Shen Qing took out the pot she had prepared long ago and stacked a few bricks to make a simple stove. She struck a match to light the kindling and the smell of smoke drifted across the yard. She had grown potatoes in her private plot so she took some out shredded them and fried them in the pan. Soon the dish was ready. She cooked a bowl of rice to go with it.
At this time rice and potatoes were both rare luxuries. Shen Qing sat outside eating alone yet the rich scent of cooked rice and vegetables drifted through the air into the house. Inside the family sat staring at their own bowl of wild vegetables and thin porridge then back out at the plump white grains and golden tender potatoes. Their mouths watered in spite of themselves. This meal would have been nothing special to them in the past but since being sent down to the countryside it had been a very long time since any of them had eaten properly.
Third Brother Li murmured to himself. I should never have argued with her. I might have shared a decent meal. The more he thought about it the more tasteless the vegetables in his mouth became.
Second Brother Li gave a cold snort. She would never share with us. That girl has always favored the Shen side. She does not care about us at all.
Li Xiuqin gripped her bowl tight. I should never have given birth to her. An ungrateful thing.
Father Li said. If not for her we would never have such a sensible daughter Mengyao.
Li Xiuqin softened at the name. Mengyao is the one who truly belongs here. It is hard to believe they were switched. If not for Mengyao’s future I would never have agreed to send them back. If only Shen Qing had half her grace and sense.
Eldest Brother Li who had been quiet all this time spoke up. Stop dreaming. She will not lift a finger to help any of us. He shifted his seat turned his face away from the window and forced himself to ignore the scent. He had already decided how to handle Shen Qing and he would not be distracted by this momentary temptation.
Next door Yunqiong breathed in the aroma. Smells wonderful. That girl is tougher than I gave her credit for. I thought she would go hungry tonight yet here she is cooking up something fine.
Fu Yunzheng glanced at him. Hungry?
Yunqiong glared back. Look at the food you make. Either it is far too salty or it has no taste at all. You ruin perfectly good ingredients.
Fu Yunzheng kept his face straight. Complain again and you will get nothing. But since you are clearly hungry I will go ask her for a little.
Yunqiong stared in alarm. What are you talking about? I am not hungry. Do not go.
Despite his protests Fu Yunzheng walked out of the shed and toward Shen Qing. Yunqiong covered his face with his hands. How embarrassing. At my age. Yet he was also deeply moved. Fu Yunzheng was always so proud and yet he would swallow his pride just to make sure I eat well. He had no idea he had already begun his new role as the one who gets things done.
Shen Qing looked up surprised to see Fu Yunzheng approaching with an empty bowl. He looked faintly uneasy. My grandfather smelled your cooking and wondered if you might spare a little to taste. He pulled two White Rabbit milk candies from his pocket. We will not take it for free. Please accept these.
Shen Qing looked at the candies. They were rare and precious almost a luxury item. Seeing her hesitate Fu Yunzheng spoke again. He is old and unwell and does not have much appetite. I know this is an imposition.
Of course you may. Shen Qing lifted the lid scooped a generous portion of rice and then a serving of potatoes. That is all I have left. I hope it is enough.
Fu Yunzheng took the bowl. It is more than enough. He paused as he turned to leave. My name is Fu Yunzheng.
Shen Qing paused. Fu Yunzheng. I thought his surname was Yun.
When he returned Yunqiong was visibly moved. I have lived a long life and I can say now having a grandson like you makes every hardship worth enduring.
Fu Yunzheng touched his face awkwardly. Yunqiong took a bite and beamed. These potatoes are cut so fine and cooked just right. Delicious.
Fu Yunzheng said. If you like I will ask again another time.
Yunqiong’s eyes filled with tears once more. What have I done to deserve such a kind and thoughtful grandson.
Fu Yunzheng said nothing.
Eldest Brother Li and Li Mengyao stood beneath the big tree at the village edge. It had been several days since they last met.
How are things with the Shen family Mengyao?
Li Mengyao shook her head. Father and Mother Shen treat me well enough but they keep thinking of Shen Qing. Eldest Brother Shen and Shen Ru resent me especially Shen Ru. She looks at me as if I have done something wrong. And the little boy is even worse. He fights me over everything and trips me when no one is looking. Second Brother Shen seems quiet and distant. If he were not so sick I am sure he would turn against me too. I do not want to stay here any longer. Please write to Uncle Zhao on Father’s behalf. Now that I have my proper identity I want Father to press for the marriage to Renjie.
Eldest Brother Li nodded. I will speak to him at once. Father Shen and Uncle Zhao are close friends. Now that your status is clear they will surely honor the arrangement.
Li Mengyao’s face brightened with excitement. Thank you. When I am married I will not forget you. I will ask Renjie to help find work and bring you all to the city.
Eldest Brother Li nodded. He thought of Shen Ru. Are Shen Ru and Shen Qing very close?
Li Mengyao’s expression turned jealous. Inseparable. It makes no sense. I am her real sister.
I have been thinking Eldest Brother Li said slowly. If we can influence Shen Ru we will have Shen Qing right where we want her. And if we have Shen Qing Shen Ru will do as we say. He wanted to return to the city as well but he knew it would take time. Until then he needed someone to do the hard work and care for the family. Shen Qing and Shen Ru were the perfect answer. And Shen Ru reminded him of someone from his past. A comfort of sorts.
Li Mengyao leaned in. What should we do?
Eldest Brother Li gave a dark quiet smile. I will marry Shen Ru.