Chapter 237: Miao Chu Chapter 239: Awkward

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Song Miao

Song Miao saw that Zhu Jie'er's skirt was indeed like a jasmine flower, the palest goose-yellow, the hem pleated, the upper garment also yellow-based, but that yellow leaned toward orange, with pale yellow borders, embroidered with patterns and dots in yellow-green, indigo, osmanthus yellow, and orange-red, the colors both lively and harmonious, making the child look like a flower bud about to bloom.

Today she also wore a small hair bun, styled very finely; last time she had a pearl hairpin, this time a gardenia flower, the flower lovely, the person adorable, making anyone who looked at her unable to help smiling.

Song Miao smiled and praised, "So pretty! Who picked the flower for you? It blooms just right, the color matches the dress perfectly, the embroidery on the dress is beautiful, it really matches well—who chose it?"

"I chose it! I chose it myself!!!" Zhu Jie'er was truly overjoyed, "I picked the flower too! Sister thinks it's pretty, right?"

Speaking, she specially took the flower off her head, stood on tiptoe to hand it to Song Miao, and hurriedly said, "I specially picked it, this one blooms so well! Giving it to Sister!"

Who could refuse a flower brought by such a little girl?

Song Miao half-squatted, first thanked her, took it and casually pinned it by her ear, then gave Zhu Jie'er a smiling glance.

Zhu Jie'er looked at her without blinking, looked for a long while, then stepped forward, gently leaned against her arm, and said, "Sister, you're wearing the flower I picked, really pretty! Especially pretty!"

Her mouth was sweet to this degree.

Song Miao couldn't help turning to He Qi and asking with a smile, "How is Little Zhu Jie'er raised to be so well-behaved, so sweet?"

He Qi was both annoyed and amused, saying, "If normally they were half as well-behaved as today, the family would thank heaven and earth! Mostly mischievous troublemakers, few well-behaved ones!"

Zhu Jie'er however hurriedly interrupted, "Nonsense! Nonsense! I was born well-behaved!"

And from "a little bit well-behaved" just now, became "born well-behaved."

After refuting, she was very tactful, not lingering, but turned and asked Song Miao again, "Sister Song, is that little sister here?"

Song Miao said, "Don't know yet if it's a sister or a younger sister, right now she's helping me in the back..."

She first had the two sit, first asked what tea to drink, then went with Er Niangzi toward the back courtyard; just past the Second Gate, she softly asked, "I want to invite Xiao Lian to play with that Zhu Jie'er, I don't know if Er Niangzi is willing?"

Cheng Erniang was a bit nervous, saying, "She's the daughter of a Shiyi family, what if Xiao Lian accidentally offends her?"

Song Miao said, "Neither are troublemakers, besides there are adults nearby; besides, little girls at most bicker a few words, nothing to offend over, only we grown-ups have such notions."

But she did not urge, and said, "Still depends on Er Niangzi's mind—also need to ask Xiao Lian."

"On this street there are many older children and few young ones, and because she's from out of town, she's been laughed at twice for her accent, holding a grudge, and hasn't had a suitable playmate for a long time; if you ask her, I don't know how happy she'd be, surely..." Cheng Erniang said this, then suddenly stopped.

At home both are grown; even with a big cake, they come to work, with little idle time; Xiao Lian has wanted a playmate for a long time.

She finally sighed, and said, "I'm very willing in my heart, just afraid people are rich and noble, hard to reach..."

Song Miao smiled, "Young Lady, you're speaking wrongly—based on your character and integrity, if you become rich and noble in the future, would you look down on a small merchant like me? Or look down on yourself like this, supporting yourself?"

And said, "See, character and integrity aren't divided by wealth and poverty."

Cheng Erniang yesterday learned the term "supporting oneself" from Song Miao; at the time she thought the meaning was excellent, learning it while hearing the allusion, giving herself courage in her heart; hearing it again now, used here, it made her spirits rise.

Very strange; working at Song Ji for not even three months, but she already felt this shop would surely grow big; in the future this Young Lady Song would surely be rich and noble.

Young Lady rich and noble, she following her; as long as she wholeheartedly does her best and is valued, couldn't she also become a small rich and noble person?

This thought was natural and from the bottom of her heart; she deeply believed it; at this moment she couldn't help secretly thinking: My Xiao Lian is just too good, obedient and capable; with a lantern you couldn't find such a child; it's just her luck was bad, to be born in my belly, suffering bitter days for so long.

—Right now it's just making a playmate; why am I worrying about this and that? What kind of mother is that?

So no more hesitation; she agreed in one breath: "I was overthinking; I'll call her!"

Indeed, while walking toward the back, she opened her mouth to call her daughter.

Xiao Lian was washing bean sprouts by the well.

Ordinary five- or six-year-old children often play while doing things, but Xiao Lian never did; she worked very seriously, rubbing beans, washing vegetables, peeling garlic, wanting to do everything; if not assigned, she would be anxious.

At this moment called over by Cheng Erniang, and hearing there was a same-age little girl, she was both happy and troubled, saying, "My bean sprouts aren't washed yet, what do I do?"

Cheng Erniang laughed and scolded, "Got benefits, and still acting cute here—stop acting cute! Go play; Mother will wash for you!"

These words spoken, Cheng Erniang was actually all consideration and heartache for her daughter, very kind; but Xiao Lian, hearing those four words "stop acting cute," immediately pressed her lips tight.

She wanted to explain, but in the end said nothing; only "oh" once; after a while, said, "I'll go after I finish washing here."

Cheng Erniang didn't think much, turned to the Back Kitchen to pour tea.

Song Miao watched from the side, actually feeling a bit heartache.

She thought, moved a small wooden stool aside, sat by Xiao Lian, and softly asked, "Are you unhappy?"

The child shook her head, washing the two yellow-green leaves of a bean sprout in front of her again and again; finally said, "Sister, don't mind me! I'm narrow-minded!"

Her voice was muffled.

Song Miao's heart turned a bit sour; she gently said, "Our Xiao Lian never acts cute; working is all solidly helping the family, sincerely exerting effort, not a bit of 'acting'—Auntie didn't mean that; only she speaks to you because you're closest and most intimate, so she didn't think much, saying whatever came to mind."

And said, "She spoke wrongly, making you feel wronged and uncomfortable; you should reason with her—Auntie is too busy, but she loves you most in her heart; she just doesn't know how to do it; you say it, and she'll slowly change."

Xiao Lian couldn't help look toward the Back Kitchen direction, then look at Song Miao.

Song Miao smiled: "Go tell her; go now; in a while I'll introduce you to a little girl—the one you let the salted-bone porridge go out last time—she specially wants to come thank you."

And said: "If you're willing, play with her; if you don't want to make this friend, after meeting her, I'll say you have something to do first..."

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

Speaking, she wiped her hand, and quickly ran into the Back Kitchen.

Not long after, her eye rims were red; she ran out all the way; arriving before Song Miao, she twisted and asked: "Sister, I want to change clothes; is there time?"

Song Miao immediately thought of Zhu Jie'er's tender yellow skirt.

She smiled: "There's time; I'll come back to call you in a while."

Indeed Xiao Lian hurriedly ran back into the room, rummaging through boxes and cabinets.

A moment later Cheng Erniang brought out tea, fruit, snacks, etc.; returning to the Back Courtyard, she saw Song Miao coming toward her, and couldn't help smiling: "This Xiao Lian child is increasingly concerned with face; she insists on changing into new clothes before she'll go see guests!"

And she retold to Song Miao how her daughter had just come to find her.

「... Sigh. Clearly a child from a poor family, yet she's been spoiled rotten—you can't say a word to her! At the slightest slip, she comes running to me to complain, saying she's unhappy and unconvinced because she heard some cold words! I wanted to scold her, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it; seeing her cry, I ended up apologizing instead! The more I think about it now, the more wrong it feels... 」

Song Miao smiled and said: 「Xiao Lian is right to do so! What's wrong with that? It's better to say everything out loud than to keep it all bottled up inside—Second Madam should learn from her too. Whenever you feel wronged, come tell me right away; never keep it bottled up, or it'll fester in your heart and make you sick! 」

She then added softly: 「Madam usually dotes on the child so much, yet now you're acting unreasonable—let me ask you this: you work so hard every day, doing everything with your whole heart and soul, pouring your heart and soul into it. If I told you that you were just 'putting on a show,' wouldn't that hurt your feelings? 」

Cheng Erniang was stunned.

Song Miao continued: 「I treat Madam like family. If you said I was only doing this to win people's hearts and make them work hard for me—wouldn't you feel hurt too? 」

Cheng Erniang hurriedly said: 「Madam, what nonsense are you talking? How could I say such heartless things! 」

She had just said this when she suddenly froze.

Song Miao smiled: 「We're both grown adults, yet we can't stand to hear a single word of complaint—let alone a child like Xiao Lian. A kind word warms for three winters, harsh words chill in June. Madam has always doted on Xiao Lian; in front of me, you always praise her. But once you're face-to-face with her, you always find fault. Even when you're speaking kindly, you have to say it in a roundabout way. Isn't that being blind to what's right in front of you? 」

Shortly after stepping into the outer hall, Song Miao said Xiao Lian had just wet her clothes and was going to change, asking the two of them to wait a moment. She then asked both the adult and the child: 「What would you both like to eat tonight? 」

He Qi hadn't spoken yet, but Zhu Jie'er had already jumped in: 「I want ice platter! Sister, I want ice platter! 」

Song Miao turned to look at He Qi, who hurriedly said: 「Where did this little ancestor come from! If I indulge you with ice platter today, tomorrow my aunt will freeze me into an ice platter—let your Seventh Brother keep his life! 」

Zhu Jie'er pouted at Song Miao and said: 「Sister, I want something ice cold—I have no appetite at all! 」

He Qi then said: 「Madam, just use whatever ingredients are at home to casually make two dishes, and don't make too many—don't let her eat too much! 」

Just as they were speaking, Beizhi and Dongzhi returned together, one carrying a large bundle of ice, the other holding a basket of flowers—the flowers were a bunch of gardenias, very fragrant, and the basket was quite large. When opened, it turned out to be fresh fruits and vegetables.

He Qi laughed: 「They're freshly picked from the vegetable fields in the western suburbs, picked this afternoon. I originally planned to ask Nan Zhi to deliver them, but who knew I'd drop by unannounced—perfect timing to give them to Madam as a gift! 」

Song Miao stepped forward to look; sure enough, they were all fresh melons, fruits, and vegetables. She thanked them, counted through them, and picked out the ones that couldn't be kept—there were several fresh fruits, two lotus seed pods, a few crisp cucumbers, and a small bottle of fresh milk.

She first took the fruits to the back and asked Cheng Erniang to help wash them and bring them over. It just so happened that Xiao Lian had finished changing her clothes, so she brought the girl out and introduced her to the two young ones.

Xiao Lian was still a bit shy and didn't dare speak at first, but Zhu Jie'er was so lively that after a few words, she had opened the girl's chatterbox.

She first asked for her name, and upon learning that Xiao Lian wasn't a nickname but her real name, she exclaimed nonstop, saying she loved flowers the most, only to lament that her name had nothing to do with flowers, grass, or trees.

Once the conversation flowed, she learned there was mint, perilla, and a bowl of fish being raised in the back courtyard, and her face was practically written with the words "want to see."

With Song Miao's approval, Beizhi took the two children to the back courtyard together.

After they left, Song Miao asked about the dishes again.

He Qi said: 「Two or three dishes are enough, just eat something simple. Those cold dishes from last time were delicious; let's just make some cold dishes again—convenient and tasty! 」

Song Miao thought for a moment and said: 「With Zhu Jie'er here, we still need two hot dishes—children can't eat ice platter. I'll make an iced hot dish for her to try a couple of bites, alright? 」

He Qi nodded repeatedly: 「Yes! Yes! She eats ice normally, but the ice platter is too cold. I was afraid I couldn't stop her, so I didn't dare agree. Actually, it's not a big deal. For everything else, Miss Song can decide as she wishes! 」

This time he still asked if he could come help, but Song Miao shook her head firmly, saying: 「The stove is only so big, and with Erniang here, there's really no room for so many people. Young Master, go play by yourself, or take a stroll in the back courtyard? Though it's a small place with nothing much, just some perilla and mint, and a tank of fish. 」

He Qi surprisingly didn't refuse and went off cheerfully.

After a long while, he returned with Beizhi, sighing and saying: "Zhu Jie'er is learning to wash bean sprouts with Xiao Lian, and she complained that I was in her way, so she kicked me out!"

He sat down with a sigh.

The table was set with plenty of fruits and snacks, but He Qi wanted none of them, only sipping the hawthorn tea Song Miao had brewed slowly. He sat idly by the table, bored out of his mind, and finally thought to have someone bring the wooden box from the carriage.

Seeing this, Song Miao took the opportunity to first place a small plate of snacks on the table, saying: 「Young Master, if you're hungry, eat these snacks first to tide you over—don't eat too much, the meal will be ready soon. 」

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

On the plate were several mounds of food like mutton-fat jade, the surface white, smooth, and delicate, almost all the size of a newborn egg, except one that was the size of a regular chicken egg, which should contain filling, with color showing through the white skin, looking very plump.

Beside the plate were three small bowls, each containing crumbs of different colors. At a glance, it was hard to tell them apart.

He was delighted and immediately took chopsticks, looking up to ask: 「What is this? Do you eat it by dipping it in the crumbs in the bowls? 」

「You can dip it to eat, or try eating it plain first—the large one has filling, the other small ones do not. The three bowls contain roasted almond, walnut, and hazelnut crumbs; black and white sesame crumbs with brown sugar crumbs; and roasted soybean powder……」

Song Miao had just finished saying 「you can try eating it plain」 when He Qi had already reached out with his chopsticks, picked up a small one, and put it in his mouth.

As soon as he picked it up, judging by the feel, he recognized it should be made of glutinous rice, but once it was in his mouth and he had chewed several times, he still hesitated to confirm.

What a unique texture!

Soft, light, moist, with a very rich milk aroma, both springy and smooth, not greasy at all when eaten, but for some reason, it didn't stick to the teeth at all when bitten. With a light tug of the chopsticks, before it was bitten through, it would first be pulled into a long, thin sheet.

He Qi chewed carefully a few more times.

It really was mochi!

This mochi was exceptionally well-behaved; it would separate on its own when it met the teeth, effortless to eat, with a soft, smooth, and glutinous quality.

While chewing, the rich milk aroma, glutinous rice aroma, and the sweetness of rock sugar powder intertwined, as if gongs and drums were parading and lingering in his mouth, not letting go of a single spot, continuous and lingering, as if it would entangle until the end of time, until the mountains crumble and the waters run dry.

At the end, a trace of sweetness returned—that sweetness was the natural fresh sweetness of the glutinous rice itself.