The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 601 - 599: Making up One’s Mind

Chapter 601: Chapter 599: Making up One’s Mind

Wang Laozhu became increasingly distressed, as he surely knew that if his second son left, he might never come back again before his own death.

He had painstakingly raised such a promising son who had finally made something of himself, only to be driven away from his own home by his wife and other children.

And to think that the Wang Family had invested money and effort, only for the Qian Family to reap the benefits?

Now the two elders of the Qian Family were living with his second son, wouldn’t that just be handing everything to the Qian Family on a silver platter?

The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable Wang Laozhu felt.

Seeing Wang Laozhu’s displeasure, Wang Yongan swallowed hard and tentatively said, "Dad, I have made good on my life, and this is all thanks to the efforts of our parents and siblings. Although Mom and my sisters have some deep misunderstandings about me, as a member of the Wang Family, I naturally wish for our family’s well-being."

"I had planned to bring Mom and my sisters to live in the city, so they could share in my blessings, and I could repay the kindness my parents have shown me. What’s more, Dad has always taught us that united brothers can cut through metal. Now that I am alone out there, weak and unsupported, I would prefer to have some help."

"Besides, over the years, I’ve only had Jinchai, my daughter, and someday my estate will need a successor, right? Although I have no sons, my brothers’ sons are like my own sons to me. They have made many sacrifices for me, and I cannot just repay them a little; I am thinking of bringing a few of age children to the city as well."

"There are more scholars in the city, and the atmosphere is better; finding good mentors for a few children, who knows, in ten or twenty years, there might be another Scholar or Graduate from our Wang Family? Without the support of the whole, one tree cannot make a forest, so when the time comes, I will give them a boost. With some luck, one might even become County Magistrate."

"Then, with the support of uncles and nephews in our Wang Family, within three generations, the Wang Family could become a family of officials. It’s just that no one believes me now. Dad, why don’t you come to the city with me and see for yourself? Hearing is false, seeing is believing. Once you see with your own eyes, you can come back and tell Mom and my sisters; they are more likely to believe then."

Wang Laozhu was quite tempted. Going to the city might not be out of the question.

At the very least, it would let others know that the Wang Family, not the Qian Family, was the second son’s true home.

Besides, his wife was still angry with him at home. Perhaps it would be better for him to leave for a while, which might help her cool off.

He was well aware that since dividing the family estate, he had some Silver and dividends, and all his children and their spouses were eyeing it. Laosan had already spoken up, wanting to leave only half for him.

Eldest Brother’s wife was no pushover either; if he stayed at home, he feared the Silver might not be safe.

However, with the New Year approaching, a time when families should be together, he felt reluctant to go to the county town alone with his second son.

Having lived to such an age, he had never even been to Jing County, let alone the farther away Qi City.

He felt a bit apprehensive.

Wang Yongzhen, who had been eavesdropping at the door for a while, her eyes shining, had been scared into hiding when Old Granny Zhang entered with a knife earlier.

It wasn’t until Zhang was persuaded away by Wang Yongzhu that she dared to come out.

Hearing that Wang Yongan wanted to take Wang Laozhu to the city for the New Year, but knowing Wang Laozhu was hesitant, she couldn’t help but speak up, "Dad, I think my second brother has good intentions. Why don’t you agree to him and take a look at the city with him?"

Wang Yongan didn’t expect Wang Yongzhen to speak in his favor and gratefully glanced her way.

Wang Laozhu, with his eldest daughter also urging him, was even more tempted. He still had some hesitation, though, "The New Year is coming, if I go to the city with your second brother, what will happen to our home? Isn’t it customary for a family to be together, united and complete, during New Year’s? Besides, I’m unfamiliar with the city—I wouldn’t know anyone there, not even someone to talk to..."

Wang Yongan could tell Wang Laozhu was tempted and immediately said, "Dad, there’s not much going on before or after the New Year, as the County Magistrate is also celebrating. It’s the perfect time for me to stay home and keep you company! Besides, my in-laws are here too; there are plenty of people to talk with you."

Wang Yongzhen interrupted, "Exactly, Dad, Second Brother will definitely arrange everything perfectly for you. If you really aren’t comfortable, why not bring Mutou along? Although he’s a bit slow, he’s honest and will be just right to take care of you on the journey."

Sun Mutou frowned as soon as he heard this from the doorway.

Wang Laozhu was somewhat swayed and looked toward Wang Yongan.

Before Wang Yongan could speak, Wang Laozhu shook his head, "No, we can’t take Mutou! If I take Mutou, what will you do if you’re left alone? Your health isn’t great, and having Mutou by your side means he can take care of you. Besides, Mutou is still in mourning; it isn’t right for him to go out."

At these words, Wang Yongzhen’s face turned pale.

In peasant families, traditions matter. When a son’s father dies, he must mourn for three years without eating meat or visiting other people’s homes, especially during the New Year, when he must stay at his own home.

But abstaining from meat for three years is indeed tough, so many people discreetly eat some meat at home, and nobody really makes a fuss over it.

Wang Yongzhen turned pale as she looked toward Sun Mutou at the door, suddenly remembering why anytime she cooked dishes with meat, this boy would only eat plain buns with pickled vegetables.

Especially yesterday, when she made that big pot of rabbit meat, Mutou hadn’t even touched his chopsticks.

Her slight plotting was unmistakably evident in Sun Mutou’s gaze.

Wang Yongzhen felt a burning shame on her face and no longer cared whether her father really needed to go to Wang Yongan’s place. She forced herself to say, "Dad, you’re right; I’m going back to my room."

She bowed her head and hurried back to her room.

Sun Mutou also quietly went back to his room and silently closed the door.

Now that Wang Laozhu was considering the idea and after another round of persuasion from Wang Yongan, he soon made up his mind.

He decided to go to the city with Wang Yongan’s family for the New Year, to check out the situation, and if it seemed right, he planned to move his wife, daughter, and a few grandsons over as well.

Having made a decision, Wang Laozhu was not one to hesitate; he immediately set off to pack his luggage.

Wang Yongan escorted Wang Laozhu to the door and, watching his father’s hurried footsteps retreat into the distance, a cold smile curled on his lips.

Meanwhile, Old Granny Zhang was escorted home by her daughter, son, and son-in-law.

Along the way, Wang Yonggui didn’t stop praising Old Granny Zhang, "Mom! You truly are my dear mother! The scolding you gave earlier was so satisfying! It’s just the knife skills; how come you didn’t make that bastard Wang Yonggui bleed a little?"

Old Granny Zhang spat at Wang Yonggui, "You think you’re so capable, why didn’t you do it?"

Wang Yonggui hurriedly laughed and begged for mercy. The family was indeed more relaxed since Wang Yongan had returned.

Back in the new house, Old Granny Zhang sent her sons away and called Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin to her room.