Chapter 8. Half cooked rice
Mrs. Su pushed her herself to have the energy to talk with Mrs. Han for a long time. Mrs. Han noticed that she was indeed tired, so she didn't stay much longer: "Sister-in-law, you should take care of your body. Even if not for your own sake, but do it for your few daughters." With a heavy heart, she earnestly advised. Only then, Mrs. Han left the west wing empty-handed and went back to the lower room of the east wing where she lived.
Yue You He, who was sitting cautiously on the chair in the room, hurriedly stood up when she saw her mother come back and hugged her arm: "Mother is finally back. Younger brothers went out to play with the older brothers from first branch. I'm the only one left in the room. It's boring."
Mrs. Han pulled her daughter to sit on the kang, poured a bowl of water, and asked with a smile: "Didn't You Ting come to talk to you? How come she's gone now?"
Hearing her mother mention Yue You Ting, You He pursed her pink and delicate lip: "Mother, don't talk about it. Elder Cousin Sister looked through this and that when she comes. As long as it fit her, my new clothes gets taken away. Daughter was so annoyed at the sight of her and casually found a reason to send her back." Sitting next to Mrs. Han, she continued to complain, "How nice it was when we were in the county town! These country people have never seen the world. Daughter feel sick at the sight of it."
At first, Mrs. Han listened to her daughter complaining with a smile. But seeing her like this, her face immediately became a bit ugly and said: "What country people? You just happened grew up in the county town. Here will always be your home. You are also a country person yourself. Where did you learn this kind of bowing high and stamping low attitude?"
Although Mrs. Han was born in a small business family, she was the only daughter in the small family. On top of that, her mother was strong. Her father did not dare to take concubines. So she was educated like a boy. Due to this, she was more ambitious than many women. She also sympathized with second branch's daughters. So she helped Mrs. Su secretly from time to time. She knew that the family head hadn't entered her family despite living in the county town. Her family was still members of Yue Family. Her daughter’s words were really wrong. If Mother-in-law heard it, there will be trouble.
Seeing her mother suddenly speaking to herself like this, You Yue He didn't dare to argue with her despite the dissatisfaction in her heart. She obediently admitted her mistake: "Daughter knows her mistake."
Mrs. Han sighed. She broke it down bit by bit and explained it to her: "You still have your two brothers and are living a good life in the county town now. However, this family will be your mountain in the future. For a family to thrive, the most important thing is for siblings to work together. Although Mother doesn't like your eldest aunt's behavior, have I ever stop your two brothers from hanging out with the cousins from eldest branch? Your cousin sister Ting had only live in the village since she was young. She has seen less of the world than you. Still, you can't look down on people, understand? It's just show her something fresh. You won't lose a piece of meat. What is there to be scared about?"
Yue You He was carefully raised by Mrs. Han since she was young. She wasn't a small-minded person. She was just angry at Yue You Ting's ransacking and let a few heavy words without any thoughts. After listening to Mrs. Han's words, she realized her problem and then willingly admitted her mistake: "Mother taught right. Daughter know my mistakes."
Seeing her daughter reflecting, Mrs. Han sighed: "Now you are thirteen, you have reached the age of marriage. Think about how others would think of you if your words got out. How would they look at our Yue Family's daughter?" Stroking her daughter's long hair, she said softly: "In a woman's life, the most important thing is her own marriage. Don't be shy. Knowing these words is better than not knowing."
You He still felt a little embarrassed. Taking in Mrs. Han's heartfelt speech, she blushingly responded, "Mother is right. Daughter knows."
***
You Jin, who was preparing a family meal with You Yin in the kitchen, naturally didn't know what was going on at the main house. She held a large spatula and turning over the half-cooked vegetables in the pot. You Jin looked at crowded kitchen. Only she and You Yin were in the kitchen cooking. She silently complained in her mind. This old Mrs. Chen's heart was really big. The whole family was home for a meal and she could feel relieved to leave it to two kids to do it!
Due to the return of third branch and the two precious grandson from eldest branch, old Mrs. Chen spent a lot of money to prepare this dinner. All the three jins of meat brought back by third branch was brought to the kitchen to make a few more dishes. It was out of fear of starving her precious grandsons. But she wanted to be idle. When she left the kitchen, she glared fiercely at the undernourished sisters: "Properly cook a good meal for me. If you dare sneakily eat, watch out for your skins!"
After Old Mrs. Chen respectfully was sent away, lips were curled. You Jin had some petty thoughts. She deliberately sautéing the two dishes a little saltier and steamed out some half-cooked brown rice. You Yin looked at the raw rice in the pot and rubbed her hands nervously: "Third Sister, the rice is raw. What to do when Grandmother gets angry in a while?"
A faint smile hung on You Jin's face: "Don't be afraid. I will support the sky when it fall. Don't make a noise when you eat. Believing in Elder Sister is the right way." You Yin was afraid of old Mrs. Chen sinc she was little. But seeing Elder Sister appearing so confident, her uneasy heart weirdly calmed down. She nodded vigorously: "En! I believe Third Sister!"
After taking the last potato fried pork slice out of the pot, You Jin motioned for You Yin to scoop the rice: "Bring all the food to the table. Then call everyone to eat."
Today's food was considered bountiful. Yue Chang Shou had really bear the money to bring back three jins of fatty pork belly this time. Compared to the male-biased Yue Da Fu couple and Yue Chang Fu, who was greedy for money and loved to bully the second branch, third branch's family can be regarded as the most friendly toward second branch. Although Yue Chang Shou was indifferent, Mrs. Han had always been very close with Mrs. Su and very amiable to herself and her few younger sisters.
Obeying You Jin's words, You Yin quickly arranged the food. The Yue Family compound, which was originally empty, was soon filled with delicious fragrance. Seeing the previously disappeared first branch's mother and daughter currently stared at the spoon in old Mrs. Chen's hand for fear that it might leak a spoon and a half, You Jin was full of contempt toward these two. Lowering her eyelids, she silently complained in her heart.
Mrs. Han looked from the four-five big pots on the table, which were all filled with vegetables, to gray-hair and yellowed face sisters. She smiled and clicked some meat slice with fried potatoes for You Jin: "Thank you for you sisters' hard work. Don't you know to call Third Aunt for help? Eat more, but don't exhaust your body!"
After that, she picked meat for You Yin. Completely didn't notice old Mrs. Chen's red eyes staring at her viciously.
You Yin, who was sitting across from old Mrs. Chen, noticed the familiar look on Grandmother's face. You Yin, who was frightened and trembled a few times, picked up the bowl and tried to pick it out. But she was stopped by You Jin:" Fourth Sister, still not thanking Third Aunt?"
After that, she pulled her sleeves under the dining table with her hands.
Seeing her act like this, You Yin hesitantly put down the thick porcelain bowl and then whispered, "Thank you Third Aunt."
Old Mrs. Chen endured and endured before finally pointing at the mulberry bush when actually scolding the locust tree: "Just all eat, no work tattered things. From day to night, only know to eat!"
At the next table, Yue Da Fu was happily drinking the soju Third Son had brought back from the county town with his three sons. Hearing old Mrs. Chen was yelling again, he unhappily put down the bowl with some wine remaining in slight displeasure. He shouted: "Come on. Old woman never stops all day long. Today, you're still at it all day long!"
Old Mrs. Chen, who had already felt fire burning in her heart, became even more angry when beign told off by him. Before she could explode, she heard You Ting uttered, "Oh. The rice isn't cooked today!"
Old Mrs. Chen became furious as soon as she heard it. Her chopsticks slammed on the table. She stared coldly at second branch's two money-wasting thing: "Who made the rice tonight?"
These fierce words penetrated into the bones and scared You Yin into silence. Her hands under the table tightly tugged at the sleeves. Not knowing what to do.
After eating the fried potato and pork in the bowl, You Jin put down her chopsticks in time: "I steamed it."
Picking up the chopsticks on the table and throwing it intp You Jin’s face, old Mrs. Chen started to scold, “No skin, no face money-wasting goods that only eat and do nothing. Really is the reincarnation of the evil star that came harm our old Yue Family. Such a good brown rice has been half-cooked. If I don’t kill you today, you won’t know that the sky is high and the earth is thick!"
After that, she stood to prepare to beat You Jin.
Witnessing old Mrs. Chen's anger, everyone didn't dare to speak. All of them sat quietly with their heads down. Taking in her so-called father's disdainful glance from the next table, a trace of ridicule flashed in You Jin's eyes. After dodging the chopsticks that old Mrs. Chen had just thrown over and seeing old Mrs. Chen walking quickly over to beat her up, You Jin hurriedly got up and ran behind Mrs. Han, who reached out her hand to protect her. Only then, she began to defended herself: "It is Granddaughter’s fault that the rice isn't cooked today. It’s just that I’ve never cooked a meal for so many people before, so I didn’t grasp the amount of water right..."
With a turn of a head, the gun was pointed at Mrs. Chen: "Today it was supposed to first branch's turn to cook. If First Aunt cooked, there would be no problem..."
At the sight of her mother-in-law’s aggressive appearance, Mrs. Han hurriedly stopped her and dissuaded with kind words and coaxing: "Mother, since the rice is uncooked, bring it back, add some water and cook again. After all, You Jin sisters are still small. There will be times when they are careless. Mother always dotes her children and grandchildren. If you beat the children because of a small incident, the face of our Yue family will look bad. Don't you agree?"
Old Chen's expression was already ugly. Seeing Mrs. Han protecting the money-wasting thing and using words to block her like this, old Mrs. Chen's eyes blazed with anger. However, seeing the old man having an expression of disapproval, she turned her aim and slapped Mrs. Chen’s head: "You gluttonous, lazy woman. It's your turn to cook at home and you lie in the room, slacking away. Still not sorting the rice and steam it! If you don't cook the rice properly tonight, this old lady will peel your skin!"
Mrs. Su pushed her herself to have the energy to talk with Mrs. Han for a long time. Mrs. Han noticed that she was indeed tired, so she didn't stay much longer: "Sister-in-law, you should take care of your body. Even if not for your own sake, but do it for your few daughters." With a heavy heart, she earnestly advised. Only then, Mrs. Han left the west wing empty-handed and went back to the lower room of the east wing where she lived.
Yue You He, who was sitting cautiously on the chair in the room, hurriedly stood up when she saw her mother come back and hugged her arm: "Mother is finally back. Younger brothers went out to play with the older brothers from first branch. I'm the only one left in the room. It's boring."
Mrs. Han pulled her daughter to sit on the kang, poured a bowl of water, and asked with a smile: "Didn't You Ting come to talk to you? How come she's gone now?"
Hearing her mother mention Yue You Ting, You He pursed her pink and delicate lip: "Mother, don't talk about it. Elder Cousin Sister looked through this and that when she comes. As long as it fit her, my new clothes gets taken away. Daughter was so annoyed at the sight of her and casually found a reason to send her back." Sitting next to Mrs. Han, she continued to complain, "How nice it was when we were in the county town! These country people have never seen the world. Daughter feel sick at the sight of it."
At first, Mrs. Han listened to her daughter complaining with a smile. But seeing her like this, her face immediately became a bit ugly and said: "What country people? You just happened grew up in the county town. Here will always be your home. You are also a country person yourself. Where did you learn this kind of bowing high and stamping low attitude?"
Although Mrs. Han was born in a small business family, she was the only daughter in the small family. On top of that, her mother was strong. Her father did not dare to take concubines. So she was educated like a boy. Due to this, she was more ambitious than many women. She also sympathized with second branch's daughters. So she helped Mrs. Su secretly from time to time. She knew that the family head hadn't entered her family despite living in the county town. Her family was still members of Yue Family. Her daughter’s words were really wrong. If Mother-in-law heard it, there will be trouble.
Seeing her mother suddenly speaking to herself like this, You Yue He didn't dare to argue with her despite the dissatisfaction in her heart. She obediently admitted her mistake: "Daughter knows her mistake."
Mrs. Han sighed. She broke it down bit by bit and explained it to her: "You still have your two brothers and are living a good life in the county town now. However, this family will be your mountain in the future. For a family to thrive, the most important thing is for siblings to work together. Although Mother doesn't like your eldest aunt's behavior, have I ever stop your two brothers from hanging out with the cousins from eldest branch? Your cousin sister Ting had only live in the village since she was young. She has seen less of the world than you. Still, you can't look down on people, understand? It's just show her something fresh. You won't lose a piece of meat. What is there to be scared about?"
Yue You He was carefully raised by Mrs. Han since she was young. She wasn't a small-minded person. She was just angry at Yue You Ting's ransacking and let a few heavy words without any thoughts. After listening to Mrs. Han's words, she realized her problem and then willingly admitted her mistake: "Mother taught right. Daughter know my mistakes."
Seeing her daughter reflecting, Mrs. Han sighed: "Now you are thirteen, you have reached the age of marriage. Think about how others would think of you if your words got out. How would they look at our Yue Family's daughter?" Stroking her daughter's long hair, she said softly: "In a woman's life, the most important thing is her own marriage. Don't be shy. Knowing these words is better than not knowing."
You He still felt a little embarrassed. Taking in Mrs. Han's heartfelt speech, she blushingly responded, "Mother is right. Daughter knows."
***
You Jin, who was preparing a family meal with You Yin in the kitchen, naturally didn't know what was going on at the main house. She held a large spatula and turning over the half-cooked vegetables in the pot. You Jin looked at crowded kitchen. Only she and You Yin were in the kitchen cooking. She silently complained in her mind. This old Mrs. Chen's heart was really big. The whole family was home for a meal and she could feel relieved to leave it to two kids to do it!
Due to the return of third branch and the two precious grandson from eldest branch, old Mrs. Chen spent a lot of money to prepare this dinner. All the three jins of meat brought back by third branch was brought to the kitchen to make a few more dishes. It was out of fear of starving her precious grandsons. But she wanted to be idle. When she left the kitchen, she glared fiercely at the undernourished sisters: "Properly cook a good meal for me. If you dare sneakily eat, watch out for your skins!"
After Old Mrs. Chen respectfully was sent away, lips were curled. You Jin had some petty thoughts. She deliberately sautéing the two dishes a little saltier and steamed out some half-cooked brown rice. You Yin looked at the raw rice in the pot and rubbed her hands nervously: "Third Sister, the rice is raw. What to do when Grandmother gets angry in a while?"
A faint smile hung on You Jin's face: "Don't be afraid. I will support the sky when it fall. Don't make a noise when you eat. Believing in Elder Sister is the right way." You Yin was afraid of old Mrs. Chen sinc she was little. But seeing Elder Sister appearing so confident, her uneasy heart weirdly calmed down. She nodded vigorously: "En! I believe Third Sister!"
After taking the last potato fried pork slice out of the pot, You Jin motioned for You Yin to scoop the rice: "Bring all the food to the table. Then call everyone to eat."
Today's food was considered bountiful. Yue Chang Shou had really bear the money to bring back three jins of fatty pork belly this time. Compared to the male-biased Yue Da Fu couple and Yue Chang Fu, who was greedy for money and loved to bully the second branch, third branch's family can be regarded as the most friendly toward second branch. Although Yue Chang Shou was indifferent, Mrs. Han had always been very close with Mrs. Su and very amiable to herself and her few younger sisters.
Obeying You Jin's words, You Yin quickly arranged the food. The Yue Family compound, which was originally empty, was soon filled with delicious fragrance. Seeing the previously disappeared first branch's mother and daughter currently stared at the spoon in old Mrs. Chen's hand for fear that it might leak a spoon and a half, You Jin was full of contempt toward these two. Lowering her eyelids, she silently complained in her heart.
Mrs. Han looked from the four-five big pots on the table, which were all filled with vegetables, to gray-hair and yellowed face sisters. She smiled and clicked some meat slice with fried potatoes for You Jin: "Thank you for you sisters' hard work. Don't you know to call Third Aunt for help? Eat more, but don't exhaust your body!"
After that, she picked meat for You Yin. Completely didn't notice old Mrs. Chen's red eyes staring at her viciously.
You Yin, who was sitting across from old Mrs. Chen, noticed the familiar look on Grandmother's face. You Yin, who was frightened and trembled a few times, picked up the bowl and tried to pick it out. But she was stopped by You Jin:" Fourth Sister, still not thanking Third Aunt?"
After that, she pulled her sleeves under the dining table with her hands.
Seeing her act like this, You Yin hesitantly put down the thick porcelain bowl and then whispered, "Thank you Third Aunt."
Old Mrs. Chen endured and endured before finally pointing at the mulberry bush when actually scolding the locust tree: "Just all eat, no work tattered things. From day to night, only know to eat!"
At the next table, Yue Da Fu was happily drinking the soju Third Son had brought back from the county town with his three sons. Hearing old Mrs. Chen was yelling again, he unhappily put down the bowl with some wine remaining in slight displeasure. He shouted: "Come on. Old woman never stops all day long. Today, you're still at it all day long!"
Old Mrs. Chen, who had already felt fire burning in her heart, became even more angry when beign told off by him. Before she could explode, she heard You Ting uttered, "Oh. The rice isn't cooked today!"
Old Mrs. Chen became furious as soon as she heard it. Her chopsticks slammed on the table. She stared coldly at second branch's two money-wasting thing: "Who made the rice tonight?"
These fierce words penetrated into the bones and scared You Yin into silence. Her hands under the table tightly tugged at the sleeves. Not knowing what to do.
After eating the fried potato and pork in the bowl, You Jin put down her chopsticks in time: "I steamed it."
Picking up the chopsticks on the table and throwing it intp You Jin’s face, old Mrs. Chen started to scold, “No skin, no face money-wasting goods that only eat and do nothing. Really is the reincarnation of the evil star that came harm our old Yue Family. Such a good brown rice has been half-cooked. If I don’t kill you today, you won’t know that the sky is high and the earth is thick!"
After that, she stood to prepare to beat You Jin.
Witnessing old Mrs. Chen's anger, everyone didn't dare to speak. All of them sat quietly with their heads down. Taking in her so-called father's disdainful glance from the next table, a trace of ridicule flashed in You Jin's eyes. After dodging the chopsticks that old Mrs. Chen had just thrown over and seeing old Mrs. Chen walking quickly over to beat her up, You Jin hurriedly got up and ran behind Mrs. Han, who reached out her hand to protect her. Only then, she began to defended herself: "It is Granddaughter’s fault that the rice isn't cooked today. It’s just that I’ve never cooked a meal for so many people before, so I didn’t grasp the amount of water right..."
With a turn of a head, the gun was pointed at Mrs. Chen: "Today it was supposed to first branch's turn to cook. If First Aunt cooked, there would be no problem..."
At the sight of her mother-in-law’s aggressive appearance, Mrs. Han hurriedly stopped her and dissuaded with kind words and coaxing: "Mother, since the rice is uncooked, bring it back, add some water and cook again. After all, You Jin sisters are still small. There will be times when they are careless. Mother always dotes her children and grandchildren. If you beat the children because of a small incident, the face of our Yue family will look bad. Don't you agree?"
Old Chen's expression was already ugly. Seeing Mrs. Han protecting the money-wasting thing and using words to block her like this, old Mrs. Chen's eyes blazed with anger. However, seeing the old man having an expression of disapproval, she turned her aim and slapped Mrs. Chen’s head: "You gluttonous, lazy woman. It's your turn to cook at home and you lie in the room, slacking away. Still not sorting the rice and steam it! If you don't cook the rice properly tonight, this old lady will peel your skin!"
Thank you
ReplyDeleteGoodness gracious this grandmother can't get any worse
ReplyDeleteThank you for the translation :D