Chapter 41: Doting on His Daughters
She didn’t say much about such matters, but while it was fine without comparison, once things were compared, it only led to discomfort. Therefore, Xie Xinlian generally preferred not to dwell on such things. For instance, when Zhu Xiangyao got married and moved in with Zhu Guifu and the others, living in a tiled-roof house and eating their food, she hadn’t minded. She considered it their blessing. However, now that they were bullying her children, she was no longer willing to tolerate it. She remained silent because she knew it put Zhu Shunyao in a difficult position, but she couldn’t bring herself to say words that went against her heart. The children had grown up and were beginning to understand things; it was better to leave some things unsaid.
The water on the side began to boil. Zhu Shunyao silently unplugged the electric stove, picked up the kettle, and poured the hot water into a thermos. After setting the kettle down, she came over and pulled Zhu Yanli into her arms. “An’er, we don’t covet other people’s things. If you want to eat fruit canned goods, Dad will go buy some tomorrow, okay?”
“But those require ration coupons,” Zhu Yanli said. Although she was ten years old, the temptation of fruit canned goods was still immense.
Zhu Shunyao smiled. “It’s fine. Your factory director uncle has coupons. Dad will just ask him for one.”
Zhu Yanli thought for a moment. She did want to eat fruit canned goods, but she was worried it would put her father in a difficult position.
Zhu Yanyi saw through Zhu Yanli’s thoughts. After a moment’s consideration, she rolled her eyes and said, “Sister, let’s not eat fruit canned goods. Let’s eat sugar lotus roots in a few days.”
Zhu Yanli’s eyes lit up. “Right! The lotus roots will be ready to harvest in a few days.” Next to the plot of land allocated to them was a pond. Usually, everyone drew water from there for farming. Since it was primarily used for drawing water and had no other purpose, Zhu Shunyao had casually planted some lotus flowers. Every winter, they could harvest lotus roots to eat. There weren’t many, but it was enough for their family.
Zhu Shunyao immediately realized his two daughters didn’t want him to have to ask for favors. Seeing how sensible his daughters were at such a young age, he felt an indescribable sense of comfort, yet also an indescribable bitterness. If their family weren’t in such difficult circumstances, why would they have to be so precocious? “Alright then. In a few days it will be Sunday. If the weather is good, Dad will take you to harvest the lotus roots.”
“Mm, mm.” The sisters nodded obediently and eagerly.
Before long, Sunday arrived. Since Zhu Shunyao had the day off, Zhu Yanyi’s usual Thursday visit home was changed to Sunday. This meant that except for Tuesdays and Sundays, she stayed at the Xie household.
Early in the morning, after Zhu Yanyi and Zhu Yanli got ready, they followed Zhu Shunyao. Knowing what the little sisters were thinking, she deliberately teased, “Oh my, why do I have two little tails following me today?”
Zhu Yanli and Zhu Yanyi looked at Zhu Shunyao with simultaneous dissatisfaction. Zhu Yanli said, “Dad, the weather is very nice today.”
“And then?” Zhu Shunyao asked with a smile.
“Of course, you’re taking us to harvest lotus roots,” Zhu Yanyi spoke up. “Dad, stop teasing us. Adults need to keep their promises.”
“(⊙o⊙)…” Zhu Shunyao was left speechless. Xie Xinlian, who was preparing to leave for work, saw this and chuckled softly. “I’m going to work now. You take good care of the two of them today. There are leftover dishes from yesterday for lunch; just heat them up. When I come back tonight, I’ll stop by the market and bring some vegetables.”
“Bring some large bones. Once I harvest the lotus roots, I can make lotus root and bone soup, or bone porridge. It’s good for the children. And it’s good for you too.” When it came to his children’s diet, Zhu Shunyao was never stingy.
“Alright, I’ll bring some large bones back then.” With that, she went out.