Chapter 749 - 386: Are There Ghosts in the World?

Chapter 749: Chapter 386: Are There Ghosts in the World?

Juhua was delighted to see the napa cabbage. ’Eating some rice with fresh greens tonight will be much better than those cold meat dishes at the main table.’

She felt it was a shame when she didn’t see the woman add any oil, and wondered if they were short on it. But then, the young wife stir-fried for a moment before turning to lift the lid of an earthenware pot on the chopping board. Inside, the braised pork had congealed, a thick layer of white fat covering the top. She used her spatula to scrape a large dollop from the edge and tossed it into the wok, continuing to fry.

When the vegetables were done, she served them in a large earthenware basin, placed it on a small stool, and brought it before Juhua and Huai Zi. Then she lifted the lid of the rice pot, scraped out several large pieces of rice crust, folded them, and filled three bowls. She brought them over and said apologetically, "There’s no rice left, and the next pot isn’t ready. Please have some of these crusts for now. You can have a bowl of fresh rice when it’s cooked."

Juhua and Huai Zi were overjoyed. Juhua smiled and said, "Thank you so much. We love rice crusts! They’re delicious with the vegetables."

She was truly delighted. Inhaling the scorched aroma of the rice crusts, she used a large wooden ladle to scoop up a big spoonful of the vegetables, pouring it, broth and all, over her portion. She added a second scoop before she was satisfied, then handed the ladle to Pu Pao. The yellow-green cabbage leaves and white stalks piled high on the glistening golden crusts. After taking a bite, she praised the young wife, "These vegetables are delicious!"

The young wife pursed her lips in a smile. She glanced around, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She brought over a coarse porcelain bowl filled with chili sauce. Huai Zi and Pu Pao’s faces lit up at the sight, but Juhua’s fell—she couldn’t eat spicy food.

The young wife sat before the opening of the stove, tending the fire while watching them eat. Seeing them enjoy the meal with such relish made her happy, but she also felt compelled to explain, a little embarrassed, that she wasn’t allowed to use the meat—it wasn’t that she didn’t want to cook it for them.

Huai Zi quickly said, "We don’t want meat, or else we would’ve eaten at the main tables. Please, you don’t have to say that."

Juhua looked at her gratefully. ’She isn’t supposed to touch the meat, yet she secretly scooped out a spoonful of the fat to cook the greens for us. This young wife is a truly good person. She hasn’t grilled us about who we are or asked a bunch of questions. She just keeps smiling quietly. She’s actually rather shy—the very picture of a virtuous wife.’

It was warm inside the thatched shed. After they finished eating, the three of them chatted with the young wife. They learned she was the wife of the third son of the Yu Family’s main branch, and that everyone called her the "resident daughter-in-law." "Third Granny was a good person," she said with a soft sigh. "With her gone, the Yu Family has lost a respected elder whose words carried weight. None of us wanted to see her go."

A short while later, someone came to get rice to take to the east room—where the banquet was being held. They looked surprised to see Juhua and her companions, but they didn’t have time to ask questions. After dishing up the freshly cooked rice, they hurried back inside.

Soon after, people who had finished eating began to drift into the courtyard. Gradually, the area grew crowded. The air filled with a chaotic din—guests saying their goodbyes, helpers being told to clear the dishes, and shouts for those who hadn’t eaten yet to take their seats for the second round.

Madam Yang came out carrying a basket of bowls and chopsticks dripping with sauce. Juhua rushed over to help, squatting beside her at the well to wash them.

Madam Yang’s heart ached for her daughter. She whispered, "I can handle the work here. You go get some rest. Your sister-in-law already took Hulu to lie down in the back. I’ll have Chuntao take you two over as well." Then she called out for Chuntao.

Looking at her mother, who was clearly showing a bit of favoritism, Juhua felt a warmth spread through her heart. She and Pu Pao had no choice but to follow Chuntao, while Huai Zi was naturally found a different place to stay.

That night, Juhua and Liu Yunlan were resting in the East Wing of the back courtyard, crammed into one bed with Pu Pao and Hulu. Perhaps it was because of the earlier drama in the mourning hall; she hadn’t felt it while surrounded by people, but now, lying in the quiet darkness, the clamor from the front courtyard and the whispers from the room next door seemed impossibly far away. Juhua stared into the pitch-black room, the hair on her arms standing on end, possessed by the unnerving feeling that someone else was there with them.

Unable to sleep, she hugged Liu Yunlan tightly. The funniest thing was Pu Pao. After being so bold earlier—even crawling under the coffin—she was now huddled next to Juhua, whispering fearfully, "Young Madam, I’m scared... I can’t sleep!"

This made Juhua find Pu Pao’s earlier boldness in the mourning hall all the more baffling and strange. Not knowing what to say, she just swallowed hard and said, "Don’t be afraid. You helped the late mistress. She’s very grateful to you!"

That was the wrong thing to say. The moment the words were out, Pu Pao dove headfirst under the covers, her muffled voice trembling, "I... don’t need... her thanks."

Both amused and frightened herself, Juhua quickly rolled over and pulled Pu Pao into her arms to comfort her.

Liu Yunlan, who had been drifting off to sleep, was roused by the commotion. "What’s wrong, Juhua?" she asked softly. "Can’t you sleep?"

Juhua felt terrible for waking her and said quickly, "I’m sorry, Yunlan. I... I was a little scared, so I came over to sleep next to you."