The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Chapter 263 Humanity and Sophistication

The next morning, Shi Tou woke up on time, a habit he developed in the army; he naturally woke up at the appointed time.

Upon seeing the wooden rafters on the roof, Shi Tou paused for a moment before realizing he was in his hometown.

"Husband, you're awake? Do you want to sleep a little longer?" Qian Xiaohua, her face beaming with happiness, stepped forward and said gently when she saw her husband wake up.

Last night, Qian Xiaohua had already prepared a hangover soup and gave Shi Tou two bowls when he came back.

To make up for the years he had neglected his wife, Shi Tou treated her to a good "treat" several times last night.

Couples don't hold grudges overnight; after being soothed by the stone, Qian Xiaohua's grievances had long since vanished.

"I'm not sleeping! We're sure to have guests today!" Shi Tou threw off the covers and sat up.

Having served as a military officer for many years, he naturally had considerable contact with local officials. When an officer like him returned to his hometown, local government officials would certainly come to visit him.

Qian Xiaohua quickly handed over the clothes and helped Shi Tou get dressed. These were things Wu Xia used to do, but Qian Xiaohua had clearly taken over. Shi Tou didn't say much, got dressed, and left the bedroom.

Upon hearing the commotion, Wu Xia had already prepared hot water, a towel, and a toothbrush, and even squeezed out the toothpaste for him.

Shi Tou glanced at Wu Xia's face, and seeing that she seemed fine, nodded and took it.

After washing up, we went to the dining room, where Grandma had already led the children to sit properly at the table, waiting for Shitou to have breakfast together.

"Grandma, you can eat first! Why wait for me?" Shi Tou said as he walked to his grandmother's side.

“That won’t do, my dear grandson. You’re the head of our family. Who dares to eat before you? Even though we come from a farming family, we still need to follow the rules. Otherwise, people will say we have no manners!” Grandma patted her grandson’s hand and said.

Stone opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He nodded and sat down.

"Alright! Let's all start eating!" Stone said, picking up his chopsticks.

Today's breakfast was plain congee, meat buns, and several side dishes. Grandma Er specially boiled an egg for each child.

"Sit down and eat too!" Shi Tou said, seeing Wu Xia standing to the side serving him.

Wu Xia didn't move, but glanced at her grandmother and Qian Xiaohua.

"Sit down, sit down and eat with us!" Second Grandma nodded, and Qian Xiaohua didn't say anything. Wu Xia then happily sat down.

It was the first time everyone ate together, and the room was quiet with no one talking. The three children also ate quietly by themselves.

"Prepare the tea, fruits, and pastries I brought back. We'll probably have guests coming later!" Shi Tou instructed after the meal.

Qian Xiaohua and Wu Xia quickly nodded in agreement.

"Is everyone alright?" Stepping out of the house, Shi Tou saw that the snow in the yard had been completely cleared. The guards were clearing the snow from the road outside the gate.

"Sir, everyone is fine!" the guard platoon leader replied.

"Yes! You've all worked hard! Tell the kitchen to prepare some good food later so everyone can have a nice meal."

"Yes, Chief!"

Zhang Shitou nodded, took out a cigarette, lit it, and turned to look around his small courtyard.

This courtyard was built with the salary he sent back, only two years ago. There are three main rooms and four side rooms on each side, all of them are large brick and tile houses.

In the corner of the yard, a deep well was dug, and several large trees were planted next to it. Now the branches are bare, and it is unknown what kind of trees they are.

I never dared to dream of living in a courtyard like this before, but unfortunately I won't be able to stay there for more than a few days.

He decided to bring his grandmother and Qian Xiaohua to Jinan. He would be studying in Jinan for a year and wouldn't have much time to travel back and forth.