Aunt Zheng, her daughter, Third Sister Hua, and her daughter all lived in the small courtyard in Lihua Alley.
Aunt Zheng and Zheng Huier lived in the west wing, while Third Sister Hua and Hua Shuangshuang lived in the east wing. The main hall in the middle was used for dining and receiving guests, and the kitchen on the side was shared.
Since there was no latrine in the small courtyard, there was only a small privy at the corner of the courtyard wall.
The women used chamber pots for going to the toilet.
Fortunately, there were people who collected night soil every morning and evening, which made things much more convenient.
Third Sister Hua and Hua Shuangshuang were not garrulous people. After they came back, they didn't go out much except to rest.
They preferred to catch up on sleep in their room.
After living together for some time, Aunt Zheng got to know their personalities and daily routines.
Aunt Zheng was afraid of disturbing Third Sister Hua and her daughter when she got up in the morning, so she swept the courtyard quietly.
In fact, Aunt Zheng spent only a small amount of time in the small courtyard every month. Most of the time, she helped Tang Guiniang in Yinwan. She also preferred to live in Baiyun Village for a long time.
It was only when Zheng Huier had a rest or when the shop needed extra help that Aunt Zheng would come to the city.
Zheng Huier worked during the day. After the shop closed, she would learn handicrafts from Jiao Niang.
Although learning from Jiao Niang was a rare opportunity, Aunt Zheng still felt sorry for her daughter.
She also felt sorry for the experiences of Third Sister Hua and her daughter. So when she had a rest, she would come to the city to cook some meals for them, which would save them the money of buying food outside.
Zheng Huier was doing needlework in the room when she heard Aunt Zheng calling her.
Sanlang is here.
Ye Pa is here!
Why is he here?
Zheng Huier was a little absent - minded, but a sense of indescribable excitement welled up in her heart.
When she went outside to boil water and make tea, she took a quick glance into the room and saw clearly.
Her mother was sitting on a chair, and her cousin and Ye Pa were sitting opposite her.
The autumn - scented seat cushion on the chair had not been removed.
Ye Pa might be hot. He only sat on a small part of the chair. There were fine beads of sweat on his face, and his complexion was a bit flushed.
Ye Pa today was different from the one who used to joke and have fun with her.
He seemed especially pleasing to the eye and good - looking...
The water on the stove boiled quickly. Zheng Huier quickly made the tea and brought it over.
Before bringing it over, Zheng Huier deliberately fanned it a few more times with a palm - leaf fan.
When Ye Pa saw Zheng Huier, he felt a bit shy, but he couldn't stop himself from looking at her.
The man's eyes were clear and bright, without any avoidance.
Zheng Huier blushed slightly, lowered her head, casually put the teacups on the table, and retreated behind Aunt Zheng.
Aunt Zheng coughed twice, and then Ye Pa withdrew his gaze.
Pei Xia winked at Ye Pa. Ye Pa bowed respectfully to Aunt Zheng with his hands clasped in front of him. "I'm ashamed to say that, aunt. Since you're the close elder of A Xia and Jiao Niang, you're also a close relative of mine, Ye Sanlang. It's my fault for not coming to pay my respects earlier. It's a breach of etiquette on my part."
He picked up two boxes beside him and presented them to Aunt Zheng. "It's my first time visiting. I don't have anything good to offer you. A Xia and I picked these. I hope aunt and cousin Huier will like them."
Ye Pa's words were smooth and faultless.
But Aunt Zheng had always cherished Huier like a treasure. How could she not know what Ye Pa was thinking?
This Third Young Master of the Ye family was really taking advantage of the situation. He was already calling her aunt and cousin so quickly, riding on A Xia's coattails!
She never thought that no matter how much she guarded against it, she simply couldn't prevent this kind of affection between a man and a woman!
Aunt Zheng showed no expression on her face. She glanced at Ye Pa and didn't touch the gift boxes either. "You usually have to work in the shop. We all know how busy you are. Just keep us in your heart. We're just a small - family household. There's no need for these formalities. It's just a waste of money."
Ye Pa got anxious and quickly said, "I truly respect and love you, aunt, and I truly like cousin Huier. Aunt, my love for Huier is as clear as day and night. I like her."
In a moment of desperation, Ye Pa directly lifted his robe and knelt down in front of Aunt Zheng.
His words were sincere, and he didn't even catch his breath as he said, "Aunt, I fell in love with her when you and Huier first moved to Baiyun Village. I'm not afraid of you laughing at me. I know my own worth. I haven't even reached adulthood yet, and I have no fame or property. All I have is a burning heart. If you agree to let me interact with Huier, I'll consider myself extremely lucky, as if a green mist were rising from my ancestral grave. I'll definitely do my best to make a good life for her and you. If you don't agree, just think of me as coming here with A Xia for a visit today."
"I've never told anyone else about these feelings. For Huier's reputation, please don't tell others. A Xia also knows how to handle things properly."
Ye Pa's rapid confession shocked everyone present.
Aunt Zheng was completely stunned, and Pei Xia didn't expect Ye Pa to act so unexpectedly. He held the tea in his hand for a long time and forgot to drink it.
Zheng Huier had been feeling depressed because of Ye Pa's interrupted confession that day.
Although Ye Pa had been trying hard to show his feelings for her later, and they had already understood each other secretly.
But nothing could compare to the shock of Ye Pa directly saying in front of her mother that he liked her.
Great joy hit Zheng Huier's heart again and again.
She knew that Ye Pa wasn't just good at sweet - talking. When he was serious and did things for her, he was more attractive to her than any other majestic man in the world.
Over the years, whether it was raining, snowing, windy, or sunny, the only people who would stay around her, asking about her well - being patiently, were her mother and Ye Sanlang.
Amidst her excitement, Zheng Huier had the same worry as Ye Pa that day.
She was afraid that her mother wouldn't like it...
Zheng Huier glared at Ye Pa with red eyes and ran out.
After Ye Pa finished speaking, he realized his hands were shaking.
Seeing Huier's resentful look, Ye Pa wanted to cry.
Huier really didn't like him.
Aunt Zheng had lived for several decades more than Ye Pa. Her sharp eyes could of course tell whether Ye Pa was sincere to Huier.
Moreover, they were now a mother - daughter pair without any support.
Fortunately, her elder sister Tang Guiniang provided them with a place to stay. A Xia and Jiao Niang were kind - hearted and had been so good to her and her daughter.
Jiao Niang was now a daughter of the Ye family, and the Ye family was a well - known family.
Ye Pa wasn't the eldest son either.
As the saying goes, an emperor favors his eldest son, while commoners dote on their youngest son.
Ye Pa didn't have as heavy a burden as his elder brother.
In a moment, Aunt Zheng had thought through a thousand things in her mind.
Ye Pa wanted to go out and chase Zheng Huier, but seeing Aunt Zheng sizing him up so coldly.
He didn't know whether to stand up or say something.
It was Pei Xia who laughed heartily and said, "Aunt, Sanlang has said what's really on his mind. Whether his wish can come true or not depends on your decision. Of course, just a few words don't mean much. You can just watch his future performance. If he meets your and Huier's expectations, keep him; if not, just act as if there's no such person."
What did he mean by "act as if there's no such person"!
Ye Pa muttered in his heart. How could he talk like that! Pei Xia was really sly.
But his words were like a timely rain.
Whether Aunt Zheng agreed or not, he had already achieved his goal of confessing his feelings.
Thinking of this, Ye Pa suddenly felt no regrets. He gave Pei Xia a look that said "you're smart".
Aunt Zheng saw all of Ye Pa's expressions clearly and began to ponder.
To be honest, Ye Pa had a personality that was very likable to elders. Coupled with his good looks, his peach - blossom eyes were clean and bright, his skin was fair, and he was a pleasant and considerate person.
Aunt Zheng was already seven - tenths willing in her heart.
However, it takes time to evaluate a prospective son - in - law.
She couldn't agree to Ye Pa right away. Otherwise, wouldn't it seem like they were too eager?
Her Huier was smart and charming. She was even worthy of being the wife of an official!
Aunt Zheng picked up Pei Xia's words and helped Ye Pa up with her own hands. There was a faint smile on her face. "You child. I know you're a smart one. But there's one thing. Huier's father passed away early. I don't expect her to marry a husband who can give her a life of luxury. I only hope that there's someone who can understand and love her, and support her through life."
Ye Pa looked tense and expectant on his face.
Aunt Zheng suddenly lost the mood to lecture. She paused for a moment and instructed, "In the future, after you get off work, send Huier back earlier."
Don't think she didn't know just because she wasn't here. There were also Ye Yun and Ge Fan in the shop. They were all single men without families. Sometimes Huier would come back with Shuangshuang and the others.
But most of the time, it was Ye Pa who sent her back.
Ye Pa was first confused, but quickly understood. A big smile spread across his face.
He tried hard to contain his excitement and said, beaming with joy, "I'll follow your order, aunt. In the future, I'll definitely send Huier back early!"
At the end, he added, "I guarantee to send her back safely."
Seeing his silly - happy look, Pei Xia couldn't help laughing out loud.
Aunt Zheng also laughed. She waved her hand impatiently. "All right, all right. I'm going to take a noon break. You can go out."
A mother and daughter are connected. Huier must be waiting for Ye Pa in the yard.
Amidst his extreme joy, Ye Pa still remembered his manners. He bid a proper farewell to Aunt Zheng before leaving.
After Ye Pa left, Aunt Zheng opened the wooden boxes.
She first opened the box with the gorgeous artificial flowers.
Aunt Zheng stared at them intently and then reached out to touch them. Sure enough, they were the silk and velvet flowers that the ladies from wealthy families liked to wear. They were lifelike, beautiful, and eye - catching.
There was also a pair of silver bracelets in the box with the artificial flowers, placed on a silk handkerchief. The style was very suitable for a young girl in her teens.
These must be for Huier.
She opened the other box and saw a pair of golden gourd earrings on top and a glittering and elegant silver hairpin with kingfisher feathers inlay below.
Aunt Zheng was a woman. Even though she was getting old, her love for beautiful jewelry remained undiminished.
These two items should be for her.
Besides the jewelry, Ye Pa also brought the sweet - filled cakes from the time - honored shop in the south of the city. They were soft, sticky, and sweet, which she and Huier both liked.
Hearing the soft laughter coming from the yard, Aunt Zheng smiled and sighed. She suddenly thought of her deceased husband.
This Ye Pa child was really considerate.