Chapter 146: Abandoning You
The courtyard was bustling with people. Aunt Liu, her two daughters-in-law, and Shanzimama were all doing needlework by the door.
The eldest aunt and her two daughters-in-law were squatting in the courtyard, washing hides.
The bits of flesh and other scraps had to be cleaned off the hides before they could be tanned.
Ms. Li sat by a wooden basin, scrubbing clothes on a washboard.
Ms. Qian and Xing’er had strung a line across the courtyard and were airing out quilts.
Hearing what Liu Zhuangtou said, everyone froze for a moment, unable to fully process the information.
Gu Zhang repeatedly bowed with his hands clasped toward Liu Zhuangtou. "You’re too kind. I’m the one who should be thanking you for the tip. Once we get the house in order, please come over for a drink."
Liu Zhuangtou laughed heartily. "I only mentioned it in passing. The real credit goes to Mr. Gu’s own ability. From now on, I suppose we’ll be neighbors. Let’s look out for each other, shall we?"
One should always be on good terms with capable people. Liu Zhuangtou saluted with clasped hands as he departed.
Ms. Qian finally snapped back to reality. ’The second son’s family secretly bought a house and land!’
Seeing Gu Zhang already inside, she hastily tossed aside the clothes she was holding and charged into the main hall, crashing right into Mrs. Chen who was on her way out.
Ms. Qian grabbed her and demanded, "Sister-in-law, what was Liu Zhuangtou talking about? He said your family bought land and a house? What’s really going on?"
At this, everyone in the courtyard pricked up their ears to listen.
Mrs. Chen frowned and said nonchalantly, "It’s nothing, really. Little Fei bought the courtyard next door, and we’re planning to move."
"What?" Ms. Qian cried out, unable to believe her ears.
Mrs. Chen smiled faintly. "We didn’t actually buy it, not with silver. It was all thanks to Little Fei’s own skills. She traded for it with her chili peppers and recipes."
Ms. Qian’s eyes widened. "How is that possible!"
Mrs. Chen brushed past, shouldering her aside. "And why not? My Little Fei is just that capable!"
"Sister-in-law, I can’t stand here and chat. I have to go get some things from the front yard."
Ms. Qian scrambled toward the main house, shouting as she ran, "Mother! Mother! It’s a disaster! Second Uncle’s family is moving out!"
The old matriarch was getting on in years and rather hard of hearing. She couldn’t hear things from far away, so it was only now that the commotion drew her to the doorway. "Moving where?"
"Something about Little Fei buying the courtyard right next door," Ms. Qian said, staring anxiously at the old matriarch.
The old matriarch, still not quite grasping the situation, asked, "Buying a courtyard? How much silver would that take? Where would she get that kind of silver?"
Ms. Qian stomped her foot in exasperation. "Mother, that’s not the point! The point is they’re about to move out! Didn’t you know?"
The old matriarch’s hand, which was leaning on her cane, trembled. A wave of panic suddenly washed over her. "No one told me."
Ms. Qian rushed to support the old matriarch. "Mother, the second son’s family is leaving to enjoy the good life, and they didn’t even bother to tell you. It’s clear they’ve made up their minds to abandon you."
The old matriarch’s mouth opened and closed, but for a long moment, no sound came out. Then, she suddenly found her voice and shrieked, "Gu Er! Gu Er—get over here this instant!"
Gu Zhang emerged from the room, the very picture of innocence. "Mother, did you call for me?"
’Who couldn’t hear Ms. Qian’s shrieking? But one had to play dumb when the situation called for it. His own mother was a terrible headache, and it was better to let her go and torment the eldest son’s family.’
The old matriarch jabbed her cane at the ground a few times. "You’re moving out?"
Gu Zhang nodded. "That girl of mine, Little Fei, has really done us proud. She earned herself a courtyard and wants us all to move in with her."
Seeing Gu Zhang’s calm, unbothered expression infuriated the old matriarch. "Then why didn’t you tell me to pack my things?"