Because Little Bun had eaten his fill during the day, he was less fussy at night. The women of the Chang family stopped trying to make their presence felt every day, finally giving Shen Qingru some peace and quiet. After resting for a while, her complexion regained its rosy hue, and her spirits improved significantly. She was currently lying in bed, staring blankly out the window.
Xiao Yu sat on a small stool, quietly keeping watch over Xiao Ji’er. As Aunt Lan’s health had improved, she personally went to the county town to handle all the food and supplies for Shen Qingru and her son. Since Aunt Liu and Sister-in-law Zhuzi had their own affairs to attend to, Shen Qingru asked for Xiao Yu to come over and help out occasionally. Although there was a limit to what the girl could do, it was better than nothing.
Shen Qingru also felt pity for her; Xiao Yu was forced to do farm work at such a young age and never had enough to eat. By staying with them, the girl could at least get a hot meal. Shen Qingru’s meals were prepared separately by Aunt Lan, and the food from the Chang family’s communal pot couldn’t compare. After just a few days, Xiao Yu’s originally sallow little face had gained a bit of flesh. She spent every day staring intently at Xiao Ji’er, her earnestness moving Shen Qingru and making her heart ache for the child.
More than half a month had passed, and she wondered how her home on the other side was doing. Fortunately, she had an older brother, so her parents would have someone to rely on in their old age. Speaking of which, her family could be considered a long line of physicians. For three generations, her ancestors had studied medicine.
Her parents and brother were all doctors, and she herself was a junior in medical school—the lineage had been passed down for five generations. Originally, as a student of medicine, she was the last person to believe in ghosts and gods. Whenever she had read those transmigration or rebirth novels in the past, she had simply brushed them off with a smile. Now, she was experiencing it for herself.
When Madam Zhang entered with Mrs. Yang, their eyes lit up. Shen Qingru’s skin was as white as snow, her lips vermilion, and her teeth pearly white; her features were as exquisite as a painting. Her small, delicate oval face was like the gentle glow of a crescent moon, possessor of a beauty that transcended the mundane. The two women were momentarily dazed. Unlike the haggard, pale person who had first arrived, Shen Qingru now exuded an air of noble elegance that made them feel inferior by comparison.
Chang Tingting, who followed behind them, saw this and clenched the handkerchief in her hand, jealousy surging in her heart. Her own looks were above average, and she was considered a beauty of Qingshui Village. She was also quite arrogant and had never thought much of the other girls her age. Now, seeing Shen Qingru, she felt the difference was like heaven and earth, leaving her both ashamed and resentful.
Madam Zhang composed herself and smiled. “Looking at your complexion, Miss Shen, you’ve improved a lot. I can finally put my heart at ease. There have been so many things to do these past few days that I only just found the time to come over.” Being of Shen Qingru’s grandmother’s generation, it wasn’t appropriate for her to call Shen Qingru “sister” as her daughters-in-law did.
Feeling impatient, Shen Qingru replied perfunctorily, “I’ve improved quite a bit after resting these days.” Indeed, I’d be even better if you didn’t come.
Madam Zhang’s expression stiffened. “Even so, it’s not good to stay cooped up all day. I’ll have your sisters-in-law come and keep you company more often from now on.”
“That wouldn’t be right. My sisters-in-law all have their own work to do; there’s no need for them to waste time here.” Shen Qingru, of course, would not agree. “With Aunt Lan and Ji’er here, I’m doing fine.”
Madam Zhang looked relieved. “That’s good then.” She stopped pushing and turned to idle chatter.
Shen Qingru didn’t know what she had up her sleeve, so she just engaged in the conversation half-heartedly.
Suddenly, Madam Zhang asked, “I wonder what Miss Shen’s plans are for the future?”
Shen Qingru thought to herself that the main topic was finally coming. She simply said, “I haven’t made any plans yet. I’ll wait until my confinement month is over.”
Madam Zhang continued, “The weather is getting colder, and Old Three’s family is still living in the storage room. That’s not sustainable.”
Shen Qingru sighed. “Aunt Liu’s family are all good people.”
Madam Zhang was choked up for a moment before saying, “The adults are fine, but the children will easily fall ill if they catch a cold.”
Shen Qingru lowered her head and didn’t respond.
Madam Zhang grew secretly anxious. This was different from what she had expected. Shouldn’t Shen Qingru feel uneasy and guilty upon hearing this?
Mrs. Yang chimed in, “Take Xiao Yu, for example. She’s already a bit weak. I thought I heard her coughing these past few days. Could it be typhoid?”
Hearing this, Madam Zhang gave her an appreciative look. Originally, the second daughter-in-law had wanted to come along, but Madam Zhang had refused her. That woman was a fool; she wasn’t nearly as quick-witted or useful as the third daughter-in-law.
Xiao Yu had been quiet the whole time and hadn’t even greeted them when they arrived. Upon hearing Mrs. Yang’s words, she said in a small voice, “Third Aunt, I’m not coughing, and I don’t have typhoid.”
The slap to the face came so quickly that even Mrs. Yang could hardly save face. She smiled awkwardly. “Is that so? I could have sworn I heard it yesterday. I must have misheard.”
Shen Qingru almost laughed out loud. Fearing that Mrs. Yang would hold a grudge against Xiao Yu, she interjected, “Since the Old Madam and Third Aunt are being so thoughtful, are you perhaps planning to vacate a room for them? You really do dote on your grandsons.”
Madam Zhang and Mrs. Yang were stunned. When had they ever said they were vacating a room?
Chang Tingting reflexively said, “All the rooms at home are full! Where would we find space for them?”
Shen Qingru acted surprised. “Is that so? I thought Miss Chang felt sorry for her brother, sister-in-law, and nephews and was going to give up her room.”
The Chang family’s courtyard was quite large, with seven rooms in total. Aside from the kitchen and the storage room, there were five wings. Each of the three sons’ families had one room. There were three people in the second son’s family, and Old Three’s family also had three, including Chang Ziming who was away studying. Only the eldest son, Chang Dazhuang, had a family of five, making their room very crowded. Old Man Chang and his wife had one room, and Chang Tingting had one to herself.
Chang Tingting’s room was even larger than the one Chang Dazhuang’s family occupied. If she were willing to stay in Madam Zhang’s room for a while, Chang Dazhuang’s family wouldn’t have to squeeze into the storage room.
Chang Tingting said exasperatedly, “Who said I was giving up my room? I’m perfectly comfortable where I am, and I refuse to squeeze into a bed with anyone else. Their family moved to the storage room because of you two, so naturally, you should be responsible.” Although she occasionally slept with Madam Zhang or Chang Ning’er, it was impossible to expect her to give up her space for Chang Dazhuang’s family.
Shen Qingru lowered her gaze, feeling some sympathy for Aunt Liu’s family. It seemed not a single person in the Chang family treated them as kin. “I should naturally be responsible, but I have no way to do so for the time being. As a younger sister, it would be even better if Miss Chang could help.”
Chang Tingting’s temper flared even more, her reasonably delicate face twisting in anger. Fearing she would ruin everything, Madam Zhang spoke up before she could.
“Tingting is grown now; it’s no longer appropriate for her to sleep with us. I do have a solution, though I don’t know if Miss Shen would be willing.”
Madam Zhang could see that Shen Qingru was not an easy person to deal with. She had specifically waited until Aunt Lan was away, yet before they had even begun, Tingting had been provoked into losing her composure by a few words. It was better to be direct.
Shen Qingru raised her bright eyes slightly and said calmly, “What is it?”
Madam Zhang cleared her throat and spoke slowly. “Our family still has an old house on the south side of the village. Although it’s been in disrepair for years, it can still be lived in with a bit of tidying up. You’ll have to find a place to go eventually. Instead of going to a strange place, it’s better to stay in Qingshui Village. The scenery is beautiful here, and it’s close to the county town. Even the capital is only two days away, or half a day by carriage. If you’re willing, I’ll have the boys go and fix it up right now.”
Shen Qingru’s heart stirred. Madam Zhang’s words had truly hit the mark. Staying in Qingshui Village was indeed a good plan for the short term. She also roughly understood Madam Zhang’s intention. She said intentionally, “Isn’t that too much trouble?”
Chang Tingting snapped, “Of course it’s a trouble! Don’t tell me you were planning to stay there for free?”