CHAPTER 128: CHAPTER 128: BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE COURTYARD

Liu Ze had quite a few belongings, several boxes.

Old Master Liu said that the main items were books, and there were only a few changes of clothes, and all were simple robes. In such hot weather, washed clothes dry quickly.

As for the clothes for autumn and winter, they would gradually be brought over later.

After packing the items, Jiang Hu did not leave immediately as usual but showed hesitation.

Shopkeeper Liu, who was familiar with Jiang Hu, immediately realized that Jiang Hu had something to say but was reluctant due to the presence of many people.

"Brother Jiang Hu, is there something troubling you? Just speak up, we certainly won’t stand by if we can help."

In recent years, due to Jiang Hu’s vegetables, the business at the restaurant had improved significantly. Whenever Jiang Hu delivered vegetables, the restaurant was full every day.

Even if they arrived late, they were willing to wait.

Therefore, Shopkeeper Liu was very concerned about Jiang Hu’s family matters.

Jiang Hu waved his hand, "It’s not really trouble. It’s just that our children have grown, and the small hut isn’t big enough."

"We’ve saved some money over the past two years and wanted to build a small courtyard. While people in our village can build houses, they’re usually just mud houses. Building a small courtyard is challenging."

"So I wanted to ask if Shopkeeper Liu knows workers in this trade?"

Jiang Hu’s wish wasn’t too big. Forget about a large courtyard; a simple small courtyard would suffice for the sons when they get older and marry.

In the past, he certainly wouldn’t have been so ambitious.

Even until yesterday, he only wanted a mud house like most people in the village, with the best expectation being a blue brick tile house.

However, Liu Ze’s presence changed his thinking a bit.

If anyone commented or envied in the future, there would be an excuse.

Besides the monthly ten taels of silver, he could also say that Old Master Liu couldn’t bear to see his grandchildren live in a straw house and offered some help.

Surely, Old Master Liu and Liu Ze wouldn’t expose him.

Given their current finances, a small courtyard was more than affordable.

However, just as Jiang Hu finished speaking, before Shopkeeper Liu could say anything, Old Master Liu slapped the table.

"Oh, look at my poor memory; I forgot to ask Brother Jiang Hu about this. If you’re building a house, you should tell me!"

Shopkeeper Liu nodded with a smile, "Yes, Brother Jiang Hu, you’ve come to the right person this time."

Jiang Hu was filled with confusion, wondering what the two old men meant.

Master Zhang, who was nearby, laughed along with them.

"Brother Jiang Hu, apart from delivering vegetables and buying things at the market, you hardly come to the town, right?"

Jiang Hu nodded; of course, there was no reason to visit the town without purpose.

Not to mention that Fu’an Village was so far away, it would take almost three hours round trip even with an ox cart.

Moreover, with just his wife and children at home, he couldn’t be at ease being away for too long.

Otherwise, in recent years, besides farming at home, even if there was work available, he was unwilling to take it?

Everyone opposite him had an expression of realization.

Jiang Hu: "????"

Shopkeeper Liu patted Jiang Hu on the shoulder and laughed.

"Since you’re not in town, you probably don’t know my elder brother is in the business of building houses, with over a hundred workers under him!"

Jiang Hu’s eyes widened with disbelief.

Old Master Liu nodded proudly.

"That’s right, every good-looking courtyard within ten miles was basically built by my people. Decades ago, I was quite a skilled worker myself!"

Jiang Hu’s mouth could fit a chicken egg.

Old Master Liu stroked his chin, "Leave this matter to me. In three days, I’ll have people come to Fu’an Village. Leave the rest to me."

As Jiang Hu came to his senses, he quickly said: "About the cost..."

Before he could finish, Old Master Liu interrupted him.

"This is easy to discuss. If I say it’s free, you probably wouldn’t agree. So, I won’t profit from you, just give me the cost price."

Seeing Jiang Hu still wanted to refuse, Old Master Liu waved his hand, "Let’s not over-talk it, consider it the start of our friendship."

Having said so much, Jiang Hu didn’t decline anymore, and slightly bowing, he said: "Then I shall thank Old Master Liu."

Old Master Liu extended his hand, and the servant quickly helped him up: "Alright, I’m heading back. Little Jiang, it’s getting late, you should also get going."

Changing the form of address brought them closer.

After resting, Old Master Liu slowly went back with the help of the servant.

Seeing it wasn’t early, Jiang Hu didn’t delay either. After greeting Shopkeeper Liu and Master Zhang, he too headed home.

Originally, he thought of buying some items since there were guests at home.

But then he remembered Old Master Liu’s repeated instructions not to let Liu Ze eat anything beyond what their family grew or raised, so he decided against it.

Concerning Liu Ze, every month they would kill two chickens and two rabbits. There were also plenty of fish and eggs at home.

Taking advantage of the warm weather, they can invite Lucky over at night to catch some eels from the field and raise them, which would justify those ten taels of silver.

Thinking thus, he flicked the ox-whip and headed home.

On the way, he coincidentally met some villagers heading to the town, and Jiang Hu gave them a lift.

Although Old Mr. Ding stated that the ox cart shouldn’t be used for other purposes, casually giving a ride to one or two people was fine.

As long as Jiang Hu didn’t specifically use the ox cart to transport people for profit, it was acceptable.

Initially, Jiang Hu considered catching eels that night.

Unexpectedly, while riding the ox cart and passing through the village, his gaze swept over and he saw a young boy sitting by his fields.

Taking a closer look, wasn’t this Liu Ze?

’Whoa~’ he quickly stopped the ox cart and jogged over to the edge of the field.

"Little Ze, why are you here?"

Liu Ze, who was facing away from the village, turned upon hearing Jiang Hu’s voice.

"Uncle Jiang, you’re back."

After a brief surprise, he quickly explained.

"Xiaoxue, Little Mi, and Iron Egg are catching eels. I was idle at home, so I had Lucky bring me over to watch."

Liu Ze’s face was filled with happiness. Having been confined indoors for the past few years, he rarely went out, let alone enjoyed the fun of the fields.

Although he couldn’t participate, watching from the side and listening to the laughter of others made him happy too.

He felt his spirits lifted significantly.

Within a few words, Jiang Hu had already approached. Standing a bit higher, he quickly noticed the three little kids beside Liu Ze, whom he had previously overlooked.

And there was Little Mi’s distinctive, chirpy voice.

Glancing around, he didn’t see Lucky.

"Where’s Lucky? How come he’s not here looking after you, leaving you alone? It’s dangerous."

Jiang Hu still remembered that Liu Ze had difficulty walking steadily on his own.

"It’s okay, Lucky went to chop bamboo. Auntie is washing clothes; she’ll be back to get Lucky to bring me home once she’s done."

By this time, the three siblings had also heard Jiang Hu’s voice.

As expected, it was Little Mi who jumped up first.

"Dad, we caught eels and some fish. The fish in the paddy fields have grown a lot!"