Miao Chu

Chapter 236 Awkward
Song Miao saw that Zhu Jie'er's skirt was indeed like a golden pheasant flower, the tenderest pale yellow, with pleats at the hem. The top was also yellow, but the yellow was orange-toned, with light yellow edges. It was decorated with embroidered flowers and patterns in shades of greenish-yellow, indigo, osmanthus yellow, and orange-red, making the colors lively and harmonious, making the child look like a budding flower.

Today she also wore a small bun, which was very delicately styled. Last time she turned around and wore a pearl hairpin, but this time she wore a gardenia. The flower was beautiful, and she was lovely, making people smile as they looked at her.

Song Miao smiled and praised, "It looks so beautiful! Who picked out the flowers for you? They're blooming just right, and the colors match your dress perfectly. The embroidery on the dress is also beautiful. It's a wonderful match—who chose it?"

"I chose it! I chose it myself!!!" Zhu Jie'er was genuinely overjoyed. "I picked the flowers too! Sister, don't you think they're pretty?"

As she spoke, she carefully took the flower off her head, stood on tiptoe, and handed it to Song Miao, saying hurriedly, "I specially picked this one; it's blooming so beautifully! It's for you, sister!"

Who could refuse flowers from such a little girl?

Song Miao half-squatted down, first thanked her, then took the hairpin and casually tucked it behind her ear, before giving Zhu Jie'er a sweet smile.

Zhu Jie'er stared at her intently for a while, then stepped forward, gently touching her arm, and said, "Sister, the flower I picked out for you is so pretty! Absolutely gorgeous!"

She's so sweet-talking.

Song Miao couldn't help but turn to He Qi and ask with a smile, "How did you raise Xiao Zhu to be so well-behaved and sweet?"

He Qi was both annoyed and amused, saying, "If they were even half as well-behaved as they are today, the family would be thanking our lucky stars! They're mostly naughty and mischievous, rarely well-behaved!"

But Sister Zhu quickly interjected, "Nonsense! Nonsense! I was born well-behaved!"

From "a little bit well-behaved" to "born well-behaved".

After refuting her point, she demonstrated tactical acumen by not lingering on the argument. Instead, she turned to Song Miao and asked, "Sister Song, is that little girl here?"

Song Miao then said, "I don't know if she's the older sister or the younger sister yet, she's helping me out from behind right now..."

She first invited the two to sit down and asked what kind of tea they would like to drink before walking with the second young lady to the backyard. Just after passing the second gate, she asked softly, "I would like to invite Xiaolian and that Zhu'er to play together, but I don't know if the second young lady would be willing?"

Cheng Erniang was a little nervous and said, "It's really too much to ask for someone else's daughter. What if Xiaolian accidentally offends her?"

Song Miao said, "Neither of them are troublemakers, and there are adults around. Besides, little girls might bicker a bit, but it's not a big deal if they're not offended. Only we adults think that way."

But she didn't press him, and said, "It depends on what Second Mistress thinks—we should also ask Xiaolian."

“There are more older children than younger children on this street. And because she’s from out of town, she’s been laughed at twice for her accent, which has made her sullen. She hasn’t had any suitable playmates for a long time. If you ask her, I don’t know how happy she will be, she’ll definitely…” Cheng Erniang paused here.

Both of them in the family are adults, and even if there are flatbreads, they are used for chores and don't have much free time. Xiaolian has been wanting a playmate for a long time.

She sighed at the end and said, "I'm very willing, but I'm afraid he's too rich to be a match for..."

Song Miao laughed and said, "My wife is wrong—given your character, if you become a wealthy man in the future, would you look down on small business owners like me? Or would you look down on someone like yourself who earns his own living?"

He added, "It is clear that character is not determined by wealth or poverty."

Yesterday, Song Miao taught Cheng Erniang the phrase "self-reliance," and she thought it was excellent. She learned it while listening to the story behind it, and encouraged herself. Now, hearing it again and using it here, she felt a surge of pride.

It's amazing. She's only been in Song's shop for three months, but she already feels that the shop will grow big sooner or later, and that this young lady Song will definitely become very rich in the future.

My wife is very wealthy. If I follow her and do my best, I'll be appreciated and won over. Wouldn't I also become a little wealthy myself?

This thought came naturally and from the bottom of her heart. She firmly believed it and couldn't help but think to herself: My Xiaolian is already exceptionally good. She is obedient and capable. You couldn't find a child like her even with a lantern. It's just that she was unlucky and was born into my belly, where she has endured a long period of hardship.

—It's just making a playmate right now, and I'm already worrying about this and that. What kind of mother am I?
Without further hesitation, she replied, "I misunderstood. I'll call her name!"

Sure enough, he called out to his daughter as he walked backward.

Xiaolian is washing bean sprouts by the well.

While most five- or six-year-old children play while doing chores, Xiaolian is never like that. She works very seriously, eagerly taking on tasks such as rubbing beans, washing vegetables, and peeling garlic. She even gets anxious if tasks aren't assigned on a particular day.

At this moment, Cheng Erniang called her over, and upon hearing that there was a little girl of similar age, she was both happy and troubled, saying, "What should I do if I haven't finished washing my bean sprouts yet?"

Cheng Erniang laughed and scolded, "You've gotten the benefits, and now you're acting all innocent—stop pretending! Go play, Mom will wash you!"

When Cheng Erniang said these words, she was actually being very considerate and loving towards her daughter. However, when Xiaolian heard the words "Stop pretending to be good," she immediately pursed her lips.

She wanted to explain, but ultimately didn't say anything, only uttering an "Oh," and after a while, she said, "I'll go after I finish washing here."

Without thinking much of it, Cheng Erniang went to the main kitchen to pour tea.

Song Miao watched from the side, feeling a little distressed.

She thought for a moment, then moved a small wooden stool to sit next to Xiaolian and asked softly, "Are you unhappy?"

The child shook his head, washed the two yellow-green leaves of the bean sprout in front of him again and again, and finally said, "Sister, don't mind me! I'm just being petty!"

The voice was muffled.

Song Miaoxin felt a slight pang of sadness and said softly, "Our Xiaolian never tries to be cute. She always helps the family with her work honestly and sincerely, without any pretense. That's not what Mother meant. She just said whatever came to mind because she's closest to you and doesn't think things through."

She added, “If what she said is wrong and makes you feel wronged or upset, you should reason with her. Your mother is too busy, but she loves you the most. She just doesn’t know how to do it. If you talk to her, she will gradually change her ways.”

Xiao Lian couldn't help but look up towards the direction of the main kitchen, and then at Song Miao.

Song Miao smiled and said, "Go and tell her. Go now. I'll introduce you to a young lady later—the one you sent out the salted bone porridge last time—she wants to come and thank you."

He added, "If you're willing, you can play with her. If you don't want to be friends with her, once you've met her, I'll tell her you have something to do..."

Xiao Lian hurriedly said, "Sister, sister! I want to! I want to!!"

As he spoke, he wiped his hands and quickly ran into the main kitchen.

A moment later, her eyes were red, and she ran out, standing in front of Song Miao. She asked shyly, "Sister, I want to change my clothes, is there enough time?"

Song Miao immediately thought of Zhu Jie'er's light yellow dress.

She smiled and said, "There's still time. I'll come back and call you later." Sure enough, Xiaolian hurriedly ran back into the house and started rummaging through drawers and cabinets.

After delivering tea, fruit, and snacks, Cheng Erniang was returning to the backyard when she saw Song Miao coming towards her. She couldn't help but laugh and say, "Little Lian is getting more and more concerned about her image. She insisted on changing into new clothes before she would go to see the guests!"

He then recounted to Song Miao how his daughter had come looking for him.

"...Sigh, she's clearly from a poor family, yet she's spoiled and pampered. I can't say a word to her! If I'm not careful at all, she comes to me complaining about how she felt hurt and resentful after hearing some cold words! I want to say something to her, but I can't bring myself to do it. When I see her crying, I even apologize! The more I think about it now, the more something seems wrong..."

Song Miao laughed and said, "Xiao Lian should be like this! What's wrong with that? It's better to say everything than to keep it all bottled up inside. Second Madam should learn from her. Whenever you feel wronged, come and tell me immediately. Don't keep it bottled up inside, or you'll get sick!"

He then said softly, "My wife usually dotes on the children so much, but now she's acting foolishly—let me ask you, you work so hard every day, putting your heart and soul into everything you do, if I said you were just 'pretending,' wouldn't you feel terrible?"

Cheng Erniang was taken aback.

Song Miao said again, "I treat you like family. If you say that I treat you this way to win people over and make them work hard—do you think I would feel uncomfortable?"

Cheng Erniang hurriedly said, "What nonsense are you talking about, madam? How could I say such a heartless thing!"

She paused, stunned.

Song Miao laughed and said, "Even adults like us can't stand hearing a single word of grievance, let alone a child like Xiaolian. A kind word warms the heart for three winter months, while a harsh word chills the heart for six summer months. My wife has always doted on Xiaolian the most. In front of me, she always praises her, but why does she always find fault with her in front of her? Even when she is speaking kindly, she has to say it awkwardly. Isn't that like being blind to one's own faults?"

After leaving the outer hall, Song Miao said that Xiao Lian's clothes had gotten wet and she was going to change. She asked Zhu Jie'er to wait a moment, and then asked the two children, "What would you two like to eat tonight?"

Before He Qi could speak, Zhu Jie'er blurted out, "I want to eat ice platter! Sister, I want to eat ice platter!"

Song Miao turned to look at He Qi, who hurriedly said, "Where did this little tyrant come from! If I let you eat ice today, I'll be frozen into an ice platter by my aunt tomorrow—please ask your brother Qi to spare my life!"

Zhu Jie'er pouted and looked at Song Miao, saying, "Sister, I want something cold—I have no appetite at all!"

He Qi then said, "Wife, just pick out whatever ingredients you have at home and make a couple of dishes. Don't make more—don't let her eat too much!"

Just then, Beizhi and Dongzhi returned together, one carrying a large basket of ice and the other carrying a basket of flowers—a bunch of gardenias, which smelled very sweet. The basket was quite large, and when opened, it contained fresh fruits and vegetables.

He Qi laughed and said, "These are freshly picked from the vegetable garden in the western suburbs. I only picked them this afternoon. I was going to ask Nan Zhi to deliver them, but she took the liberty of coming today—perfect as a gift for my wife!"

Song Miao stepped forward and saw that they were indeed fresh fruits and vegetables. She smiled and thanked them, then counted them and picked out the ones that couldn't be kept—there were several fresh fruits, two lotus pods, a few crisp cucumbers, and a small bottle of fresh milk.

She first took the fruit to the back and asked Cheng Erniang to wash it and bring it over. Just then, Xiaolian changed her clothes and led the people out to introduce them to the two younger children.

Xiaolian was a bit shy at first and didn't dare to speak, but Zhujie was so lively that she quickly got the conversation flowing.

She first asked for her name and learned that Xiaolian was not a nickname but her real name. She exclaimed in surprise, saying that she loved flowers the most and only regretted that her name had nothing to do with flowers, grass, or trees.

Once they started chatting, she learned that there was mint, perilla, and a fish tank in the backyard, and her face was practically screaming "I want to see!"

With Song Miao's approval, Bei Zhi took the two children and went to the backyard.

After the person left, Song Miaocai asked about the dishes again.

He Qi said, "Two or three dishes will do. It'll be simple. The cold dishes from last time were delicious. Why don't we just make some more cold dishes? They're convenient and tasty!"

Song Miao thought for a moment and said, "Since Zhu-jie is here, we still need two hot dishes—children can't eat ice platters, so can I make a chilled hot dish for her to have a couple of bites?"

He Qi nodded repeatedly and said, "Sure! Sure! She eats ice all the time, but the ice platters are too cold. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop her, so I didn't dare to agree. Actually, I'm not too worried. As for the rest, Miss Song can decide for herself!"

This time he came to ask again, wanting to come and help, but Song Miao shook her head decisively and said, "The stove is only so big, and with the second mistress there, there really isn't enough room for so many people—young master, why don't you go play by yourself, or take a stroll in the backyard? But it's really a small place, and there's not much there, just a piece of perilla and mint, and a fish tank."

He Qi surprisingly didn't refuse and went excitedly.

After a while, he returned with Beizhi, sighed, and said, "Zhujie was learning to wash bean sprouts from Xiaolian, and she chased me out because she thought I was in her way!"

He sighed and sat down.

There were many fruits and snacks on the table, but He Qi didn't want any of them. He just slowly drank the hawthorn tea that Song Miao had cooked. He sat at the table, bored. After thinking for a while, he had no choice but to ask someone to bring the wooden box from the carriage.

Seeing this, Song Miao took advantage of the moment to bring a small plate of food to the table and said, "If you are hungry, young master, please have this snack to tide you over—don't eat too much, the main course will be ready soon."

He Qi immediately sat up straight and hurried to look at the small plate.

On the plate were several pieces of food that looked like mutton fat jade. Their surfaces were white, smooth, and delicate, and they were almost the size of a newly laid egg. Only one was about the size of a regular egg, and it must have been filled with filling. The white skin revealed the color inside, and it looked very plump.

There were three small bowls next to the plate, each filled with different colored crumbs, which were not easily distinguishable at a glance.

He was overjoyed and immediately picked up his chopsticks, looking up to ask, "What is this? Is it to be eaten with the leftover sauce in the bowl?"

"You can dip it in the sauce, or you can try eating it plain first—the big ones have fillings, while the smaller ones don't. Each of the three bowls contains roasted almond, walnut, and hazelnut pieces, black and white sesame seeds, brown sugar, and roasted soybean powder..."

As soon as Song Miao finished saying, "You can also try eating it on its own," He Qi reached out with his chopsticks, picked up a small piece, and put it in his mouth.

As soon as he picked it up, he could tell from the feel that it was made of glutinous rice, but after putting it in his mouth and chewing it several times, he still hesitated and dared not admit it.

What a unique taste!

Soft, light, and moist, with a rich milky aroma, it's bouncy and smooth, not oily at all, but for some reason, it doesn't stick to your teeth at all when you bite into it. With a gentle pull of chopsticks, it will be torn into a long, thin piece before you bite it off.

He Qi chewed it a few more times carefully.

It really is mochi!
This mochi is exceptionally clever; it separates from your teeth on its own, making it effortless to eat, and it has a soft, smooth, and chewy texture.

As you chew, the rich aroma of milk and glutinous rice intertwines with the sweetness of rock sugar powder, creating a vibrant and lingering sensation in your mouth, leaving no spot untouched, as if it wants to linger forever, until the very end.

Towards the end, a sweet aftertaste returns – a sweetness that is the natural sweetness of the glutinous rice itself.

(End of this chapter)