"Thank you, thank you both, brothers." Zhao Denglong bowed politely to the two constables and then walked towards the house that looked very impressive to her.
The blue-tiled house... she only saw what it looked like last time when she went to the county with her mother.
The county was filled with rows of houses with blue-tiled roofs and pavilions; it was incredibly magnificent and imposing.
Zhao Denglong was covered in sweat from running. She stood in front of the fence of the blue-tiled house and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
I stood outside for quite a while before I finally spotted a woman.
Zhao Denglong called out, "Excuse me, does Madam Song live here?"
As Songhe was talking about coming out to see why today's meals hadn't been delivered, he saw a little girl standing outside the fence.
She stepped forward and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Who are you...?"
Zhao Denglong's heart pounded nervously. "I...I'm here to deliver meals to the old lady." As she spoke, Zhao Denglong held up the food box in her arms.
Songhe glanced at the food box; it was indeed the kind of food her family's matriarch often used.
But usually this is done by Mozhu, the servant boy by Lord Song's side. Why is it different today?
Just as I was wondering, Director Song and Mo Zhu arrived from not far away.
Mo Zhu saw Zhao Denglong and quickly ran over.
He was delayed today because he was helping an adult, so he thought he would come to the old lady first to let her know before going to the village to get the food.
I didn't expect you to send him lanterns, I'm really sorry.
"Lantern Sister, thank you so much." Mo Zhu quickly took the food box from her; it was quite heavy. Lantern Sister must be tired from carrying it all the way.
Seeing familiar faces, Zhao Denglong finally relaxed a little. She smiled and said, "It's alright, this food shouldn't be left out for too long, please eat quickly."
Song Yun came forward and saw Zhao Denglong, who was covered in sweat, so he instructed, "Songhe, take the child inside to wash up. He must be exhausted from running all this way. Also, pour him a glass of water."
Song He smiled and stepped forward, taking Zhao Denglong's hand and leading her inside. Zhao Denglong was extremely nervous; she felt as if her hand was resting on a cloud.
This woman's hands are so warm and soft. There's even a faint floral scent when I walk next to her. It smells so nice.
Songhe led Zhao Denglong into the house. It was her first time in such an unfamiliar place, and she was a little hesitant to look up.
She just kept her head down and walked forward until a clean, warm handkerchief was handed to her. "Little girl, come and wipe your face."
Zhao Denglong stared at the snow-white handkerchief and shook her head. "Sister, I'm not hot." Her face was so dirty; it wouldn't be good if she got her sister's handkerchief dirty.
Songhe had no idea that this little girl would think so much, and stuffed the handkerchief into her hand.
"Hurry up and wipe yourself off, it'll cool you down."
At this moment, Madam Song was also helped out of the inner room by her maids and servants. Everyone present, except for Song Yun, bowed in unison.
"Madam."
Zhao Denglong followed the example of the older sister beside her, placing her hands on her waist and bowing her head.
"Grandmother, lunch was a little late today. I was so busy I forgot," Song Yun said as he stepped forward.
Madam Song waved her hand, "It's alright, it's alright."
Her gaze fell upon Zhao Denglong, who was standing in the corner. "This is...?"
“Oh, Grandmother. This is the eldest daughter of Aunt He’s family that I often tell you about, named Zhao Denglong. All the food we’re eating now is made by this little girl,” Song Yun said in praise.
Like mother, like daughter; Aunt He's cooking is delicious, and her daughter's skills are not bad either.
Upon hearing her grandson's words, Madam Song couldn't help but take a second look at Zhao Denglong.
He's a well-behaved child, but he's too thin... He's almost a teenager, but he's hardly any flesh on his body.
These days, the poorest people are still the common folk.
“Not bad, not bad. Since we’re here, we can’t let the young lady go back empty-handed. Songhe, go to the storeroom and pick out some clothes for her.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Denglong's eyes widened.
She quickly waved her hand, "Madam, this is not right. I don't want clothes. You've already given me money for the meals I've prepared for you, that's enough."
Song Yun smiled and helped the old lady sit down, then said, "Grandmother, although Aunt He's family are farmers, their two girls are very well-mannered. Your clothes are all made of fine silk and satin, which are not suitable for her to wear. I'll go to the county tomorrow and buy her some pastries."
The old lady thought about it and realized that it was indeed true.
Zhao Denglong was on the verge of tears. She really wanted to say that she didn't need any desserts. She was learning to make desserts herself, and they were quite delicious.
Madam Song's gaze fell on the laid-out meal. She had eaten dumplings before, but this was the first time she had ever seen dumplings wrapped so beautifully.
It also comes with a dipping saucer; you can pick up a dumpling, dip it in vinegar, and enjoy it on a hot summer day.
Moreover, the dumpling filling was very light and delicious, and the old lady ate two in one go.
Then I tried another bowl of steamed egg custard. The egg custard was cooked very tenderly and had a smooth texture. It was also sprinkled with some shrimp, and it tasted delicious.
Madam Song was in a good mood. Looking at Zhao Denglong, she couldn't help but praise her, "At such a young age, you really have a wonderful skill!"
Zhao Denglong blushed at the praise, but she kept her head down and said in a low voice, "Thank you for the compliment, Madam."
When Zhao Denglong came down from the mine, she still felt dizzy and disoriented. Even the ground under her feet felt soft and yielding.
Good heavens, who did she just see?
That was the old lady from a wealthy family... no, a very rich family.
She had never even glanced at his entire outfit, including the headband and the accessories he wore.
Zhao Denglong took a couple of deep breaths, enjoying the fresh country air.
She felt a mix of fear and envy. When would she be able to let her mother live such a life?
It seems she needs to work hard to earn money. She can buy a big house and a bunch of maids to serve her mother.
Because Tao brought up the matter of dividing the family property, Old Mrs. Zhao locked herself in her room all day, pretending to be sick and not eating.
This worried the whole family greatly. If anything happened to her, they would probably all point the finger at Tao.
During the day, Zhao Xiangnan made a special trip to see his wife and explained everything that was going on at home.
When it came to dividing the family property, Madam Cheng wished she could sprout wings and return immediately, fearing they would secretly divide the property behind her back, leaving her family at a disadvantage.
Therefore, Mr. Cheng took leave from the restaurant that day and came back home.
Even if it meant losing ten coins for taking a day off, she accepted it.
“Mother, if my sister-in-law wants to divide the family now, then let her divide it. They may leave you, but Xiangnan and I will not leave you,” Cheng said hypocritically, leaning against Old Lady Zhao’s door.
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