The Lucky Farm Girl

Time flies, and Yang Mengchen turns sixteen.

The Hua family arrived at the Yang family a day earlier, and Old Man Wuwei asked Master Jingkong to send a birthday gift on his behalf.

On the day Meng Jingqi left, he had already instructed his subordinates to prepare a gift, and ordered it to be delivered on Yang Mengchen's birthday. On the day of her birthday, she stayed alone in the study, gazing at the portrait she had drawn of herself, sincerely sending her blessings and thoughts from afar.

Out of all the gift-givers, Grand Prince's gesture was the most extravagant, sending an entire six large boxes of various gifts, both novel and precious, along with a letter filled with deep affection. Yang Mengchen, moved to tears, read the letter.

"Happy birthday, Ms. Yang," Magistrate Zhou said with a respectful smile, as Ms. Zhou also presented her birthday gift at the same time.

Yang Mengchen smiled and accepted it, "Thank you! Please, come in."

"No hurry," Magistrate Zhou took out a large red invitation, "This morning we received a joyous bulletin from the Imperial Court. The Second Young Master Yang's military achievements have been outstanding—he has been promoted to the rank of General Mingwei of the fourth grade. Congratulations!" With that, he passed the invitation to Old Master Yang.

Apart from Yang Mengchen and Long Xuanmo who were already aware, the Yang family's master and servant were first stunned, then one after another burst into excited joy. Everyone else was happy for the Yang family as well.

Old Hai stroked his beard, "This is truly a double celebration."

"Isn't it," Doctor Luo said with a beaming smile, "Our little girl is blessed, and it seems that those around her are also fortunate by association."

The others also nodded and agreed with a smile.

Yang Mengchen, her face reddening, humbly said, "It's clearly because my second brother is brave and capable, it has nothing to do with me."

"Who says it has nothing to do with you? If it weren't for Jiujiu, where would Ning'er get the chance to achieve anything?" Liu Xiuyun said gratefully and joyfully. Now that her son and nephews had their own skills, the family's days were getting better and better—all thanks to Jiujiu.

Suddenly spotting her second son riding back on a horse, she hurried over and, pretending to be angry, tugged at his ear, "You little rascal, it's Jiujiu's birthday, and you didn't come back earlier to help. Are you just here to eat now?"

"Mom, I'm an adult now, can you not tug on my ear like when I was a child, please?" Yang Chengyu tried to pry his mother's hand away.

Liu Xiuyun was about to say something, but Yang Mengchen gently tugged at her sleeve and winked at her.

Following her niece's gaze, Liu Xiuyun saw a young woman, supported by a maid, stepping down from a carriage, walking over with a gentle smile. Unconsciously, Liu Xiuyun released the ear she was holding, and like everyone else, looked curiously at the young woman.

She had a beautiful face and skin fair as cream. Her eyes were like clear springs, and there was an air of scholarly grace about her, presenting an image of dignified elegance.

The young woman bowed to the crowd and came over to Yang Mengchen. Her voice was sweet as an oriole, instantly brightening the mood, "Ms. Yang, this is but a small gift, and not worthy of your grace, but I wish you a happy birthday!" She took the embroidered box from the maid and handed it to Yang Mengchen.

"What Ms. Yang? You should call her Jiujiu," Yang Chengyu corrected before Yang Mengchen could speak, his eyes soft with affection. Then he generously introduced her, "Jiujiu, this is your fifth sister-in-law, Ling Youxuan, who specially came back for your birthday celebration."

"Brother Yu!" Ling Youxuan gave Yang Chengyu a reproachful look, but quickly shyly lowered her head, a faint blush spreading across her fair cheeks.

Yang Chengyu spoke seriously, "It's true though."

Yang Mengchen agreed amiably, "We are all family here; fifth sister-in-law is too polite." Having learned that her fifth brother admired Ling Youxuan, she had quietly investigated her, finding that Ling Youxuan was a well-read and sensible lady from a reputable family, perfectly matched to her brother's affections.

"Jiujiu!" Ling Youxuan's cheeks became even redder, blooming like the rosy dawn. She silently let out a sigh of relief; the Yang family was indeed as easygoing as Brother Chengyu had said.

Liu Xiuyun whispered to Yang Chengyu while pulling him aside, "Yu Er, be honest with me, how did you manage to fool this young lady into your hands?"

"Mother, is that how you should talk about your own son?" Yang Chengyu replied with a look of discontent.

Liu Xiuyun was unmoved, "It's precisely because you are my son that I'm saying this. How could such a nice girl take a fancy to you?"

"Auntie misunderstands; not only did Brother Chengyu not deceive me, but he has also saved me from danger three times," Ling Youxuan eagerly clarified. "Father and mother quite like Brother Chengyu, and, and I like him too... Hearing that Jiujiu's birthday is coming up, father and mother asked me to come and celebrate on their behalf."

After Ling Youxuan spoke, she realized that she had inadvertently revealed her feelings in public in her rush and immediately blushed, lowering her head.

Everyone pretended not to hear, but the looks they gave Yang Chengyu were all filled with playful teasing and admiration.

Liu Xiuyun was overjoyed; she stepped forward and took Ling Youxuan's hand, speaking affectionately with a laugh, "Our Youxuan truly is a thoughtful and lovely girl. Come, let auntie take you inside." While speaking, she led Ling Youxuan away, forgetting about the others.

She had always been envious of her sister-in-law who had two good daughters-in-law and adorable grandchildren. Unfortunately, her eldest son was on the frontier, her second son was rarely at home, and her youngest was engrossed in his studies and busy preparing for the imperial examination. She was going mad with longing for a daughter-in-law and grandchildren yet could do nothing about it.

But now, everything was better. Her second son had brought home such a wonderful daughter-in-law that she'd wake up laughing even in her sleep.

Seeing the second aunt and daughter-in-law leaving hand in hand, Yang Mengchen was pleased and teased Yang Chengyou, "Not bad at all, Fifth Brother, a true hero saving the damsel in distress!"

Yang Chengyou scratched his head sheepishly, letting out a silly chuckle.

Seeing this, everyone burst into hearty laughter, causing Yang Chengyou's handsome face to turn crimson.

Prince Ning laughed and said, "Old Hai mentioned earlier that it was a double celebration; now it's a triple celebration. Who knows, maybe there will be another happy event before long. Grandpa Yang truly is blessed."

"I appreciate the auspicious words from Prince Ning," Grandpa Yang said with a smile that made his face look like a blooming chrysanthemum, feeling utterly delighted.

With most of the guests having arrived, everyone chatted and laughed as they made their way to the inner courtyard garden. The tables were filled with a variety of delicious dishes that made mouths water, and the air was filled with continuous laughter and joyous voices.

Suddenly, several sounds of dry heaving arose, drawing the attention of the crowd.

Nangong Lingyan was seen bent over, dry heaving continuously without actually vomiting anything. When she realized everyone was looking at her, her slightly pale face flushed with a tinge of embarrassment.

She didn't understand what was happening; these past few days, the sight of meat had made her feel slightly nauseous. She had thought it was just a stomach upset, but now, looking at the delicate Dongpo pork in front of her and smelling its enticing aroma, she didn't just feel nauseous—acid was rising in her stomach. She tried desperately to control it, but couldn't.

"Yanyan, are you feeling unwell?" Yang Chengxuan ran over, his face full of concern.

Wu Xuehua also approached Nangong Lingyan, "Yanyan, don't tell me you might be..." Before she could finish her sentence, Xiao Wanxue suddenly started to retch as well.