Chapter 57, Different Treatment
The Spring Festival of the sixteenth year of Yongxing was the worst New Year for the Yan family.
Originally, because of the arrival of Old Madam Yan and the third wife, this should have been the most united year for the Yan family. However, from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year, the entire Yan family was shrouded in a dull and depressing atmosphere.
There was no way. Since Old Lady Yan, who had the highest status in the family, and Madam Li, who held the financial power, were unhappy, no one else could be happy even if they wanted to.
When dealing with outsiders, Mrs. Li would be attentive and prepare all kinds of New Year items for the sake of the Yan family's reputation; but when it came to the Yan family's own items, Mrs. Li was extremely perfunctory.
In previous years, Madam Li would distribute New Year gifts to each room during the Spring Festival. But this year, let alone New Year gifts, even food, daily necessities, and clothes were not prepared. Many things had to be bought by the servants at short notice every day.
But during the Chinese New Year, most shops are closed, so you can't buy much.
In this case, it would be strange if we could have a good New Year!
It was also this time that everyone realized that Mrs. Li, who had always been virtuous and submissive, also had a fierce side. In the past, she didn't care because her bottom line was not touched.
Now that the rice flowers have arrived, her bottom line has been revealed.
This time, Mrs. Li acted so obviously and mercilessly, just to tell the Yan family that her daughter is her bottom line. If anyone makes her daughter unhappy, she will make everyone unhappy as well.
New Year’s Eve.
The New Year’s Eve meal prepared by the Yan family was also very ordinary, just some ordinary chicken, duck, fish and meat.
In previous years, no matter how busy she was, Mrs. Li would always prepare a few special or exquisite dishes. But this year, there was nothing.
Although everyone did not show it on their faces, they were still very disappointed in their hearts.
Although the Yan family is the county magistrate's family, their daily food, clothing and other expenses are only slightly better than those of ordinary families. Therefore, both adults and children are actually looking forward to eating better during the New Year.
Shuangxinyuan.
Aunt Lin stood alone at the gate of the courtyard, watching Yan Zhigao, Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin leave the courtyard with reluctant eyes.
"Go back to the room quickly. It's very cold outside. After dinner, I will ask someone to send Yishuang and Wenbin back to accompany you." Yan Zhigao forced himself to ignore the reluctance in Aunt Lin's eyes. After saying this, he quickly took his two children and left.
Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin turned around and saw Aunt Lin standing alone at the door looking at them, and their eyes couldn't help but turn red.
Yan Wenbin held Yan Zhigao and said, "Father, can't we bring our aunt along? She was there for the New Year's Eve dinner in previous years."
Yan Zhigao rubbed his forehead, not knowing what to say.
If he took Lin to Songheyuan today, not only his mother but also his wife would probably be furious, and he would not be able to eat the New Year's Eve dinner tonight.
He didn't expect that slapping his eldest daughter would cause such a big reaction from his mother and wife.
Yan Yishuang said weakly: "Father, is it because of my elder sister?"
Yan Zhigao rubbed Yan Yishuang's head and sighed: "It has nothing to do with your elder sister. Let's go. If we go too late, there will be no food."
At the gate of Shuangxinyuan, seeing that Yan Zhigao did not turn back to call her, a trace of disappointment flashed across Aunt Lin's eyes.
She had expected that no matter how angry the old lady was, she would not give her son face; but she had not expected that the lady would be so decisive and merciless this time.
The Yan family is very poor, and daily expenses and household affairs need to be managed by Madam Li. Therefore, no matter how much the master loves her, he will not give her too much face once Madam Li is firm in her attitude.
Therefore, she is the only one who feels wronged.
"No rush, let's take it slow." Aunt Lin's eyes became firm. She didn't believe a man would allow himself to be dominated by his wife all the time. The more obvious Madam Li's actions were now, the more disgusted the master would be in the future.
Look, didn’t the master beat the eldest daughter she gave birth to just because he said so?
At the same time, Songheyuan.
People from the second and third rooms had arrived long ago and were now chatting with Old Madam Yan.
Several grandchildren tried their best to make the old lady happy, but unfortunately, the old lady was absent-mindedly looking towards the gate of the yard.
Yan Wenjie nudged Yan Wenxiu beside him with his crooked hand and whispered, "Brother, why is our grandmother so different from other families? Every old lady in other families prefers grandsons, but why is it that in our family, she only wants granddaughters?"
"That's because my older sister is so lovable and cute!"
Before Yan Wenxiu could say anything, Yan Wenkai took over the conversation.
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Yan Wenjie sneered: "Likeable? If my elder sister was really likeable, why would she be slapped by my uncle?"
Hearing this, Yan Wenkai stood up in an instant and looked at Yan Wenjie angrily: "What do you mean?"
Yan Wenjie wasn't afraid of Yan Wenkai either, and snorted coldly, "How am I wrong? Big sister did something wrong, but she refused to admit it. She was slapped by uncle, but she still refused to admit her mistake, making it difficult for everyone to celebrate the New Year."
"Bang!"
Before Yan Wenjie could finish his words, Yan Wenkai punched him and knocked him to the ground.
"I told you to talk nonsense, I told you to talk nonsense!"
When Yan Wenkai saw Yan Wenjie fall to the ground, he immediately rode on him, punching him like rain, crackling.
The incident happened too suddenly and Yan Wenkai moved too quickly. Yan Wenjie was beaten so hard that he started screaming before the others reacted.
"Wenjie!"
When Sun saw her son being beaten, she immediately rushed over.
Seeing that he was about to pounce on Yan Wenkai, Yan Zhiyuan immediately stepped forward, pulled Yan Wenkai up, threw him to his son Yan Wentao, and then went to help Yan Wenjie.
Yan Wenjie was helped up with a grin on his face.
Yan Wenkai is not stupid. Except for the first punch that hit Yan Wenjie's face, the rest all hit him, so Yan Wenjie didn't seem to be hurt.
"Wenkai, why did you hit your second brother?" Sun questioned Yan Wenkai angrily.
Yan Wenkai: "Who told him to be so mean and make up stories about my elder sister?"
Yan Wenjie rubbed his face and looked at Yan Wenkai angrily: "Where did I say that? Isn't it because of my eldest sister that we celebrated the New Year like this? In previous years, when she wasn't here, our house was so lively."
"Look at how we've been this year. Not only do we have no new clothes, but we've only had ordinary food to eat. How can we call this New Year's celebration? It's a shame that my uncle is the head of a county, but I don't think even a government official's family is doing as well as we are."
When these words came out, everyone in the room was stunned.
Even Sun and Yan Zhiyuan did not expect that their usually smart son would say such words at this time.
Old Mrs. Yan, who was sitting on the step, was so angry that her hands were shaking as she pointed at Yan Wenjie.
Just as everyone was silent, Madam Li opened the curtain and walked in, looking at Yan Wenjie expressionlessly: "It seems that I, the head of the family, am not as worthy of you, Second Young Master Yan!"
"So, from now on, this household will be handed over to your mother to take care of. You, the Second Young Master Yan, can do whatever you want in the future. What do you think?"
Yan Wenjie became intimidated the moment Mrs. Li appeared and immediately shrank behind his mother.
He had been feeling angry since he saw the dull New Year's Eve dinner. When Yan Wenkai jumped out, he didn't think twice and expressed all his frustrations.
Unexpectedly, my aunt heard it.
Sun immediately stepped forward to apologize: "Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? What do you mean by managing the household? Don't you know how much I weigh? Don't you dare say such things again."
"I didn't teach Wenjie well. He went crazy today. I will punish him when I get back." She wanted to be the housekeeper, but she had no money to support the Yan family.
Daohua, who had followed Madam Li, walked into the room. Without looking at anyone else, she went straight to the old lady's step and smiled at her, "Grandma."
Old Lady Yan forced a smile at the corner of her mouth: "Your second brother is talking nonsense, don't listen to him."
Daohua smiled and nodded, but the smile did not reach her eyes: "I know."
Sun nudged Yan Wenjie and said, "Why don't you go and apologize to your elder sister?"
Yan Wenjie walked forward somewhat uncomfortably. It was embarrassing for the person involved to hear him saying bad things about him behind his back.
"Big sister, I was just joking with Wen Kai. I didn't mean to say anything bad about you."
Daohua also smiled and nodded, as if she had forgiven Yan Wenjie, but she said nothing.
At this time, Yan Zhigao came with Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin.
When they saw Daohua sitting next to Old Lady Yan, Yan Zhigao and Yan Yishuang felt a little uncomfortable.
This father and daughter, one slapped Daohua in the face, and the other lied and caused Daohua to be slapped in the face. It would be strange if the parties involved could be at ease now.
Daohua glanced at the two of them calmly, then leaned over to Old Lady Yan's ear and said, "Grandma, I just saw my second brother kick my fourth brother. I'm taking my fourth brother downstairs to take a look."
Old Lady Yan nodded and said, "Go quickly and come back soon."
Daohua agreed with a smile, then slipped out, pulling Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao away.
It was not until they left Songheyuan that Daohua looked at Yan Wenkai with a smile and gave him a thumbs up: "Fourth brother, you looked so handsome when you beat Yan Wenjie just now." She didn't even want to call him second brother now.
Yan Wenkai instantly became proud and raised his head: "Isn't it! Big sister, let me tell you, your fourth brother is very powerful. Don't worry, if anyone dares to bully you in the future, I will beat him up."
Yan Wentao took over: "I can help too."
Daohua looked at her two brothers with a smile, and her mood improved unconsciously: "Come on, I'll make you something delicious."
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao's eyes lit up.
In the main courtyard.
Wang Maner had already boiled a pot of water on the stove, and next to it were two plates of round white dumplings, one large and one small, and a jar of wine dregs.
After seeing Daohua and Yan Wenkai return, Wang Maner immediately asked with a smile, "Miss, are the dumplings ready to be put into the pot?"
Daohua nodded: "Put the big one first."
Wang Maner: "I know."
Daohua brought Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao back to her room: "Fourth brother, are you okay with your injuries?"
Yan Wenkai waved his hand and said, "It's okay. Even though Yan Wenjie is older than me, when it comes to fighting, five of him are no match for your fourth brother." After saying that, he shifted his gaze outside the house.
"Big sister, can I drink a bowl of sake lees alone?"
Daohua shook her head: "No, we have to stay up tonight to celebrate the New Year. What if you get drunk? Let's eat glutinous rice balls later."
Yan Wenkai nodded sullenly: "Okay then, but I have to make it clear first, I want two big bowls of glutinous rice balls."
"OK!"
Daohua smiled and said, "You and Third Brother should just eat as much as you can tonight."
Suddenly, Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao were both happy, and then they looked at the dumplings in the pot eagerly.
When the first pot was cooked, the two were about to scoop it out, but Daohua stopped them: "This pot is not for you to eat."
Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao were both stunned, and then they saw Wang Maner putting the dumplings into bowls.
After that, Daohua cooked the small plate of dumplings herself.
After the dumplings were cooked, Wang Maner started to fill the bowls.
Rice Flower: “Don’t make any mistake.”
Wang Maner smiled and said, "Don't worry, young lady. I will serve it to the table myself. I guarantee it will be correct."
Seeing that the two were talking mysteriously, Yan Wenkai secretly ate a glutinous rice ball from the pot in front while Daohua was helping him.
"No problem?"
Yan Wenkai scratched his head, then quickly ate a glutinous rice ball that was out of the pot later, and suddenly his eyes widened.
The two plates of glutinous rice balls look exactly the same, but the taste is completely different.
He finally knew what his elder sister was going to do.
After counting the five bowls of glutinous rice balls that came out of the pot, Yan Wenkai thought to himself that his elder sister had really become estranged from his father and refused to let him have even one bowl of glutinous rice balls.
Yan Wenkai thought about it and felt that this was not a good idea.
Although their father beat their eldest sister, he was their father. As his children, could they really become estranged from their biological father just because of a slap?
"Big sister."
Before she could say any words of persuasion, Wang Maner took the dumplings and left.
Daohua turned around and saw that Yan Wenkai hadn't eaten anything. She was immediately surprised and asked, "Fourth brother, are the glutinous rice balls not to your taste?"
Yan Wenkai shook his head: "No."
Daohua: "Then eat quickly!" As she said that, she picked up her bowl and started eating.
Yan Wentao, who was standing by, saw Yan Wenkai scratching his head and ears, and whispered, "You have to let Daohua vent her anger. Besides, it was Uncle who was wrong this time."
Hearing this, Yan Wenkai had no choice but to nod his head, not worrying about it anymore, and concentrate on eating.
Songheyuan.
Everyone was eating snacks and talking.
"Old lady, Madam, the eldest daughter asked me to bring you all some glutinous rice balls."
Hearing this, Old Lady Yan's face lit up with joy: "I've been waiting for her glutinous rice balls. Come on, bring them up for me to try and see if Daohua's cooking skills have improved."
Wang Maner distributed the dumplings calmly.
"Hmm~"
"Yes, I think Daohua's craftsmanship is even better than last year."
Seeing Old Lady Yan eating with such satisfaction on her face, Yan Zhigao and the people from the second house were a little puzzled.
To be honest, they were a little disappointed with the dumplings tonight. Compared with the food made by Daohua before, they were too ordinary.
It can be seen that Madam Li and the three people from the third house all look in agreement, while the others find it strange.
Even if you want to hold rice flowers, you don't have to live like this, right?
It was just an ordinary glutinous rice dumpling, but they ate it like delicacies from land and sea.
Mrs. Li saw Sun looking at her straight in the eyes and asked, "Why, are the glutinous rice balls not to your liking?"
Sun immediately shook her head.
Mrs. Li withdrew her gaze and then carefully tasted the dumplings made by her daughter again.
So delicious!
Seeing that Mrs. Li and Mrs. Wu looked very happy, Mrs. Sun was amazed. She only realized today that her two sisters-in-law were as good actors as the old lady.
Yan Zhigao and Yan Zhiyuan had the same thought in their minds. Of course, the person they exclaimed to was Yan Zhiqiang.
I didn’t expect that the third child, who usually looks honest and simple, could show such superb acting skills in order to please his mother. I am impressed!
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
