That evening the Shen family sat together for their meal. Eldest Brother Shen ate in silence while Shen Ru filled a bowl for Shen Chang’an and carried it into his room. When Shen Qing was there Shen Chang’an would sometimes join them at the table. Now that she was gone he stayed in his room and did not come out. Shen Ru had quarreled with Li Mengyao over the girl taking Shen Qing’s eggs so she ate her meal in Shen Chang’an’s room as well.
Li Mengyao sat waiting at the table for Shen’s mother to bring her egg. She had asked for a fried egg and insisted it be made just for her. Liu Cuihua returned from the kitchen with an empty bowl looking embarrassed.
Where is my egg asked Li Mengyao.
Before Liu Cuihua could speak Little Iron Egg stepped forward. He stuck his tongue out at Li Mengyao. I ate it he said. It was meant for Second Sister not you. You ask for one and I will eat it every time. You will not have it.
Li Mengyao slammed her hand on the table. How dare you she shouted.
Little Iron Egg saw her temper rise and knew he could not match her strength. He ran quickly to Second Brother’s room and shut the door. Li Mengyao started to chase him but stopped when she saw Shen Ru inside. She knew she would not win a fight against Shen Ru so she returned to the table. She glared at the closed door. Shen Ru will not be around much longer she thought.
After the meal Shen Ru went out to work in the fields. She had barely left when Shen Grandmother arrived in the yard. She announced to Shen Father and Liu Cuihua that she had wonderful news. Neither of them believed her. They knew she never came with good news for their family.
Shen Grandmother smiled broadly. Someone from the city has taken a liking to Xiao Ru she said. He wishes to make her his wife.
Liu Cuihua was concerned. Would someone from the city truly want her daughter she wondered. Could there be something wrong with him.
Shen Grandmother scolded her. I am trying to secure a fine match for the girl and this is how you thank me. He is only here in the countryside temporarily. Otherwise we could never hope for such a connection.
Shen Father asked his name and where he was staying.
Li Jianguo came the reply.
Liu Cuihua felt she had heard the name before but could not place it. Shen Father recognized it immediately. Is he Mengyao’s elder brother he asked.
That is exactly who it is Shen Grandmother clapped her hands in delight.
Liu Cuihua hesitated. The Li family have not treated Qing well she said. Why would they treat Xiao Ru any better.
Shen Grandmother waved away her concern. It is fate she said. The girls were switched at birth sixteen years ago and now destiny brings our families together. The Li family may be here now but they are still people of standing. Xiao Ru will live in comfort and plenty.
Shen Father puffed on his pipe. Liu Cuihua remained uneasy. We must ask Xiao Ru she said. She must agree to this marriage.
Shen Grandmother objected. This is not how things are done. Parents decide these matters. Matches are arranged and there is no need to consult her. I have already accepted the betrothal gifts. She will marry him and that is final.
Inside his room Shen Chang’an clenched his fists. When Shen Ru returns he would tell her everything and persuade her to refuse the match. He waited anxiously as daylight faded and the room grew dim until finally Shen Ru came home.
Elsewhere Shen Qing left Doctor Wang’s clinic feeling very pleased. Doctor Wang had identified the ingredients in the injury medicine. The materials were inexpensive and production could begin. It was wonderful news. She checked her private plot where vegetables and grain were thriving. She decided to take some produce to the Shen family that evening. She scattered more seeds to expand her crops. She also found several medical books but found the technical language difficult. She decided to take the books with her and study them slowly. In her past life she had suffered illness without care. Now she would learn to protect herself and the people she loved.
She began cooking but rain began to fall. Just as she was about to stop Fu Yunzheng appeared. He lifted her pot and carried it to his kitchen. Shen Qing followed him inside. You can cook here he said smiling.
She accepted gratefully. I will make enough for both of us she said. She stepped out and fetched more vegetables and rice from her private store so quickly she did not go home at all.
Where did you find such fresh vegetables Yunqiong asked.
Shen Qing gave a ready answer. Doctor Wang grew them in his garden and gave them to me she said.
They are excellent quality Yunqiong nodded approvingly.
Fu Yunzheng stood quietly listening. Grandfather the city newspaper has arrived he said. Shall we read it together.
Yunqiong went inside. Shen Qing turned to Fu Yunzheng. Is your grandfather well educated she asked.
He was a university professor before coming here Fu Yunzheng told her.
Her eyes lit up. I am reading books with many words I do not recognize she said. May I ask him for help.
Fu Yunzheng appeared thoughtful. He is elderly and his health is poor he said. He coughs often and may not be able to assist.
Shen Qing looked disappointed.
However Fu Yunzheng continued. I may be able to help instead. Grandfather often says I have learned well from him.
Her spirits lifted. Truly she asked. You would teach me.
On one condition he said with a glint in his eye. You must share your meals with me.
Agreed she said immediately.
They were eating together and talking pleasantly when they heard running footsteps and a child crying out through the rain. Little Iron Egg stood in the doorway soaked to the skin one shoe lost. He leaned breathless against the doorframe and called out to her. Second Sister something terrible has happened.