Chapter 734 - 379: A World for Two

Chapter 734: Chapter 379: A World for Two

She gave Pu Pao a reward of one hundred cents. She had originally wanted to give more—not because she was wealthy, but as a way of helping the Liu Family. On second thought, she decided against it. There had to be a proper way of doing things. If she gave five hundred cents today, then a reward of one tael of silver later, when Pu Pao became even more capable, wouldn’t seem like much. People were like that; they were only happy if their wages increased year after year. If she gave too high a reward from the start, it would diminish the value of hard work later on.

Pu Pao’s little face flushed with happiness. She said in a small voice, "Thank you, Young Madam. I haven’t even done much work, and you’ve gone to the trouble of teaching me to read. I’ve already gotten my wages, and now a reward... My dad said yesterday that I’m earning even more than he usually does."

Juhua patted her head. "What do you mean you haven’t done any work? You’ve helped me a lot. You’re still young now, but when you’re older, you’ll be able to help me with many more things. Keep the money safe and save it for your dowry."

Pu Pao blushed and nodded. "Yes! My mom said she doesn’t want the money I earn, that I should keep it for myself." There was something else she didn’t say. Her mother, wiping away tears, had said that since they had already spent the silver from selling her into service, how could they possibly take the meager wages she earned now?

Juhua nodded, then led her out of the room.

Huai Zi came up to them, looking joyfully at his young wife. Her unadorned face was naturally smooth and clear, her lips a vibrant red. She looked indescribably radiant. But he also noticed the dark circles under her eyes and said, "You should catch a nap later when you have a moment. Go sleep at your parents’ house. We’ll probably have more visitors here." As he spoke, he took the baby from Pu Pao’s arms.

Before Juhua could say anything, Zhang Yang came in from outside. His eyes lit up when he saw Juhua. He smiled, shoved Banli into her arms, and then snatched Cong from his brother, chuckling, "Cong, did you miss your second uncle?"

Huai Zi chided, "You’re too biased for a second uncle! Have you no shame?" He took Banli from Juhua’s arms again, but before he could get a firm hold, they heard Zhang Dashuan shout from the courtyard, "Someone come lead this cow inside!"

Juhua and the others looked outside and saw Zhang Dashuan leading two cows, one large and one small, into the courtyard. He must have seen that his grandsons were awake, because he no longer wanted to deal with the cows. He was looking for someone to help tie them up so he could hold his grandsons.

Huai Zi gave a helpless laugh. Juhua took Banli and gestured for him to go satisfy his father’s craving to dote on his grandson.

Shaking his head, Huai Zi went out, thinking his father was just like a child. Before he had even stepped off the covered porch, Heipi came running out from the west wing. "Young Master, I’ll tie them up. I’ve already had breakfast."

Zhang Huai thanked him with a smile and turned back to hold Banli. Zhang Yang laughed for a long while before saying, "You won’t even get to warm him up. Dad’s about to come and snatch the baby from you."

Juhua smiled. "Go ahead and fight over them. It took me so much effort to dress nicely today. With you two holding them, it’ll save my clothes from getting wrinkled." As she spoke, she pretended to cherish her new clothes, dusting them off and giving a little cough.

"HAHAHA..." Seeing her theatrics, Zhang Yang couldn’t help but burst out laughing. "Sister Juhua, even in simple clothes, you’re no less elegant than the ladies of those wealthy families." After giving the unabashed compliment, he suddenly felt it was inappropriate and grew a little awkward. ’It’s not like when we were little and I could say whatever I wanted, treating Juhua just like my own sister.’ He quickly changed the subject, laughing about how Zhang Dashuan was already coming to grab his grandson without even washing his hands properly.

Huai Zi watched his flustered father hastily wash his hands at the well, then come over with his arms outstretched for Banli. He had no choice but to hand his son over. He turned to Juhua with a smile. "Let them hold the babies. Let’s go eat some dumplings. You must be hungry. You’ve been busy all morning and haven’t had a chance to eat." With that, he took her hand and led her to the kitchen.

The days off from work were naturally comfortable and lively. The wives, coming and going to offer New Year’s greetings, gathered together and found a new topic of conversation: the newborn babies.

Another source of curiosity and astonishment for people was Juhua herself. Although she had stopped wearing her face covering a few days earlier, she rarely went out, so few people had seen her. Now that they saw her in person, they were all agape with surprise. However, most of the praise was directed at Doctor Qin’s medical skills, which made Juhua heave a sigh of relief.

The first day of the New Year was boisterous, but the second day was finally quiet. Those who were visiting relatives went out, and those who weren’t stayed home to entertain guests. Juhua’s parents’ home was right next door, so she naturally spent the day there. Since Qingmu and Liu Yunlan had taken Banli to Liujiatang, she and Huai Zi kept Madam Yang company. As was his custom, Zheng Changhe went to visit his great-aunt.