These days, many people use wooden barrels, which inevitably start to leak after being used for a while. Iron barrels, on the other hand, are more convenient for transporting oils and such.
Tang Weixing also sent pig’s feet with ginger to his elder sister and informed her that her younger sister had given birth to a precious daughter.
She said this with a touch of disdain, while feeling proud of having had a son herself.
Ye Shuying agreed to visit her younger sister’s home with her sister-in-law from her maternal family.
As Tang Weixing delivered pig’s feet with ginger along his way, he could discern different expressions on the faces of these two elder sisters. The elder sister showed some disdain upon hearing that a daughter was born, while the second sister was all smiles.
It seemed that everyone’s attitude and mindset were different. He didn’t dwell on what others might think.
Mrs. Li saw off her son-in-law and busied herself sewing quilts, clothes, shoes, and hats for the baby.
Ye Luoqi, as always, worked alongside her younger sister, assisting their mother with the sewing.
Among the five sisters, Ye Shiqi was the least adept at needlework. Her other skills could lead people to believe she was a genius, but needlework was her one flaw.
The elder sisters believed that she was still young, and that it was fine to learn slowly. After all, not all skills needed to be mastered; it was enough to be capable.
"Qing, don’t be discouraged. Look at this flower I’ve embroidered, hehe!"
Ye Fengqi was just a little over a year older than Ye Shiqi. Naturally, her embroidery skills were not on par with the other sisters. Much like Shiqi, she was more lively, not spending all her focus on the work.
Ye Shiqi..., what is this crooked mess?
After more than a day’s work, they finally completed a small quilt and two sets of children’s clothing, including shoes and hats, and even made some socks.
Farmers tended to be particular, making the clothes slightly larger even for a small child, without knowing exactly how much the child weighed, so as to avoid the embarrassment of the clothes not fitting when delivered.
The material used was a comfortable cotton fabric, with some winter clothes and vests lightly stuffed with cotton being made in anticipation of the cold weather. The small quilts were also layered with cotton filling.
Mrs. Li had long prepared a silver bracelet for the child, a gift suitable for both boys and girls to wear.
Thinking that she had already given Ye Shuzhi’s daughter a silver bracelet, she decided that Ye Shuzhen’s daughter would also receive one.
That morning, the Ye family’s horse carriage stopped in the yard. Hongji never intended to be a driver but was persuaded by his elder sister, who also wanted to ride in the carriage along with the six children and their mother.
If he took a seat in the carriage as well, there wouldn’t be enough space for his elder sister and her son.
Hongji had no choice but to act as the driver. Various gifts were placed in the carriage bed. There was a layer beneath the seating area specifically for storing items.
After all, they were carrying not only people and gifts, but also chickens, ducks, fish, eggs, and pork on this trip.
Ye Shiqi..., is the elder cousin always showing up empty-handed?
Could you at least bring some small gift? Even if it’s just some vegetables from the home garden, it’s better than nothing!
Mrs. Li glanced at her elder daughter-in-law who remained silent, knowing all too well this was typical of her during visits to relatives.
She was used to this kind of behavior, so she had prepared heavier gifts this time.
"Hehe, sister-in-law, did you prepare gifts for me?" Ye Shuying asked Mrs. Li with a jovial smile after climbing onto the horse carriage with her son.
"Elder cousin, are you just bringing your appetite for the meal?" Ye Xinqi said with a look of disdain towards the mother and son.
"Oh my, what kind of talk is that? Our family has plenty of money and goods, so helping the elder cousin with some gifts, what’s the matter with that?" Ye Shuying brazenly said.
"Elder cousin, I now understand why the walls are so sturdy!" Ye Fengqi said with a mocking laugh.
"Fourth cousin, isn’t it good that the walls are sturdy?" The little cousin replied, either genuinely innocent or a bit slow on the uptake, seemingly oblivious to the insinuation in the comment.
The people in the carriage...
They chatted along the way and upon reaching the town, joined Ye Shuzhi’s family who were driving an ox cart, and together they arrived at Ye Shuzhen’s home.
As a month-old woman, Ye Shuzhen was not allowed to greet guests. Someone guarding the door opened it for them, and they were welcomed inside.
Tang Weixing was there to receive them, along with his mother and other family members to entertain the relatives.
Ye Shiqi and her sisters felt the warmth of the adults’ admiration for Ye Shuzhen while chatting in the living room.
Hongji stayed in the living room with his son and Zhong Xianggui, as it was improper for men to enter the birthing room.
Other relatives were also present.
Mrs. Li led her daughters into Ye Shuzhen’s room, where they all caught the scent of blood.
Ye Shuzhi and Ye Shuying also entered the birthing room.
Ye Shuzhen, looking a tad pale, was wrapped in a headscarf and lying on the bed, her baby asleep beside her.
"Shuzhen, how do you feel?"
Ye Shuzhen, listening to her elder sister and two sisters’ caring words, had moist eyes.
Ye Shiqi and her sisters went to see their little cousin, who was too young to show a resemblance to anyone. The baby’s face was a bit wrinkly, and her head was slightly misshapen.
With time still early, Ye Shiqi and her sisters went out for a stroll.
Hongji, concerned for his daughters’ safety, followed them around the county’s main street, stopping at a shop with a variety of items.
Hongji and his youngest daughter exchanged a smile; toys produced by factories were very popular in the county.