noffsinger Chapter 25 Going to Announce the Good News
Chapter 25 Going to Announce the Good News
Since the birth of their child, the Su family has been filled with laughter every day. The wife quit her job to stay home and take care of her daughter-in-law during her postpartum period. Old Su also focused his efforts on fishing, because it is good for new mothers to drink crucian carp soup, so he only fishes for crucian carp. If he accidentally catches any other fish, he simply releases them.
As the father of the child, the eldest son of the Su family has an even greater responsibility. He not only has to buy fresh ingredients every day to cook a big meal for his wife, but also has to find a chef in advance to book the banquet. In addition, he also has to go to his father-in-law's house to announce the good news, which is also a very important matter.
The eldest son of the Su family married a blacksmith from twenty miles away. His father-in-law was a blacksmith, and his mother-in-law was even more skilled; she could weave cloth and sew clothes, and people from the surrounding area would come to her for garments. Their daughter could have married into a wealthy family, but after studying at the same school as the eldest son for several years, she insisted on marrying him. Therefore, the father-in-law had many objections to this young man, but for the sake of his daughter's happiness, he could only suppress his anger.
The day to announce the good news arrived quickly. Old Su and his wife loaded all the items needed for the announcement onto the carriage, and then arranged for Su Yuning and Zhao Shouyi to accompany the eldest son of the Su family to visit his mother-in-law's house.
Before he left, Old Su repeatedly reminded him, "Son, when you see your father-in-law, be sure to greet him politely! Also, explain why I'm not going, so they won't be unhappy. Most importantly, be diligent! Be observant and take the initiative to do the housework!"
The eldest son of the Su family nodded in response, "Understood, Father!"
The woman also gently instructed him, "Not only should you be polite, but you should also tell them when the baby's one-month celebration will be held, and you should bring back the tiger doll and millet that your parents-in-law brought back."
"Are there eggs among the gifts?" the eldest son of the Su family asked, puzzled.
The woman smiled and nodded, replying gently, "According to usual custom, eggs are also part of the return gift, but since you've been traveling a bumpy road, eggs don't keep well, so please don't bring them back."
At this moment, Su Yuning asked curiously, "Mom, why did Grandma give the child a tiger doll? Is there some kind of reason behind it?"
The woman nodded. "Yes, that's our local custom. When a boy is born, the maternal grandparents give him a tiger doll; when a girl is born, they give her a peace lock. Whatever the return gift, it's all out of the hope that the child will grow up healthy. It's getting late, you should hurry up and set off!"
Afterwards, the three young people waved goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Su, and then they all boarded a bus to their destination.
Halfway there, the eldest son of the Su family became a little uneasy. He took a few deep breaths nervously and then gave instructions to the two people accompanying him.
“My parents-in-law have disliked me as their son-in-law for a long time and have always found fault with me. I’m afraid they still have the same attitude now. Why don’t you two go in my place? I’ll wait for you to come back on the way.”
Su Yuning waved her hand and refused, "No way! I haven't met their family that many times, and I'm afraid it would be awkward if I didn't say anything. If you go, I'll go with you! If you don't go, I won't go either!"
Young Master Zhao was both amused and exasperated, and retorted directly, "Please, this is your mother-in-law's house, not mine. What right do I have to go on your behalf? If you don't go, they'll probably be even angrier, and they might just kick Yu Ning and me out of the house."
The eldest son of the Su family thought it made sense, so he nodded in response, "Yes, there are some things I have to face personally. But I have accomplished nothing all these years, and I really have no face to face my father-in-law and mother-in-law."
At this moment, Su Yuning comforted him, "Big brother, don't underestimate yourself. You still have your strengths. For example, you eat everything without leaving any food, and you're the best at arguing, hehe~"
At this moment, the eldest son of the Su family gave her a look, letting her figure it out for herself.
Young Master Zhao was good at speaking. He comforted the eldest son of the Su family like this: "You've started a family and have a child. That's something to be proud of. Putting everything else aside, just for the sake of your child, your parents-in-law will treat you well."
"Well, I hope so!" the eldest son of the Su family replied with anticipation.
They arrived at Yangjiaping Village. The blacksmith's shop was located at the village entrance near the main road. The eldest son of the Su family pulled the carriage over to the side of the road, then walked into the blacksmith's shop with a beaming smile.
"Dear Father-in-law, your son-in-law has come to bring you good news!"
Yang the blacksmith wiped the sweat from his face with the towel around his neck, then walked over to his son-in-law with a smile.
Congratulations! Have your parents arrived?
The eldest son of the Su family responded somewhat nervously, "They...they didn't come. My father was injured recently and is recuperating at home. My mother is taking care of Yu Yan during her postpartum period. They asked me to apologize to you and ask for your understanding!"
Yang the blacksmith wasn't angry. He simply replied in a calm tone, "You should have told me and your mother-in-law about this. Logically speaking, your father and I are in-laws, so I should have gone to visit him."
At this moment, the eldest son of the Su family hurriedly explained, "No need, no need, he has almost recovered."
Then, the blacksmith told his son-in-law, "Your mother-in-law is home. Go inside and sit down. I'll go back as soon as I'm done with my work."
Remembering his father's instructions to be diligent at his in-laws' house, the son-in-law offered to help.
"Father-in-law, how about I do the work for you while you go home and rest?"
Yang the blacksmith laughed heartily, "With your slender frame, you can't even lift a hammer. Forget it. Listen to my instructions and hurry home!"
"Yes, Father-in-law." The eldest son of the Su family bowed in response, and then continued driving to the village.
Afterwards, Su Yuning carried two fresh carp into the Yang family's house, while Young Master Zhao carried a basket full of millet containing an abacus and books, and the eldest son of the Su family carried a basket of boiled auspicious eggs last.
"Oh my, you've come to share some good news, haven't you?! Welcome, welcome! Come in and rest in the living room!" the mother-in-law asked with a smile.
The woman wore a maroon cotton blouse with a front opening and an embroidered skirt that reached her ankles, exuding an elegant and graceful air. In addition to her clothing, she also wore earrings, a necklace, and bracelets, making her look fashionable and sophisticated.
Several young people responded in unison, "Yes, we've come to share the good news!"
Afterwards, the three handed the gifts to the maid in the house, and then chatted and drank tea with the women in the living room.
The woman first asked her son-in-law, "Son-in-law, are these two people who came with you your friends?"
The eldest son of the Su family hurriedly introduced, "This young lady is Su Yuning, my younger sister. This young master is Zhao Shouyi, the emperor's sixth prince."
The woman immediately became polite, "I was unaware of the prince's arrival; I have failed to greet you properly!"
Zhao Shouyi waved his hand with a smile, "It's nothing, no need to be polite."
Then, the woman praised Su Yuning, "When I first met Yuning, she was just a little girl, but now she's grown into a beautiful young lady. Has a matchmaker come to your house to introduce you to a potential husband?"
Su Yuning shook her head, "No rush, I'm still young."
"Oh dear, I think it's time to find a husband for you. How about I help you inquire around and if there's a suitable family, I'll go to your house to propose marriage?" the well-dressed woman asked enthusiastically.
At this moment, Young Master Zhao quickly spoke up, "Auntie, you don't need to worry about it. I like Su Yuning, and we've already started dating."
"Oh, I see. Well then, I won't play matchmaker anymore. Hahaha!" the woman replied with a laugh.
Then, the eldest son of the Su family took the initiative to speak, "Mother-in-law, our family has a new son, but we haven't named him yet. Could you please name him?"
The mother-in-law was a little flattered, and nodded with a smile, "That's fine. The child's surname is Su, and he was born in the Year of the Dragon. If you ask me, I'd say Su Chen. It's simple and sounds nice."
The eldest son of the Su family and Su Yuning exchanged a smile and nodded in agreement. The Su family's beloved grandson would be named Su Chen.
"A boy should have a cloth tiger for his one-month celebration. I'm such a careless grandmother, I haven't prepared one yet. You all can have some tea and rest in the living room. I'm going to town to buy some things," the woman instructed them.
“Mother-in-law, why don’t I go with you?” The eldest son of the Su family stood up and suggested, but the woman refused. “No need, let Yu Ning go with me. After all, girls like shopping!”
“Alright, I’ll go with you!” Su Yuning readily agreed, and then went out with the woman.
No sooner had they left than Yang's pampered son returned.
When he saw his penniless and powerless brother-in-law come to visit, he went to rest in the backyard without even saying hello.
"Who is this kid? How can he be so rude? Can't he see that there are two of us sitting in the living room?" Young Master Zhao asked angrily.
The eldest son of the Su family responded helplessly, "This is my brother-in-law, Yang Yuxuan. He's been spoiled since he was a child, and he treats others the same way. You'll get used to it."
Young Master Zhao couldn't help but sneer, "That's just rudeness, looking down on people like a dog!"
"Shh, keep your voice down, we're guests here," the eldest son of the Su family quickly reminded him.
Then, the blacksmith Yang returned. He first fetched water in the yard to wash his face and hands, then changed into clean clothes before coming out to greet the guests.
"You've come all this way, bringing so much stuff. You've really gone to a lot of trouble."
"Of course, this is a must when offering congratulations," the eldest son of the Su family replied politely.
Then, the blacksmith Yang asked,
"Was it a son or a daughter?"
The eldest son of the Su family replied triumphantly, "It's my son!"
Yang the blacksmith was genuinely overjoyed. "Great! I, Yang, have a grandson! Today we must have good wine and food, and celebrate together!"
The eldest son of the Su family nodded happily, "Okay, thank you, father-in-law!"
When the woman and Su Yuning returned from the street, Yang the blacksmith arranged for the maid to wake up his son, who was fast asleep with his head covered, and then everyone sat together for a celebratory feast.
At the dinner table, Yang Yuxuan, the blacksmith's son, kept his gaze fixed on Su Yuning. He was immediately captivated by her beauty upon first sight; she was simply stunning. Her skin was as white as snow, translucent and radiant. Her beautiful face resembled a blooming flower. Her bright, sparkling eyes shone like two dazzling gems. Her pearly white teeth gleamed like pearls, and her smile was radiant and warm, captivating at first sight.
"Son, eat your food quickly. Don't stare at the guests like that. It's so impolite!" Yang the blacksmith solemnly admonished.
Yang Yuxuan then came to her senses and hurriedly ate to cover up her embarrassment.
"By the way, son-in-law, I haven't had a chance to ask you yet, when is the full moon celebration?" the mother-in-law asked with concern.
The eldest son of the Su family truthfully informed us, "Dear father-in-law and mother-in-law, the full moon celebration for my child is scheduled for today next month, which is the sixteenth day of the eighth lunar month."
"That's great, we'll definitely be there on time for the wedding banquet," Yang the blacksmith replied with a smile.
Only then did Yang's son realize that his sister's family had a child.
"My sister has a baby! That's wonderful! I'm an uncle now!"
"Stop making such a fuss, okay?" the woman scolded. "You're an uncle now, and you're still loafing around all day. Don't you feel ashamed?"
Yang Yuxuan was a little embarrassed and retorted angrily, "Mother, there are still guests here. Can you please stop embarrassing us?"
"Alright, I won't say anymore." The woman quickly changed the subject. "Yu Ning, you haven't been here for years. Why don't you stay here for a few days? My daughter got married, and I have no one to go shopping with anymore. Why don't you stay with me for a few days?"
Su Yuning answered the question with a troubled expression, "It's possible, but I'm afraid that once my brother and the others go back, I won't be able to find my way home."