Return to 1983 Hunting Xing'an Mountains

Chapter 571: The Second Uncle Who Sees His Wife's Relatives Jumping Up and Down

The temperature was cooler than the previous few days. Liu Lizhen found a thin coat and pants of Wang Shujuan for Meng Ziyan, while Xu Ning changed into the suit bought by Liu Fenfang in the west room and put on a pair of paratrooper boots. Then Wang Hu and Guan Lei put the things into the car.

Xu Ning asked Wang Hu to go and take a look at the new house. He heard from Xu Laonian yesterday that everything in the new house was basically ready, but he needed to build a dog house, so he had to measure the size and prepare wooden boards, red bricks and asbestos tiles.

Although asbestos tiles have many disadvantages, they are very popular in rural areas nowadays. The main reason is that they are cheap, strong and waterproof, but they are also prone to rot over the years.

After he and Meng Ziyan got into the car, they drove towards the east entrance of the village and stopped at the gate of the old Chang family's courtyard.

Xu Ning opened the car door and called out twice. The three dogs in the kennel whined twice when they heard the sound. Only Chang Danian was at home. He quickly lifted the door curtain and walked out. When he saw Xu Ning jumping out of the car, he asked with a smile, "Why did you come back so recently?"

"I got home dark last night. This is the mung bean cake and red sausage I brought for Xiaobao."

"Ah, come in and sit for a while." Chang Danian said, pointing at the house.

"No, I'm going to go to her grandmother's house with Yan. Well, my uncle Xu will be back around four o'clock, you and sister Juan can go over and eat."

Chang Danian was stunned when he heard this: "Old Xu is coming back?"

"Well, that's what happened. I'm getting married, so I don't have time to go to Wangxing Hunong, but I've already promised Uncle Chai, so I can't go back on my word. I happened to be going to the provincial capital, so I told Uncle Xu about it, and he agreed to come out of retirement and help me go to Wangxing Hunong. Uncle, why don't you go too? You three brothers haven't been together for a long time. Last time when my family put up the beams, Uncle Xu was missing."

Chang Danian had nothing to do. He took the green bean cake and red sausage and said with a smile, "Okay! Then I'll go to Wangxing with him for a stroll. When are we going?"

"My third brother is coming here today. You have to go to Wangxing tomorrow morning. The time is a bit tight, but now is the time to protect the farmers. I thought if you go earlier, I can come back in time for my wedding..."

"Okay, I'll go over that night."

"Let my sister Juan go there in advance to help my mother with some work."

Chang Danian said, "Needless to say, she went up the mountain with your brother-in-law to pick mushrooms, and she may be back by noon."

"Okay, then go inside, we're leaving."

"Slow down."

Meng Ziyan, who was standing next to Xu Ning, waved: "We are leaving, sir."

"Eh!"

Immediately, Xu Ning and Meng Ziyan got in the car and drove out of Qing'antun. The car entered the main road and headed north. After passing the bridge and going a little further, they arrived at Qingli. Meng Ziyan's grandmother's surname was Zhang, and her grandfather's surname was naturally Liu.

It's just that her grandfather died early. Originally, Liu Fenfang had four brothers, but the third brother drowned while taking a bath in a reservoir when he was a child, so only three brothers were left.

Meng Ziyan's eldest uncle has two children, her eldest cousin also has two children after marriage, and her eldest cousin is married in Wangxing County. The situation of her second uncle is similar to that of her eldest uncle. Her eldest uncle has only a little brother who got married the year before last and his child has just turned one year old.

Her grandmother lived with her second uncle. They separated after the land was divided a few years ago because there were too many people in the family and there was no room for them to live together, so they found a piece of land and built a house. Although the three uncles have separated, they all go to her second uncle's house during the holidays. The main reason is that her grandmother doesn't like to move. The three sons, including Liu Fenfang, are very filial, and the old lady is usually greedy, so any good things are given to her grandmother first. But her grandmother is not a stingy person. She tastes the food herself, and if it is delicious, she arranges for her second uncle to send it to his brothers and sisters.

Her grandmother used to work in the arsenal. Now that she is old, she gets a subsidy of about 40 yuan a month. This is not a subsidy from the government, but a subsidy from a state-owned enterprise. Her grandmother said that in the past, when steel was made into shells, some families smashed pots, farm tools, etc. As long as there was iron, they would throw it into the crucible and melt it. Now the arsenal has changed and moved to the vicinity of the provincial capital, so they will definitely not forget this group of first contributors.

Meng Ziyan said that her uncle was a blacksmith. In addition to making horseshoes and farm tools for others, he also made knives and swords. Her younger brother followed his father to make iron. Xu Ning certainly knew about this. Although he had not been to her grandmother's house many times in his previous life, he was still relatively familiar with the situation on her grandmother's side.

My second uncle raised two horses, three donkeys and a mule. He also raised a lot of chickens, ducks and geese. Just these five big animals could generate a lot of income a year. If he sold some chicken, duck and goose eggs, he could earn a lot without going out, which was enough to cover their expenses.

My eldest uncle farmed at home. Since my second uncle and my oldest uncle both had a business, they gave all the land to him to farm. Although he didn't make a fortune throughout the year, at least he had enough food and clothing, and he lived a good life.

From this, it can be seen that the family conditions of the three uncles are pretty good, so why didn't Xu Ning like to interact with them in his previous life? The reason is very simple. As long as they are human, they have various shortcomings. The three uncles are relatively down-to-earth, but they are too aggressive and too smelly when chatting, as if they have no emotional intelligence. It is obviously a good thing, but it tastes bad in their mouths, especially the eldest uncle! He has only been to school for a few days, and he keeps teaching people...

However, the reason Xu Ning can accept it now is not because of Meng Ziyan. Ask yourself, ever since he and Meng Ziyan got married, the three uncles have sent him all the good things, but Xu Ning didn't want to pay attention to them at first. When the three brothers entered the house and saw Xu Ning's ugly face, they were unwilling to come over time. Who would like to seek excitement and suffer for no reason?
People still have to get along with each other to know what is good and what is bad...

"My second uncle bought his livestock from the production team, and he just paid back the money to the production team last year. My eldest uncle wanted to buy a tractor, but someone else got there first. Otherwise, it would have been very convenient to farm with a tractor."

Xu Ning said with a smile: "I will borrow our tractor from my uncle when the autumn harvest comes."

Meng Ziyan was stunned for a moment, then came to her senses and secretly rejoiced. She suppressed her laughter and said, "Won't that delay the show?"

"Nothing will be delayed. Even if it's delayed for two or three days, what's the problem? He's my own uncle, how can I let him get tired?"

"Hahaha, well, I'll tell my uncle later. He'll definitely be very happy."

Meng Ziyan pointed to the stone pillars in front and said, "It's the house in front. There are two stone pillars at the door."

"know."

The car slowly stopped at the gate of the courtyard. Without looking into the house, Xu Ning pushed the door open and jumped out. He ran straight to Meng Ziyan's side, helped her get out of the car and carried her things.

Inside the room, Liu Fenfang was sitting on the mattress and stretching the quilt cover, her second uncle and Meng Quezi were drinking tea, and leaning against the wall was a silver-haired old lady, holding a pipe in her hand, her eyelids drooping and forcing open from time to time, as if she was a little sleepy but didn't want to sleep.

Meng Yinhe and a young man sat on stools, drinking tea and chatting.

After hearing the sound of a car engine, the sharp-eyed and quick-talking Meng Yinhe suddenly stood up, pointed out the window and shouted, "Mom! My second brother and sister are here!"

Liu Fenfang, who was concentrating on making the quilt, was almost frightened by the shout and a needle almost pierced her finger. She turned her head to look out the window and saw Xu Ning's silhouette, and exclaimed: "Oh my god, that's exactly what happened!"

Meng Quezi turned around and said with a smile: "Really... What did I say? They have to come over after they return from the provincial capital. When has Erning ever been bad at doing things?"

Liu Fenfang hurriedly put down her needlework, ran to the edge of the kang, and shouted, "Yinhe, hand me the shoes quickly."

The old lady looked confused and said, "What are you still standing here for? Er, go out and greet them!"

"Hey, I'm just frightened. It's really hard to wait for this guy to come. He's been dating for such a long time and they're getting married soon..."

Second uncle came running over in slippers, raised his hand and hit him on the shoulder, saying, "Stop talking later!"

"What's wrong with me? Why do you care about everything in the world and even my shit and fart?"

The old lady smiled with wrinkles on her face, "What you said is just bullshit! Your brother-in-law's son-in-law is coming, and you are still talking nonsense here. Is your head full of paste? Go out and greet him quickly. If I had good legs and feet, I would have kicked you a long time ago."

Meng Quezi and Liu Fenfang were not angry. After living together for so many years, they knew the three brothers' personalities best. They did not have any bad intentions, but they were foul-mouthed and could not get along with others.

"Second brother, you can say whatever you want. Erning definitely can't argue." Liu Fenfang said with a smile.

"Oh my god, I'm lucky enough that I didn't pick on him..." My second uncle pouted and said unconvinced.

At this time, the whole family had already gotten off the bed except for the old lady who was slowly moving towards the edge of the kang. They ignored the old lady and walked out of the house into the yard. Meng Yinhe was in a very good mood. He ran and jumped to the front and shouted, "Second brother!"

Xu Ning turned around and said with a smile, "Hey! Uncle Meng, Auntie..."

Liu Fenfang walked quickly, smiling: "When did you come back?"

"It was dark when I got home last night..." He said this for the fifth time today, but he still explained it tirelessly.

After saying that, he noticed the person behind Meng Quezi. He didn't use Meng Ziyan to introduce him, but greeted him directly: "Second uncle, second uncle, brother, sister-in-law, don't pick on me. I am indeed a little late. I originally wanted to come here in mid-August, but then I went on a long trip..."

Second uncle smiled and said, "It's okay, I'm glad you came!"

Liu Fenfang said, "No one picked you. Come in quickly. Your grandma was still talking about you two yesterday."

"Okay, my second uncle seems to be unwilling to say anything. What's going on? This is..."

The second uncle said with a normal face: "Why didn't your second uncle let me say anything? Are you afraid that I will pick on you?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Meng Quezi, Liu Fenfang, Second Uncle Mo and others all changed their expressions, and Meng Ziyan was also a little dumbfounded.

Xu Ning did not show any emotion after hearing this. He smiled and said, "Second uncle, I have to accept your accusation. It is what it is. I am indeed late, so it is okay for me to accuse you! Or you can say something to me?"

This, on the other hand, was not an answer for my second uncle. He said with a grunt, "Hey, why are you picking on me? I was just saying that. Don't take it seriously. My second uncle sometimes speaks in a foul way..."

Xu Ning said, "It's not that he speaks badly. Second uncle speaks whatever he thinks. It's definitely not tiring to get along with Second uncle. He speaks whatever he wants. Is there anything he can't get over?"

"Oh my god, you're really good at chatting! Come in quickly, your uncle will make you some good tea! Hahaha..."

The second uncle laughed heartily and breathed a sigh of relief, while Liu Fenfang took Xu Ning's arm and led him into the house. Meng Yinhe tactfully took the things in Meng Ziyan's hand.

Second uncle said: "Erning, don't be like your second uncle. He is like this. He has been like this since we got married, but he is not a bad person."

"Don't worry, my second uncle, didn't I tell you that my second uncle is a straightforward person with a sharp tongue but a soft heart?"

The second uncle grinned and said, "That's right! What Erning said is correct. You guys haven't figured it out for all these years, but when Erning and I met for the first time, he figured it out. He said I can't chat, but you guys can?"

Second uncle glared at him but said nothing. It was obvious that he was very happy.

The others also noticed it, but didn't say anything because Second Uncle had a bit of a stubborn temper and could easily get into trouble if he wasn't handled properly.

"Erning, how about staying home for lunch? Have a drink with your grandma, how about that?"

Before Xu Ning could reply, his uncle said hastily, "We have to eat at home! You've finally come here, how can we let you go so easily? What would you like to eat? Kill a goose... a chicken or a duck? Or kill both... and let's have a good meal!"

Meng Quezi said, "Second brother, you don't have to kill them all. Just enough to eat is enough. Er Ning is not an outsider."

"Is that okay? You come to my second uncle's house and I give you a chicken? Is that reasonable? If you can't finish it, take it away and eat it at home!"

Xu Ning said with a smile: "Second uncle, don't be so polite. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"You have to bear the discomfort, who told you to come at this time... Please go inside first, your grandma is waiting inside, I will make you some good tea, I guarantee you have never tasted it before!"

Meng Quezi said with a smile: "Second brother, Er Ning is not a stranger, so please don't treat him with Longjing tea."

"Hey, I'll take whatever I want, why do you care so much?" My second uncle waved his hand and went into the west room.

Liu Fenfang lifted the door curtain and said, "Mom, this is Erning!"

Xu Ning didn't hesitate to sit on the edge of the kang, reached out and took the old lady's hand, and said, "Grandma, I'm your grandson-in-law!"

The old lady was not hard of hearing and laughed out loud when she heard that: "Hahaha, good! Good!"

Meng Ziyan was a little shy. She went into the room, put the things on the counter with Meng Yinhe, and then stood aside and looked at Xu Ning.

The old lady's eyesight was a little bad. After she finished laughing, she leaned forward and saw Xu Ning's face. She was surprised and said, "Oh my god, this child is so handsome! No wonder Yan is so rare, he is really handsome!"

"Haha, grandma, no matter what, Jun'er was taken down by your granddaughter."

The old lady raised her head and laughed wildly. While laughing, she patted the back of Xu Ning's hand and said, "What a good chatterbox. This child is really adorable."

At this time, my second uncle came into the room in a hurry with a new tea tray, put it on the edge of the kang, and said, "Erning, try this tea! Yan Na, pour tea for your partner, or should I pour it?"

"Hey! Second uncle, sit down and take a rest."

Meng Ziyan felt a headache watching him jumping up and down, fearing that it would leave a bad impression on Xu Ning, but she knew that her second uncle had good intentions, but his methods were too hasty.

"Why are you taking a break? Red Army, Yinhe, let's go! Come with me to catch chickens, ducks and geese. Xia, quickly boil a pot of water..."

Upon hearing this, the second uncle quickly grabbed him and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? It's not even 9 o'clock yet, so hurry up! Ask Yinhe to call his eldest uncle and the old uncle to come over..."

Xu Ning turned around and said, "Yan and I will go over there. The things for my eldest and second uncles are all in the car."

The second uncle said bluntly: "You took three? Oh my god, this will cost money. We are all family, you only need to prepare one."

Xu Ning smiled and said, "I only have three uncles like this, and this is the first time I meet them, so I must be prepared."

Liu Fenfang looked at her second uncle and smiled, saying, "Erning is doing things, so you two can go together and let Yinhe help you two get the things. It just so happens that your second uncle is in a hurry to slaughter a chicken, so this is a good time to go."

"Yeah!" Xu Ning turned around and said, "Grandma, there are green bean cakes and date cakes on the counter for you. Try them!"

The old lady's eyes lit up and she nodded with a smile: "Try it! Try it!"

Meng Ziyan brought the things over and said, "Brother and sister-in-law, you can try them, there are quite a lot."

My second uncle said, "You two can go later. This tea is quite expensive. Otherwise it will all be wasted."

The old lady grabbed Xu Ning's hand and said, "Let's go after we finish eating! Have some tea first, there's no rush."

"Okay, listen to my grandma."

(End of this chapter)