Most of the meat Shen Qing had gotten in exchange from Dr. Wang had been salted and cured by Liu Cuihua. She could not bear to eat it right away yet feared it would spoil so preserving it as cured meat seemed the best choice.
The small remaining portion she minced into filling and made into dumplings.
That evening when the whole family saw the steaming hot dumplings they looked astonished.
More than that they were overjoyed.
Tiedan jumped straight up. It smells so good! Is it New Year’s already?
He rubbed his eyes as he spoke half afraid it was all just a dream.
Shen Qing’s eldest brother Shen Changchun and sister Shen Ru were far calmer.
Her eldest brother wore a worried frown. Even if you traded herbs for it I still do not like the idea of you going to Wuming Mountain all alone. Next time I am going with you.
Shen Qing pressed her lips together. Oh no I have made a mess of things I have just given myself a real headache.
Then her second brother Shen Chang’an spoke up. Eldest Brother you are out earning work points every day when would you find the time?
Qingqing has been there plenty of times before. I trust she knows what she is doing she will be fine.
Shen Qing shot Shen Chang’an a look of pure gratitude.
Eldest Brother please do not worry!
I have got everything planned out and I brought proper tools too. If you came along I would probably end up having to look after you instead!
Shen Ru nodded in agreement. That is true Eldest Brother. You are clumsy as anything fine for heavy chores but if you actually came into the mountains? You would likely just slow everyone down.
The siblings chattered back and forth and eventually managed to talk their eldest brother out of the idea of tagging along.
Just then Li Mengyao walked in and hearing their laughter she clenched her jaw in anger.
Her own blood brother and sister do not care a bit about her yet they dote on someone who is not even related to them!
Ungrateful wretches!
Spotting the dumplings Li Mengyao wrinkled her nose in disdain.
Backwater hicks even if they are eating dumplings the filling is sure to be terrible. I would rather just eat flatbread she thought.
She sauntered over to the table her eyes sweeping over the plump glossy white dumplings glistening with oil.
The rich savory scent was already curling into her nostrils yet her tone remained dismissive.
It is just plain vegetable filling is not it? Not a scrap of meat in sight what is all the excitement about?
Liu Cuihua gentle by nature still greeted her warmly.
Mengyao come sit and join us.
There is meat in them Qingqing brought it back.
Meat? Li Mengyao’s mind raced with suspicion.
She smoothed her clothes sat down reluctantly picked up a dumpling and took a small bite.
Juices burst across her tongue rich deep meat flavor flooding her throat nothing like the tasteless slop she had expected.
Her heart gave a sharp lurch. Where on earth did Shen Qing get meat?
Shen Qing noticed her reaction but said nothing. She simply picked up her chopsticks and placed two large dumplings onto Shen Chang’an’s bowl.
Have some more Second Brother she said softly. You need to build up your strength.
Tiedan was shoveling away happily glancing up every so often to stick his chin out at Li Mengyao making it perfectly clear who his favorite sister was.
Li Mengyao gripped her chopsticks so tightly her knuckles whitened. If I could get my hands on that boy…
Just then Father Shen came out carrying a bowl of dumplings. Let me take that to Mother Liu Cuihua said. You go ahead and eat.
Father Shen shook his head. You eat first. I will take it over.
Li Mengyao quickly finished her dumplings and stepped forward with a bright smile. Let me take it to Grandmother!
I have not even met her yet!
No need you eat first Father Shen said.
I am full!
Before anyone could stop her she snatched the bowl from his hands and hurried out the door.
Shen Qing frowned. Something tells me Li Mengyao is going to stir up trouble.
There were not many dumplings to go around but wrapped in flatbread there was more than enough for everyone to eat their fill.
After the meal Shen Chang’an asked Shen Qing to come to his room.
She brought over a bowl of water laced with the nerve repair medicine. Here Second Brother drink this.
Shen Chang’an drank it all in one go looking at her with warm tender eyes.
Qingqing tell me the truth. Where did this medicine come from?
If you got it on the black market promise me you will never go there again.
He was not trying to pry he just worried about her.
Shen Qing patted her chest confidently. Do not you worry I did not go to any black market.
I traded for it with Dr. Wang.
Shen Chang’an frowned. Medicine meat fresh vegetables… you act as if Dr. Wang has an endless supply of everything.
And that wheat you did not get that from Wuming Mountain did you?
Shen Qing stuck out her tongue. I should have known I could not keep anything from my cleverest brother.
Shen Chang’an tapped her forehead gently his face soft with affection. You little scamp.
If you do not want to tell me everything I will not force you. But if it involves putting yourself in danger promise you will stop.
I promise Shen Qing nodded.
By the way Second Brother you have been taking this medicine for several days now. How are you feeling?
If it is not working well enough she thought I will go into my special space and find something else to try.
A rare glow of hope touched Shen Chang’an’s pale face. He slowly lifted his hand and ran it gently over his legs.
They do not hurt nearly as much he said quietly.
Before they felt like lead weights heavy numb completely lifeless.
Now? The pain is fading and they feel light. It is as if my legs are coming back to life.
He looked at her his voice thick with emotion. I had given up hope Qingqing. I truly thought I would spend the rest of my life on this kang bed.
So many nights I would dream I could walk again only to wake up and remember I could not. The heartbreak was unbearable.
But this medicine it is like a seed you have planted in me. It is sprouting growing turning into something strong and alive inside.
I find myself daring to hope again. To imagine standing on my own two feet like in my dreams.
Shen Qing beamed. That is wonderful Second Brother! It means the medicine is working.
I know you will walk again I truly do
Her words were cut short by a shrill angry voice from outside carrying clearly into the room.
Shen Qing and Shen Chang’an exchanged a look both of their expressions hardening instantly.
No guessing who it was. Li Mengyao must have gone to the old family home and poisoned Grandmother and Eldest Aunt against them.
Shen Chang’an gripped the edge of the kang instinctively trying to stand only to slump back down his legs still would not support him.
Stay here Shen Qing said firmly pressing him back gently. Let me handle this.
She hurried outside to find Grandmother Shen standing in the courtyard shouting accusations at Father Shen Liu Cuihua and their eldest children.
Shen Ru was clutching the cured meat tightly while Grandmother Shen rained blows upon her with her walking stick trying to force her to let go.
Rebellious ingrates! The whole lot of you!
Keeping meat all to yourselves instead of bringing it to me! What ungrateful children and grandchildren!
Let go you little hussy let go I say!
Her temper rising Grandmother swung the stick hard aimed straight at Shen Ru’s head.
Liu Cuihua gasped in horror. Shen Changchun lunged forward but he was too late.