Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
âOh, Head! Do take a seat first and have a meal here.â Qiu Niangâs husband, Zhou Dasheng, said this to the head of the manor.
The manorâs head waved his hand at Zhou Dasheng and said, âItâs not easy for you to reunite, so I wonât disturb you anymore. Just remember to give me the keys here when you leave.â
At the same time, Zhou Ying quickly stopped Mother Qiu and said, âMother Qiu, thereâs no need. We came over after eating, so please sit down and eat.
âAfter eating, pack your things. We still have to return to the capital.â
After Zhou Dasheng sent off the village head, he returned and sat down. He looked at the couple and asked, âDid you really eat?â
âUncle Zhou, we really have eaten. So, donât worry and have your meal.â Zhou Ying nodded.
After Zhou Dasheng confirmed that they had eaten, he called the family for their lunch.
âMother Qiu, whereâs Sister Haitang?â Zhou Ying asked after the meal. âIsnât she staying with you?â
âNo, they live alone. You guys take a seat while I go get them now.â After Qiu Niang finished speaking, she asked Zhou Dasheng and his son to pack up.
After that, she left in a hurry.
Zhou Ying looked at Zhou Dasheng and said, âUncle Zhou, what do you think?
If you want to get rid of your status as a serf, 1 can give you a hundred acres of land or a small shop. You can live your lives well in the future.â
Zhou Dasheng hesitated for a moment. Honestly, he was born into this family and was used to being a servant. He was also used to menial work and wanted to avoid taking the risk of heading out to work alone.
However, he looked at his two grandchildren, especially his youngest grandson, Zhou Xiaoniu.
This kid was quick-witted and had a steady personality. If he was nurtured correctly, he might be able to succeed.
Even if they were to become scholars, they could overturn their family background. Since there was a chance now, he did not want them to follow him and be serfs anymore.
Finally, he looked at his son, Zhou Dong. âWhat about you? What do you think of leaving and surviving on your own?â
âWe, we will listen to you, Father.â Zhou Dong hesitated for a moment and replied.
Honestly, he couldnât stand the tiredness of farming, but he also didnât have the confidence to do business. It was better to be an honest serf and earn a monthly salary.
His wife, Mrs. Zhao, looked at Zhou Ying and asked, âSister Ying, are you really willing to set us free?â
âOf course, Uncle Zhou and Mother Qiu treat me like their own daughter. Itâs only right to give you a chance to choose your future.â Zhou Ying nodded and replied.
âWe want to be free. I want the children to have more choices.â Mrs. Zhao said it with anticipation.
After saying that, she tugged at Zhou Dong. âFor the sake of our descendants, letâs get rid of our serfdom.â
Zhou Dong looked at Zhou Dasheng hesitantly.
Zhou Dasheng looked at his sonâs hesitation and shook his head. âYou can make your own decision. However, your mother and I are still capable, and we will work with Zhou Ying for a few more years.â
âI⦠we want to be free from serfdom.â Under Mrs Zhaoâs repeated urging, Zhou Dong finally braced himself and announced his decision.
âZhou Dong, what do you mean? What do you mean by leaving serfdom?â Qiu Niang walked in and asked.
Haitangâs family followed behind. Zhou Ying did not expect that Haitangâs husband was also an acquaintance of hers, nicknamed Biaozi, who had been an apprentice in the kitchen back then.
Learning that his name was Qi Yonglin was a pleasant surprise to her.
âSister Haitang, Brother Biaozi,â Zhou Ying greeted them with a smile.
âYingâer, 1 didnât expect to see you again in this life.â Haitang walked over and wiped her tears.
âThe heavens donât want us to be separated, so I returned. If youâre willing, we can always be together in the future.â Zhou Ying took out a handkerchief and handed it to her..