Goldfield
Chapter 101: The Zhou Family

Yu Hai and Madam Liu looked at each other, and both of them could see helplessness in each other's eyes. The two of them were the younger generation, so there was little they could do to fight the arrogant and shameless Madam Zhang. If they were too firm and clung to their weapons, the two women in front of them would slander them in the village for being unfilial. On the other hand, if they gave up too much, this pair of locusts would devour them and devour everything they could get.

“Mistress Li, why are you here again making trouble?” As the married couple tried to find a solution, Old Yu's voice echoed and gave them a glimpse of hope.

Madam Li was still a little timid in front of her in-laws, so she said weakly, “Dad, I accompanied Mother.”.

Madam Zhang suddenly cut her off and put a smile on her face as she spoke to Old Yu, “Old Sister, Second Son still has a devoted heart. Their families have found a new method to make money, so they will help us too! ”

When Old Yu heard what he said, he looked towards Yu Hai with an expression of regret and a hint of gratitude. His son has been filial since childhood. Even if he had caught a small chest, he would always take it home to let everyone eat it. In fact, after he settled down and married, he still always gave the money he made to the public wallet and did not keep a private wallet.

Ah, she's not worthy of her son. He even pushed his son out of the family during his most difficult time. Fortunately, his son was able to hold on and even his legs were still awake…

Old Yu turned his gaze to Madam Zhang and glared at her, “I already know about the methods to make money! Aren't they just selling a few appetizers to make a little money every day? Stop trying to covet, the Second Son family relied on this little bit of money to survive! ”

“What do you mean? This is not a little money, they make about twenty to thirty copper coins a day, ah! That is more than what you and the Eldest Son bring home every day! This was the Second Son's goodwill, so he had to spread his treasure to the entire family. Husband, Third Son will be able to participate in the entrance examination of Rongxuan Academy soon. If he passed and then became a scholar who passed the district level examination, he could benefit a lot ...His entire family now lives in the city and doesn't he need money for living expenses? ” Madam Zhang, once again, brought the topic of conversation back to her younger son in an attempt to voice her grievances.

As Madam Zhang raved continuously, Xiaocao and his family remained silent. It was obvious that he was forcing them to teach him how to make boiled food. How could he turn it around so that they were the ones volunteering for this?

Although Xiaocao did not hesitate, his father was a different story. He was always filial and gentle. In front of his father, Yu Hai could not refuse any request. In the end, Xiaocao was forced to share some of the spices he used yesterday and give instructions on how to use them to Madam Zhang. Angrily, he pretended to forget to give the woman's partner complete details on how to properly prepare and clean the pig's head and intestines.

He had ordered the pig's head and innards in advance from Wang's Butcher stall at the dock market. Besides, the butcher was a good and honest man. To him, it didn't matter from whom he made money, but more important was to keep his relationship with and not have a reputation of breaking his promise. Thus, their material supplies would not be threatened in the future. He plans to do business as usual. As for who could make more money.it would depend on their own abilities!

Meanwhile, Third Young Master Zhou Zixu went straight home after buying pickled vegetables from the market and could be at the table in time for a meal.

The three branches of the Zhou Family had yet to separate, so they were all present in the living room to eat. In the main hall, the ground was lined with glazed marble tiles that had been polished as bright as a mirror. The roof beams are painted in bright colors, and beautiful glass lanterns dangle from the ceiling.

On the right side of the living room there is a display case made of red mahogany wood. On top of the chest was a bunch of priceless things carefully laid out: blue and white porcelain vases made during the previous dynasty were decorated with images depicting ‘Gui Guzi going down the mountain', a plum flower vase of cloisonne enamel , the long-necked vase is made entirely of white jade with two round handles, and a wide variety of other delicate and well-preserved antiques.

A decorative screen made of red sandalwood is on the left side. The screen was encrusted with white jade carved into an image depicting the Five Hundred Luohan [2]. It was bright and beautiful and so luxurious that it was difficult for one to take their eyes off of it.

The patriarch and the mother of the Zhou Family were sitting in the middle and sitting to their right was the eldest son of the Zhou Family. The head of the Zhou Family had three sons and two daughters. The eldest son and second son were born to his wife. The eldest son was very conservative in his business dealings and was only able to maintain their current family fortune. He was in charge of a portion of the family business and although he did not make any major contributions, he also did not make any major mistakes.

The eldest son of the Zhou Family had two sons and a daughter. His eldest son was born to a concubine. Although his youngest son was born to his wife, he has little interest in doing business and has set his heart on his studies. He really is a bookworm and a braggart. Instead, his eldest son had ambitions and took advantage of every opportunity that came to show his ability in front of the head of the family. Before becoming an adult, she had helped her father supervise their store and make sure everything was clear and orderly. He had carefully managed two stores, and their income had increased by a third.

Furthermore, he completed some of the tasks that the family head had given him perfectly, so the old man was quite happy with his grandson.

The second son of the head of the family had died at a young age, so the patriarch had his oldest married son take a young girl from a declining family as a second wife to keep his second son's bloodline alive. Thus, Third Young Master Zhou was considered part of the second branch family. Third Young Master Zhou's mother had a strong personality, so after she gave birth to him, she established herself as the widow of the second branch and cut off all her relationships with the eldest son. From then on, she lived alone in a small courtyard on the west side of the residence. Besides going out on the first and fifteenth day of each month to burn incense for the second son of the Zhou Family, he spent the rest of his time in his residence.

The third son of the Zhou Family was a person who only knew how to enjoy life but could not bear any hardships. The eldest son was always afraid to take the slightest risk and did not dare. Thus, Patriarch Zhou had to take control back into his hands in his old age and become the main driver of the Zhou Family again. He had no hope left for his son, so he secretly observed his grandson out of hope that he could choose a successor from them who would bring more glory and honor to the Zhou Family.

As for Zhou Zixu from the second branch, he had displayed incredible talent ever since he was a child. However, despite his recent splendid business victory, the boy was still too young. This actually caused the patriarch to constantly worry, causing his hair to whiten faster…

“Ha ha! I was really lucky in terms of food. Just got home in time to prepare a meal! ” Third Young Master Zhou, Zhou Zixu, held two jars of salted vegetables as he entered. When she saw everyone's attention to her, she smiled self-deprecatingly as she paid tribute to her grandparents.

Family Head Zhou coldly snorted and said, “It looks like you still know how to go home! Every day you run somewhere. Ah, other than Zhenxiu Restaurant, you haven't even touched any other family business! Oh yeah, you once talked about having a seasoning factory before the end of last year. How's it going so far? At your age, your father was already making waves in the southern provincial market! ”

Because she had an awkward status in the family, Zhou Zixu's grandmother had raised her by his side since childhood to avoid others treating her badly. Therefore, his relationship with his grandparents was always good. This caused the other grandchildren in the family to envy her. In fact, whenever the patriarch seemed displeased, the other grandchildren remained silent out of fear. Even Eldest Young Master Zhou would have to consider his words for a while before he said anything. However, Zhou Zixu smiled as he replied, “Grandfather, aren't we still making you manage the rest of the family business? You are old but strong. Staying at home without doing anything is really boring. Regarding my factory, didn't you previously say that this is for me to practice? I was young, so it was important to do it little by little, especially for business! ”

“Is thirteen still considered young? It's the right age to finish the wedding and get engaged, ah! Second Son's Wife, you need to start considering her marriage prospects now. Once engaged, she is considered an adult and must start doing the right business and stop running around outside, avoiding the house! ” The Patriarch of the Zhou Family was very dissatisfied with him and wished he could press the young man's head to transfer all his knowledge of business matters to him.

Madam Jiang, who was Zhou Zixu's mother, agreed sweetly. Zhou Zixu smiled broadly at his mother and said, “Grandfather, how do you know I don't care about the family business? I am not running around aimlessly. After all, the last time I went to the dock, didn't I find a plate of pickled fish that tasted good enough, huh? ”

If he did not bring up this topic, it would be better for the patriarch of the Zhou Family to frown after hearing this and say, “Did the chef from Zhenxiu Restaurant have found out how to make this pickled fish? She even boasted that she was a famous chef but she was no better than a little girl from the countryside! ”

“Grandfather, please calm down. Not because the chef at Zhenxiu Restaurant improved his own reputation, but in terms of cooking, one wrong move made a huge difference. That pickled fish recipe was probably a secret recipe passed down from its ancestors, so it didn't seem easy to figure it out just like that. ” Oldest grandson, Zhou Zifang, cleverly interrupts and explains.

Zhou Zixu also agreed, “That's right, that's right! Let's wait a little while longer, if he really can't understand it, I'll go to the little girl and buy a recipe from her. ”

The Zhou Family elder loved his grandson very much. He nodded his head in agreement and said, “Xu’er is right! Also, don't talk about business when eating with family. Start eating ah.. ”

Zhou Zixu hurriedly patted the vegetable pickled jug in his hand as if it was a priceless treasure. She approached her grandmother, made eye contact with her, and said, “Grandmother loves grandchildren the most! Your granddaughter loves you too. I know your appetite hasn't been so good lately, so I specifically went to a pickled vegetable store and bought some appetizers in hopes it would add to your appetite. Please try some! I personally carried it all the way home! ”

When Matriarch Zhou saw the smiling face of her grandson, she immediately felt better. As if she was still a child, she gently stroked her head, and said, “Xu’er-I am still very devoted. Qinglian, go to the kitchen and grab some of these pickled vegetables. Let everyone here try it. ”

Zhou Zixu's mother, Lady Jiang, glared at her son lovingly and said, “Be careful about bragging too much in front of grandma. If it doesn't suit his taste, what kind of situation do you think you'll be in? ”

Zhou Zixu sat down beside her mother and pulled her arm like a spoiled child. She pouted and said, “Mother, it doesn't matter if someone else looks at me or not, but you need to help your son. If it's not good, please eat a little more! ”

Her grandmother pointed at her and gently laughed, “You little monkey ... with a devoted heart, I will also give you a face and eat a few more bites ..”

A plate of sweet and crunchy radish and a plate of fragrant and spicy tofu wine came out. They are nicely laid out on a crystal plate with a little sesame oil on top. The tantalizing sweet and sour aroma engulfed everyone, which enhanced all their tastes.

Matriarch Zhou's personal servant, Zitang, presented a piece of radish to his master and placed it into a porridge bowl using ivory chopsticks. The blend of sweet and crunchy radish with a little spicy flavor blends perfectly with the slow-boiled porridge with the best rice money can buy. The old woman's eyes sparkled happily as she enjoyed her meal.

“How is it? Grandma, does it suit your taste? ” Of all grandchildren, only the most intimate Zhou Zixu calls ‘nek’ mother leader. The rest all respectfully call her as ‘nek’.

The Zhou Family mother carefully chewed and tasted the different flavors derived from the porridge and pickled radishes. A little time passed before he finally met his granddaughter's excited eyes and slowly nodded his head, “Not bad, not bad! How could I not believe my grandson's taste? ”