By the time they returned, the sky had grown darker. After sending the Government Official back, the family hurriedly went back to the second courtyard.
Everyone was waiting for news about the land purchase. Hearing that the soil was fertile, they were all very happy.
"Alright, let's eat first! After dinner, the six of you brothers bring your wives to our room to talk,"
Qi Zheng announced, and the family immediately agreed.
Qi Dalang knew that his parents were discussing serious matters with the older generation, so he took charge of cleaning up the dishes and tidying the kitchen with a few of his younger brothers.
In the main room of the back house, Qi Zheng sat on the edge of the kang, puffing on his pipe, while Mrs. Qi leaned against the quilt pile on the kang-side. Unusually, Qi Manman was not by her side.
On the floor and beside the kang were six sons and their wives, either sitting or standing.
Everyone looked at Qi Zheng, waiting for him to speak.
