their seats in order beside them.

As the eldest son, Wang Yongfu always sat next to Wang Laozhu, followed by Jindou and Jinhoo.

Wang Yongping didn’t care much about this and often sat below Jinhoo.

Wang Yonggui, who was rarely at home and known for his idle ways, didn’t dare say much and sat next to Wang Yongping.

But on this particular day, Wang Yongfu, Jindou, and Jinhoo did not take their usual seats, instead insisting that Wang Yonggui sit beside Wang Laozhu.

Initially resistant, when Wang Yonggui heard Wang Yongfu say that he was the hero of the day and deserved to sit there, he settled in contentedly.

Wang Laozhu saw how a few flattering words had made Wang Yonggui lighter on his feet and couldn’t bear to watch.

Wang Yonggui felt on top of the world, never before having received such attention from his family, and started to feel a bit smug.

However, seated directly across from him was Wang Yongzhu, whose smirk seemed to cut his reverie in half, bringing him back down to earth with newfound humility.

Throughout the meal, everyone lavished praise on Wang Yonggui, and even Wang Laozhu, after Old Granny Zhang coaxed him in the room for a while, changed his expression.

He had Jindou pour a cup of wine for both himself and Wang Yonggui, and the two of them clinked glasses, "I’ve raised you all these years, and now in my old age, to see you finally make something of yourself makes me happy for you. From now on, stay home and be good. You’re a father of three, so rein it in a bit and stop messing around..."

The rest of his words were cut off by Old Granny Zhang, who rolled her eyes, "Enough already, everyone’s happy here, and after just two cups you can’t even talk straight? I think Laosan’s change for the better is great. Let’s eat, eat! Laosan’s House, aren’t you going to serve your man some more rice? What are you standing around for?"

Lady Jiang, still smiling after being reprimanded by Old Granny Zhang, felt the glow of her most triumphant day since marrying into the Wang Family.

Quickly agreeing, she filled Wang Yonggui’s bowl to the brim with rice and, boldly taking the initiative, scooped a few pieces of chicken onto his rice and handed it to him, "Husband, eat up!"

It had been years since Wang Yonggui had seen Lady Jiang so attentive and forthcoming since their wedding.

Caught off guard, he took the bowl and hastily took a few bites, then looked up to see his children, Jinhua and Jinpan, looking at him differently than usual.

When Wang Yonggui looked their way, Jinhua, who usually ignored him, blushed and even took the initiative to speak, "Dad, do you want some water? I’ll go get it for you."

She put down her bowl and hurried off, returning with a bowl of water, which she placed in front of Wang Yonggui.

Wang Yonggui relished the attentiveness of his wife and daughter, while Lady Lin could barely hide her distaste.

Her own husband had worked hard for many years, but Laosan, who had always been idle, did this one reliable thing and was suddenly being praised to the heavens.

But Lady Lin didn’t dare to complain, despite her inner misgivings. She was smart enough to see that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were trying to boost Laosan’s status.

She would be foolish to cross her mother-in-law and sister-in-law at such a time.

So she silently endured the stomach pain and finished her dinner.

After tidying up, everyone returned to their rooms.

Wang Yonggui sat on the kang bed with his legs crossed, picking his teeth when Lady Jiang brought in a basin of hot water, "Head of the family, must have been a tiring day for you, quickly soak your feet to relax."

As she spoke, she knelt down, took off Wang Yonggui’s shoes, and placed his feet in the basin. The warm water rushed over them, and Wang Yonggui felt so comfortable that his bones seemed to have softened.

"What’s this? Your man has earned you some pride today, and now you’re willing to show him a good face?" Wang Yonggui had long noticed that ever since the incident with Sun Ahfu, Lady Jiang and the children had been cold towards him.

It had been many days, and today he finally saw a smile on Lady Jiang’s face. His mood lifted - who wouldn’t like a warm home with a happy wife and kids? If it weren’t for the guilt in his heart, he would have turned his face long ago.

As Lady Jiang was washing Wang Yonggui’s feet, she finally managed to squeeze out a few words, "Head of the family, from now on please focus on our family. You should teach our Jinpan and Jinshao everything you know; in this way, our children can also follow in their father’s footsteps. As long as the family business continues, the two children will have nothing to worry about. Can’t we just live well together as a family?"

Wang Yonggui’s body stiffened, and it took him a while to uncomfortably respond, "So now you know what your man is capable of?"

Lady Jiang didn’t say much more and finished washing Wang Yonggui’s feet. After she had cleansed herself and saw that the children were asleep, Wang Yonggui also lay down on the kang bed and closed his eyes.

She quietly blew out the oil lamp before climbing onto the kang bed, but Wang Yonggui caught her in his arms, and Lady Jiang’s entire body tensed up.

Holding Lady Jiang, Wang Yonggui remained silent for a long while. Just as she was about to fall asleep, he whispered, "Anyway, there’s nothing much going on now. I’ll stay at home for a while and see."

Lady Jiang suddenly felt a jolt of alertness; she covered her mouth and tears came out, "Head of the family, what do you mean by this...?"

Wang Yonggui flipped over with annoyance and pinned Lady Jiang beneath him, his mouth hot against hers as he approached, "Your man has given you pride today, you should reward your man..."

...

The next morning, as soon as Wang Yongzhu got up and went to fetch hot water from the kitchen to wash her face, she hadn’t even entered when she heard Lady Lin’s voice, "Oh my, sister-in-law, you’re looking really radiant today, last night..."

The rest of the sentence was quickly swallowed upon seeing Wang Yongzhu, who forced a smile, "Little sister, you’re up. Are you here to get water for washing your face? Quick, give me..."

As she spoke, Lady Lin rushed to take the basin from Wang Yongzhu’s hands to scoop up hot water.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but give Lady Jiang an extra glance. Without saying it, she wouldn’t have noticed, but now that she did, there really was something different about Lady Jiang today. The corners of her usually pursed mouth had a slight upward curve.

Especially her eyes which usually looked like still water filled with distress, shimmered with brightness today.

Even her hair looked glossier than usual, and she was wearing the new clothes the family had made for her some days ago. The indigo garment made Lady Jiang appear exceptionally serene and gentle.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but sigh; for a woman like Lady Jiang, a man improving his stature and giving her pride brought vast changes indeed.

But it was a matter between husband and wife, and as a younger sister-in-law, it was not her place to say more. As long as Lady Jiang was happy, who cared?

Taking the water Lady Lin had fetched, Wang Yongzhu thanked her and left the kitchen, faintly hearing Lady Lin’s laughter at Lady Jiang’s expense.