Chapter 9: The Big Bone
“Really?”
Yu Xiaohui wasn’t especially homesick; she simply wanted to return home to save face.
Su Li spent half the night sorting through this family. From the old lady’s memories, she knew that Yu Xiaohui’s family had five sisters and two sons—a large household.
Yu Xiaohui, the third eldest, was unloved and always scrimped and saved a little, just so she could look presentable when she went home for the New Year.
Unfavored children always yearn for special recognition from their own parents.
“Is that even a question?” Su Li replied, then kept watching the fire. Yu Xiaohui found renewed energy and busily started cooking.
The three granddaughters—Eldest, eleven; Second, eight—both went to help.
The youngest, only four, timidly watched with curiosity.
Su Li patted a small stool beside her.
“Little Third, come sit.”
Obedient, Little Third came over and sat down, hardly daring to move.
Su Li pulled out some walnut kernels from her pocket and handed them to Little Third.
“Eat.”
Fearful but trusting, the child took a piece and ate it, tucking the rest into her pocket.
“Why aren’t you eating more?”
“I want Eldest and Second to eat first. They have hazelnuts; it’s for Little Third.”
Su Li understood. Eldest and Second had treats, and they shared with Little Third. The little girl remembered this—it was the spirit of sharing.
“Good, Little Third, you’re doing the right thing.”
Su Li praised her and continued tending the fire.
Little Third, with a head full of soft black hair, covered her eyes with her five fingers, leaving a large gap to sneak peeks at Su Li.
“Grandma—you’re not a big monster!”
“What?”
Su Li turned her head just as Second, carrying firewood into the house, dropped it with a loud thud.
“Mouse!” Second shouted.
Little Third got scared and was hugged and comforted by Second. The two sisters then left together.
Su Li chuckled inwardly.
Deceiving oneself, she heard everything.
No guessing needed—it was surely Eldest or Second who had badmouthed the old lady to Little Third earlier. The youngest was too young and shallow-minded; Su Li had easily won her over with a handful of walnuts.
Second hugged Little Third back inside and whispered softly.
“Little Third, don’t tell Grandma what we said. She hits people, and who knows, she might even sell us!”
One of her little friends had already been sold by their own grandmother.
Everyone said the child was sent to relatives, but she knew her friend had been sold.
Little Third tilted her head, a cute tuft of hair sticking out.
---
“Grandma gives good food; she’s not bad.”
“I never said she was bad... Anyway, it’s hard to explain. Just remember not to say anything, okay? If you do, Second will get a spanking!”
The little girl quickly nodded and squatted down, searching for Second’s behind.
“I won’t get spanked; Little Third will blow on it!”
Second was speechless but amused, pulling the adorable Little Third up. The two sisters went out together.
Second thought, thank goodness Grandma is hard of hearing.
Little Third didn’t come back over, and Second kept an eye on her, afraid she might say the wrong thing.
An hour later, everyone who had gone to the fields returned.
Before even reaching home, the aroma of cooking filled the air.
“What’s that smell? It’s quite nice.”
“Yeah, whose house is cooking? Pancakes? Doesn’t quite seem like it.”
Along the way, several groups of people sniffed the scents wafting from each household, guessing what meals were being prepared.
The Cheng family followed the scent trail, which grew stronger and stronger.
Upon entering the courtyard, what was that standing there?
“Quick, wash your hands and eat. I made some mooncakes; let’s try them later,” Su Li announced.
Everyone babbled in curiosity, learning that the old lady had spent the day fiddling with an oven and had made mooncakes.
Dinner was simple: a pot of potatoes and cabbage with a ring of cornmeal flatbreads.
The second son’s family also came out to eat.
After the meal, the whole family kept stealing glances at Su Li.
Su Li understood and said, “Let’s try the mooncakes.”
“Old Second, since your stomach hasn’t fully recovered, better not eat; these have oil in them,” Su Li warned, causing the four in Old Second’s family to nearly burst into tears.
“Mom, I’m better now; my stomach doesn’t hurt.”
“Me too, Mom, just one piece won’t hurt.”
“Grandma, I want to eat mooncakes!”
“Grandma—”
The family of four seemed miraculously healed.
Su Li wore a reluctant expression and asked anxiously, “Are you really okay?”
They nodded their heads like little pecking chicks.
If they couldn’t eat these mooncakes, they wouldn’t sleep tonight, tomorrow night, or any night after.
They had to be well!
“Can you work tomorrow?”
Again, they nodded. They could work, even if it meant dawdling.
Su Li smiled. “Alright, then eat up.”
---
“Old Fifth, bring those cracked pieces here; we’ll share them.”
Cheng Junguo obediently fetched the mooncakes. Su Li tore them apart and handed each person a small piece.
“Delicious.”
“Really fragrant.”
“Tastes better than store-bought.”
“We’ve never bought any before!”
“Well, that’s why you can smell it!”
The family chatted happily, their home instantly lively.
“Oldest, come with me to the village chief’s house to get a certificate. Tomorrow we’ll handle the paperwork for work.”
Su Li spoke, and Oldest Cheng Jungdong responded with a knowing “Yes,” helping Su Li to her feet.
Su Li patted his hand approvingly. Old Fifth Cheng Junguo felt a pang of crisis.
No, he was the favored son!
After dividing the mooncakes, Su Li took four good ones and went with Cheng Jungdong to the village chief’s home.
---
At the village chief’s house.
Su Li presented the mooncakes and explained their purpose.
The village chief’s wife never expected the thrifty Old Lady Su to actually bring mooncakes, let alone four pieces.
When Su Li had come earlier to borrow honey, they hadn’t thought the woman would return it.
“I told you not to take these. They’re precious; take them home and eat yourselves.”
“That’s not right. That would be like slapping my face. Am I that kind of person?”
The two old ladies pushed and shoved, while the two daughters-in-law exchanged knowing looks: if not Old Lady Su, then who?
In the end, Su Li prevailed. The mooncakes stayed, and the certificate was issued.
Everyone was surprised that the Cheng family’s job went to the eldest son. Even the village chief spoke highly of it, saying, “Giving it to the eldest is the right choice.”
Su Li nodded, praising, “The eldest is reliable; giving it to him is no mistake.”
Cheng Jungdong’s dark face showed no blush, but his eyes shone brightly.
“Village Chief, I have something to ask. Tomorrow, my second son and his wife will start work. Can they be assigned to the cornfields on the west side of the village?”
“The west fields... that’s quite a lot. They won’t finish it all.”
Su Li smiled, knowing perfectly well they wouldn’t.
“No problem. Just assign it to them. If they don’t finish, our family will continue. But please tell them: if they leave early, points will be deducted.”
The village chief hesitated, but Old Second’s couple wasn’t afraid of losing points. Su Li’s straightforward handling won his agreement.
Su Li and Cheng Jungdong returned home. Upon entering the yard, she called out:
“Oldest, let’s leave early tomorrow morning and go to town to buy some big bones. After work tonight, we’ll nourish you all.”
Old Second’s family: Big bones tomorrow???