Chapter 9

Everyone found it very strange, but in this era, rural families still deeply believed in gods and spirits and didn’t think much of it. They just felt that Little Sweet Treasure must be a little goddess descended to earth.

Old Master Song nodded and said, “Since you all have made up your minds, and the taste is indeed good, then go try selling it. Maybe you can earn some silver.”

Old Master Song agreed, and the others had no objections either. They thought maybe they could make some money and improve the family’s living conditions a bit.

Old Madam Zhou said, “Then tomorrow, third and fourth sons take the ox cart, bring the fish and the prepared dishes, and go ask at the tavern.”

Third son Song Fugui and fourth son Song Futian exchanged glances — did their mother mean for them to go?

Both were honest mountain men who had never done business before. Now that they were asked to promote the food, they felt timid and didn’t even know what to say.

Song Fugui said, “Mother, I… I can’t do this, I don’t know how to talk.”

Song Futian scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. “Mother, I don’t dare to promote it either. What should I say if I go?”

Old Madam Zhou gave them a harsh look and said, “You two useless things, big burly men, and you don’t dare to do such a small thing? What use are you?”

Song Fugui said, “Father, why don’t you come with us? You’ve traveled far and wide all these years and have experience.”

Old Master Song shook his head, “I haven’t gone out much in so many years, and I don’t have much food to offer. You just go.”

He didn’t want to go because he thought the product might sell but wouldn’t bring in much silver. As an old man, going to the tavern to ask felt a little embarrassing.

After all, at his age, going out to promote food might make others think the family was struggling financially. Old Master Song was quite proud and a bit timid.

Old Madam Zhou rolled her eyes at Old Master Song. “You all are just like your father—like your tongue is stuck to something, not daring to say a word. If no one goes, I’ll go. I’ll go with you.”

The men of the Song family were indeed not very talkative. Old Madam Zhou was a feisty rural woman and didn’t care about that.

Old Master Song raised his hand, “Eat, everyone, eat.”

Used to simple meals, everyone ate the roasted fish with its fragrant, spicy, and appetizing taste very happily. The children especially got oil all over their mouths.

After the meal and an afternoon rest, the eldest daughter-in-law Zhu and the third daughter-in-law Zou went to the fields to gather some wild vegetables and returned early.

It was springtime and not yet the busiest farming season. The men usually did the fieldwork, while the women stayed home cooking, sewing, and washing.

Since there were many daughters-in-law in the Song family, cooking was done in shifts. Those not cooking would gather wild vegetables or collect firewood.

The wild vegetables were just budding and not abundant, so they only gathered a little. But they collected quite a lot of firewood.

Since Little Sweet Treasure was born, everything seemed lucky — good fishing hauls, hens laying eggs, and even more firewood collected than other families.

The two women thought about the story of hearing Little Sweet Treasure’s inner voice, but since they never heard it, they decided to stay in the east wing room that afternoon with Mrs. Liu to see if it was really true.

When they entered the room, Mrs. Liu was playing with Little Sweet Treasure, who was giggling.

“Oh, this girl is really growing fast! Just a few days old, plump and white — doesn’t look like a newborn at all,” Zhu said, laughing.

Zou also praised, “Yes, yes! Look at those big eyes and small nose, so pretty! Looking at you, little girl, it’s impossible not to be envious.”

Mrs. Liu was very happy but modestly replied, “Sisters-in-law, you’re just flattering me.”

Little Sweet Treasure looked at the two women. Their eyes showed genuine affection, kind and friendly — clearly nice people to be around.

It’s always right to say a few nice words first. Little Sweet Treasure was ready to use her sweet tongue again.

Little Sweet Treasure said, “Eldest auntie looks really elegant, like a noble lady from a wealthy family. She looks kind-hearted and gentle, easy to get along with.”

Little Sweet Treasure said, “Third auntie looks like a quick and capable woman — neat, tidy, pretty, and also easy to get along with.”

She purposely added “easy to get along with” to both aunts. When someone is praised as easy to get along with, it’s harder to feel otherwise.

Zhu and Zou were surprised and looked at each other — it was true, Little Sweet Treasure really could hear their thoughts. Oh heavens, this was amazing.

Zhu laughed softly — everyone likes to hear praise, especially from such a cute and warm little child. She felt truly happy inside.

Her own sons never praised her no matter how much she cared for them. But Little Sweet Treasure was indeed a little goddess — a child with insight.

She was indeed elegant, no worse than any noble lady, just a phoenix born in a chicken coop, born to a farming family.

Zou said, “Oh, fourth brother’s wife, with a Little Sweet Treasure like this little darling, I wouldn’t trade her for all your sons. Look how good she is.”

Zou was also happy — she was a straightforward person and no one ever said she was anything but capable. She had a good personality and was definitely easy to get along with.

The two women felt warm and proud from Little Sweet Treasure’s compliments and believed everything she said was true.

Of course, many things were just how they saw themselves, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that they loved hearing what Little Sweet Treasure said and liked her even more.

Since Little Sweet Treasure was born, the whole family was full of joy. Grandma and the aunts were so flattered by her praise they didn’t know where to look.

In this era, many women were invisible—blocked by brothers and husbands, oppressed by mothers-in-law, and forced to obey their husbands. Even children had to be the “right” kind to be loved.

So being praised by Little Sweet Treasure filled them with happiness. In their hearts, she was a little goddess who brought blessings.

Being recognized and praised by a little goddess was a great honor. Their love for Little Sweet Treasure was no less than that of her own mother, Mrs. Liu.

In the evening, eldest son Song Fusheng and second son Song Fucai returned from fishing, loaded with a full haul. Old Master Song brought them back by ox cart.

They had six full baskets of fish. If it weren’t for the weight limit of the boat and two adults, they would have brought more baskets.

The whole family was naturally beaming with joy. If they were this lucky every day, they would all live well following Little Sweet Treasure.