Chapter 56: The Little Boy Plays Marbles

Before coming today, Da Tou had already prepared himself mentally, so he didn’t show any resistance; instead, he obediently bowed to Doctor Jin once more, looking as docile as could be. Doctor Jin was fond of Da Tou, gently patting his large head and saying, “Da Tou is about the same age as Yi’er. You two should play together more often.”

Jin Xiu Yi, standing by, gazed at Da Tou with curiosity, and Da Tou tilted his head, equally curious about him.

“Grandfather, I’ll take my little brother to play,” Jin Xiu Yi said sensibly, knowing Da Tou couldn’t speak, so he took the initiative.

Doctor Jin nodded with satisfaction. “Look after your little brother.”

“I will.” With that, Jin Xiu Yi came to Da Tou, reaching out his hand. “Little brother, let me take you to play.”

Da Tou hesitated, glancing at Jin Xiu Yi and then at the nine-ring puzzle he couldn’t solve. Yet under the gaze of his father, elder brother, and sister, he nodded and placed his small hand in Jin Xiu Yi’s.

It was Jin Xiu Yi’s first time meeting a child younger than himself; he was delighted, pulling Da Tou along and eagerly introducing him to his home.

Da Tou followed quietly and obediently, occasionally nodding in response.

The nurse who cared for Jin Xiu Yi followed them, putting Doctor Jin at ease.

Wen Yao watched them and spoke up, “You all continue chatting. I’m going to the kitchen to take a look.”

Doctor Jin felt a bit embarrassed; after all, the Wen family were guests, and yet he was letting them prepare the meal. But there were only the two of them in the house, and just three servants: a cook, a boy for chores, and the nurse. The cook’s skills, well, could only be called edible, not delicious. Since tasting Wen Yao’s cooking, Doctor Jin much preferred her dishes.

Luckily, they were now family. That thought made Doctor Jin feel more comfortable.

“Ah Wang, take Miss Wen Yao to the kitchen and find Aunt Gui. Let Aunt Gui follow her instructions.”

Ah Wang, Doctor Jin’s young servant, bowed respectfully. “Yes, Master. Miss Wen Yao, please follow me.”

“I’ll go ahead, Father, Big Brother. You keep Doctor Jin and Uncle Qiu company.” After bidding farewell, Wen Yao followed Ah Wang to the kitchen.

Aunt Gui was already waiting there. Seeing Wen Yao arrive, she hurried to greet her. “Miss, the Master told me yesterday. I’ve bought some ingredients. Please see if they’re suitable.”

Wen Yao still felt a bit out of place, but nodded and thanked her for her efforts, then went to inspect the supplies Aunt Gui had brought.

There was fish, meat, chicken, duck, vegetables, tofu, and a complete array of seasonings—clearly well-prepared.

“Wow, Aunt Gui, you’ve got everything ready,” Wen Yao couldn’t help but marvel at her thoroughness.

Aunt Gui, a bit embarrassed, tucked a stray hair behind her ear and said shyly, “I didn’t know what you’d need, so I bought a bit of everything. Just tell me what you want to make, and I’ll assist you.”

Wen Yao rolled up her sleeves. “Let’s begin then. Aunt Gui, please handle the fish and poultry first. Also, do we have any wine? Bring some wine over.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll fetch it right away.” Ah Wang hurried off to get the wine.

———

In the kitchen, Wen Yao, Aunt Gui, and Ah Wang were busy preparing the meal, and later even Hong Hai came to help.

Since she had formally become a disciple, the Jin household considered her family. Wen Xiu Yi, Doctor Jin, and Shopkeeper Qiu stayed in the study, chatting and examining the two cups.

Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu had thought the Wen family were just farmers, but during their conversation with Wen Xiu Yi, his knowledge, demeanor, and eloquence proved equal to any scion of a noble family in the capital. After a round of discussion, their impression of Wen Xiu Yi soared; the three were practically ready to become sworn brothers.

Meanwhile, Jin Xiu Yi struggled hard, and after countless attempts finally solved the nine-ring puzzle Wen Jun had given him.

Children are competitive, and after solving it himself, Jin Xiu Yi wanted Da Tou to try.

Da Tou, however, solved it effortlessly, leaving Jin Xiu Yi stunned, his eyes asking: Isn’t this very simple?

Jin Xiu Yi was deeply shaken. Fortunately, Doctor Jin had always taught him not to cry at setbacks, or he might have burst into tears.

Da Tou was a sensible child. Seeing Jin Xiu Yi’s spirits dampened, he tilted his head thoughtfully, then ran off to find Wen Jun.

Da Tou tugged at Wen Jun’s sleeve, quietly opened his pouch to show him its contents, then pointed at Jin Xiu Yi.

Wen Jun saw the pouch full of marbles and his mouth twitched. These marbles were bought by Wen Yao for Da Tou as a treat, and Da Tou had taken them as treasures, carrying them everywhere—even to the Jin household.

“Da Tou wants to play with Jin Xiu Yi?” Wen Jun asked.

Da Tou nodded, his gaze asking Wen Jun for permission. After all, when Wen Yao gave him the marbles, she specifically told him he could only play with them himself and not show them to others, lest someone try to take them.

But seeing Jin Xiu Yi upset because of him, Da Tou felt responsible and wanted to cheer him up.

Wen Jun thought, since they’d already gifted glass cups, a few marbles didn’t matter—at this point, what’s a few more?

“Go play,” Wen Jun said, patting his head in approval.

Da Tou dashed back to Jin Xiu Yi and gestured for a while.

Jin Xiu Yi, still shaken, couldn’t understand what Da Tou was trying to say at first, but after a few tries, he got it.

“I’m fine, don’t worry about it.” Jin Xiu Yi could tell Da Tou was apologizing, feeling his cleverness had made Jin Xiu Yi feel bad.

But truly, he was quite upset—Da Tou was younger and yet so much smarter.

Da Tou, still mysterious, beckoned him over to look at his pouch.

Jin Xiu Yi, puzzled, leaned in and saw the sparkling marbles. His eyes lit up.

“Wow!” The sting of defeat vanished, replaced by joy at the sight of the glittering marbles.

Da Tou was pleased with his reaction, shaking his pouch triumphantly.

My sister gave these to me.

Jin Xiu Yi gazed at him eagerly. “Can we play together?”

Da Tou nodded, poured the marbles out, and the two boys squatted on the garden ground, Da Tou showing him how to play.

From a distance, one could see two small heads bent together, busily fiddling with the marbles on the earth.