Chapter 6. Discipline
The seven sisters hid in the west wing secretly eating the eggs brought back by the You Jin did not know that doom quietly arriving. Each one of them had happily watch their elder sister quietly pass in a leaf-wrapped package from outside the window.
Once You Yin retrieved the eggs that the You Jin passed in, You Jin went back to the main entrance of the yard and openly returned to the west wing from outside. The several younger sisters have been staring at the green package on the Kang table for a long time. When they heard the door push, they all looked at the You Jin who came in: "Sister!"
You Jin also got on the kang and carefully opened the straw rope wrapping with eggs under the watch of her six younger sisters. Fortunately, before she entered the house the mind becomes intelligent at the approach of happiness. She hid the eggs under a low bush outside the west room and then came back, otherwise, if it was found by the old biddy, old Mrs. Chen, not being able to eat the eggs was a trivial matter. They would have suffered a loss from getting a beating.
Mrs. Su sat on the side, observing her daughter open the leaves. There were actually eight chicken eggs and nearly ten bird eggs. She couldn't help but wonder with a bit of anxiety: "Jin-er, it can't be that you entered deep into the mountains? How did you find this many wild eggs?"
As many wild eggs? "So many people come and go at the foot of the mountain every day, so how can there be so many eggs? Daughter must have gone deep into the mountains.
Mrs. Su knew that You Jin usually goes up the mountain to find some egg and game to nourish the sisters. Mrs. Su also knew, what kind of life the children she birthed has in this seemingly bright and affluent Yue Family. On top of that, how her husband dislike her several daughters. So she also turned a blind eye and helped to hide from Yue Chang Lu with her eyes closed. (T/N: In raw, it said Mrs. Su instead of You Jin. Must be a typo?)
"No, I just reached the edge of the deep mountain, never went in." Young Jin divided one chicken egg and one bird egg to each younger sister. She assigned an egg and two bird eggs to Mrs. Su. She smilingly answered, "Mother, quickly eat, while it's still warm. "
Seeing that elder sister said it was okay to eat, the several sisters took an egg and knocked it on the table to crack. And then they put the peeled eggshells into the leaves that originally wrapped the eggs. Eggshells will be secretly taken out and thrown away later on.
Little Ninth, whose fever has already withdrawn, nibbled the fragrant wild eggs: "It's so yummy!" But eggs were only so big, so it was finished in a moment. Little Ninth smacked her lips as she watched each of her several elder sisters savored theirs. She felt her saliva drooled out again. She really wanted to eat one more!
Mrs. Su saw Little Ninth's greedy appearance and wanted to stuff her remaining half of the egg in her hand into Little Ninth's hands, but was stopped by You Jin before she could: "Mother, you are pregnant now. You need more nourishment. I'll just give my share to Little Ninth."
Saying this, she put her remaining half of the egg in her hand into Little Ninth's hand: "Eat ba."
"Thank you, Third Sister!" Little Ninth raised the egg that was given by You Jin and ate it in a small bite. She mumbled to herself, "It'll be great if we can eat an egg every day!"
In front of You Jin, was the first branch's and third branch's, You Ting and You He. That's why You Jin was third in the family.
Hearing Little Ninth's unmistakable desire in childlike words, the smile on Mrs. Su's face gradually dimmed, and then she sighed a little: "Blame my incapability as a mother, can't have a son and caused you to suffer together with me."
Seeing Mrs. Su's self-blame, You Jin stuffed the small bite of eggs into her mouth and finished eating, and then said, "Not blaming Mother. If Little Ninth wants to eat eggs, I will regularly scavenge later. I can definitely find it. Cuifeng Mountain is so big, so birds and wild games aren't lacking."
She turned her head, lowered her voice, and said to Little Ninth: "But Little Ninth must remember that you can't tell others that you have eaten eggs, not even Father. Otherwise, there will be no more eggs! "
Hearing Elder Sister saying this, Little Ninth nodded her head seriously: "En! I won't tell anyone!"
The several young sisters have been educated from the first time they ate the baked eggs You Jin brought back to not tell others that they secretly eat stuff. The sisters engraved it to their memory. Although the family was better than others as they (the family) have meat twice a month, they (the sisters) can't eat a piece of meat even once. Once they heard elder sister say no eggs and chicken legs to eat if others found out. The sisters were all tight-lipped, not telling anyone.
Seeing how her daughters were so cautious toward her husband and parents-in-law, Mrs. Su's can't help but worry. No matter what, they were all one family? In the long run, will her daughters be distant with the family?
Mrs. Su's slightly worried appearance fell into You Jin's eyes, and she said to her: "Mother, it's not daughter being unfilial. The family is much better than the people in the village but look at us. Little Seventh's clothes were what I wore previously. And I picked up what Eldest Sister didn't want. How many years have you patched them up? Then look at Eldest Uncle's and Third Uncle's children, which one has patches? "
The elder sister You Jin mentioned was First Branch's You Ting. First Branch was favored because Mrs. Chen was the niece of old Mrs. Chen. In addition to that, there were two brothers who were studying in the county academy. The old man was also biased with no limit. Today, You Ting was wearing fine cotton clothes. Unlike their family, who were still wearing shabby rough cotton and burlap clothes.
Actually, how could Mrs. Su not know her in-laws' favoritism? It's just that she has been docile since she was a child, and has been filial piety for more than ten years since she was married to the family. When facing the biased in-laws, aggressive sister-in-law, and frequently abusive husband, what can she, a woman with no strong maternal family and no one to rely on do? She can only self-hypnosis (T/N: a.k.a lie to herself).
Thinking of these troublesome matters at home, Mrs. Su couldn't swallow her food, and put the two uneaten bird eggs back on the table: "Give it to Little Fifth and Little sixth."
Although the twins, Little Fifth and Little Sixth weren't eight years old yet, they were very sensible. When they saw Mrs. Su giving them eggs, they shook their heads together: "For Mother. There is a younger brother in the mother's belly. Eat!"
Seeing the two daughters being so sensible, Mrs. Su's heart was relieved a lot. She rubbed the heads of the two girls with a smile, and slowly ate all the remaining eggs under the urging of her daughters.
Once everyone finished eating, You Jin gathered the eggshells together, tightened the leaves with the straw rope, and threw the eggshells out of the window. She then swaggered out of the house from the main entrance.
Before anyone noticed, Youjin threw the eggshell together with the leaves into the Cuifeng River. After watching the eggshell drift with the water until it disappeared, You jin clapped her hands and went home. In front of the villagers, she trapped old Mrs. Chens, and still kept the eggs, You Jin was in a very good mood at the moment. She hummed a little song and skipped back home.
You Jin's good mood didn't get to last overnight. At dinner, old Mrs. Chen who had always firmly grasped the power to assign the meal was absent. She grunted in the bed without even eating dinner, and her mouth kept on nagging: "The family ruining, money-wasting things ... really are the calamity stars of our old Yue family! "
The two brothers who worked in the town every day did not know what happened. After eating and hearing that their old mother was sick, they went to the main room to see old Mrs. Chen. Yue Chang Lu caught his old mother saying something about "money-wasting things" and can make some guess in his heart. It must be that those money-wasting things in his branch made Mother angry again. He sat straight on the long stool beside the Kang, with a very ugly expression on his face.
"Mother ah! Where are you uncomfortable? Tell your sons! Son can go to call for the doctor ah!" The eldest, Yue Chang Fu sitting on the edge of Kang, had full of anxiety in his voice and an appearance of wishing it was him who has fallen ill instead.
Yue Chang Lu heard his elder brother spoke like this and stood up immediately: "I'm going to invite Dr. Ma!"
Seeing the fire blazed enough, old Mrs. Chen's eyes quickly signaled to Mrs. Chen who stood by the side to respond. Mrs. Chen tacitly understood, and quickly stopped Yue Chang Lu: "Second Brother-'in-law, wait a minute. Truthfully, the mother isn't sick, but rather she was angered by your family 's You Jin!"
Seeing that the two brothers looked over, Mrs. Chen told the two of them what happened in the afternoon today: "It's like this. Today Mother got blinded, counted the eggs wrongly, and then asked You Jin whether she took the egg. It wasn't a big deal initially. However, don't know who You Jin takes after. Her temper was so big, she even asked someone to invite Lizheng over. What's more, clashed with mother. Mother got angered!"
After listening to Mrs. Chen's words, Yue Chang Lu's face turned black as if it could drip out ink: "I'm going to bring that money-wasting thing over to apologize to Mother!"
With this, he flung the (door?) cloth and stormed out toward the west wing.
After washing the feet of several younger sisters, You Jin took them to chat on the Kang, but was disrupted by Yue Chang Lu who kicked the door of the room and broke the warm atmosphere. "You money-wasting thing eat and wear Yue Family's, and still dare to make your grandmother sick from anger!"
Yue Chang Lu, who was full of anger, slapped You Jin's head directly, "This Father will beat you to death today!"
Earlier when eating dinner, You Jin felt something was slightly out of place. She thought that this matter had passed and never expected that old Mrs. Chen had left a backup plan to let Yue Chang Lu deal with her. It can really be said that she had put a lot of effort. The face tilted to the side after Yue Chang Lu's slap. A red and swollen slap mark appeared on the thin face. You Jin put her tongue on the beaten side of the cheek and knew that without five days, the swelling can't disappear.
After appeasing a few sisters, she got off the Kang, slipped on her shoe: "Father, whether you want to scold or beat, let's go outside. Don't scare Mother and sisters." Then she walked out with her waist upright. Yue Chang Lu saw her composed manner, the displeasure in his heart was at its extreme. Once he walked out the west wing door, he kicked on You Jin: "I let you, lowly girl, dare to steal eggs, dare to call Lizheng!"
After being kicked to the ground, You Jin reacted quickly. Although Yue Chang Lu's movements had not stopped, You Jin nimbly dodged several heavy attacks Even though she was beaten a few times, she had avoided the internal injury-causing attacks. It was fine to have flesh pain for two or three days.
Hearing the noises outside, Mrs. Su hurried out of the room. Taking advantage of Yue Chang Lu's hand stopping, she stepped in front You Jin: "Family head, if you want to hit, hit me. You Jin is still small!"
You Jin saw that Mrs. Su protected her regardless of her almost five months belly. Her heart was slightly warm. She had no father or mother in her previous life, just a distant uncle. He had a distant polite manner. Although Mrs. Su was weak, she really loves her and her many sisters, so she has to take care of them because of this.
Seeing her blocking him, Yue Chang Lu angrily spat: "Pah! Don't think I'm afraid of you because you have a big belly. If you don't give birth to a son, see if this father beat you to death or not!"
Then he went to the main room angrily, leaving only Mrs. Su's tears and dusty You Jin behind.
Seeing her covering her face and sobbing, You Jin said lightly: "What's the use of crying? Does Mother really want to live like this for a lifetime?" Then she urged Mrs. Su to return to the room.
This was not the first time that You Jin told Mrs. Su this. Ever since the birth of Little Fifth and Little Sixth and the fist time she got beaten by Yue Chang Lu during her one-month post-natal rest, the three years old, You Jin spoke to her like this when no one was around. It had shocked her.
"What else can I do ..." Faintly sighing, Mrs. Su mourned. That's right, She was someone who wasn't cared for by her maternal family nor loved by her in-law's family. With such a poor identity, where can she go after leaving Yue Family? It was one thing to suffer at Yue's family, but at least it could let her daughters grow up well, right? Ugh...
Chapter 7. Third Branch
The egg turmoil stirred by Yue Wen Wei's words finally overturned after old Mrs. Chen pretended to be ill and instigated You Jin to be beaten.
The two elders of Yue Family were in a very good mood during the past two days. Even old Chen's face, which always showed the granddaughters at home disgust, softened a lot. It turned out that third branch was coming back.
The second day of September was old Mrs. Chen's birthday. Old Third, who opened a small grocery store in the county city, sent a message back a few days ago. Saying that he would take the two nephews from first branch and his family back in these two day to celebrate the old lady's birthday. Since this message, the smile on old Mrs. Chen's face hadn't dropped. As expected, her third doted her, his old mother, the most. The so-called "Emperor loves the eldest son, the ordinary people love the youngest." Although old Mrs. Chen favored the eldest branch's two grandsons, her most favorite in her heart was her third, Yue Chang Shou.
In the afternoon of the first day of September, a spacious green cloth mule cart entered Cuifeng Village and steadily stopped at the gate of Yue's house.
The youngest son of third branch was only four years old this year. After getting out of the mule cart, he ran to the door of the Yue Family's compound and knocked on the door: "Grandfather, Grandmother, Liu Lang is back! Open the door!"
Following Liu Lang, were fine-cotton scholar robes cladded Da Lang, a.k.a Yue Wen Tao and Er Lang, a.k.a. Yue Wen Li.
Yue Chang Shou settled the money with the driver of the cart and made an appointment with him to pick them up to return the county in the morning of two days later. Then he brought the big and small bundles to the gate of Yue's house. Everyone stood at the entrance for a while before they heard the movement. Old Mrs. Chen hurried out and opened the door: "Third!"
Seeing her youngest son come back, old Mrs. Chen's eyes reddened with joy.
Yue Chang Shou smilingly answered: "Mother, my son is back to pay you birthday greeting. I wish you for prosperity as wide as the East Sea and longevity higher than the South Mountain!"
Yue Chang Shou's in-law, Han Family opened a small grocery store in the county city. Han Family only got one daughter. Han Family let Yue Chang Shou manage the store to make her life easier. Yue Chang Shou was also nimble-minded and eloquent speaker. Although third branch's life wasn't rich, but it was also considered to be a good life.
"Oh you. Just come back. Why bring such things? You can sell them in the shop for a lot of money!" Seeing Yue Chang Shou and Han both carrying big bundles and small bundles in their hands, old Mrs. Chen's smilingly expression couldn't be hidden.
Mrs. Han responded with mirth: "It's worth the money to spend on the things to respect Father and Mother."
After saying that, she winked at the three children. Yue You He received her mother's gaze and properly gave old Mrs. Chen the commonly used greeting in the county: "Granddaughter pay Grandmother's birthday greeting." The few grandsons also obediently bowed and gave birthday wishing.
Seeing the beaming looks on her son and grandchildren's faces, old Mrs. Chen was doused in joy. Until Yue Da Fu came out and yelled: "Old lady is crazy with joy. Still, not letting the children come in and rest!"
Hearing what her family's old man said, old Mrs. Chen came back to her senses: "Mother was too overjoyed. I have forgotten you guys had travelled for half a day before returning. Come, come. Go to the main hall and sit down to chat with Mother."
The group happily returned to the main hall. Mrs. Chen had heard the movement and brought Wen Wei to the main hall to join the liveliness.
Because of the good family situation, Mrs. Han was family head in the county. So she prepared some small gifts for each child. She had also prepared a piece of fabric that was now popular in the county for You Ting.
You Ting had a year before her coming-of-age. It went without saying that she was at the age of wanting to be pretty. After receiving such good materials from her third aunt, she was overjoyed in her heart: "Thank you, Third Aunt!"
While old Mrs. Chen was a little displeased at the sight of the material's quality: "It's just a girl. Why give her with such a good fabric? Better to keep it to sell!"
Hearing what she said, the excitement in You Ting's heart died out. The smile on the corner of her lips faded a lot. Seeing this, Mrs. Han hurriedly said: "You Ting is big now. She should be at the age of matchmaking. It's right for her to be dressed in beautiful clothes!"
Hearing what Mrs. Han said, old Mrs. Chen didn't say continue anymore: "Since your third aunt thoughtfully prepared for you, you can keep it." Hearing her words, You Ting accepted the material in delight.
The gift for Mrs. Chen was more expensive. It was a pair of exquisite silver lilac, which Mrs. Chen happily received. One must know that a pair of silver lilac was worth a lot of money! Third's wife hadn't forgot her root and knew how to respect family when she got good things.
After sending gifts to everyone one by one, the birthday gift for old Mrs. Chen was the last one. Yue Chang Shou took out a heavy sterling silver bracelet from the box and held it in front of old Mrs. Chen: "Mother, this year is your 50th birthday. Son specially prepared a birthday gift for you. I hope you don't dislike it."
There was a birthday custom since the Dafeng Dynasty. At the 50th birthday of one's parents, the children should give more gold and silver to show their filial piety. However, most villagers would give away a small silver-plated bracelet at best. It was indeed rare to give such a large sterling silver bracelet like Yue Chang Shou.
Old Mrs. Chen watched her son holding a sterling silver bracelet to her and teared up: "You child! This bracelet must worth a good bit of money, right? You're already a man with a family, how can you spend so much like this?"
Although she verbally blamed Yue Chang Shou, she had long been clouded with happiness. This was indeed her most sweet youngest son. Certainly much filial than the other two sons!
Mrs. Han smilingly took the bracelet in Yue Chang Shou's hand and put it on old Mrs. Chen's right wrist. She grinned: "This year is Mother's 50th birthday. It's only right to respect Mother. Daughter-in-law finds this bracelet very beautiful on Mother!"
Yue Da Fu took in his third son couple's display of filial piety and happily smoked the hookah leaves prepared by the third son. The family of more than a dozen people in the main hall was soaked in happiness. Kind father and filial son atmosphere. Very warm.
After gifting everyone, Mrs. Han realized that the things prepared for the second branch hadn't been sent out. So she smiled and asked, "Mother, why didn't You Jin and her sisters come here? This time I came back with a lot of You He's old clothes. I was thinking with the number of girls in the second branch, they might be of use?"
When talking about the money-wasting goods from the second room, Old Chen's smiling yellowed face became a little stiff. Her smile faded a little: "Those money-wasting goods. They don't need You He's old clothes? Don't let them waste the clothes. It's better to give them to You Ting to wear."
Although Yue You Ting was also a money-wasting good, old Mrs. Chen loved Yue You Ting more when compared with those in second branch.
When hearing that she could still wear new clothes, she quietly looked at You He while nobody was paying attention. The clothes she was wearing now are embroidered with beautiful patterns of the butterfly and floral. Although it was You He's old ones, Yue You Ting still felt some anticipation. She'll still dress a lot better than the people in the village, right?
"You He's old clothes are from a few years ago. Now she bigger, she can't wear it. You Ting is half a head taller than You He, she can't wear it." Unexpectedly, Mrs. Han smilingly rejected old Mrs. Chen's idea, "You Ting is now fourteen. If she want to wear things, she should wear those with good quality."
Seeing Mrs. Han explained it like this, Yue You Ting, who was originally a little unhappy, no longer overthink. However, old Mrs. Chen took in Han's smiling appearance and a trace of dislike flicked through her heart. If it weren't for Mrs. Han's father and the old man knew each other, old Mrs. Chen wouldn't let her third son marry a city daughter-in-law. Now it made her third son live far away from her. Although he didn't live in his wife's family home, it was just one step away from that. Mrs. Han was even more dislikeable. Knowing that she didn't like the money-wasting goods of second branch, she rushed to give them this and that!
Although Yue Chang Shou didn't have much affection for his second brother's family, his wife said that she wanted to give it away, so let her: "Mother, just a few pieces of old clothes. Last time, I saw You Jin and her sisters still wearing patched clothes. Our household wearing that out is terrible. Although You He's old clothes are old, they are better than what they wear now." He lowered his voice and spoke into old Mrs. Chen's ear. He whispered: "I'm afraid that those outside gossiping. Seeing that Second Brother's children in shabby clothes, they'll want to say that Mother is biased!"
When old Mrs. Chen heard what her son said, she immediately exploded: "It's just those petty people spreading gossip. They dare to drag my head in it!"
Although angry, old Mrs. Chen had always loved having face. Turning her eyes sideways, she spoke to Mrs. Han: "If this is the case, you should send it to the West Wing. Just to prevent people wagging their tongue behind our back."
Once Mrs. Han got her approval, she naturally ignored the yin and yang in her tone. When she came out of the main hall, she carried a large package to the west wing.
Mrs. Su, who was lying on the bed to nurture her pregnancy, heard You Bao coming in and saying that Third Aunt was back. She hurriedly sat up, "Third Sister-in-law is back."
She took in the small turnip heads with yellow and thin faces and dressed in tatters. Then she looked at Mrs. Su who was half-lying on the bed. Except for the large bulging belly, the whole person was very thin. A trace of discomfort flashed in Mrs. Han's heart: "Sister-in-law, lie down quickly."
Mrs. Su leaned on the hard pillow with a friendly smile on her sallow face. The only person she can take pleasantly converse with in Yue Family was Mrs. Han, who comes back a few times a year. "You come back such a long and still not resting. If Mother knows that you came over, she will tell you off again." Old Mrs. Chen dislike Mrs. Han interacting with her. Mrs. Su was clear about this.
"It's okay. I told Mother before I came here." Sitting on the stool that the two sisters, You Zhu and You Bao moved over, Mrs. Han smiled and took out a large bag of caramel from the bundle: "You Zhu, You Bao are really sensible. Go bring some caramel to your sisters. Aunt will chat with your mother."
The two sisters glanced at Mrs. Su. Seeing her slight nod, they accepted the caramel in Mrs. Han's hand: "Thank you, Third aunt."
Then with small steps, they led their younger sisters back to the Kang where they usually sleep and ate the caramel.
Mrs. Han looked at little Ninth, who was very well-behaved at two years old and sighed slightly, "Sister-in-law, these daughters are all very disciplined."
"I didn't teach them. My health isn't good most of the time. The sisters are taught and raised by You Jin and You Yin. I have been lying in bed all day long." Mrs. Su explained with a smile.
"You Jin has been very sensible since she was young. She is nearly three years younger than my family's You He and appears much more stable than You He."
Speaking of the second room's eldest daughter, You Jin, Mrs. Han's heart ached. The child was eleven this year and she looked like a seven or eight-year-old. You He started to slowly enter puberty when she was eleven years old two years ago.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt sorry for the children in the second branch. Mrs. Han hurried back to her senses and opened the bundle she had just carried: "These are some old clothes that I found when I was at home. They were all worn by You He. Although it is a bit old, it is still wearable."
Picking up a slightly faded dress, she spoke: "This is a suitable dress for You Zhu. I brought seven or eight sets with me this time. The few children can get one set. Sister-in-law don't dislike it."
After receiving the very comfortable fine cotton clothes from Mrs. Han, she stroked the embroidered patterns on the clothes. Mrs. Su's eye sockets slightly warmed: "This is such a good material. Sister-in-law, you better keep it!"
Mrs. Han pondered and felt that she was afraid that Mother-in-law would be angry when she found out,. So she smilingly assured, "I asked Mother just now. Mother said that it was perfect for the few children to wear. My You He is sprouting now and there are no other little girls at home. So it's better for the You Jin sisters to wear."
With these words, Mrs. Su's eyes almost shed tears. She hurriedly wiped the corners of her eyes with her sleeve: "Sister-in-law is thoughtful."
The author has something to say: How about changing to morning~~~ If you have suggestions for the update time, can you leave a message to Qing Shan?
Chapter 8. Half cooked rice
Mrs. Su pushed her herself to have the energy to talk with Mrs. Han for a long time. Mrs. Han noticed that she was indeed tired, so she didn't stay much longer: "Sister-in-law, you should take care of your body. Even if not for your own sake, but do it for your few daughters." With a heavy heart, she earnestly advised. Only then, Mrs. Han left the west wing empty-handed and went back to the lower room of the east wing where she lived.
Yue You He, who was sitting cautiously on the chair in the room, hurriedly stood up when she saw her mother come back and hugged her arm: "Mother is finally back. Younger brothers went out to play with the older brothers from first branch. I'm the only one left in the room. It's boring."
Mrs. Han pulled her daughter to sit on the kang, poured a bowl of water, and asked with a smile: "Didn't You Ting come to talk to you? How come she's gone now?"
Hearing her mother mention Yue You Ting, You He pursed her pink and delicate lip: "Mother, don't talk about it. Elder Cousin Sister looked through this and that when she comes. As long as it fit her, my new clothes gets taken away. Daughter was so annoyed at the sight of her and casually found a reason to send her back." Sitting next to Mrs. Han, she continued to complain, "How nice it was when we were in the county town! These country people have never seen the world. Daughter feel sick at the sight of it."
At first, Mrs. Han listened to her daughter complaining with a smile. But seeing her like this, her face immediately became a bit ugly and said: "What country people? You just happened grew up in the county town. Here will always be your home. You are also a country person yourself. Where did you learn this kind of bowing high and stamping low attitude?"
Although Mrs. Han was born in a small business family, she was the only daughter in the small family. On top of that, her mother was strong. Her father did not dare to take concubines. So she was educated like a boy. Due to this, she was more ambitious than many women. She also sympathized with second branch's daughters. So she helped Mrs. Su secretly from time to time. She knew that the family head hadn't entered her family despite living in the county town. Her family was still members of Yue Family. Her daughter's words were really wrong. If Mother-in-law heard it, there will be trouble.
Seeing her mother suddenly speaking to herself like this, You Yue He didn't dare to argue with her despite the dissatisfaction in her heart. She obediently admitted her mistake: "Daughter knows her mistake."
Mrs. Han sighed. She broke it down bit by bit and explained it to her: "You still have your two brothers and are living a good life in the county town now. However, this family will be your mountain in the future. For a family to thrive, the most important thing is for siblings to work together. Although Mother doesn't like your eldest aunt's behavior, have I ever stop your two brothers from hanging out with the cousins from eldest branch? Your cousin sister Ting had only live in the village since she was young. She has seen less of the world than you. Still, you can't look down on people, understand? It's just show her something fresh. You won't lose a piece of meat. What is there to be scared about?"
Yue You He was carefully raised by Mrs. Han since she was young. She wasn't a small-minded person. She was just angry at Yue You Ting's ransacking and let a few heavy words without any thoughts. After listening to Mrs. Han's words, she realized her problem and then willingly admitted her mistake: "Mother taught right. Daughter know my mistakes."
Seeing her daughter reflecting, Mrs. Han sighed: "Now you are thirteen, you have reached the age of marriage. Think about how others would think of you if your words got out. How would they look at our Yue Family's daughter?" Stroking her daughter's long hair, she said softly: "In a woman's life, the most important thing is her own marriage. Don't be shy. Knowing these words is better than not knowing."
You He still felt a little embarrassed. Taking in Mrs. Han's heartfelt speech, she blushingly responded, "Mother is right. Daughter knows."
You Jin, who was preparing a family meal with You Yin in the kitchen, naturally didn't know what was going on at the main house. She held a large spatula and turning over the half-cooked vegetables in the pot. You Jin looked at crowded kitchen. Only she and You Yin were in the kitchen cooking. She silently complained in her mind. This old Mrs. Chen's heart was really big. The whole family was home for a meal and she could feel relieved to leave it to two kids to do it!
Due to the return of third branch and the two precious grandson from eldest branch, old Mrs. Chen spent a lot of money to prepare this dinner. All the three jins of meat brought back by third branch was brought to the kitchen to make a few more dishes. It was out of fear of starving her precious grandsons. But she wanted to be idle. When she left the kitchen, she glared fiercely at the undernourished sisters: "Properly cook a good meal for me. If you dare sneakily eat, watch out for your skins!"
After Old Mrs. Chen respectfully was sent away, lips were curled. You Jin had some petty thoughts. She deliberately sautéing the two dishes a little saltier and steamed out some half-cooked brown rice. You Yin looked at the raw rice in the pot and rubbed her hands nervously: "Third Sister, the rice is raw. What to do when Grandmother gets angry in a while?"
A faint smile hung on You Jin's face: "Don't be afraid. I will support the sky when it fall. Don't make a noise when you eat. Believing in Elder Sister is the right way." You Yin was afraid of old Mrs. Chen sinc she was little. But seeing Elder Sister appearing so confident, her uneasy heart weirdly calmed down. She nodded vigorously: "En! I believe Third Sister!"
After taking the last potato fried pork slice out of the pot, You Jin motioned for You Yin to scoop the rice: "Bring all the food to the table. Then call everyone to eat."
Today's food was considered bountiful. Yue Chang Shou had really bear the money to bring back three jins of fatty pork belly this time. Compared to the male-biased Yue Da Fu couple and Yue Chang Fu, who was greedy for money and loved to bully the second branch, third branch's family can be regarded as the most friendly toward second branch. Although Yue Chang Shou was indifferent, Mrs. Han had always been very close with Mrs. Su and very amiable to herself and her few younger sisters.
Obeying You Jin's words, You Yin quickly arranged the food. The Yue Family compound, which was originally empty, was soon filled with delicious fragrance. Seeing the previously disappeared first branch's mother and daughter currently stared at the spoon in old Mrs. Chen's hand for fear that it might leak a spoon and a half, You Jin was full of contempt toward these two. Lowering her eyelids, she silently complained in her heart.
Mrs. Han looked from the four-five big pots on the table, which were all filled with vegetables, to gray-hair and yellowed face sisters. She smiled and clicked some meat slice with fried potatoes for You Jin: "Thank you for you sisters' hard work. Don't you know to call Third Aunt for help? Eat more, but don't exhaust your body!"
After that, she picked meat for You Yin. Completely didn't notice old Mrs. Chen's red eyes staring at her viciously.
You Yin, who was sitting across from old Mrs. Chen, noticed the familiar look on Grandmother's face. You Yin, who was frightened and trembled a few times, picked up the bowl and tried to pick it out. But she was stopped by You Jin:" Fourth Sister, still not thanking Third Aunt?"
After that, she pulled her sleeves under the dining table with her hands.
Seeing her act like this, You Yin hesitantly put down the thick porcelain bowl and then whispered, "Thank you Third Aunt."
Old Mrs. Chen endured and endured before finally pointing at the mulberry bush when actually scolding the locust tree: "Just all eat, no work tattered things. From day to night, only know to eat!"
At the next table, Yue Da Fu was happily drinking the soju Third Son had brought back from the county town with his three sons. Hearing old Mrs. Chen was yelling again, he unhappily put down the bowl with some wine remaining in slight displeasure. He shouted: "Come on. Old woman never stops all day long. Today, you're still at it all day long!"
Old Mrs. Chen, who had already felt fire burning in her heart, became even more angry when beign told off by him. Before she could explode, she heard You Ting uttered, "Oh. The rice isn't cooked today!"
Old Mrs. Chen became furious as soon as she heard it. Her chopsticks slammed on the table. She stared coldly at second branch's two money-wasting thing: "Who made the rice tonight?"
These fierce words penetrated into the bones and scared You Yin into silence. Her hands under the table tightly tugged at the sleeves. Not knowing what to do.
After eating the fried potato and pork in the bowl, You Jin put down her chopsticks in time: "I steamed it."
Picking up the chopsticks on the table and throwing it intp You Jin's face, old Mrs. Chen started to scold, "No skin, no face money-wasting goods that only eat and do nothing. Really is the reincarnation of the evil star that came harm our old Yue Family. Such a good brown rice has been half-cooked. If I don't kill you today, you won't know that the sky is high and the earth is thick!"
After that, she stood to prepare to beat You Jin.
Witnessing old Mrs. Chen's anger, everyone didn't dare to speak. All of them sat quietly with their heads down. Taking in her so-called father's disdainful glance from the next table, a trace of ridicule flashed in You Jin's eyes. After dodging the chopsticks that old Mrs. Chen had just thrown over and seeing old Mrs. Chen walking quickly over to beat her up, You Jin hurriedly got up and ran behind Mrs. Han, who reached out her hand to protect her. Only then, she began to defended herself: "It is Granddaughter's fault that the rice isn't cooked today. It's just that I've never cooked a meal for so many people before, so I didn't grasp the amount of water right..."
With a turn of a head, the gun was pointed at Mrs. Chen: "Today it was supposed to first branch's turn to cook. If First Aunt cooked, there would be no problem..."
At the sight of her mother-in-law's aggressive appearance, Mrs. Han hurriedly stopped her and dissuaded with kind words and coaxing: "Mother, since the rice is uncooked, bring it back, add some water and cook again. After all, You Jin sisters are still small. There will be times when they are careless. Mother always dotes her children and grandchildren. If you beat the children because of a small incident, the face of our Yue family will look bad. Don't you agree?"
Old Chen's expression was already ugly. Seeing Mrs. Han protecting the money-wasting thing and using words to block her like this, old Mrs. Chen's eyes blazed with anger. However, seeing the old man having an expression of disapproval, she turned her aim and slapped Mrs. Chen's head: "You gluttonous, lazy woman. It's your turn to cook at home and you lie in the room, slacking away. Still not sorting the rice and steam it! If you don't cook the rice properly tonight, this old lady will peel your skin!"
Chapter 9. Blabbermouth
Mrs. Chen was originally reported by You Jin in person, was still a little frightened. At first, when she saw that old Mrs. Chen didn't blame her, she presumed that things will develop like similar incidents that happened before. In the end, the unfortunate ones were those money-wasting things. In the middle of quietly watching the excitement, she was unexpectedly slapped on the back of the head by old Mrs. Chen. Now her hair was messed up.
Still, Mrs. Chen didn't dare to excessively talk. She sobbingly defended herself: "Mother, it's not that I don't want to do it. I hurt my hand in the past two days and can't work!"
"Last time it was Eldest Aunt's turn to gather the pigweed, Eldest Aunt had said that she had injured her hand!" You Jin, who hid behind Mrs. Han, didn't give her face and pierced apart Mrs. Chen's lame lie. "Also last month, Eldest Aunt said she had hurt her foot!"
Seeing old Mrs. Chen and Yue Da Fu glaring at her with ugly expressions, Mrs. Chen cringingly stood and stammered to find a few words of excuse. But was interrupted by her own man. Yue Chang Fu heavily put down the chopsticks in his hand and gave You Jin, who didn't know her own weight, an eye-roll: "Really an unruly money-wasting thing. Is it your place to interrupt when the adult talks? Second Brother, you should teach the kids properly when you go back!" Then he turned his head around and hollered at Mrs. Chen, "Still not hurrying to take the rice back to the kitchen to cook it!"
After being scolded by her husband, there was fire in Mrs. Chen's heart. However, but seeing her husband winking at her calmly, she hurriedly got up and poured all the untouched rice back into the rice bowl. Then she took the rice bowl in one hand and dragged You Ting to the kitchen with the other.
"From what I see, Eldest Aunt's hands and feet very nimble. Doesn't look like it's injured!" How could You Jin not know that Yue Chang Fu was trying to calm things down? Well, got see if she was willing to or not.
Old Mrs. Chen always opened one eye and closed one eye when Mrs. Chen oppressed second branch's money-wasting things. However, it was brought up to the surface by this second branch's damn girl today. Naturally, the expression on her face was very ugly. For a while, everyone was silent. There were about twenty people sitting in the huge courtyard, but all of them remained silent and fell into a very awkward silence.
Yue Da Fu coughed twice: "Alright. It's just the rice isn't cooked. What is there be stirred up about? Every day the old isn't acting old, the young isn't acting like a young!" Yue Da Fu was naturally sitting on the supreme position in Yue family. He broke the deadlock like this. It went without saying everyone won't talk about it.
Looking at Eldest Son and Second Son's ugly expressions, Yue Da Fu sighed and spoke, "Don't just focus on working and earning money. You got to manage your woman and children at home too. My Yue Family can be regarded as farming family with education. If such a matter spreads out, won't outsiders' big teeth fall out from laughing?"
Yue Chang Fu's expression was a little unsightly. Still, he responded: "Father is right. Son will definitely discipline the lazy woman."
Yue Chang Lu's face was worst. His face flushed and glared fiercely at Yue You Jin. He was originally the least favored son at home and happened to marry a bad wife that couldn't give him a son. Instead she gave birth to these seven money-wasting things. This made him lose face! But in front of Third Brother and the few nephews, he didn't act up. Just nodded vigorously.
His threatening gaze didn't scare You Jin. Seeing that old Mrs. Chen had winded down, You Jin sat back to her original position and ate the food that Mrs. Han had just clipped for her in small bites. Although she might suffer a little bit in a while, they didn't need to be used as a slave in the future by first branch. Wasn't it an improvement?
When Mrs. Chen came back with the cooked rice, old Mrs. Chen surprisingly didn't make it difficult for Mrs. Chen. With a pinched lips, she divided the steaming brown rice to everyone. Then she sat down and ate with her head down. As if the food in the bowl was her foe. She chewed down hard and ferociously. Mrs. Chen took in the sight of her grinding her teeth and her heart trembled. For fear that her mother-in-law would sort her out again, she lowered her head and painstakingly ate. She didn't dare to say anything.
On the contrary, You Jin managed to give the two Chens misfortune in front of the family. It can be said that she felt very satisfied. She quickly finished her meal and clipped a lot of vegetables for her few younger sisters. Finally, she packed a bowl full of food for Mrs. Su, who was lying in bed and nurturing her pregnancy. Mrs. Chen watched the excessively proud lowly girl, Yue You Jin walked away with her tail triumphantly waving. Her heart couldn't set the anger to rest: "Mother, aren't you going to govern that money-losing good..."
Before Mrs. Chen finished speaking, she was slapped and cursed by angry old Mrs. Chen: "With such good food, it still fill your stomach? Beside eating, your stinky mouth opens to wag your tongue!"
Mrs. Chen originally wanted to scold the second branch's damn girl to quell her mother-in-law's steam. She didn't expect that instead of flattering the horse's butt, she flattered the horse's hoof. Her mother-in-law lectured her again. Her face lost its glow. She closed her mouths quietly and stopped saying anything.
Seeing her nieces were so frightened, she hurriedly smiled and clipped some dishes for old Mrs. Chen: "This pork was bought at the farmer market by family early this morning. He said he would bring it back for Mother to try and see whether county's pork was better than the family's pork!"
Mrs. Han's words were pleasing. She was also very obedient. Old Mrs. Chen, who was still dissatisfied with Mrs. Han in her heart, immediately seem to be a better mood: "The meat I bought by my Third is naturally good!"
Turning her head, she beamed at Yue Chang Shou at the next table, "It's a chance rare to come back. Eat more vegetables. You can't eat these fresh vegetables when you are away from home."
Yue Chang Shou merrily responded: "Ai! Since Mother has ordered, Son will open up stomach and eat more!" Old Mrs. Chen's heart became warmed. It was completely soothing. It was still her youngest son who knew to dote other the most. The atmosphere that was initially a bit awkward became jollily with the cooperation of Yue Chang Shou couple's singing in harmony. The gloom on old Mrs. Chen's face disappeared a lot. Third Son came back to celebrate her fifty's birthday. How can she let herself be angry due to these damn girls on her joyous day? Thinking like this, old Mrs. Chen didn't want to care about second branch's money-losing things.
In the west wing room, Mrs. Su, who was half-lying on the bed, gave You Jin a slight blaming gaze: "You're a little girl. Why are you going against your grandmother and your eldest aunt? Is the place where your father hit you two days ago better already?"
Mrs. Su supported herself to sitting position. You Jin smiled like a Cheshire cat, "Don't worry, Mother. Today Third Uncle's family, Eldest Cousin Brother and Second Cousin Brother have returned. Even if she is annoyed, she won't hit anyone with her hands." Although old Mrs. Chen was terrible, Yue Da Fu wasn't a good person either. Both of them had one habit, that is, to have face. You Jin had spotted this point and dared to make such a fuss during third branch's return.
"You! You are extremely audacious. Normally, you appeared steady. Unexpectedly, you're crooked. This time, you got your third aunt protecting you. Then after your third aunt is gone tomorrow, who can protect you?" Mrs. Su usually felt her eldest daughter was a little grown-up as she helped her with the housework and took care of the younger sister. However, her impulsiveness during today's matter was surprising. She couldn't help but feel a little more worried. "Your age is getting older. Girls should always care about their reputation. Still need to seek marriage in the future, no?"
Thinking that she still had seven daughters to marry off, Mrs. Su couldn't help but sighed deeply. Mother-in-law had never liked the few children. How much dowry can she prepare for their future marriage? She didn't have much dowry when she married into Yue Family. What to do when the children marry out? The more Mrs. Su thought about it, the more anxious she became. She didn't even have the mind to eat the food she was holding. She couldn't wait to come up with a good idea to solve this problem right away.
Seeing her so worried, You Jin coaxed a few words: "Mother, what you should worry about now is the younger brother in your stomach. As for the rest, there's me."
Seeing that her eldest daughter so sensible, Mrs. Su's heart slightly firmed up. These children have been accustomed to the hard life since they were young. Because of her own reasons, they had suffered a lot. Six daughters were all close to her and sensible under Eldest Daughter's teachings. However, they were distant with family head. Thinking of this, Mrs. Su's heart felt unsettled again.
Taking in her frowning appearance, You Jin hurriedly persuaded her: "Mother is pregnant with a younger brother. When Dr. Ma came to check your pulse last time, he had said you were overly worried during pregnancy. Mother, can you not have troubled thoughts for the younger brother in your belly's sake, right?"
In fact, You Jin didn't care if the baby was a younger brother or younger sister. But Mrs. Su and Yue Chang Lu were all hoping for it to be a son. They became accustomed to calling the one in Mrs. Su's belly younger brother.
"Mother know. the meal outside should be almost finished. Go and see if there is anything you can do? And save you from getting called lazy by your grandmother again."
Listening to the movement in the yard, it seemed that the meal was almost finished. Mrs. Su hurriedly ushered You Jin to go out to help clean up.
You Jin was an old god. She didn't feel rushed at all: "Don't worry, Mother. Today is the first day of the new year. It's first branch's turn to do the housework. If I go now, won't I be snatching Eldest Aunt's credit?"
Then she began to urge Mrs. Su to have her meal: "Mother, you should focus on yourself and finish the meal first before discussing anymore."
Mrs. Su's temperament had always been submissive. Because of this, she was bullied by people like Yue Family with no strength to fight back. Seeing her daughter's understatement with a tough attitude, Mrs. Su stopped saying anything. Using her chopsticks, she scooped the somewhat warm food. In a short while, she finished a coarse porcelain bowl of food.
Seeing that Mrs. Su was full, You Jin collected the empty bowl and left the West Wing. She only found You Yin and You Ting cleaning up the dishes. The other sisters were gone. So she asked You Yin: "Where's Little Fifth, Little Sixth, and others?"
Upon the sight of Third Sister's arrival, You Yin whispered: "Follow Third Aunt to the east wing."
"Then why aren't you going?" You Jin took the chopsticks in You Yin's hand and placed it on the table. Then she put Mrs. Su empty bowl on the table: "Go to the east wing and watch the younger sisters. Don't let them run wild in Third Aunt's room."
Chapter 10. Dead end family line
You Yin wanted to tell Third Sister that Third Aunt had call her too at the beginning, but she was dragged by eldest cousin sister to help clean up. So she didn't follow. Now when she heard Third Sister telling her to go, You Yin nodded hard. She took a half scoop of water to wash her hands before heading to the east wing. Leaving You Ting, who was ordering You Yin around with her hands on hip, and You Jin staring at each other there.
"Then I'll trouble Eldest Cousin Sister with the rest of the work." You Jin wasn't stupid. Just now, she tore their face, so how could she rush to curry favor with her?
Although she was born and raised in the countryside, You Ting was spoiled by Mrs. Chen from young. On top of that, there were a good few children in second branch at home. So why would Yue You Ting get involved with these housework? Hearing what she said, the expression on You Ting's fair face turned a little ugly in an instant: "Yue You Jin, you dare to order me to do work?"
You Jin indifferently raised her eyes and glanced at her. Lowering her voice, she mocked: "What Eldest Cousin Sister say is strange? When did I instruct Eldest Cousin Sister on work? In the past, wasn't it always Eldest Cousin Sister making us work like cows and horses? Why don't you remember?"
Then she raised her voice and said loudly, "Today it's first branch's turn to work. If Eldest Cousin Sister doesn't want to do it, I'll go and tell Grandmother. Let Grandmother decide then!"
"You damn girl, you dare!" You Ting also raised her voice and angrily yelled at Yue You Jin: "Dead end family's damn girl! You're only worthy to be ordered around by me!"
"Yue You Ting!" Mrs. Chen, who came out of the kitchen, heard her utter her private ridicule of second branch. Mrs. Chen hollered at her out of nervousness: "Such a grown girl and still don't have a sense of boundary at all!"
Then she turned her head and smiled at the cold face You Jin: "You Jin, don't listen to your eldest sister's nonsense. Your eldest sister is straightforward. Don't take it to your heart!"
How could You Jin not know why Mrs. Chen ran out in such a panic and interrupted You Ting's words. She was afraid that Yue Da Fu and old Mrs. Chen in the main hall would hear it. After all, second branch having no son wasn't only Yue Chang Lu's mental sickness, but also Yue Da Fu and his wife. If You Ting's words reach old Mrs. Chen's ears, there will be some bone chewing.
Before You Jin could speak, old Mrs. Chen's voice rang out from the main hall: "Still so noisy when cleaning up the dishes and chopsticks. Truly a lazy woman who can't do anything but eat everything!"
Judging by old Mrs. Chen's words, she probably didn't hear what was said outside. Mrs. Chen heaved a sigh of relief and raised her voice to respond, "Oh! I know. I'll clean asap!"
Then she lowered her voice and said to You Jin: "You Jin, if you don't want Grandmother to tell you off and scold at you, then pretend you didn't hear what your eldest sister said just now, okay? You don't want your family to be in chaos because your mother hasn't been able to give birth to a son, right?"
If You Jin was an immature little girl, maybe she would have been coaxed by Mrs. Chen's words. However, the soul in You Jin had lived for more than 20 years in the previous life. So would it be that easy to be hoodwinked by these few words of Mrs. Chen's bluffing? Still, You Jin hesitated and replied: "I don't want to say anything. It was just Eldest Cousin Sister who repeatedly called us money-wasting things and said that my father couldn't give birth to a son. Said that we got to be a cow and a horse for her. We are also descendants of Yue Family. How come Eldest Cosuin Sister always order us on chores?"
After hearing to You Jin's words, Mrs. Chen hurriedly stated: "Your eldest cousin sister is insensible. Eldest Aunt will lecture her. Since it is our first branch's turn to work, I can't let you come and dirty your hands today. You guys have worked hard on the cooking today. So go back and rest earlier. It's enough with your eldest cousin sister and I here. Hurry back now!"
Seeing that You Jin finally leave with her head turning back every three steps, Xiao Chen breathed a sigh of relief. Then she patted You Ting's head hard: "Why don't your mouth have a door, girl? If your grandmother heard it, you'll definitely lose a layer of skin!"
"I'm not wrong. It was Mother who said that second branch is a dead end household without a son..." You Ting was a little dissatisfied. This wasn't her own unfounded words. They clearly can't give birth a son. Still can't let others say?
Seeing that she hadn't understood the lecture, Mrs. Chen didn't bother to speak, "Just remember that you can't let your grandmother know that. Now quickly put away the dishes and chopsticks and bring them to the kitchen!"
You Jin didn't bother to pay attention to first branch's mother and child and went straight back to the West Wing. She had to clean up the room while the younger sisters were away. Although Mrs. Su's body wasn't sturdy, she always loved cleanliness. Under her influence, the seven daughters loved cleanliness very much. Although the clothes they wear on normal days were all shabby and old, every piece of clothing was thoroughly washed clean. Although the younger sisters were a little thinner, they were much better than the dirty children of the poorer family in the village.
She took out a bag of clothes that Mrs. Han had sent over in the afternoon and checked each one carefully. Although they were all old clothes, they were all made of fine cotton with a good feel. "All from the same family and the gap is really not small." You Jin muttered to herself while getting the needle and thread for Little Ninth's clothes alteration.
Her words didn't hold any malice though. Toward Mrs. Han, You Jin was truly grateful. Although Third Uncle was shrewd and looked down on second branch, he didn't stop her from getting along with them.
In her previous life, You Jin had sewn and repaired clothes for herself since young. In this life, she had to sew clothes for seven younger sisters. The needlework was naturally top-notch. Soon, she finished altering Little Ninth's clothes: "Wait until Little Ninth grows up, it can be still worn once the excess can be loosen out."
Sitting on the kang with her back on the pillow, Mrs. Su watched the needle fly under her daughter's nimble hand. She took a piece of clothes and altered as well. She smilingly said, "Jin'er is now more capable."
Mrs. Su's heart ached for her eldest daughter who matured at early age. If it weren't for her incapability, she should be at the age of playing and laughing. However, her eldest daughter was so mature that she was a little grown-upt.
It was a pity that You Jin didn't know Mrs. Su's internal thoughts. If she did, she would feel awkward to death. Although she was only 11 years old now, her core was an adult who was nearly 30 years old. A nearly 30 years old tomboy. Making her act cute was harder than making her kill someone, alright?
She looked up and saw that Mrs. Su, whose eyes were full of love, was carefully helping the children to alter their clothes. The corners of You Jin's mouth curved into a smile. Although Mrs. Su's temperament was weak and meek, she didn't feel dissatisfied with the daughters because patriarchal environment. On the contrary, the weak her often protected her sisters in front of old Mrs. Chen and Yue Chang Lu and got beaten. This reduced the beating the seven sisters received. She also often quietly save her own ration to give to the few children. This was in a sense mother's inherent strength, right?
Let's get back to the quarrel between You Jin and You Ting just now. Old Mrs. Chen could only hear outside was noisy and not what was said. However, Yue Chang Lu, who was sitting on the bench by the kang, had very sharp ears. He clearly heard the three words "dead end family" from Yue You Ting's mouth. His face changed in an instant. He didn't even old Mr. Yue talking to him.
"Old Second, Dad is asking you something!" Yue Chang Fu, who was sitting at the side, pushed the dazed old Second, "How can you be absent-minded?"
Yue Chang Lu came back to his senses: "Ah, what did Dad say?"
Looking at the somewhat dull second son, Yue Da Fu sighed in his heart. In this family, only second branch was the most unpromising and got no son. Second son was a bit dumb and honest, unlike the eldest son and the third son who were very shrewd. Seeing him so absent-minded, Yue Da Fu felt more disdain toward second son: "The autumn harvest is about to come. There are so many land at home. Did your overseer say when he'll let you come back for the harvest rush?"
"Ah! He have. Said he will give everyone three to five days to go home the harvest in five days." Yue Chang Lu hurriedly answered. He was working on river digging on a construction site near the town. Although it was hard work, he can earn two or three hundred a month. However, compared with the eldest son who worked as the accountant in the shop in the town and third son was a shopkeeper, second branch had it the hardest.
"Father, we can't compare to old Second. Our shop has been doing very well recently and the shopkeeper valued me. I'm afraid that I won't be able to come back and help with the rush at home." Eldest slowly responded.
After hearing this, Yue Da Fu nodded: "Naturally, the work at the shop is more important. On the day when the harvest starts, we can hire a few more day laborers." Yue Family was a household with 30 mu of fertile land. It went without saying that Yue Chang Lu alone wasn't enough for the harvest rush. Basically, three to four day laborers were hired to help with the harvest every year.
"Actually the academy give a harvest vacation. How about Second Brother and I come back together to help Grandfather at that time?" The eldest grandson who Yue Da Fu was most fond of, Yue Wne Tao respectfully proposed to Yue Da Fu.
After listening to his words, the others were interrupted by old Mrs. Chen before they spoke: "How can that do? You brothers will both become top officials in the future. How can you come back to do this kind of heavy work? Isn't there a pile of money-wasting goods in second branch? Everyone will go to work then!"
Seeing that his second son's complexion became a little ugly, Yue Da Fu gave his wife an eye-roll: "Those children are still young, what can they do? We hire short term laborers every year. Why are you talking so much?"
The harvest rush was decided like this: "Wen Tao and Wen Li, keep studying hard in the county town. Next year's Tongsheng exam will arrive in the blink of an eye. Your top priority is the imperial examination. Study well and gain a title as soon as possible!"
Yue Da Fu put a lot of trust in his two grandsons. Although Wen Tao had failed this year's Tongsheng exam, he still believe that both grandsons were very smart and it was inevitable to pass the exam.
Yue Wen Tao knew that his grandfather had great expectations of him. He remembered what he had heard from his classmates the past two days, so he hesitated to speak: "Grandson heard from his classmates the other day that they have a way to find the county magistrate. However it may take some money to to form the connection. This year, grandson didn't do poorly in his article. Even the academy teacher said that I could pass it. In the end, I didn't get the spot because there was no money spent on communication..."
As soon as the future of the two children was mentioned, Yue Da Fu became agitated: "If this is the case, our family will have to spend some money?"
"My classmate said, if we are willing, we can pool in up fifty taels each and use it for connection and communication. Maybe we can get papers. Second Brother and I will need one hundred taels..." When it comes to money, Yue Wen Tao's voice becomes smaller and smaller. Although he knew that his family's life was pretty good, one hundred taels was still an astronomical number for a rural family.