Chapter 009

Chapter 009

When Tong Sui finished bathing, the water in the tub had already cooled down.

She tied the right-side fastening of her robe, touched her flushed face, and composed herself before opening the door.

No one was in the main room.

It was quiet, but suddenly the curtain of the north room across from her was lifted, causing Tong Sui's heart to race.

"I'm done. You can add some hot water."

Stepping aside at the entrance of the south room, Tong Sui spoke softly.

Xiao Zhen: "It's fine; I don't mind the cool water."

As he passed by her, Tong Sui secretly glanced sideways, her line of sight level with his right shoulder... his right upper arm.

The Xiao brothers were all tall, making Tong Sui have to look up to see their faces. Among them, Xiao Zhen was the tallest, standing at about eight feet two inches, while the second brother was eight feet one inch.

The physical disparity was particularly intimidating during these solitary nights.

Tong Sui entered the north room distractedly and found that the bedding had already been laid out—a large red quilt and two pillows.

The dragon and phoenix candles from the wedding night had been removed, replaced by a dim oil lamp on the cabinet. Listening to the sound of water splashing in the south room, Tong Sui blew out the lamp and climbed into bed in the dark.

Her mother had prepared two small cushions for her to alternate. The previous one was still being washed by A Fu and hadn't dried yet, while the other was in the wardrobe.

Tonight, she would likely need it, but Tong Sui didn't want to be the one to prepare it, as if she were eagerly anticipating something.

Lost in thought, Xiao Zhen finished bathing, and his steady footsteps approached unhurriedly.

Tong Sui closed her eyes and remained motionless.

With all the lights outside extinguished, Xiao Zhen stepped from one darkness into another, able to make out vague outlines.

He closed the door and came to the bed.

Due to the war, Xiao Zhen was now twenty-six years old. In the past, men of this age would have children attending private schools, but Tong Sui was only eighteen, the perfect age for village girls to marry.

She was taller than most girls, but among the Xaos, she seemed like a little girl next to the men.

Last night, the candles burned all night, and even as a new husband, Xiao Zhen felt uneasy. Now, in the pitch black, he felt more relaxed.

Lifting the quilt, Xiao Zhen picked up the tense Tong Sui and placed her on his lap.

Tong Sui didn't know what he was going to do and felt too embarrassed to ask.

Her single-layer robe, just tied moments ago, was thrown aside. Tong Sui buried her face in his chest, her body gradually relaxing but still trembling uncontrollably.

"The cushion is in the wardrobe," Tong Sui said, holding onto his shoulders as he placed her back under the quilt.

Xiao Zhen's voice was hoarse. "Do you need it tonight?"

Annoyed and embarrassed, Tong Sui thought, doesn't he know how much there is?

But her words came out soft. "For sweat."

Xiao Zhen got up once, returned, and rather roughly inserted the cushion behind her.

Tong Sui was still trying to adjust the cushion when Xiao Zhen leaned over like a mountain.

---

Xiao Zhen was a man of few words, and Tong Sui was also quiet by nature. Back at her mother's house, she might not speak as much in ten days as she did today.

Now, Xiao Zhen didn't talk much either, but Tong Sui couldn't help responding to him. There were moments when she feared her voice might reach Xiao Ye or Liu Chu, who lived in the same courtyard.

In reality, she was just being overly cautious. Given her nature, even if she tried to hide it, how could her voice travel so far?

If she were more relaxed, Xiao Zhen would hold back, not wanting his brother and sister-in-law to hear what was happening in his room. But Tong Sui hid it well, unless someone was eavesdropping outside the north room window, why would Xiao Zhen restrain himself?

He deliberately watched the girl's anxiety and helplessness, taking advantage of the darkness so she couldn't see the desire in his eyes.

By the time the small cushion had served its purpose, it was mostly wet.

---

The rooster's crow at dawn failed to wake Tong Sui; it was Xiao Zhen's hand that roused her.

After a moment of daze, Tong Sui suddenly remembered that she and Liu Chu were supposed to cook breakfast this morning. She quickly pushed away his hand and sat up hurriedly. "I need to go cook."

Xiao Zhen knew she was just teasing him and had no real intention.

The room was still dark. Xiao Zhen, wearing only a pair of shorts, lit the oil lamp with a fire starter.

The dim light silently spread across the bed. Tong Sui quickly put on her pants, turned around, and faced the man's strong chest. She immediately lowered her gaze and silently put on her shoes.

Xiao Zhen walked to the edge of the bed, picked up his clothes, and put them on.

Tong Sui looked over again, combing her hair while asking, "Aren't you going to sleep a bit more?"

Xiao Zhen: "I've had enough sleep. Should I heat some water for you to wash your face?"

Tong Sui: "Cold water is fine."

Xiao Zhen fetched half a basin of water from the outdoor jar and brought it inside.

While Tong Sui washed her face, he stood beside her watching.

Tong Sui didn't look up, simply wiped her hands and headed out.

The three rooms in the main house were all dark, but Liu Chu had just come out of the hall and saw Tong Sui. She said softly, "Sister-in-law, you go to the kitchen first; I'll go to the woodshed for firewood."

Tong Sui: "Let's go together."

It was pitch black everywhere, and she wasn't that familiar with the Xiao family's layout, so walking alone made her nervous.

To be honest, Tong Sui didn't believe in ghosts or monsters, nor did she fear ordinary beasts in the mountains. What she feared most were people—those who might suddenly appear at any time, regardless of gender, with eyes that seemed like those of ravenous beasts driven by hunger.

As the sisters-in-law were about to pass through the hall, Xiao Zhen came out, holding a lantern.

He walked over quickly, handed the lantern to Tong Sui, and whispered, "You two go to the kitchen; I'll bring the firewood."

With that, he left.

Tong Sui subconsciously watched his back.

Liu Chu realized what was happening and laughed, "Second brother actually knows how to care for others."

Hearing this, Tong Sui gritted her teeth inwardly. If he truly cared, he wouldn't have been so rough last night. His act of bringing firewood seemed more like an attempt to make amends.

"Let's go."

In the central courtyard, Grandfather Xiao Mu had already risen. Whenever his daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law were cooking, he would retreat to his study.

Liu Chu was calculating, "Grandfather and the others didn't get enough food last night. Let's start by making pancakes for breakfast. One whole pancake per man, one per woman and child to share, so ten and a half in total. Let's make eleven."

Tong Sui: "..."

With so many mouths to feed, the consumption of grain was staggering. Fortunately, the Xiao family had savings, and Xiao Zhen and his brothers could support the household. Otherwise, even eating would be a major issue.

The grain was stored in the west room on Grandfather's side, usually locked. Grandfather would unlock it after rising and lock it again after meals.

Tong Sui followed Liu Chu inside and noticed that the grain supply was not as abundant as the Xiao family's reputation suggested.

Noticing her confusion, Liu Chu hesitated.

Tong Sui understood. The Xiao family must have another place to store their grain, but Liu Chu was unsure if she should reveal it.

Given the corruption and chaos of the court, there would likely be more wars in the future. Grain equaled life, and the Xiao family would not easily disclose this information to a newly married daughter-in-law.

Tong Sui wasn't in a rush. She composed herself and casually scooped out the amount of corn needed for the morning porridge.

"Is this enough?" It was her first time cooking for so many people, so she asked Liu Chu.

Liu Chu added another large scoop.

Tong Sui carried the basin out.

Liu Chu sighed with relief. The Xiao family's cellar was a big secret. The children, Lin Ningfang, A Fu, and Ah Zhen didn't know its exact location. Without Grandfather's permission, she dared not tell Tong Sui. However, if Tong Sui asked Second Brother out of curiosity, he might tell her? Tong Sui seemed willing to settle down in the Xiao family, unlike Lin Ningfang.

Tong Sui quickly washed the pot, while Liu Chu was mixing the coarse grain flour on the other side.

Xiao Zhen brought a bundle of dry firewood from the mountain, consisting of thin branches that burned well.

After helping to light the fire, he left.

Liu Chu looked at Tong Sui and smiled.

Tong Sui pretended not to notice.

—

Breakfast required eleven pancakes, which meant thirty-three pancakes a day. For three days, they needed a hundred pancakes in total.

After tidying up the kitchen and feeding the livestock, Tong Sui and Liu Chu continued to mix dough, roll it out, stoke the fire, and bake the pancakes.

The task was enormous, and Xiao Ye and Xiao She came to watch the commotion.

Xiao Ye glared at Xiao She, defending his sisters-in-law, "Second Aunt and the others do this on purpose. Every time it's their turn, they try to shirk their duties and push these laborious foods onto Big Sister."

This was a clear fact, and Xiao She also felt embarrassed by his mother and sister's laziness. Seeing Second Sister-in-law about to add more firewood, he quickly said, "I'll do it. I can handle the fire."

Tong Sui: "...Alright, just keep it low. Too much heat will burn the pancakes."

Xiao She: "Got it!"

With someone helping to stoke the fire, Tong Sui prepared to flip the pancake in the pan.

Xiao Ye: "I'll do that. Second Sister, you just focus on rolling the dough. Tell me when to flip them."

Tong Sui smiled, "Okay, today is indeed busy. Thank you for your help."

Liu Chu looked at Tong Sui enviously.

Her younger brothers were also considerate towards her, but she couldn't match Tong Sui's graciousness. She wished they wouldn't come over to chat, to avoid feeling awkward.

While kneading the dough, Tong Sui heard a series of synchronized "hey" and "ho" sounds nearby and curiously asked Xiao Ye, "What's that noise?"

Xiao She interjected, "It's Grandfather and my father teaching martial arts."

Xiao Ye: "Yes, Grandfather can't sit still. Not long after we moved to Lingshui Village, he started taking disciples. Villagers from miles around sent their children to learn from him. At the peak, he taught over a hundred students. The wars disrupted it a few years ago, but last year, when things settled down, Grandfather took new disciples. The villagers couldn't afford tuition, but he taught them anyway. Now, not only children but adults also come to learn a few moves during their free time, making it as lively as before."

Liu Chu sighed, "Everyone is scared. Learning some martial arts gives them a better chance of survival if conscripted, and those left at home feel more secure against bandits."

Tong Sui's marriage was arranged by Grandfather, and she already felt close to him. Now she admired him even more, "Martial arts can save lives in times of crisis. Grandfather is doing his best to help everyone survive."

Xiao Ye: "Yes, Grandfather says the same thing. Every life saved counts."

Tong Sui couldn't help but quicken her pace, eager to witness the grand spectacle of everyone practicing martial arts together.

Madam He came over to watch the commotion and found her own son tending the fire. Assuming that Tong Sui and her sister-in-law were deliberately taking advantage of her son, she became furious and shouted at Xiao She to follow her. Xiao She refused, so Madam He twisted his ear, leading to a noisy scene between mother and son. Irritated by the disturbance, Xiao Ye angrily chased Xiao She away, who reluctantly followed his mother back to the West Court.

Xiao Ye spat outside and then looked at Tong Sui, worriedly asking, "Second Sister-in-Law, you won't let them take advantage of you like they do with Big Sister, will you?"

Tong Sui, looking at the coarse flour in her hands, replied, "Once is fine, but not twice. I respected her as an elder this time and didn't argue about doing the physical labor, but if she tries it again, it's intentional bullying. If there's a commotion next time, I'll be justified."

Xiao Ye's eyes lit up, turning to Liu Chu, he said, "Did you hear that? You should think like Second Sister-in-Law; learn from her!"

Liu Chu smiled bitterly; without a man to support her or having given birth to heirs for the Xiao family, she lacked confidence.

---

In the afternoon, Liu Chu rushed to wash the last bowl.

Tong Sui straightened her back, wiping the sweat from her forehead and cheek with her sleeve. A large family sounded good and looked impressive, but it was hard on the women responsible for cooking in the household.

Fortunately, the Xiao family had A Fu and Ah Zhen to help with laundry; otherwise, even Tong Sui might have struggled with her current strength.

Seeing Liu Chu touch her waist, Tong Sui asked with concern, "Are you tired? Go rest; I'll finish up the remaining bit."

There were still dishes to put away, wastewater to dispose of for pig feed, and the stove to clean.

Liu Chu shook her head, insisting on finishing with Tong Sui.

The sisters-in-law walked back to the eastern courtyard together and returned to their respective rooms.

Tong Sui propped her head on her arm, lying on the bed.

She wasn't as weak as Liu Chu, but after preparing breakfast, lunch, and a hundred pancakes, her shoulders ached slightly from the morning's work.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, the door opened.

Tong Sui lazily glanced over and saw Xiao Zhen. She merely changed from lying face down to lying on her side, closing her eyes again.

Xiao Zhen climbed onto the bed and helped her get a pillow.

Tong Sui lay facing away from him.

Xiao Zhen: "Lie on your stomach; I'll give you a massage."

Tong Sui, remembering his mischievousness from the night before, contentedly turned back to lying face down, expecting him to serve her.

Unexpectedly, when Xiao Zhen started massaging her shoulders, Tong Sui cried out louder than she did at night!

Xiao Zhen was still stunned when he noticed the girl's earlobes turning red, and even her slender white neck flushed pink.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Did I hurt you?"

Tong Sui nodded, wishing she could take back that cry, her eyes fixed on the edge of the pillow.

Xiao Zhen adjusted his pressure, "Is this better?"

Tong Sui: "Yes, that's fine."

Xiao Zhen: "Will you make another hundred pancakes next time?"

Tong Sui: "..."

Xiao Zhen: "When Second Aunt hits or scolds you, I can intervene. But these petty schemes in words, I can't interfere with. You'll have to handle them yourself."

Tong Sui: "I understand. Yesterday, Grandfather was here. I didn't want to argue with her in front of him right after getting married, making things difficult for him."

She had given Madam He one chance in front of the old man, proving she wasn't petty. Next time, if she didn't yield, the old man would know she wasn't as submissive as Liu Chu.

She had fulfilled her duties; whether the old man liked it or not was none of her business. If he preferred her to be like Liu Chu to maintain peace in the household, Tong Sui wouldn't compromise herself.

Xiao Zhen: "No wonder he likes you, considering how much you care for Grandfather."

Tong Sui felt a surge of joy, "Did Grandfather tell you that?"

Xiao Zhen: "He doesn't need to say it. The way Grandfather looks at you is different from how he looks at Big Sister and Third Sister-in-Law."

Tong Sui tried to recall, but when the old man wasn't smiling, he always looked stern, and his gaze seemed similar for everyone.

After massaging her shoulders and back, Xiao Zhen's hands moved to her waist.

Tong Sui stiffened immediately, hurriedly moving away, "It's okay now, my shoulders aren't sore anymore. I'm going to sleep."

Xiao Zhen: "Go ahead and sleep. I'll read beside you. When you wake up, we can discuss what to bring to your parents tomorrow."

It would likely be wine and tea fruits. Tong Sui simply went to sleep.

Perhaps fearing she would appear too exhausted during her visit home, Xiao Zhen slept beside her without touching her that night.

The next morning, after breakfast, Xiao Zhen prepared a mule cart and set off with Tong Sui.