In addition to Madam Luo and Madam Miao, there was another young girl in the house, and she also came out to see the excitement. It was Su Yongqiang and Madam Zhou’s daughter Su Xue, who was 17 years old this year.
Around two months ago she had been betrothed to a young man from the neighboring Wangjia Village, so she didn’t plan to go out until her marriage after the new year. These days, she spent all of her time at home working on embroidery for her dowry.
When they saw Su Tang and her brother coming into the room, both Madam Luo and Su Xue called out, “Aunt Tang, Uncle Nuo, you both came!”
Su Tang and her brother had met Su Yongqiang’s children during their past visits to the household, so when they called out to them the siblings replied with smiles and nods.
“Wow, the water at Sister-in-law’s house must be different from the kind at our house. It seems that Xue’er has become even more beautiful compared with when I last saw her.”
When Su Xue stood up to help Su Tang and Su Nuo with their coats, Su Tang casually avoided her, said a few words of praise, and then added, “You don’t need to come over and help us, we can do it ourselves. Don’t trouble yourself.”
Su Xue, hearing Su Tang’s praise, felt her face flush with embarrassment, but at the same time, she was a little at a loss as to why Su Tang had avoided her help.
However, Madam Zhou understood Su Tang’s intentions. After all, Su Tang and her brother were still in the middle of their mourning period, so it wasn’t quite appropriate for them to come and visit like this.
Especially since Su Xue was about to be married and, according to the rules, she should definitely avoid Su Tang and her brother, lest their funerary aura conflict with the upcoming joyous event, which wouldn’t be good at all.
Madam Zhou realized again how meticulous Su Tang was and felt a little grateful before standing up to hurriedly say, “Su Xue, go to the kitchen and have a look, see if you can’t help your sister-in-law at all. Today she’s doing her best to cook for your Aunt Tang and Uncle Nuo, so if things aren’t perfect she’ll definitely regret it in the future.”
Su Xue quickly realized that her mother had said all this to give her an excuse to avoid Su Tang and her brother, so she saluted shyly before obediently heading to the kitchen.
Su Tang looked at the little girl’s blushing face and sighed, “Sure enough, that Su Xue had really bloomed into a beautiful flower, ah.”
Of course, considering her mental age, Su Tang had been an adult since long ago. But saying such words with the body of an eight-year-old little loli, really make Madam Zhou, Madam Miao, and Madam Lou look at her funny.
“Saying such things about our Su Xue, how old are you anyway? Where did you learn something like that?” Madam Zhou smiled and spoke to Su Tang.
Su Tang also smiled along, but then she started as if remembering something, and offered up the grass carp in her hands to Madam Zhou. “I especially buried this fish in the snow a few days ago and then dug it up just now. I know that Brother Qiang and my nephews have all gone out and are working hard, so it would be good if they could have some fish soup to warm their bodies when they come back.”
When Madam Zhou saw Su Tang had brought something over, and it was even a fish that was hard to eat ever since the Qing River had frozen, she naturally tried to turn it down, “What are you talking about, how could we take your things? You should save it and bring it into town and sell it instead.”
But Su Tang deftly stuffed the fish into her hands while saying. “Sister-in-law, why are you still acting so polite with us? In fact, I had originally always wanted to come over and make some fish balls to let you and Brother Qiang taste my craftsmanship. And anyway, I’ve already spent a while fishing up fish, making them into fish balls, and selling them in town, so I already have a lot of money. I don’t need to sell this one.”
Even when Madam Zhou heard Su Tang’s reassurances, she still felt reluctant. After all, a fish cost a lot of money during this time of year. However, as if seeing her hesitation, Su Tang said, “Well, if Sister-in-law can’t rest assured with just this, let’s do it like this. I’ll make you some fish balls this time, and if they suit Sister-in-law’s tastes, you can just give me another cake or two.”
Since Su Tang had already spoken to this point, Madam Zhou knew it wouldn’t be good to refuse again. At any rate, it was normal for relatives to make such exchanges, so she accepted it. “It’s a deal then. Don’t be polite with us today, eat as many cakes as you like.”
“Then, with the fish, I’ll..” Su Tang planned to take the fish to the kitchen to make fish balls.
Of course, Madam Qin wouldn’t allow it. “You’re our guest, don’t try to work so much. Just let those girls in the kitchen handle it. As for you, just come sit down with us and chat for a while.”
What a nice family…
Thank you for the warm chapter!