Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Shen Banyue led Xiao Dizi back into the courtyard. Wang Guizhi jerked her chin toward the washstand in the corner. “Go wash up—dinner’s almost ready.”

They’d left in such a hurry that Xiao Dizi wasn’t wearing shoes. Shen Banyue took her inside first to put them on.

Once her shoes were on, Xiao Dizi stamped her feet a few times, looked up, and flashed a sweet smile. Shen Banyue ruffled her messy hair several times, then realized her own probably looked just as disheveled—so she gave it a quick, rough scrub too, before leading the little girl out by the hand.

Shen Guoqing scooped half a basin of water for them and set it on the ground. Xiao Dizi had a handkerchief in her pocket—the nurses at the clinic had washed it. Shen Banyue pulled it out, gave it a quick rub, pressed it against the child’s face for a swift wipe, rinsed it in the water, then wiped her hands.

Then she turned to Shen Guoqing.

He looked puzzled. “What is it?”

Shen Banyue asked, “Where do I pour the water?”

Shen Guoqing had been watching the whole time, amused by the child’s odd blend of efficiency and carelessness. It struck him as strange. “Haven’t you washed your own face yet?”

Shen Banyue replied with disdain, “The water’s dirty. Get a fresh basin.”

Shen Guoqing understood—and couldn’t help laughing. “Oh, you little brat—quite particular, aren’t you?” Kids around here weren’t so fussy; they all washed from the same basin.

Even as he spoke, Shen Guoqing poured out the water and scooped another half-basin.

Shen Banyue cupped her hands, scooped water, and splashed it noisily onto her face—soaking the hair on her forehead. She swept it back with her hand, rolled up her sleeves, and scrubbed her hands vigorously.

The original owner had begun working the fields at a young age; her skin was sun-darkened. Staring at these thin, dark hands, Shen Banyue always suspected they weren’t clean enough—so every time she washed them, she scrubbed as if trying to peel off a layer of skin.

Shen Guoqing winced watching her. “Tsk—such a little girl, can’t you be gentler with yourself?”

Shen Banyue glanced at him but didn’t reply.

Shen Guoqing scratched his head. Truth be told, this kid had quite a presence.

The five boys had also been woken up. Rubbing their eyes, they squatted in a circle around the basin, played in the water for a bit, and declared themselves washed. Only Lin Mian stood off to the side, frowning and refusing to dip his hands in.

Now he knew the drill. Shen Guoqing instantly caught on. “Water’s dirty—need a fresh basin, right? Wait a sec.”

He poured out the water and scooped another half-basin.

Lin Mian looked at Shen Guoqing. “Thank you, Uncle.”

“Such good manners.” Shen Guoqing completely ignored Lin Mian’s reluctant expression and reached out to ruffle his hair.

—

Lin Xiaohui had prepared breakfast: mixed-grain porridge, shredded bamboo shoots stir-fried with pickled vegetables, pickled radish strips, scrambled eggs, last night’s leftovers, and mixed-grain steamed buns. For these times, it counted as quite a feast. The scrambled eggs filled only a small plate—each child got just a single chopstickful.

Shen Banyue glanced around but saw no one else. She couldn’t help asking, “Where’s Uncle Shen?”

Lin Xiaohui smiled. “Still thinking about Uncle Shen? He was called away by the brigade leader early this morning—eating over there. Don’t worry about him.” She paused, then added, “Everyone else has already gone to work. We’ve kept food warm for them in the pot. Let’s eat first.”

Shen Banyue nodded—then felt something was off. “The bride went to work too?” Going to work first thing in the morning the day after the wedding? That was pushing it.

The adults chuckled at her wide-eyed, incredulous look. Wang Guizhi rubbed her stomach and laughed. “Oh, this girl’s too funny—so young, yet worrying about so much! Don’t worry—the bride isn’t working today. Aimin took her to the stream.”

Ah—understood. Off to “watch the snow, the moon, and the stars, discussing poetry, songs, philosophy, and life.”

Shen Banyue lost interest and, along with the other children, began noisily slurping down the mixed-grain porridge.

“The hard workers are still hungry, while the lazy ones staying home have already eaten. Oh my—porridge and steamed buns, plus so many dishes! Since when did our family live so well?”

The workers had returned. Hu Huaihua entered first, leading Shen Ailin, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Shen Guoqing rolled his eyes. “The autumn harvest just ended—there’s less work in the fields. The brigade leader said long ago we’d work half-days depending on circumstances. I was wondering—why all this sudden diligence today? You weren’t nearly this eager during rush planting and harvesting.”

Hu Huaihua was speechless.

Why? Because of Shen Guoxing. He’d woken everyone up early, declaring that if they didn’t want the family split, they’d better show diligence—at least put on a show before the second son returned to the city. That spineless man, just like his father—cowardly in everything, afraid to take the lead. Nothing had even happened yet, and he’d already scared himself half to death.

Before Hu Huaihua could speak, Shen Guoqing continued, “If you feel guilty eating more because you worked less, then eat less.”

Hu Huaihua felt like she was choking on blood.

“How did I work less? Washing clothes, cooking—what chore did I skip? I even went to work! Our entire family—even Ailin—went to work!” In truth, she’d been afraid her youngest son would be mistreated if left alone at home, since the whole mess had started with the adoption issue.

Shen Guoqing mocked, “Well, aren’t you all just *so* capable!”

Shen Banyue glanced curiously at Shen Guoqing. This guy’s combat skills were pretty sharp—he’d nearly driven Hu Huaihua to fury.

But then again, judging by how he’d ensured their table was served first yesterday upon arrival—completely disregarding others’ opinions—maybe it wasn’t so surprising after all.

Just as they were talking, Shen Aimin and Liu Tingting returned from “watching the snow, moon, and stars.”

“What’s everyone talking about? So lively.”

“…”

Wang Guizhi was momentarily speechless at this eldest grandson who never learned to read the room. She pointed toward the kitchen. “Food’s kept warm in the pot—go fetch it quickly. Even if you’re not hungry, don’t let Tingting go hungry.”

Liu Tingting smiled. “I’ll go get it.”

Shen Aimin said, “Alright—let’s go together. Breakfast looks good—you should eat more later.”

Their interruption robbed Hu Huaihua of her chance to retort to Shen Guoqing. All her words stuck in her throat, making her even angrier.

Throughout this, no one else spoke.

Ever since Wang Guizhi had mentioned divorce and kicked him out to sleep in his son’s room, Shen Dechang had maintained a sorrowful, silent demeanor.

On one hand, he believed Wang Guizhi wouldn’t really divorce him over such a minor matter. On the other, he wasn’t entirely sure. He felt deeply conflicted and anxious—even beginning to resent his eldest son and daughter-in-law a little for stirring up trouble for no reason.

Shen Dechang conveniently forgot his own support for the adoption.

Shen Guoxing’s personality mirrored his father’s exactly—never taking the lead in anything. No matter how fiercely Hu Huaihua and Shen Guoqing argued, he acted deaf, going off to fetch water to wash his hands on his own.

As for Shen Aihua and Shen Aizhen—one was naturally quiet and unobtrusive; the other still felt guilty about scalding Wang Guizhi and hadn’t even dared appear at yesterday’s wedding feast, let alone make a sound now.

Shen Banyue was already half-full. Holding a small piece of mixed-grain steamed bun, she slowly tore off bits to eat while observing the Shen family.

Liu Tingting’s eyes were slightly swollen—clearly from crying. Shen Aimin bore a faint red scratch on his chin, likely from a fingernail. Even if they’d… spent their wedding night together, her eyes shouldn’t be that puffy, nor should her nails have nearly drawn blood on his face.

Shen Banyue secretly guessed it might not have been a passionate quarrel—but an actual fight.

After that, the meal proceeded peacefully, with no further disruptions. Once finished, Shen Dechang was the first to grab a bamboo basket and leave—looking as if he feared disaster would strike if he stayed a minute longer.

Shen Guoxing followed suit. Setting down his chopsticks, he hurried his wife and children off to work—making even Shen Guoqing glance up, half-expecting the sun to rise from the west.

In truth, their reasoning was simple: Shen Guoqiang only had three days off and had to return to Jiangcheng this afternoon. As long as they got through today, issues like divorce or splitting the family wouldn’t resurface—at least not for now.

After the meal, Shen Guoqing took Shen Banyue and the others for a stroll around the village. When they reached the threshing ground, a few preschool-aged children were squatting there playing with stones, so Shen Guoqing left them to it.

The kids from both groups just stared at one another. Those on Shen Banyue’s side, fresh from their narrow escape, clearly had no desire to interact with strangers. After standing there a while, they quietly drifted off to the side.

Since there was nothing else to do, it was better to get more familiar with the surroundings. Shen Banyue simply took Xiao Dizi with her and continued wandering around the village.

A few boys exchanged glances and silently followed her.

When they reached a fork in the road, Shen Banyue suddenly paused, then turned a corner.

Sure enough, inside an open courtyard gate, Shen Guoqiang was squatting in front of a 28-inch men’s bicycle, tinkering with something.

Shen Banyue raised an eyebrow and walked over briskly.

Just as she neared the gate, she suddenly heard someone inside say, "Aren’t you leaving this afternoon? Why the rush to split up the household?"

Shen Guoqiang’s tone was unhurried: "We’re not like the old gentry or landlords, with money and land to account for over several days. We’re proletarians. Splitting the household is nothing—we can settle it over lunch."

Well, well.

Shen Banyue blinked.

It seemed someone’s scheme was about to backfire.