Old Madam Ye looked at her usually cherished little grandson, who now wore a slightly wronged expression, and quickly patted Ye Qing’an’s little head.
“This is your little sister. Remember when someone took you away before? It was your sister who told your mother, so your father went and got you back.
Your mother recognized her as a daughter of the household. She’s your lifesaver, so you must protect your little sister from now on.”
Hearing this, Ye Qing’an no longer felt wronged. He turned to Ye Anran, blinking his curious eyes like a little kitten, and walked up to her.
“So you’re the lifesaver my mother talked about? She couldn’t find you before. Thank you for saving me.”
He hugged Ye Anran tightly.
Ye Anran froze for a moment, surprised at the sudden embrace. The little one’s expression changed so quickly!
Ye Qing’an’s cheeks were flushed as he felt guilty for earlier being a little jealous of his sister.
After letting go, Ye Qing’an held Ye Anran’s hand. “Don’t worry, little sister. I’ll protect you. You’re my real sister now. If it weren’t for you, I probably would have been eaten by those people a long time ago.”
Ye Anran grasped his small hand in return. “What are you saying, brother? You’ve got plenty of luck ahead—you won’t get eaten by anyone!”
Hearing himself being called “brother” in such a sweet voice, Ye Qing’an wished he could hug her and smother her with kisses—but knew it wasn’t appropriate. He held her close for a while longer, then patted his little chest decisively.
He promised himself that from now on, he would protect his sister. Any treats he got, she would have first. They would be best friends forever.
The two little ones chatted back and forth happily.
Meanwhile, Ye Si returned with a huge basin of wild boar soup.
Old Madam Ye thought, since it was all thanks to her little granddaughter, she waved her hand and decided to cook some of the wild boar meat distributed by the village chief for the children.
In the kitchen, the sizzling and crackling of cooking filled the air… Once the food was ready, the entire family gathered at the dining table.
Seeing everyone together, Old Madam Ye formally introduced Ye Anran.
“From now on, this little girl is part of our family.
Since your branch brought her home, treat her as your own daughter.
If anyone treats her poorly, there will be consequences.
Also, her name will be changed.”
Ye Old Master nodded in agreement, thinking carefully but not yet deciding on a suitable name. “After dinner, let the third son find a scholar to give her a new name.”
Just then, Liu Xiuxiu, clearly displeased, stood up.
“Father, are you losing your mind? She’s just a worthless girl! Why waste money having a scholar give her a name?”
Old Madam Ye slammed the table, glaring at Liu Xiuxiu. “She’s not worthless! If anyone is, it’s you—you’re a girl too…”
Liu Xiuxiu rolled her eyes but didn’t dare argue further, muttering in her heart.
How could the family be so blind? They couldn’t even care properly for their own grandson, yet they fuss over a girl picked up from outside.
Old Madam Ye, seeing Liu Xiuxiu finally quiet, turned to Ye Anran and patted her head.
“Little girl, don’t listen to your second aunt. She has a sharp tongue, but our little girl is the best—pretty, kind, and a wonderful child. Grandmother likes you the most.”
Ye Qing’an nodded vigorously. “Yes! I like my little sister the most.”
Ye Er chuckled and scolded Ye Qing’an, “Qing’an! Look at you, so soft-hearted. She’s a girl picked up from outside, not born from your mother. Why do you like her?”
Ye Anran frowned. “That’s nonsense! You’re the worthless one! Your whole family is worthless! My sister is the best little girl in the world!”
Hearing this, Old Madam Ye’s face darkened. She slapped Ye Er’s bottom firmly—seven-year-olds shouldn’t speak so harshly! She blamed herself for not teaching them properly.
Ye Er cried as tears ran down his cheeks.
Liu Xiuxiu refused to accept it. “Mother! You’re losing it! Favoring a girl picked up from outside over your own grandson? This house really doesn’t suit us anymore…”
Ye Er’s father, Ye Erhe, kicked Liu Xiuxiu lightly.
“If you think you can’t stay here, take your child back to your family. Let’s see if your parents will feed you properly.”
With that, Liu Xiuxiu quickly shut her mouth. Her family favored males, and she had one older brother. All good food went to him. Festivals didn’t help either—they gave her work but little to eat. Her family was far worse off than the Ye family. She had zero interest in going home.
Seeing Liu Xiuxiu finally quiet, Old Madam Ye began introducing the family to Ye Anran.
“First, this is your eldest uncle, Ye Dahe, and his wife, Zhao Meizhi. They have two sons: the elder, Ye Qingwen, nine years old, and the younger, Ye Qingcheng, eight years old.”
Ye Anran greeted each of them in turn.
Old Madam Ye pointed to Ye Erhe. “This is your second uncle and his wife, and their twins, Ye Qingguang and Ye Qingmin, seven years old. You already know your brother Ye Qing’an…”
Ye Anran nodded, still waiting for her introduction to Ye Si.
Ye Si patted her. “Little girl, I’m your fourth uncle. Call me Fourth Uncle, and I’ll give you money for candy.”
Ye Anran happily said, “Fourth Uncle.”
Ye Si was delighted. Being a late child of Ye Old Master and Madam Ye, he was now twenty and unmarried.
He handed her two copper coins—enough to buy buns. With the household low on silver, these coins were what remained from previous work.
Liu Xiuxiu saw this and scowled. “Fourth Uncle, that’s wrong! Everyone’s money is communal! Why are you secretly hiding coins?”
Old Madam Ye glared at her. “Eat if you want! Don’t eat, get out! I’ve tolerated you long enough! This house isn’t yours to control.”
Ye Erhe also shot a warning glance at Liu Xiuxiu.
She felt completely wronged. Everyone was barely fed, yet they favored a girl picked up from outside. Was the whole family out of their minds?