Chapter 180: Stewing Swans
Today, Mother and Father were not home. My elder brother and brother-in-law had also gone out. It was just Great-Aunt, The Eldest Miss, and Mianmian.
Theoretically, The Eldest Miss was the eldest elder in the house now. However, Great-Aunt was present.
Originally, Jiang Mianmian could have taken Pang Ya to tease the young ladies and older brothers of her Song and Dance Troupe. But now, the Song and Dance Troupe had been sent away. Today was a bit boring.
Because the master was not present, Aunt Yin was worried that the big one and the little one would cause trouble, so she kept them by her side.
Jiang Mianmian remembered seeing Uncle Gong looking very happy in his new clothes and shoes earlier, so she asked curiously, “Great-Aunt, does the family have to prepare clothes for all guests? Can you even prepare enough? And aren’t the sizes different?”
“There are three ways of doing things. The first is doing it just like everyone else, more or less the same. This is basically thankless work; you put in the labor but get no harvest. It’s like if you prepare clothes, and others have prepared them too, the other party puts them on, but feels nothing special.”
Seeing the little girl listening attentively—The Eldest Miss also seemed to be listening—she continued, “The second way is not doing it at all. You don’t prepare clothes, and at that moment, you are left scrambling. If the other party soils their clothes and you don’t have replacements to offer, it makes you seem like a poor host.”
“The third way is doing it, but doing it more earnestly than others. You prepare clothes that clearly fit his style and his size. After he puts them on, he will have a thought: he feels that you truly value him and treat him differently. Only then can you say the task is truly complete.”
Jiang Mianmian nodded.
Jiang Yu nodded along and asked, “What’s the use of that? Isn’t it just clothes that fit better? Besides, preparing different sizes is a waste if others can’t wear them.”
Great-Aunt took a deep breath. Looking at The Eldest Miss, this piece of rotten wood, she really had nothing to say.
Is the cost of these things really the issue? How many times a year does Lord Gong come to stay at your house? Preparing ten or eight sets casually wouldn’t be much. Mianmian, this little one, turned around and got a villa from him; that’s enough to make clothes for a lifetime, enough that you couldn’t wear them all even if you buried them.
Of course, you can’t teach a child like that; teaching them that way is too utilitarian.
“Treat people with sincerity. Sincerity can move even the most stubborn heart. Although these are small details, they will be of great use in the future. Human hearts change through these small details. Getting along with others is just like this; it accumulates over time. Even if there is deep kindness and righteousness, it should not be consumed as a matter of course. It is the same for you and Brother Meng.”
Jiang Yu’s face turned red. Just when she was being lectured, it came back to her again. She and Brother Meng were doing just fine.
Aunt Yin saw The Eldest Miss blushing and was truly speechless.
This brain of hers, where had it wandered off to? Forget it, better to teach this little one.
The big one is beyond saving. She could only hope the Master would step up, and Brother Feng would step up. Otherwise, The Eldest Miss in this state was hopeless. Moreover, there were those strange rumors outside. She was not as she appeared. In the future, when she went out, she must repeatedly tell her: it would be best if she just didn’t speak.
Just as they were talking, someone came from outside to deliver things.
Mr. Gang had sent over land deeds and property deeds, and even brought two swans along with them.
The swans were white and large, with long, slender necks, looking very proud and beautiful. Red beaks, black eyebrows, and black, plump feet.
“The contracts have already been transferred to Miss Jiang’s name,” the servant who delivered the items said, looking very sharp.
“The swans were specifically caught by Lord Gong as ingredients for Madam Meng. Please accept them, Madam Meng.”
Indeed, when Jiang Yu heard about the land and property deeds, she thought Mr. Gang was quite generous, but she wasn’t very excited. However, when she heard that these two swans were ingredients specifically for her, she immediately felt that Uncle Gong was a good person.
Aunt Yin used the example to teach her again: “It’s all gift-giving. Lord Gong giving Mianmian the villa is something Mianmian likes; giving you swans is also something you like, hitting the mark in your heart. Although the swans aren’t as valuable as the villa, they still make you happy, right? This is sincerity, thoughtfulness—knowing your preferences and catering to what you like.”
Jiang Yu pondered for a moment. Indeed, that was very true.
Jiang Mianmian held the land and property deeds, looking at the characters “Jiang Mianmian” on them. She looked at them and felt happy; the more, the better.
“Let’s go, let’s go cook the swans.” Jiang Yu carried the two swans, looking heroic and high-spirited.
“Let’s go, iron pot stew.” Jiang Mianmian trotted on her short legs, clutching the land and property deeds, drooling as she followed her Big Sister. She had never eaten swan before.
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