The sun sets in the west and the clouds are magnificent.
Su Liang and Gu Ling were taking their children to water vegetables in the backyard when they heard someone calling her, "Sister Su Liang! Sister Su Liang!"
Su Liang put down the water ladle and went to the front yard, when she saw two boys, one tall and one short, running in. It was the brothers Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi who had returned from school.
The farm boy who was a tiger-headed boy when they first met has now become a gentle and elegant young man. Bai Xiaohu has grown a lot taller and lost a lot of weight in the past two years. His eyes are bright and his smile still retains the simplicity and innocence in his bones.
Zhu Zhu used to be very sick, but now his face is rosy, and he still squints his eyes very well when he smiles.
As soon as they entered the house, they heard Aunt Bai say that Su Liang was back, and she rushed over without even putting down her schoolbags.
But when they arrived in front of Su Liang, the two of them became shy and stopped. Bai Xiaohu bowed his hands in a serious manner, but his eyes and tone could not hide his excitement at all, "Sister Su Liang, you are back!"
Zhu Zhu followed suit, which made Su Liang very happy. She reached out and patted Bai Xiaohu on the shoulder, "I have grown a lot taller."
Zhuzi puffed up his chest silently, and when Su Liang praised him, "Zhuzi has grown taller too." He immediately narrowed his eyes with laughter.
Looking at the two brothers, Su Liang seemed to have seen the time after she traveled through time. She did not pay attention to the changes in her body intentionally. Although Gu Ling mentioned that she was taller than when she first came, but from the children,
It is the most obvious way to feel the passage of time.
Gu Ling appeared behind Su Liang. Bai Xiaohu quickly held his hands and called, "Brother Gu."
"Yeah." Gu Ling looked at them and nodded gently, "They have all grown up."
Ji Xiaoshu and Zheng'er pulled Gu Xiaonuan over and ran over, and Su Liang introduced them.
Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi looked at Gu Xiaonuan and then at Gu Ling, and they couldn't help but marvel. She was so beautiful, even more beautiful than the fairy boy in the New Year paintings!
Su Liang smiled and said, "Your grandma said the same thing. Come inside and sit down."
When they arrived in the room, Su Liang took out the gifts specially prepared for the two children. In the past few years, they had been in the capital and had been exchanging letters with Sujia Village. Every year, Aunt Bai and Uncle Bai would prepare local specialties from home and invite others to deliver them.
When they go to the capital, Bai Xiaohu and Zhu Zhu will write letters to Su Liang and Gu Ling every year after studying, and Su Liang will prepare a reply letter and a gift for them.
Bai Xiaohu and Zhu Zhu didn't sit down either. They took the gifts, thanked Su Liang, and said that Aunt Bai asked them to come and invite Su Liang and Gu Ling to go over to her house for dinner.
"Okay, you go back first, we'll be there later." Su Liang said, rubbing Zhu Zhu's little head as he did in the past.
Zhu Zhu nodded, "Sister Su Liang, come quickly!"
After Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi ran away, Ji Xiaoshu asked Su Liang, "Master's wife, if they call you brother and sister, doesn't that mean you are one generation higher than the three of us? Isn't that inappropriate?"
Su Liang smiled and said, "Don't worry about this, everyone can do whatever they want."
Just as he was about to go out, Su Bai came. The county magistrate asked him to go to the county government office to discuss matters. He had just returned to the village. When he heard that Su Liang and Gu Ling were back, he didn't return home.
"I heard that Uncle Bai is very busy now." Su Liang said with a smile.
Su Bai shook his head, "It's all because of your help!" People from all over the country knew that he was Su Liang's uncle and had always been in contact with him.
Seeing Su Bai's tired look, Su Liang asked him to go home and rest first, and then have a good chat tomorrow.
Su Bai knew at a glance that they were going to Bai's house for dinner. He nodded repeatedly, looked at the three children again, asked Su Liang if he would be home tomorrow, and made an appointment to come back tomorrow.
When Su Liang and Gu Ling took the children to Bai's house, although the gate had been newly built, the yard was paved with bluestones, and the house had been renovated and was brighter than before, it still felt familiar.
Uncle Bai, who was lighting the fire, knocked the dry tobacco pole on his leg three times in his hand, exactly the same as when he first saw him.
After some pleasantries, everyone sat down in the main room, and hot meals were served. In the afternoon, Uncle Bai killed two fat chickens, and went to the hunter's house in the village to buy the hare he had just hunted today, and sent his son to the town.
I cut some meat and bought ribs, and prepared a whole table. It was even richer than during the Chinese New Year.
Although Su Liang and the others were not indifferent to meat, they could tell at a glance that this was the highest level of hospitality required by a farm family. In the past, the Bai family could only have a meal of meat during festivals, so it was evident that their lives had really improved.
Su Liang saw that Uncle Bai wanted to hug Gu Xiaonuan, but did not dare to reach out, so he took the initiative to hand her over.
Gu Xiaonuan grew up with several masters all day long at home in the capital. He was very kind to the elderly and leaned against Uncle Bai with a smile. Uncle Bai smiled with wrinkles on his face like autumn chrysanthemums in full bloom, and hurriedly gave Gu Xiaonuan
When picking up vegetables, my voice became much softer.
Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi reported to Su Liang and Gu Ling what books they had read. Their brother-in-law also decided to study again after having a school in the village, and was preparing to participate in the first new imperial examination after the unification of the world.
Regarding the imperial examination system, Duanmu Chen had previously discussed it specifically with Su Liang and Gu Ling.
Aunt Bai obviously felt that Gu Ling looked better than before. He was still very cold at first glance, but his eyes and demeanor were much gentler.
Gu Ling also asked Bai Xiaohu and Zhu Zhu to test the questions, and they both answered them correctly.
Su Liangxiao said, "You wrote a letter earlier saying that you wanted to take the imperial examination and go to the capital. Come on."
Bai Xiaohu and Zhu Zhu both nodded firmly and said they would work hard.
The elders of the Bai family looked at it, feeling happy and gratified. Now their family's conditions in the village cannot be said to be the best, but they are among the best. They can let their children study without worries, instead of worrying about their livelihood. All of this has benefited from
The help given by Su Liang and Gu Ling.
The meal was very lively. Ji Xiaoshu is a familiar person and a good at livening up the atmosphere. The Bai family was a little cautious at first. Although this was their own home, after all, the former neighbors came back, and their identities were completely different.
Farewell, but Ji Xiaoshu made some jokes and sweet words that made the Bai family laugh, and the atmosphere relaxed.
Gu Xiaonuan moved from Uncle Bai to Aunt Bai, and was carried by the Bai family in turns. Finally, Zhu Zhu held her, with Zhu Zhu's sister next to her. Xiao Nier from the Bai family was timid, but Gu Xiaonuan was very enthusiastic.
The little girls quickly started playing together.
After dinner, the table was cleared, and Mrs. Bai brought out a basin of juicy wild fruits that she had picked freshly from the mountains today.
The children all said it was delicious. Su Liang also asked where they picked it, and they would go there another day.
"I still remember Sister Su Liang and Ning...Uncle Gu taking me to hunt wild boars!" Bai Xiaohu looked nostalgic. Thinking of that time when he caught wild boars, he was so quick that he almost called him Uncle Cheng Ning again. After all, he took him to catch wild boars at that time.
The name was "Tranquility". He called it correctly when we met during the day because he had already prepared the draft before entering the door.
Ji Xiaoshu immediately said, "Master and Master, we are also going to hunt wild boars!"
Su Liang smiled and nodded, "We have this plan. When Xiaohu and Zhuzi have a day off, let's go hunting in the mountains together and call the two cows."
Erniu is the only grandson of Su Dakuan, Gu Ling's carpenter master. They agreed to visit Su Dakuan tomorrow.
The children all cheered and jumped.
It was getting late. Gu Ling and Su Liang took their children to say goodbye and were sent outside the gate by the Bai family.
Aunt Bai held Su Liang's hand and thought of the past. She had so much to say. She was moved for a moment and the corners of her eyes were moist. "You are really the nobles of our family and our lucky star. Without you, we wouldn't dare to think about what we are now."
What kind of life are you living!"
Su Liang smiled and said, "Ma'am, don't say that. It's fate that we can be neighbors."
"Yes, fate!" Aunt Bai nodded repeatedly, "It is the blessing that our family has cultivated in the past life, so that we can have such a fate with you!"
Su Liang can understand the Bai family's gratitude to her and Gu Ling. Some things are just a matter of comparing one's heart to another. The Bai family are all kind-hearted. They lived in poverty at first and never took advantage of others. The family loves and supports each other.
The children are also well taught, and Su Liang really likes to interact with them.
Seeing Gu Ling and Su Liang walking away with their three children, Uncle Bai sighed, "They are not only the lucky stars of our family, but also the lucky stars of the world!" Even though Sujia Village was still far away from the war, they still
I'm worried that one day there won't be enough people to fight and we'll have to capture young men. There were many such things in history. Now we don't have to worry about such things anymore.
…
After returning home, he gave the children a bath first, and Gu Ling directly arranged for Zheng'er and Ji Xiaoshu to sleep with their sister, while he slept with Su Liang.
"You don't plan to give us a younger brother. Master, why do you have to sleep with your wife?" Ji Xiaoshu asked from his soul.
Su Liang couldn't help but smile and watched Gu Ling's answer.
Gu Ling was also simple and rude. In one sentence, "She is my wife, and I am happy with it."
Ji Xiaoshu raised his head and said, "You don't have to ask, my wife is also happy to do it. Forget it, senior brother and sister, I, and I are all in the way. Sooner or later you will abandon us and elope!"
Gu Ling's expression was indifferent, "Now that I have said this, you will have no surprises by then."
Ji Xiaoshu:...he knew it!
But in fact, the children have long been used to it, but Ji Xiaoshu is more used to quarreling with Gu Ling. This is Su Liang's fun every day. Zheng'er is also the same as Su Liang every time, watching Ji Xiaoshu quarreling with Gu Ling, standing next to him
Smiling without saying a word.
After the children's room next door became quiet after a round of laughter, Su Liang and Gu Ling sat on the bed and looked at the extremely familiar room. They didn't speak or feel sleepy for a while.
"Master, what are you thinking about?" Su Liang broke the silence.
Gu Ling hugged her and sighed softly, "What would happen if we got married for the first time and entered the bridal chamber in this room?"
Su Liang coughed lightly, "This hypothesis is very interesting, but it was impossible for you to do this at that time, and I couldn't let you do this at that time."
Gu Ling raised her eyebrows slightly, "Who said that when you got off the sedan chair for the first time and saw my face clearly, you were shocked?"
"That's true, but to be honest, the moment I saw you, I thought I was in the underworld." Su Liang chuckled.
Thinking about it, there will be a lot of things to do tomorrow. I went to watch the sunrise in the morning. Subai was going to come over in the middle of the day. I went to visit Su Dakuan in the afternoon. Maybe Hu Er came to visit after hearing the news.
"Go to bed early." Su Liang said.
Gu Ling nodded, blew out the candles beside the bed, hugged Su Liang, "It's our first night back home, let's celebrate."
…
Before dawn, the children were pulled up.
Ji Xiaoshu looked at Gu Ling in confusion, "Master, what are you doing..."
"Watch the sunrise." Gu Ling said.
By the time they went out, Zheng'er and Ji Xiaoshu had woken up and were full of energy. Only Gu Xiaonuan was still sleeping soundly in Gu Ling's arms.
"Be careful and watch the road." Su Liang reminded the children not to run too fast and fall.
"Master, what were you thinking about when you went up the mountain with Master to watch the sunrise?" Ji Xiaoshu "interviewed". He was very interested in everything about Gu Ling and Su Liang's past, and he had endless questions.
Su Liang thought for a while and said with a smile, "I thought at that time, if the great god is so handsome, some fairy sister will sleep with him in the future."
Gu Ling's brows were filled with smiles, and Ji Xiaoshu laughed loudly and said, "Finally, Master Wife found out that the fairy sister is actually you! So what was Master thinking at the beginning?"
Gu Ling told the truth, "I don't care much about appearance. I just think this little girl is so interesting and knows so much. She must not like the men here."
Ji Xiaoshu curled his lips, "Master, just brag, I know you are very proud!"
Zheng'er and Ji Xiaoshu never slacked off in their martial arts training. They were in good health and had often climbed mountains in the capital before. Climbing up the mountain behind their home was no problem.
When we reached the top of the mountain, it was the darkest time before dawn.
The big rock that Gu Ling and Su Liang sat on to watch the sunrise was still in the same place. They sat down with the children. Gu Ling lowered his head and took a look at his clothes. Gu Xiaonuan was still sleeping soundly, and there was no
Wake her up.
While looking forward to the sunrise, Ji Xiaoshu suddenly said, "Actually, it would be nice if that space magic weapon belonged to Master, so that Master's Wife can take us to live in it!"
Gu Ling gave Ji Xiaoshu a decisive blow and said, "You have a beautiful idea."
"My sister is too young. If she grows up, she can take us out to play!" Ji Xiaoshu said.
The first ray of light in the morning broke through the clouds, the sun quickly jumped above the horizon, and the sky and the earth suddenly became brighter.
"It's so beautiful!" Zheng'er exclaimed, "Nature is so amazing!" Because they learned a lot of new knowledge from Su Liang, the two children began to speak more and more like Su Liang.
After watching the sunrise, the sky was bright and Gu Xiaonuan woke up.
When going up the mountain, Su Liang carried a bamboo basket from home. When going down the mountain, she took the children to pick the freshest wild vegetables, and walked and played all the way back home.
There was a bamboo basket at the door, which contained a bag of eggs and a lot of fresh vegetables, which must have been sent by the Bai family.
After entering the house and washing up, Zheng'er and Ji Xiaoshu went to practice martial arts. Gu Xiaonuan watched from the side, imitating them seriously with her little face, which was very cute.
Gu Ling held the spoon while Su Liang started the fire, beat the eggs, mixed them with the freshly picked wild vegetables to make stuffing, and baked golden and fragrant vegetable pancakes. The pancakes were baked, the porridge was cooked, and the millet and red dates were sweet and tempting.
The sun rose warmly, and breakfast was placed in the yard. The children washed their hands and ran over to sit down. The sunshine made their little faces full of life.
"It's so delicious!" Zheng'er praised Gu Ling's cake.
"It's the wild vegetables we picked that are good!" Ji Xiaoshu seized every opportunity to cause trouble.
"Then don't eat it." Gu Ling blocked Ji Xiaoshu's extended hand with chopsticks.
Ji Xiaoshu chuckled, "It's not because Master's cooking skills have reached their peak and there is nothing more to boast about!"
Gu Ling nodded, "You must study hard next."
Although there is no industrialization in this world, Su Liang feels that the air in Sujia Village is fresher than the capital city. After returning, even if he does nothing and just stays, he feels happy. The same goes for Gu Ling.
After breakfast, Su Bai arrived. He carefully reported to Su Liang and Gu Ling the development of the village in the past two years, not just the school and children. The appearance of the village was very different from before.
"Uncle Bai, thank you for your hard work." Su Liang smiled.
Subai shook his head quickly, "It's all thanks to your blessing, otherwise we wouldn't have the good life we have now? Are you going to stay here for a long time when you come back?"
Gu Ling shook his head slightly, "Not necessarily, it depends on the situation."
"Okay, you nobles are busy with things. When are you going to leave, please tell me in advance and I will see you off." Subai said with a smile on his face.
Knowing Su Liang and Gu Ling's temperament, Su Bai didn't invite them to his house for dinner and left after finishing the matter. He was really busy.
As soon as Su Bai left, Hu Er arrived on the back. He had been paying special attention to Sujia Village and had an "insider" in the village. When he learned that Gu Ling and Su Liang were back, he rushed over without stopping.
Like Su Bai, Hu Er also reported his business in the past few years to Su Liang and Gu Ling seriously, and his words were full of gratitude. He recovered from his illness and is now a well-known good person. His whole temperament is
It's a huge difference from when we first met.
Hu Er brought a lot of gifts, all of which were treasures he had collected one after another. Most of them were unique books. He knew what Gu Ling and Su Liang would like, and he also brought interesting gadgets as gifts for the children.
, not expensive, but very attentive.
At noon, Su Liang asked Hu Er to stay for dinner. He quickly said that he had nothing to do, so he got up and left. It wasn't that he didn't want to eat here, but he felt that it shouldn't be done. Gu Ling and Su Liang were polite, but he couldn't recognize himself
These two are his benefactors and nobles, not friends, so they must be respected.
For lunch, Gu Ling followed what Su Liang said yesterday and picked the tender pumpkin selected in the backyard to make dumplings.
The children sat in a row, and Gu Ling taught them how to wrap. Zheng'er had already learned it and could wrap it quickly and well. Ji Xiaoshu insisted on taking the innovative route and must make a style different from Gu Ling's bag. Gu Xiaoshu
Nuan had a great time using the dough as plasticine.
After the dumplings were wrapped and cooked, they quickly floated up white and fat.
By the time Gu Ling prepared the dipping sauce, the dumplings were ready.
Aunt Bai brought two dishes made at home, which she remembered Gu Ling and Su Liang loved to eat, but she couldn't resist Su Liang, so she brought back a large plate of dumplings.
The sun is shining brightly, and the children's smiling faces are brighter than the sun.
Gu Ling and Su Liang ate the familiar taste and listened to the children's laughter. They felt that the quiet years were probably nothing more than this.
Happy New Year, I wish you all a safe and healthy new year and all the best!
This book will be officially finished tomorrow (2023-1-2). Thank you again for your continued support~ The new book is being prepared (*^▽^*)