Transmigrated as the Evil Stepmother, I Bully the Whole Family, Yay!

Chapter 271

Unlike usual, the two families went back to the Nan family for dinner first. They arrived just past noon. Seeing her daughter's family and her grandson, Zhong Yanyan grinned from ear to ear."Quick, come inside, everyone. We've just been waiting for you to come back to eat. Nannan, why didn't Dawa come back? Didn't he get a holiday?"

Zhong Yanyan held her grandson with one hand and her granddaughter with the other, not forgetting to ask about Sizhe.

"He's at the military academy. His holiday schedule isn't fixed."

Nan Jingyu looked much the same as before, but Zhong Yanyan had quite a bit of white hair showing on her head. Nan Sheng felt a pang of heartache seeing this, but there was no way to comfort her; aging and parting were stages of life everyone had to go through.

"Hurry and get on the kang to warm up. I made brown sugar ginger tea. Everyone, drink a bowl to ward off the cold."

Nan Feng took a sip and stuck out his tongue. Qiqi also hated the taste of ginger, but thinking that her grandmother had brewed it, she could only pinch her nose and swallow it down, feeling as if her throat was on fire after finishing it.

Zhong Yanyan knew her daughter's family liked heavily seasoned food, so she placed most of the spicy dishes on their side. Lin Han silently swapped over two non-spicy dishes. Nan Sheng didn't eat too much either, putting down her chopsticks when she was about eighty percent full.

"Why did you eat so little? Are you feeling sick from motion sickness?"

Seeing his daughter leave the table so early, Nan Jingyu thought she was unwell, but Nan Sheng smiled and said she was fine.

"I'm just a bit fussy with my eating right now. I get full after just a few bites. You guys take your time eating; I'll sit to the side and drink some hot water."

Chatting about family matters inevitably brought up Grandpa and Grandma Zhong. Zhong Yanyan said the old couple were overjoyed to hear they were coming back for the New Year, and said they would wait until the day they visited to slaughter the New Year pig.

The Zhong family had only started raising pigs this year; conditions hadn't allowed it before. The piglet they bought at the beginning of the year had grown to two hundred catties after a year of feeding.

"Your uncle said that after the pig is slaughtered, he'll give our family a pig leg to take home for the New Year."

Today was already the twenty-sixth of the month. After discussing it, everyone decided not to delay and just go to Xiaoling Village tomorrow for the pig-slaughtering feast. They would ask someone to pass a message to the Zhong family right away.

After eating, they talked for quite a while longer before Lin Han and the others hurried back to their own home, not daring to delay. Rushing all the way, they only arrived home just before dark. The Lin family had prepared food at noon and reheated it again in the evening.

A few years ago, when Third Brother Lin and his wife went to the family compound, Sun Qian had caused some gossip, and Nan Sheng had even written a letter back specifically to complain. Coincidentally, she had been busy with work since then and hadn't been back to her hometown for the New Year.

This time, the old Lin couple didn't even dare to have that couple come over. Only Eldest Brother Lin and his wife were present. Sizhong's family had all moved to live in the county town.

"Second daughter-in-law, you and Qiqi hurry and get on the kang. Mother made all your family's favorite dishes."

Nan Sheng's stomach couldn't hold much to begin with, and besides, they had eaten lunch late. She only asked for an empty bowl and symbolically picked up a couple of bites of food.

Zhou Wei happily shared the family's situation with Nan Sheng, "Sizhong has become a minor leader at the factory and has brought Yuting and the child over. Xiaocheng has also been promoted to battalion commander and will be able to come home for the New Year on the twenty-ninth!"

"Sister-in-law, you won't have to worry anymore. Both children are promising."

Eldest Brother Lin was also happy, raising his wine glass to toast his younger brother. He looked noticeably more energetic than in previous years; their life was truly looking up.

Lin Han's family of four had also been allocated farmland, which was being farmed by the old couple, Lin Guozheng and his wife. Taking this opportunity, he asked Lin Han and his wife what they thought. They were getting older and couldn't manage farming too much land.

Nan Sheng didn't express an opinion on this matter, letting Lin Han decide for himself. "Let Third Brother Lin farm it. Just give us a little less money each year."

Once they officially settled down in the capital, the land would have to be returned anyway. It wouldn't be farmed for many more years in total.

Eldest Brother Lin and Zhou Wei also had no objections. The living conditions of both their families had improved, so it wouldn't be right to leave only the third brother struggling to make ends meet.

After eating, everyone sat for a while longer before returning to their respective homes. Fan Shuting lay on the kang and let out a long sigh of relief. Although her second daughter-in-law wasn't overly warm toward them, she hadn't pulled a long face either, which was good enough.

Lin Guozheng felt the same way, "When I see Third Brother Lin tomorrow, I'll remind him again to stay out of the second daughter-in-law's sight and tell him to keep his own wife in check!"

After Nan Sheng returned home, her stomach felt a bit uncomfortable. She first walked in circles around the room, and when she got tired, Lin Han rubbed her stomach in circular motions. Watching this, Qiqi felt like a bit of a third wheel.

"How about I go sleep in the west room?"

Nan Sheng made her surrender with a single sentence, "Go ahead if you're not afraid of mice. Just don't come running to the east room in the middle of the night."

This house was barely lived in for a few days all year round, so whether there were mice or not was really hard to say. Qiqi immediately and obediently slipped under the covers; she definitely didn't want to sleep with mice.

Lin Han's large hands were very warm, and massaging her stomach felt very comfortable. He only stopped his movements after Nan Sheng fell asleep.

The next day, after finishing breakfast, Nan Sheng and the others set off for Xiaoling Village. Qiqi clamored to watch the New Year pig being slaughtered. Although they hadn't seen each other for many years, the villagers were still very welcoming to them, even asking if Nan Sheng's current work was going smoothly.

It was quite late when they arrived at Xiaoling Village, and the pig had already been butchered into pieces. Qiqi was very disappointed to miss the slaughtering process, so she squatted next to the stove where the sauerkraut was stewing, sniffing the aroma.

Nowadays, families in the village with good conditions would slaughter a New Year pig and invite acquaintances over for a good meal. The Zhong family also had quite a few guests. Nan Sheng and Lin Han went to sit in Grandma's room, where Zhong Yanyan and Luotong were also staying with the children.

When Grandpa Zhong and Grandma Zhong saw Nan Sheng, they grabbed her hands and wouldn't let go, saying they hadn't seen her in several years. Nan Sheng felt very apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Grandma. I promise to come back every year from now on. I was just too busy before."

Seeing that his granddaughter's appearance hadn't changed at all, Grandpa Zhong knew she was living well. He said to Lin Han,

"This girl Nannan is truly blessed to have married you, not like her grandmother, who lived a hard life with me her whole life."

Grandpa Zhong could say such things, but Lin Han wouldn't dare think that way. With his wife's abilities, supporting a large family wouldn't be a problem at all.

"Grandpa, I'm the one who's blessed to have married such a wonderful wife like Nannan. I'm the fortunate one!"

Grandpa Zhong and Grandma Zhong lacked energy and had to lie down after sitting for just over half an hour. They kept saying they were getting old, which made the listeners' hearts ache.

When it was time to eat, Uncle Zhong set up a table directly in the old house just for their own family members. He entertained the guests in the other courtyard, letting Aunt Zhong and the children stay here to keep them company.

After slaughtering the New Year pig, the most anticipated dish was the pork and sauerkraut stew. The sauerkraut was simmered in the pot for several hours with large marrow bones and pork belly. Before serving, blood sausage was added, making the taste absolutely incredible.

There were plenty of meat dishes on the table. Aunt Zhong was so busy taking care of the younger generation that she hardly ate anything herself. At the dinner table, she announced some good news.

"My eldest son is getting married next February. It's settled with Miss Liu. Everyone must come for the wedding feast when the time comes."

The Zhong family's poor conditions in the past had delayed their children's marriages. Mingli's child was already several years old, yet their eldest son was only just starting to discuss marriage.

Nan Sheng told Aunt Zhong not to rush regarding work. The country's policies were getting better and better. If conditions permitted, it would be best for her younger brothers to study for a good diploma so they could be assigned jobs. If they couldn't pass the exams, it didn't matter; they could start a small business themselves if the opportunity arose.

"We can even do business ourselves?"

Aunt Zhong felt a surge of joy. She had been worrying about her sons' futures as well. She certainly didn't want them to stay at home and farm the land; otherwise, why would she have paid for their education? However, looking at it now, only the youngest one had a chance of getting into college.

"Not right now, but I figure it will be soon. I'll let you know when the time comes."

Uncle and Aunt Zhong had never really thought about getting any benefits from their capable niece before. Seeing their sons grow up and reach the age of marriage and establishing their careers, they were grateful from the bottom of their hearts that their niece was willing to lend a helping hand.

When Lin Han's family left, they were fully loaded with pork legs, ribs, and large bones. Zhong Yanyan was amused by this, teasing that the couple was treating people differently based on who they were.

"You're just taking advantage of Mingli and Luotong's good temper, aren't you? If the two sisters switched places, let's see if Nannan will still come to visit relatives next year!"

Nan Sheng immediately replied, "I definitely won't come if you give me less. No matter where I go, I have to take the most!"

Zhong Yanyan: "You have the thickest skin!"

This made everyone laugh. Who didn't know that Nan Sheng's family had the best financial conditions? How could she possibly covet these little things?

Luotong also understood that her mother-in-law was afraid she would be unhappy. She smiled at Zhong Yanyan, showing that she wasn't bothered. It was good enough just to get a pork leg.

Everyone was still happy when they parted ways, but once they returned to their respective homes, they all felt a bit worried. The elderly Zhong couple's health was truly deteriorating.

Seeing his wife in low spirits, Lin Han said that since there was nothing much to do at home, they could visit Xiaoling Village often—even every day if she wanted.

"Forget it, let's just stick to our usual habit and go after the New Year. Otherwise, Grandma and Grandpa will definitely think they don't have much time left, seeing all the relatives rushing to visit them."

When elderly people reach this age, they live on their spirit and vitality. Once they lose that inner drive, they won't last long, and they tend to be very sensitive.

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Sicheng came back. He carried a lot of local specialties from Rongcheng on his back, and gave more than half of them to Lin Han and his family. Over the past few years in Kyoto, he had also mailed them quite a bit.

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, I'm back!"

This child! His parents, brother, sister-in-law, and the whole family were waiting for him at the village entrance. Hearing that Nan Sheng and the others were back, he didn't even enter his own house and happily came over to chat.

Sicheng had been doing very well in the military district, and his personality remained lively. Unlike Lin Han back in the day, who was a typical cold-faced soldier, Sicheng's eyes widened when he saw Qiqi.

"My little sister is this pretty now? You're no longer the little chubby girl from before!"

Qiqi was originally very happy to see her second brother, but hearing this, she pouted her lips in anger. What chubby girl? She had slimmed down a long time ago!

Nan Sheng told him to quickly get on the heated brick bed and poured him some warm sugar water. Without even being asked, Sicheng started blabbering about everything that happened in the military district. If Sizhong hadn't come looking for him, his mouth wouldn't have stopped.

From division commanders to regiment commanders, there was nothing he didn't talk about. He mentioned that Luo Hao was also about to be promoted to regiment commander.

Nan Sheng had a stomachache for the past two days and didn't want to go to the old house for dinner, so she let Lin Han and Qiqi go over. Third Brother Lin's family was also there, and their reactions upon seeing Lin Han varied.

Third Brother Lin shrank his neck and called out "Second Brother." Sun Qian acted as if she didn't see him. Siyu lowered her head, looking especially shy, and just called out "Grandma."

Seeing that Nan Sheng didn't come, Fan Shuting quickly scooped up a few of her favorite dishes and asked Sizhong to deliver them to her first. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to eat this meal in peace, always afraid that her daughter-in-law would complain later.

Nan Sheng ate her meal lying on her stomach on the heated brick bed. They had brought over too much food; she couldn't even finish a third of it.

Over ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‍at the old house, Third Brother Lin took the initiative to raise his glass and apologize to his brother. "Second Brother, Dad said you're going to let us farm your land. I thank you. Don't worry, I definitely won't go to Kyoto to bother you and Second Sister-in-law in the future."

He couldn't talk sense into Sun Qian. He had originally planned for the two of them to visit and apologize to his second brother and sister-in-law together, but Sun Qian insisted that they wouldn't be able to rely on the couple in the future anyway, so there was no point in going.

Today, he didn't want to come for dinner, but Sun Qian disagreed, saying that staying with him meant eating poorly. He was afraid she would cause trouble if he didn't come to keep an eye on her. He was truly at his wit's end with this wife of his.

Lin Han glanced at Third Brother Lin, raised his glass, and drank the wine without saying a word. The subsequent conversation was mainly dominated by Sicheng, who was naturally talkative, keeping the atmosphere at the dinner table quite lively.

Zhou Wei's life was very smooth now, with only one thing making her unhappy. Ever since Yuting gave birth to Zhuzhu, there had been no news of another pregnancy. She was anxious to hold a grandson.

After they went home, she specifically called her daughter-in-law into the kitchen to talk. "Yuting, Zhuzhu is grown up now, and you don't have a job. When do you plan to have another child?"

Yuting had grievances she couldn't voice. Her life with her husband was quite harmonious, but what could she do if she just couldn't get pregnant? She was too embarrassed to see a doctor. She had heard that she would have to take off her pants for the examination, which was mortifying.

"Mother, Brother Zhong said he's not in a hurry to have one. We were only allocated one room in the county town; we don't have enough space."

"What do you mean not enough space? We're all family. In the past, our whole large family lived on one heated brick bed and got by just fine. You two need to hurry up and stop making me worry. If all else fails, go get some medicine."

Zhou Wei's words made it clear that she knew Yuting wasn't unwilling to have a child, but unable to. This made Yuting extremely embarrassed. When she returned to her room, the more she thought about it, the worse she felt. When Sizhong asked her what was wrong, she wouldn't say.

He eventually lost his patience. "If you won't tell me, I'll go ask Mother!"

"Don't go!" Yuting immediately stopped him. "Mother was talking about having a child. It's all my fault for not being able to conceive."

Hearing about a child, Sizhong stopped in his tracks. "Didn't I tell you to just say I don't want one for now? Why did you have to tell the truth?"

Yuting didn't want to speak, but in her heart, she thought she should still visit the clinic when they got back to the county town. The folk remedies she had taken were completely useless.

This year, Nan Jingyu took the initiative to propose spending the New Year at the Zhong family's house, asking Nan Sheng's family to go to Xiaoling Village for lunch.

Zhong Yanyan was naturally happy, and Uncle and Aunt Zhong welcomed them as well. The elderly couple was even more delighted. They had slaughtered a pig for the New Year and lacked nothing. The more people there were, the livelier it would be.

Nan Sheng and her family finished breakfast early in the morning and rushed to the Zhong family's house. They also brought things in the car, carrying the Rongcheng delicacies Sicheng had brought back, which could add two fresh dishes to the table.

When they arrived, Grandpa Zhong's room was bustling, but Grandma's spirit was a bit lacking. When Nan Sheng went to the kitchen to help, Aunt Zhong said that Zhong Qin had returned after they finished slaughtering the pig. Not getting to eat the pork stew, she had cursed and complained, and the old lady had taken it to heart.

Over the years, Zhong Qin actually came back quite often. When she was happy, she would bring some things for her parents; when she was unhappy, she would just get up and leave, not forgetting to make a few sarcastic remarks.

"She's always like this. After a while, she acts as if nothing happened and still comes around as usual."

Zhong Yanyan simply didn't want to say anything anymore. She really wanted to ask Zhong Qin if she had a heart at all. Couldn't she see how poor their parents' health was?