Chapter 13: Do You Think She's Easy to Bully Just Because She's Young?

“Mother, not just two hundred and fifty qian per string, we sold a total of two hundred and fifty qian worth of pears. Father’s medicine and the bean powder cakes together cost fifty copper coins. Plus the rice and flour gifted by the wealthy household, when converted, that’s quite a sum!”

With the tension lifted, Su Da and Su Er sat back down by the fire, vividly recounting their experience selling the pears.

In the bitter midwinter, fresh fruit was naturally scarce. The moment Su Da and Su Er appeared at the market carrying baskets of pears, they attracted quite a bit of attention.

Moreover, the pears they brought were truly exquisite—bright in color, uniformly sized, flawless skin, and hefty to the hand. Experts could tell quality at a glance.

The brothers were fortunate as well. Just as they found a spot to set up their stall, a servant from a wealthy family approached, took them through the back door of the estate, and after consulting the master, led them to meet him. They sold all the pears in less than half an hour.

“The young master of that wealthy family grabbed a pear right there and bit into it. Juice splattered everywhere, the flesh was tender and sweet... It’s a pity you didn’t follow along—you missed the scene where the young master stomped his foot and shouted, ‘Buy them all! Take everything!’” Su Da’s heart still raced as he spoke, his eyes shining.

Over two hundred qian per string!

Just from two baskets of pears!

If this were usual times, their family might have worked half a year without earning that much.

The brothers, fueled by excitement, hurried home, their feet barely touching the snowy ground as if they floated.

It wasn’t a dream—it was real—they had truly made a fortune.

Su Old Lady had already tucked the money into her bosom, her hands trembling uncontrollably, speechless.

Liu Yuelan and He Daxiang’s excitement matched that of their menfolk. Being young, they couldn’t keep quiet in front of family. “Two baskets of pears, that’s at least two hundred pieces. The wealthy family bought them all at once—can they really eat that many?” He Daxiang asked.

Su Er clicked his tongue, eyebrows raised proudly. “That’s where you’re mistaken. Do you think they really keep all those pears for themselves? Pears of such quality—if I dared bet, you wouldn’t find the same anywhere in the city! Besides, in the dead of winter, fruit is scarce. Bringing a basket like that when calling in favors or making connections is far more practical than any other gift! Wealthy folks are all sharp—they never do business at a loss. Besides, a string of qian feels heavy to us, but to them, it’s hardly a significant amount. Rest assured, once the goods are sold, they won’t be returned. We have the money in the bag for sure!”

He Daxiang nodded vigorously.

Exactly!

That’s the divine fruit Sweet Treasure gave us!

Making over a string of qian is nothing to feel guilty about!

It’s the buyers who have the eye—they’ve struck gold!

“Mother, shall we eat first? Old Second and I didn’t have time to eat on the way back. I’m so hungry my chest feels pressed against my back,” Su Da glanced at the pancakes warming on the fire grate, truly famished.

***

Only now, as the excitement cooled, did their stomachs start to grumble.

Su Old Lady patted her apron. “Eat! Tonight we’ll cook meat! That fish is for soup—Yuelan’s confinement period hasn’t had good food, and she caught a chill. She needs to nourish herself.”

Su Er and He Daxiang had no objections. “The fish’s for sister-in-law!”

Sister-in-law needs to eat well for Sweet Treasure to thrive.

They had no choice before, but now that there’s food, Sweet Treasure comes first!

That little one is the family’s hero!

Su An, Su Wen, and Su Wu, the three little ones, didn’t understand the grown-ups’ talk but were happy as long as there was tasty food.

That noon, the Su household dispelled days of gloom; the whole home brimmed with bright and joyful spirits.

Sweet Treasure slept beside Grandpa. When the children made noise outside, she barely moved an eyelid. After the adults finished talking and started eating, she pursed her lips and drifted back to sleep.

Old Su watched over the child without taking his eyes off her for a moment, drinking in every tiny expression with a smile in his eyes and on his brow.

After the adults had eaten well, Su Old Lady, worried Sweet Treasure might be hungry, scooped her up for feeding.

Back in the small room shared with her mother, Sweet Treasure now offered no resistance to eating. Each time, she attacked her food like a little beast, eating fiercely and eagerly.

During this, her father tiptoed in, his face blooming with a smile. “Mother has already started the fish stew. Drink plenty of fish soup to boost your milk supply, Yuelan. Later, drink even more. Whether Sweet Treasure is fed well every meal depends on you!”

Liu Yuelan instinctively covered her daughter’s ears, scolding, “Speak properly! What nonsense are you saying in front of our daughter?”

“How is it nonsense? Mother said you’re injured this time. Asking you to drink more soup isn’t just for the girl’s sake—you need to recover too. If you end up with postpartum illness, you’ll suffer for life!” Su Da lectured his wife seriously, then, taking advantage of Sweet Treasure’s unguarded moment, quickly planted a kiss on her cheek, eyes squinting into a slit. “Daughter, the pears are all sold. We made money! Enough to get us through until spring. Then we’ll plant all our fields. Father promises you won’t go hungry! When you’re older, I’ll buy you delicious treats! You must grow up quickly.”

Caught off guard by the sudden kiss, Sweet Treasure nearly bit off the hand bringing her food.

Liu Yuelan cried out in pain and smacked her husband hard.

Su Da rubbed his face expressionlessly.

Fine, no matter what pot she throws at him, he’ll take it!

Staying right there to wait for their daughter to finish eating, Su Da couldn’t wait to scoop her up, ignoring her pursed lips and kicking legs in defense, happily spinning her around the room. “Today Father bought bean powder cakes and shared them with your three older brothers. You’re still too little for such treats. Don’t worry, Father remembers everything. You won’t miss out in the future!”

The child was small, soft, and fragrant with milk. Holding her filled Su Da’s heart with satisfaction; he was reluctant to let go, becoming a chatterbox, babbling nonstop.

***

Sweet Treasure couldn’t speak but endured powerfully, her eyes always alert.

Sure enough, just as she suspected, Father thought she didn’t notice and leaned in again, about to poke her with his whisker stubble.

Sweet Treasure’s eyes flickered.

Smack! Something cold and sharp struck Su Da’s mouth unexpectedly.

Before he could react, the dart fell to the ground.

The couple’s gaze followed the sound.

“???”

“!!!”

“Fi—fish! Fish?!”

The light in the room was dim, but it was still broad daylight outside, so vision inside wasn’t impaired.

The dart flailed on the floor—a fish out of water.

It was still wet, leaving a damp patch on the floor.

Their pupils trembled.

Only little Sweet Treasure remained composed, yawning with a small open mouth, her tender white face flushed from the yawn.

She just remembered there were fish in the little creek inside the space. She had seen them last time she patrolled her territory.

Naughty father! Next time you try to steal a kiss, I’ll throw fish at your chin again.

Think just because I’m little, I’m easy to bully?