"Grandfather and Father are usually at the academy," Shu Huai introduced his familyās situation to everyone. "Second Uncle often spends most of his time at the restaurant, and my younger sister, Shu Chang, got married to the Xi Family two years ago. Now sheās in Changāan Prefecture with her husband, who serves as a County Magistrate."
"Thatās the Huanghua County we passed by," Gu Qingheng added.
Yang Ruxin nodded. The eldest uncle of the Shu Family had one son and one daughter. The eldest son was Shu Huai, and the daughter, named Shu Chang, married Xi Mu, the second son of the Xi Family, who was a scholar. He later didnāt take the imperial examinations and instead became the County Magistrate of Huanghua County. Perhaps on the way back, they could stop by and visit this cousin and her husband.
"Second Brother Shu Zhe is helping Second Uncle with the business, but Second Sister-in-Law is about to give birth soon, so he hasnāt gone anywhere and is staying home," Shu Huai laughed. "Because I have a son, my dad always shows off in front of Second Uncle. Now that Second Sister-in-Law is also about to give birth, Second Uncle wonāt be envious of my dad anymore."
Yang Ruxin laughed as well. Second Uncle Shu Jingzhiās two sons, the eldest Shu Zhe was only a year younger than Shu Huai, but he married later than Shu Zhe, and had children later too. So, he particularly envied Eldest Uncle Shu Tongzhi. And despite Eldest Uncle being a scholar, he had a humorous side and loved to tease his younger brother. As a result, whenever they met, they would bicker, but in reality, they had a very good relationship.
As they were talking, there came the sound of noisy footsteps outside, and then two middle-aged women walked in. The leading one was a slightly plump, round-faced woman, whose eyes turned red as soon as she entered the door, "Yeye, youāre back!" This was Aunt Shu Lishi.
"All grown up now." Behind Shu Lishi was a tall, thin woman, whose eyes were also red, but she looked at Gu Qingheng with a face full of relief, "If only Manzhi could see this, she would definitely be happy." This was Aunt Shu Niushi.
The two sons of the Shu Family were both overprotective of their younger sister, Shu Manzhi, doting on her tremendously. As a result, their wives also treated this little sister-in-law very well. Shu Manzhi was not only beautiful and talented but also had a righteous character, and she had an exceptionally good relationship with her two sisters-in-law.
Thus, when Shu Manzhi passed away, the sorrow of these two sisters-in-law was no less than that of the two biological brothers.
"Mom, Second Aunt, itās not easy for Cousin to bring Cousin-in-Law back home, please donāt cry, you should be happy," Shu Huai quickly stood up and led the two women to the main seats.
"You brat, Iām crying because Iām happy," Shu Lishi gave her eldest son a glance, then looked at Yang Ruxin. "No wonder after Shu Luo came back, heās always talking about Cousin-in-Law. Sheās indeed quite a beauty." The main thing was that with such a dignified demeanor, thereās no hint of country bumpkin rusticity at all.
"Isnāt that so," Shu Niushi agreed. "Xinxin, is it? My son Luo is quite rebellious, always opposing everyone, sometimes even against his own father. But since he went to visit Lianhua Town, it seems he submits to you now..."
Yang Ruxin hurriedly stepped forward to salute the two aunts.
"Shu Luo is a foodie, and it just so happens that my wife is a good cook," Gu Qingheng was both amused and helpless.
"She is indeed a good cook," Shu Niushi nodded. "Now, the spicy restaurant our family opened is flourishing, with reservations booked until next month."
"Thatās because Second Uncle knows how to run a business."
"Isnāt it your recipe thatās good?" Shu Niushi held Yang Ruxinās hand, "When your Second Uncle and the others come back, they should give you a bigger share of the profits."