novelhk Chapter 163 There is a chapter within the chapter
Chapter 163 There is a chapter within the chapter
For an extremely long time, the esteemed and respected old lord diligently recuperated. He endured countless days and nights of torment from illness, but maintained an optimistic and positive attitude, tenaciously fighting against the disease. His efforts paid off; he finally overcame the intractable illness, like a withered tree blossoming in spring, regaining its vibrant vitality. His complexion gradually became rosy, his mental state improved day by day, and his previously weak body gradually recovered, returning to its former healthy state.
Just then, even more exciting news arrived—the new wife had been found to be six months pregnant! This joyous news pierced through the thick clouds like a ray of sunshine, instantly illuminating the entire family. People spread the word, their faces beaming with undisguised joy. Everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the new life, as if they could already see a beautiful future full of endless possibilities.
These successive good fortunes were undoubtedly a great joy for the entire family. Like a gentle spring breeze, they brought endless happiness and hope to everyone. Everyone was immersed in this happiness, looking forward to a bright future.
However, at this very moment, Su Yuning and Ye Beichen, far away in another city, were completely unaware of these events. They were probably busy with their own affairs, completely oblivious to the significant and exciting changes taking place in their hometown.
On this seemingly ordinary day, as the sun set, its afterglow bathed the earth in a soft golden light. The family gathered around the large dining table, preparing for a warm and cozy dinner. The table was laden with delicious dishes, their enticing aromas filling the air. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air as they enjoyed this precious moment of togetherness.
As everyone sat together, enjoying the delicious food, the atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, filled with laughter. However, at this moment, the new lady suddenly turned her head and fixed her gaze on Ye Beichen. She smiled, but her tone was gentle yet stern as she softly admonished, "My child, while we are enjoying this sumptuous meal together, please don't speak carelessly. It's very impolite. And now that you're all grown up and a big brother, you should shoulder your responsibilities and set a good example for your younger siblings! Only by leading by example can you truly set a good example!"
As the new lady spoke, her gentle, watery eyes remained fixed on Ye Beichen, overflowing with expectation and deep affection.
Upon hearing this, Ye Beichen was instantly stunned. He pondered to himself, "What do you mean, 'become a brother'? I didn't know that. Could it be that I'm about to become a father?" A flood of questions overwhelmed him, leaving him utterly perplexed. So, Ye Beichen began racking his brains, trying to understand, but no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind his stepmother's words.
At this moment, Su Yuning, who was sitting to the side, seemed to have seen through everything. She smiled slightly, revealing a knowing smile, and then clasped her hands together, bowed to the new lady, and said with a joyful expression, "Oh, that's wonderful! Congratulations! May your household be filled with joy and happiness in the future!"
"What do you mean? Wife? What are you talking about?" Ye Beichen asked, looking completely bewildered. Su Yuning rolled her eyes at Ye Beichen and scolded, "Silly, the new wife is pregnant. We'll soon have a younger brother or sister." Ye Beichen's eyes widened, and it took him a while to come to his senses. He scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "Oh, I see. Haha."
After dinner, Ye Beichen took Su Yuning for a walk in the courtyard. "Wife, we're going to have a new addition to the family, there'll probably be even more things to do from now on." Su Yuning gently patted his hand. "What's there to be afraid of? More excitement is good. Maybe this pregnancy will bring good fortune to the family." Ye Beichen nodded, gazing at the distant sky, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.
In Xinghua Village, the days after the New Year were vibrant and full of life. Warm sunlight bathed the earth, and a gentle spring breeze caressed people's faces, bringing the fragrance of flowers and the scent of earth. It was the annual harvest season again. Early that morning, as the sun rose, its soft rays bathed the land, a woman stood quietly at her doorstep. She wore a simple blue cloth blouse, its flowing fabric seemingly carrying a touch of freshness. A colorful floral headscarf adorned her head, adding to her liveliness and charm. At that moment, the woman looked radiant and full of energy.
She smiled gently as her gaze fell tenderly on her two daughters-in-law. One of them, named Wan'er, was pretty and gentle; the other, known as the Cold Girl, had a cool demeanor, but her eyes revealed intelligence and determination.
"Children, let's get ready to go up the mountain to gather!" the woman said softly, her voice clear and melodious like a nightingale's song. Then, she turned and took three bamboo baskets from the house, handing one to Wan'er and one to Leng Guniang. These baskets were exquisitely woven, and inside were neatly arranged sharp scissors and some small tools for digging and picking.
With everything prepared, the mother-in-law and her two daughters-in-law set off for the mountains. Along the way, the woman was in high spirits and in a particularly cheerful mood. As she walked briskly, she enthusiastically shared her valuable gathering experience accumulated over the years with her daughters-in-law.
"Look, this kind of plant with long, serrated leaves is purslane. It can be eaten raw in salads or stir-fried; it tastes delicious!" the woman said, pointing to an inconspicuous little grass by the roadside. Then, she bent down and carefully pulled up a plant with small white flowers: "This is plantain; it has the effect of clearing heat and promoting urination."
Not only that, the woman also described in detail the characteristics and growing environments of various other wild vegetables, herbs, and edible plants. For example, she described where tender bamboo shoots were easy to find and which trees bore edible fruits. Her vivid and engaging descriptions made her two daughters-in-law feel as if they were actually there.
Meanwhile, the woman constantly reminded them to watch their step. "The mountain path is rugged and uneven, so please walk carefully and be careful not to slip. Especially in those damp and dark corners, there might be snakes or other dangerous things hiding there." Hearing her mother-in-law's concerned words, Wan'er and Leng Guniang obediently nodded in agreement, indicating they would be extra careful. An excited and busy atmosphere permeated the entire village.
As she walked, Wan'er's previously weary steps suddenly became lighter, for not far ahead, she was pleasantly surprised to find a tall and lush tree. This tree was like a giant open umbrella, its verdant branches and leaves layered upon each other, as if draping the earth in a magnificent green robe.
Wan'er felt a surge of joy, as if she had met a long-lost friend, and she couldn't wait to run towards the tree. When she got closer, she was even more shocked by the sight before her—the lush green leaves were so fresh and vibrant, shimmering with a captivating luster under the sunlight.
She took a deep breath; the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, making her feel relaxed and refreshed. Wan'er carefully reached out and gently broke off a sprig of leaves. The soft touch and delicate fragrance captivated her.
Immediately afterward, Wan'er, filled with joy, quickly walked to the woman's side. Her face was full of anticipation and curiosity, and she asked in a clear voice, "Grandma, can you tell if this is a Chinese toon tree?" With that, she handed the bunch of branches and leaves in her hand to the woman.
The woman smiled and accepted the bunch of branches and leaves, examining them carefully for a while. She squinted slightly, her gaze intently scrutinizing each leaf and each twig. Then, she slowly brought the leaves to her nose and gently sniffed them.
In an instant, a rich and unique fragrance, like a clear spring, permeated the woman's heart and soul. It was a scent that blended the fragrance of earth with the warmth of spring sunshine, intoxicating the senses.
A relieved smile immediately spread across the woman's face, and her weathered eyes shone brightly. She nodded cheerfully and replied, "That's right, Wan'er, isn't this toon sprouts? We're so lucky today to find such fresh toon sprouts. Let's pick some more to take home, and we can make a delicious toon sprout and egg pancake for dinner! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!"
Hearing this, Wan'er was so excited she almost jumped up. She said in a sweet voice, "Wow, that's great! I didn't expect to find such wonderful ingredients on my first trip out to gather them! It seems I'm really lucky!" After saying that, she proudly shook the toon leaves in her hand, then turned around, picked up her basket, and ran like a happy little bird into the depths of the hillside to continue searching for more toon trees.
Seeing Wan'er's high spirits, Leng was unwilling to fall behind, so she quickened her pace to keep up with Wan'er's light steps. The three women, mother and daughter-in-law, bustled about in the lush green forest, their clear, melodious laughter echoing through the quiet valley like a beautiful melody.
"Grandma, come and see! What kind of vegetable is this? I've never seen anything like it before!" The young woman, filled with joy and curiosity, carefully held a small, delicate plant with vibrant purple flowers in her hands. Her graceful figure, like a butterfly fluttering in the sunlight, moved slowly towards them, her voice soft and melodious as she asked.
Hearing Miss Leng's call, the kind-faced woman immediately turned her gaze. When she saw the vibrant plant in Miss Leng's hand, a warm and gentle smile instantly bloomed on her weathered yet radiant face, like the warm sunshine of spring. She explained to Miss Leng slowly and patiently, "Oh, my dear daughter-in-law, this is called Viola yedoensis. It's not just some ordinary weed; it's a delicious and nutritious wild vegetable, and also a very rare and valuable medicinal herb. Let's gather some today and take them home. After drying them thoroughly, we can brew them into tea, which will be very beneficial to our health!"
"Oh, I see! That's wonderful!" Upon hearing this, Miss Leng's beautiful eyes immediately sparkled with excitement, and she nodded in response with a beaming smile. Then, like a cheerful little bird, she quickly threw herself into digging up the violets around her. Her movements were skillful and efficient, and in no time, a small pile of fresh, vibrant violets had accumulated beside her.
At that very moment, the woman, like a tireless bee, never stopped working. Sometimes she would bend down lightly, as if afraid of disturbing the treasures growing in Mother Earth's bosom, carefully digging up the tender bamboo shoots that had just emerged from the soil with her small, exquisite hoe; other times she would stand on tiptoe like a dancing fairy, stretching out her slender arms to try and reach the mushrooms hanging high on the branches, as lovely and charming as fairies.
To this woman, this vast and boundless forest was like a treasure trove containing endless riches, where every corner might hide a delightful surprise. Whether it was the emerald green wild vegetables, the bright red wild berries, or the fragrant herbs, as long as it caught her discerning eye, she would take it without hesitation, never wanting to miss any opportunity to provide her family with a feast.