Chapter 84: Guests at Home
Zhu Shunyao and Cheng Baokun were now considered brothers, so Shunyao kept nothing from Baokun.
When they arrived at the Xie house, Qi Jizong and Luo Wenhua were already there. Qi Cidi and Qi Shandi had come with them. Qi Yandi and her husband, Liu Ashen, had taken Qi Guanghua to visit the Liu family.
Whether this was Qi Jizong’s arrangement or not, Guanghua’s absence meant the New Year’s money for him would not be given today.
Xie Zhong sat in the courtyard with Qi Jizong’s family, enjoying the sun. Qi Qiaoer and others handled the hosting duties. When the Xie Jingyu family arrived, Xie Jingyu and Xie Shiyun stayed in the main area, while Xie Jingyu’s wife, Wang Zhaodi, went to the kitchen to help.
“Uncle, you should have brought Guanghua today,” Zhu Shunyao said as he poured tea for Qi Jizong.
Qi Jizong chuckled. “There will be other chances.” He then asked, “I heard from your father that you plan to build a house after the New Year?”
“Yes,” Zhu Shunyao nodded. “The thatched hut is no longer fit to live in. Besides, we will have one more person next year. The house is too small for so many people.”
Qi Jizong nodded. “It is time to build. If you need anything, tell your uncle. I know people at the Qingshan Stone Factory. I can speak to them for you.”
Zhu Shunyao smiled. “Uncle has the same idea as Ani’s godfather.” Realizing Qi Jizong did not yet know about Zhu Yanyi’s new godparent, he explained the situation briefly. Then he continued, “Brother Baokun and I have calculated the costs. He also helped make connections. Since the Qingshan Brick Kiln and the Qingshan Stone Factory owe the Food Factory goods, he arranged for the debts to be offset against the price. I just need to go and load the bricks and stones. He has sorted out most other things, including lime and cement. I will not have to spend much money personally.”
Since everyone present was family, Zhu Shunyao did not hide the details. Especially with Qi Jizong, this uncle always helped them wholeheartedly.
Qi Jizong nodded after listening. “I have heard of Cheng Baokun. The Cheng family is quite famous. It is said they have relatives in the capital. Regardless, having such a family help you puts my mind at ease. If you need anything, tell your uncle. I may not have much else, but I have some strength.”
“In this regard, your uncle is better than me,” Xie Zhong chuckled. “I am just a weak scholar. I cannot compare to your uncle.”
“Brother, you can just call me a barbarian,” Qi Jizong laughed. (In their generation, they did not call their sister’s husband ‘brother-in-law’, but usually ‘Brother’.)
Xie Zhong laughed again. Then he asked, “Did you have a smooth time visiting the Cheng family today?”
“It went smoothly,” Zhu Shunyao replied. She then mentioned Zhu Yanyi’s situation. “Brother Baokun said that if Father agrees to let Ani enter primary school directly, she will handle the procedures.”
Xie Zhong thought for a moment. “Let her go in the second half of this year. Tell him that Ani can indeed start primary school. Let her go.” Then Xie Zhong waved to Zhu Yanyi, calling her to his side. “Ani, you will be a primary school student in the second half of the year. Do you have any thoughts?”
“Thoughts?” Zhu Yanyi tilted her head and thought. “Can I skip a grade next year?”
“No,” Xie Zhong chuckled.
This silent exchange between grandfather and granddaughter made Qi Jizong and Zhu Shunyao curious. They both looked at the pair.