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The Chen family and the Tan family lived side by side, separated only by a small fence. From the Tan family’s side, they could hear Old Chen shouting in his yard loud and clear.
Wan Chunmei had just fed Little Qiyue the last spoonful of rice porridge. She stood up, placed the bowl down, and patted Little Qiyue’s back before turning to Tan Erqian. “You stay at home these next couple of days, avoid going next door. Don’t let that Old woman Chen find a reason to pick on you.”
Tan Erqian smiled and nodded eagerly. “Don’t worry, Mother. I know.”
Old Tan got up, glanced over at the neighboring house, and said, “That Chen Shian boy deserves it. He’s so much older than you, yet doesn’t care for you. On top of that, he goes and does something so deceitful and underhanded. If it weren’t for Shopkeeper Bai being so sharp-eyed and rushing back, it might have been you in trouble.”
His expression grew serious as he continued, “Erqian, Little One, remember this: if you ever face such unfairness again, you must come back and tell me. I may not have much ability, but if anyone dares bully you, I’ll stand up for you. So don’t bottle things up and only tell us after it’s all over.”
The whole family, big and small, listened. Some understood, some didn’t, but they all nodded obediently.
“Yes, Father.”
After Tan Erqian responded, he joyfully took Little Qiyue from Wan Chunmei’s arms and changed the subject. “Mother, Little Qiyue has grown quite a bit.”
Wan Chunmei, now free, took the bowl to wash. As she scrubbed, she said, “Yes, little ones grow so fast. By the time this winter passes and summer comes around, Little Qiyue might already be walking.”
“That would be wonderful! Once Little Qiyue can walk, we can take her to catch fish and shrimp,” Tan Erqian said with a big grin, holding Little Qiyue high in the air.
The Tan family was known for their sturdy build. Both parents were tall and strong, and their sons had inherited these traits.
Tan Yiliang, not yet eighteen, was already as tall as his father and had to duck slightly when entering the door. Tan Erqian, even more impressive, wasn’t yet thirteen but was as tall as a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old. With the experience he had gained over the past few months, his mannerisms were becoming those of a reliable older brother.
Wan Chunmei felt a deep sense of comfort as she watched. She placed the cleaned bowl aside, wiped her hands, and said, “Taking your little sister out to play is fine, but absolutely stay away from the water. You’re all still too young, and I’d worry.”
Tan Erqian spun the soft and giggling Little Qiyue around in a circle, laughing as he said, “Alright, alright, no fish or shrimp then. Instead, we’ll take Little Qiyue to the county. There are so many delicious things there—candied hawthorns, sugar figurines. I’m sure our Little Qiyue will love it!”
Little Qiyue, hearing the cheerful chatter, let out soft, gurgling laughter. “Yiya… yiya…”
Old Tan and Tan Yiliang immediately turned their heads. “Did our Little Qiyue just speak?!”
Tan Erqian held Little Qiyue securely and looked down at her. “Did she? I didn’t hear it clearly.”
Little Qiyue blinked her round, bright eyes, glancing at each of them in turn.
Tan Yiliang raised his eyebrows with a grin. “She did, she did!”
Old Tan nodded in agreement.
Wan Chunmei walked over and took Little Qiyue into her arms, giving the others a pointed look. “You heard wrong. Little Qiyue didn’t speak just now; she only laughed. She’s only five months old—how could she possibly talk?”
Tan Erqian scratched the back of his head. Thinking it over, he realized he might have misheard, and obediently sat down to warm himself by the fire.
Meanwhile, the commotion outside from the Chen family grew louder.
A sharp woman’s voice cut through the night, “Father, you can’t throw us out! I’m already pregnant!”
Startled, Wan Chunmei hurried to the door and pressed her ear against it to listen.
“You’re pregnant? Are you saying you’re really pregnant?” came Old Chen’s skeptical voice.
“Yes, Father! My wife is truly with child. You’re going to have a grandson!”
“A grandson?”
“That’s right, Father!”
The tone of Old Chen’s voice noticeably softened.
Wan Chunmei whispered to Old Tan, “Heavens, it looks like Chen Shian isn’t getting kicked out after all. His wife is pregnant.”
Old Tan snorted indifferently. “Pregnant? So what? Any woman can get pregnant. Let’s not concern ourselves with them. As long as they don’t take out their frustration on Erqian, we’ll go about our lives, and they can go about theirs. But if they dare vent their anger on us, I won’t let it slide.”
With that, he bent down and added another log to the fire.
Wan Chunmei nodded. “You’re right.”
She glanced out the window and muttered, “Why aren’t the third, fourth, and fifth boys back yet?”
“They should be back soon,” Old Tan replied.
Tan Erqian immediately asked, “That’s right, where are Third Brother and the others?”
Wan Chunmei chuckled. “Your third brother and the rest were kept back by the teacher today to review their lessons. They’ll probably be back shortly.”
Tan Erqian nodded and sat down to discuss lingzhi and medicinal herbs with Tan Yiliang.
Wan Chunmei placed Little Qiyue on the bed and began to soothe her to sleep.
Just then, a cold gust of wind swept through, and the sound of knocking came from the door.
Wan Chunmei sat up quickly and called out, “Who’s there?”