Didn't Love You Enough
Chapter 21
On this day, Zhang Huiniang and Lin Xiu 'er had just returned home when they heard a commotion outside their courtyard. Many people had gathered to watch the commotion.
When they walked closer, they saw that it was Ke Meili and Lin Dali. They heard Ke Meili crying loudly at the entrance of the courtyard, "Big Brother, we were wrong. Big Brother, please forgive us. Dali and I know we were wrong.
We're here to beg for your forgiveness in all sincerity.
Big Brother, please … "
It turned out that Registrar Wang had learned from the county magistrate that Lin Jiabao had become the Crown Prince's personal attendant. He immediately felt proud. No matter what, they were still related to the Lin family by marriage.
Registrar Wang went back and told his family. When Lin Chun 'er heard the news, she wanted to grind her teeth to pieces.
How could this Lin Jiabao be so lucky?
Registrar Wang said to his daughter-in-law, "Chun 'er … why didn't you celebrate your cousin's son's one-month-old birthday?"
Lin Chun 'er murmured, "I haven't been feeling well these past few days, so … I didn't go."
Mrs. Wang also asked, "Did you send someone to send gifts?"
"Yes, I bought some for myself." Lin Chun 'er didn't dare to say that she didn't send any gifts. She didn't have a lot of money every month.
Registrar Wang's family wasn't as rich as she imagined. The family mainly relied on her father-in-law's salary.
Although her husband was studying, he was actually a romantic and didn't work.
Her mother-in-law was in charge of the family and was very strict with money.
Lin Chun 'er used the money she saved to buy some gifts for Lin Dazhuang's family several times. She hoped that they could mend their relationship and help her.
However, the gifts were returned every time. Lin Chun 'er thought that her uncle's family was so insensible, so she gradually ignored them.
She didn't expect Lin Jiabao to be so lucky this time. He even made the Crown Prince send someone back to give Lin Jiawen's son a one-month-old birthday present.
The more Lin Chun 'er thought about it, the more jealous Lin Dazhuang's family became …
Madam Wang said to her daughter-in-law unhappily, "Chun 'er, it's not that I want to nag at you, but this cousin's son is one month old. It's such a good thing, why didn't you tell me?
I've already said that our family will prepare a proper gift. Now, it's too impolite.
You really don't know any better … "
"Granny, I know I was wrong."
Lin Chun 'er didn't dare to refute. She secretly thought that no matter what, she must reconcile with Lin Dazhuang's family. This way, she could live better in the Wang family and have a higher status.
The next day, Lin Chun 'er returned to her parents' home. For the past two years, Lin Dali and Ke Meili did not have a good life in the Lin Family Village. The villagers did not pay much attention to them. On the other hand, Lin Dali and Ke Meili felt that their status was too high and looked down on the villagers.
A year ago, Lin Dali and Ke Meili felt that it was meaningless to live in the village, so they moved to Pei County.
They opened a small grocery store in Pei County. Business was not good, but it was not bad either.
"Chun 'er, why are you back?"
When Lin Chun 'er arrived, Lin Dali had just gone to deliver some goods, leaving Ke Meili in the store to instruct the staff to organize the goods.
Ke Meili's second daughter, Lin Xia 'er, was also in the store today. She quickly poured tea for her elder sister and said fawningly, "Big Sister, have some tea. Big Sister, the clothes you're wearing today are so beautiful. They make you look so good!"
Lin Xia 'er looked like Ke Meili. She had already shown her beauty at a young age. When she grew up, she would definitely be a little beauty.
Lin Chun 'er enjoyed her younger sister's compliments and envy. Her younger sister, Lin Xia' er, looked like her mother and had a sweet tongue. Her life at home was much better than hers in the past.
"I still have some leftover material from the clothes I made. I'll send someone to deliver it to you next time. It should be enough to make a dress."
Lin Xia 'er thanked her elder sister sweetly. She knew that the good life at home was because of her elder sister.
Lin Xia 'er was very envious of her elder sister for being able to become the young mistress of an official's family. However, with her beauty, she would definitely marry better than her elder sister in the future.
"Big Sister, there's a county magistrate's wife's flower appreciation party next time. Bring me along."
"Don't worry. Big Sister will definitely bring you …" Lin Chun 'er obviously understood Lin Xia' er's thoughts. However, this was not a big deal.
If her younger sister married well, it would be a kind of help to her. She would be happy to support her.
"Ah!
I almost forgot about the important matter.
Mother, you should prepare a gift and go to Eldest Uncle's house again. "Lin Chun 'er said to Ke Meili.
"Why do we have to go again? Isn't it just passing the county level examination? I don't even know if I can pass the exam next year.
There are many old county level scholars who can't pass the provincial level examination in their lifetime.
Why must we always rush to go? I'm not going. "Ke Meili hated Zhang Huiniang the most.
In the past, Zhang Huiniang was rumored to be a jinx. However, Lin Dazhuang treated Zhang Huiniang as well as ever.
Even when Zhang Huiniang gave birth to a Shun 'er, Lin Dazhuang and the others still treasured her.
One had to know that when she gave birth to two daughters in a row, Lin Dali was unhappy with her. Later on, Zhang Huiniang was lucky enough to give birth to a pair of twins. Everyone in the village praised her for her good fortune.
Ke Meili snorted coldly in her heart. So what if her son passed the county level examination?
Studying and taking the exam were not a small sum of money. Lin Dazhuang's family was not even as well off as theirs.
Ke Meili felt that now that the Lin family had land and shops, their eldest daughter would occasionally help them. Now that their youngest son was studying in a private school in the county, he might pass the county level examination in the future. In short, their lives were very comfortable now.
The first two times she went to give gifts to her eldest daughter out of goodwill, she was actually rejected.
She was really shameless. Ke Meili felt that there was no need for her to suck up to Zhang Huiniang's cold face anymore. She might as well not go anymore.
"Mother, it's different this time.
That Lin Jiabao is the Crown Prince's personal attendant in the palace. The Crown Prince even sent people to attend Eldest Uncle's grandson's one-month-old celebration! "Lin Chun 'er told Ke Meili and the others about Lin Jiabao.
"His Highness the Crown Prince!
Is this true? "Ke Meili and Lin Xia 'er exclaimed in shock. Both of them could not believe it.
Ever since their family moved to the county, they rarely returned to the Lin family village, so they were not as well-informed as Lin Chun 'er.
"I heard that the Crown Prince is the God of War who descended to the mortal world and is incomparably brave …" Lin Xia 'er had heard stories about the Crown Prince's great achievements in the city's restaurants.
"It's absolutely true. Even the county magistrate went personally. Even the prefectural magistrate sent people to send gifts," Lin Chun 'er said jealously. How much face did they have?!
"Oh!
I really didn't expect that. That Zhang Huiniang must be so proud of himself. "
Ke Meili thought angrily, Sigh … if Xia 'er was two years older, Lin Jiabao wouldn't have had the chance to enter the palace … Our Xia' er is so much prettier than that Lin Jiabao.
Lin Xia 'er was also regretful and vexed at the side. Her small face was contorted beyond recognition.
"Anyway, you and Daddy go back to the Lin family village tomorrow. You must ask for Eldest Uncle's forgiveness.
If the two families resume contact, I'll have more face in the Wang family in the future. It'll be good for our family, younger brother, and Second Sister, "Lin Chun 'er exhorted repeatedly." You and Daddy should go and apologize. "
Ke Meili was very unhappy at the thought of having to humble herself in front of Zhang Huiniang.
However, she could only nod helplessly. Her eldest daughter's words made a lot of sense.
"That Uncle looks so gentle and quiet. I didn't expect him to be so scheming. I don't know what methods he used to make the Crown Prince take a liking to him …"
When Lin Dali came back that night and heard Ke Meili repeat her eldest daughter's words, he agreed very much.
"We can't break off this relationship!"
Hence, the scene that Zhang Huiniang and Lin Xiu 'er saw happened.
Zhang Huiniang thought that if it weren't for them, his precious Jia Bao wouldn't have entered the palace and become the Crown Prince's personal attendant. He said bluntly, "What are you doing here? I've already said that the two families won't be in contact anymore.
Our family doesn't welcome you! "
Ke Meili didn't seem to feel Zhang Huiniang's anger and cried even harder.
"Sister-in-law, I'll kneel in front of you now. Please don't be angry at me and Dali anymore." With that, Ke Meili knelt at the entrance of the courtyard and refused to get up no matter how Zhang Huiniang pulled her.
"Sister-in-law, I won't get up if you don't forgive me."
Lin Dali also knelt down. At this moment, more and more people came to the village to watch the commotion.
Lin Dazhuang came out and saw the commotion at the entrance of the house.
"Come in …"
Ke Meili and Lin Dali knelt down again after entering the house. Ke Meili wailed again.
"Big Brother, Sister-in-law!
Please forgive us. We were blinded by money back then … "
"Big Brother, I know I was wrong. I know I was exempted from the family rules.
You must be angry. Big Brother, hit me. If hitting me can make you feel better, then hit me hard … "Lin Dali took out the wooden stick he brought and hit himself twice on the head. Then, he passed the wooden stick to Lin Dazhuang.
Lin Dazhuang looked at his brother's forehead, which was bleeding, and sighed.
"Why do you have to do this …"
Ke Meili was also sobbing at the side. "Our Chun 'er is also living a hard life. Although she looks glamorous on the surface, she's still a bride who rushes away the bad luck. Her life is … Our family is not wealthy, and Chun' er doesn't have any brothers to rely on …"
"Big Brother, I've been thinking about the hard times we had.
At that time, Mom and Dad had passed away, and I was still young. It was Big Brother who raised me … Big Brother suffered a lot for me.
I was really blinded. I really shouldn't have … "Lin Dali said as tears streamed down his face.
Lin Dazhuang listened to his brother, Lin Dali, and recalled the past. He couldn't help but feel emotional.
"Big Brother, we are brothers from the same mother.
Even Mom and Dad wouldn't want us brothers to be at odds in the afterlife … "Lin Dali saw that Lin Dazhuang had softened and knelt down again.
"Big Brother, for Mom and Dad's sake, please forgive me this time."
Lin Dazhuang was speechless. He looked at Zhang Huiniang and saw that she was silent.
He sighed. "You guys get up first."
Zhang Huiniang knew in her heart that although Lin Dazhuang said that he had cut ties with Lin Dali, he still cared about family ties. He cared about his brother who he had brought up since he was young.
"Hurry up and get up. Big Brother has forgiven us …" Ke Meili saw this and immediately stopped crying and smiled.
"Big Brother, Big Sister-In-Law, we were wrong in the past.
Fortunately, Jia Bao has found a good home in the palace. Don't forget about us when you're rich and powerful in the future … "
Lin Dali saw that Zhang Huiniang's face had darkened again. He quickly nudged Ke Meili. "You woman … what are you talking about!"
Lin Dali and Ke Meili exchanged glances. "Haha, Big Brother, Big Sister-In-Law, don't mind her!
Your sister-in-law is just like that. "
Ke Meili knew how to read people's expressions and immediately changed the topic.
"Where's Jiawen?
Why isn't he here … "
"Jiawen is studying in his room …" Lin Dazhuang replied.
"Studying … Then it's not good to disturb him. Jiawen is really hardworking. Our Chun 'er's husband also loves to read. We can meet in the future and discuss articles or something …" Ke Meili said with a smile.
"What about your grandson?
Can we meet him?
He's the first grandchild of the Lin family … "Lin Dali said.
"Yes, yes!
Big Sister-In-Law, look. I specially bought this from the best jewelry store in town. It's made of gold. "Ke Meili smiled as she handed the longevity lock to Zhang Huiniang.
Zhang Huiniang had no choice but to accept it. He asked Xiu 'er to ask the Wu Clan to bring the child out.
He was afraid that they would disturb the child, so he asked the Wu Clan to stay in their room.
The Wu Clan carried out Brother Bo, who was wrapped up like a candle. Ke Meili praised Brother Bo as soon as he appeared.
"What a handsome child … Big Sister-In-Law, you raised him well. Look at how strong he is …"
"Haha …" Brother Bo seemed to feel that he was being praised and couldn't stop giggling.
"Big Brother, Big Sister-In-Law, your family is different now. Why didn't you buy a few servants to serve you?
You can also save some effort and enjoy yourselves … My family has two maids who serve me well. Why don't I send them over tomorrow … "
"No need, no need. There's nothing going on at home. We don't need any servants." Zhang Huiniang didn't feel that they were different now.
At night, Lin Dazhuang's family finally sent off Lin Dali and his wife, who were full of praises.
In the next few days, Lin Dali's family often came to visit. After a while, the whole Lin Village knew that Lin Dazhuang and Lin Dali's families had reconciled.
After that, Lin Chun 'er brought her husband to visit as well.
Lin Chun 'er's husband thought that he was good at writing and often brought articles for Lin Jiawen to comment on.
Lin Jiawen had a headache when he saw those articles that he didn't know anything about. He kindly gave a few pointers, but Lin Chun 'er's husband wasn't convinced. He felt that his cousin was deliberately belittling his talent.
Lin Chun 'er's husband came a few times and didn't want to come with Lin Chun' er anymore. In his opinion, Lin Jiawen's knowledge wasn't very good.
He guessed that Lin Jiawen was just lucky to pass the county level exam. Look at that boorish man, he didn't look like a scholar at all. How could he have the temperament of a scholar? Thinking about it, he was full of confidence for next year's imperial examinations. He didn't even pass the county level exam. It must be his bad luck. Maybe he should go to the temple to pray and burn incense …
Zhou Hai's mother muttered in her heart. She said to Zhou Mu, "Do you think … our Dahai and Li 'er's marriage … will there be any changes …"
"How could there be … don't you trust Dazhuang's character …" Zhou Mu wasn't worried at all.
"That's true …" Zhou Hai's mother, Han Xiaoyi, thought about it and felt relieved.
"Zhang Huiniang is really lucky. All of his children are so outstanding."
"Our Dahai isn't bad either. Recently, that brat Dahai has been working hard. Two days ago, he hunted a bear and sold its skin for a lot of silver … This year's harvest is also not bad. After the new year, we should also renovate the house.
Next year, when Dahai and the others get married, we can live in a new house. "Zhou Mu started to plan for the new year.
Their children were working so hard. As their parents, they naturally had to help them.
These days, Zhou Hai's heart was not calm. He had just gotten engaged to Lin Li 'er and was very happy.
Lin Li 'er was a very energetic and opinionated girl. Although some people in the village thought that she was shrewish, Zhou Hai didn't think that she was very happy.
Lin Li 'er was the girl that he liked since he was young. He liked her straightforwardness and handsomeness.
After Lin Jiabao entered the palace, Lin Li 'er cried in front of him for a long time.
Lin Li 'er told him that Jia Bao had taken the initiative to enter the palace for her.
Lin Jiabao was clearly younger than her, but because he was afraid that it would affect her marriage with Zhou Hai, he took the initiative to enter the palace.
Zhou Hai had always been very grateful to Lin Jiabao. This time, when he heard that Lin Jiabao was the Crown Prince, he was very surprised.
In his heart, he prayed to the heavens that Lin Jiabao would have a good life in the palace.
Zhou Hai knew that this way, the Lin family's life would definitely get better and better.
Zhou Hai thought that he had to work hard. After Lin Li 'er married him, he would work hard to make her happy.
Lin Jiabao was very excited when he received the letter from home. He saw that his eldest brother had written a lot of things that happened in the family.
Second sister and Dahai gege were going to get married next year. He was really happy for them.
Lin Jiabao read the letter over and over again. Then, he carefully put the letter back into the box.
"Second sister and Dahai gege are going to get married next year." Lin Jiabao said with a smile.
"Dahai gege …" Xuanyuan Hancheng raised his eyebrows.
"Yes, Dahai gege is a very good person.
When I was young, Dahai gege would take me and second sister to the mountains to pick wild fruits. How fun was that? "
Lin Jiabao recalled his childhood. He, second sister, and Dahai gege were about the same age and grew up together.
"In the future, don't call him Dahai gege. You have to call him second brother-in-law …" Xuanyuan Hancheng was unhappy when he heard the affectionate way of calling him Dahai gege, so he corrected Jia Bao.
"I know. Dahai gege has said that he wanted to be my second brother-in-law since he was young. Sometimes, second sister is very fierce to him, but Dahai gege doesn't get angry." Lin Jiabao said with a smile.
"Guai bao is fierce to me, but I won't get angry." Xuanyuan Hancheng heard Jia Bao say good things about Dahai gege and felt a little jealous.
"I don't know how to be fierce …" Lin Jiabao gestured with his hands, imagining that he was a tiger cub.
"Wah …"
Xuanyuan Hancheng suddenly pushed Jia Bao onto the bed and caressed and kissed Jia Bao's body. "Guai bao … my Guai bao …" She was really his beloved baby …