Impressive

The White family's mansion was quickly completed. On the day of its completion, instead of having lunch at school, Manbao and the others eagerly followed Baishanbao into the new mansion to eat.

Madam Bai, Liu, was very generous. She hired a chef from the county and also enlisted the help of many villagers to organize a day-long feast.

All the guests who came were welcomed to join the feast without bringing any gifts.

As the prominent figure in Qili Village, Mr. Zhu was naturally included on the guest list. Manbao and the others were, of course, also invited.

Everyone in the village, from the able-bodied sixty-year-old women to the eight- or nine-month-old babies, attended.

Of course, the villagers were too embarrassed to come empty-handed. They brought various items, and those who came to help, such as Xiao Qian, politely declined the money offered by the White family. The village head's wife, speaking on behalf of everyone, addressed the servants who had arrived to distribute the money, saying, "In our village, we all contribute towards joyous occasions, and we have never witnessed anyone simply giving money away." "Since your Madam has settled in the village, she is now one of us, and it's only right for us to help each other."

Everyone quickly agreed, and Xiao Qian added, "It's just that the house your Madam built is extraordinary." It took several days to build, and we feel embarrassed to accept payment. My sister-in-law even wanted to help build your house when she came back home, thinking it would be finished in a few days.

"Yes, in our village, everyone pitches in to build houses." As long as there's food, that's all we need. It was already embarrassing for the men to ask for money before. We'll help with cooking and cleaning, and we don't need any payment. Please take it back quickly.

The servants clearly did not anticipate this and were beyond their knowledge. They could only retrieve the money and locate Madam Liu and Madam Bai.

Zheng also did not expect this and asked, "Are the villagers of Qili Village really that simple?" "Madam, should we still give them the money?"

Madam Liu thought for a moment and said, "Since it's their village custom, we won't give in." Forcing it would not only be inappropriate but also create a rift.

Zheng exclaimed, "I can't believe there are people who work without pay." Should we still give them the money?

"Different places have different customs." We should follow the local customs. Instruct the kitchen staff to sort and save the leftover food that still looks presentable, and then give it to the women who assisted.

The servants agreed.

Meanwhile, Manbao was sitting on a high chair next to Baishanbao, curiously looking around. She saw many familiar faces but didn't see her fifth and sixth brothers. She sighed like a miniature adult.

The food had not arrived yet, so everyone could only drink the water in their cups. Baishanbao initiated a conversation with her, asking, "Why are you sighing?" Is it because Master mentioned that we still can't write articles?

"No."

"Then why?"

Manbao sighed and said, "My fifth and sixth brothers didn't come." They must be out doing business. It looks like they won't have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food today. I heard from my sister-in-law that your family even prepared goose meat, and the goose was so big.

Manbao gestured in a large circle, and Baishanbao exclaimed, "It's impossible." "I've never seen a goose in our house."

"It can't be wrong," my sister-in-law never lies. You'll see when the food arrives. The goose will be that big.

Baierlang heard them talking and couldn't help but correct them, "Aren't we talking about your fifth and sixth brothers doing business? "We've been in school for several days, and they're still out?"

"What does that have to do with us going to school?" My third brother is serving there, so he must go. Otherwise, he'll have to eat cold buns and drink cold water. "How pitiful."

Drinking cold water in the middle of winter was something Baierlang had experienced and shivered at the thought. "It's better to pay for the service than to suffer like that."

Before, Baierlang wouldn't have understood this, but after following Manbao and the others, he was worried that he would have to do manual labor in the future. Although it was fun there, he didn't want to spend the whole day digging. Upon his return, he inquired with his father and discovered that they could afford the service. Otherwise, it would be his father serving now, and when his older brother came of age, it would probably be his turn.

Baierlang felt proud knowing that they could afford to pay instead. Although he was young and didn't know much, he was aware that his family was the wealthiest in the village, and even in the surrounding villages!

Manbao had mentioned this to her family, so she knew the reason. She shook her head decisively and said, "Our family doesn't have enough money." "With five taels of silver, my fifth brother could marry a wife."

Baierlang widened his eyes, "Five taels can marry a wife?"

"Yes, your father used the money intended for your older brother's marriage to pay for the service." Next year, it will be your turn. "What will you do if you can't find a wife in the future?"

Baishanbao chuckled.

Baierlang was shocked and scared. Although he was young, he knew that having a wife was a good thing.

He got up from his chair and ran to his father. Coincidentally, the kitchen started serving the food, and a group of children immediately picked up their chopsticks and waited eagerly.

After the labor service investigation, Baishanbao became less selective about food. He wanted to eat everything he saw.

The person serving the food was his second sister-in-law, Feng. She saw her younger sister-in-law and smiled at her, placing the meat she was holding near Manbao.

The children all looked at the meat in the bowl, salivating, but since the dishes weren't all served, no one touched it.

Before arriving, Mr. Zhu had provided everyone with a lesson in etiquette, ensuring they were familiar with the proper rules for dining as guests.

Mr. Zhu sat at the head table in the main hall and glanced outside. Upon observing that all the students were well-behaved, he nodded in satisfaction.

Just as he was pleased, Baierlang ran up to his father and angrily asked, "Father, did you use the money for my marriage to pay for the service?"

Baierlang's father: "..."

Manbao stared at the meat, trying to divert attention. She whispered to Baishanbao, "My fifth and sixth brothers are amazing." They earned a lot of money the day before yesterday and yesterday.

Baishanbao, who had more than enough food, remained reserved. However, seeing Manbao in this state made him feel hungry. He reluctantly looked away and asked, "How much did they earn?"

"My fifth and sixth brothers earned three hundred and sixty-eight wen, and my second brother almost earned two hundred and eighty-nine wen." They also acquired a large amount of wheat and rice. Do you think they're amazing? "When we get our share, I want to buy a goose to eat."