“Third brother, let me hold An ger.”

“You’ve been busy in the kitchen for a while, so make sure to keep Dazhuang steady and don’t let him fall.” As he spoke, Chen Yuping turned to glance at Zhang Zhiwei, who was closely following behind: “Brother-in-law, you hold An ger.”

“Oh.”

“Brother, are you staying home for the reunion dinner tonight?”

Chen Yuchun hesitated: “Does third brother have something to discuss?” If it were their father or dad, he would definitely refuse. But this was his younger brother, whom he had watched grow up.

“Not really, I just want to chat with you.”

“Zhiwei.”

Zhang Zhiwei, clearly in a daze, glanced at Chun ger.

“Give me the child.”

He quickly handed An ger to their dad.

“Go home and get some cured fish, cured meat, and catch a hen. No need to kill it, just bring it alive. Grab some fresh vegetables from the garden and some potatoes and radishes from the cellar.”

“What for?”

“Take them to the Chen family, we’re having the reunion dinner there tonight.”

Chen Yuping quickly interjected: “Brother-in-law, my brother has been married to you for so many years and has two children, but you’ve never had a reunion dinner at the Chen family, let alone stayed over on New Year’s Eve. So tonight, do not go back to the Zhang family, just stay at the Chen family.”

“But, what about the old house…”

“Brother-in-law, I remember you’re the third in your family and have two older brothers, right? Your two sisters-in-law are not lacking arms or legs, are they?”

This was quite impolite.

Zhang Zhiwei’s expression changed at his words, but in the end, he said nothing and silently walked back.

Once Zhang Zhiwei was far enough away that he was out of sight, Chen Yuping quietly asked, “Brother, you’re not mad at me, are you?”

“Why would I be mad at you?” Chen Yuchun smiled, his expression softening, as if looking at his own child. This was his brother, the one he had raised and protected: “What you said was true.”

Chen Yuping noticed his brother’s calm demeanor and asked, “Brother, sometimes when Brother-in-law speaks or acts against your wishes, why don’t you say anything to him? Why do you just let it be? I don’t think Brother-in-law is that strong-willed.”

“I used to say things often, thinking he might take it to heart and change a little. But after so many years, I’ve given up, it’s a waste of breath.”

“If he doesn’t listen, then don’t worry about him. Just rest more and take care of the two children.”

Hearing this, Chen Yuchun laughed: “You, you’re still a bit young and unmarried, you don’t understand how difficult life can be. Your brother-in-law is the type that needs a push to get moving. If I don’t manage him, this household could become chaotic.”

“Brother, I mean, just do what you need to do, and don’t exert unnecessary effort. For example, with the trivial matters in the old Zhang house, you have two sisters-in-law, how they manage is not your responsibility. Don’t be the only one running around like a fool. If Brother-in-law doesn’t care about you, I feel heartbroken just watching brother-in-law not caddying.”

“About this…” Chen Yuchun paused: “At the beginning, when we just got married, I wanted to listen to Dad Chen and manage things well. I thought that if I kept him in my heart, he would eventually understand. Even a stone can be warmed over time. Exerting some effort isn’t a big deal, a little hardship and fatigue don’t matter.”

“I was born early, so I saw how our father and dad gradually built up our home. The Chen family’s situation today is truly hard-earned. When I was a teenager, I thought I needed to find a hardworking and honest man. Being poor was fine, as long as he was good. If the couple worked together, there would be no shortage of food.”

“Dad often says that your brother-in-law seems simple-minded but is actually sharp in his own way. But what can be done? We’re already married with children.”

“I’ll live like this, it’s better than some and worse than others. I should learn to be content.”

Chen Yuping sensed his brother’s despondency: “Brother, you still have a long life ahead, you’re not even thirty yet. Are you really willing to accept this? Look at Father and Dad, then at Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law. Don’t you have any thoughts about it?”

“What can I do? Your brother-in-law is just this way, unreasonable and unyielding. No matter what, it goes in one ear and out the other. He’s been beaten and scolded, yet he remains unresponsive and unchanged. What can I do? I can’t really beat him to death. If I keep nagging and scolding him over nothing, it would just become a joke, you know? Not just for us, but it would also make the Chen family a laughingstock.”

“It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have said anything. Don’t be angry.” Seeing his brother’s eyes turning red, Chen Yuping panicked: “I was just being naive.”

Chen Yuchun took a deep breath: “You hold An ger for a moment.”

“Brother.” Chen Yuping cautiously called out.

After wiping his tears, Chen Yuchun forced a thin smile: “It’s fine, I’m not angry. You…” He affectionately ruffled his younger brother’s hair, his gaze soft and kind: “Dad has high hopes for Cui Yuanji. I think this man is quite good, you’re more fortunate than I am.”

Chen Yuping was unwilling. Unwilling to see such a good brother remain in bitterness: “Brother, I still have some things I want to say. Can I?”

“What do you want to say?” Seeing his brother’s hesitant expression, Chen Yuchun couldn’t help but smile: “In front of me, what can’t you say? Just go ahead.”

“I still want to talk about Brother-in-law.”

“Go ahead, I’m listening.” Chen Yuchun understood his younger brother was concerned about him. He had watched this brother grow up, and now he knew to care about his big brother’s marriage. His feelings were mixed, both happy and sad. He had enough patience and tolerance, keeping his emotions calm to avoid scaring his younger brother.

“Brother, I think in daily life, you could be a bit more assertive.”

“What do you mean?”

Chen Yuping pondered: “As you said, Brother-in-law is just that kind of person, and there’s no way to change him. Since that’s the case, you can change yourself. Brother-in-law isn’t exactly bad, but he’s somewhat timid. For someone like that, you don’t worry about him. Don’t consider his feelings. Just act according to your own nature, and live your life comfortably.”

“This…” Chen Yuchun vaguely understood but wasn’t entirely clear: “If I do that, won’t it lead to chaos? How can we have peaceful days?”

“You said Brother-in-law doesn’t fight back or argue, right?”

“Yes, that’s true.”

Seeing his brother still somewhat confused, Chen Yuping continued: “If you scold and hit him, he doesn’t respond. So if you stop, why can’t life be peaceful?”

“That’s not the same, it’s different.” Chen Yuping explained in detail: “I don’t often hit or scold your brother-in-law, it’s just when I’m really angry that I do. Dad is right, your brother-in-law seems simple-minded, but he’s clear about his own faults, which is why he lets me hit and scold him. If you don’t care about your brother-in-law or keep him in your heart, he won’t stay this honest, and life will just become more desolate.”

“Are you really going to keep torturing yourself?”

“What can I do? If I don’t accommodate him a bit, the atmosphere at home will be unpleasant. Don’t underestimate the children. Even though they’re small, they can get scared. Moreover, your brother-in-law isn’t really considering my feelings, he’s just not attentive or thorough enough. He still does his share of the work and helps out around the house. If he were to completely disengage, that would truly cause trouble.”

Now it was Chen Yuping’s turn to fall silent, feeling anxious as if a thorn was stuck in his throat—neither particularly painful nor comfortable.

“Our family is different. Dad and Father have a good relationship, and the atmosphere at home is good. When encountering someone like your brother-in-law, it can feel especially jarring, as if he has no good qualities and is full of flaws. In reality, throughout the entire village, there are many people like your brother-in-law. Our Chen family live in harmony and mutual understanding together cheerfully with laughter every day. That’s quite rare.” Chen Yuchun then comforted his younger brother: “Ping ger, don’t think too much. My life isn’t that bad, it’s just not happy enough.”

“But brother, we can handle it like this!” Chen Yuping truly couldn’t believe they couldn’t manage his brother-in-law.

“Handle it how?”

“You can still be good to brother-in-law, being considerate and caring, but! You mustn’t take him seriously or concern yourself with his thoughts and feelings. Speak plainly and firmly, do not adopt Dad’s gentleness. You need to make him work and not feel too sorry for him. Being good to him should be superficial, like providing meals and clothing, and casual chatting. When it comes to matters, regardless of their size, there’s no need for negotiation—just make your own decisions and tell him what to do. After all, your brother-in-law has that kind of personality, and a little push may just suit him perfectly.”

At first, Chen Yuchun thought his younger brother was being a bit simplistic, but after careful consideration, there seemed to be some sense in it.

“Ping ger, let me think it over, I need to sort this out.”

“Brother, without going far, just look at how I spoke and acted at the Zhang family’s old house just now. We were in the right, so there was no need to overthink it, say what you want and express your feelings clearly.”

Chen Yuchun nodded thoughtfully, murmuring softly, “Let me think, I need to think.”

Dad Chen looked at his eldest son, who seemed to have lost his spirit, and was full of worry. He hesitated to speak as his gaze fell on his youngest son.

“Dad, it’s okay,” Chen Yuping reassured him. “When brother comes around, perhaps good things will follow.”

“What did you do?”

“I didn’t do much, just talked with brother for a bit.”

Dad Chen glanced at his eldest son and then at his youngest son, “Alright then.”

Cui Yuanjiu returned, bringing a sheep and a good amount of sheep offal and blood. Enough for a lively meal for the family of over ten.

Not long after he arrived, Zhang Zhiwei came over, holding a live chicken, a piece of cured meat, and two cured fish. The cured meat weighed about five or six pounds, and the fish was also sizable. Altogether, around ten pounds, well-cured and particularly fragrant.

“Zhiwei, go help Yuanjiu and the others with the sheep behind the house,” Chen Yuchun commanded assertively, his tone neither too loud nor too soft, yet carrying an undeniable authority.

Zhang Zhiwei was momentarily stunned, clearly a bit taken aback.

“Go on.”

“Oh.”

Zhang Zhiwei dully walked toward the well behind the house.

As he exited the kitchen, Chen Yuchun added, “Close the door behind you. It’s windy, don’t let the child catch a cold.”

Zhang Zhiwei obediently shut the door.

“Brother,” Chen Yuping said cheerfully, giving his brother a thumbs up.

Seeing this, Chen Yuchun displayed a somewhat bashful smile.

“What are you two up to?” Dad Chen was puzzled. “What did you say to your brother? He looks like he’s had a breakthrough.”

Chen Yuping laughed, “It’s a long story. I’ll explain it to Dad later. Brother, just keep steady.”

“I have a plan, don’t worry, third brother.”

Cui Yuanjiu and Chen Yuanqiu were tidying up the sheep, while Zhang Zhiwei was handling the sheep offal alone. He rarely did these tasks and appeared clumsy and disorganized. He didn’t ask the two nearby for help, and they pretended not to notice, diligently working on the sheep. Once finished, they carried it into the kitchen.

“How did he clean it?” Chen Yuchun asked his younger brother.

Chen Yuanqiu pouted, “He’s even clumsier than I am.”

“I’ll go take a look.”

“Brother, just let him do it on his own.”

“I know.” Chen Yuchun smiled, walking over to his younger brother and ruffling his hair. “Eldest brother isn’t foolish.”

Chen Yuping was a bit worried. “Brother, what do you plan to do?” he asked quietly.

“I’ll just go see how he’s doing and offer a few comforting words.”

“Brother, I have a better idea. Listen closely. You go out now, speak softly to him, and patiently teach him how to clean the sheep offal. No matter how slow he is, even if he learns slowly, don’t rush him. Just take your time together, and slowly work on it. Don’t take the task onto yourself. He’s slow, so you be slow too. When the time comes, I’ll come to prompt you, and the rest will be on me.”

“You’re quite clever,” Chen Yuchun said as he smiled brightly.

Dad Chen watched, his eyes suddenly moist. It had been years since he had seen his eldest son smile so brilliantly.

“Zhiwei.”

Zhang Zhiwei, sweating lightly from washing the sheep offal in the winter cold. He saw Chen Yuchun and looked as if he had found a savior. “Quick, give me a hand.”

“How much have you cleaned?” Chen Yuchun approached the well, less than half a basin of offal had been sorted, clearly a bit slow. “Are you cold?” he asked deliberately.

Zhang Zhiwei, still sweating, replied, “Not cold, the well water is warm.”

“You haven’t washed sheep offal before and don’t know how to do it. I’ll teach you, it’s not hard.” Chen Yuchun’s movements were particularly slow, and his voice was very gentle.

Zhang Zhiwei was dumbfounded. What is this?

“Why are you dazed?” Chen Yuchun smiled at him, nudging him with his elbow. “Hurry up, follow my movements. Once you learn, you can clean it up in no time. Look at youngest and Cui Yuanjiu, they handle the sheep effortlessly. You need to learn from them.”

Zhang Zhiwei didn’t want to clean the sheep offal, it was too tiring. He’d rather be asked to do some heavy work. “Brother Chun, you wash the offal, it’s useless for me to learn.”

“You plan to throw the task at me and then stroll into the house to rest?”

“No, I won’t go in, I’ll help you.”

Zhang Zhiwei grinned foolishly. Being in the Chen household, he wouldn’t dare overstep.

Seeing the silly grin on his face, Chen Yuchun felt a surge of anger and told himself to hold it in. “I teach, you learn. Will you learn? If not, I’ll go inside, and you can wash all by yourself. When third brother prepares the offal soup and comes out asking for the offal, let’s see how you respond.”

“Brother Chun, you…”

“Will you learn?”

Zhang Zhiwei looked at his stern expression and felt uncomfortable yet slightly intimidated. “I’ll learn.”

“You must take it seriously, I won’t help you wash the offal. This is your task.” Chen Yuchun used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his husband’s forehead. “Look how tired you are. Usually, you’re quite capable, farm work doesn’t challenge you, yet this simple task of washing sheep offal is making you sweat in the winter. You…” His warm and gentle tone, along with the final sigh, seemed to draw out Zhang Zhiwei’s heart, causing his heartbeat to slow for a moment, and the small bit of resentment he felt instantly vanished.