Little Lai Fu ran into the stationery factory cafeteria to notify Yin Le, as the Mo Family’s ox cart entered Liu Family Village.

The villagers were either busy in the factory or handling farm work in the fields, and with the outsiders coming continuously this year, few noticed the arrival of the Mo Family.

The ox cart passed by the Liu Family’s old house, and Old Master Mo thought there was no need to go in, as they had already divided the family estates; they would head directly to Liu Ji’s family.

Recalling the last visit to Liu Family Village, where they met Qin Yao briefly, Old Mrs. Mo and Eldest Sister-in-law Mo exchanged glances, both reading a sense of unease in each other’s eyes.

Old Master Mo hadn’t come last time due to ill health, only to hear from a few people afterward that Liu Ji was berated as an ungrateful scoundrel who had long forgotten his deceased wife, entertaining new affections.

He hadn’t even seen Qin Yao yet, but had already labeled her mentally as a seductive woman.

Seeing his son pause at the bridge, face darkening with an air of authority, he shook his head, "Let’s go!"

With his father’s backing, Eldest Brother Mo felt more confident, snapped the whip, urging the borrowed ox cart over the bridge, arriving at the small courtyard with blue tiles and white walls on the river’s other side.

Houses in their village were either made of soil or mud, and there wasn’t a single courtyard with blue tiles and white walls.

At first sight of such an imposing courtyard, the Mo Family members felt both envy and jealousy.

Looking down at their coarse linen clothes, worn straw shoes, and rough dark hands, they also felt a bit resentful.

The Mo Family girl had given her life for this family, yet the son-in-law was living well without a thought for his in-laws and brother-in-law at all, which is truly hateful!

Eldest Sister-in-law Mo first set the child down, then jumped off the ox cart to support the elderly couple down.

Eldest Brother Mo parked the ox cart haphazardly at the main entrance, received a nod from his parents, strode forward, preparing to knock on the hefty wooden door.

Just earlier, he was anxious, but upon seeing this affluent courtyard, only anger remained.

Eldest Brother Mo raised his fist, about to hit the door.

Unexpectedly, the door opened first.

Mrs. Li stood with a smile at the door and asked, "Are you the son-in-law’s family? The madam has already been informed earlier and specifically instructed me to prepare hot tea at home for the Old Master and Old Madame."

It is said, "You don’t fight a smiling person," so Eldest Brother Mo awkwardly lowered his raised fist, nodded and replied, "Yes, I am his uncle, and this is his aunt and cousin Bao’er, along with grandfather and grandmother."

"Who are you?" Eldest Brother Mo asked Mrs. Li.

Mrs. Li first bowed to the elders and then said, "I am the cook at the house."

Turning sideways, she invited them in, adding, "It must have been tiring for the Old Master and Old Madame on the journey, I’ve prepared meals as per madam’s instructions, uncle and everyone should start dining first."

The Mo Family members looked at each other, thinking this experience was unlike anything they imagined.

Being treated with such hospitality, even Old Master Mo’s stern expression softened a bit, quickly asking where Qin Yao was.

Mrs. Li led the group towards the back courtyard, having already opened Mr. Scholar’s study as per the madam’s instructions, setting hot tea and snacks inside.

"The madam was surprised too much these two days, caught a cold due to last night’s rain, and to avoid passing it to the Old Master and Old Madame, she won’t be seeing guests."

Noticing the Mo Family was exhausted, Mrs. Li suggested resting in the study and excused herself to bring the prepared food.

As soon as Mrs. Li left, the Mo Family couldn’t help but roam around the room, touching here and there.

Liu Ji adored his study very much; all the furnishings were chosen personally by him from the county and, although not very expensive, were unique.

The Mo Family had never seen such pens, ink, paper, ink slabs, precious vases, stone carvings, bonsai stands, thinking that even the wealthiest homes probably couldn’t compare.

The adults were exploring everywhere, leaving only Bao’er to sit alone at Liu Ji’s beloved peony table, nibbling on fragrant pastries, crumbs covering the tablecloth.

After finishing the snacks, his mouth felt dry, so Bao’er, wearing shoes, stood on the stool, reaching for the teapot and teacups at the table’s center.

The teacups were small, painted with an orchid, part of a plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum set, curated for a long time by Liu Ji in secret using private funds.

Normally placed in the room, only used for serving tea to his mentor and young disciples.

If Da Lang Brothers and Sisters approached, he would be very protective of them.

At this moment, the orchid cup was held by Bao’er, preparing to pour tea for himself.

Unexpectedly, the teapot was a bit heavy; he couldn’t control the strength, spilling tea everywhere and scaring the child, who fell off the stool along with the teacup and teapot.

"Mom!"

Bao’er’s startled cry, along with the sound of breaking porcelain, reached the Mo Family members’ ears.

Still fondling the soft fabric from Liu Ji’s room, Eldest Sister-in-law Mo was jolted awake, rushed out from the inner room.

Seeing her son fell on the floor, the teapot shattered and tea spilled everywhere, her breath hitched, yelling as she urgently picked up her youngest son, checking cautiously but angrily:

"What happened here! How did you fall?!"

Scolded by his mother, Bao’er, already frightened, started wailing loudly.

The older folks arrived, pulling Eldest Sister-in-law Mo away, holding Bao’er affectionately, listened to his explanation about falling from the tea, and pretended-stomping on the broken porcelain pieces, "Made my Bao’er fall, stomp you to bits!"

Bao’er gradually stopped crying, released the orchid cup from his hand, "Grandma, I’m thirsty."

Old Mrs. Mo disdainfully accepted the petite teacup, shouted outside the door, "Someone, bring another pot of tea!"

Before the words settled, Mrs. Li already appeared nearby.

She had hurried over after hearing noises from the backyard, relieved upon seeing Old Mrs. Mo holding the orchid cup.

If it broke, the Old Master would tear his in-laws to pieces when he returned.

Fearing any further accidents, Mrs. Li cautioned: "The items here are all specially sourced by the master, most treasured. If damaged, he may get angry upon return... I’m sure the Old Master is aware of the master’s temper, best not touch his things."

Before Old Master Mo could take offense and explode, Mrs. Li immediately brought a new tea set, apologizing for not preparing earlier, putting the Mo Family in an awkward spot to say anything further.

Eldest Sister-in-law Mo calmed slightly, hurriedly agreeing.

After Mrs. Li cleaned the floor and left, Eldest Sister-in-law Mo endured the elderly couple’s angry glares and explained:

"The brother-in-law is no longer a loafer; he is now Mr. Scholar. If we break his things, and he gets angry at us, it wouldn’t be good."

The old couple suddenly understood, agreed it made sense, and quickly placed the precious tea set high up on a shelf, sternly warning Bao’er not to mess with it, or the brother-in-law would not give him good things later.

Innocently Bao’er blinked, pointing excitedly at Mrs. Li who brought the dishes, shouted, "Meat!"