Chapter 60: Someone Comes to Poke Around
When Wen Xiuyi passed on what Madam Luo had arranged, although the middle children didn’t end up getting anything themselves, at least the youngest and the elders in the family would each have a new set of clothes. Even someone like Li-shi, who usually nitpicked and loved freebies, didn’t say anything this time. After all, these things were sent specifically to Wen Jun by Doctor Jin, and clearly for the eldest brother’s household, not for the rest of them. In the past, they wouldn’t have even gotten to touch things like this, let alone share them. What’s more, even though she didn’t get anything, her daughter had managed to benefit thanks to Wen Yao, so she had nothing to complain about.
As for the two bolts of fabric Wen Yao received, none of the three sisters were particularly big. With those two bolts, each of them could cut out a set of spring clothes and a set of summer clothes.
All the other items had been put away by Madam Luo, except the cloth meant for Wen Jun’s new clothes.
Originally, Madam Luo wanted Wen Yao to make them, but Wen Yao immediately clutched her hand and said her arm hurt, or maybe it was her head—or her entire body. Basically, she was in no condition to sew.
Madam Luo snorted, “You’re just being lazy.”
Wen Yao grinned cheekily and scooted over to the old lady, which was as good as admitting it.
Madam Luo glanced at her two daughters-in-law. Cai-shi didn’t react—she was always like a mute log anyway. When she looked at Li-shi, Li-shi quickly bowed her head like a frightened quail.
“Fine, I’ll make them myself. Leave these two bolts here,” Madam Luo said with a wave, chasing everyone out of the room as she started turning over the fabric, clearly about to get to work.
Wen Xiuyi looked at the darkening sky outside and the dimming lamplight in the house, then stopped her. “Ma, it’s already late. It’s not like it needs to be done tonight. We still have to help at Auntie’s house tomorrow, and we haven’t even processed all that meat yet.”
Only then did Madam Luo remember. She glared at him, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Wen Xiuyi: ???
Alright, alright. It’s all his fault. He didn’t remind her well enough.
“Second, third, go back with your brother and bring over all the meat and pig intestines from the house—” Madam Luo paused mid-sentence and changed her mind. “Actually, don’t bring it. It’s better we go there and do it.”
Their house at the old estate was closer to the village. Once they started braising the meat, the aroma could waft across several miles. If it attracted some nosy villagers, it’d be a pain to deal with.
So off they all went again, a big group of them crowding back into Wen Xiuyi’s little courtyard.
Once they arrived, Wen Ying and Datuo started running wild through the yard. Everyone had their tasks, but Madam Luo quickly realized the courtyard was too small. With too many people and things, it felt like there wasn’t even room to stand.
“Stop running! You’re making my head spin! Where’s Wen Yao?” Madam Luo rubbed her temples and shouted.
Wen Yao poked her head out the window. “Granny, what’s wrong?” She and Wen Di were inside discussing what style of clothes to make.
Wen Yao had pulled every trick in the book to get Wen Di to agree to make her clothes too.
Madam Luo pointed at Wen Ying and Datuo, “Take these two little terrors and get them out of here.”
“Got it!” Wen Yao shouted back. “Datuo, come study. Yingzi, if you don’t come in now, your clothes are gone!”
The two of them immediately rushed inside.
Madam Luo rubbed her forehead again. She used to think these kids were too quiet and timid. Now they were too lively.
Then she saw Wen Jin and Wen Fa, who were supposed to be washing the pig intestines, start splashing water at each other. She walked over and kicked each of them. “Go! Go study with your sister!”
Wen Nong, who was squatting nearby, instinctively flinched and scrubbed even harder, terrified of being called out. Studying at the food stall with his eldest uncle was already a torment—he didn’t want to suffer more at home.
Fortunately, Madam Luo didn’t seem to have him in her sights. She only kept an eye on the two she had sent away, making sure they washed the intestines clean.
Soon, inside the house, the sounds of Wen Yao leading the children through the Three Character Classic drifted out. Madam Luo’s eyes softened, her heart filled with comfort. Now this feels like a real home. Of course, it would be even better if the whole courtyard didn’t smell so bad.
The broth for braising was already prepared by Wen Yao in advance. Madam Luo had helped her make it a few times before, so she didn’t call her out this time. Instead, she led the others to start stewing the meat herself. The delicious scent quickly filled the courtyard and wafted far and wide.
With such a large batch, even if they wanted to keep it low-key, it was impossible. Eventually, someone followed the scent straight to their little broken courtyard.
A middle-aged woman who looked to be about the same age as Li-shi peered over the courtyard wall, sniffing the air and craning her neck. “Oh my, Auntie Wen, everyone’s here? What’re you cooking? Smells amazing—even from far away!” She sniffed. It was a weird smell—funky but somehow fragrant, with an undertone of meat that made her mouth water.
Madam Luo was sitting just outside the kitchen, the entrance blocked off with thick straw curtains. With the dim lighting, the woman couldn’t see a thing no matter how far she stretched her neck.
Madam Luo glanced at the wall and suddenly felt it was too low. She made a mental note to have her second and third sons raise it higher soon—no reason any old person should be able to stand there and peer in.
“Nothing much. My nephew’s getting married in a couple of days. We’re helping them prep the food,” she replied flatly.
The woman sniffed again. “What are you making that smells so good? Since I’m already here, open the door and let me in for a look, won’t you?”
Li-shi knew this woman well—she was the village’s infamous gossip. She poked her nose into everyone’s business. If they let her in, the whole village would know about their braised meat by tomorrow.
She cleared her throat and said politely but firmly, “Sister Qing, it’s cold and dark out. What brings you all this way? Surely not just to snoop around?
I’m afraid we can’t let you in. This is our eldest brother’s own stuff—passed down from our former sister-in-law. It’s a secret family recipe, you understand. Sorry, but we can’t let you see.
If you’ve got nothing else, best head home soon. It’s cold, and crawling up people’s walls at night—if you fall, we can’t be responsible.”
Though Li-shi’s tone was courteous, her words carried sharp undertones. Sister Qing, realizing her intent had been seen through, dropped the act, snorted, and climbed down from the wall, shouting, “Who wants to see anyway! You’re the ones making a big deal out of cooking meat in the middle of the night! Acting like it’s some big secret!”
Li-shi tossed her sunflower seed shells aside, put her hands on her hips, and shouted back, “Then go cook your own if you’re so capable! Quit drooling over ours! If you don’t want to smell it, shut your doors and windows!”
