Wufu disliked Madam Lu and her family. How could Madam Zhou, as a mother, not understand that? She wished to maintain a good relationship with her maternal family. It was better than treating them like enemies, especially since only she and her daughter relied on each other, without any support. The presence of her maternal family was somewhat comforting.
But given Wufu’s attitude, Madam Zhou dared not insist. She was afraid that if Wufu became stubborn, things might get out of hand.
"Wufu, what’s the deal with that boy?" Madam Zhou seized a moment to ask about Liu Jin.
After thinking for a bit, Wufu spoke lightly about Liu Jin’s situation and said, "We don’t have a man in the house, and since he’s willing, let’s keep him. He can help with what he can."
When Madam Zhou heard it cost twenty taels to take the boy in, she felt a twinge of pain. The child treated silver as if it weren’t money. Twenty taels could support them for a year.
Not to mention now they had to keep him in the house, she cautiously asked, "Wufu, can we afford to raise another person in our household?"
It wasn’t that she lacked compassion; it was the state of their household finances. They were not especially fortunate or wealthy. They already had an extra mouth to feed with Hongyu, and now another one—how could they support him?
"I can still earn that silver. Don’t worry, Mother," Wufu said with a smile.
Seeing her demeanor, Madam Zhou said no more.
At that moment, Hongyu and the others returned, and they were all a bit shocked to see the cleaned-up Liu Jin.
"This child is really good-looking," Madam Zhou remarked when she saw Liu Jin’s neat appearance and handsome face. If he were dressed in fine silks and satins, one might believe him to be a young master from a noble family.
Wufu knew he was good-looking, but she hadn’t expected him to be this striking. Now with loose hair, wearing Hongyu’s clothes, he looked quite like a little girl.
"We don’t have any boy’s clothes at home. Mother, if we have some cloth left, let’s make some for him," Wufu suggested with a smile.
Madam Zhou, feeling tender-hearted at the sight, nodded in agreement.
Liu Jin, hearing this, knew he was being taken in and knelt down in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Miss."
During the bath in the mountain stream, Hongyu had briefly informed him about the household and that Wufu was in charge.
He felt even more fortunate that he hadn’t misjudged the situation.
"Come here, let me take your measurements," Madam Zhou beckoned Liu Jin over.
Liu Jin hurried over.
Wufu then gave a meaningful glance to Hongyu and stepped outside to inquire about Madam Lu and her family’s intentions.
"They’ve come to take advantage of us, have been here for two days already," Hongyu, still young, couldn’t stand the sight of Madam Lu and her ilk and complained to Wufu: "... They’ve eaten all the snacks you brought home, Miss. They also said that the old lady is sick and Madam gave them some silver."
Wufu frowned as she listened.
"Yes... oh, right. They also mentioned the jade ware that you carve. Said that the Young Aunt talked about your work in town. They even talked about the earrings you gave to the Young Aunt, saying the female cousin is growing up and doesn’t have any nice earrings," Hongyu said cunningly: "Though they never came outright and said it, I could tell they want Madam to ask you to get them some beads for earrings."
Wufu snorted coldly. She knew their flattering demeanor masked ulterior motives; they were indeed here to reap benefits.
"What did my mother say?"
"I think Madam was about to agree. But while she was away to pour tea, I advised Madam to consult with you first, to avoid upsetting you. Madam then did as I suggested," Hongyu recounted.
"I see, you did well," Wufu praised. "Go cook."
Once Hongyu left, Wufu’s face darkened again.