Chapter 60 Someone Comes to Inquire

Wen Xiuyi explained the old lady’s arrangements. Although none of them had gained much, at least every member of the family, young or old, would have a new piece of clothing to wear. Even someone as calculating and eager for a bargain as Mrs. Li felt too embarrassed to complain this time.

After all, these gifts from Doctor Jin were meant for Wen Jun, and specifically for the eldest brother’s family, not for anyone else. In the past, they wouldn’t have received a share, perhaps not even had the chance to touch them. What’s more, though Mrs. Li herself didn’t profit, her daughter benefitted from Wen Yao’s generosity, so she had nothing to complain about.

The two bolts of cloth Wen Yao received were enough for each of the three sisters, who were all slender, to make a spring outfit and a summer dress each. As for the other items, Mrs. Luo put them away, except for the fabric meant for Wen Jun’s clothes.

Originally, Mrs. Luo had wanted Wen Yao to sew Wen Jun’s clothes. But as soon as Wen Yao heard this, she complained—her hands hurt, her arms hurt, or her head hurt. In short, everywhere hurt, and she simply couldn’t do it. Mrs. Luo snorted, “You’re just being lazy.”

Wen Yao grinned cheekily and sidled up to the old lady, tacitly admitting it. Mrs. Luo glanced at her two daughters-in-law. Mrs. Cai showed no reaction; the third daughter-in-law rarely spoke a word. Then Mrs. Luo looked at Mrs. Li, who hurriedly bowed her head, pretending to be a timid quail.

“Fine, I’ll do it myself. Leave these two bolts of cloth here for now. Off with you, don’t crowd around.” Mrs. Luo waved her hand to dismiss them, turning over the fabric, ready to get started.

Wen Xiuyi glanced at the darkening sky outside and the dim light indoors, and stopped the old lady. “Mother, don’t work so late. We’re not pressed for time, and tomorrow we still have to help Aunt’s family. There’s that pile of meat at home we haven’t dealt with yet,” he reminded her.

Mrs. Luo remembered this and glared at her son. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Wen Xiuyi was left speechless.

Alright, alright, it was all his fault for not reminding her sooner.

“Second and third, go home with your eldest brother and bring over the meat and intestines…” Mrs. Luo started, but then changed her mind. “Forget it, don’t bring them here. We’ll go over there and deal with them.”

Their old house was near the village. Once the braised meat was cooked, the aroma would waft for miles, drawing nosy neighbors and causing more trouble. So, the whole crowd from the old house trotted over to Wen Xiuyi’s small courtyard.

Once there, Wen Ying led Da Tou in a wild chase around the yard, while everyone else busied themselves with their tasks. Mrs. Luo felt the courtyard was too small; with so many people and things, there was hardly room to stand.

“Stop running around, you’re making my head spin! Wen Yao, where’s Wen Yao?” Mrs. Luo shouted, exasperated.

Wen Yao poked her head out of the window. “Grandma, what’s wrong?” She and Wen Di were inside, discussing dress styles.

Wen Yao had managed, through much cajoling, to get Wen Di to help with her sewing too.

Mrs. Luo pointed at Wen Ying and Da Tou. “Take these two little troublemakers away.”

“Alright!” Wen Yao called out, “Da Tou, come in and study. Yingzi, if you don’t come, you won’t get your new clothes!”

The two immediately dashed inside.

Mrs. Luo rubbed her temples. She used to worry the children were too shy and timid, hoping they’d be more lively. Now, they were over-energetic.

Meanwhile, Wen Jin and Wen Fa, who had been washing things, started splashing water and playing. Mrs. Luo gave each a kick. “Get out, and go study with your sister!”

Wen Nong, squatting nearby, instinctively shivered and worked faster, afraid Mrs. Luo would call his name. He already suffered enough studying with his eldest uncle at the stall every day; he didn’t want to be tormented at home too.

Fortunately, Mrs. Luo wasn’t planning to send him over. Once she dispatched Wen Jin and Wen Fa, she made sure they cleaned the intestines thoroughly.

Soon, Wen Yao’s voice was heard from inside, leading the children in reciting the Three Character Classic. Mrs. Luo’s eyes brimmed with satisfaction and contentment; this felt like a proper home. Of course, it would be even better without the stench filling the courtyard.

The braising broth was already prepared, thanks to Wen Yao’s earlier work. Mrs. Luo had cooked with her several times, so she didn’t summon Wen Yao, but took charge herself, guiding the others as they cooked the meat. The rich aroma drifted from the small courtyard, spreading far and wide.

They were making such a large batch that it was impossible to conceal; soon enough, someone followed the scent to Wen Yao’s humble home.

A middle-aged woman, much like Mrs. Li, appeared at the fence, peering in and asking, “Oh, Aunt Wen, is everyone here? What delicious food are you making? The smell reached me from afar.”

The scent was enticing yet peculiar, with a hint of meat that made mouths water.

Mrs. Luo sat by the kitchen door. The kitchen itself was blocked off with thick straw curtains, and the dim lighting made it impossible for anyone to see inside no matter how much they craned their necks.

Mrs. Luo eyed the fence and thought it was too low; she’d have to ask the second and third sons to raise it, so people couldn’t so easily stand outside and peer in.

“It’s nothing special. My nephew’s getting married soon, so we’re helping his family prepare some dishes,” Mrs. Luo replied coolly.

The woman sniffed, “What are you making that smells so good? Since I’m here, open the door and let me have a look.”

Mrs. Li knew this woman well—she was famed in the village for poking her nose into everyone’s business. If she saw what was happening now, by tomorrow the whole village would know about the braised meat.

Mrs. Li cleared her throat and said, “Sister Qing, it’s cold and late. Why aren’t you at home? You didn’t come all this way just to snoop, did you? Sorry, but this is for our eldest brother’s family, using a secret recipe left by his first wife. It’s really not convenient to let you in. Apologies. If you’ve nothing else, you’d best head home. It’s cold and dark, and climbing over someone’s fence isn’t safe. We can’t take responsibility if you fall.”

Her words were polite but pointed. Qing’s intentions exposed, she gave a huff and climbed down, purposely shouting, “Who wants to look anyway? You’re just showing off, making food so late the smell fills everyone’s houses. It’s just boiled meat, why make such a fuss?”

Mrs. Li tossed aside her sunflower seed shells, planted her hands on her hips, and retorted, “If you’re so capable, boil some yourself. Why covet what’s ours? If you don’t want to smell it, just close your doors and windows.”