Look how eloquently he speaks, he called out to everyone in the row. Ms. Liu was so delighted, "What a good child!"
"Auntie, why isnât brother coming down to play? I want to play with my brothers." Chen Yazhu looked at Lele and Yangyang, cradled in her arms, and really wanted to touch them. Her little heart thought that her brotherâs cheeks looked just like steamed buns.
Auntie here refers to Yang Chuxia. With this, in the order of the younger generation, Yang Lichun and her siblings were no longer included, thus Yang Ruoqiu became the Eldest, Yang Dongzhi the Second, and Yang Chuxia the Third.
"Your brother is still little. He doesnât know how to walk yet. Once he can walk, heâll be able to play with you."
Chen Yazhu then tilted her head and asked, "When will they be able to walk then?"
"Well, by the time the New Year has passed and you can wear lighter clothes, the two of them will be able to walk."
Chen Yazhu thought for a moment and then sighed, "Thatâs still a long wait."
Seeing him talk like an adult despite his small stature was quite amusing.
Yang Ruoqiu said, "This little guy got up early in the morning and started clamoring to play with his brothers. I told him his brothers were still asleep, and that finally calmed him down."
"In a while, Iâll put the brothers in the cart, Yazhu, remember to take care of your brothers when you play, okay?"
"Auntie, I will watch over my brothers," Chen Yazhu said as she bounced around, trying to grab Leleâs hand, but unfortunately, she was too short.
Yang Ruoqiu quickly pulled him aside, "No more bouncing. Once weâre inside, your brother will be put in the cart."
Land Officerâs wife came out, only to see several people gathered at the doorway chatting.
"What are you all doing, blocking my doorstep? Come inside and talk."
"Grand-aunt, we were just about to come in."
Seeing Lele and Yangyang cradled in arms, the Land Officerâs wifeâs eyes crinkled with a smile, "These two little ones also came. Look, they seem to have gotten even more handsome in just a few days. Letâs go inside quickly, itâs still a bit chilly outside even though the weather is nice today."
Land Officer Yangâs house has also been renovated now, with a larger courtyard than before and many more brick and tile houses added.
It was similar to the third branch of the family, with a first and second entry for the courtyard, but without any enclosed courtyards within.
Yang Dayong and Ms. Liu lived in the second entry courtyard, and the Land Officerâs wife led Ms. Wang and the rest of the visitors inside.
"Sisters-in-law have arrived, and Xiaxia and Ruoqiu are here too."
Ms. Liu Junior, Yang Dayongâs wife, had just completed her postpartum month and came out upon hearing her mother-in-lawâs booming voice. Since there was already a Ms. Liu, Yang Daâanâs wife in the village, Yang Dayongâs wife was referred to as Ms. Liu Junior by the villagers.
"Oh, you just finished your postpartum month. Why are you coming out? Go back inside quickly. People who have just completed postpartum shouldnât be exposed to the wind." Seeing her come out, the Land Officerâs wife urged her to go back inside.
Yang Chuxia could tell that the grand-aunt was quite fond of this little aunt-in-law, and by the looks of it, she must have been well-cared for during her postpartum month.
"Whoâs being so delicate," Ms. Liu Junior laughed. "Some women get up during their postpartum month to wash clothes and dishes. I havenât moved at all for a whole month."
Ms. Wang then said, "Thatâs your grand-aunt caring for you."
"Sister-in-law is right. The whole month, my mother-in-law didnât let me do anything, sheâs even better to me than my own mother," Ms. Liu Junior replied.
The Land Officerâs wife laughed heartily, "Donât say that, or when your mother comes and hears this, she might get mad and storm off."
Only then did everyone notice that Ms. Liu Juniorâs family had not yet arrived.
Once they were inside, Ms. Liu Junior picked up the baby to show everyone, and Ms. Wang and others took the opportunity to present their full-month gifts.
"Look at you two, wasting money again."