Yan Shujin nodded in agreement. Neither of them were the type to waste food, nor was the food difficult to swallow.
No matter how she looked at it, Madam Yan thought Baojie and Guige were good, and couldn't help but mutter, "No wonder Xuge and the others didn't like it. They didn't say it wasn't to their liking."
Yan Shujin had finished eating the jujube paste cake and said, "They're shy. Gui Ge and I were raised by Grandma, so we dare to say anything. They'll be fine once they spend more time with you, Grandma."
Grandma Yan reached out and poked her granddaughter's head: "You little rascal."
Yan Shujin snuggled into Old Madam Yan's arms: "Grandma, I want to eat chicken legs and braised pork knuckles."
"I'll have someone make it for you." Old Madam Yan looked at Liu Qin and said, "Qin's mother, tell your sister-in-law what you'd like to eat."
Upon hearing this, Liu Qin smiled and said, "The chicken soup that Mother sent over last time was delicious."
Chen Qiu sat down beside her and asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to eat, Mother?"
After thinking for a moment, Madam Yan said, "The fried quail we had last time was quite good."
"The imperial physician said Mother shouldn't eat too much fried food," Chen Qiu said. "How about we eat steamed food instead?"
Knowing that Chen Qiu meant well, Madam Yan said, "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Chen Qiu lowered his eyes slightly: "How about we invite the younger sisters and Brother Xu and the others to have dinner together? I'll have the kitchen prepare a few more dishes so that Sister Bao and the others can get to know each other. We're all family."
Old Madam Yan didn't really like eating with them. Each of them would take a bite or two and then say they were full. They ate rice by the grain and only ate the vegetables.
She didn't know at first that the cabbage was actually stewed with the soup of four or five old hens. What was most unacceptable to Madam Yan was that those old hens were stewed into a cabbage and then given to the servants to eat.
What kind of trend is this? How can the master eat vegetables while the servants eat meat?
You should know that at that time, the family also raised hens, but they were reluctant to eat them; they were all saved to lay eggs.
Because she felt it was a waste, Old Madam Yan made a few comments. The expressions and disdainful looks of those people at the time still made her feel bitter when she thought about it. She knew in her heart that although Xu Ge and the others were also her grandsons and granddaughters, they looked down on her.
Seeing that Madam Yan hadn't said anything for a while, Liu Qin smiled and said, "Mother, I haven't properly gotten to know my nephew and niece yet."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yan smiled and said, "Alright, let them come over. A few children can stay for dinner, and the others can go back and eat on their own after they come to visit."
The new fruit and snacks had been served. Although Madam Yan knew that her grandson and granddaughter would not go hungry now, she still couldn't help but urge them, "Eat more. If it's not enough, Grandma will have someone prepare more for you."
Yan Shujin picked them up and started eating: "We'll be eating braised pork knuckle and chicken later, so let's save these for the afternoon."
Madam Yan was peeling an orange: "Alright, eat more later. Gui-ge, what have you learned?"
"The teacher has us recite texts," Yan Qiyu said after eating another pastry. "And we also need to practice calligraphy."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yan looked expectant: "Then how about you recite one for Grandma?"
Yan Qiyu nodded and obediently began to memorize it.
Madam Yan didn't actually understand, but she felt that her grandson recited it well, so she clapped enthusiastically when Yan Qiyu stopped.
When Yan Chao and Yan Zhili came in, they saw their mother smiling broadly. Yan Chao asked, "Mother, what are you laughing about?"
Madam Yan said, "Brother Gui recited his lessons very well."
Yan Chao laughed and said, "The children of the Yan family are indeed smart."
Yan Qiyu felt a little embarrassed and called out softly, "Uncle."
Yan Chao patted his head and said, "When you're a little older, you'll go to the palace and study with your brothers."
Yan Shujin asked, "Uncle, what about me?"
"Sister Bao, you should come too," Yan Chao said. "Whatever you want, your uncle will give it to you."
Yan Shujin said, "Then whatever Uncle wants in the future, I'll give it to you too."
Yan Chao smiled and agreed.
Han entered first, followed by a palace maid carrying Yan Dongsheng, who was now four years old, chubby and adorable.
Yan Chao frowned and said, "Didn't I tell you to let Brother Sheng leave on his own?"
Madam Han said coquettishly, "Sheng-ge is still young, and he usually walks around the yard by himself."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
