Jiang Changhe had always lacked decisiveness, and after listening, he muttered sullenly, "I’ll just follow whatever Eldest Brother says."
He also felt what Eldest Brother said was right; even if the three brothers went up the mountain together with tools, they might not be able to escape successfully if they encountered fierce beasts like tigers or blind bears.
His youngest child had just been born and depended on him for sustenance; he couldn’t afford any mishaps.
Yet, Jiang Changtao was somewhat displeased. He thought Eldest Brother was too timid, always hesitant, and they had already been waiting for several days. Now, they were being asked to wait even more.
Jiang Changtao had already planned on going to the mountains today, but now that they couldn’t, and they had to wait, he felt hugely disappointed.
Although he was eager to earn money, he knew his limits; he would not be capable alone and still had to follow his brothers’ lead.
Hence, despite his impatience, he nodded along, "Okay, got it."
Unable to go to the mountains, he didn’t want to sit idly and waste time. He stretched lazily, "Eldest Brother, harvesting the rice these past few days was exhausting. I’m going to lie down for a bit in my room."
"Alright, go on then," Jiang Changhai said, waving his hand.
After Jiang Changtao left, Jiang Changhai turned to Jiang Changhe sitting beside him and asked, "Changhe, aren’t you going to rest for a bit?"
"I’m not tired, Eldest Brother."
After replying, Jiang Changhe looked outside to ensure no one was about to come in before he spoke in a soft voice, "Eldest Brother, summer vacation is almost over, and I want to bring up Er Ya’s schooling during dinner tonight. Do you think you could help me speak up?"
Jiang Changhe saw how happy his parents were with the return of the Eldest’s family today. From a young age, Eldest Brother had a sweet way with words and was the most cherished by their parents.
Now Eldest Brother had become a worker, earning good money, and held significant sway at home. Changhe thought it was a good time to discuss Er Ya’s situation.
San Ya had also mentioned she would speak up for Er Ya, and tonight with the alignment of time, place, and social atmosphere, he figured it was worth a try.
Jiang Changhai was surprised to hear this; he hadn’t expected his younger brother to contemplate sending Er Ya to school but quickly agreed.
After all, Er Ya was his niece, and a girl gaining more knowledge from education was never a mistake.
"Sure, Changhe, sending a child to school to get an education is a good thing. Learning more, getting to know more words, she will definitely have a better life than our generation. It’s great you have this thought. Don’t worry, I’ll help you speak up," Jiang Changhai said and patted Jiang Changhe’s shoulder firmly, showing his approval.
Jiang Changhe didn’t expect his big brother to praise him, and feeling somewhat embarrassed, he chuckles and scratched his head, "Thanks, Eldest Brother."
Not long after the brothers finished their conversation, Zhang Guihua and Sun Lixia came in, carrying freshly picked vegetables. Jiang Changhai and his group didn’t come empty-handed either; they brought several pounds of pork and a big, fat fish.
With the items Jiang Changhai supplied, their lunch was extraordinarily sumptuous. The Jiang family members picked out the meat from the dishes first, eating until their mouths were greasy, thoroughly satisfied.
Only Zhaodi stuck to vegetables, not touching the fish or meat at all.
The other Jiang family members had grown accustomed to Zhaodi’s occasional ’foolishness,’ especially the Third Branch couple, who felt better off with one less person eating meat—they got to enjoy more themselves.
When Zhaodi finished eating and put down her utensils, she shot a smug glance at Jiang Mianmian.
Regrettably for her, Jiang Mianmian didn’t even register her gaze, and this feeling of powerlessness, as if she had thrown a punch into cotton, frustrated Zhaodi and left her with no recourse.