Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Unable to Do
Translator: 549690339
“You two uncles have been away from home for a long time without visiting Aunt Wen. This time, you claim she has been deceived. Implicitly blaming her for being careless and falling into my trap. Naturally, Aunt Wen, with her temperament, is irritated by these accusations and unwilling to provide any explanations.”
“It was you who initially misunderstood, followed by pointing fingers at Aunt Wen. No doubt she must be feeling suffocated. Speaking in such a manner, I admit I may be overstepping, but the main concern is Aunt Wen. You ought to make a sincere apology.”
“After all, Aunt Wen is getting on in years…”
Those who are advancing in age, can aptly be described as having one leg in the underworld.
A bout of chill may as well be a life-threatening matter. Closing one’s eyes for the night may mean never seeing the light of tomorrow again.
It is truly a case of one day less for each day lived.
While your mother is still around, while she can still see you, you should fulfill your filial duties.”
Zhuang Qingning thought to himself but didn’t voice his thoughts. Even so, the brothers understood clearly.
Especially upon hearing the phrase “advancing in years”, a sour feeling inevitably welled up in their hearts.
Mrs. Wen’s temper wasn’t great. The same issue spoken from her mouth would take on an entirely different taste, making the listener uncomfortable. It was too much for the two brothers and their married sister to bear, prompting them to move out or get married and leave.
But now, after being separated for so many years, Mrs. Wen remained alone. All the children could offer were holiday cakes, silver, and new clothes. They never paid attention to whether she was comfortable or happy.
The dilemma is wanting to care for one’s parents, and yet not having the time to do so.
They knew this reason and understood it. But more often than not, they failed to live up to it.
As this dilemma caused the brothers to feel a sour sensation in their hearts, a similar feeling arose within their noses, and their eyes became misty.
“Indeed, it was our mistake.” Zhuang Yutian choked up for a moment.
After a brief pause to collect himself, he spoke again, “Well, Qingning, bear with us a bit more. I won’t say more now. My brother and I will head home first…”
Dealing with Zhuang Ruman can be somewhat postponed.
Right now, it’s crucial to go home and apologize to Mrs. Wen.”
“Alright, you two go home first.” Zhuang Qingning nodded.
The two brothers, too flustered to bid Zhuang Qingning goodbye, hurried away.
“Sister, Sister,” Zhuang Qingsui ran over, tugging on Zhuang Jingye’s sleeve, shouting as she went, “I brought Uncle Chief.”
Zhuang Jingye, somewhat heavy-set and always finding it challenging to run, stumbled to keep up with Zhuang Qingsui. He was somewhat flustered, especially after hearing Zhuang Qingsui mention someone stopping Zhuang Qingning from making tofu. Upon reaching Zhuang Qingning, he had to lean against a wall to catch his breath.
“What’s happened? I heard from Sui there’s a problem regarding the tofu shop and someone wants to take over?” Zhuang Jingye asked, after finally catching his breath.
The tofu shop was his future political achievement. He wouldn’t tolerate any mistakes.
“Uncle Jingye, you arrived just in time. We’ve just sorted things out…”
Zhuang Yonghe clarified the entire incident to Zhuang Jingye.
Hearing this, Zhuang Jingye frowned. When he found out Zhuang Ruman had been scheming behind their backs, aiming to take over Zhuang Qingning’s tofu shop, he was so angry he slapped the wall beside him, “This Zhuang Ruman, he’s utterly despicable!”
“A heartless, selfish scoundrel. Instead of doing meaningful things, living a decent life, he just plots against others. He does not even spare his own niece. Isn’t he afraid of divine retribution?”
The real problem was that he had told the villagers publicly and privately many times not to undermine the tofu shop. And to at least not make trouble. Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to him, the village chief.
It wasn’t that long ago, but Zhuang Ruman deliberately violated the order. Wasn’t this a blatant slap in his face?
Zhuang Jingye would not tolerate this.
“No way! I must talk to that wretch Zhuang Ruman.”
Not only did he need to speak with him, but he had to show some muscle. Let Zhuang Ruman know that he, as the village chief, had power. Not just anyone could afford to offend him!
After saying this, Zhuang Jingye strode towards Zhuang Ruman’s house.
“Sister.” Zhuang Qingsui looked at Zhuang Qingning, breathing a sigh of relief, “I was afraid that you would be bullied so I went to find Uncle Chief. I’m glad everything’s okay.”
“Don’t worry, I’m okay.” Zhuang Qingning patted Zhuang Qingsui’s head and smiled.
This little sister is always ready to help.”
“Uncle Yonghe, everything’s fine now. You should get back to your chores,” said Zhuang Qingning. “It must have delayed your work.”
“Ah, it didn’t delay anything. I was just resting at home around noon. Don’t say that. I’ll go check out the tofu shop and tell everyone to put their minds at ease.”
“You should go home and rest, have some water, and go to the tofu shop later.”
Zhuang Yonghe continued, “Considering what just happened, you must be tired. You’re still a child; take some more rest.”
Plus, Zhuang Yutian and Zhuang Yucheng just went home. They were currently consoling Mrs. Wen. If Zhuang Qingning went now, the two of them would lose face. It’d be better to wait a while to avoid any awkwardness.”
“Alright, go ahead, Uncle Yonghe. I’ll head over there later,” Zhuang Qingning replied.
Zhuang Yonghe hummed an acknowledgment and went on to the tofu shop first.
“Then I’ll go to the tofu shop too. The tofu should be ready to be delivered to the town soon,” Zhuang Sifu said to Zhuang Qingning before following Zhuang Yonghe to the tofu shop.
Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui, however, went back home first and boiled some water to drink.
Zhuang Qingsui deliberately added some sugar.
People say that when you’re feeling uncertain, having something warm in your belly and sweet in your mouth can be comforting. She hoped that the sweet water would make her sister feel better.
Zhuang Qingning took a sip of the water and smacked her lips. “The water is really sweet,” she said.
Hearing this, Zhuang Qingsui’s eyes reflected the same sweetness that she saw in her sister’s.
“Isn’t it?” Zhuang Qingsui’s eyes crinkled with her smile. “Sister, would you like a tomato? I saw some ripe ones. I can pick one for you.”
“Alright, let’s go together. Let’s also pick a few cucumbers,” Zhuang Qingning put down her teacup and stood up.
The cucumber and tomato plants in the courtyard were flourishing. This was the perfect season for crisp and juicy produce..
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