Chapter 5: We Are Obedient
The hope that had just ignited quickly dissipated entirely.
But considering they had never been full before and had gotten used to it for so long, being able to eat a full meal today was already very good. They happily ate the incredibly delicious he luo noodles in front of them.
“The he luo noodles are a bit tough. They won’t digest well if eaten tonight. Let’s make flatbreads and cook stick noodle porridge instead,” Su Mulan added.
Flatbreads and stick noodle porridge to eat…
The chopsticks in Bai Shuiliu’s hand “clattered” to the ground.
The other three little radishes also stared wide-eyed, so shocked that they forgot to swallow the he luo in their mouths.
Su Mulan swallowed the he luo in her mouth and looked at the four children who were already stunned. “When it comes to meals in the future, if this household is well-off, we’ll eat better. If times are tough, we’ll eat simpler food. But I’ll make sure you all eat enough.”
“I’ll think of ways to improve our lives, to make sure you eat better, dress warmer. But there’s one condition: you must obey me, do as I say.”
“Just remember, I want us to live better lives.”
Su Mulan didn’t want to dwell on the change in temperament or the past misdeeds of the original owner. She briefly explained her thoughts for the future to the four children so they understood her plans.
But she also didn’t forget to warn them, fearing that if the spring was compressed too tightly before, releasing it suddenly might cause the spring to fly off.
As for whether the four of them could accept and adapt to her current temperament, behavior, and whether they would genuinely trust her in the future…
Time reveals true intentions, Su Mulan thought it best to leave such matters to time. Saying more at this moment would be of no use.
Upon hearing the words about eating well and dressing warmly, Bai Shuiliu and the others nodded eagerly.
“We’ll listen to Mother,” Bai Shuiliu, the leader, hurriedly affirmed.
“Yes, we’ll listen to Mother. Whatever Mother tells us to do, we’ll do,” the other three echoed.
In the past, they had to obey strictly, unable to deviate from the path set for them, enduring beatings even when they were hungry. Now, as long as they listened well, they could eat and dress comfortably, and be spoken to kindly. Of course, they were willing.
However, inside this willingness, one doesn’t need to think too much to understand that it’s merely to avoid beatings and to stay alive, definitely not because they genuinely trust or feel close to Su Mulan.
Su Mulan understood this, and didn’t insist, just picked up her chopsticks and brought the he luo to her mouth. “Hurry and eat. After eating, take advantage of the coolness after the rain, go to the corn field to pull some weeds.”
At this time, the corn seedlings in the field had already grown more than half a person tall, and the grass was growing wildly. It had just rained, the weather wasn’t hot, and the ground was wet, making it easier to pull out the grass.
“Okay,” the four children agreed readily.
The he luo noodles quickly filled their stomachs, and Su Mulan felt satisfied.
Bai Shuiliu and the other three also burped contentedly. It was rare to have such a satisfying meal, so they were reluctant to put down their bowls. Each of them scooped half a bowl of noodle soup from the pot to satisfy their lingering cravings.
After they all set down their chopsticks and bowls, Su Mulan spoke again, “Zhuye and Midou, tidy up the table and chairs. Lixia, sweep the yard. Shuiliu, help wash the dishes. I’ll go wash the pot.”