Chapter 342 - Chapter 342: Chapter 350: Some Clues (2/2)

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, Su Wenyue distributed reward money, and the whole family sat together in the main hall to keep watch at night. The atmosphere was harmonious, and with Han Lin’s warning, Mrs. Wang sat quietly without stirring up any problems. Poor Si Ya was the exception—Mrs. Wang, her mother, heartlessly let her lie in her cradle undisturbed, barely tending to Si Ya, who remained silent unless she was hungry, then she would murmur softly. Mrs. Wang, lacking breastmilk, fed Si Ya some gruel halfheartedly.

Now a mother herself, Su Wenyue’s heart had softened upon seeing something like this. Si Ya was a good child and pitiable. In her previous life, though not well-off, Mrs. Wang’s family circumstances had been better, and without so much resentment, she had treated Si Ya better—at least not as harshly as now. Looking at Si Ya in her current state, it was questionable if she would survive.

Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang, frowning at Si Ya’s whimpers, refrained from voicing any displeasing thoughts during the festive time. Mrs. Yang, holding Sister Yu in her arms, adored her fortunate granddaughter and found her resemblance comforting. Even though she was a girl, Mrs. Yang regarded her as equally precious as a grandson.

“Isn’t Si Ya too young to live on just gruel?” Although Su Wenyue didn’t want to deal with the Third House, having seen Si Ya’s condition now, she couldn’t refrain from speaking out, knowing she played a part in the child’s situation.

Hearing Su Wenyue, Mrs. Wang’s resentment deepened, while Han Lin, eager to please the Fourth House and concerned about his own daughter, quickly responded, “What you say isn’t wrong, younger sister-in-law. Si Ya is like a little kitten; I’m always worried she won’t grow up. But her mother has no milk to feed her, and we don’t have any other solution.”

Su Wenyue glanced at the three nannies by her child’s side. Originally, she had hired three nannies to avoid any mistreatment of her child, but it wouldn’t be a problem to spare one now. The three children would still be well cared for with two nannies, especially since it was New Year’s Eve and there were no other options.

“Let’s do this: For the next few days, let the nanny feed Si Ya. Later, I’ll have someone look for a cow or a goat to bring back to the village. Both cow’s milk and goat’s milk are nourishing, and Si Ya should grow better with it.”

“That would be wonderful; you are truly kind-hearted, younger sister-in-law. Si Ya is lucky to have your grace now. I will make sure she is grateful to you in the future,” Han Lin said.

Su Wenyue, doing this for the child’s sake, remained cool towards Han Lin, neither accepting nor encouraging his words, “I am Si Ya’s aunt; it’s my duty. I’m not doing this so she can repay me; her growing up healthy will be thanks enough.”

Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang, reassured by Su Wenyue’s actions, were grateful that the Fourth Daughter-in-law was kind-hearted. Although they had thought of helping Si Ya, the deeds of the Third Daughter-in-law had left them hesitant to speak up, especially since Mrs. Yang was unwilling to compromise the wellbeing of her own grandchildren for a child of uncertain fate.

Han Yu, watching from the side, was a detached man. Si Ya was pitiable, but with her parents still around, it wasn’t his place to intervene. However, seeing his wife willing to help, he wouldn’t stop her—as long as she was happy. He had heard that goat’s milk and cow’s milk were nutritious and had been concerned about his wife’s health. The kitchen was always preparing medicinal meals for her, but she seemed reluctant to consume them frequently. Perhaps bringing a cow or goat for milk was an idea to consider, as long as his wife would be willing to drink it.