Chapter 33: Choice

That evening, the Zhang family was unusually lively, more so than it had been since the New Year. The heavy burden on everyone's hearts was temporarily cast aside. During dinner, Zhang Cai even poured himself a few cups of wine to celebrate his son's recovery. After the meal, everyone busied themselves with farm work under the oil lamp, enthusiastically discussing how to plant crops in the fields after the spring, how to fertilize the newly opened fields on the hillside, and the division of labor among the three brothers, Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaohu, and Zhang Xiaohua. It seemed as if spring plowing was just around the corner, and they were filled with hope.

Under the flickering lamp, no one noticed the desolate look on Liu Qian's face. Nor did they notice the thoughtful gaze of Zhang Xiaohua.

The next morning, Liu Qian got up very reluctantly. She had been tossing and turning with anxiety the previous night and only fell asleep when it was just getting light. After getting up, she found her eyes a bit red and her complexion not good. Guo Sufei even asked her if she was sick.

After breakfast, everyone went about their own business. It was already February, and the weather was getting warmer. Zhang Cai and the others checked their farming tools to see if any needed repair. They also took the seeds from the cellar to dry in the sun. The ice in the river was melting, and the fields should be thawed and ready for plowing. Spring was coming.

While helping Guo Sufei spread the seeds in the sun, Liu Qian suddenly heard someone calling her: "Qianqian~"

It was such a familiar voice. She quickly looked up, her gaze passing over the still low wall of the Zhang family's house. She saw her father, Uncle Liu the Butcher, and her cousin Liu Yuanyuan standing at the door.

She exclaimed in surprise, "Daddy~" and then, like a little swallow, flew to the door, holding her father's hand. She hadn't seen her family for nearly half a month and couldn't help but feel emotional, her eyes red and her nose tingling.

Liu Yuanyuan said from the side, "Sister, I'm here too. Didn't you see me?"

Liu Qian also held her hand and said, "I saw you, how could I not? I only have one sister as beautiful as a celestial being, how could I miss you?"

Liu Yuanyuan giggled and said, "Sister, look at you. Just a few days without seeing Daddy, and your eyes are already red. Don't say I cry easily anymore; you're not much better. Oh, your complexion is so bad. Did you suffer here? But, that's not right. Your skin seems finer and whiter than before, and you've even gained a little weight. How can you have become so beautiful in just ten days, almost catching up to me?"

Liu Qian scolded her, "You little brat, you're just flattering me with sweet words."

Liu Yuanyuan hurriedly said, "Really, Sister, I'm not lying. If you don't believe me, look in the mirror."

Liu Qian's heart stirred, and she didn't respond.

How could Mr. Liu and Uncle Liu the Butcher notice these things? They just thought the two girls were playing.

At this moment, Zhang Cai also came out with his family to welcome them.

Mr. Liu quickly stepped forward and greeted Zhang Cai, "Old Brother, it's been a while. How is your health?"

Zhang Cai also returned the greeting, "Thanks to my younger brother. I'm much better now. Look, I've even thrown away my crutches."

Then he had Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaohu, and Zhang Xiaohua come forward to greet them.

Mr. Liu had met everyone before, but at that time, the two brothers were lying in bed. This time, seeing these two young men with their dignified and composed demeanor, he couldn't help but admire them in his heart: "These two boys, though ordinary in appearance, have a rare inner composure. Despite not having read many books, they have such a noble aura. They are truly teachable." He quickly helped the three of them up and said with a smile, "It's great to see that both of you are recovering well. However, Xiaolong, you need to be careful with your injuries. You should rest for a hundred days before doing any heavy work. Don't overwork yourself for the sake of the farm. Oh, by the way, how did you get the splints removed in just ten days?"

Zhang Xiaolong moved his arm and said, "I'll be careful, Uncle. As you can see, my arm is almost fine. Although I can't do heavy work, I think I can handle light farm work in a few days."

Uncle Liu the Butcher chimed in, "Your body is really strong, nephew. Our village's Wang Er fell while cutting wood and had to stay in bed for half a year. You're better in just a few days? Let me see."

As he said this, he reached out to grab Zhang Xiaolong's arm. Liu Qian, who was standing nearby, quickly blocked his hand and said, "Uncle, your hands are used to lifting heavy pigs. Xiaolong's arm is just getting better. If you grab it like that, you might hurt it again."

Uncle Liu the Butcher awkwardly pulled back his hand and laughed, "Then I won't look, I won't look."

Liu Yuanyuan, standing nearby, seemed to notice something and nudged Liu Qian with her elbow, winking at her playfully.

Liu Qian's face turned red, and she felt uneasy.

Fortunately, at this moment, Mr. Liu noticed Zhang Xiaohua and patted his head affectionately, saying, "Xiaohua, you've grown so much in just a few days. I think by the end of the year, you'll catch up to your two brothers. And your eyes, they shine with wisdom. You seem much more mature."

This was true. When Mr. Liu first met Zhang Xiaohua, he had just been beaten by a bully and was worried about his father and brother's injuries, so he looked gloomy and listless. Now that his family was recovering, his mood was much better. There was also a reason unknown to others, which made him look different.

Zhang Xiaohua, being a clever boy, looked up and said, "Uncle, it's all thanks to Liu Sister. She not only took care of my brother and helped our mother with household chores but also taught me many things and helped me recognize many characters. With her influence, I've become more mature."

These words made Mr. Liu very happy, and he laughed heartily, saying, "Good child, good child. Old Brother, I envy you for having such good children."

Zhang Cai modestly replied, "We haven't been strict enough in raising them, and they haven't read many books. My younger brother, you're too kind."

Mr. Liu disagreed, "Not at all, not at all. This is a natural quality, not something that can be cultivated later. Even if you had a fortune, it would be hard to find such good boys."

Uncle Liu the Butcher said, "Stop flattering each other. We're old friends. After walking all morning, my throat is parched. Let's go inside and have some water."

Zhang Cai and Mr. Liu both laughed and quickly led everyone into the main room.

Everyone sat down to talk, while Guo Sufei and Liu Qian went to boil water and make tea. Liu Yuanyuan followed them.

While the water was heating, Guo Sufei went to fetch the tea leaves. Liu Yuanyuan quietly asked Liu Qian, "Sister, do you have a crush on Zhang Xiaolong?"

Liu Qian blushed and said, "What crush? I don't have one."

Liu Yuanyuan mocked her, "Looking at your blushing face and dreamy eyes, I can tell you're in love. Why don't you admit it?"

Liu Qian said, "You little brat, why are you so full of sweet talk? Didn't you come to see Zhang Xiaohu?"

Liu Yuanyuan, hearing this, said seriously, "Sister, that's not right. Have you forgotten what we used to say? Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu are good people, and they saved us, but our ideal is to marry a well-read, charming, and handsome scholar. They are farmers, and they will spend their lives working in the fields. Do we want to be farmers for life? I was grateful to Zhang Xiaohu and had a good impression of him, but after careful thought, I don't want to jump into this fire. Sister, you need to think clearly too. This is a lifetime decision. If you choose wrong, you'll regret it."

Liu Qian then put on a serious face and said, "Yes, Yuanyuan, I feel the same way. Although I hope my husband is a scholar, I've met many scholars over the years, and none have left as deep an impression on me as Zhang Xiaolong. He has a quality and courage that most people lack. I've only known him for a short month, but this short time has been more profound than many people's entire lives. I can't describe my feelings to you; they are indescribable. Actually, your choice is not wrong, and neither is mine. Everyone has their own freedom and must make their own choices."

Liu Yuanyuan smiled bitterly and said, "Sister, I hope your choice is right. In the future..."

Liu Qian interrupted her, "It's too early to say that. I haven't made my final decision yet."

Liu Yuanyuan didn't press further, and both of them fell silent.

Soon, Guo Sufei brought out the tea leaves, and the water was boiling. Liu Qian made the tea, and the three of them returned to the main room.

In the main room, everyone was laughing and chatting happily.

Liu Qian poured the tea for everyone and sat down silently, lost in thought.

The Zhang family was used to drinking this tea and didn't pay much attention. Uncle Liu the Butcher drank it like a bull, not tasting it. Liu Yuanyuan, who seemed to have something on her mind, took a sip absentmindedly and put the cup down, not even noticing Zhang Xiaohu's glance.

Only Mr. Liu, after taking a casual sip, suddenly changed his expression. He took a second sip, frowned deeply, and then smelled the tea in the cup before taking a third sip. He was surprised and about to speak.

Zhang Cai, seeing Mr. Liu take three sips, quickly asked, "Younger Brother, is there something wrong with the tea? Is it not good?"

Mr. Liu said, "Not at all, it's not bad, it's too good. Old Brother, what kind of tea is this?"

Zhang Cai, embarrassed, said, "Younger Brother, I don't know. We never drink tea at home. This is the tea Liu Qian brought from your house."

Mr. Liu turned to Liu Qian and asked, "Qianqian, is this the tea you brought from home?"

Liu Qian, lost in thought, quickly replied, "What, Father? What are you asking me?"

---

(End of the page)