Chapter 006

Chapter 006

Tong Sui brought the ladies of the Xiao family to the newlyweds' east wing.

The wing had three rooms in total. The north and south rooms were designed as bedrooms. The south room was reserved for future children and was currently empty, serving as storage or a makeshift bathroom.

The central hall housed two stoves connected to the heated beds in the north and south rooms. Since the entire Xiao family dined at the patriarch's place, these small kitchens were mainly used for heating water and occasionally preparing snacks.

Large ceramic water jars, idle low tables and benches, waist-high cabinets for storing bowls and dishes, along with a set of indoor brooms and dustpans, were all clearly visible in the hall, making it easy to see everything at a glance.

Mrs. He entered the north room as if she were at home.

Xiao Yuchan followed closely behind.

Tong Sui observed quietly and noticed that her sister-in-law Liu Chu looked at her with concern, while Third Sister-in-Law Lin Ningfang from the second branch frowned slightly at Mrs. He's back. Lin Ningfang stood behind Liu Chu, waiting for Tong Sui, the hostess, to enter first.

Tong Sui turned to another elder: "Aunt, please come in and sit down."

Aunt Xiao smiled and patted her arm before entering.

Tong Sui walked in last and glanced at the small basket behind the door, noticing it was empty. It must have been taken by A Fu, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Mrs. He and Xiao Yuchan stood in the middle of the room, looking around.

To be precise, the side rooms of the first and second branches were built last year when the sons returned, specifically to prepare houses for their marriages.

With four grandsons, Xiao Yan brought his wife back from outside. Lin Ningfang’s parents and relatives had died, so they skipped the elaborate wedding ceremony. Consequently, Lin Ningfang did not bring much dowry except for a maid named Ah Zhen.

Xiao Ye and Xiao She had yet to arrange their marriages, so there was no comparison.

In Mrs. He and Xiao Yuchan's eyes, Xiao Zhen's new house seemed better than Xiao Yan's. Why? Because the patriarch had favored them more.

Thinking about the deer hide, Mrs. He felt like it was being cut from her own flesh. She pointed at the two brand-new large camphorwood chests on the north bed and asked Tong Sui: "I didn't see these two chests when I visited your home on the engagement day. Did you buy them later as part of the dowry?"

Tong Sui smiled and tacitly agreed.

Mrs. He continued: "These chests look sturdy and durable, and that bronze mirror is also valuable. Did you sell the deer hide?"

Tong Sui admitted straightforwardly: "Yes, my father said the deer hide was too conspicuous. Keeping it would invite envy in the village, so he sold it for peace of mind."

Mrs. He's eyes flickered: "That deer hide could fetch over ten taels. Did your father spend it all on you?"

The items in front of them did not seem worth ten taels. Mrs. He wanted to probe further to see if her niece-in-law had brought any money.

Tong Sui was momentarily stunned, looking at the others with a bewildered expression, as if she hadn't expected such a direct and impolite question.

Seeing the young bride's meek appearance, Aunt Xiao, who had already tolerated Mrs. He's remarks, pulled Tong Sui to her side and glared at Mrs. He disapprovingly: "Are you working for the county office now, asking such detailed questions?"

The poorer the people, the more the government tried to exploit them. In recent years, the county office often sent officials to search homes for property when taxes were insufficient, taking whatever they could find.

Aunt Xiao spoke calmly but immediately linked Mrs. He's behavior to the ruthless conduct of those officials.

Mrs. He turned red with embarrassment, glancing at the new bride behind Aunt Xiao, who might have been sneering. She huffed and defended herself: "I was just asking casually. If your father-in-law really gave you all the money from selling the deer hide, then he truly loves his daughter. Such good parents are rare in this world."

Aunt Xiao replied: "Indeed, Aman's dowry is not much different from what you prepared for Yuchan."

Mrs. He was silent.

She looked guiltily at her daughter.

Xiao Yuchan glared at her mother resentfully. Could the Tongs compare to their family? Yet, she had a stingy mother who refused to give her anything good.

Mrs. He, having been rebuked twice, vented her anger on her daughter-in-law, speaking sarcastically: "In this world, having both parents is a blessing. Even if they don't provide a dowry, they can still support their married daughter. Unlike some people, who have neither dowry nor parents, they are truly pitiful. You should be grateful to have your parents' protection."

This struck a nerve. Tong Sui looked at Lin Ningfang standing alone by the door.

Lin Ningfang wore simple peasant clothes, but her face and demeanor revealed her noble background. Facing her mother-in-law's barbs, Lin Ningfang remained calm and smiled at Mrs. He: "I am indeed pitiful, but if not for my family's downfall, how could Third Master marry someone like me? You should be secretly happy."

Secretly happy?

Mrs. He's anger flared up, and she berated Lin Ningfang: "Happy my foot! What else can you do besides reciting a few poems? You've been here almost a year and haven't cooked a single meal or washed a single piece of clothing for me. Instead, I have to serve you everywhere. If I had known high-born ladies were like you, I would rather not have a son than let him bring you home!"

Lin Ningfang remained indifferent: "First, I haven't served you, but my maid Ah Zhen has been frequently dispatched by you. Second, it was Third Master who insisted on marrying me. If you have any complaints, take them up with him."

The mother and daughter-in-law exchanged sharp words, while Tong Sui stood beside Aunt Xiao, silently watching the drama unfold.

Aunt Xiao couldn't let her sister-in-law disgrace herself in front of the new niece-in-law. She grabbed Mrs. He's arm and pushed her out: "Enough, it's a good day. Stop making a scene. We have a big family, so hurry and help me prepare lunch. Let the sisters-in-law stay here."

Mrs. He spoke with a sob, turning back as she complained: "How hard is it for me? Others enjoy the benefits of having a daughter-in-law, but I get nothing but attitude from her. I never faced such treatment even when I was unmarried..."

Aunt Xiao retorted: "You're lucky enough. Ningfang comes from a scholarly family; her grandfather was once a prime minister. Be grateful she calls you mother!"

The sisters-in-law quickly moved away.

The room fell silent. As the hostess, Tong Sui took the initiative to entertain the guests and looked at Lin Ningfang in surprise: "Third Sister-in-Law's grandfather, could he be the praised Prime Minister Lin?"

Prime Minister Lin Yuanhong, who once assisted Emperor Wuzong in governing wisely, bringing prosperity to the nation. Unfortunately, Emperor Wuzong died young, and Emperor Xizong, a thoroughly corrupt ruler, ascended the throne. He expelled virtuous ministers and favored villains, leading to widespread suffering. Eventually, rebellions broke out, shrinking the empire to only the northern provinces.

Lin Ningfang sized up Tong Sui and replied indifferently: "So what? The Lin family has fallen. I am no different from you, perhaps even worse."

At least Tong Sui was properly married into the Xiao family, whereas she never even wore a wedding dress, becoming Xiao Yan's wife in a desolate forest.

Recalling that night, Lin Ningfang lost all interest in socializing and turned to leave: "You talk, I'll go back."

Without waiting for Tong Sui to see her off, Lin Ningfang quickly left. Tong Sui chased her to the hall entrance, only seeing her slender figure disappear.

"Don't mind her. She says she's like us, but she's still arrogant. She hides in her room all day, barely showing her face except for meals."

Xiao Yuchan came over, looking displeased at Lin Ningfang's back.

This is the second family's matter. Tong Sui doesn't need to get involved; she continues to entertain Xiao Yuchan and Liu Chu.

Xiao Yuchan is simply a replica of He Shi, trying her best to pry information from Tong Sui. Tong Sui half-truthfully evades her questions. Seeing that Tong Sui is tight-lipped and only brings out a plate of leftover sunflower seeds, Xiao Yuchan gradually finds it boring. After finishing the seeds, she leaves behind a mess of sunflower seed shells, most of which she had eaten.

Tong Sui goes out to see the guests off and returns to find Liu Chu holding a broom, helping to sweep the floor.

This is the dear eldest sister-in-law with whom she will be living in the same courtyard for a long time.

People have different levels of closeness. Tong Sui sheds the politeness and distance she maintained with He Shi and Xiao Yuchan, reaching out to take the broom from Liu Chu: "Elder Sister, please rest. I'll do it myself."

Liu Chu smiles: "It's just a small thing. You've been quite busy these past two days..."

She genuinely wants to help and is determined to keep the broom, but unexpectedly, Tong Sui, who looks gentle and delicate, has considerable strength and takes the broom away directly.

Liu Chu: "..."

Tong Sui pushes her towards the bed with one hand, indicating she should sit, while the other hand lightly sweeps the broom, quickly gathering the sunflower seed shells into a pile in the corner.

Liu Chu watches as she goes to wash her hands, thinks for a moment, and says softly: "You just got married into the family, and our mother isn't here anymore. As your elder sister-in-law, I'll give you a brief rundown on the personalities of the family members. Of course, these are just my observations and may not be entirely accurate. Just listen and don't take them too seriously."

Tong Sui hangs the towel she used to dry her hands on the washing stand, walks over, and sits next to Liu Chu, grateful: "Thank you, Elder Sister. I was worried about not knowing anyone well."

Liu Chu starts by talking about Old Master Xiao.

After listening for a while, Tong Sui realizes that in Liu Chu's eyes, everyone in the Xiao family is good, including He Shi, who gets a "a bit petty but not malicious" evaluation.

Tong Sui feels that it's because Liu Chu is gentle and unwilling to speak ill of others behind their backs.

As a newcomer, Tong Sui isn't in a hurry to probe the family's secrets and asks about matters concerning herself: "I heard from Second Uncle that we take turns cooking?"

Liu Chu: "Yes, cooking, washing dishes, feeding chickens and livestock—all done together, taking turns so everyone gets some rest. At least we don't have to wash clothes, making it much easier than being a daughter-in-law in other families."

After talking for a while, Liu Chu suggests: "Shall I show you around the back yard?"

Just as Tong Sui is about to nod, footsteps sound outside the window.

The sisters-in-law stand up together.

After a moment, Xiao Zhen lifts the curtain from outside, sees Liu Chu, and politely says: "Elder Sister is here." He does not step inside.

Liu Chu feels nervous.

When she first married in, she wasn't close to Xiao Zhen and Xiao Ye, her younger brothers-in-law. After only two years of marriage, the government forcibly conscripted soldiers, sending her father-in-law and five brothers-in-law to the battlefield. During this period, her father-in-law and husband died, and after six long years, Xiao Zhen and the others returned, taller and stronger, their simple rural demeanor replaced by the fierce and intimidating aura of soldiers.

As a widow, she must maintain a deliberate distance from her younger brothers-in-law.

"Second Brother is back, no problem. I was just leaving," Liu Chu forgets her promise to Tong Sui, wanting to slip away.

Tong Sui instinctively grabs Liu Chu's wrist, looking down at the tall man outside the door: "Elder Sister said she would show me around to familiarize myself."

Though she married Xiao Zhen, at this moment, she prefers to stay with Liu Chu rather than be alone with a strong man who had pressed her early in the morning.

Xiao Zhen glances at her hand and holds the curtain open for the sisters-in-law: "Go ahead. There's nothing urgent here."

Tong Sui immediately half-pushes Liu Chu out.

Leaving the eastern room, Liu Chu relaxes, noticing Tong Sui's slightly flushed cheeks. She teases softly: "Nervous seeing Second Brother, aren't you?"

Tong Sui doesn't deny it.

Liu Chu envies her; she and her husband also had a shy and joyful honeymoon phase, but over time, she can barely remember his face now. Only her daughter and endless lonely nights accompany her.

"Take it easy. You'll get used to it."

The sisters-in-law walk through the main room and arrive at the Xiao family's backyard.

Three houses connected together, with walls separating the front, but no walls in the backyard, giving a wide-open view of about an acre and a half of land.

Under the north wall, there are sheds for firewood, mules, pigs, toilets, and chicken coops, with the remaining space left for planting crops and vegetables.

Even in the village, or even in town, the Xiao family is a prominent household.

Liu Chu recalls: "In earlier years, life was better. Then came the war, and before the crops could be harvested, they were looted by soldiers and bandits. Buying rice, medicine, oil, and salt became expensive, and life gradually became tighter. Last year, when Second Uncle and Second Brother returned, things started to improve again."

Tong Sui smiles bitterly: "Every family is like that. Grandfather could still protect the house, but we had to abandon our homes and flee to the mountains. Every time we returned, it looked like thieves had ransacked everything, even the old quilts were taken."

Liu Chu embraces her sympathetically: "There, there, it's all in the past. Life will only get better from now on."

Tong Sui looks at the two large black mules under the sheds and the two big pigs and a litter of piglets in the pigsty, feeling hopeful.

The sisters-in-law walk from east to west and then circle back to the eastern courtyard. Xiao Ye and Xiao She run over from the front, the former holding two skewers of sugar-coated haws.

"Eldest Sister, Second Sister, you're here!"

Xiao Ye rushes over in a few strides, handing each sister-in-law a skewer: "Old Zhang comes every day recently. I wait at the village entrance right after eating."

Liu Chu feels awkward: "Have you eaten?"

Xiao She: "We're not craving this. Please eat, Sister. We've saved some for Mianmian and Yao Ge Er."

Liu Chu knows they want to get closer to the new second sister-in-law, so she doesn't refuse and encourages Tong Sui to eat.

Unable to refuse their kindness, Tong Sui thanks the younger brothers and raises the skewer to her mouth. Just as she opens her mouth, she notices Xiao Ye and Xiao She staring at her intently. Her pale cheeks turn red, and she hesitates, unsure whether to continue eating or stop.

Liu Chu laughs, reminding the younger brothers: "I know you're enthusiastic, but don't scare Second Sister."

Xiao Ye scratches the back of his head and pulls Xiao She to sit on a nearby log.

Liu Chu also leads Tong Sui to find a place to sit, feeling it wouldn't be right to leave immediately after accepting the treat from the younger brothers.

Xiao Ye asked Tong Sui with a smile, "Second Sister-in-Law, I heard you can hunt?"

Tong Sui wiped her mouth and explained, "I'm decent at archery and setting traps. But if it's a fierce beast, I definitely can't handle it."

Xiao Ye: "That's already impressive. I'd be scared of wild wolves and leopards too."

Xiao She: "I'm not afraid. The more, the better—the wolf pelts are valuable."

Xiao Ye: "Go brag somewhere else."

Xiao She: "Who’s bragging? When they were recruiting soldiers, I was too young. If I had gone to war, I guarantee I would have killed more than you."

The two started bickering, with Xiao She stubbornly insisting in his deep voice, which annoyed Xiao Ye. He shooed him away, "Go find your sister-in-laws. Don’t bother us here."

Xiao She: "Elder Sister-in-Law and Second Sister-in-Law are also my sister-in-laws. If you keep saying that, I’ll tell Grandfather."

Xiao Ye: "…"

Tong Sui and Liu Chu both laughed.

At this moment, Xiao Yuchan came to the backyard for firewood. Seeing the sugar haws in Liu Chu and Tong Sui's hands, she immediately put one hand on her hip and pointed at Xiao Ye and Xiao She, scolding them, "You two! Why did you buy sugar haws for Elder Sister-in-Law and Second Sister-in-Law, but not for me?"

Xiao Ye poked Xiao She.

Xiao She: "There were some. Third Brother took two skewers. Didn’t he give you any?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yuchan turned and headed straight for the West Court of the second house.

Xiao Ye pulled Xiao She along, "Come on, let’s go watch the show!"