Chapter 26. Wan Niang enter the door (part 2)
Mrs. Chen and the laying hen clucked throughout the whole world. She wished the whole world could know the news of second branch marrying another woman. No matter how naive You Yin was, she had seen the villagers set up the marriage room for marrying wife. On top of that, Eldest Aunt just said 'Your father is going to marry in another mother back'.
No matter how much she lied to herself, she deceive herself. Immediately, she ran back to the west wing with a sob. Before entering the door, she bumped into You Jin who came out of the room.
"What are you doing?" You Jin naturally heard Mrs. Chen's laughter sounding outside. So she came out to stop You Yin.
How could You Yin possibly care that much? She was already in tears when she looked at You Jin: "Third Elder Sister, did you already know? Did you?"
You Jin looked at her somewhat wild appearance and nodded slightly: "Yes, I overheard it with You Zhu outside the main room that day."
"No wonder You Zhu yelled at me like that that day. No wonder she was angry with me! No wonder!" You Yin didn't blame You Jin and You Zhu for hiding it from her. Instead, she blamed herself for having a glimmer of hope for her father. She had wanted to persuade You Zhu. That was why You Zhu was so mad that day!
You Jin took in You Yin who was overwhelmed by self-blame and grief to the point of crying aloud. She felt very distressed for this little sister who was weak and faint-hearted but owned a precocious and kind-hearted temper. She pulled the choked in tears You Yin into her embrace: "You Yin, it's not your mistake. It's not your fault. It's Yue Chang Lu. It's him who lied to Mother and you. It's his wrong, not your!"
The tearful You Yin was a little suspicious of herself. She stared at You Jin with unsure gaze: "Third Elder Sister, don't you and little Fifth blame me?"
"I don't blame you." You Jin's soft voice sounded in her ear, giving her a moment of peace to her flustered heart: "Quickly wipe away your tears. Don't let Mother know. She is currently pregnant. She can't take simulation."
This was also the reason why You Jin hid the truth and dare not let Mrs. Su know. Although she will know sooner or later, if she could know it one day later then it was one day.
However, in the inner room of the west wing, Mrs. Su, who You Jin thought was asleep, had heard the conversation between Mrs. Chen and the sisters. She laid on her side on the kang, wept silently while holding her slightly throbbing stomach. Only then did she clearly realized the real purpose of Yue Chang Lu's sudden considerate care these days and finally heart for him completely died. Even if her heart toward Yue Chang Lu was frozen, she couldn't let the few daughters worry about her anymore. She had to endure the grief in her heart and soothe her restless stomach.
In the west wing, mother and daughters each brew in their own depression. Although they didn't want others to distress. Still, it was hard to accomplish. All of them had a bitter smile on their faces. Compare with the excited Yue Chang Lu, the rest of West Wing's members was submerged into a thick cloud of sorrow.
No matter how sad the You Yin sisters were, they can't stop Wan Niang from entering the door.
On the sixth day of December, Yue Chang Lu hired a mule cart with a awning early to pick up Wan Niang from the small dilapidated house rented by Wan Niang in the town. He took each and every one of Wan Niang's belongings before going back to Cuifeng Village.
The mule cart was parked steadily at the door of Yue's house. Today's snow fell a lot. Still, it couldn't stop the eager hearts of the villagers who wanted gossip.
That's right. After Mrs. Chen's publicity, from the 70-year-old to the 3-year-old toddler in Cuifeng Village knew Yue Family's old Second, who can't give birth to a son, was going to marry an equal wife!
Yue Chang Lu first lifted the curtain and got out of the mule carriage. Today, he deliberately wore a dark red cotton long coat and carefully put it together. In addition, he was in merry mood and good spirits. His gloomy aura had dissipated a lot and didn't look as scary as it used to be.
Seeing him get out of the cart, some good-hearted young people stirred up, "Second Uncle Yue, tell the bride to come out and show everyone!"
"Exactly. We're all waiting for Second Uncle Yue to gift out wedding candy!" The younger generation smilingly teased Yue Chang Lu one after another.
Yue Chang Lu, who was overjoy, became slightly solemn. But his displeasure was quickly eased by Wan Niang who got off the car behind him: "Second Elder Brother Yue, they are here to bask in our joy. Today is our happy day. Second Elder Brother should be more happy."
Seeing her coming down, Yue Chang Lu hurriedly stretched out her hand and steadily helped her into the Yue Family's compound for fear of slipping on the snow. The attention was no longer on the roused up villagers.
However, the villagers who came to see the gossip saw Wan Niang's appearance and went back with satisfaction. After all, it was a snowy day. Who would be willing to go against the cold outside?
A few villagers walked off shoulder to shoulder. They whispered as they walked, "This new wife is really pretty. No wonder old Second Yue got bewitched."
Wan Niang was only in her early twenties. She was well raised when she was a maid in a wealthy family. Although she suffered a bit this year, she was much better than the native country people. In addition, she deliberately wore a big red jacket and carefully groomed herself for today's marriage. Naturally, it made her look particularly bright among the gray-faced villagers of Cuifeng Village.
"Indeed. If you think about Sister-in-law Su's shriveled appearance, any man would choose a new wife like this, no?" A idler young generation showed a "you know" expression and grinned.
"Pah! Stinky boy without all hair, what are you thinking!" An old auntie in her early forties spat toward the few people before speaking: "You think old Second Yue is of any good? You don't know how much prettier Mrs. Su's hand were when she married over. She got tormented by Yue Family!"
"That's right. Now that I recall Mrs. Su's appearance when she just got married back then, she was top-notch in appearance and personality within the ten miles and eight townships. It's a pity that her life isn't good. A pity!" When another old auntie talked about Mrs. Su of the past, she also gave a thumb up.
Seeing that both of them said this, the younger generation asked suspiciously: "That Sister-in-law Su doesn't go out all the year round. I saw her once a while back. I feel she's old enough to be my grandmother. Was she beautiful when she was young?"
"What is your grandmother! I remember that Mrs. Su is only in her early thirties. Her health is bad, and she does look a little old. However, she got a gorgeous face when she was young. It's a pity..."
The villagers strode away as they chatted. It all dispersed with the wind in a short time. It couldn't float into Yue Family compound that was tightly surrounded by the courtyard walls.
In the main room of Yue Family compound, Yue Da Fu and old Mrs. Chen were also dressed neatly today. They sat on the kang waiting for Wan Niang to come and serve tea.
Naturally, Wan Niang knew how to behave. She knelt on the ice-cold ground without hesitation with her eight month belly sticking out and respectfully served tea to Yue Da Fu couple: "Father, Mother, please drink tea. "
After drinking the tea served by the new daughter-in-law, old Mrs. Chen snottily gave Wan Niang a red envelope: "Now you enter the door of my Yue Family, you must serve your husband well and spread the branches and leaves for my Yue family."
"Yes, Wan Niang will respect Father and Mother well and serve Second Elder Brother Yue and ELder Sister Su. If Wan Niang has done something wrong, please guide me." Wan Niang respectfully kowtowed. Biting her teeth, she waited until Yue Da Fu nodded before standing up a little staggeringly with the help of Yue Chang Lu.
Today was the day Wan Niang enter the door. Yue Chang Fu, who also worked in the town, took time to come back to meet his new younger sister-in-law. While Yue Chang Shou, who was far away in the county town, had a lot of chores in the shop because of the approaching of the new year. He sent a piece of fine cotton material back as a gift. Third branch didn't return.
After meeting first branch, Wan Niang smilingly said to Yue Chang Lu, "Second Elder Brother, I entered Yue's house today and still haven't served tea to Elder Sister Su yet!"
At the mention of forever-lying-on-the-kang Mrs. Su, Yue Chang Lu's beaming face flashed with disgust. Still he held Wan Niang's hand tightly without any intention to let go: "She was bought from my Yue Family. How can she compare with you? It is she who should come to serve tea to you when it comes to serving tea."
After listening to Yue Chang Lu's biased words, Wan Niang smiled with satisfaction. Still, she spoke nicely on the surface: "No matter what, Elder Sister Su has served Second Elder Brother for more than ten years. First come, first serve, no? Second Elder Brother, please take me to greet Elder Sister Su. Otherwise, people outside will know and might say I don't know how to behave!"
Seeing her so sensible, Yue Chang Lu, whose heart was 100% on her body, lost his soul to her too. He helped her out of the main room and walked toward the door of the west wing through the heavy snow pile.
This winter was even colder than in previous years. Because there weren't many clothes for the winter, and the weather was cold, You Jin sisters won't go out if they can. They all hide on the kang in the west wing.
You Jin and You Zhu already knew that today was the day when Wan Niang entered the door. When she heard a movement outside the door, You Zhu glanced at You Jin nervously: "Third Elder Sister!"
You Jin shook her head slightly. At this time, what was the use of being anxious? Today was Yue Chang Lu's joyous day. If they dare to do anything, there was no doubt that something will happen with Yue Chang Lu's irritable and short-fuse temperament!
With the help of Yue Chang Lu, Wan Niang entered the west wing. A group of ragged little girls lined up in the room and looking at her in unison entered her sight. Then she scanned the tattered west wing without a trace. There was a flash of disgust in her heart. Still, she maintained a gentle smile on the face: "Is this the few children?"
Yue Chang Lu looked at the few lowly girls who were standing like wooden puppets and glared at them: "Still not calling Mother?"
However, the little girls pursed their lips tightly. Each of them stared fiercely at Yue Chang Lu and Wan Niang. They wished they could bite them to death. How could they be willing to address the other party?
Yue Chang Lu was about to explode when Wan Niang's tender little hand held him back: "Second Elder Brother, it's the first time we met. The children must be afraid of stranger. Your children are my children. I will teach them slowly in the future. Can you take me to see Elder Sister Su first?"
At first, Yue Chang Lu was furious that a few money-wasting things made his face drop in front of his sweetheart. This embarrassment was soon calmed out by Wan Niang's gentleness and sensibleness. He turned his hand and grasped Wan Niang's hand: "Okay. I'll listen to you."
After saying that, he hugged Wan Niang and entered the inner room where Mrs. Su was. Before entering, he didn't forget to viciously glare at You Jin sisters who wanted to follow and closed the door tightly in front of them.
The author has something to say: Want to sneak in some words. Please don't scold Qingshan~
It's useless to scold. Qingshan's manuscripts have already reached 320,000. There is no turning back even if I get killed (it's really painful to change the text)
Chapter 27. Paper tiger
Although Yue Chang Lu closed the door and barre the children out, there wasn't much sound insulation. You Jin and her sisters all leaned against the door for fear that Mrs. Su would be bullied by Yue Chang Lu pair.
In the inner room of the west wing, Wan Niang took in Mrs. Su. Her belly was terrifyingly high, but her figure was skinny as a skeleton. She showed a triumphant smile at Mrs. Su when Yue Chang Lu wasn't looking. This kind of woman, what can she use to fight with her?
Although she thought like this, she kept up with superficial work on the surface. She gave a half salute to Mrs. Su: "Wan Niang meet Elder Sister Su."
Laying on the kang with a shriveled face, Mrs. Su showed a bleak smile. However, her scarlet eyes revealed that she had cried all the tears she could in the past few days. Her mental state was like completely detached from the world. Without any attachment or desire.
It was a rare chance that Yue Chang Lu was in a good mood today. He firmly supported Wan Niang with one hand and said to Mrs. Su: "Although Wan Niang entered the door later than you, you can't throw your seniority. Get along." Yue Chang Lu quietly inquired in the town. The new spouse need the first wife's approval before they can enter the door. So he had been kind to her these days.
But seeing her close-to-tear appearance, Yue Chang Lu felt an inexplicable irritability in her heart: "If you nod your head in agreement, then we can talk things out. It's useless even if you don't agree."
An ugly smile appeared on Mrs. Su's pale face: "If that's the case, why do you want me to nod? Before I nod, didn't she already enter Yue's house?"
Mrs. Su's dazed attitude annoyed Yue Chang Lu. Along with the anger he received outside, he directed it at Mrs. Su. Straight up, he slapped Mrs. Su's face and berated, "Not accepting face when given face!"
A bright red palm print appeared on Mrs. Su's face. Still, she ignored him in her dazed state.
Yue Chang Lu spat angrily and called her a b*tch before turning to look at Wan Niang. His expression softened again: "This place is very dirty. Since this b*tch is shameless don't want face, don't let yourself feel wronged."
Then he helped Wan Niang back to their bridal room.
In the bridal room, Wan Niang leaned softly into Yue Chang Lu's arms and said sadly, "Second Elder Brother Yue, does Elder Sister Su and the children don't like me? Will my arrival ruin your life? If that's the case, I'd better leave Yue Family!"
At this time, Yue Chang Lu's heart and soul were tightly grasped by Wan Niang. How could he let his precious suffer any grievance? He comforted her in a low voice: "Wan Niang, there's me for everything. Now you just need to focus on nurturing the baby with peace of mind and give me a big plump boy. As for Mrs. Su and those money-wasting things, they can't say anything if they really annoy me and I sell them!"
After listening to his words, Wan Niang hurriedly reached out and stroked his lips: "Don't, Husband. I don't want you to bear the reputation of abandoning your wife and daughters because of me. I'm not aggrieved."
Hearing such a soft and moving "Husband" from her, Yue Chang Lu was rendered to the point of his bones fell off. The hand around Wan Niang began to behave unruly: "My good Wan Niang, today is our wedding night. We can't waste our wedding night for these unimportant people, right?"
As soon as it was getting dark, noise came from Yue Chang Lu's bridal room in the west wing. Old Mrs. Chen, who came to look for her son, heard it from outside, blushed and spat at the door: "Don't know how to control herself when she's pregnant. Have no skin or face!"
Then she shuffled away.
In Mrs. Su's room in the west wing, You Jin sat directly opposite Mrs. Su and stared straight at the red slap print on Mrs. Su's face. Then a towel was heated to apply as a hot compress to reduce the swelling. You Jin said quietly: " Mother, do you still think he know his mistakes and correct his ways now?"
Mrs. Su had already shed all the tears she could these days. She shook her head blankly. But still no answer.
You Jin knew that digging a wound to bone was painful, but at least the effect was good. Even if Mrs. Su was depressed, she would take this opportunity to strengthen Mrs. Su's belief in leaving: "Mother, I know that you hate to the point of not wanting to live now, but think about it. If you are gone, the two babies in your belly? And us seven sisters? At that time, let Father and our other mother ruin us!"
Seeing the wavering in Mrs. Su's eyes, You Jin continued to put effort: "She's pregnant too. If she gives birth to a son, will we still have a way to live? Mother, how did you marry into the Yue Family back then? Did you forgot?"
Yes! It was because of the death of both parents, she married into the fire pit, Yue Family by her uncle, like selling goods. If she died, what would happen to her daughters? Their father wasn't dead yet and this was the most terrifying thing, no?
Thinking that her tragic fate is likely to repeat itself on her daughters, turbid tears came out of Mrs. Su's dry eyes. She repeatedly shook her head: "No, I can't die. I can't leave you alone... ..."
Seeing that the will to survive that had been extinguished in Mrs. Su's eyes was rekindled, You Jin heaved a sigh of relief. Then she beckoned the few sisters who were standing outside the door to come in and stand in a row in front of Mrs. Su: "Mother, we are all your daughter. Do you really have the heart to not want us?"
As soon as little Eighth and little Ninth heard that Mother didn't want them anymore, they immediately burst into tears. One left and one right crawled onto the kang and hugged Mrs. Su tightly: "Little Eighth (Little Ninth) is good. Mother don't don't want us. I don't want to change mother!"
Several older people also stood under the kang with red eyes, and tears fell down one by one.
"Mother will not want you. You are all born by me after ten months of pregnancy. Even with my life on line, I won't let them bully you again!"
Mrs. Su was originally a struggling person in Yue Family's mud, so she didn't want her daughters to live the same life as her. At this time, Mrs. Su's strong mother consciousness was completely awakened.
You Jin brought a clean handkerchief to wipe the faces of few sisters who were crying like cats. Only then, she and You Yin took the two crying little toddlers away. Then they came back to check on Mrs. Su's situation: "Now that you are nearly eight months pregnant, it's the most important time is to be careful. No matter what that side do, don't get angry, understand?"
Mrs. Su gently caressed her stomach with both hands to soothe the restless baby in the womb. She had already been groomed and now looked refreshed. Smiling, she nodded: "I know. Even if it's not for myself, I want to be take care of myself for you and your younger sisters."
Her gaze toward You Jin was loving: "Mother has been too muddled-head all these years. It's been hard on you."
You Jin shook her head: "Mother, it's not hard. As long as you and your sisters are okay and our family can be happy together, whatever we do is worth it." You Jin's parents died early in her previous life. Although she had an uncle, it was a far branch away. Just a meal together on New Year's and holidays. The warmth of family was what she lacked the most.
This life, she had so many family members. Although there were many troubles, but watching those little babies grow from babbling and toddling stage to cute and sensible little girls, she was happy despite the bitterness. She had already poured countless love on them.
Regardless of the rumors outside or the resistance of the west wing, Wan Niang had entered the door of Yue's house.
In the middle of winter, there was heavy feathery snow outside every now and then. Most of the farmers hid in their homes. Perhaps because the weather was too cold, the number of times old Mrs. Chen came to create trouble plummeted a lot. Still, You Jin and her sisters had to do the chores, such as laundry and cooking.
The water in the Cuifeng River had long been frozen. And there were fewer clothes to change in winter. Most of the villagers went to an ancient well in the village to fetch water for washing and cooking.
You Jin brought You Yin back home with a wooden bucket full of washed clothes. Just after entering the door, a soft voice came: "Oh, it's such a cold day. Why is Third Girl and Fourth Girl still going out to wash clothes? Don't freeze yourself!" It turned out to be Wan Niang who had just come out of the main room.
Glancing at the well-dressed Wan Niang, You Jin sisters didn't respond. They carried the clothes and went to the backyard to hang them.
Since Wan Niang entered the door of Yue's house, she would do small acts to look better in front of Yue Da Fu and his wife every morning and evening. On top of that, she endured some pain and gifted old Mrs. Chen a pair of silver lilac. Only then, old Mrs. Chen showed her nice attitude. Mrs. Chen was also a fortune-lover. As long as there was a little benefit, she can become a good sister-in-law to others. So Wan Niang felt that she has a firm foothold in Yue Family now.
Unexpectedly, the lowly things that Mrs. Su gave birth to didn't even want to call her. And even dared to give her attitude to her. With a burst of fury, she moved to follow: "You guys stood right there!"
Unexpectedly, You Jin really stopped. Then she looked coldly at Wan Niang, who was chasing after her in a rage. The mockery in her eyes made Wan Niang flared up even more. Stretching her hand out, she swung a slap. To her surprise, she was caught and halted by quick-reflex You Jin. You Jin pushed her hand away: "I advise you not to put your aim on us. Best to keep to our own side. Not everyone find Yue Family fragrant."
Wan Niang, who originally wanted to hit someone but was taught a lesson in turn, didn't think so much. She only felt that You Jin was hitting her face fiercely. Her index finger that was a little red from the cold wind pointed directly at her: "You lowly girl, one day I will make you look good!"
"I'll wait and see who makes whom look good." You Jin's eyes that seemed to be able to see through her heart and stared straight at her. It inexplicably made her feel a chill. Wan Niang felt a little vulnerable on the inside. However, she still pretended to be arrogant and harrumphed heavily before dragging her already heavy body back to her room.
Seeing how she was leaving in a hurry, You Yin was a little worried: "Third Elder Sister, what if she complained to Father?" You Yin was thoroughly hurt by Yue Chang Lu now. She was only worried that Wan Niang will complain to Yue Chang Lu. You Jin might get beaten again.
However, You Jin looked at Wan Niang who was so easily provoked by her to reveal her true personality. She sneered in her heart. She thought her bewitching skill was so high by the Yue Chang Lu acted. Never thought, she was just a paper tiger. Her front just appeared strong. She whispered comfort to You Yin: "Don't worry. If she dares to complain, I have my own way."
Seeing Third Elder Sister say this, You Yin was a little relieved. The sisters shook off the snowflakes on their bodies and quickly carried their clothes back to the west wing to dry. In winter, the clothes that Yue Family changed out of were washed and dried in the west wing. Fortunately, there was a heated kang. If not, who knows how difficult it will be in winter in this west wing.
Chapter 28. Fever during the snow
In recent years, the weather was getting colder and colder. Even the continuous Cuifeng Mountain was now a vast expanse of white. The snow on the roadside of Cuifeng Village was nearly a foot deep. At the sight of the deep snow, the elderly in the village were delighted to point their eyebrows raised: "Timely fall of snow means a bountiful year. It seems that next year will be another good harvest year!"
You Jin didn't understand this. She just felt that deep snow meant difficult movement. In this cold day, she went up to Cuifeng Mountain alone. Old Mrs. Chen had said the New Year was approaching and the family had too many people, there wasn't enough firewood. So she sent You Jin to Cuifeng Mountain to collect firewood.
If anyone from outside found out about this, they would all laugh out loud: Yue Da Fu and Yue Chang Lu were both at home isolating. Two grown men didn't go out to collect firewood, but instead let a little girl less than twelve years old go up the mountain for firewood! One must know that in the middle of winter, all the animals in the mountains were short of food. If one encounters some tigers or wolves, they will forfeit their life!
How could old Mrs. Chen possibly care? It was because she clearly knew that going up the mountain at this time might kill her. That's why, she sent You Jin there. Sitting on the kang, she winked and said, "If she is caught by a tiger, it can only be said that her life isn't good. Can't possibly make the men at home toss around for her!"
"What Mother said is right. If I wasn't pregnant now, I should have served Father and Mother more." Wan Niang was standing up to talk without a backache. Although she had only entered the door for more than half a month, she knew how to coax old Mrs. Chen to merry mood: "You Jin is the eldest daughter of our second room. Elder Sister Su is not in good health. She should be more filial to Mother."
Old Mrs. Chen was spinning under Wan Niang's buttering up and nodded with satisfaction: "You are quite sensible. Nothing in this world is bigger than the word of filial piety, right?"
Sitting cross-legged on the kang, she was busy sewing for Yue Da Fu's New Year's clothes. She didn't care about her granddaughter who could die at any time in such cold weather.
Thankfully, You Jin got rich experience in wild survival in her previous life. It was just getting firewood at the foot of the mountain. Not a big deal. She carried the back basket she usually carried. Inside it was a firewood knife that she had polished shiny. Stepping on the snow, she carefully wandered around in the mountains. After all, the mountains were full of hibernating animals. If she break into the den of a blind bear, it will be completely chilly.
Maybe You Jin was really unlucky. As she focused on not disturbing the hibernating animals on the mountain, she stepped on the snow nest. Then half of her body fell into a small pit. In a moment, Young Jin reacted: she immediately reached out and grabbed the dry vines under the snowdrift. The cold snow slipped along the cuffs that were raised high. Still You Jin had no time to pay attention to these details and tried her best to climb up.
This pit was quite deep. Even after half of You Jin's body had fallen into the pit, she still can't reach the bottom. If she fell into the pit in such a cold weather, it will be difficult to climb up. It was certain that he would freeze to death here. So You Jin gritted her teeth and tried her best to climb out.
Although You Jin reacted in time, her movements were slow since it was winter. On top of that, You Jin was still small and wasn't strong enough. She struggled for a long time. Only when her body was soaked in snow, she climbed out of the pit.
Crawling out of the pit, exhausted You Jin sat paralyzed in the snow. She was panting heavily. It was clearly a cold winter in December, but she was sweating profusely. Due to the body's heat and the completely damp padded jacket, You Jin couldn't help shivering: "Achoo!"
After resting enough, You Jin stumbled up from the snow. Only then she had the strength to look back to see what was in the pit she almost fell into just now. If she didn't see, she won't have known. Now she saw, she was startled. It was actually a big flat-headed snake curled up into a ball!
You Jin broke into a cold sweat after realizing this. If she really fell into it, not to mention that she couldn't climb up, she would have woke up this hibernating poisonous snake. She was afraid that he would be doomed. After heaving a sigh of relief, she hastily buried the hole she almost fell into just now with snow. Then she carried a back basket full of firewood and dragged two long dead branches back home.
Although she wasn't buried in the belly of the snake, she fell ill that night after the firewood was chopped.
"Third Elder Sister! Third Elder Sister! Wake up!" The first one who noticed something was amiss with You Jin was You Yin who was sleeping beside her. Although the kang was still burning warmly, You Yin, who was closest to You Jin felt the abnormal scorching high temperature. It was only then that she realized Third Elder Sister have a fever.
You Jin wasn't woken up. However, You Zhu and You Bao who were sleeping beside her were woken up instead. When they heard that Third Elder Sister had a fever, they all hunched over and crawled over: "What's the matter? Why did Third Elder Sister suddenly have a fever? "
"I don't know. When Third Elder Sister came down from the mountain during the day, I saw that her clothes were covered in ice on the cuffs. At that time, I urged her to change her clothes. However, she still caught a cold!" She got up and lit the oil lamp in the outer room. Only then, she found You Jin's face was flushed red from the fever.
Seeing fever-riddled You Jin remain unconscious, the three sisters didn't know what to do. So they had to wake up Mrs. Su. Mrs. Su in the inner room had already woken up when she heard the movement outside. As soon as she heard that You Jin had a fever, she hurriedly asked You Yin to take the handkerchief and go outside to get some snow and soak the handkerchief wet and cool: "Help your Third Elder Sister cool down first. Once her temperature cool down, it'll be better."
You Yin quickly used a wooden basin and filled it with snow in the yard before returning. Then she put the handkerchief directly on the snow and froze it for a while before applying it to You Jin's head. While You Zhu and You Bao became even more anxious as they looked at their blushing Third Elder Sister. It was the first time they saw competent Third Elder Sister collapse. How could they not be anxious?
You Zhu asked anxiously, "Mother, are we going to let Third Elder Sister burn like this? Shouldn't we hire a doctor?" What if she burns silly? Third Elder Sister was now the backbone among them. She must not fall!
"It's the middle of the night. If you invite the doctor, it will stir unrest in the whole family. Your Grandmother will definitely act up!"
Mrs. Su was very worried about You Jin's condition. But now You Jin was ill and she had been sick all the time. If trouble comes, who can protect these children? With a sigh, she said faintly, "Besides, we don't have any money?"
"Doesn't Third Elder Sister have money?" You Zhu retorted in a hushed voice. She was afraid that others would find out that Third Elder Sister had saved a lot of private money. But Third Elder Sister was ill. They got to take out the money to cure Third Elder Sister!
But Mrs. Su had no choice but to shake her head: "The money is hidden by your third elder sister. I don't know where she put it. I don't have any money on me..."
You Jin knew that she was easy to sway. So all the money was hidden by her. Mrs. Su didn't know where she put it!
"So we're going to let Third Elder Sister burn like this? What if her brain is burned silly?" You Zhu was so anxious that tears fell. She put on her outer clothes and headed outside: "I'll go and beg Doctor Ma to come and save Third Elder Sister!"
Right now it was snowing outside. On top of that, it was pitch black. How far can You Zhu go without even a lantern? Just a stone's throw away from Yue Family's yard, she was pulled back by searching You Yin from behind: "It's snowing heavily today. What are you going to do?"
With tears on her face, You Zhu glared You Yin who grasped her: "You can watch Third Elder Sister have a fever, but I can't. You can't save, then I will find someone to save Third Elder Sister!"
"Yue You Zhu, please stop making trouble, okay!" This was the first time that You Yin had yelled at You Zhu so loudly. It was particularly loud in the quiet village: "Third Elder Sister just got ill and you start to cause trouble, right? No one want to watch Third Elder Sister meet with mishap. Whatever you do, think it through with your head!"
You Zhu was frightened by You Yin's loud holler and it took a while for her to react, "Fourth Elder Sister, what do you think we should do..."
The two sisters stood in the wind and snow. Only the wind and the falling snowflakes whistled. From time to time, a few dog barks could be heard in the distance. You Yin dryly swallowed, feeling that she would be frozen after a while. "Let's go back first. There will always be a way to relieve Third Elder Sister's fever. It's snowy and slippery today. If something happens to you too, Third Elder Sister would blame us after she got better."
After listening to You Yin's words, You Zhu nodded her head woodenly. The two sisters, who were already covered in snow, turned back with one set of deep and one set of shallow footsteps.
Although they didn't have the money to seek a doctor, they didn't dare to wake up Yue Family at night. You Yin and her sisters had to keep wiping You Jin's body with iced handkerchiefs to cool down. Little Eighth and Little Ninth sat at the side. Their heads were dozing off a little bit, but they still refused to sleep. They insisted on guarding Third Elder Sister.
You Yin and You Zhu had been busy until late into the night. Maybe the iced handkerchiefs was useful. Red faced You Jin had slept much more peacefully and was no longer restless.
Early the next morning, You Jin drowsily opened her heavy eyes and saw sleeping You Yin sitting beside her with her small head supported by her hands. Just when she was about to speak, she noticed her voice was very dry and hoarse. Still a little sore.
You Yin was afraid that Third Elder Sister would be uncomfortable, so she did not dare to fall asleep too deeply. As soon as she heard the movement, she immediately woke up. Seeing You Jin awake, she was pleasantly surprised: "Third Elder Sister, you're awake!" Then she rushed to put a pillow behind You Jin and helped her to sit up a bit. "Yesterday, you suddenly started to have a high fever. It had us scared!"
After accepting the bowl of hot water from You Zhu, You Jin sipped half of the bowl. It was like a rain after a long drought. She felt she was mostly revive. Seeing the panda eyed sisters because of lack of sleep, You Jin showed a reassuring smile: "Don't worry. Third Elder Sister will be fine!"
"Third Sister!" Seeing that she was finally fine, You Zhu jumped into her arms with joy. Her eyes were red as if she was about to cry: "We were so afraid that something would happen to you!"
With her right hand around You Zhu, she soothingly patted You Yin who was sitting beside her with her left hand: "Don't worry. Don't you see that Third Elder Sister is all well now?" Although she still felt a little uncomfortable, at least the fever had subsided now.
In the west wing, the commotion caused by You Jin's sudden illness was calmed down like this. The rest of Yue family didn't move at all from beginning to end.
Chapter 29. New Year Pig Slaughter
After a few days, You Jin's on and off illness was healed. In a blink of an eye, it was December 22th.
The six pigs raised by Yue Family this year had grown fat and strong under the careful care of You Jin sisters. Finally, the New Year was approaching and Yue Da Fu made an appointment with the butcher in the town to come to soak pigs today.
In the kitchen of Yue's house, You Jin and her sisters were busy boiling water. Outside the pigpen in the backyard, five/six young men were already standing there. The head among them was Butcher Huang. He often came to Cuifeng Village to kill pigs.
Butcher Huang held a sharp knife in his hand that was glinting with cold light. Standing in front of the pigsty with a hand on hip, he scanned the fat pigs that were to be slaughtered in the pigsty. His eyes were full of joy: "The pigs in Uncle Yue's house are really well raised! The smallest pig is almost two hundred jins!"
Yue Da Fu was also full of joy. Standing in front of the pigsty, he grinned: "They are all home-raised pigs. Whether they are fat or not, they're like this. Today, I will have to trouble old Brother Huang. After the pigs are killed, let's have a good drink!"
Pig-slaughter meals was a custom in Cuifeng Village. Two tables were set up on the day of killing pigs. One was to thank the people who came to help kill the pigs. The other was to invite some close-connection in the village to celebrate.
Today was Yue Da Fu's family's New Year pig slaughter. According to Yue Da Fu's face-saving temperament, the pig slaughter meal got to be bountiful. So early in the morning, You Jin sisters were ordered around by old Mrs. Chen. Chopping cabbage, slicing potatoes, etc. Every one of them were busy like a spinning top. Still, the sisters were beaming on their faces. After all, all year round there was just this one pig slaughter meal. Meaning, they can more or less consume meat.
A pigs shriek sounded from the backyard. It turned out that Butcher Huang stabbed the neck of one rope bound fat pig. Blood spurted out. A man who was standby on the side with a large wooden basin for the pig blood quickly stepped forward. The pig's blood went into the basin without a single drop missed.
Wan Niang deliberately combed her hair with osmanthus hair oil today and wore a big red cotton jacket. In addition, she was guarded by Yue Chang Lu since she entered Yue Family. Not a meal was missed. She was glowing and rosy. Despite her little daughter-in-law appearance, she openly followed Yue Chang Lu to the backyard and took the initiative to smile and greet the villagers that came to help.
When Yue Da Fu saw her come out, the smile on his face faded by a half. After this Wan Niang entered the gate of Yue's house, Old Second wasn't as disciplined as before. Two days back was clan patriarch's pig slaughter meal. His old face was almost completely lost after being told off by patriarch. Now Wan Niang came out to meet the guests dressed in fancy dress. Anyone with discernment knew what she was thinking.
Yue Da Fu first glared at Yue Chang Lu. The other party just shrank his neck as if he didn't see it. Instantly fury brew within Yue Da Fu. But seeing so many people in the backyard now waiting to watch the fun, he can't really act up. Then he spoke to Yue Chang Lu in a deep voice: "Right now, the pigs are getting killed. It's a mess. If you bump into something, it will be bad. Old Second quickly bring your wife back."
Taking the thoughtful eyes of those who came to help fall on Wan Niang and his father's displeased gaze, Yue Chang Lu could only agree. He took Wan Niang back to the west wing.
Everyone saw Wan Niang walking away with a big belly and eyed Yue Da Fu's gloomy face.
"I told you not to go. Look at you. You insist that you have never seen a pig slaughter but wanted to see it. Father isn't happy!" Yue Chang Lu's awe for Yue Da Fu has been deeply rooted in his bones. Plus Yue Da Fu was a little angry in front of so many people. So Yue Chang Lu was a little mad. He supported Wan Niang back to the room where the two of them were currently living in the west wing and said angrily while sitting on the kang.
Was it just Yue Chang Lu who was angry? Wan Niang was too. What afraid of bumping into something? They just find her shameful. Feel that she lost the face of their Yue Family when she came out!
Sitting on the edge of the kang, she was so angry that she grabbed her sleeves tightly. The sleeves that were neatly ironed instantly became wrinkled. Even the baby in her belly began to feel restless.
The two of them were each immersed in their anger for a while. Then Wan Niang leaned on Yue Chang Lu's side sobbing softly: "Second Elder Brother, do you also think that I have lost face of the Yue family when I go out? If so, I will take the child away and leave Yue Family. Whether we live or die, it got nothing to do with anyone."
She took Yue Chang Lu's hand and put it on her stomach to feel the child's energetic movements: "My pitiful child, he lost his father when he's born... .."
Wan Niang's words sounded so sad and moving. On top of that, feeling the baby's movements under his hand, Yue Chang Lu's heart softened a little. He turned around and took delicate Wan Niang into his embrace. In a muffled voice, he spoke "What are you thinking? Everything it good, you talk about leaving again. Father was worried about the crowd and slippery ground. It would be terrible if you and the baby got hurt. That's why he told me to take you back in. Don't think weird thoughts."
Seeing Yue Chang Lu lower his head first and his attitude softened a lot, Wan Niang acted sensible and nodded: "I was thinking too much. It just I always feel that Father, Mother, and the few children don't like me very much. Second Elder Brother, you are the only one I can rely on in this family. You are Wan Niang's sky."
Wan Niang's words made Yue Chang Lu felt like he was physically and mentally surging with energy. His male ego was greatly satisfied. He soothingly patted her on the back: "Since Father and Mother are willing to let you in, it proves that they like you. Don't think too much about it. Once you give birth to our son, I will go and beg father to let you be the principal wife."
After Wan Niang heard this, her resentment calmed down a little. The hand on her stomach became gentler. As long as she give birth to a son, all difficulties would be resolved with ease.
You Jin and the others were naturally unaware of this event in the backyard. Every one of the sisters sniffed their frozen red noses while taking the sliced Chinese cabbage out of the cold water, draining it and putting it in the kitchen for later use.
The pig slaughtering in the backyard was quick. After a while, two large pots of coagulated pig blood were sent to the kitchen in the front yard. Today was an important day for Yue Family. It went without saying old Mrs. Chen had to keep an eye on everything. She would scold a few words if something goes wrong. Even Mrs. Chen who was in charge of the spoon had been scolded a few times: "Put less meat, you wasteful woman. Don't you feel bad when you pour so much meat in!"
Mrs. Chen pursed her lips and responded, "Mother, I know. You can rest assured!"
Today it was lively at home and people from the village come and go. She was already mother and being scolded like this by Mother, she was naturally a little uncomfortable.
Yue You Ting, who was also instructed to work today, moved a small bench and sat beside the stove, She carefully pulled up her clothes, for fear that her clothes would be soiled by the dirty things in the kitchen. Looking at You Yin who was swiping the water off her after scooping up the vegetables, she suddenly showed a contemptuous expression: "Sure enough, a lowly girl is a lowly girl."
However, You Yin and the others didn't hear her words. After all, they were too busy. How could they still pay heed to her?
The kitchen was busy and messy, while it was bustling outside. Yue Wen Wei, who was dressed like a ball, rushed in from outside: "Grandmother! Elder brothers is back!"
When old Mrs. Chen heard that her grandson who was studying in the county town had returned, the impatient expression on her face instantly turned into surprise: "Why are your elder brothers back at this time?"
After saying that, she hurriedly got up and went out to greet the pride of Yue Family.
Just when Mrs. Chen wanted to follow, she was pinned to the spot by old Mrs. Chen's gaze: "You do your job!"
Seeing old Mrs. Chen happily leave, Mrs. Chen expressed her unwillingness: "Not letting me see my own sons. What does this count as?"
Then she beckoned to Yue Wen Wei, who was greedily eyeing the pork in the pot: "Wen Wei, go and see why your elder brothers are back now."
Seeing that her son refused to move his feet, she glanced outside the kitchen. As there was no movement, she hurriedly scooped a piece of fatty pork with a big ladle: "Hurry up, go see your elder brothers after eating. Then come back and tell Mother!"
As soon as Yue Wen Wei saw the pork, he stretched out his hand to pick it up and stuffed it into his mouth without care of being scalded. After three bites, he finished the large piece of fatty meat. Only then he nodded contentedly and agreed to Mrs. Chen's request. He bolted out in a hurry.
Shortly later, Yue Wen Wei rushed in again like a headless fly: "Mother! Eldest Brother and Second Elder Brother are both back. They brought back two well-dressed gentlemen, saying they are classmates in the academy!"
"Gentlemen from the county!" When she heard that her sons came back and brought two classmates back, Mrs. Chen didn't ask why. Instead, she looked at Yue You Ting with bright eyes: "You Ting, go back and dress up. Then come out and meet the guests!"
Yue You Ting was blooming girl near her coming-of-age. When she heard her mother's words, she immediately blushed as she meekly looked at Mrs. Chen: "Mother!"
Mrs. Chen smiled happily: "You silly child. What's there to be shy about? Hurry back and dress up!" Gentlemen from county came to Cuifeng Village. This wasn't a common occurrence. If her daughter can catch this opportunity and get to know a few young masters from rich families, maybe one will take a fancy to her daughter? Then it would be possible to marry into a good family and be a young madam, no?
Seeing her smiling happily, Yue You Ting blushed and fidgetily went back to the east wing.
Yue Wen Wei didn't understand this. He just wanted to eat another piece of meat. After listened to the conversation between Mrs. Chen and his elder sister, he was confused: "Mother, what are you telling Elder Sister?"
The smile on Mrs. Chen's face disappeared. She reprimanded Yue Wen Wei, who was going to steal pork: "Go do what you should be doing. Don't always think of stealing bits. In a bit, your grnadmother will skin you once she sees!"
Yue Wen Wei was pushed out by his Mother. Seeing that he couldn't eat any more meat, he made a face at her before running off to somewhere unknown to play.
After shooting a displeased glare at her insensible third son, Mrs. Chen was in a good mood when she stir-fried the dishes in the big pot. Her mind was thinking about her daughter marrying to the county town to be a young madam. Then she could follow along and enjoy luxury. Her mood couldn't get any better. She didn't even notice You Bao, who was squatting in the corner without any sense of existence, listening in to their conversation.
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Chapter 30. New Year Pig Slaughter (part 2)
Although Yue Wen Wei was glutton, the news he brought to Mrs. Chen was correct. This time, Yue Wen Tao brothers didn't only come back alone. They brought back two classmates who they got along fairly well in the academy.
When old Mrs. Chen saw those two classmates who were dressed like the sons of rich families, she panicked and hurriedly sent You Luo, who was standing at the door of the west wing: "Go to the backyard and invite your grandfather over. Say there's guests at home."
Then she nervously led them to the main room: "The family is having New Year pig slaughter today. It's a mess. Hope you two boys don't mind."
"Old Madam is too polite. It's us who came to disturb without sending the greeting card first. We troubled old Madam to entertain us." The taller and thinner scholar of the two in green attire smiled and gave old Mrs. Chen a scholar's salute. His smile was very gentle.
Who had ever called old Mrs. Chen old Madam before? Now that she heard a student who looked like a talented scholar call her like that, she instantly felt agitated in her heart. It was as if she truly became what she was addressed, a old Madam dressed brocade and jade. She grinned so wide that only her teeth could be seen: "You gentlemen from the county town are all golden nobles. Since you came here, you are honored guests of our Yue Family. This countryside is full of muddy waters. Can't slight you at all!"
On the other side, Yue Da Fu heard that there were guests. Initially, he was still a little puzzled. How could there be guests in such cold weather? Still, he went back to the main room. Seeing that it was his grandsons who brought back classmates from county towns, he was also a little frightened and delighted: "You two boys are Wen Tao's classmates? Don't freeze yourself on coming here all the way on such cold day!"
Maybe due to peasant family's natural awe for scholars, Yue Da Fu felt restrained sitting on the kang despite being old enough to be their grandfather.
The tall and thin scholar was called Zhou Jun Peng. Hearing Da Fu Yue's question, he stood up and bowed his hands in a scholar's salute. He merrily spoke, "Old Master is too polite, Ruo Shan and I had heard Wen Tao mentioned that there is a custom of new year pig slaughter in the village. We followed over out of curiosity. If we caused trouble to the family, we apologize to you in advance."
The chubby scholar named Liu Ruo Shan. His small eyes spun around with a purr. He was a little impatient and pushed Wen Li on the side: "Didn't you say pigs get killed? Take me to see it!"
Yue Da Fu and old Mrs. Chen Shi didn't find him rude. Instead, they thought that the young master from the town had never seen pig slaughter and it was a moment of novelty. So they hurriedly laughed and asked Yue Wen Tao to take the two to the backyard to see the pig slaughter. .
When Yue You Ting dressed up and came over, only old Mrs. Chen was left in the main room. Old Mrs. Chen was grinningly counting the gifts brought by Zhou Jun Peng and Liu Ruo Shan: "Sure enough, the sons of the county are different! "
Yue You Ting didn't see anyone, so she timidly asked old Mrs. Chen: "Grandmother, where's elder brothers?"
There was some anxiety in her eyes. Could it be that they have already left?
Old Mrs. Chen didn't notice her small thought. She waved her hand casually: "Went to the backyard to watch the pig slaughtering."
It's good that they didn't go! Yue You Ting breathed a sigh of relief. She originally wanted to follow over. But looking at her clean and beautiful new clothes and then thinking how the backyard was full of dirty water after killing pigs, she pushed down the urge to see the guests when consider how embarrassing it was to dirty the clothes. She made a random excuse and went back to the east wing.
In the backyard, the fourth pig had now been killed. Yue Family and Butcher Huang agreed to kill all six pigs in one day today. Then Butcher Huang's stall will be rented to sell meat tomorrow. The money earned will naturally belong to Yue Family. While Butcher Huang can get some pig's head and pig's feet as well as the money that he deserves.
Zhou Jun Peng and Liu Ruo Shan both lived in the county town since they were young. How could they possibly seen this scene before? The sight of the bearded butcher stabbing the wailing pig directly with a sharp butcher knife. Then the wailing and struggling pig slowly moved to the rhythm of pig blood filling the wooden basin. Slowly, its breath was gone.
Although the two found it a little scary, novelty won. Liu Ruo Shan even took a few steps closer with the intend to observe carefully. Yue Da Fu was afraid that the bloody scene of pig slaughter would frighten the gentlemen from the county. So he raised his hand and beckoned the two to go back to the front yard: "Gentleman Zhou, Gentleman Liu, why don't we go back to the front yard? This pig slaughter make everywhere dirty and stinky. It will be bad if the two of you got slighted."
Liu Ruo Shan wanted to watch for a while. But Zhou Jun Peng agreed. So he pouted and turned back with everyone.
Seeing that Liu Ruo Shan seemed a little unhappy, Yue Wen Li suggested, "Ruo Shan, how about I take you to ice skating on the Cuifeng River later after havig the pig slaughter meal?"
The frozen Cuifeng River was the winter day's playground for children in Cuifeng Village. It was a good place to play. They could sit on the board and sliding down from a height. The thrill of the wind and speed could be experienced. It was a small joy in winter.
As soon as Liu Ruo Shan heard of something fun, Liu Ruo Shan immediately cheered up again: "Ice skating? How to play?"
In this era, there were no skates. And there was also a lack of such places in the county. So in Liu Ruo Shan's eyes, it was something new.
Seeing that he was playful mood, Yue Wen Li friendly hooked his shoulders and merrily replied, "Don't worry. Once we're done with the pig slaughter meal, we'll have all the fun we can. Anyway you will rest with us today. So it's not like we're short of that time, right?"
Only then did Liu Ruo Shan nodded in satisfaction and followed Yue Wen Tao and the others back to the main room. They drank some hot tea to warm up.
The conversation between the two was completely overheard by Mrs. Chen who sneaked out of the kitchen under the pretext of going to the toilet hut. She hurriedly went to old Mrs. Chen, who had returned to the kitchen supervision, to report the latest news: "Mother! I just heard Wen Li say that the two gentelmen are going to spend the night at our house!"
She recalled how the two scholars looked from a distance. Although they were only fifteen or sixteen years old, they looked very bright just by their outfit alone. There must be some foundation in the family. Deep down, in her heart, she would treat the two as her prospective son-in-law. Completely filled with love.
Old Mrs. Chen saw lazy Mrs. Chen, who had disappeared for a long time, finally come back and was about to say a few words. But the news of two gentlemen staying over night made her dizzy. She spoke: "We are country peasant family. The two gentlemen look the delicate and expensive. Will this treat them disrespectfully?"
"My mother! You are muddled from all the busyness! Is this the time to worry about disrespecting the two gentlemen? The two gentlemen are willing to stay at our house for one more night! Our You Ting is almost fifteen!"
Mrs. Chen was really annoyed that the normally smart old Mrs. Chen being muddled at the critical moment. She spoke in a hushed voice: "Mother! Our You Ting's look aren't worse than the daughter of the county. If she can marry into a rich family in the town, then you can also enjoy luxury at old age!"
After listening to Mrs. Chen's words, old Mrs. Chen instantly came to a realization. She reached out and patted her forehead: "It's really the busier, the more chaotic. The more chaotic, the more busy. To actually forget about this!"
Although old Mrs. Chen didn't favor Yue You Ting much, she was a child born by her own niece. She also looked a bit like old Mrs. Chen when she was young. So compared to other girls in Yue Family, Yue You Ting was already considered doted.
After thinking about Yue You Ting, she recalled her only daughter, Yue Chang Hong and her thirteen-year-old daughter. Old Mrs. Chen hurriedly went to the west wing to look for Yue Chang Lu: "Hurry up and set up a ox cart to pick up your eldest sister. Tell her to remember to bring Liu'er here."
Yue Chang Hong's only daughter, Ge Liu'er was thirteen years old. It was time to start paying attention to prospective in-law. When sending Yue Chang Lu out, she didn't forget to add a sentence: "Tell your eldest sister to tidy up Liu Er before coming here!"
Yue Chang Lu was cuddling with Wan Niang when he was called out of the blue by old Mrs. Chen to pick someone up. Although he didn't get it, he still rushed to set the ox cart. Thankfully, Yue Chang Hong's family didn't live far away. It was an hour to and back to pick up the mother and daughter.
On the other side, Mrs. Chen did not expect that as soon as old Mrs. Chen heard that the two gentlemen were going to stay at home for one night, she immediately thought of bringing her daughter and granddaughter over. Quietly, she vented: "Every day, she only remember her married out daughter. Really can't tell who's closer!"
You Zhu, who was pulled over to replace Yue You Ting's position and continued to burn the fire, saw her lips move but could not hear what she was saying. So she asked, "What are you talking about, Eldest Aunt?"
You Zhu's sudden voice startled Mrs. Chen: "Oh! You dead girl!"
She glared at You Zhu fiercely, "Why are you hiding and eavesdropping!"
After that, she wanted to start teach her a lesson.
"Eldest Auntie, what are you doing?" Returning with a basket of wet cabbage, You Jin saw that Mrs. Chen was about to hit and hurriedly stopped in front of You Zhu: "I heard Grandfather say just now, there is a distinguished guest at home today. We can't slight them at all. No one has served tea at this time!"
As soon as she heard that tea was needed in the main room, Mrs. Chen felt that the opportunity had come. She didn't bother with You Jin who gone against her. She quickly put down the big wooden spoon in her hand and wiped her greasy hands on the dirty hemp apron. After wiping, she hurried back to the east wing.
Seeing Third Elder Sister only say that there was no tea in the main room and Eldest Aunt went out in a hurry, You Zhu found a little incredulous: "Third Elder Sister, when did Eldest Aunt become so diligent?"
This was the first in her life seeing Eldest Aunt rushing to work. She really couldn't believe it.
On the other hand, You Jin showed a clear smile. She naturally knew why Mrs. Chen was so anxious. One had to know that the gentlemen from the county town was a sweet treat in her eyes. How could she miss this opportunity? After glancing at You Zhu's blank face, You Jin smiled and answered, "You are still young. Some things will be understood once you grow up."
"Oh!" Although You Jin gave such a perfunctory answer, You Zhu didn't get to the bottom of it. Sitting in front of the stove, she burned fire. This was considered to be taking it easy.
After a while, Yue You Ting, who was dressed up beautifully, was dragged to the kitchen by Mrs. Chen. Then she fidgetily went to the main room with the tea prepared by Mrs. Chen.