Chapter 217: “divine Porridge”
“How to make it?” Huang Xiulan asked.
Third Aunt had education, what she said was all reasonable, she wouldn’t go wrong listening to her.
Lin Zhao asked back: “Is there rice at home?”
“There is, there is.” Huang Xiulan said two “theres” in a row, then said: “Your elder brother feels sorry for Li Bao and can’t eat anything, so he found a way to exchange for a bowl of rice, is that enough? If not, I’ll ask him to exchange for more.”
Her worry for her son reached its peak.
She no longer thought about saving money, only wanted Li Bao to get better quickly.
“Enough.” Lin Zhao’s voice softened, “The method is very simple, with meat, rice, green vegetables… that’s enough.”
She briefly explained the method.
Huang Xiulan was used to cooking, Lin Zhao just mentioned it briefly and she understood.
Lin Zhao instructed Yu Bao: “Yu Bao, go home and get the meat covered by the net basin on the cutting board, for your good brother to eat.”
“Okay!” Yu Bao responded, pulling Heng Bao away.
Heng Bao shouted in a loud voice: “Bro, why are you pulling me, I haven’t seen Li Bao yet.”
“Can’t look. Mom said little friends have weak resistance and are easily attacked by viruses. If we get sick, Mom has to take care of two people, too hard, we have to hold back and try not to get sick.” Yu Bao solemnly instructed his younger brother.
Heng Bao asked: “Can I talk to Li Bao from far away? I haven’t seen him for a long time, he must miss me!”
Lin Zhao was speechless.
Indeed an inflated little friend.
How confident this was, not even saying he himself missed Li Bao.
Yu Bao said: “Li Bao misses me too.”
“Of course.” Heng Bao said confidently, “We are his good brothers, of course he misses us.”
Thinking of Li Bao being sick and uncomfortable, eating poorly, sleeping poorly, his eyes were full of sympathy, “Li Bao is so pitiful.”
As soon as Heng Bao’s words fell, Yu Bao remembered the candied chestnuts hadn’t been given to Li Bao yet, ran back, and reminded Lin Zhao: “Mom, the sweet chestnuts, don’t forget to give to Li Bao.”
Then ran away.
Before Lin Zhao could respond, Huang Xiulan movedly said: “Yu Bao and Heng Bao are so caring for Tie Chui.”
These words were heard by Li Bao who came out to the outhouse, the little guy stopped in his tracks, looked at his mom dissatisfied, very seriously: “Li Bao, I said call me Li Bao, Mom you forgot again. Cough cough cough…”
Halfway through speaking, he coughed, his little face turning red.
He covered his mouth, turned sideways, not facing Lin Zhao.
Didn’t forget to call her, “Third Aunt.”
Lin Zhao’s heart softened a bit, untied the bag containing chestnuts, took out a soft and glutinous chestnut, and stuffed it into his mouth.
“Yu Bao and Heng Bao specially saved it for you, try it.”
Little Li Bao looked at the snack Third Aunt brought to his mouth, his eyes crossed, unconsciously opening his pale little mouth, eating it in.
Subconsciously bit open, sweet and soft.
Completely different from what was made at home before.
“Third Aunt, delicious.” Li Bao’s voice was raspy, he coughed badly, vocal cords somewhat damaged, his speaking voice had changed.
“The delicious ones are all saved for you, eat one when hungry.” Lin Zhao rubbed Li Bao’s head, hands sticky.
It was sweat and oil from the little friend’s head.
The weather had been cool lately, no sun even during the day. Huang Xiulan didn’t dare to wash her son, afraid he’d catch cold and worsen, only wiped his body for little Li Bao, he always sweated, body sticky.
Lin Zhao’s face stiffened slightly.
Considering the child’s self-esteem, didn’t show wanting to wipe hands, gave the chestnuts to Huang Xiulan, put hands in pockets, wiped the stickiness on fingers on the handkerchief.
Perfect.
Li Bao didn’t know he had oiled his Third Aunt, tilting his much thinner little face, speaking voice with the softness unique to children.
“Thank you Third Aunt.”
“No need to thank, get well soon, Yu Bao and Heng Bao are looking forward to going to school with you.” Lin Zhao’s tone gentle, “When you’re better, come stay in the county for a few days.”
Li Bao rarely went to the county, long envied the twins often going to the county, interested in the movie theater, supply and marketing cooperative… they talked about.
Last time his dad took him to the county, only went to the county hospital, didn’t go to what he wanted.
Hearing this, Li Bao’s dark eyes lit up, clenched little hands, “I’ll get better soon.”
He paused, added: “…Even going to the clinic is fine.”
Huang Xiulan excited: “Li Bao, you’re willing to go to the clinic now?”
She wanted to take her son a few days ago, but the child cried badly, crying and coughing, as if unable to breathe, she feared Tie Chui would cry his throat bad, didn’t dare force too much.
Even Mother-in-law came to persuade, cried as soon as mentioned, sobbing, Gu Mu didn’t have the heart, went to the clinic herself, explained grandson’s symptoms, got medicine prescribed.
In the countryside, treating illness wasn’t so particular, many reluctant to spend on doctor, would find herbs to boil and drink themselves.
Li Bao’s little face twisted, “…Mm.”
He stretched out chicken-claw-like skinny little hand, first showed two, then one, bargaining: “Wait two more… no, one day. If still not better, then go.”
That voice hoarse like scrubbed with steel wool.
Huang Xiulan thought one day was fine, so nodded: “It’s a deal.”
Li Bao reluctantly nodded.
Felt little belly bloated, rushed to the outhouse.
“Run slower, careful of the wind.” Huang Xiulan shouted.
Seeing Li Bao didn’t reply, like holding it in badly, entered the outhouse, she laughed and scolded: “Stinky boy, not worry-free at all.”
After speaking, Huang Xiulan looked at Lin Zhao, “Stayed home holding it for over half a month, bored bad. As soon as Yu Bao Heng Bao came back, he perked up!”
Lin Zhao smiled faintly, “The bond of growing up together, no one can leave anyone.”
She glanced at the outhouse, finally couldn’t hold back: “If the child keeps feeling bad, still need to see a doctor soon, lest delay the illness.”
Though in the original book, little Tie Chui grew up safe and sound, but who knows if accidents might happen. Any accident on a person is a devastating disaster.
Huang Xiulan knew Third Aunt was good for her own Li Bao, smiled: “Will do.”
“Blame your elder brother, if not for him unable to outstubborn Li Bao, taking him to the hospital, Li Bao wouldn’t be scared like this, jumps at the mention of seeing a doctor.” Words full of resentment.
Lin Zhao said something fair, “Gu Chenghuai couldn’t stand four kids begging him. Elder Brother also saw Li Bao rarely goes to county, who knew that would happen.”
Everyone knows the reason, but when it falls on own child, parents always want to smash the culprit’s head.
“You’re right, it’s just… Li Bao afraid of doctors, this isn’t a thing either.” Huang Xiulan worried.
Lin Zhao comforted: “There’ll be a way when the time comes.”
“Yeah.” Huang Xiulan temporarily set aside these irritations, said again: “Pity your Fourth Brother isn’t here, otherwise Li Bao would be cured long ago.”
She gave thumbs up: “Your Fourth Brother’s medical skill is this.”
Lin Zhao slightly raised chin, tone proud: “My Fourth Brother learned medical skill from Grandpa Meng very early, he has talent and works hard, high medical skill not surprising. Brigade people’s illnesses are minor, naturally easy for him.”
Huang Xiulan praised once, Lin Zhao’s praises came like free, one after another, clearly proud of her Fourth Brother’s achievements.
“Yes.” Huang Xiulan chimed in, sincerely: “Doctor Meng not only has high medical skill, but also a benevolent heart.”
Not her flattering Third Aunt, facts were so.
Before, when two Doctor Mengs lived at Gu Family, whoever in village had illness, they would help diagnose and treat, prescribed medicine very cheap, if people really couldn’t afford, only charged some vegetables, all good doctors.
Lin Zhao laughed out, “I’ll write a letter to tell my Fourth Brother everyone’s feedback.”
Huang Xiulan slapped thigh, “Should say, should say.”
Just talking, twins brought meat over.
Put down meat, two little brothers rushed straight to Li Bao’s room, didn’t get close, craned necks shouting: “Li Bao, we’re here.”
Their voices just fell, Li Bao clutching pants rushed out of outhouse, face showing brilliant smile, with that voice unfamiliar to twins, excitedly: “Yu Bao, Heng Bao, you’re back.”
“I haven’t seen you for so long.”
Though happy, he remembered he was sick, kept two meters away, afraid to transmit virus to Yu Bao and Heng Bao.
Being sick is so uncomfortable, can’t eat well, sleep well, no strength all over, nothing tastes good, Li Bao didn’t want Yu Bao Heng Bao same as him.
Third Aunt said, sick people have dirty stuff on body, will transmit to those with poor health, he can’t get close to Yu Bao and Heng Bao.
“Li Bao, why’s your voice like this? How are you? Head still hurt?” Yu Bao asked caringly.
“Still a bit hot, cough cough cough…” Li Bao too excited, wind rushed into throat, coughed a while, said: “I’m much better, wait I rest more, can go to school with you. Third Aunt lets me stay in county few days, then I’ll sleep with you.”
Yu Bao serious little face, “Good, then you be good take medicine, listen to Eldest Uncle’s Wife.”
“Mm!” Li Bao solemnly agreed.
Heng Bao stepped forward two steps, remembering brother’s words, didn’t get too close, asked: “Li Bao, did you taste the candied chestnuts?”
Li Bao: “Tasted, sweet, soft, really delicious.”
“Get better quick, when better, I’ll take you to eat hot ones, hot even better.” Heng Bao said.
He and Yu Bao both had piggy banks, usually money stuffed to them, they put in, from several uncles, elder aunt, grandfather grandmother, great uncle maternal great aunt…
Lin Zhao roughly calculated, two kids had quite a fortune.
Children’s money, she didn’t ask, let two little brothers arrange themselves.
From observation, two kids didn’t spend much, once she saw two little brothers heads together, saying something, to save money, later buy big car and airplane.
Lin Zhao almost burst out laughing on spot, good thing held back, else didn’t know two kids’ hearts would shatter into how many pieces.
Li Bao grinned foolishly, “Heng Bao you’re so good, Yu Bao too.”
Two boys looking very similar had colorful little flowers blooming in hearts, curved up starry eyes.
Three kids talking two meters apart, very serious, especially cute.
After they talked a bit, Lin Zhao spoke: “…Let Li Bao rest, talk when he’s better.”
Two kids reluctantly stopped.
Reluctantly bid farewell to Li Bao, then left with mom.
After they left, Huang Xiulan opened the cloth bag Lin Zhao brought, looked, a bag of red dates, several apples, some rice.
Her Third Aunt really generous.
Huang Xiulan happily said: “Li Bao, your Third Aunt gave you red dates, Mom will soak water for you later.”
Heartachingly touched son’s emaciated face, “So thin, need to nourish well.”
Li Bao obediently nodded, “Mm.”
When body uncomfortable, can’t help want to sleep, with Yu Bao Heng Bao there, his spirit okay, once gone, no strength left.
Li Bao yawned, “Mom, want to sleep.”
“Okay, you sleep first, when rice done, I’ll call you.” Huang Xiulan saw son dazed, carried him to room.
These days caring for sick Li Bao, she only worked half day, afraid child have mishap.
Put Li Bao on bed, covered small quilt, tucked corners.
Then to kitchen cook congee.
Huang Xiulan worried Li Bao still no appetite, or eat and vomit, made with heart suspended, every step as Lin Zhao said.
Half hour later.
Kitchen wafted fragrance.
Tie Dan came home, smelled, clung to kitchen door, “Mom, what you making, so fragrant.”
“Vegetable and lean meat congee.” Huang Xiulan glanced, said: “Your brother vomits whatever he eats, your Third Aunt told me, this congee good for him, I’ll try.”
Tie Dan licked lips, didn’t fuss to eat, nose tip twitched quickly few times, hard moved gaze away.
“I found some wild fruit, washed, I’ll give to Li Bao.”
Words fell, going to brother’s room.
Since brother sick, eldest sensible a lot. Huang Xiulan heart softened, called him: “Li Bao asleep, put aside first, this congee plenty, you and sister half bowl each.”
Tie Dan greedy, eyes expectant, “Really?”
“Mom how suddenly so generous, let me drink white rice congee! Don’t you always dislike me, eat nothing left?”
Huang Xiulan instantly no motherly kindness, wanted to beat him.
“Eat or not, not give to your dad!”
She traditional, good things at home, first to kids, then to man, rarely herself eat or use.
Good thing husband she married, kids born all good, whatever good things… also think of her.
Tie Dan hurriedly: “I eat, I eat!”
He muttered, “Just saying, didn’t say not eat…”
Huang Xiulan glared, “Want eat shut mouth.”
Words so many, annoying.
Tie Dan shut mouth.
Can eat meat congee, shut mouth nothing, even hospital not speak okay.
“Rice from your Third Aunt.” Huang Xiulan told son.
Third Aunt good to two sons, she must tell them, let remember grace.
Tie Dan: “Mom rest assured, Third Aunt’s good to us, I remember all, later definitely filial to Third Uncle Third Aunt.”
Huang Xiulan eyes flashed complex.
Afraid Third Branch doesn’t need.
Whole Gu Family, Third Branch probably most promising.
She didn’t strike son’s confidence, only said: “With Yu Bao Heng Bao, your Third Uncle Third Aunt probably don’t need.”
Three years see old, those two boys smart and filial, when grown… definitely can support Third Branch.
Tie Dan showed disapproval, “Always places Yu Bao Heng Bao miss.”
They don’t have three heads six arms, definitely times need help, then his Gu Zhixing time to step up.
Huang Xiulan glanced at son’s overconfident facial expression, said no more.
Scoop small half bowl for Tie Dan, small bowl for Tie Chui, rest for Gu Lan, went to Li Bao’s room.
Woke not-so-soundly sleeping Li Bao, let him drink congee.
Li Bao nose stuffy, couldn’t smell stink or fragrance, mom brought congee to face, then smelled fragrance, dazed eyes lit up.
“Mom, fragrant.” Speaking voice even hoarser.
Huang Xiulan heartbroken, fed him congee, “Try, see if like, don’t force if not, Mom peel apple for you.”
Li Bao sat up, leaned on flower-patched small pillow, coughed few times, drank congee mom blew and blew, fed to mouth.
Vegetable congee had liked green vegetables, white rice, most loved meat, tasted good.
Little friend eyes lit after one taste.
“Mom, delicious.” he said.
Huang Xiulan overjoyed, hurriedly fed son.
She fed, Li Bao opened mouth ate, soon finished small bowl congee.
Li Bao sweated, “Mom, I’m sweating.”
“Sweating good.” Huang Xiulan wiped forehead sweat, “Mom wipe you, don’t wash yet, wait fully better then wash.”
Li Bao obediently nodded.
Pulled up by mom wiped body with wet towel, comfortably fell asleep again.
Lin Zhao didn’t know these, more didn’t know Eldest Brother’s Wife later revered vegetable and lean meat congee as divine congee, recommended to anyone sick.
She arrived at Gu Family Old House, wanted to ask Gu Fu how mushroom planting going…
