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The Tan family’s household traditions have always been simple. Although the children often get cravings, they never overindulge when it comes to food. They don’t eat just because there’s a lot of it.
They’ve been through times of hunger before and know how to appreciate what they have. If there’s some food left over, they save it for later.
Take the wild boar from last time for example: a large portion of it was preserved and turned into cured meat, eaten occasionally whenever they felt like it.
The chicken was no different. Old Tan kept the chicken’s head, feet, and wings from the braised dish to make a soup, while the internal organs and intestines were left to be smoked and dried, ready to be eaten again in the spring.
Now, though, they have chickens, eggs, vegetables, and meat, but everything comes so easily.
Old Tan felt a bit uneasy. He feared that one day, it could all suddenly disappear. So, he carefully planned ahead, making sure to manage their resources well, paving the way for every day to come.
At noon, Old Tan had cooked the meal, and Wan Chunmei had just returned.
With a cheerful smile, she said, “Aunt Yu and her husband really liked our pickles and the braised chicken. They liked them so much that they were asking when we’ll start building the house.”
Old Tan counted the small change they had saved up in recent days. After a moment of thought, he said, “Let’s build it. The children are growing up, and soon it’ll be time for them to marry. We can’t keep cramming into these few rooms.”
He had initially thought about adding another room to the side, but with the recent heavy snow, the house wasn’t very warm, and the children were still young; they couldn’t just endure the cold like this.
Wan Chunmei nodded in agreement. “Alright then, husband. Once the snow melts, we’ll start building!”
“Mm!” Old Tan brought two bowls of food to the table and said, “You’re tired too, wife. Eat up and get some rest.”
Wan Chunmei chuckled. “The food for Little Qiyue and Liujin hasn’t been cooked yet. Let me go and cook for them.”
Old Tan quickly stopped her, pointing to the two bowls of chicken soup and noodles on the table, and said, “I’ve already cooked it. Just sit and eat. I’ll handle it.”
Wan Chunmei looked down at the meal, feeling warmth in her heart.
People often say that farmers’ men are rough, but her husband was surprisingly considerate.
With a smile, she sat down and began eating the meal he had prepared.
Old Tan picked up Little Qiyue and placed her beside him, ready to feed her.
Tan Sanyuan quickly finished his meal, stood up, and said, “Father, you eat, I’ll feed her.”
Old Tan turned to look at him. “Are you full?”
Tan Sanyuan nodded. “Mm, I’m full.”
Old Tan handed him the bowl. “Alright then, you feed your sister, but be careful not to burn her.”
Tan Sanyuan took the bowl and replied, “Don’t worry, Father. I won’t burn her.”
He sat in front of Little Qiyue, scooped a spoonful of soft noodles, blew on it, and brought it to her mouth.
Little Qiyue took a bite, smiling happily as she ate. After finishing, she made a contented “bub-bub” sound, as if she were very pleased.
Tan Sanyuan couldn’t help but smile too, watching her.
Little Qiyue, her eyes crescent-shaped with joy, looked up at her handsome older brother feeding her, and her happiness grew even more.
Strangely enough, though the sky outside had been overcast, at that very moment, the clouds parted, and the sun suddenly shone brightly.
Once the sun came out, the snow began to melt quickly.
By the next morning, the snow had completely melted.
As the snow melted, Tan Erqian had to rush back to the county. As he prepared to leave, he was still reluctant to say goodbye.
Little Qiyue stretched out her hands, wanting him to hold her.
Tan Erqian picked her up, smiling gently as he said, “Little Qiyue, be good. Next time I come back, I’ll take you to the county. Whatever you want to eat, I’ll buy it for you.”
Tan Yiliang, standing nearby, chuckled. “Alright, Erqian, stop making promises. What if Qiyue wants to eat some snacks and pastries? Are you really going to buy them?”
Though Tan Erqian had a bit of pocket money, he always gave it to Wan Chunmei. In their rural household, they were careful with spending, always making do with rice and vegetables. Pastries or snacks were out of the question.
However, Tan Erqian looked up and said confidently, “As long as my sister wants it, I can buy it for her!”
He then lowered his head to look at Little Qiyue and teased her with a smile. “Right, Little Qiyue? I’ll make sure to earn lots and lots of money, and then I’ll buy you everything you like, everything you want!”