Chapter 276 - Chapter 263: Trouble (1/2)

Chapter 263: Trouble

Translator: 549690339

But since the money was indeed given to buy medicine, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask too many questions, so the shopkeeper swallowed the words that came to his mouth several times.

The villagers were all overjoyed.

Mugwort leaves were widely available everywhere, abundant by the river, and easy to dry. Adults, children, women, and the elderly alike could participate; a bit of effort and diligence would earn them silver. It was hardly any different from picking up money.

In a short span, the villagers were overflowing with gratitude towards Zhuang Qingning. She, too, was warmly reciprocated by the villagers.

This family brought apricots, that family brought peaches. One family sent over a bowl of steamed dumplings they made for lunch, while another sent over a plate of dumplings. Some who had gone to the town to buy jujube cake and mahua brought back a piece, while some who caught small river shrimp also delivered a bowl…

In essence, the food and clothing supplies, as well as the task of carrying water, were all undertaken by the neighbors; Zhuang Qingning didn’t have to worry about these chores at all.

There were even a few overly enthusiastic aunties who, in their scramble to help Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui make shoes, had a verbal spat and nearly initiated a physical fight. They calmed down only when Zhuang Qingning intervened and assigned them each a pair of shoes to make.

As it turns out, being despised is a problem, but being too popular is also a problem.

Zhuang Qingning felt that she had unwarrantedly invited some trouble for herself.

In no time, the day arrived for Zhuang Qingning to warm her new house.

Those families who used to frequently deliver gifts to Zhuang Qingning’s house now had a full-fledged occasion to show their enthusiasm and carefully prepared housewarming gifts.

Chicken, duck, fish, and meat, as well as eggs of chicken and duck, peaches, apricots, fish caught from the river, shrimp scooped from the creek, rabbit hunted from the mountain, fabric purchased from the town, and self-made bed sheets and curtains…

There was an array of things, everything imaginable was present.

There were also those who were practical and knew that Zhuang Qingning had to serve lunch to the housewarming guests today, so they thoughtfully brought several baskets of steamed cornbread so that everyone could have lunch together, and Zhuang Qingning didn’t have to worry about arranging this meal. The tables, chairs, and benches, as well as the bowls, chopsticks, and plates needed for dining, had all been voluntarily moved to Zhuang Qingning’s courtyard by the villagers.

Upon finishing the tour of Zhuang Qingning’s new house, the men busied themselves chopping firewood, setting the table, and arranging benches, while the women busied themselves selecting and washing vegetables. Everyone performed their duties without chaos.

At this moment, Zhang Yongchang’s face was reddened by the fire from the stove, and the sweat that fell down his cheek couldn’t hide his cheerful smile. Firstly, he was happy because Zhuang Qingning finally had a home of her own. Secondly, he was happy because he was cooking today’s meal.

Since the day he left Fushun Tower, although he had been cooking constantly, they were small stoves for just a few dishes. It had been a long time since he had cooked a large pot full of food with such hearty vigor.

This sense of reunion gave Zhang Yongchang a sudden excitement and he was even unwilling to put down the large iron spoon.

Seeing Zhang Yongchang happy, Lian Rong was naturally happy, too, and the kitchen knife in his hand made a clanging noise on the chopping board.

Zhuang Jingye and Zhuang Yonghe were busy welcoming guests while Mrs. He accompanied some young women and elderly aunties in conversation, offering them sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui were also busy laughing and talking with their close friends.

“Hey, I must say, you all come here to warm the house for Qingning, but from what I see, these gifts are not enough. These chicken, duck, fish, and meat may seem practical, but they are common after all.”

Zhuang Jingye made an exaggerated facial expression and laughed.