Chapter 14: Raising the Young Ones
Looking at the other three children still sleeping soundly, she hurriedly woke them one by one, “Wake up quickly, everyone, the sun is already shining brightly.”
Bai Lixia and the others opened their eyes to see that it was already bright outside, their faces changing instantly. They hurriedly got up, hastily putting on their shoes from under the bed, then rushed outside.
Bai Shuiliu was the first to step out of the house and immediately went to check the east room.
Su Mulan was not there.
“Oh no, she’s already up,” Bai Shuiliu panicked, quickly leading Bai Lixia and the others towards the courtyard.
Su Mulan happened to be washing two cucumbers in the courtyard when she saw Bai Shuiliu and the others. “Up already? Go fetch water to wash your faces, use willow branches to brush your teeth. Shuiliu, help comb their hair a bit. Breakfast is almost ready.”
With that said, she poured the water from washing vegetables into the nearby vegetable garden and went into the kitchen.
Soon, sounds of chopping cucumbers with a knife echoed from the kitchen.
Bai Shuiliu and the others exchanged glances, the words they had prepared like ‘Sorry for waking up late, please don’t be mad’ lingered in their mouths for a while, swallowed down with their saliva.
Just as Bai Lixia was about to speak, Bai Shuiliu raised her hand. “Alright, don’t think too much about it. Hurry up and wash your face and comb your hair. Don’t delay breakfast.”
Bai Zhuye went into the house to find a comb, Bai Midou went to look for a willow branch, and Bai Lixia took a ladle to fetch water, occasionally glancing at Bai Shuiliu. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she said, “Big sister…”
“I know what you want to say,” Bai Shuiliu interrupted, “But we don’t know for sure yet. We can’t assume that mother has bad intentions. Let’s follow her instructions for now. As for the rest, we’ll see later. Keep your words to yourself for now, so as not to upset mother. Otherwise, even these days of having enough to eat might not last.”
Seeing Bai Lixia still wanting to speak, Bai Shuiliu added, “To be honest, even if mother has bad intentions, what can we do…”
Bai Lixia pursed her lips and remained silent.
Yes, even if Su Mulan had other bad ideas, the four siblings were still too young to do anything about it.
Su Mulan is their mother, although a stepmother, she is still a legitimate mother. It’s perfectly normal for mothers to scold and discipline their children. Even if she were to sell all four of them, the county magistrate wouldn’t find fault in her actions.
“So, take advantage of this time while Mother is being good. Let’s enjoy these few good days. As for the future, I’ll figure something out later. Zhuye and Midou are still young. Don’t scare them with your words,” cautioned Bai Shuiliu.
“I understand, big sister,” nodded Bai Lixia.
Bai Zhuye and Bai Midou each brought a comb and a willow branch. The four children lined up in the courtyard, washing up in an orderly manner.
Su Mulan, cooking in the kitchen, couldn’t help but smile when she saw this scene from outside.
Human cubs without bear-like attributes are obedient, making them quite likable.
In her previous life, she always regretted being unmarried at an older age, but this time, the heavens have generously bestowed her identity all at once. No need to worry about marriage and having children; just focus on earning money and building a career, and raising these children.
However, just thinking about making money made Su Mulan sigh helplessly, smashing the cucumbers in her hand into smaller pieces.
For breakfast, they had sticky cakes made from stick noodle and sweet potato flours, cucumber mixed with shepherd’s purse, and sticky noodle paste. Additionally, Su Mulan took out three eggs from the jar and steamed five egg custards with water.