Chapter 20: Explanation
In Auntie Liu’s house, they kept an orange cat that was adept at catching mice. Whenever neighboring households had mice issues, they would come to her house to borrow it for a day or two.
“Alright, I’ll go now,” Bai Shuiliu poured hot water from the stove into a wooden basin, called for Bai Lixia to watch over Bai Zhuye and Bai Midou bathing, and took advantage of the moonlight to head towards Auntie Liu’s house.
Auntie Liu’s house was dark, lit only by moonlight. Bai Shuiliu could see Auntie Liu washing dishes and chopsticks at the doorway of the kitchen.
“Auntie Liu?” Bai Shuiliu called out and walked towards the courtyard.
The sound of washing stopped abruptly. Auntie Liu wiped her hands on her apron and hurried over upon seeing Bai Shuiliu, smiling, “I thought that was your voice. It really is Shuiliu. What brings you here at this hour looking for Auntie?”
As she spoke, Auntie Liu pulled Bai Shuiliu aside and lowered her voice, “I’ve noticed these past few days that your mother seems to be treating you all better?”
The news about Su Mu Lan’s change in attitude had spread far and wide, and Auntie Liu was well aware of it, especially since their houses were close together.
“Yeah,” Bai Shuiliu nodded, “These days we’ve been getting enough to eat every meal. In the morning, Mom even made egg broth for us. She also said she won’t sell any more eggs from now on; she wants us to eat them to grow stronger.”
Auntie Liu only knew that Bai Shuiliu and her siblings were now getting enough to eat. Hearing they could even have eggs made her both shocked and delighted. She absentmindedly rubbed her apron repeatedly, saying, “This is truly a blessing. Heavens have finally opened their eyes. You four siblings have finally made it through and can now live a good life.”
She reckoned the Bai family in the spring would also be able to rest easy now.
However, fearing that Bai Shuiliu might feel hurt by her words, Auntie Liu didn’t express everything on her mind. Instead, she advised, “Since your mother is willing to treat you well now, you all need to be a bit more thoughtful. Show some insight in your actions and say more pleasing words. Otherwise, if she feels you are indifferent towards her, she might think she’s being snubbed, which could upset her.”
“Don’t worry, Auntie. I understand, and I’ve talked to Lixia and the others about it,” Bai Shuiliu replied.
Bai Shuiliu, though only nine years old, was already taking on responsibilities in a poor family. Especially in the past two years under Su Mulan’s guidance, she had become more sensible and mature compared to children her age. Hearing her response, Auntie Liu immediately felt relieved.
“Look at me, I got carried away talking to you about all this,” Auntie Liu said, “What brings you to see Auntie at this hour?”
“We dried some sweet potatoes at home, and my mother’s worried about rats stealing them at night. She asked me to borrow Da Huang from you to guard the house for a couple of days,” Bai Shuiliu replied.
“Timing is perfect. Da Huang has been running around like crazy for several days and just got back. I’ll go get him for you,” Auntie Liu said.
Liu picked up Da Huang, who was licking its fur near the kitchen door, and handed him to Bai Shuiliu. “It’s hot out. Remember to give him some water. You don’t need to worry about him at night; he won’t pee or poop inside the house. In the morning, he’ll dig a hole outside by himself.”
“Got it,” Bai Shuiliu held Da Huang close. “Auntie, go and do your business. I’ll head back now.”
“Alright,” Liu watched Bai Shuiliu enter their courtyard before heading back herself.
Just as she sat down on a stool by the kitchen door, Han walked out from the main hall and immediately asked, “What did Bai Shuiliu come here for just now? Did you give her some buns or flatbreads again?”
“Mom, I didn’t give her any bread,” Liu quickly defended herself. “Bai Shuiliu came to borrow Da Huang, and I gave him to her.”