Chapter 453: Chapter 460: Eyes Well Up with Tears
 

Mrs. Liu Huang had no reason to refuse when Shu Qin spoke like this; the guests indicating they would prepare their own dinner meant she didn’t have to worry about a shortage of food at home. Otherwise, her family would have had to tighten their belts and make do for a while. She was so pleased that she repeatedly agreed, “Yes, yes, no problem, this little matter is nothing to worry about!”

Upon hearing Shu Qin’s words, Old Man Liu wanted to say there was no need to be so distant and that it was fine to eat at his place. However, considering the situation at home, he ultimately kept his mouth shut and let his daughter-in-law decide.

Shu Qin could tell what was going on, but she also understood. In those days, food was precious, and there wasn’t even enough for the household. Old Man Liu and his family had already shown great enthusiasm under the circumstances. Madam had been considerate of the family’s difficulties, which was why she sent her out early; she was worried about putting the Liu family in an awkward position when they were already causing them trouble.

“Then, thank you, Sister-in-law. There’s no need for you to cook tonight; just eat with us,” Shu Qin continued. Though Su Wenyue had not specifically instructed this, as her servant girl, Shu Qin still possessed that basic courtesy.

“There’s no need, no need. You are guests, and if times weren’t so hard and we didn’t have so little food at home, we should be the ones entertaining you. We couldn’t possibly let you cook your own meals. I only hope you understand my difficulties and won’t take offense that we can’t accept your food!” Mrs. Liu Huang said, waving her hands. She was not one to take advantage of slight benefits.

Mrs. Liu Huang’s behavior only increased Shu Qin’s good impression: the Liu family was kind-hearted, welcoming, and not at all petty.

“Sister-in-law, don’t be polite. We have so many people, it’s just a matter of cooking for a few more. Besides, we’ve occupied the kitchen, leaving you nowhere to cook. Please, have dinner with us.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I can cook after you’ve finished. There’s no rush—I can eat later,” Mrs. Liu Huang insisted.

Shu Xiang, who had been silent until now, saw Mrs. Liu Huang’s reaction and chimed in supportively, “Sister-in-law, don’t be so formal with us. We, as guests, are not being distant with you. If you keep this up, we will feel embarrassed.”

At this, Mrs. Liu Huang was somewhat persuaded by Shu Xiang, yet she didn’t make her own decision but looked toward her father-in-law instead. With him present, it wasn’t her place as a daughter-in-law to make decisions, especially in front of guests. Mrs. Liu Huang was particularly cautious in this regard, perhaps due to years of experience as the daughter-in-law of the Village Chief.

Old Man Liu was very pleased with his daughter-in-law’s respect. Being a good-natured man himself, since Shu Qin and Shu Xiang had put it this way, he didn’t refuse further. “Alright, Huzi’s mother, since the two girls are so sincere, let’s just go along with their wishes. You just help them out later. Our rural kitchen isn’t so particular, and I’m afraid the girls might not be used to it.”

“Alright, I’ll follow father-in-law’s instructions,” Mrs. Liu Huang agreed upon hearing her father-in-law speak, and without any objection, she led Shu Qin and Shu Xiang to the kitchen, pitching in to help.

Just then, they heard a loud voice from outside, “Grandfather, Mother, I’m back!”

Hearing her eldest son’s voice, Mrs. Liu Huang hurriedly went out to greet him, only to see him panting and soaked from carrying a large bundle of firewood back in the rain. Her eyes reddened with emotion—her child had grown too sensible. In the past, he had been a bit mischievous, running around with other boys from the Village, causing a ruckus with chickens and dogs. Ever since his father had left to join the army, the boy had suddenly become much more mature, becoming more obedient and knowing to help out at home like a little man.

“Cheng Zi, weren’t you at Grandma’s house to play? I thought you wouldn’t return until tomorrow. Why have you carried such a big bundle of firewood back now? Didn’t I tell you, you’re still young and shouldn’t be doing such heavy work? I can handle these things,” Mrs. Liu Huang said as she helped unload the firewood from Cheng Zi.

“I was planning to come back tomorrow, but I was concerned the firewood at home might not be enough. Grandfather is getting older, and my younger brother is still small. Mother has a lot to do every day, so I decided to come back early. Besides, I was just playing at Grandma’s house, it’s better to be home,” Cheng Zi replied.

Seeing his mother’s eyes growing ever redder, he quickly added, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m big enough to help out at home now. Since Dad isn’t here, I need to be the pillar of the home, helping Grandfather and Mother keep everything together. Besides, look around the Village, all the other children do the same—I’m no more precious than anyone else.”

“Mother knows you’re a sensible child, but it hurts to see you like this,” Mrs. Liu Huang said, touching the tears by her eye. She was a woman accustomed to hardship; no matter how tough things were, she rarely complained. Yet, in moments like this, she found herself easily moved.

Shu Qin and Shu Xiang, observing from the side and realizing this was Old Man Liu’s eldest grandson, were impressed by Cheng Zi’s sensibleness. Seeing Mrs. Liu Huang wiping her tears, they quickly came over to comfort her. “Sister-in-law, you should be happy to have such a sensible child. A child like that is sure to succeed.”

“Yes, Sister-in-law, don’t be sad. You are fortunate to have such a child who will bring you blessings in the future. Now’s not the time to cry. The child is all wet; quickly get a hot bath and change into dry clothes, so he doesn’t catch a cold.”

“That’s right. What the girls said makes sense. Cheng Zi, hurry to your room and change your clothes. I’ll bring hot water right away.” Ultimately, a mother always cares most about her son’s wellbeing. Prompted by Shu Qin and Shu Xiang, Mrs. Liu Huang was no longer occupied with her emotions and quickly set to work.

Cheng Zi didn’t find the presence of so many strangers in the house unusual; he had already heard from the villagers that a caravan was staying at their home. And since it wasn’t appropriate to ask too much in front of outsiders, he acknowledged his mother and went back to his room to change. Cheng Zi himself knew the importance of staying healthy. Since the family needed him to support Grandfather and Mother, he couldn’t afford to fall ill.

Unnoticed by those inside, three little guys were squatting outside the kitchen window. Having heard the exchange between Cheng Zi and Mrs. Liu Huang, they seemed thoughtful.

“Brother, this big brother is so sensible and knows how to help out at home. Shouldn’t we also help Mother with something?” Si Yu, never one to hold back her thoughts, asked her elder brother.

“Yes, big brother, our sister’s right. Our Daddy isn’t around either, and we should help out at home too. I and big brother are the men of our house, and we need to act like pillars,” Brother Chen spoke thoughtfully.

Brother Xing, holding his younger siblings’ hands, was pleased that they had such thoughts and feelings. Clearly, reality was the best teacher. Though Brother Xing had often taught his younger siblings, they were still young and inclined to be mischievous and disobedient at times. Taking this opportunity, he lectured them again, helping the two little ones learn a lot.