Embers of the Huntress

Untitled 8

There are many members of the Xiao family, and two low tables were set up for lunch, with men and women sitting separately.

Because there was still some chicken and pork left for the wedding, they were all cooked while they were fresh, and the food looked very sumptuous.

Yao Ge's mouth was full of oil as he ate, and he asked Xiao Ye, "Fourth Uncle, when will you get married? I still want to have a feast

Xiao Ye held a bowl and smiled, "Just wait

The three sisters in law are all born like flowers and jade, and he also wants to find a beautiful wife for himself, preferring scarcity over excess.

The women's side is much quieter, with Tong Sui sitting between Liu Chu and Lin Ningfang, silently holding the dishes in front of her.

Mr. Xiao was sitting at the table, and He Shi didn't nitpick anymore. She just danced a pair of chopsticks quickly and picked out meat to eat. Xiao Yuchan also has the same eating habits, but besides picking meat for herself, she also has to take care of Yao Ge sitting next to her.

Liuchu looked at his daughter and tried to pick up a piece of meat.

As soon as the chopsticks reached out, He's gaze fell upon her, sharp as a raptor. Startled, Liu Chuxin changed direction as if he had been scalded and helped his daughter pick up a sour cabbage.

Xiao Auntie couldn't bear to see it, so she added three pieces of meat to Mianmian and greeted her three nieces and nephews, "Hurry up and eat more. Look at the three of you, one slimmer than the other

Liu Chu smiled, while Lin Ningfang remained indifferent and only chose vegetarian dishes to eat.

Tong Sui glanced around at the dishes and picked up a piece of meat for herself.

No matter how poor the Tong family is, because they are hunters, they still often eat meat. There is no habit of favoring sons over daughters in the family, and everyone shares meat together.

Tong Sui is not greedy, she just doesn't want to comply with He Shi's wishes from the beginning and assume that she shouldn't eat meat.

She doesn't care what Liu Chu and Lin Ningfang think, she will definitely take on the tasks she should do in the future, similar to those of He's mother and daughter. Since she puts in the same effort, she can eat what He's mother and daughter can eat, and she can eat it with peace of mind.

Looking at Tong Sui's face as she picked up meat without hesitation, He Shi smiled and praised towards the man's table, "Ah Man is still generous, not at all accepting of birth. Unlike Liu Er and Ning Fang, who have been married for so long and still have to persuade us to eat vegetables, he is polite

Clearly praising Tong Sui, but actually implying that the new wife has thick skin.

Old man Xiao Mu seemed oblivious and continued to eat his own food.

Xiao Shouyi gave his wife a glare.

Xiao Zhen saw that Tong Sui was sitting upright and had no unusual expression, so he withdrew his gaze.

After dinner, because Aunt Xiao was also helping to clean up the dishes, Tong Sui stayed with Liu Chu.

Xiao Yuchan stared at the graceful departure of Lin Ningfang and said to Tong Sui, "Second sister-in-law, take a look. Third sister-in-law still regards herself as the daughter of the Prime Minister's mansion. My brother did not marry a wife, he clearly invited a Bodhisattva back home

Tong Sui didn't respond and placed the dishes in her hand on the stove.

He immediately made way for the most convenient place to wash dishes.

I didn't expect Tong Sui to turn around and wipe the table.

Two tables, one for each of her and Aunt Xiao. After wiping them, Aunt Xiao gave Tong Sui a glance and said to Mrs. He, "We'll go back to town later. I'll talk to Ah Man about it for myself

After speaking, Aunt Xiao left with Tong Sui.

When Tong Sui stepped out of the stove, Xiao Yuchan smiled sweetly and stuffed the bowl brush cloth into Liu Chu's hand, but Liu Chu only silently took it without showing any hesitation or dissatisfaction.

Aunt Xiao also saw it. After arriving at the East Courtyard, Aunt Xiao sighed and whispered to Tong Sui, "There are some things that I shouldn't have said. If I said them, there might be suspicion of stirring up your relationship. It's just that your mother-in-law left early, and from now on, it's all up to you and your sister-in-law to handle the East Courtyard. Your sister-in-law is too gentle and can do whatever others ask her to. I reminded her but it didn't work. Now that you're in, I'm hoping you'll be angry

Tong Sui: "Auntie is good for us, I understand

Aunt Xiao: "In theory, the second and fourth brothers are all my nephews, and I should be just average good to them. But my elder brother and sister-in-law have passed away, and the second and fourth brothers have become children without parents' love. Then I will definitely feel even more sorry for them. They are all men, and as an aunt, I won't directly bully my nephew, but I also want to take advantage of him. Isn't that targeting your two sisters in law

When I'm here, I can help if I can. After I leave, I'll have to rely on you to deal with it yourself. The second son and his friends are good at fighting and farming, but it's not easy to get involved in trivial matters like this at home. After all, there are elders over there, including the old man. There's no father-in-law who rules for his daughter-in-law every day. He'll only take care of it if it makes a big fuss

Tong Sui nodded and said, "I understand. Auntie, don't worry

Aunt Xiao asked how the young couple got along again, and estimated that the kitchen was already busy. Aunt Xiao then took Tong Sui back to the courtyard.

Uncle Xiao's house is located in the southern town, six miles away from Lingshui Village, not too far. The couple walked here and now they have to walk back.

Aman, what did your aunt say to you

After the old man returned to his room, He asked casually.

Tong Sui looked at Xiao Zhen and lowered her gaze, saying, "Auntie instructed me to follow Second Master and have a good child

He snorted and turned to the west courtyard, rubbing his waist as he walked and muttering, "Alas, I'm getting old and even washing a few bowls makes my back ache. Other people's mothers in law have daughters in law who are filial, but I don't have that fate

Xiao Yan looked awkwardly at Lin Ningfang.

Lin Ningfang watched as Aunt Xiao and her husband walked away, waiting for He Shi to disappear before heading towards the western courtyard.

Xiao Yan smiled and followed Xiao Zhen and others with big strides.

Xiao Ye sneered, "As long as San Ge is idle, he will definitely stick to San Sao's side and never leave

Xiao She also didn't like Third Brother's behavior and looked at Xiao Zhen, saying, "Second Brother, let's go to the mountains. We've been here for several days now, and my hands are itching

Xiao Zhen: "You guys go ahead, I'll rest for two days

Xiao Ye: “……”

However, the second brother has just gotten married and his situation is different from the third brother's, which can be understood.

Xiao Zhen took Tong Sui back to the east wing room.

Tong Sui is really tired, and she feels a little uncomfortable underneath. Even if she can't see him, she knows he's much stronger than that little porcelain man.

Seeing Xiao Zhen drop the latch of the door and intending to take a break, Tong Sui dug out two pillows from the rolled up object. The weather is warm, it's just for a nap, you don't need to cover yourself with a blanket.

She lay down with him on her back.

Xiao Zhen lay on his back, and after about fifteen minutes, he turned around and rested his arm on Tong Sui's waist.

Tong Sui was already guarding against him, but now her whole body tensed up. Before the man could do more, she whispered, "I'm tired

Even if you're not tired, it's not appropriate to do that during the day.

After a brief silence, the person behind him said, "Hold on for a while, it doesn't mean anything else

Tong Sui: "Hmm

Xiao Zhen leaned in, his arm still and his tone steady: 'Will it be cold?'

Tong Sui shook her head.

Xiao Zhen stopped talking and hugged for a while before letting go.

Tong Sui didn't know when she fell asleep. When she woke up, it was already dark outside the window and she was covered with a blanket. She looked back and saw that Xiao Zhen was not there. Then she looked at the door panel and closed it, only to find that the bolt had fallen off.

Tong Sui was stunned for a moment, then realized that Xiao Zhen must have used a thin branch or other object to insert into the door c***k after leaving, and slowly pushed the latch on the door.

Is he also afraid that someone might sneak in while she's asleep?

Suddenly outside the window, the voices of children shouting 'Uncle Er' and 'Uncle Er' could be heard.

Xiao Zhen: "I'm back. What did the teacher teach today

Yao Ge didn't want to mention this and ran away. Mianmian obediently answered the question and asked, "Uncle, where is my mother

Xiao Zhen: "I'm helping with cooking

The conversation has come to an end, and Mianmian should have gone back to her room.

Tong Sui listened while folding the blanket, opened the door latch after going down to the kang, and then went to wash her face in front of the washbasin.

When she was combing her hair, Xiao Zhen came in.

Tong Sui wanted to inquire about his attitude and pretended to be puzzled, asking, "You said before that we took turns cooking with Auntie Er and the others, and tomorrow it's our turn. Why does Auntie still have to go today

Xiao Zhen glanced at her and said without any particular emotion, "Auntie called her

Tong Sui: "In terms of the number of days from the front wheel to the sister-in-law, will Auntie Er go and help

Xiao Zhen: "No

Tong Sui: "Isn't that Auntie Er always taking advantage of Sister in law

Xiao Zhen: "Hmm

Tong Sui bit her lip and put down her comb, saying, "If it weren't for the rule of coming in rotation, she's an elder and it's okay for me to help cook every day. But since this rule has been established, everyone should follow it uniformly, don't you think

Xiao Zhen: "Yes, from the beginning, it was the sister-in-law who suffered the most. It was only then that my grandfather established this rule, allowing both sides to take turns

Tong Sui: "Since it was my grandfather's decision, then I will listen to him. It shouldn't be my son. Even if Auntie calls me, I won't go

Xiao Zhen: "I'm afraid you're as thin skinned as my sister-in-law, so I'm sorry to refuse

Tong Sui: "It's not about being thin skinned, I only follow the rules

The couple were chatting when Ah Fu arrived outside the window and said, "Second Master, Second Madam, I brought over the sun dried clothes, but the rest need to be dried again

With a loud shout, Mrs. Er turned Tong Sui's face red. She was born and raised in the countryside and really wasn't used to being called such a wealthy family.

Xiao Zhen looked meaningfully at her blushing face.

Tong Sui went outside to meet Ah Fu.

Afu was holding several folded clothes, all of which were the single inner garments that the newlyweds had changed out of last night.

When Tong Sui took it over, she noticed that Ah Fu's back of his hand and fingers were all red, indicating that he had suffered from frostbite in winter, and even though the weather was warm, he had not fully recovered.

Tong Sui also grew up a few years ago, during the chaos of war and chaos, there was no opportunity or money to buy dough or ointment. It was not until the end of the war that she had the conditions to pay attention to this again.

There are many Xiao families. Ah Fu is responsible for washing the old man and the big house's clothes. He has been wet for too long. Even if he uses face cream, it probably doesn't work.

Afu noticed Second Madam's gaze, looked at his own hand, and smiled, "Second Madam, don't worry, I have ointment to apply every day

Oil paste is made by mixing pig pancreas with medicinal oil, which has poor appearance and is cheaper than even and delicate flour fat. It is commonly used by rural people.

Although laundry was tough, Ah Fu was already very satisfied. If it weren't for the Xiao family taking her in and offering her a job, she would have died on the streets. Moreover, the old man has a kind heart. In the past, He Shi wanted to divide the work of washing dishes between her and Ah Zhen. When the old man saw the cracks in their hands, he told them to just clean the yard and do laundry, without worrying about the stove.

Dinner is much simpler, a large pot of rice porridge, and then heat the leftovers of noon.

Xiao Mu is old but strong, and he eats a lot. He can't eat enough Congee alone.

Xiao Shouyi's uncles and nephews were the same. Xiao Shouyi saw that the old man was not very happy and turned his head to scold He Shi, "Why didn't you make a few pancakes

He has his own reasons: "With so many leftovers, I thought just eating vegetables was enough

Xiao Shouyi's face remained calm.

He smiled apologetically and said, "Alright, make more tomorrow. Anyway, the pancakes can be served. Liu'er Aman, you can directly make the amount for three days

Liu Chu let out a sigh, and Tong Sui also nodded.

He proudly exchanged a glance with his daughter.

Xiao Yuchan was also very happy. Making cakes was more laborious than cooking Congee. He had to knead noodles and roll them out. He had to turn them over when he was burning them. After a busy journey, he was determined to be poor.

The men ate quickly, put down their dishes and went out first.

Tong Sui held the bowl and saw that Liu Chu had finished eating. After finishing her last sip, she naturally pressed Liu Chu's hand to help tidy up the bowl and humbly said, "Sister in law, my cooking skills are not very good. Can you teach me how to make pancakes first

Okay, "Liu Chu smiled and said

Okay, let's go back and talk about it. Can you explain it to me in detail

She didn't look at the faces of He and his daughter either. She picked up Liu Chu and left, meeting Mianmian happily and following behind the two of them.

He Shi and Xiao Yuchan widened their eyes, while Lin Ningfang glanced at Tong Sui more.

In the upper room of the east courtyard, Liu Chu invited Tong Sui to sit on the kang and teach his younger siblings cooking skills.

Tong Sui smiled and said, "Sister in law, don't worry, Mianmian. Go and tell Uncle Er that I'll be back later

Mianmian went out.

Tong Sui whispered to Liu Chu, "Sister in law, I know how to cook ordinary meals, but I didn't want you to stay over there and help me wash the dishes to bring you back

Liu Chu was stunned.

Tong Sui doesn't believe that there are really honest people in this world who are willing to be exploited by others, but they are just willing to compromise themselves for various reasons.

Tong Sui didn't want to say anything to Liu Chu that would make her angry. Aunt Xiao must have said it before. She only said, "Sister in law, I know you are diligent and kind-hearted, but I am lazy. I will do what I should do with all my heart, and what I shouldn't do, unless there is really no other way. Then I really don't want to do it. Look, today it's Auntie Er's turn to cook and wash dishes, and it's in line with the rules for us to rest. But when you went, I didn't go. Doesn't that make me look lazy and unfilial to Auntie Er

Liu Chu's face changed dramatically as he hurriedly explained, "Sister in law, I didn't mean to, I really didn't expect this layer

She is a widow who has not been able to leave her husband with ancestral lineage. The Xiao family does not use her to farm or do laundry, and compared to other wives, she is like a leisurely eater. Why does the Xiao family keep someone who eats for nothing in such a world?

In order to appear more useful, Liu Chu understood He Shi's intentions but was willing to cooperate.

She traded her hard work for peace of mind, which was her own business and did not affect others.

Now it's different. She has a younger sibling who shares the same room with her. As Tong Sui said, if she does that again, she will give He Shi an excuse to criticize Tong Sui.

Sister in law, don't worry, I will definitely follow the rules in the future and never break them again

Liu Chu seemed to have made a huge mistake and wished he could swear to show it to Tong Sui.

Tong Sui smiled and said, "With my sister-in-law's words, I can rest assured. When will we get up tomorrow morning to start work

Liu Chu's gaze was gentle: "You just got married, please sleep a little longer. I'll call you when it's almost done. Anyway, I'm used to cooking alone

Tong Sui raised her eyebrows and said, "If my grandfather finds out, wouldn't he misunderstand me for intentionally being lazy

Liu Chu: “……”

Tong Sui didn't tease her anymore. When it was time to wake up, she saw that it was already dark outside and Mianmian had returned, so she said goodbye.

Arriving at the east wing, I found Xiao Zhen sitting on the side of the northern pot in the main hall. Water was boiling in the pot, and a circle of small bubbles had already appeared on the edge, about to boil.

After the warm spring, everyone drinks cold water directly. If they boil water, it can only be for bathing.

Tong Sui blushed and went to the north house.

After a sound of footsteps, the person reminded her through the door curtain, "The water has been mixed up in the south room. Can you wash it first

Tong Sui responded like a mosquito.

Pulling out the replacement inner garment, Tong Sui lifted the door curtain and walked through the hall without looking sideways.

There is an oil lamp burning in the south room, and in the middle of the room, there is a brand new and simple bathtub. It is not big and can only wash one person at a time.

Tong Sui glanced around and turned around to close the door.

She really doesn't have a thick skin, she can't let her husband come in and take a shower on the first day of their wedding.