Yan Ziyue, Yan Zimeng, and Yan Silang were already up.
The three of them were in the kitchen, and Yan Ziyue was rinsing rice, preparing to cook porridge.
“Big sister-in-law, you’re up,” the three said in unison when they saw Lu Qingran walk in, as if they had been trained.
Lu Qingran smiled. “Mm, why are you all up so early today?”
“We woke up, so we got up,” Yan Zimeng replied softly. “Big sister-in-law, what did you and big brother go to town for yesterday? We were already asleep when you came back.”
“Big sister-in-law went to buy candy for Xiao Wu! Open it and take a look.” As she spoke, Lu Qingran opened her hand, revealing a small paper-wrapped package.
Yan Zimeng took it and carefully unwrapped it layer by layer. Inside were colorful, translucent little pieces.
“Big sister-in-law, this is candy?”
“Yep! Each one has a different flavor. Xiao Wu, try one and see if it’s good,” Lu Qingran said.
Half doubtful, Yan Zimeng picked a red piece and put it into her mouth. Instantly, sweetness filled her entire mouth, along with a fragrance she couldn’t name. Her eyes curved into a smile.
“Big sister-in-law, it’s so delicious! What kind of candy is this? Did you buy it in town too?” she asked.
“Yep! Your big brother and I bought it for you all yesterday. But you can’t eat it all by yourself—you have to share with your brothers and sisters. And don’t eat too much, or your teeth will fall out. After eating, drink some water and rinse your mouth, okay?”
“I know, big sister-in-law,” the little girl replied sweetly. She turned and ran toward Yan Ziming and Yan Silang. Yan Ziming had already been waiting impatiently and hurried over before she reached him.
“Fourth brother, pick one. It’s really delicious—better than candied hawthorn!” Yan Zimeng praised enthusiastically.
Yan Silang had already grabbed a green piece and popped it into his mouth.
“So good! So sweet!”
Yan Zimeng then let Yan Ziyue pick one before turning to Lu Qingran. “Big sister-in-law, you pick one too.”
“It’s too sweet. I don’t like it much. Xiao Wu, you eat it,” Lu Qingran said with a smile.
“I’ll take some to father, mother, and big brother and second brother in the fields!” Yan Zimeng said happily, then ran out. Yan Silang quickly followed.
“Be careful! Stay safe!” Lu Qingran called after them.
“We know, big sister-in-law!” the children answered in unison.
Watching the two little ones reach the field ridge, Lu Qingran finally turned back into the kitchen.
Yan Ziyue had already put the rice into the pot and was now washing vegetables.
“Third sister, what are you making?” Lu Qingran asked.
“I cooked porridge and plan to make some vegetable pancakes,” Yan Ziyue replied.
“Alright, let’s do it together.”
Lu Qingran actually knew how to cook many dishes, but the Yan family’s current situation didn’t allow it. She could only make do like this, occasionally eating something better in her own private space. As for the Yan family, for now, this was the best they could manage.
..
Meanwhile, in the Yan family’s fields…
“Silang, Xiao Wu, what are you doing?” Yan Erlang (Yan Ziyi) asked when he saw the two children standing on the ridge.
“Second brother, come carry me down! I brought you something tasty!” Yan Zimeng called.
Yan Ziheng, who was closest, came over and lifted her down. Yan Silang jumped down himself but lost his footing and landed on his backside.
“Fourth brother is so clumsy!” Yan Zimeng laughed.
“I just didn’t step properly! And you still asked big brother to carry you—so embarrassing!” Yan Silang retorted.
“Fourth brother is mean! I won’t give you any candy!” Yan Zimeng pouted.
“Xiao Wu, I was wrong! I’m clumsy, the clumsiest!” Yan Silang quickly changed his tone upon hearing about the candy, making everyone burst into laughter. Even Aunt Wang nearby chuckled.
Standing steady, Yan Zimeng carefully took out the paper package from her clothes and opened it, afraid of dropping anything.
“Big brother, second brother, father, mother—come quickly! It’s really delicious, better than candied hawthorn!”
Hearing this, Father Yan, Mother Yan, Yan Ziheng, and Yan Erlang all came over. Seeing the colorful little pieces in her hands, they all looked surprised.
Yan Silang, however, didn’t hesitate and reached for another piece.
“Fourth brother, no! Let father, mother, and big brothers pick first. And big sister-in-law said eating too much will make your teeth fall out!” Yan Zimeng scolded.
“Xiao Wu, did your big sister-in-law give you this?” Mother Yan asked.
“Yes! It’s candy. It’s very sweet—sweeter than any candy I’ve ever had, even better than candied hawthorn. You should try one!” Yan Zimeng urged.
“Ziheng, did you buy this in town yesterday?” Mother Yan asked.
Yan Ziheng was about to speak, but Yan Zimeng excitedly answered first, “Yes! Big brother and big sister-in-law bought it in town, especially for me!”
Mother Yan looked at him doubtfully. “Do they even sell this kind of candy in town?”
Yan Ziheng was also puzzled. He had gone to town with his wife and knew exactly what they bought—this candy definitely wasn’t among them. He hadn’t even seen anything like it being sold there. But he didn’t expose her.
“Yes, Mother. We happened to meet a traveling merchant yesterday. From his clothing, he didn’t seem local. Qingran thought the candy looked pretty and knew Silang and Xiao Wu liked sweets, so she bought a few pieces.”
Hearing this, no one asked further. At Yan Zimeng’s insistence, each person picked one and put it into their mouth. All of them were immediately amazed.
“Father, mother, big brother, second brother—isn’t it delicious? I didn’t lie!” Yan Zimeng beamed.
“It really is good. Sweet, but not as cloying as malt sugar,” Mother Yan said.
“Delicious!” Father Yan agreed.
“Xiao Wu, give me one more! Just one more!” Yan Silang and Yan Ziming begged.
“Alright! But you’ve already had a lot. Remember to rinse your mouth later,” Yan Zimeng instructed like a little adult.
“We know!”
After delivering the candy, the two children stayed in the field to play while waiting for the others to finish work.
About half an hour later, the sun had fully risen, and Yan Ziyue’s voice called from afar:
“Silang, Xiao Wu, come home to eat!”
The Yan family worked quickly. Their dry field was only about three mu to begin with, and after several days of work, only a small patch remained. Another afternoon would likely finish it.
Hearing the call to eat, everyone stopped, dusted off the dirt from their clothes, and carried their hoes back home.
When they entered the courtyard, water for washing hands was already prepared. On the stone table were two plates of wild vegetable pancakes, and Lu Qingran stood nearby, serving porridge.
“Father, mother, husband, second brother—come eat,” Lu Qingran called.
“Coming,” they replied.
Yan Ziheng looked at his busy wife, his eyes filling with warmth.