Having arrived back home, Xiaoxiao took a while to calm herself. It'd be a lie to say that time-traveling to an ancient era wasn't scary. Fortunately, her father was still her father, her mother was still her mother, her older brother was still her older brother, and many of the villagers had familiar faces. This might not be a historical dynasty, but a parallel world where people might look the same but have different personalities and lives. Thinking like this, Xiaoxiao felt somewhat relieved, at least she still recognized everyone.
"Sis, did their family bully you?" her older brother suddenly stood up, slamming the table. Such a temper!
"Boss's wife, go to your uncle's house and call them all over. Did they think the Zhong Family has no one to defend it?" Dad was no pushover either!
"We should go settle this with them now." Hey, hey, hey, Mom, their quick tempers aside, what about your ladylike image?
"I'll go help my auntie too!" At that moment, a child's voice made Xiaoxiao break into laughter. Having such protective family members was really wonderful. Tears in her eyes, she beamed a big smile and quickly held back her sister-in-law, "I'm fine, they treated me well. I just missed you all too much!"
As for the fourth youngest, he was completely dumbfounded, thinking he'd never come here again. Let someone else deal with this! From the moment he entered the village, his heart had been in his throat, too many ups and downs. Just when he had calmed down a bit, he saw Old Daddy Zhong pointing at him, asking Xiaoxiao, "They didn't bully you? Then explain him! He's not your husband, is he?"
"Uncle, I am—"
"Did I ask you? Xiaoxiao! You speak!" He was cut off before he could finish.
"..." Fourth brother felt a mixture of sweat and fear. Quite intimidating.
"This is my brother-in-law. My husband had to stay at the Academy and couldn't leave, so he accompanied me here. Don't scare him; he's still a child."
Hey, who's a child? We're the same age! Fourth Brother was speechless!
"Hmph," Old Daddy Zhong was still visibly upset.
"Dad, my husband is a Scholar who is studying for his official exam. We can't afford to delay his education, right?"
"Hmph, what's the use of a mere scholar who can neither lift by hand nor carry on his shoulder? Only you would choose him."
"I have foresight, okay? Do you think your daughter can lift and carry? Plus, you think your daughter is all that desirable? Just listen to what people outside are saying. Do you really think your daughter is that sought-after? It's good enough that someone wants her," she mentally ranted, although the one interested hadn't actually made a move – utterly stinking!
"But from today onward, I will reform and become a new person, and make those people take a second look!" Xiaoxiao grew more and more excited as she spoke, leaving everyone stunned. They all thought this girl seemed different after just a few days of marriage, but regardless, they all felt good about it in their hearts.
Old Daddy Zhong finally showed a smile. It was wonderful to see his daughter thinking this way. She had indeed been too pampered before. Who could blame him when the Zhong Family only had one daughter? Everyone doted on her together. Just as he felt reassured, a cold splash came his way!
"Dad, the dowry is all spent. Could you give me some more to carry on me?"
"........" Everyone.
"No one is allowed to give her any. Let her learn how hard it is to earn Silver," commanded an irritated Old Daddy Zhong.
"If you won't give it, then I'll just go back to the Yang Family and start anew. I'll go back to farming! Just you watch! I'll earn Silver to honor you all."
Yang Fourth Brother watched the family's interaction, feeling quite envious.
Xiaoxiao got along so comfortably with her family, and before she knew it, it was time to go back.