The next morning, I had steamed buns with two kinds of fillings, cornmeal porridge, a big bowl of egg soup, and some green cucumber pickles, which is a very good breakfast even in modern times.
After a few days, the whole family got used to it. This time no one was puzzled and they all lowered their heads to eat as soon as they sat down at the table.
After the meal, Zhulan gave the prepared buns to her third and fourth sons who were going to school, "Two each, to fill your stomach at noon."
The third son Zhou Changlian did not answer. Instead, he whispered, "Mom, Dad will be angry. Don't let Dad see you and scold you. Put it back quickly."
Zhulan's smile deepened. This boy was indeed selfish, but he was not a bad person and had some conscience.
The fourth son Zhou Changzhi helped to keep watch, "Mom, please take it back quickly, we are not hungry."
Zhulan stuffed two servings of buns directly into her sons' arms. "This is what your father asked me to give you. I'll bring it to you every day. Go quickly and don't be late."
The third brother believed it this time. No one is stupid enough to want to go hungry. He felt warm in his heart. It was impossible to say that he had no resentment during this period. The family had three meals a day, but they were hungry for two meals. As for the high cost of studying, his two elder brothers had also spent that money. He was not special.
Zhulan looked at the third child. This child was young after all and couldn't control his expression. This child had resentment in his heart and he had reached a rebellious age. No wonder he only thought about himself.
After seeing her two sons off, Zhulan asked the eldest son to borrow an ox cart and then turned around to tell her about the third son.
Zhou Shuren put down the book in his hand and said, "I saw it the day before yesterday. Raising a child is like learning literature. I will try my best to treat them equally in the future!"
Zhulan thought to herself, fortunately they are teammates. Zhou Shuren is much more cunning than her. Fortunately, they were honest with each other from the beginning and they trusted each other. Otherwise, they would not be able to live together in the future.
This time I was prepared and the thick carpet was less bumpy and more comfortable, at least I didn't feel nauseous anymore.
It was still the same clinic as last time. The doctor was deeply impressed by Zhulan's family, especially Zhulan. It was rare for her to spend money to take care of her health even though she was not well dressed.
The doctor examined Zhou Shuren first. "You are recovering well. I'll prescribe three doses of medicine to consolidate your recovery. The rest will be fine after you slowly recuperate."
Zhou Shuren felt that his health was not good. "Doctor, please prescribe some more tonic medicine for me!"
The doctor paused while writing the prescription. The old couple really valued their lives. "Okay."
Then it was Zhulan's turn. The doctor stroked his beard and said, "The effect is good."
Zhulan also prescribed seven doses of medicine, plus Zhou Shuren's medicine. This time he had a heavy bleeding, and a total of less than three taels of silver was spent. Fortunately, the two sons were sent away, otherwise I don't know what they would think.
The eldest and second oldest sons knew how much silver the family had and thought it was more than ten taels. They spent more than three taels at once, and this was just the beginning. Even more would be spent in the future. Even if the family was filial, they would eventually become alienated. Zhulan and Zhou Shuren would rather keep it a secret than gamble.
After leaving the clinic, Zhulan went straight to the grain store. She went there mainly to buy millet. Millet porridge is good for the stomach, but it is not cheap. The output of millet is too low. One pound costs eight cents, which is almost as much as the price of pork.
I bought a lot of salt and soy sauce, planning to pickle some vegetables when I get home. Finally, I thought of my children and bought some candies.
I didn’t buy anything else as I don’t need any at home.
After returning home, Zhou Shuren took his eldest brother to clean the fish basket and brought back a full basin.
Zhulan was delighted, "This is too much."
Zhou Shuren, "It's quite a lot. I'll fry some small fish in the evening and buy some tofu to make fish soup."
Zhulan understood that this was because she was thinking about her two sons who were studying, but there was also a trick to make the two sons realize that they were being thought of and valued. It was a scheming trick. "Okay, then how about raising the rest?"