Before dinner, Chen Lan thought about the four dishes and one soup at noon, which was too plain. The three growing boys needed nutrition, and the mother-in-law, Wen Rouniang, Liu Mama, and Cui Mama were all older and needed nourishment. How could they only eat vegetarian? Cui Mama was the best example; her body was weak, and she couldn't cope with even minor ailments. So, she pre-ordered two meat dishes from the system: two large pig knuckles, and fearing two Dezhou braised chickens wouldn't be enough, she bought four, so the whole family, young and old, could indulge.
While the two children were still asleep, Chen Lan quickly took the two meat dishes to the kitchen. The kitchen was filled with smoke. Liu Mama was stir-frying on the stove, Wen Rouniang was helping, Cui Mama was helping with the fire, and the mother-in-law was also busy? Seeing the items Chen Lan brought in, they all looked at her with confusion.
It seemed as if they were asking, "Did your father-in-law buy them again?"
Chen Lan handed the items to Wen Rouniang and instructed her to cook them that evening to satisfy the whole family, young and old. She specifically told them not to hold back and to cook everything.
She then pulled her mother-in-law out of the kitchen and into the adjoining room of her own bedroom, helping her to sit on the couch.
Only then did she explain, "Niang, father-in-law said that even if all our family property is donated, we are not short of money now. Don't be so frugal anymore."
"Niang! Father-in-law asked me to tell you to sort through the old items in the house and leave one for each child as a memento. Leave the heirlooms with you, and give the rest to him. He can get a good price for them over there. Father-in-law also asked us to go to the pawn shops in town to buy more. We can keep the good ones for ourselves. He will sell the rest." Sudandan Novel Network
"Niang! Father-in-law said that if this is done well, it can guarantee our family's peace for generations. We, and the children, will never have to worry about food or drink in the future?"
"But, Niang, father-in-law also told me to tell you something extremely important: absolutely do not let too many people know about this. I'm afraid that someone with ill intentions might covet it and harm us. Also, the money from selling the old items cannot be taken out; it can only be used to buy things for us. Is that okay?"
The mother-in-law excitedly said, "Good! Good! I understand. Only we few know, and no one else will. I will also tell them about the seriousness of this matter."
Then the mother-in-law said nonchalantly, "What does it matter if we can't give money? Isn't money only for buying things? Giving things is even better! It's simpler!"
"Let's go," the mother-in-law said, taking Chen Lan's hand and hurrying out.
"Niang, where are we going?" Chen Lan quickly asked.
"To my room to see if there are any old items?"
Chen Lan glanced at the system time; it was already 5:10 PM. The children had been sleeping for two hours and would likely wake up soon.
"Niang, please sort them out and put them aside first. The children will probably wake up soon, and I won't be able to get away. Just as Chen Lan was speaking, she heard the children crying from the bedroom.
There was another period of chaos. Just as the two children were being fed, Wen Rouniang came in anxiously.
As she walked in, she said, "I figured the two little ones should be awake, and indeed, they are."
After feeding the two children, they each held one and went to the main hall. Chen Lan stayed behind to clean up the battlefield, sterilize milk bottles, and wash diapers.
Chen Lan suddenly remembered the diapers in the system's warehouse and quickly took them out. "Well! From now on, I'll use diapers for the two little ones, and I won't have to wash diapers anymore. I'm such a clever girl, hehe!" Chen Lan thought smugly.
At dinner, Uncle De and his two sons, Er Hu and Xiao Shuan, had returned from the county town. Dinner was still served at separate tables for men and women, but the dishes were much better than at noon. Hearing the exclamations of the three naughty boys, she knew how satisfied they were with the meal.
After everyone had eaten their fill, the mother-in-law dropped another bombshell: she distributed gifts to everyone, and immediately there were cheers and expressions of gratitude all over the main hall.
Ming Zhe excitedly shouted, "Wow! My hoop! Wow! Wow! And a wooden gun! I love it so much! I'm so happy! I'm so fortunate!"
Ming Wei also happily held up the small leather shoes and tried them on her feet.
The mother-in-law distributed gifts to everyone according to the gift list. Liu Mama received reading glasses, rheumatic pain cream, and aspirin again, and was so touched that she wiped away tears.
After everyone had admired their gifts, the mother-in-law instructed them to go about their own business. The three boys reviewed their lessons and did their homework. There wasn't much firewood left for the stove, so Er Hu and Xiao Shuan split wood. Liu Mama, Cui Mama, and Ming Wei washed dishes and tidied up the kitchen together. Wen Rouniang also went to help.
Only the mother-in-law, Chen Lan, and Uncle De, the housekeeper, remained in the main hall.