Chapter 123: Housewarming Feast

Chapter 123: Housewarming Feast

They finally returned home with a full basket of vegetables and chickens and ducks in hand.

Upon arriving at the Song residence, they found that Lady Zhang and Qin Xiaoyao’s two sisters-in-law had indeed arrived.

Qin Xiaoyao had already come back from delivering vegetables to the inn and restaurant and was chatting with the three women.

Lady Zhang and Qin Xiaoyao’s sisters-in-law were not particularly fond of him before.

If it weren’t for the men of the family, they wouldn’t have come at all.

However, after seeing the new courtyard of the Song family, their opinions changed.

This courtyard was far better than their small one at the Qin family.

Initially, they didn’t believe what their husbands said about the Song family buying a luxurious courtyard.

They thought the men were just trying to embellish things for their daughters and sister.

Now they realized that what the men said was true.

The Song family had truly become wealthy.

There was some jealousy, but mostly, the women felt relieved.

It was good that the Song family had money; this meant their younger sisters and stepdaughters wouldn’t return to the Qin family for support.

Moreover, living in town might provide opportunities for mutual assistance in the future.

Thus, Qin Xiaoyao noticed that not only his two sisters-in-law but even Lady Zhang was now more courteous to him.

Pleased with this change, he quickly developed a friendly relationship with them.

Seeing Lady Liu and Wang Xiaomei return, Qin Xiaoyao and the others hurried to help them.

“Oh, why did you buy so much?” Lady Zhang exclaimed first.

“Exactly, we’re all family today. Why buy so much?”

“Quick, give me the chicken!”

Amidst the lively chatter, everyone headed to the kitchen.

In the courtyard, Liu Daniu and the others, who were helping with planting the fragrant spring tree and its cuttings, smiled at the scene.

It seemed the housewarming feast would be quite sumptuous...

With the addition of the three women from the Qin family, plus Li Danni, Wang Xiaomei, and Lady Liu, there were enough people in the kitchen.

Qin Xiaoyao was soon chased out of the kitchen to entertain guests.

But there were no guests to entertain, so she became the most idle person.

Like a screwdriver, she went wherever she was needed, supporting various tasks.

Amid the women’s lively discussions and the sounds of chopping and slicing in the kitchen, the aroma of food began to waft through the air.

The men working in the courtyard, including the later arrivals Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu, felt their energy wane upon smelling the delicious scents.

One by one, they started discussing the dishes they might enjoy for lunch.

Liu Daniu and the Wang family father and son were the hungriest, having left early in the morning without eating much.

After arriving at the Song residence, they had been busy almost non-stop.

Hearing about the chicken, duck, and many meat dishes for lunch, they couldn’t help but salivate.

Their eyes kept drifting towards the kitchen.

A while later, Qin Dazhuang finished his work and finally joined them.

After greeting Lady Liu and the others in the kitchen, he immediately joined the group working on the land.

He then received compliments from everyone.

Especially Wang Laoshuan, who praised him for raising such a capable daughter as Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Dazhuang was delighted, feeling very pleased...

As noon approached, all the dishes were finally prepared.

The women arranged the meal, while Qin Xiaoyao and Qin Dazhuang went outside to set off firecrackers.

With the sound of the firecrackers, the Song family’s moving ceremony was complete.

Neighbors came out to watch, and Qin Xiaoyao greeted them, saying she would visit them later.

Returning to the courtyard, father and daughter entered the main hall with smiles.

Inside, two tables were set up—one for the men and one for the women, creating a lively atmosphere.

Song Que clearly wasn’t suited for such an occasion and, encouraged by his brothers-in-law, drank one cup with everyone and then stopped drinking.

On the other hand, Qin Dazhuang took on the task of entertaining the guests with drinks.

He kept drinking and offering toasts continuously.

The women’s side, however, remained much quieter.

Qin Xiaoyao was delighted to let her father keep the guests company with drinks while she focused on eating her food.

This meal was the most sumptuous one she had enjoyed since she had crossed over into this world.

Not only was it abundant, but the portions were also generous. How could she not like it?

The others also ate heartily.

Even for the Qin family, who made their living selling meat, such a feast was rare.

Needless to say, it was even rarer for the Liu and Wang families.

Wang Xiaomei felt as if she might swallow her tongue from the deliciousness of the food.

There were many dishes on the table, and almost all of them were meat.

The seasonings were well-balanced, making the dishes incredibly tasty.

Such a meal was something she never experienced even during the New Year at the Wang household.

At the neighboring table, Wang Laoshuan and Wang Dashan shared similar sentiments.

However, Wang Laoshuan was intent on pleasing Qin Dazhuang and spent most of his time drinking with him, barely getting to eat much.

On the other hand, Wang Dashan, after having a few drinks with the Qins, started eating earnestly.

Firstly, he was hungry from working all morning, and secondly, such a feast was a rare treat that triggered his appetite.

Liu Daniu also buried himself in his meal, feeling that coming to help the Song family today was truly a wise decision.

After this meal, he wouldn't mind if his family didn't have meat for half a month.

By the end of the meal, because most of the guests had hearty appetites, there wasn't much food left on the tables.

Qin Dazhuang got drunk and was supported back home by Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu.

Wang Laoshuan also got drunk and was eventually placed on a cart, which Wang Dashan pushed back.

Li Danni also climbed onto the cart, asking her husband to push her back to Xiashui Village.

Once these people left, the courtyard became much quieter.

Then, the three women of the Qin family helped clear the tableware and wash the dishes before leaving the Song residence.

Qin Xiaoyao and Liu Shi saw the guests off together, sighing in relief once they were out of sight.

Entertaining so many people for the whole morning was indeed exhausting.

Back in the courtyard,

Liu Shi returned to the kitchen to render lard with Wang Xiaomei.

Qin Xiaoyao went to tidy up the yard and prepare to cultivate the remaining patch of barren land.

The Song family thus began their life in town.

In the evening,

Qin Xiaoyao finally finished cultivating the land and watering the planted fragrant sprout trees, then sat down to rest beside the stone table.

Song Yun brought Song Ye along to deliver sugared oil residue to Qin Xiaoyao and chat with her.

"Mother asked us to bring some oil residue and sugar cubes to give to our neighbors later, and we should go with you, Big Sister!" Song Yun said with a smile to Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and agreed.

"Why don't we ask Mother to come along?" she suggested, getting up.

"Mother is preparing dinner," Song Ye replied.

"It's fine; she can make dinner later!" Qin Xiaoyao responded.

She then headed towards the kitchen.

Soon, Liu Shi was convinced to leave the kitchen and join them.