Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 124 - 124: 122 Comparison Ends in Discard: The Embarrassed Sisi

Ms. Zhao dared not say a word and kept her head down to eat, her eyes rolling non-stop, not knowing what strange ideas she was brewing.

Elder Mr. Di sensed something wrong, put down his bowl with a snap, picked up his pipe and forcefully knocked it a few times against the edge of the table, clearing his throat loudly.

“Third Child has had a tough life since childhood, never having tasted his mother’s milk. It was Hongyuan who raised him by feeding him rice paste. Later he separated from the family and lived on his own when he was still very young. I, as his father, couldn’t offer any help, even holding him back. Now that his wife is ill, it’s a good opportunity for him to take some action. We cannot be estranged from him. After all, he too is a part of my Di family’s lineage.”

Having said this, Elder Mr. Di swept a glance at everyone present. The implication of his stern gaze was apparent.

This was undoubtedly hinting to everyone about his final decision!

Ms. Zhao protested, “Father, what do you mean by that? Third Brother is a harbinger of disaster. Last time, Brother Gao escaped death narrowly because of him and got two of his front teeth broken! Even till now, his speech is impaired, fixing false teeth costs a fortune. If this leads to any other mishaps…”

“That’s what you all deserve!”

Elder Mr. Di slammed his pipe forcefully, “Do not think I am dying and ignorant of what you lot have been up to! You little rascals listen to me, as long as I, Elder Mr. Di am alive for one more day, I will remain the head of the Di family!”

He glared fiercely at each one of them. The implication of his words was quite clear.

Everyone started to avoid his gaze, no one dared to meet his eyes.

Over the years, he has loved Di Ah-bao the most. But it was this beloved child who almost annoyed him to death, not only did he not give him medicine, but he also acted as if nothing was wrong, showed no signs of remorse at all!

On the contrary, Third Child, whom he paid least regard to, sought the doctors and brought medication for him, looked after him day and night.

Not to mention bringing food over for him every two or three days…

It’s not that one doesn’t appreciate it, it’s that comparison brings out the value!

Di Ah-Bao has indeed hurt him deeply this time.

Elder Mr. Di closed his eyes in pain, faintly moved his numb left hand, held his powerless leg, and remembered Third Child’s goodness towards himself. He felt ashamed.

“Di Cheng! Hurry up and take it to your Third Uncle. I dare to see who would dare to say no!”

Only after Elder Mr. Di’s words, did Di Cheng dare to come to the Di family with the bamboo basket under the green glances of everyone.

“Since it is a gift from father, you can just set it in the hall.”

Di Yelei nodded to show that he understood, secretly thinking that once Sisi got better, he would accompany her to thank the old house.

However, there were only a few reasonable people over there at the old house. He must protect her, so that she wouldn’t get bullied.

“Alright, Third Uncle.”

Di Cheng’s actions were quick, he put the basket in the hall and then turned and left. He began rolling up his trouser legs. “Third Uncle, let me help you dig!”

While talking, he got down into the water canal.

“No… well, you can just dig along the edge.” Di Yelei tried to stop him, but Di Cheng was already in the water.

“Okay!”

Di Cheng smiled heartily, picking up the pickaxe and started to dig into the soil. His laughter bore a striking resemblance to Di Yelei’s.

Among the younger generation, the one who Di Yelei liked most was naturally Di Cheng. It wasn’t only because of Di Cheng’s honest and straightforward personality, but also because he was always willing to contribute and never tried to dodge work, unlike other people in the old house.

“Third Uncle, grandfather has stopped taking his medicine for two days. The old doctor had initially said he has to take the medicine for three months,” Di Cheng said in a low voice, conveniently shoveling the muck into the basket.

“Why has he stopped taking the medicine? Is it because we ran out of money? That can’t be! Didn’t we brothers set aside some money for the medicine? Why hasn’t it been continued?” Di Yelei frowned, halting his work.

“Grandfather took the money and prevented us from getting the medicine, but he didn’t say why.” Di Cheng quickly swung around the pickaxe.

Di Yelei was stunned before immediately understanding. His father was disappointed in everyone, wasn’t he?

It wasn’t until the evening when Di Yelei had some free time to open the bamboo basket Di Cheng brought. Inside there were twenty eggs, a small handful of lotus seeds, a root wrapped in red thread, and on top of that, 500 silver coins.

Di Yelei picked up the root and examined it repeatedly.

This was one of the roots of the 120 year-old wild ginseng from Dr. He’s prescription last time. Due to its value, and the fact that there were only three roots in total, Di Yelei naturally remembered it very clearly.

Who would’ve thought that dad gave it to Sisi!

Tightly clenching the root in his hand, his heart felt sour and an indescribable feeling roiled within him.

Liu Sisi had been lying down for three days before her temperature gradually stabilised.

Upon waking up, Liu Sisi felt her body brimming with energy! It was as if the stress from the past days had all been released, and her spirits improved tenfold. The swelling on her hand had also deflated, indicating that the inflammation was under control.

After putting on the clean clothes by her side, she tried to comb her long hair. A task that used to be so simple was now incredibly difficult. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t wind her hair up and could only hastily tie it loosely with a hair cord before exiting the room.

Di Yelei, who was bustling around in the courtyard chopping firewood, was soaked in sweat. Upon seeing her figure, his eyes instantly lit up.

The little woman looked at him shyly, the reflection of him mirrored in her sparking eyes, as pure as a serene blue sky.

“Sisi, you’re up? How are you feeling? You should rest some more, don’t catch a cold by going out.”

Liu Sisi looked at the open firewood room, which was filled with freshly chopped firewood.

“I chopped down two big trees in the mountains today and directly dragged them back. It’s already autumn, this firewood will come in handy in winter,” Di Yelei explained casually, as if dragging back two big trees was as easy as picking up two onions.

This man was really committed!

“It’s fine! My fever has already subsided.”

A warmth rose in Liu Sisi’s heart and she lightly laughed, walking closer to him. She took out a handkerchief from her clothes and carefully wiped the sweat off his forehead, picking out the dead leaves stuck to his hair at the same time.

“You, why are you working so hard? It’s impossible to get everything done at once. You dragged back two big trees, that must’ve taken a lot of strength. Why don’t you let them dry out in the mountains a bit and haul them back when there’s less moisture?”

“It didn’t take that much strength. I’m just a bit more tired than usual, a little rest will suffice.”

He cheerfully accepted the handkerchief, wiping his sweat off with practiced ease. He wanted to return it to Liu Sisi, but seeing the dirt stains on it, he shyly retracted his hand.

“It’s dirty. I’ll wash it clean later, let it dry, and then give it back to you.”