The Lucky Farmgirl-Chapter 1927 - 1902: Hints

Old Du had a good relationship with Xia Xia, so he knew a bit more about the situation and said, "After Zhou Yin and his wife left for a year without any news, he felt something was off. So, taking advantage of managing for him, he converted it into his own shop rental and had his son leave the original landlord to start independently. He even leased the farmland to the patriarch of their Xia Family..."

County Magistrate Zhai thought about it briefly and understood, raising an eyebrow and laughing, "Xia Dajiang is quite clever. This way, even if the land is divided, it shouldn’t be too fragmented."

"Yes, I’ve heard that those three plots of land are now all in one block under Patriarch Xia’s name. One plot has been divided in half, with one half dedicated as sacrificial land, and the other half distributed among each family. It seems that the remaining plot was bought by Officer Xu."

In other words, at least two plots would be fairly easy to reclaim, as long as Officer Xu and Patriarch Xia agree.

County Magistrate Zhai felt the matter was almost certainly settled.

At this time, Xia Xia was also explaining the details of the property division twelve years ago to Manbao. "Since Xia Yi’s family had the closest blood relation to your grandfather, with Xia Yi’s father and your grandfather sharing the same great-grandfather, the house on Songhua Alley was directly given to him. However, the farmland was reclaimed by the clan..."

If he hadn’t preemptively taken the shop, refusing to leave or give it up, and if he hadn’t been a well-known silversmith in Shangzhou with an influential employer, that shop would’ve been lost too.

But over the years, the clan spread various rumors, and Xia Xia’s reputation suffered significantly.

He said to Zhou Man, "I’ve kept the rent from the shop separate each year and given it to your parents."

Manbao nodded, neither accepting nor refusing, but asked, "Do you know where my grandparents are buried? I’d like to visit them."

Xia Xia nodded repeatedly, "Of course, of course, they were buried on Da’an Mountain outside the city. Upon leaving the city, don’t head up the mountain immediately. You must first go to..."

After giving detailed directions, Xia Xia paused before suggesting, "Why don’t we go up the mountain together tomorrow?"

He continued, "The people from Hongtian Village won’t arrive quickly; the earliest they can enter the city would be around lunchtime. We can go pay our respects in the morning."

Manbao smiled and agreed, noticing that he seemed a bit winded, and suggested, "Uncle Xia, why don’t I check your pulse?"

Xia Xia then smiled and replied, "I’m not your uncle; I’m your granduncle. I’m two years older than your grandfather."

Manbao was surprised; indeed, her grandfather had passed away early.

Xia Xia also wanted to spend more time with Zhou Man, mainly because he had many questions for her. Therefore, he extended his hand for her to examine and asked several questions, "Are your uncle and aunt treating you well?"

Manbao nodded, "Yes, I never thought I wasn’t their child before."

That meant they were truly good to her.

Xia Xia felt somewhat reassured and asked again, "By now, you must be approaching adulthood?"

Manbao nodded, "I’ll be fifteen by this winter."

Xia Xia sighed, "That’s wonderful, wonderful. You’ve grown up now. Who arranged your engagement?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Bai Shan.

Bai Shan gave him a polite smile.

Manbao said, "My uncle and aunt arranged it."

She continued, "We grew up together under the same teacher."

Xia Xia could only nod. He actually wanted to ask why she still bore the surname Zhou and hadn’t reverted to the Xia surname.

But since it was their first meeting and the child was entirely unfamiliar with him, it wasn’t appropriate to speak up.

Seeing that he remained silent, Manbao asked him some questions instead, like how much he ate each day and approximately how much he could consume per meal...

After getting a clear understanding, Manbao smiled, stood up, and said, "It seems the hour is getting late. I see that Granduncle is also tired. Why not rest at home for now, and we’ll meet again tomorrow?"

Xia Xia hurriedly said, "Why don’t you all come home with me? Since you’ve reached home, you shouldn’t stay outside. I’ll have your grandaunt prepare some rooms for you all to stay in."

Manbao declined, saying, "My uncle, aunt, and a few brothers have come along. There are too many of us, and it wouldn’t be right to impose. We’re staying at the Fulai Inn now. If Granduncle needs anything, you can send someone there to find us. Just mention you’re looking for the Zhou Family, and they’ll know."

Xia Xia was taken aback, "Your uncle and aunt are here too?"

"Yes," Manbao said, "After all, I was too young to remember anything when I left home, so they accompanied me."

Xia Xia looked at her age and thought she had a point, but observing her recent behavior and capability, he felt that might not be the whole reason.

But indeed, he was exhausted from everything today. Just pondering those thoughts left him too tired to speak further while lying back in his vine chair.

Manbao naturally noticed this too, and she turned around to instruct someone to help carry Xia Xia back.

County Magistrate Zhai had finished his inquiries as well, leading Old Du and Elder Zhu over, and decided to send them all off together, even releasing Officer Xu who stood under the corridor.

As she watched the group head outside together, Manbao thought for a moment and then stopped Xia Xia’s servant, saying, "Wait a moment before you leave."

Then she turned to Daji, instructing him to fetch their umbrella, and asked one of their guards to hold the umbrella for Xia Xia, escorting him back home.

This was to avoid any conflict between Xia Xia and Officer Xu, as Xia Xia’s current health couldn’t handle stress.

The Xia family servant agreed and waited a while before going out, walking slowly without any hurry.

After they all left, County Magistrate Zhai turned and invited Zhou Man and the others inside, simply explaining the information he had gathered, and then asked, "How does Lord Zhou plan to handle this matter?"

It seemed she could handle it any way she wished.

After standing for a moment, Manbao said, "I’d like to first visit my grandparents’ grave."

"As you wish," County Magistrate Zhai replied, "Shall I send an officer to guide you there?"

Zhou Man smiled, "Thank you, Magistrate."

County Magistrate Zhai smiled and said, "Lord Zhou, you’re too courteous. I see the sun is setting; why not visit tomorrow? Tonight, I’ll host a banquet at the yamen to welcome you all."

Manbao politely declined, expressing her eagerness to visit and then discuss the matter with her parents at home.

County Magistrate Zhai understood her urgency, so after a brief attempt to persuade her to stay, he saw her and her party off.

Watching as the four retinue members rode off with the officer he assigned, he stroked his beard and turned back into the office.

The steward commented, "Sir, will the Xia Family relinquish what they’ve been holding onto?"

County Magistrate Zhai sighed, "Who knows? I’ve done everything possible, both for the Xia Family and for Little Lord Zhou. The outcome depends on their negotiation."

The steward responded, "Although it’s understandable that Zhou Yin and his wife didn’t return to the clan for fourteen years, the land and house have been with the clan members for twelve years. Even if you rule in favor of Little Lord Zhou, if the Xia Family refuses, it might still prove difficult."