Chapter 451 - Chapter 451: Chapter 458: An Overnight Stay in the Village (2/2)

“It’s no trouble at all, we’re used to attending to these small matters.”

“Then we are indeed in your debt, thank you kindly, elder,” said Master Su, eventually allowing the servant girl to join in and help.

Old Man Liu was hospitable, having Mr. and Mrs. Su and Su Wenyue sit in the main house while he poured water for them, attending to their needs. He would have liked to serve the others as well, but the house did not have enough cups.

“Laugh at us if you will, but we’re too poor to afford tea leaves. All I can offer is plain water; please don’t mind it,” Old Man Liu said with a restrained manner, bringing forward a plate of peanuts—what little his family had grown and all that remained for such hospitable purposes. His grandson clung to Old Man Liu’s leg, eyeing the plate of peanuts, salivating, but too timid to approach and ask for some.

The three well-behaved children sat beside their mother, intrigued by the other child around their age. Seeing Old Man Liu’s grandson coveting the bowl of peanuts, Little Si Yu was the first to speak up.

“Mother, does this little brother want some peanuts? Si Yu noticed he can’t take his eyes off the peanuts on the table and he is drooling. Mother, could we let him have some?” Sister Yu meant well, but being a child, she spoke without pretense, rapidly and directly. Hearing Si Yu’s words, Old Man Liu felt a bit uncomfortable but didn’t scold his grandson.

Their stock of food was limited, and it was hard enough to get by as it was, let alone eat well. Peanuts, once a treat, had become a luxury, and it was natural for the grandchild to react so.

Having children of her own had softened Su Wenyue’s heart. Seeing Old Man Liu’s grandson, who was six or seven years old but looked frail and only slightly taller than her own three children, she felt pity for him. She smiled as she handed the plate of peanuts to Si Yu to take them to Old Man Liu’s grandson.

The children of Su Wenyue’s family were not shy. With her permission, Little Si Yu happily took the peanuts to the little boy, with Brother Xing and Brother Chen following closely to protect their sister.

“Little brother, here are some peanuts for you,” Si Yu sweetly offered to Old Man Liu’s grandson.

Old Man Liu’s grandson, previously gazing eagerly at the peanuts on the table, now stood dumbstruck, staring at Si Yu, not reaching for them. Instead, he glanced at his grandfather, Old Man Liu, for guidance.

“Huzi, what are you waiting for? Didn’t you want some peanuts? That considerate little girl has brought them to you, go on and take a handful,” Old Man Liu encouraged his grandson, who seemed a bit bewildered; his grandson’s name was Huzi.

“Thank you, sister,” Huzi said in a small voice. He quickly grabbed a handful of peanuts from the plate, careful not to take too many, and began to shell and eat them.

About a quarter of an hour later, Old Man Liu’s daughter-in-law had finished cleaning the rooms. She cleared out four rooms, with Mr. and Mrs. Su occupying one, and Su Wenyue with the three children occupying another, while the remaining two rooms were allocated to the servants. Those who couldn’t fit inside made do under the eaves, setting up a tent to cope.