Chapter 2: The Warmth of Family

Elder brother

Huang Sihao felt somewhat awkward, cleared his throat, and Yang made a sound of disapproval, also wisely choosing not to say anything further

Huang Laifu said: "Thank you, mother"

Other children also called out and followed in a swarm, with the youngest child, the daughter of the third sister, Fu Tuantuan, joyfully trailing behind the group of children

Everyone was walking outside, with the eldest sister and the second sister supporting Yang. Huang Sihao still appeared strong and vigorous, striding confidently at the front. The younger brother, Huang Lingbin, followed behind the others and, taking advantage of their inattention, quietly asked Huang Laifu: "Eldest brother, are you really alright?"

The people around all displayed smiles. Although Huang Xiurou is the daughter of the third wife, Wang, she is the joy of everyone in the family, and everyone likes her very much. Although Wang has a 9-year-old daughter, Huang Xiurou, she is only 26 years old this year, as people in her time marry early.

Yang lightly patted his elder sister Huang Ziru on the head and said, "As an elder sister, how can you speak to your younger brother like this?"

At this moment, Huang Laifu will naturally continue to pass on this warm baton.

Huang Xiurou exclaimed joyfully, "I want to eat chicken legs." She took the lead and rushed out. In the courtyard, her sister's 10-year-old daughter, Qian Niuer, hurriedly called out, "Aunt, I want some too." She quickly followed after her. ... A 10-year-old calling a 9-year-old 'aunt' truly reflects the complexities of their generational relationships

Huang Laifu apologetically stuck out his tongue, and then immediately looked down on himself. He was already 35 years old in his previous life, and combined with this life, he had no idea how old he was now, yet he still engaged in such juvenile behavior.

Huang Laifu said: "Alright, the child is also quite hungry; I wonder what delicious food there is."

The elder sister, feeling shy, said: "What are you two little rascals talking about? Go on, go on..." and shooed the two children away

Huang Xiurou chuckled, her clear laughter and the sound of the book resonating far and wide. Seeing her delicate little face flushed red from the cold, Huang Laifu asked, "Little sister, are you cold?"

Huang Xiurou innocently said, "Little sister is not cold." She wrapped her arms around Huang Laifu's neck and asked, "Elder brother, are you feeling better? I was so worried about you the other day when I saw how you looked."

He said, "Look, isn't everything fine now? Look at your elder brother again." He struck a few more poses, perhaps due to his youthful body, which made Huang Laifu feel young at heart, allowing him to make these relaxed gestures

He straightened his clothes and, with a serious demeanor, stepped forward to greet Huang Sihao and Yang, saying: "I pay my respects to Father and Mother!" Without needing to think much, the memories that had once occupied Huang Laifu's mind naturally resurfaced, and he instinctively adopted the tone and etiquette of a person from the Ming dynasty. His gesture of respect was also delivered with genuine sincerity

Wang gently patted her little head and said affectionately, "Good, good, my obedient daughter"

He has decided to take charge and assist Third Sister, but how should he help her

Regardless of the circumstances, the matter concerning Third Sister has been decided by herself. As for the method to be used, there is no need to rush; it can be contemplated gradually.

"What is all this commotion about?" With the voice of a woman, the cotton door curtain was lifted, and a large group of people squeezed in

The conversation between the two was heard by the third sister, Huang Birou, who turned around and smiled at them. Huang Laifu noticed a hint of melancholy in her smile and understood her concerns.

Persuading the family of Third Sister that having daughters is better than having sons? This is not during the Tang Dynasty, in the era when Emperor Xuanzong favored Yang Guifei.

Huang Laifu felt a warmth in his heart and said, "It is all the child's unfilial behavior that has caused the parents to worry!" He had completely immersed himself in the role of this body.

The elder sister exclaimed, "Oh dear mother, the child and the books are right here, yet you still hit them like this"

Sister San's temperament is inherently calm and gentle; she is the type who would rather suffer in silence than speak out about her grievances. After giving birth to her daughter, Tuantuan, there has been no further movement in her belly. In ancient times, it was said that there are three forms of unfilial behavior, with having no descendants being the most significant. Failing to bear a son would inevitably lead to a sour expression from her husband's family. Being subjected to such discontent daily would dampen anyone's spirits, and coupled with Sister San's tendency to keep her troubles to herself, her mood has grown increasingly melancholic.

Huang Sihao coughed and said, "Alright, stop messing around. It’s good that Fu'er has recovered. It’s nearly noon, everyone should go to the hall for lunch." In the Ming Dynasty, unlike the Han and Tang Dynasties which had two meals a day, people had already adopted a three-meal system, making lunch a very formal meal.

A gust of cold wind mixed with snow blew in as Huang Xiurou, dressed in a cotton floral outfit, entered the room. She rushed into Huang Laifu's embrace, and he lifted her up, spinning her around: "Wow, little sister, you've gained weight again!"

Huang Xiurou sweetly called out "Auntie," then rushed into Wang's embrace and coquettishly said, "Mother."

There is no need to mention Yang; seeing her son like this, she felt both happy and affectionate. She repeatedly said, "Good, good, my son, there is no need for excessive courtesy. Are you feeling any better?"

Yang is also a gray-haired woman in her fifties, dressed rather simply, and she has a very kind demeanor. Upon seeing her, Huang Laifu is reminded of his mother from later generations. His elder sister and second sister are supporting her.

The three sisters are all dressed in the attire of the time, which reflects the fashion of young women during the Ming Dynasty. Huang Sihao's two concubines, Liu and Wang, are also dressed in back garments, which were popular among women of the Ming era.

Huang Sihao, the old soldier, had a rugged expression, spoke little, and when his son greeted him, he merely nodded and uttered a soft "mm". However, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. Huang Laifu usually had a carefree demeanor, often appearing impatient when speaking with his parents. Unexpectedly, after being away for nearly a year and following the recent incident, he today seemed composed and understanding. This brought some comfort to Huang Sihao.

Yang entered with a smile and said: "Fu'er, Rou'er, what were you two siblings doing just now?"

Huang Laifu smiled and said, "Thank you, Mother, for your concern; I am completely well now." He moved his body slightly to strengthen his persuasiveness

Second sister Huang Wanrou and third sister Huang Birou hurried forward to offer quiet comfort

Huang Laifu smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine now, you rascal." He gave him a light pat.

Huang Sihao frowned and said, "Alright, the child is fine now, so stop crying all the time. You really are acting like a woman."

Persuading the family of Third Sister that having a son or a daughter is the same? In the Ming Dynasty, this line of reasoning was not effective

Huang Xiurou clapped her hands and laughed: "Great, big brother, you are amazing!"

Huang Laifu felt a warm sensation in his heart, and he smiled, saying: "Big brother is fine now, big brother is completely healthy, don't believe it? Just take a look." He set Huang Xiurou down and struck a muscular pose, his body muscles making a "pop pop" sound.

Huang Lingbin touched his head and let out a silly laugh. His temperament is rather gentle, and he usually does not talk much, but his concern and admiration for Huang Laifu are genuine. In recent days, he has also come to visit Huang Laifu from time to time. Although Huang Laifu used to be somewhat stern with Huang Lingbin, he still took care of his younger brother, and the bond between the two is mutual.

He was wearing a somewhat worn cotton robe, perhaps having returned from an inspection without changing into his slippers. On his feet were a pair of standard-issue leather military boots of the Ming border troops, reaching up to his knees, with horse nails embedded in the heels, presenting the typical appearance of an old soldier.

Yang said with a smile: "In that manner, how can you have the demeanor of a mother? The child is already 10 years old, yet still looks as if they have not grown up at all."

Yang said with tears in her eyes, scolding him: "Old man, you still criticize me. These past few days, haven't you been even more anxious than I am? You ask me several times a day how the child is doing, how the child is doing, and then you still call me old lady" Hearing this, everyone covered their mouths and laughed

This group of people is naturally led by Huang Sihao and the Yang couple. Huang Sihao is tall and robust, with a broad back and a strong build. His face is marked by deep lines, bearing the signs of hardship and age, and his hair and beard are notably gray. In the Ming Dynasty, it was quite rare for someone nearing 60 years of age to have non-gray hair and beard, especially among those who served in the harsh conditions of the border troops

Huang Laifu smiled and said, "It's nothing, I was just joking with my younger sister."

The reason for the crowding is indeed that there are many people coming in

Eldest sister Huang Zirou chuckled, "Oh, little brother, you bumped into the rocks a few times, and unexpectedly, it made you understand that your parents would worry, didn't it?" Her personality is straightforward; she always speaks her mind. A few days ago, upon hearing about Huang Laifu's incident, she, along with her second and third sisters, hurried back from afar, united in concern for their brother. For the past few days, they have been preoccupied with Huang Laifu's condition at the Qianhu residence.

Sometimes, Third Sister would quietly express her grievances to Mrs. Yang upon returning home, but Mrs. Yang was also powerless in this situation. Such matters were the same throughout the entire Ming Dynasty. In the past, Huang Laifu did not take this to heart after learning about it. However, the current Huang Laifu is different; in later generations, he has always placed great importance on familial bonds. Upon arriving in the Ming Dynasty, his spiritual support and roots are now in this family, naturally leading him to pay more attention to the fates and emotional experiences of the family members.

Huang Laifu has parents Huang Sihao and Yang, as well as three older sisters, along with several children of the sisters. The three sisters have a total of 5 children: 3 girls and 2 boys. The oldest is 10 years old, and the youngest is 4 years old

Yang said with a smile: "Fu'er, your mother remembers that you have been in good health these past two days, so I had someone prepare your favorite dishes for you."

Yang sighed in relief: "That's good, then I can rest assured. Thinking back to how you looked that day, it really worried me to death." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again, and she took a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe her tears.

Using one's own fists to demonstrate the strength of the maternal family to the home of the third brother-in-law, forcefully demanding that they treat the third sister-in-law well... it seems... somewhat feasible

There were also Huang Laifu's second wife, Liu, and his third wife, Wang. Additionally, there was Liu's son, Huang Lingbin, who was Huang Laifu's half-brother, along with a large group of people. Together with Huang Laifu and Huang Xiurou, the house was filled to capacity. Several servants remained standing outside. Inside, voices were incessantly mingling, accompanied by the cries of children.

It is often said that a daughter is her mother's intimate little cotton-padded jacket. When a daughter has something to discuss, she generally speaks to her mother. The father, Huang Sihao, is rather blunt; he may not understand and might even agree with the opinions of his in-laws. Back in the day, when the Yang family had three daughters, Huang Sihao also wore a grim expression. It was only after the birth of their son, Huang Laifu, that the Yang family turned their fortunes around and could hold their heads high.

These children," Yang said with a smile, shaking his head

Huang Laifu was deep in thought when he suddenly heard two timid voices nearby: "Young Master..."

Everyone burst into laughter. The two children of my elder sister, her 10-year-old daughter Qian Niuer and her 8-year-old son Qian Shier, joined in the teasing, saying: "Mother was hit by Grandma, Mother was hit by Grandma"