At the beginning, he took his seven younger siblings to join Yi Zhonghai.

Yi Zhonghai responded to their responses with a smile.

He never expected these people to be sincere.

As long as they don't talk nonsense, they can also keep the old women in their families from talking nonsense.

This meal today.

It's worth it.

"Old Yi, congratulations! Haha, I just came back from showing a movie in the countryside today and heard about your happy news."

"Since it's such a coincidence, well, no problem. The villager bought two fried chickens, so let's give the children some joy."

Xu Damao's father, Xu Wengui, pushed his bicycle into the middle courtyard from the backyard.

Before Yi Zhonghai could step forward and explain...

He took the lead in offering his congratulations with a cupped-hand salute, and even took down the two roosters hanging on the front of the car and handed them to him.

"Old Xu, your words warm my heart. I appreciate the thought of this chicken, but you should take it home for Da Mao and Xiao Qin to eat."

Yi Zhonghai stopped the chicken that was being handed to him.

"What's wrong? Even though we don't share the same surname, we've been neighbors for over ten years. Your younger brother and sister are my brothers and sisters too. Two chickens, is that not enough?"

Xu Wengui said, feigning displeasure.

"What are you saying? Brother Xu's chickens, let alone two, even just one, if you stew it into soup and drink just one sip, can cure diseases and ward off disasters."

Yi Zhonghai cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and offered a cheerful compliment.

He then leaned close to his ear and said, "Old Xu, I didn't plan to accept any gifts today. Everyone came empty-handed. Your actions have put everyone in an awkward position."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wengui glanced at the people in the courtyard and immediately understood. He laughed and said, "Alright, then let the children come home for dinner tomorrow. Is that alright?"

"Okay, I'll thank you, Lao Xu, on their behalf."

Yi Zhonghai smiled and clasped his hands in thanks.

Then he turned around and called out, "Dingya, come here and recognize Xu Wengui. You can call him Brother Xu. He's Xu Damao's father from the backyard."

Yi Zhongding did as instructed, stepped forward to greet them, and thanked them.

"Yes, I've traveled all over the country and seen many things. This child has a straight posture, a firm gaze, and a dignified appearance. He's extraordinary, truly extraordinary. Old Yi, you're a lucky man."

"Then I'll just go along with it. I'll have to accept him as my younger brother. I'll come over to my older brother's house for a meal tomorrow."

Xu Wengui sized up the boy in front of him for a while, then said in a serious tone.

"Haha, thank you for your kind words. I will definitely bother you tomorrow."

Yi Zhonghai was delighted to hear this and thanked him repeatedly.

"Thank you for the compliment, Brother Xu. My brother mentioned it beforehand, saying that there's a Brother Xu in this backyard, a cultured man."

"Now I go to the countryside every day to promote the great cause of the working class and peasantry. I've seen and learned a lot, so I often consult you when I have problems."

"Now that we've met, I hope that Brother Xu will give me more guidance and criticism out of consideration for my brotherhood. I will definitely learn humbly."

Although Yi Zhongding didn't know the situation of the two, he still followed suit and flattered them a few times.

"Haha, look, Lao Yi, what did I tell you? These are the words. My Da Mao is about the same age as him, but he couldn't say a single word even if you beat him to death."

"Alright, brother, let's keep in touch from now on."

"I'll go home to put my things away first, and then come over to share in the joy."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wengui smiled with satisfaction and reached out to pat his arm in a friendly manner.

More and more people are coming into the courtyard.

The atmosphere became increasingly lively.

As the banquet was about to begin.

Tan Xiulian and Yi Zhonghai then accompanied an elderly woman with bound feet, who was using a cane, as she walked out of the backyard.

The two first approached Yi Zhongding.

"Dingya, this is the deaf old lady in the backyard."

"Grandma, this is Zhonghai's younger brother, Dingya. The others over there are his younger brothers and sisters, eight in total."

Tan Xiulian introduced the two to each other.

The deaf old lady's smile remained unchanged upon hearing this, but her eyes flickered slightly.

It should be noted that in the past, it was Yi Zhonghai who made the introduction.

And the first thing he said was that this was the old ancestor of the courtyard.

But now he just stood aside, smiling and watching, without saying a word.

Tan Xiulian only said that this was a deaf old lady in the backyard.

Isn't this just introducing a lonely old lady who has no connection to this story?

It seems that the Yi family has some ulterior motives.

The days ahead probably won't be so comfortable.

However, you can test the quality of this little thing first.

Yi Zhongding greeted her as instructed, saying, "Hello, ma'am."

"Alright, alright, this child looks very spirited. Judging by his age, I'm old enough to be your older brother's mother. You're his younger brother, so the same rules apply (change)."

The deaf old woman opened her eyes wide, her probing gaze sweeping over the group, immediately forming a preconceived notion and attempting to seize the initiative.

"Hehe, I heard from my elder brother and sister-in-law that you are all alone and they are kind-hearted, so they take good care of you."

"They also specifically instructed us to be respectful when we see you, after all, you are old, and we must respect the elderly."

Yi Zhongding smiled, tactfully saving face for both sides.

The deaf old lady's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

She got it.

This was something the whole family had agreed upon.

In the eyes of the Yi family members, this old matriarch of the compound was ultimately just a lonely old lady from the neighborhood.

Even if Yi Zhonghai continues to take care of her for the sake of his reputation.

Perhaps it's for the sake of his three properties.

He didn't want children before because he didn't have any.

But now there are eight younger brothers and sisters here.

He couldn't possibly not make plans.

But how much attention could Tan Xiulian, who was juggling eight children, possibly have left for her?

But she's a shrewd and experienced woman.

I know perfectly well that I can't afford to turn against them.

We'll have to figure something out later.

"Good, good boy."

The deaf old woman quickly regained her composure, but showed no interest in continuing to talk to him.

Instead, he turned to Tan Xiulian and said:

"Tan girl, you've suffered these past ten years. There's an old saying: 'A nephew standing at the door doesn't mean the family line is cut off.' Your own brothers are even better than your nephews."

"You'll have seven or eight children to take care of in the future, so you'll have to worry less about me."

"Taking good care of these children is the most important thing; then you'll have hope for the future."

"If you can't keep an eye on them all, you can bring them to the backyard and chat with my old lady. I'm no problem looking after the kids."

"Older people all like to be surrounded by their children and grandchildren, enjoying their company and happiness."

After the deaf old lady finished speaking, she walked to the head seat at the main table and sat down without waiting for a response.

Place both hands on the top of the cane.

He stood up straight.

He looks like someone who has learned a good "lesson".

The deaf old lady's reaction was exactly what he expected.

Maintaining this level of decorum is good enough.

This old lady has a deep and unfathomable mind; she has survived decades of war and turmoil, and should not be underestimated.

He is not afraid.

Who hasn't crawled out of a pile of dead bodies?

But now he is no longer a person without any ties.

He had to raise his eight younger siblings to adulthood.

Therefore, not falling out is the best option.

Jia Zhangshi, who was also seated at the head table due to seniority, glanced at the deaf old lady with amusement.

You old bastard, you always bully your mother like this.

Now you're dumbfounded, aren't you?

Haha.

Yi Juehu has now gained a large group of younger brothers and sisters.

Let's see how much he still cares about you, you old geezer.

Ancestors?

I bother!

A phoenix without feathers is no better than a chicken.

That old man is just playing favorites.

Why don't you dare to fight with Lao Yi?

It would be best to drive all these bastards away.

Even if the Yi family line ends, they will still have to rely on my Jia family.

I'm waiting to see when you guys start fighting!

I, Jia Zhangshi, will pay for all the peanuts and melon seeds in the courtyard!