Ger, So Proud

Chapter 70

The drama at the Lin family’s courtyard did not end with He Ze and Lin Yu’s departure.

Wu Cui scratched out one of Dad Liu’s eyes and then ran out of the village wielding the stick. Some people tried to stop him, but Wu Cui, with unexpected strength, managed to break free.

Several young and strong members of the clan chased after him, but there was still no news. Since he had injured someone, they would definitely have to report it to the authorities.

Wu Cui, facing three major crimes—adultery, causing his husband’s death, and blinding his dad-in-law—would find it difficult to get out once he entered the yamen.

The Lin family seemed plagued by misfortune. Some villagers watched the spectacle, some clapped in delight, and some sighed in sympathy. However, persuading them to allow the Lin family to stay in He Family Village now would likely result in nothing but scorn.

People are generally easygoing when something doesn’t concern them directly, but when their own interests are at stake, only a fool would let sympathy override caution.

When Zhang Su heard the news, he didn’t show much expression, merely pausing in his sewing. Lin Yu acted as if he hadn’t heard anything, continuing to chop firewood.

Due to the Lin family’s string of troubles, several clan elders placated the villagers, deciding to notify Lin Tiangui to evict the Lin family only after Third Lin’s funeral. Lin Tiangui and Eldest Son Lin protested at the clan leader’s house several times, but to no avail, only managing to push the eviction deadline to after the New Year.

Fortunately, it was winter and most fields were fallow, making the transition of Lin family’s land smoother.

He Ze’s earlier visit must have impressed He Hong. The document severing Lin Yu’s dad’s ties with the Lin family, bearing the clan’s seal, was delivered by He Ze’s nominal cousin a few days later. He Ze promptly took it to the Lin family.

Seeing the document, Zhang Su finally relaxed, no longer worried about the Lin family’s potential retaliation.

The matter finally reached a conclusion, and the villagers’ excitement over the scandal gradually waned.

It wasn’t until the snow had completely melted and the sky had cleared that He Ze and Lin Yu headed to town together.

Lin Yu wore a green-gray cotton outfit and a bright red fur hat. With his rosy lips and white teeth, he looked like an immortal child from a painting if he were a few years younger.

The hat was made of fox fur. He Ze had seen it hanging on a wall in a clothing shop when he last came to town to buy gifts for the clan leader and had ordered two. He picked them up the previous day. One was for He An, who seemingly already had one…

The other… He Ze glanced at Lin Yu, thinking his wife looked stunning in it!

Lin Yu, slightly shorter than He Ze, held hands with him openly, displaying their affection without a hint of shame. Anyone could see their relationship.

Noticing the occasional glances of curiosity or admiration from passersby, He Ze’s mood soared, and he tightened his grip on Lin Yu’s hand. Heaven was kind! Lin Yu’s former fiancé had faced misfortune!

If Lin Yu knew what He Ze was thinking, he would probably be furious.

Fortunately, He Ze didn’t forget their main purpose amidst their “date.” They went straight to Cai Xing’s residence. Cai Xing greeted Lin Yu warmly, causing him to blush, and then shared some good news.

“I’ve inquired about this alley. There are three shops for sale, but one is too small and likely doesn’t meet your needs. I’ve spoken with the owners of the other two. You can view them anytime.”

Thanking Cai Xing, they followed him to the two shops. After about an hour, they bid him farewell.

Both shops were good, located in the heart of Flower Bird Alley. One was large but somewhat dilapidated, while the other, though smaller, was well-kept. The prices were comparable.

There was no rush to make a decision immediately. He Ze planned to open the shop in the spring, when flowers were in full bloom, after the New Year. Additionally, he needed to discuss this matter with his father, He Youcai and Dad Li, to ensure they were on board. Convincing them a few days ago had been an arduous task, even requiring him to agree to a series of unequal terms proposed by He An to get his support.

Before leaving Flower Bird Alley, He Ze popped into a flower shop and bought several rare flower seeds. Lin Yu couldn’t help but comment, “The shopkeeper said these are difficult to grow. Why do you only buy such challenging ones?”

Earlier, He Ze had shared his plan to open a shop, and although Lin Yu had blind faith in him, he couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.

“Rarity adds value. The harder they are to grow, the more valuable they are,” He Ze replied confidently. Using his special abilities to grow ordinary flowers would be a waste.

“But…”

Seeing He Ze’s unwavering confidence, Lin Yu fell silent.

He should trust him.

“Don’t worry, your husband is like a deity. Growing flowers is a small task for me,” He Ze boasted shamelessly, ruffling Lin Yu’s soft hair.

Lin Yu’s hair felt so nice!

“You’re no deity—”

Lin Yu glared at him and walked ahead. He Ze chuckled and quickly caught up. They wandered the market, knowing it might snow in a few days, making it difficult to go out. They shopped until their baskets were full.

By noon, He Ze took Lin Yu to the Yu Family Restaurant, where their relationship prompted a lot of teasing from Manager Yu and Wei Quan. They ended up spending nearly an hour on their meal.

“If I had known, we wouldn’t have come here,” He Ze lamented.

Those two old foxes almost stripped him down to his underpants!

Lin Yu didn’t reply, just glanced up at him. Their eyes met, and they couldn’t help but smile.

On the way back, He Ze drove the ox cart. They arrived at the village entrance around the hour of Shen. The sunset painted the sky brilliantly, casting a glow on Lin Yu’s face, making He Ze stare in a daze.

But then, he felt a pang of frustration. Due to the recent bad weather, construction on the new house hadn’t started yet. How could he propose without it?

That evening, He Ze discussed building a new courtyard with his father. The family was no longer strapped for cash, and He Youcai paid the workers generously. On the third day, construction of the new house began in earnest.

He Ze didn’t rush to plant flowers. Like his father, he was busy with the new house, checking on the bai zhi in the field whenever he had a spare moment—this was a critical period for pest problems.

Zhang Su was pleased to hear about the new house. He frequently sent food to the villagers helping with the construction. After a few times, Lin Yu no longer blushed with embarrassment.

However, if Lin Yu encountered He Ze when delivering food, He Ze would monopolize him for quite some time before allowing him to leave. This became a popular topic of conversation among the workers, but He Ze didn’t mind. After all, as an engaged couple, their closeness was perfectly legitimate.

Time passed, and with the arrival of large quantities of timber and bricks in He Family Village, the villagers couldn’t help but believe that the He family had indeed come into wealth. Just months ago, they seemed to be struggling financially.

——What luck has befallen the He family? When He Youcai and his son had their accident, Dad Li sold land and borrowed money everywhere. Now, they’re building a new house! Did you see? They even tore down the house of Youcai’s cousin to build a grand courtyard!

——That’s nothing. They say the He family has paid off all their debts. Just a few days ago, He family contributed five taels of silver to the village’s ancestral house renovation! That’s enough to feed a family meat for a year!

——Isn’t that something? I heard the He family’s son got a good job in town, and since Youcai recovered, he’s taken on many big projects. They’re truly fortunate!

The gossip soon overshadowed the Lin family’s scandal. The villagers couldn’t stop talking about the He family’s turnaround. Hearing these words made He Youcai feel extremely gratified.

He had endured hardships all his life, causing Dad Li to suffer as well. Now, with his son He Ze finding success, he could finally hold his head high in front of Dad Li’s family.

As the new house began to take shape, He Laoye’s mood improved daily. Amidst the family’s happiness, the New Year approached quickly.

The village grew lively again, with people busy shopping in town, preparing holiday food, and saving up to hang red lanterns at their doorways. He Family Village was filled with festive joy.

Perhaps the heavens smiled upon them, as the recent weather had been quite favorable. In the evening, the golden sunset partially hid behind the mountains, casting its remaining light on the river behind the village, creating a dazzling scene.

By the river, He Ze and Lin Yu walked side by side. He was escorting Lin Yu home but had taken this route on a whim.

“Got something on your mind? You’ve been awfully quiet today,” He Ze glanced at Lin Yu.

To be precise, Lin Yu had been preoccupied for several days now, which was unusual for him.

Before He Ze could finish his sentence, Lin Yu stopped and finally spoke after a long pause, “I want to invite Uncle Xu to spend the New Year with us.”

His tone was serious, enunciating each word.

However, He Ze unceremoniously tapped his head, “Are you silly? Unless Uncle Zgang and Uncle Xu suggest it themselves, how can you invite him?”

With only Lin Yu and his dad left in the Lin family, inviting Xu Qingsheng to their house for the New Year seemed inappropriate.

Lin Yu shook his head and remained silent for a while, “I saw my dad staring at a medicine pot a few days ago. It was one Uncle Xu had sent over.”

“……”

He Ze fell silent as well. He understood Lin Yu’s urgency. With their marriage approaching, Lin Yu was understandably worried about leaving his dad alone.

Uncle Xu had feelings for Dad Zhang, and Uncle Zhang clearly reciprocated those feelings. However, with Uncle Zhang’s personality… Wait! Uncle Zhang had previously rejected Uncle Xu because he was worried about being a burden to Lin Yu. Now that Lin Yu’s marriage was settled, maybe…

“Have you sounded out your dad recently about Uncle Xu?” He Ze asked.

“I have, but every time I bring it up, Dad brushes it off and refuses to say anything,” Lin Yu replied dejectedly, kicking a stone absentmindedly.

“Not saying anything isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s better than him outright rejection, right?” He Ze consoled. “How about I talk to Uncle Xu? Encourage him to make a move?”

“Do you think that’ll work?” Lin Yu asked hesitantly.

“How will we know if we don’t try?” He Ze raised an eyebrow and grabbed Lin Yu’s hand.

There’s a saying, persistent suitors win the day… Ahem, it should work, right? The main issue is Uncle Xu’s timid nature. If he were more assertive, like He Ze, he would have secured his partner long ago!

Right? Yes, yes, definitely…

Author’s Note: He Ze: Like me, I secured my partner in record time! Right? Yes, right?

Author: Haha.