Chapter 321 Temporary Residence in Tang County

Chapter 321 Temporary Residence in Tang County

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were constantly at odds, so naturally, the atmosphere at home was far from warm and harmonious. The two men, who only wanted to escape the house and find peace, were inevitably affected by their frequent battles because they had lived under the same roof for so long.

Because the house was a mess, it distracted the young man too much. His father had changed jobs three times in a row for various reasons and was about to change to a fourth. As a result, he could never settle down and choose a teacher to study diligently with. So, over the years, his studies have hardly made any progress.

As someone who had already passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty and whose reputation was once renowned, he had been quite depressed over the years because of the rumors circulating outside that he was "promising as a child but not necessarily as a great adult."

On the other hand, Xie Wanniang, who was eagerly rejected by her family, not only has always been the head of her husband's family and lived a very happy life, but she also married a handsome and extraordinary husband who never took concubines or wives and was already a fourth-rank military officer at a young age.

Xie Wanniang had both face and substance, unlike the young wife who married into their family and whose life was a complete mess.

Such a stark contrast naturally attracted people who knew both the Xie family and the other family, who privately commented, gossiped, and spread rumors.

After hearing about Xie Wanniang's situation from a busybody, the family regrettably did not reflect on their actions.

The two men in the family continued to use the excuse of needing to do chores and study to deceive themselves, while the old lady, as the mother-in-law, shifted the blame to her daughter-in-law, saying that she was unlucky and would bring misfortune to her husband's family.

Her daughter-in-law, of course, would not tolerate such slander, and the two women began a new round of open and covert struggles.

Those who love a good show get to enjoy the drama several times, and then these stories are passed on to the Xie clan through different people.

The Xie family women, who had initially harbored resentment, had gradually let go of their initial dissatisfaction over the years because the other family was not doing well. However, this did not stop them from gossiping about the other family's scandals.

So whenever someone comes over, they will warmly welcome them with good tea and snacks.

Although those who enjoyed watching the drama didn't get to hear what they wanted from the women, they were quite happy to have frequent interactions with the Xie family members.

Not to mention that they were always treated with utmost courtesy and respect, which made them even more eager to visit Xiejia Village.

With these women coming over to gossip every now and then, the Xie family's women, though they didn't specifically inquire, were still very familiar with the family's movements.

Although they were mindful of the dignity and reputation of aristocratic families, they did not express any opinions on the matter in front of outsiders, treating it as mere amusement. However, in private, they shared the joy with their own families quite often.

Even Xie Wanniang received several letters from her sisters, aunts, and other relatives, some of which were quite gloating.

However, unlike the other women in the Xie family, she had no complaints about the family's pursuit of profit and avoidance of harm. Ultimately, she only agreed to the marriage because it was "suitable," not because she had any goodwill or expectations towards the family.

For her, insignificant people cannot harm her, and that family happens to fall within that insignificant category.

Of course, she didn't object to her relatives telling her these things because of this. After all, it was all about writing letters to maintain relationships, so what difference did it make what they wrote?

Sometimes, Xie Wanniang would even show Jiang Yuan gossip about her ex-fiancé's family that her relatives had written down, which was quite frank and seemed to disregard her husband's life or death.

Fortunately, Jiang Yuan was a very easygoing person. Knowing that his wife had no feelings or lingering affection for her ex-fiancé, he didn't mind being occasionally upset by her strange behavior.

When she saw her husband off, she was filled with anxiety and guilt, but when he left, she felt a sense of determination and warmth. Xie Wanniang began to take stock of the material rewards that Jiang Yuan had brought back for him from the imperial court.

Yes, Jiang Yuan not only got promoted, but he also received a batch of fine silks, tea, wine, and porcelain ornaments from the imperial court.

There weren't many items, but because they were imperial gifts, the quality was quite good, and they were also very valuable.

Although you can't sell them, they're a very prestigious gift.

In addition to these daily necessities, the imperial court also bestowed some weapons upon the meritorious officials. Jiang Yuan, for example, received a bow and a spear. However, they kept these items with them, whether for use or for collection, and would not allow their relatives to dispose of them at will.

Not long after Jiang Yuan took office, Hao Yu and Chen took their child back to Yi County.

Now that Jiang Yuan has been transferred to Guangchangwei, Hao Yu will naturally no longer stay in Yi County. However, it is inconvenient for him to take his wife and children with him to Guangchangwei. So, after discussing it with Chen, the couple decided to return to Tang County to settle down.

Xie Wanniang had the same idea as them, but she had just finished her postpartum confinement and her son Linlin was still too young to be separated from her. She couldn't possibly take her newborn son to Zijingguan and Yixian, so she had to postpone her moving plan for the time being.

The house in Yi County was a gift from Chang Yao, and the deed was in Xie Wanniang's hands. Xie Wanniang also opened a shop in Yi County, so they would inevitably have to visit each other frequently in the future. Naturally, there was no need to sell the house.

Unlike the house at Zijing Pass, although it was allocated to them for living, the ownership of that house actually still belonged to the Zijing Pass garrison.

Now that Jiang Yuan has been transferred to Guangchangwei, they naturally have to vacate and return that house.

Fortunately, Jiang Yuan didn't have to go to Guangchangwei immediately. He could still find the time to arrange for his guards and servants to move the things from Zijingguan to his residence in Yi County.

As for the guards who originally lived in Zijing Pass, whether or not to settle in Tang County with Xie Wanniang, Xie Wanniang, just like when the Tatars attacked before, chose to let them decide for themselves whether to stay or leave.

For those who are willing to come, she will be responsible for helping to settle their families. Providing them with housing and a resettlement allowance is the most basic thing. In addition, she will also select one or two family members to arrange jobs for them.

For those who are unwilling to come, she will give them an extra three months' wages, allowing them relatively ample time to find new jobs.

As she expected, almost everyone chose to go with her.

Firstly, Zijing Pass is indeed not as peaceful as Tang County. If the whole family can move there, it would be a good thing for the guards.

Secondly, it's not easy to find an employer as generous as her. The monthly salary, benefits, and even her equality and respect for them are things they are reluctant to give up.