Until everyone was full, they began to chatter about their experiences along the way.
Inside the private room, it was lively, with Liu Qingxi surrounded by women, creating quite a scene.
Song held her hand and said, "Finally getting married! You have no idea how much we’ve been looking forward to you two tying the knot so we can rest easy."
Liu chimed in, "That's right, we’ve all worried about you." Lowering her voice intentionally, she glanced at Yang Yichen's direction and whispered in Liu Qingxi's ear, "After all, Lord Yang is now an important official. What if..."
It wasn’t just alarmist talk; there were plenty of examples of successful individuals abandoning their wives for someone who could further their careers. Moreover, Liu Qingxi and Yang Yichen were only engaged.
Liu Qingxi smiled but said nothing. Song and Liu meant well; regardless of whether they were right or wrong, even if she believed in Yang Yichen, she wouldn’t argue at this moment.
However, the topic quickly shifted as the women shared their observations from the journey. They discussed how different the people and eating habits were compared to Ten Li Pu, how their farming methods differed, and more.
"In short, this has been quite an eye-opener. I never imagined I would come to the capital in my lifetime and eat a meal in such a grand restaurant," one of them remarked.
Indeed, the delicious and visually appealing dishes were a first for her.
"Aunt, if you're not in a hurry to go back, we could stroll around Azure Dragon Street; there are plenty of things to eat and do here," Liu Qingxi suggested, playing tour guide like Zhou had done when she first visited the capital.
"Don't mention it! The food sold here is far more varied than what we have back home; there's quite a difference," the women commented as they browsed.
The group consisted of seven or eight women, all with strong accents that made it clear they were from out of town.
"Where are you from, big sister? You don’t sound local," casually asked a vendor selling bracelets.
"We are from Lingjiang Province; it's not easy to come here, so we just want to take a look around."
"Feel free to browse, miss. Everything here is worth more than the price; all of it is exquisite. If you find something you like, I can give you a discount." The shopkeeper, despite his ordinary clothing and strong local accent, did not look down on them.
On the contrary, Liu Qingxi, who came with them, wore seemingly ordinary clothes and jewelry, but upon closer inspection, one would find that everything was priceless.
Even her clothes were made of pure silk, not to mention the jade hairpin on her head that was crystal clear and without any impurities.
Someone like her shopping with a group of Villager Women indicated that they certainly weren't poor enough to be unable to pay.
At any time, one should never underestimate women's purchasing power. In just one hour, they had thoroughly explored Azure Dragon Street inside and out, with Liu Qingxi accompanying them the entire time, nearly exhausting herself.
Despite this, Song's Liu and the others were still in high spirits. If it weren't for the shopkeepers closing up to go home and rest, they wouldn't have left reluctantly, turning back every few steps.
Liu Qingxi found it amusing as she watched everyone carry their spoils; they were all returning fully loaded.
It seemed that even the kids had money in their hands; otherwise, such extravagant behavior wouldn't be possible. This indicated that the living standards of the people in Ten Li Pu were gradually improving.
The next day, Liu Qingxi instructed the maids at home to stop their work. Each maid was to take two women and lead them around the capital while entertaining the children.
Last night was merely an appetizer for the women; it wasn't enough to satisfy them.
In these few days before Liu Qingxi married Yang Yichen, she intended to shop to her heart's content.
At this moment, the Liu Family consisted of Liu Qingxi and her siblings, Liu Laosi and his family of four, and Liu Qinglian.
"Fourth Uncle, there were too many people yesterday, and I didn't get a chance to talk to you. How has everything been at home during this time?"
Liu Laosi sat upright in his chair and slowly replied, "Everything at home is fine. It's just that so many people left all at once, especially the technical backbone for building the Midnight house. I wonder if things will get chaotic."
"Fourth Uncle, since you're here, relax and don't think about those unhappy matters."
"That's true." However, Liu Laosi wouldn't indulge in shopping like women do; a trip to the capital should be worthwhile.
From their conversation, Liu Qingxi learned that the First Branch and Second House of the Liu Family had become more subdued. Even the parasites that relied on them were different now; unlike when the Fourth House and Fifth Branch worked hard while the First Branch and Second House enjoyed the benefits without contributing.
Now, Liu Laosi and Liu Laowu would not listen to any pleas from the Qin Family.
Since the Jiang Clan was lazy and since Wang's family and Liu Eldest had not changed their ways after returning home following the decline in Village's popularity over the past two years, they would have to bear the consequences.
Initially, Liu Qingxi and Liu Qingyan were driven out by Wang's family. Later, they established their own household independently, severing ties with the Liu Family.
However, Liu Laosi and Liu Laowu were different; they had only split off.
Thus, they naturally had to bear the costs of supporting the Qin Family and Yan, as well as providing for their ungrateful elder brothers to ensure they didn't starve. They had already shown great kindness.
As for anything else, they shouldn't even think about it.
To support the two brothers of the Liu Family, they are truly unwilling, but what can be done? Living in such an environment, if they really turn a blind eye to their plight, it will surely lead to cold hearts in the future.
After all, they are brothers by blood; it's not that easy to sever ties.
"There's nothing we can do," Zhang said with a helpless smile.
Fortunately, both families have the bakery in town and two men working with the Construction Team, so providing Liu Eldest and Liu Er with some food is completely manageable.
"Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, your thinking is wrong. For the sake of Grandpa and Grandma, we can support them, but we can't let them take advantage of us."
Zhao immediately showed a smug smile. "You're right. At first, Wang and the Jiang Clan tried all sorts of tricks. Guess what we did?" He said mysteriously, even winking.
Liu Qingxi looked puzzled.
"You don't know? Whenever they caused a fuss, we simply didn't give them any food. A couple of times without rations made them hungry, and sure enough, they became obedient."
"Haha." Liu Qingxi could easily imagine the two families lying in bed starving.
"It's just a pity for Qingzhi that girl. Fortunately, she has become more diligent; she can take care of herself now. We occasionally help her out. Who would have thought that this girl, who used to be so arrogant and domineering, is now so docile?"
After discussing this, Liu Laowu and Zhao's couple joined in.
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