Close to al ti, Tian Qiu showed up tardily, with a bit of gloom on his face. However, it vanished the mont he stepped inside, and he hooked one corner of his mouth into a mischievous smile.
Tian Heming and Dong Fengzhen sat at the top, followed by the second uncle, Tian Qingyi, the third uncle, Tian Qingyun, and the fourth uncle, Tian Qingjun. The three aunts did not attend, seemingly because Tian Heming intended it.
Three out of five from the previous generation were present. As for Beisitian’s generation, the eldest, Tian Jun, the second, Tian Qiu, the fourth, Tian Lei, and the fifth, Tian Hao were all there.
The third, Tian Zhi, had returned to school on the second day of the Lunar New Year for a dical conference, as he’s in his third year of university and close to graduation, while the fifth, Tian Hao, is only eight and in third grade this year.
Even though Tian Qiu often called Beisitian Xiao Wu, Beisitian doesn’t share the surna Tian, so she doesn’t fit into the ranking here; technically, the real fifth is Tian Hao.
Upon seeing Tian Hao, Beisitian couldn’t help but stare.
The little guy had a sturdy appearance, with big, curious, jet-black eyes looking around at Beisitian.
"This rascal is overflowing with energy, always causing mischief. If he doesn’t get spanked twice a day, he’ll end up tearing the roof off!" Tian Heming laughingly scolded.
Beisitian laughed; the kid has an abundance of spirit. There’s a high likelihood he’ll beco a Mystic Doctor in the future. Coming from a family steeped in traditional dicine, he has even more potential to pursue that career.
Although this generation of the Tian Family has only two studying traditional dicine, producing one with a spirited nature is rare.
The spirit needed for a Mystic Doctor requires various top-grade herbal supplents, but if it’s not innate, no amount of supplentation can change that.
"Co on, let’s eat," summoned the second uncle, Tian Qingyi, addressing Beisitian and her companion, as everyone gathered today was for the two of them.
Second uncle Tian Qingyi had a square face without a beard, small eyes, but a large face. When he smiled, his eyes squinted into slits. He laughed and said to Beisitian and Luo Xudong, "If it weren’t for your grandfather calling, we wouldn’t have known you’re back. It was so sudden we didn’t prepare any gifts for you. Please accept this red envelope as a token of my appreciation!"
Second uncle Tian Qingyi handed over a red envelope, and third uncle Tian Qingyun and fourth uncle Tian Qingjun also passed theirs, each containing three hundred yuan. Despite being rushed for a first eting, it was a practical custom.
Beisitian hurriedly waved her hands, "We appreciate the thought from the three uncles, but we won’t be taking these red envelopes..."
"Beibei, accept it. It’s just a customary gesture for a first eting," Tian Heming chid in.
Beisitian glanced at them, feeling slightly embarrassed, as if she was there just to collect money.
In reality, she thought too much; usually, elders show so gesture to younger ones. Just like she gave Luo Jiacheng a red envelope, it’s the sa reasoning. However, being in her twenties, she felt awkward about receiving envelopes, as that phase of life had long passed.
Once everyone had given their envelopes, Dong Fengzhen brought out a large one, which contained a full one thousand yuan!
Such a substantial red envelope was unprecedented for any younger family mbers from Dong Fengzhen. The occasion was exceptional because Beisitian was rediscovered after being away for over twenty years!
Since the amount was in the red envelope, Beisitian didn’t know the exact number, though it felt heavier than the others, causing less strain to accept.
After collecting the envelopes, everyone began picking up their chopsticks to eat.
Fourth uncle Tian Qingjun asked, "I heard Beibei studied traditional dicine, which school did you graduate from?"
"I am self-taught," Beisitian replied, raising her head.
Self-taught...
Initially, fourth uncle wanted to inquire about her current expertise, but upon hearing she was self-taught, he didn’t pursue it further. How advanced could self-taught knowledge be? For a woman, the expectations shouldn’t be too high, especially since she’s married. More or less, it was just that.
Tian Heming and Dong Fengzhen hadn’t disclosed much about Beisitian to the others, besides Tian Qinghui and the eldest grandson Tian Jun. The other uncles weren’t aware of her specific circumstances.
Dong Fengzhen cast a sharp glance at her fourth son, annoyed at him for bringing up the inappropriate topic. Beibei had endured so much suffering in her youth and hadn’t even attended school, earning him the ire and the need for a scolding.
Tian Qingjun caught sight of his mother’s fiery gaze, baffled, questioning what he had said to provoke her eagerness to devour him.
Tian Qingyi, however, struck up a conversation with Luo Xudong; he too had served in the military before retiring, finding common ground with Luo Xudong.
"At one point, I nearly earned third-class rit. If I had, I could have stayed in the military," Tian Qingyi laughed heartily.
Tian Lei glanced at second uncle; his bragging began again. Despite second uncle’s capabilities, he enjoyed showing off, which Tian Lei particularly disliked hearing.
Tian Qiu frowned, "Dad, drink a little less, will you?"
This trait of second uncle Tian Qingyi left her feeling embarrassed. When he boasted of his accomplishnts, he inadvertently belittled those around him, even if unintentionally, causing discomfort.
Therefore, outside family gatherings, the third and fourth usually stuck together, while the first and fifth stayed together as well. Hardly anyone wanted to join second uncle.
"I’m not even done with my half glass. You just focus on eating while I catch up with Xudong," Tian Qingyi retorted, discontentedly gazing at his daughter.
Luo Xudong maintained a soft smile, and every now and then, a word from him kept Tian Qingyi engaged enthusiastically. To others, it seed they were deeply engrossed in conversation.
Tian Qingyi went on and on about his near accomplishnt of third-class rit, driving Tian Qiu to finally blurt, "Dad, Xudong has earned first-class rit; let’s drop the third-class thing!"
She didn’t want to embarrass her father publicly, but his endless banter, fueled by alcohol, irritated her.
Tian Qingyi was taken aback upon hearing first-class rit.
The brothers from the Qing generation were surprised; though not in the military themselves, they understood the significance of first-class rit. At rely twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, he had achieved it!
They expressed shock, and Tian Qingyi deflated, resigned to silence. His possible third-class rit paled next to first-class achievents, especially given his unacquired status...
Most found satisfaction with the al, and afterward, the uncles left to pursue their own matters while Tian Jun and Tian Qiu departed shortly, too. Tian Lei intended to remain but was later chased away by his father.
They hoped to chat privately with Beisitian and Luo Xudong.
Unfortunately, just as Tian Heming was about to speak, news of Tian Qinghui’s return ca from outside.
"Perfect timing, you’ll get to et your eldest uncle," Tian Heming laughed.
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