Chen Lan had glanced at the two quilts on the sled. Not only were they soaked with melted snow, but they were also thin and hard. She had no idea how many years they had been used. In this Northeastern winter, with temperatures often dropping to minus ten or twenty degrees Celsius, how could such quilts keep anyone warm? It was no wonder the two people lying under them were almost frozen stiff. She had to quickly take them apart, wash them clean, and then dry them thoroughly so she could sew them onto the outside of the new cotton quilts. That way, they wouldn't look so out of place!
Chen Lan was thinking this while browsing and shopping in the system. Once she had bought everything, Chen Lan didn't take it all out. She just took out two new cotton quilts, shouldered them, and went downstairs to the living room.
When she reached the living room, she saw her mother and mother-in-law talking with Auntie. Auntie didn't say much, only nodding or shaking her head. Auntie was likely around the same age as her mother and mother-in-law, but her complexion was far worse than theirs. It was clear that Auntie wasn't feeling well. Chen Lan felt it would be best to let Auntie take a hot bath and rest first.
So, Chen Lan placed the two quilts on the other end of the sofa and walked over to Auntie. She lowered her head and asked, "Auntie, shall I help you take a hot bath? You'll feel more comfortable and warmer."
Auntie nodded and said in a soft voice, "Thank you, dear. I'm causing you all trouble."
With that, she slowly began to stand up. Seeing how difficult it was for Auntie, Chen Lan bent down and said, "Auntie, your legs probably haven't recovered yet. Let me carry you to the bathroom."
Saying this, she turned and squatted down. Seeing Auntie still hesitating, her mother quickly interjected, "Auntie Lan'er, hurry up and take a hot bath! Your legs have caught a chill, and you need to soak them in hot water. Hot water baths can promote blood circulation and remove stasis, preventing any lasting problems."
Her mother-in-law chimed in, "Yes, Auntie. Hurry and go with Xiao Lan for a good soak. Stay in for a while. If you let it become a chronic problem, you'll suffer greatly. Once your body recovers a bit, we'll take you to soak in a hot spring. Hot springs are wonderful; soaking in them can even cure illnesses!"
Seeing that Chen Lan and her family weren't pretending and were genuinely kind and hospitable, Auntie no longer hesitated. She said, "Dear, I'll have to trouble you." Then, she leaned onto Chen Lan's back, and Chen Lan carried her into the bathroom designated for bathing.
Xu Mingxuan had finished helping his paternal uncle wash up. Just as he settled his uncle into bed, Wen Kai and his brother arrived with the prepared medicinal soup. The temperature of the medicine was just right for drinking. Wen Kai then said, "Uncle, the medicine is at the perfect temperature. Let me help you drink it before you sleep."
His uncle nodded and said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you, young man."
Wen Kai helped his uncle drink the medicine and rinse his mouth before taking the bowl out.
As Wen Kai left, his uncle watched his retreating back and said, "Mingxuan, your brother-in-law is a very good person. He truly embodies the spirit of a benevolent doctor. He's an excellent young man."
He then sighed and added, "Jianguo is probably a year or two older than your two brothers-in-law. I should have let him learn a trade back then. Alas! I won't say more. I don't know how Jianguo and his elder brother are doing now, or my little grandson and granddaughter."
Xu Mingxuan comforted him, "Uncle, please don't worry. I've written letters to comrades who are working where they are, asking them to try and find out about Jianguo and Jiandang's situation. I've also asked them to secretly protect the two brothers. If there's any news, I'll arrange for someone to report back to you. Uncle, rest assured! I've already arranged for reliable people to bring your granddaughter and grandson to the Northeast in the spring."
His uncle opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing, only coughing violently. Xu Mingxuan, being the excellent scout he was, immediately understood from his uncle's expression.
He patted his uncle's back and quickly explained, "Uncle, don't worry. Please relax. The people I've asked are all very reliable. Their character is beyond question. Think about it! If their character were questionable, I wouldn't have been sponsoring them for so many years, would I?"
Hearing Xu Mingxuan's words, his uncle coughed a few times and then immediately asked, "Mingxuan! I've heard people say that you've been using almost all your monthly stipend to help comrades in difficult situations. At first, I didn't quite believe it. I thought you were just occasionally helping a few comrades. I never imagined! This is actually true. It's been so hard on you, persisting like this for so many years, almost every single day. It's something most people wouldn't be able to do. And it must have been hard on your family, your wife, and children. From the time you donated your property to join the revolution until now, your entire family has been consistently open-minded and generous."
Xu Mingxuan smiled and said nothing. Could he say that his wife was incredibly capable? That she was a little fairy? His meager stipend was nothing compared to her. What she subsidized for the troops would shock anyone to death.
After Xu Mingxuan ensured his uncle was settled and asleep, he closed the bedroom door and let out a long sigh. Arranging for his comrades to bring the children was easier said than done. It would require careful planning to ensure everything went smoothly.
Just then, Chen Lan emerged, carrying Auntie after her bath. Wen Qi had already prepared the medicine, holding it in readiness. Chen Lan quickly placed Auntie on the sofa and immediately covered her with a large quilt. Wen Qi then poured the steaming medicine from the thermos and helped Auntie drink it while it was hot, followed by a bowl of warm water to rinse her mouth.
Chen Lan looked at Wen Qi's serious and meticulous demeanor and felt deeply gratified. Yes, her younger brothers had grown up. They were already in their twenties, fine young men. It was no wonder her mother was so anxious. She didn't know where their destinies lay.
Chen Lan had no time for sentimentality. After helping Auntie to the guest room where she and her uncle slept, Chen Lan got busy again.
At that moment, Mama Liu came out of the kitchen. She saw Chen Lan approaching and asked, "Xiao Lan, are we still steaming brown sugar buns made with mixed flour?"
Chen Lan nodded and replied, "Yes, we're still steaming brown sugar buns. Brown sugar can replenish energy. Mama Liu, please add more brown sugar. There shouldn't be much left in the kitchen, right? I'll go get it for you."
With that, she headed into the kitchen.