Chapter 566: Chapter 566: The Song Family Arrives

Unfortunately, by the time Liu Ji arrived, Zhen Yubai had already left.

He had just come to ask the scholars to write an inspiring poem for the schoolchildren and left as soon as he got it.

Liu Ji, who never wasted time, spent an entire day consumed by his own thoughts, suspicious and lethargic.

In the evening, the children returned from the county with news that the Song Family would visit Liu Family Village for a few days.

Last time Song Zhang said he’d come was before Mid-Autumn Festival, but he didn’t make it.

Unexpectedly, now that the weather has cooled down, he has time to visit.

Qin Yao asked Ah Wang, "Did they say how long they’re staying?"

Ah Wang replied, "They didn’t specify, but it should be three to five days. I noticed the Song Family servants bought a lot of things in town today, so they might be staying a while." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Liu Ji was excited, eagerly discussing with Qin Yao, "Should we prepare anything? How about I go and tidy up the Song Family’s courtyard?"

The new courtyard, unused, must be littered with fallen leaves.

Opportunities to make an appearance in front of Song Zhang were rare before, and he barely took a proper look at him. Now that Song Zhang was coming, Liu Ji decided to make a good impression.

After all, in the whole of Kaiyang County, the only person he, Liu Junren, took the initiative to befriend was County Magistrate Song.

Those others, none caught Liu Junren’s eye.

Seeing his eagerness, Qin Yao simply said, "Suit yourself."

Unexpectedly, Liu Ji took it seriously. He skipped dinner, grabbed a cloth and broom, and eagerly headed to the village.

Ah Wang couldn’t help but loudly remind him, "Sir, you didn’t take the key."

And there wasn’t a key to take.

Liu Ji, already at the riverside, skidded to a stop, turning back in annoyance, "Why didn’t you say so earlier!"

Ah Wang thought to himself, you didn’t ask. Unbothered by the angry Liu Ji, he led the horse to the livestock shed, fed Old Huang until he was full, and then went inside to eat.

At the dining table, Liu Ji shot angry glances like daggers, but Ah Wang remained unfazed, grabbing a large bowl, filling it with food, and squatting by the door to eat heartily, pretending not to see.

Liu Ji was exasperated, but unable to act out, turned his frustration into appetite, eating two more bowls than usual.

"Delicious!" he said contentedly, wiping his mouth, as if the earlier awkwardness hadn’t occurred.

The four Da Lang siblings focused on their food, not daring to look up, fearing their father would see their grinning faces.

Unfortunately, Yin Le, returning from jogging, immediately noticed the four kids stifling laughter upon entering, unaware of what occurred, he strode into the main room asking loudly:

"Da Lang, what are you all laughing about? Did something nice happen?"

Seeing their father’s attention about to turn, Da Lang quickly thought on his feet and replied smiling, "Yes, Uncle Song is coming to stay in the village with his family tomorrow."

"Last time at dinner, Uncle Song mentioned his son excels at archery. We could head to the mountains for a match."

This was true, so Liu Ji didn’t suspect anything amiss, and instead eagerly agreed:

"That sounds great, when the Song Young Master arrives, Da Lang and Second Lang, look after him well."

"Darling, maybe we should give the kids a few days off. It’s cold, their little faces are bright red, I’m worried," Liu Ji said with concern.

Second Lang firmly refused, "Not me, I’ve already taken a day off. I need to return to school tomorrow, or I’ll fall behind."

But Qin Yao thought that since it was the Song Family’s first visit, they should be well received, at least on the first day.

"Then let’s take tomorrow off too, head back the day after," Qin Yao concluded, looking at the four siblings, "Agreed?"

The Dragon and Phoenix Twins nodded enthusiastically.

Da Lang felt his parents were overindulging them, yet he couldn’t resist the temptation of skipping school, so he reluctantly agreed.

Second Lang sighed, grudgingly saying, "Alright then."

So, after breakfast the next day, Qin Yao calculated the Song Family’s arrival time. Seeing the hour approach, the couple took their children to the village entrance to welcome Song Zhang’s family.

The weather was nice today; the long-absent sun peeked out, bringing warmth.

All six stood with hands tucked in sleeves, lined up in a sunny spot, gazing towards the village entrance.

Finally, Qin Yao heard the sound of rolling wheels, and under the family’s eager gazes, a group appeared at the entrance.

Song Zhang rode at the front on a tall horse with two guards, the two sons rode ponies in the middle under their servants’ protection, and at the back was a carriage carrying Mrs. Song and Miss Song.

Behind the carriage, on an open ox cart, sat servants and a black goat.

Yes, Song Zhang not only brought his entire family but also graciously brought a black goat for Qin Yao’s family.

The two families greeted each other at the entrance. The children also exchanged pleasantries, and noticing Third Brother and Fourth Sister eyeing the black goat, Qin Yao hesitantly suggested:

"Sir, Madam, why don’t we have a barbecue today?"

The Song couple exchanged glances, asking in unison, "Barbecue?"

Liu Ji and the children looked over, equally puzzled about what a barbecue was.

Qin Yao didn’t expect everyone to be unaware of something so fun as a barbecue but realized it’s been a while since she had one, momentarily unsure how to explain.

So she waved them over with a mysterious smile, "Follow me and you’ll see!"

"Da Lang, remember to bring the goat!" Qin Yao reminded.

Da Lang agreed enthusiastically, exchanging a glance with Song Zhang’s second son, the two similarly aged boys together ran to lead the black goat.

Curious, the group followed Qin Yao home, where she asked with a smile, "Is it okay if I take charge here?"

Mrs. Song, filled with curiosity, naturally agreed, generously pledging cooperation.

Song Zhang, seeing his family’s interest, joked, "If something’s not done well, the village leader shouldn’t get upset."

Her temper was unpredictable, to be honest, he was somewhat wary of her.

Qin Yao smiled helplessly, "Don’t worry, I’m not petty."

"Since everyone’s okay with this, shall we start?"

Everyone nodded, ready to follow orders.

Qin Yao swiftly began assigning tasks, pointing to Liu Ji, "You and Ah Wang slaughter the goat, cut the best parts into small pieces to marinate, the rest have Mrs. Li stew."

Liu Ji wanted to converse more with Mr. Song, but he didn’t have a chance to refuse, being led away by Ah Wang to prepare the goat.

Qin Yao, satisfied, turned to Da Lang and Si Niang:

"Go to the Lotus Courtyard and ask the teacher and Mr. Qi if we can use their viewing platform, the spot is perfect, with sunshine and a great view. Also, invite them to join our barbecue party."

"I’m sure they won’t refuse."

The siblings, excited, ran towards the Lotus Courtyard eagerly.