Splendid peasant girl busy farming

Chapter 11972

Xiaohua is a woman, and women are naturally much more sensitive to appearance, complexion, and overall condition than men.

So it's not surprising that Xiao Hua was shocked by Yang Ruoqing's youthful appearance when she first saw her.

As for Da'an, after exchanging a few pleasantries with everyone, he was already preparing to have tea and chat with Luo Fengtang.

Upon hearing Xiao Hua's words, Da An once again turned his gaze to Yang Ruoqing.

There were many people and children in the room earlier, making a lot of noise. In addition, when he greeted Yang Ruoqing, Yang Ruoqing was bending down to help Jun'er straighten his collar, so Da'an did not get a good look at Yang Ruoqing's face.

When Da'an's gaze fell back on Yang Ruoqing's face, even he, who was usually calm and composed, was shocked.

"Sis, what's going on? How come you... how come you've become young again?"

As soon as Da'an uttered the term "rejuvenation," I knew something was wrong; the term was inaccurate in this context.

Sure enough, the next moment, he received a glare from Yang Ruoqing.

"You're already the governor of Changhuai Prefecture, and you can't even speak properly anymore?" Yang Ruoqing said irritably. "What do you mean by 'rejuvenating'? Was I that old before? I'm not an old lady!"

Before consuming the Dragon Cloud Pill brought back by Luo Fengtang, he was only 34 years old, soon to be 35.

Even if you didn't take that pill and didn't break through your physical limits, you're still taking much better care of yourself than your peers, right?
When people saw her, they said she didn't look 30 years old at all, she looked to be around 26 at most, like a young woman. They couldn't tell that she was already a grandmother and her granddaughter was almost a year old.

After taking the Dragon Cloud Pill, her condition naturally improved, and she looked like she was in her early twenties. Standing next to Luo Wuyou, she looked exactly like her older sister.

"No, it's not just you who looks younger, my brother-in-law looks younger too!" Da'an's gaze swept back and forth between Yang Ruoqing and Luo Fengtang, the astonishment in his eyes making him stutter.

Xiao Hua was even more speechless; her mouth was agape. The composure and calmness that this high-ranking couple had cultivated over the past year in the officialdom of Changhuai Prefecture and among powerful officials and nobles were completely shattered at the first sight of each other!

When Xiao Hua looked up, she noticed that Luo Fengtang, who was standing next to Da An, looked to be in a similar condition to Da An!
You know, my brother-in-law is a full eight years older than Da'an, almost nine years older!
Now, when the two stand together, they look like they're the same age.

"Oh my god, sister, brother-in-law, what kind of magic pill did you take?" Xiaohua couldn't help but ask for the second time.

"I feel like in another three to five years, people will think that Da'an and I are the older sister and brother-in-law. Not only do you not age, but you're getting younger and younger. It's so amazing!"

Yang Ruoqing knew they would react this way, because of Xiao Duo, Xiao An, and everyone else...

When they first saw Yang Ruoqing and Luo Fengtang after their breakthrough, their reactions were no less intense than those of Da'an and Xiaohuaduo.

"There are no magic pills or elixirs in this world! They don't exist!" Yang Ruoqing waved her hand with a smile.

"Sis, how do you maintain your youthful appearance? Share your secrets so Da'an and I can learn from you!" Xiao Hua asked with a smile.

Even the most unassuming young actresses are tempted by the allure of becoming more beautiful, younger, and eternally youthful.

Although Da'an didn't ask any further questions, he still pricked up his ears to 'eavesdrop'.

"You're not the first batch of people asking about this, nor will you be the last. It's fine to tell us," Yang Ruoqing said with a smile.

"Tang Yazi and I have been practicing martial arts since we were young, as you all know."

“Yes, we all know that my sister and brother-in-law are martial arts practitioners, and they are both highly skilled,” Xiaohua said.

Yang Ruoqing said, "I dare not say that Gao Chao is amazing. After all, there are always people more capable than you, and no one dares to claim that they are so great or powerful!"

Dare to say that? There will be a lot of weirdos coming to challenge them, and they'll be facing a series of challenges. Yang Ruoqing and Luo Fengtang won't be able to handle it!

After all, there are too many masters and strange things in this world, so no one dares to claim to be the best in the world. There is only seventh place, no first place.

"The reason why your brother-in-law and I have transformed in appearance is mainly due to the kung fu we practiced."

"Sister, you two haven't been practicing some kind of unorthodox martial arts, have you? I've heard of evil cultivators..." Da'an frowned slightly, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.

"How could that be!" Yang Ruoqing rolled her eyes at him for the second time.

"What are you thinking? Your brother-in-law and I are both upright people, and your brother-in-law is even the Great General Protector of the Nation!"

"Think about it, those so-called evil cultivators, even if they maintain eternal youth, don't they exude an evil aura?"

“That’s right.” Da’an nodded.

"Aren't your brother-in-law and I upright and righteous?"

"Yes, that's right!" Da'an nodded even more firmly this time than before.

Yang Ruoqing clapped her hands: "Isn't that settled? We've broken through to the next level in our training, which has led to a breakthrough in our physical abilities and increased our lifespan."

"Sister, brother-in-law, you two are amazing!" Da'an exclaimed with genuine admiration, his eyes shining brightly. It would be a lie to say he wasn't envious.

However, many things in this world cannot be achieved simply by envying them.

Xiaohua also had a complicated expression. "Sister, so that's how it is. I'm relieved then."

"Don't worry, little one." Yang Ruoqing gently stroked Xiaohua's hair. "This kind of technique can't be passed on to you, and even if it were, you wouldn't be able to practice it."

If possible, she should buy Long Yundan in bulk and make sure every member of her family gets one!

How wonderful it would be if everyone could extend their lifespan together, just like the Monkey King leading all the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain to live as long as the heavens!

This is... impossible, sigh!
The topic of becoming younger was not discussed much, as it was meaningless; it was a blessing unique to Yang Ruoqing and Luo Fengtang.

"Da'an, sit here." Luo Fengtang gestured for his brother-in-law to sit down.

"Okay, brother-in-law, please sit down."

"Flower, come, sit with me in the fire pit, let's have a good talk."

Yang Ruoqing pulled Xiaohua around and sat down in the round fire pit by the table. A blanket covered her legs, making it warm and comfortable.

Xiao Hua looked up at the doorway. The children were playing there, including Jun'er.

"Jun'er, are your feet cold? Do you want to come and warm them by the fire?" Xiao Hua asked.

Jun'er, wearing open-crotch pants, was following behind his cousin Tuanyuan, imitating them as he played with the icicles that fell from the eaves.

Jun'er completely ignored Xiaohua's questions, leaving her only his chubby, red, frozen bottom. Xiaohua was both amused and exasperated, hesitating whether to go down into the fire to drag Jun'er back, but Yang Ruoqing stopped her.

"Don't spoil the mood at this time. Kids aren't afraid of the cold, they just want to play."

"He can have fun, but I'm worried he'll catch a cold. It's the holidays, and it'll be a hassle if he gets cold."

"Don't panic, I'm prepared."

As Yang Ruoqing clapped her hands, Shaoyao came over from the side, with a 'hug skirt' draped over her arm.

The blouse is about 80% new, a thick, durable, and windproof light blue color that is dirt-resistant and windproof. It is about the length of an adult's arm and has straps at both ends.

“When I saw him like that, I sent Shaoyao to get the baby skirt that Tuanyuan used when she was little.”

Peony came over and greeted Da'an and Xiaohua first. Then she went to the courtyard outside and started coaxing Jun'er to tie his swaddle skirt around his waist.

"Look, the length is just right!"

Inside the house, Yang Ruoqing and Xiaohua sat in the fire pit, witnessing everything. Yang Ruoqing patted Xiaohua's hand: "Can you rest easy now?"

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded, "Sister is so thoughtful. I tied it for him when we were in Changhuaizhou before, but it wasn't cold in the carriage today, so I didn't tie it."

"When I got home from the bus, I was busy settling things in and didn't have time to look after him, so he ran out to play with his bare bottom..."

"Hey, sis, where are our parents? Why aren't they home in this freezing weather?" Xiaohua asked Yang Ruoqing, thinking of this.

Yang Ruoqing said, "Early this morning, my mother and my aunt went to the pasture to deliver pork and ribs that Duo'er and the others would be pickled for the New Year."

"Later, around midday, Dad went to pick her up. Duo'er is definitely staying for lunch, so she should be back soon."

"Oh, I see." Xiaohua nodded. "Then, when are you free, sisters? Shall we go to the pasture together? Or should we go alone?"

Yang Ruoqing understood that Xiaohua was going to the grassland to deliver things to Xiaoduo. They had brought back a lot of New Year's goods from Changhuaizhou to give to everyone.

However, it was afternoon today, so they didn't bring it with them when they came.

Please don't ask Yang Ruoqing how she knew; Fuwa had already told her aunt when she came over earlier.

"I almost forgot to tell you and Da'an that we probably won't be able to travel tomorrow or the day after," Yang Ruoqing said.

At a table not far away, Da'an, who had been chatting and laughing with Luo Fengtang, stopped talking and looked over when he heard this.

"What's wrong, sis? Is something the matter?" he asked.

Xiao Hua also stared intently at Yang Ruoqing, "Nothing bad has happened, right?" she asked softly.

Yang Ruoqing smiled and patted the back of her hand to comfort her, "Don't worry, it's good news."

"Second wife, your daughter is getting married the day after tomorrow, both of you will be married off together."

"Huh? Xiuxiu and Xiuhong have both found husbands? When did this happen?" Xiaohua's eyes widened in surprise. She looked at Da'an, who shrugged and smiled helplessly.

They had been in Changhuaizhou for the past year and knew nothing about what was happening back home. The older sister hadn't mentioned it at all in her letters home!
Yang Ruoqing glanced at the two of them and then said, "Since it's not a matter between our third branch and the Luo family, I'm too lazy to take up space in the family letter."

"Your return today is perfectly timed; it's better to come back at the right time than to come back early."

"Sister, tell us quickly, where did Xiuxiu and Xiuhong find their husbands?" Xiaohua asked impatiently, pulling Yang Ruoqing's hand.

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you one thing at a time, starting with Xiuxiu, then Xiuhong. Speaking of Xiuhong's marriage, it was quite a rollercoaster ride..."

Yang Ruoqing spent almost the time it takes to drink two bowls of tea recounting the bumpy marriage journeys of the two daughters from the second wife's family.

Da'an and Xiaohua were both stunned.

Xiao Hua, in particular, was very indignant when she heard the nitpicking attitude of Sixi's parents.

"Why should she? Putting aside the second brother's family's circumstances, the girl herself is also very good. She's a much better match for their Sixi!" Xiaohua said.

Da'an remained silent, but his expression clearly told everyone that he and Xiaohua were on the same side.

Even though he was the governor of Changhuai Prefecture, he was also Xiu Hong's cousin, the kind of cousin related by blood.

Yang Ruoqing shook her head: "It's just Si Xi's mother's perspective, or perhaps it's a prejudice in people's hearts, or maybe someone is stirring up trouble behind her back, making her feel that marrying into our Yang family is a case of a strong woman and a weak man, and that it will be difficult to control this daughter-in-law in the future."

"Control?" Xiaohua's eyelids twitched. "Is this a family? You brought a daughter-in-law home not so she could live a good life, but so you could control her as you pleased?"

Yang Ruoqing raised her hand and touched Xiaohua's face: "You grew up in a sweet environment and have never experienced that kind of family atmosphere."

"I can say this: looking across our Great Qi, there are plenty of mothers-in-law who share the same mindset as Sixi's mother!"

If this is true for poor families, isn't it also true for powerful and wealthy families?

Even within the imperial palace, the Empress Dowager would strive to push the concubines who obeyed her and were willing to be her pawns and spies towards the Emperor. As for those concubines who were at odds with her or were not on the same side of interests, the Empress Dowager would find all sorts of ways to manipulate them. It was even common practice for her to have eunuchs find a pretext to secretly remove the concubines' nameplates.

Da'an usually doesn't get involved in these kinds of discussions; it's mainly Yang Ruoqing and Xiaohua who discuss them.

Ultimately, these are all matters within the second wife's family, and for others, they are nothing more than topics of conversation over tea.

Now that everything has been settled and the Xiao Erfang and Sixi families have become in-laws, there is even less reason for others to condemn them.

"It's too late today, I have to get up early tomorrow to visit my second brother and sister-in-law," Xiaohua said again.

Yang Ruoqing nodded, "Okay."

A commotion arose from the children playing outside, mixed with the excited voices of Yang Huazhong and Sun Shi.

The sound reached the main room, and everyone exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

Yang Ruoqing said, "My parents came back from the grassland and were so excited to find you back."

Xiao Hua couldn't wait to get out of the fire bucket. She had put on the wrong shoe, wearing Yang Ruoqing's shoe, and ran towards the door of the main room, calling out, "Dad, Mom, we're warming ourselves by the fire here with Sister!"

Yang Ruoqing wanted to call out to Xiaohua to remind her to change her shoes back, but seeing the latter's anxious back, Yang Ruoqing laughed.

(End of this chapter)