The head of the Mu family

Chapter 13 The Meaning of Gaining Friendships and Parting

He only showed a little skill when treating patients, and didn't write down any prescriptions, for fear of arousing curiosity.

Qian Shao and Qin Song understood the reason to some extent, and neither of them spoke up out of kindness again.

A few days later, it was time for Shen Huai to go to town to work.

I told Qian Shao and the others a day in advance, and several of them wanted to come along.

Unable to refuse the requests of the young guests, I spoke to the old abbot next door and told him that there was no need to prepare lunch for the next day.

Early the next morning, the village head's oxcart carried some grain and five children.

Uncle An removed the roof from the carriage, used it to haul other grain for the village, locked the door, and left in a grand procession.

Shen Huai thought helplessly:

If the oxcart had a roof, these kids would probably have taken the roof off too. What's the difference between a horse-drawn carriage and an oxcart?

The kids were excited the whole way.

Upon arriving in town, the children were fascinated by the market, wanting to see everything and asking all sorts of questions out of curiosity.

It was almost noon when I remembered I needed to eat lunch.

Shen Huai recommended that Uncle An take them to the only mutton soup restaurant on the other side of the market for lunch.

Shen Huai couldn't leave his post, so he told them to go on their own and bring some back for him.

Shen Huai usually takes care of the children himself, but this morning he was so excited by the four kids that he forgot about it.

After they finished eating, they brought Shen Huai two white biscuits and a bowl of mutton soup with meat!

The food that Wuya's dad brought before was just mutton soup, but this time, thanks to the kids, they got to eat real meat.

Shen Huai decided to go back and treat the kids better.

Shen Huai: It's not that I owe them anything, it's just that the kids came all this way!

The group went off to explore again, with Uncle An sitting nearby, ready to help Shen Huai bring his bowl over after he finished eating.

Shen Huai left a white steamed bun uneaten, then added two larger pieces of meat, drained the broth, and stuffed them into the bun.

Then, using the same oil paper that had just been used to wrap the steamed buns, they carefully wrapped it up again.

Seeing Uncle An's questioning look, since he had stayed at the Qian family's house before, Uncle An knew how much Xiao Wuya ate.

Shen Huai wasn't embarrassed at all, and simply smiled frankly at Uncle An, explaining:

"Grandpa An, please give this to my four older sisters to try."

Upon hearing this, Amber immediately understood:

A farmer who had six children, five of whom were girls, was destined to go hungry.

If it weren't for Xiao Wuya's cleverness, she would definitely be one of the children who didn't have enough to eat.

Uncle An patted Wu Ya's head.

After finishing the soup, Shen Huai used the remaining corner of the steamed bun to wipe the inside of the bowl clean, and then put it in his mouth with satisfaction.

Shen Huai: Environment really does shape a person!

Uncle Amber took the empty bowl, which looked like it had been washed, and got up to return it to the shopkeeper.

When he returned, he brought back a white sheet containing several pieces of mutton and handed it to Shen Huai.

Suddenly, Shen Huai felt a strange pang of sadness and quickly declined.

"Good boy! Take it. You're a smart child, so Grandpa won't say anything more."

"Take it! Grandpa will be angry if you don't!"

Uncle An feigned a stern face, then immediately smiled, stuffed the steamed bun into Shen Huai's arms, and walked over to a place with many villagers to chat with.

Everyone was busy until after 1 p.m., then they packed up their things and went back to the village.

On the way back to the village, the four children were still in high spirits, but thankfully they became much quieter.

When they were halfway there, it got a bit chilly at night, so they huddled together and talked quietly. They didn't get back to the village until after midnight.

The villagers who were at home had already gone to bed on their kang (heated brick bed) and hurried back to their respective homes.

The old abbot left dinner for them, and kindly left a bowl for Wuya as well.

Everyone thought as they ate: This noodle dish is absolutely delicious!

Wuya finished eating with them, then quickly washed up, helped Qian Shao get her daily necessities, and went back to Wuya's house to sleep.

When we arrived at Wuya's house, it was indeed quiet.

Using the moonlight, I tiptoed into the courtyard and gently pushed open the door.

"Wu Ya, Miss Qian, you're back?" Da Mao asked softly, lowering his voice.

"You're back, big sister, aren't you asleep yet?" Shen Huai replied softly.

"We haven't slept. We were worried because you weren't back. Have you eaten?"

We went a long way to cut hay for the livestock today.

I brought you mulberries, and I also saved a black steamed bun for each of you.

Then the other three maids also made a soft rustling sound.

Shen Huai thought to himself: Another bout of aches and pains is starting up again~

"We've already eaten, don't worry!"

It's good that you didn't sleep; we brought you steamed buns and mutton.

"It was bought by Uncle An and Sister Shao, here you go!"

The sisters couldn't believe it when they heard this: they could actually eat steamed buns and meat!

I was so excited I almost jumped off the kang (heated brick bed)!

They immediately suppressed their excitement, covered their mouths, and got up. Using the moonlight streaming in from the window, they shared the food.

I haven't eaten this much meat during Chinese New Year for several years!

I ate two big pieces by myself, chewing them for a long time, reluctant to swallow them~

Qian Shao looked at the sisters, her nose tingling and her eyes burning.

Suddenly remembering something, he immediately pulled Wuya over and asked in a hurried and quiet voice:

"You didn't eat lunch? Did you just have soup?"

No, I ate it!

At lunchtime, I only left one steamed bun and two slices of meat, and Uncle Amber saw it.

Knowing I was going to bring it back, Uncle Amber bought it for me when he went to return the bowl to the shopkeeper.

As Shen Huai spoke, he tugged at Qian Shao's hand, and Qian Shao finally felt relieved.

Shen Huai then instructed Da Mao: "When you start the fire early tomorrow morning, do it before everyone else gets up."

Don't forget to burn the paper used to wrap the steamed buns as soon as possible!

Da Mao readily agreed, and Shen Huai climbed onto the kang (heated brick bed) to sleep peacefully.

Qian Shao and Shen Huai fell asleep almost immediately.

The other four girls were excited for a long time once again!

I drifted off to sleep, the lingering aroma of meat still on my lips and teeth, and even in my dreams I was smiling.

Shen Huai: I'm going to make sure these girls get to eat meat!

Twenty days passed in the blink of an eye, I don't remember if it was the twentieth day or so, but the three pharmacists returned in high spirits.

Upon hearing the sound, everyone rushed out to greet them.

Each person carried a full basket of medicinal herbs, their chests bulging, and their sleeves heavy.

It seems they not only reaped a great harvest, but also collected a lot of good medicinal herbs!

The children all rushed towards their grandfather.

Shen Huai also went up to greet them, sweetly calling out "Uncle Gao." Uncle An took their baskets one by one and carried them into the yard.

The three pharmacists were ushered into the courtyard by the children, and everyone quickly spread out the medicinal herbs to dry.

In the evening, I retrieved the vegetarian meal that the abbot had prepared as usual and borrowed a meditation room from him.

Uncle An unloaded the carriage, rode his horse to town and cut five catties of mutton, bought ten white flour buns, and a pot of wine.

The three pharmacists even had a few drinks, and they pulled Uncle Amber in for a couple of drinks too.

The dinner was a pleasant affair for both host and guests, and everyone went to rest afterwards.

The next day, Amber hitched up the carriage early in the morning and put the herbs and luggage on it.

After everyone had breakfast, they prepared to head back.

Qian Shao pulled Shen Huai aside and asked Uncle An to help her carry a huge bundle:

"Little sister Wuya~ Here is a new set of light clothes, a cotton coat, and two pairs of shoes and socks for you."

The rest were old cotton clothes that my mother had packed up when we arrived.

As you know, my family usually wears fine clothes more often than plain clothes, and most of them are still in relatively good condition.

They have every size available, so there should be a set that fits almost everyone in your family.

When I came, I felt it wasn't good and didn't want to bring it.

None of them are good quality fabrics, and the colors are all dark and unattractive.

My mother and grandmother insisted that I bring it along.

Tell me the clothes I gave you are in there too. If you still don't like them on your way back, take the old clothes with you.

I didn't take it out when I came because I felt it was too old to show off. I was planning to find yours separately and give it to you when I had some free time.

I've changed my mind now.

I think you need it, so I'm asking if you'd like it.

Shen Huai knew immediately that this kind little girl had grown up.

During the time the little girl was here, she witnessed real human suffering, which subtly changed her perspective.

Then he took Qian Shao's hand and said:

"Sister Shao, if this weren't for the summer, your help would be like sending charcoal in the snow."

It's precisely these simple clothes that are good; if you gave them fine clothes, the people here wouldn't be able to wear them.

If they were brand new, how could we farmers bear to wear them to work?

This is truly a perfect solution, thank you Sister Shao!

Please also thank the old lady and the madam for me!

"Yes, that's great!"

We're leaving soon, when will you come to my house again?

"I'll go if I have the chance, and I definitely won't keep you waiting too long."

"Little Sister Wuya, this Three Character Classic is for you!"

When you come to our house next time, let's have a contest to see who can recite it better!

Qian Yao walked over with a copy of the Three Character Classic and said.

Thank you, Brother Yao!

If you don't give it to me, I was actually planning to ask you for it, hehe!

After he finished speaking, the children all laughed.

The two children from Uncle Qin's family said:

"We weren't prepared this time, but we'll be meeting in a couple of days, so we can make it up together then~"

When we go back this time, we must tell our mother to send us to a private school so we can learn the Three Character Classic.

Before he could finish speaking, Uncle Qin slapped his forehead:

"Oh right~ I had forgotten if the kids hadn't mentioned it. My little granddaughter will be one year old in less than a month!"

You absolutely have to go!

"Bring my little niece along too!"

When they parted, Shen Huai gave each of them a small spinning top.

Since they would see each other again in just a few days, the gloom of parting vanished instantly, and everyone said goodbye happily.

The significance of separation lies in:

We all look forward to seeing each other again!