Su Qianyun's expression changed slightly, and she smiled, "Third brother already knows? Don't overthink it, we're family, and that will never change..."
Xu Zifan tilted his head, interrupting her with a puzzled look, and asked Xu Erlang, "Second Brother, is Second Sister-in-law in charge of your family now? How come she makes all the decisions and says all the words?"
Before Xu Erlang could reply, he waved his hand and said, "But we've separated the family now. It's your business if you want your second sister-in-law to be in charge, it has nothing to do with me." He turned to Xu's father and said, "Dad, teach me how to weave bamboo baskets, let's weave a few to sell."
Xu's father paused, surprised that his youngest son showed interest in chores. He swallowed back the words he was about to reprimand him and led him to sit on a small stool by the wall, where he began to teach him. The father and son, one teaching earnestly and the other learning earnestly, seemed surprisingly harmonious, with no one able to interrupt. Xu Erlang felt a lump in his throat, an unbearable discomfort. When had he ever let his wife take charge of the household? This kid was truly annoying.
Xu Erlang turned his head and saw Su Qianyun. He wondered what was wrong with his wife lately? Why did she suddenly have so many ideas? It seemed that he was being led by the nose by Su Qianyun. Wasn't he just letting her take charge of the household? Thinking this, Xu Erlang's face turned a little ugly, and he stepped into the house.
Su Qianyun pursed her lips and led the child into the house. Remarriage in ancient times was never easy. This man was inexperienced, but thankfully manageable, and treated her well. She didn't want to change partners, so she needed to put in some effort to appease him. Madam Cai had also wanted to say a few words of concern to Xu Zifan, but she couldn't get a word in edgewise. Seeing the second wife and her husband being scolded by Xu Zifan, she thought it over and quietly abandoned her idea of stewing eggs. In this sensitive period, it was best to avoid attracting attention. Her parents wouldn't say anything, but her third brother was known for his sharp tongue.
Seeing his third brother so energetic, Xu Dalang felt a little gratified, but even more guilty. Hadn't he also listened to his wife and not made his own decision? Seeing how well his third brother had made their parents happy, he couldn't help but think, no wonder his parents doted on his third brother more; they really couldn't compare to him in this respect. Didn't he also prefer his sweet-talking youngest daughter? What was there to blame his parents for? But because he was so upset, he couldn't bring himself to speak and remained silently squatting in a corner of the yard, tidying up the farm tools.
Shao Hua scanned and analyzed the reactions of the Xu family members, creating a personality chart for Xu Zifan. The chart was only a rough draft; much more needed to be filled in. Xu Zifan mentally praised, "[Well done! From now on, we'll create a database every time we go somewhere.]"
Okay, do you need a complete guide to bamboo weaving techniques?
Xu Zifan paused in his bamboo basket weaving, a slight smile playing on his lips. "[I hadn't even thought of that. It's absolutely necessary.]"
Shao Hua conjured a 3D screen in the open space in front of Xu Zifan, displaying numerous bamboo products that slowly rotated 360° horizontally. Clicking on a product brought it to life, accompanied by detailed weaving steps and diagrams. Besides common items, the screen showed bamboo beds, reclining chairs, stools, sofas, and more, as well as exquisitely crafted mats, vases, baskets, and other beautifully designed items. Various colors could be added, making them suitable even for wealthy households. There were also particularly attractive decorative pieces; he had never noticed the sheer variety of bamboo products before.
This would be great; at least it would give his parents some confidence and distract them. It would also bring in some extra income for the family while he was "studying medicine." Xu Zifan reached for a bamboo strip and touched it to the bamboo hat image on the screen; the weaving instructions immediately appeared before him. Considering this was his first time making one, he figured it would be better to start with a simple improvement of what he already had at home. This bamboo hat was much lighter than the one currently hanging in the yard, and its design was simpler and more elegant. It looked very pleasing to the eye, provided excellent sun and rain protection, and even had some patterns on it—it was quite nice.
Xu Zifan began weaving according to the steps, but his father stopped him, saying, "That's not how you weave a basket. This piece should be at the bottom."
Xu Zifan said with a smile, "Dad, teach me how to weave a bamboo hat."
Mr. Xu shook his head and laughed, "You little rascal, you're just playing around here."
Even so, he still modified his own weaving and patiently taught Xu Zifan how to weave a bamboo hat. Xu Zifan was very capable with his hands, and after listening to his instructions and the points to pay attention to, he got the hang of it. Xu's father looked at his weaving with surprise, and found it quite neat, and said, "So you're good at weaving things. You should learn carpentry or something; it's all delicate work."
"Father, let's talk about that later."
"What? You still want to study?" Xu's father squinted at him. "The teacher said you're not doing well, you won't pass the exams, and you shouldn't continue studying."
Xu Zifan suddenly remembered that passing the imperial examination could exempt his land from taxes. In ancient times, yields were low, and after paying taxes, there wasn't much left. Moreover, with a degree, he wouldn't have to kneel before the county magistrate. He hurriedly said, "Father, the fact that he accepted my things shows that he's not a good person. Can we trust what he says? But I know we don't have much money at home. I'll study at home and help you with chores. Once I've saved enough money, I'll take the exam. If I don't pass, I won't think about it anymore."
He looked at his father earnestly and said, "Dad, let me give it a try. I've studied for so many years, I can't just give up without even trying. I have a long life ahead of me, I'll just try this year. If it doesn't work out, I can still do something else, it won't delay me."
Xu's father neither agreed nor disagreed. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I'll discuss this with your mother. You should focus on getting better first."
"Come on, dinner's ready. You two stop fussing and come inside to eat while it's hot. Third son, the eggs will get fishy if they get cold, come here quickly." Xu's mother came out of the kitchen, carrying dishes and walking quickly into Xu Zifan's room. There was a table in his room. Since they were separating the family and eating separately, it wouldn't be appropriate for everyone to eat at the big table. Fortunately, Xu Zifan's wooden table was enough to hold food for four people, which was very convenient.
Xu Zifan put down what he had been weaving, washed his hands, and then went to the kitchen to get the rest of the food. Xiao Lian saw this and exclaimed in surprise, "Third Brother, stop what you're doing, I'll get it."
Xu Zifan dodged her hand and walked into the room in a few steps. "It's just a matter of carrying something, why are you grabbing it?"
Xu's mother hesitated and said, "Isn't there a saying that a gentleman doesn't go into the kitchen? Scholars shouldn't do these things."
Xu Zifan chuckled and said, "It's not a rule. We don't have such a rule in our family. Mom, now that we've separated the family, it's just you, Dad, me, and Xiaolian. I can't let you and Dad do everything, that would be so unfilial. I can't ask Xiaolian to do it either, it would seem like I'm bullying her. From now on, I'll be the pillar of our family, I'll definitely do whatever I can to protect you."
Mr. Xu walked in with his hands behind his back. Hearing this, he snorted and said, "Your father isn't old yet. What are you doing here? Just stop making us angry, and we'll be satisfied."
Seeing the smile in his eyes, Xu Zifan pulled him down to sit and said with a smile, "Dad, you are the pillar of the family. I still have a lot to learn. Eat up, I'm starving."
"Eat quickly, eat right away." Xu's mother pushed the steamed egg in front of him and gave him a pancake as well.
Breakfast consisted of sweet potato porridge and flatbread, with Xu Zifan receiving an extra bowl of steamed egg. Xu Zifan glanced at it; their family's food wasn't particularly good, but compared to others, it wasn't bad either. At most, the men would get two flatbreads and the women one, because the men did more physical labor. Also, the amount of food prepared was limited, so no one could eat as much as they wanted. They were usually only about six or seven tenths full, and during busy farming seasons, they would only eat until they were eight or nine tenths full. Meat and eggs were rarely served.
Xu Zifan took a bite of the steamed egg. It wasn't heavily seasoned, but it tasted quite good, with that homey, comforting flavor. He didn't offer to share it with his parents and sister. There was only one egg, and passing it around felt awkward and didn't fit his personality. He figured it was better to help his family become wealthy sooner so they could eat whatever they wanted without having to refuse anyone.
The original owner of this body didn't usually eat alone; at home, he ate the same food as everyone else, only enjoying good food when he was sick. He spent most of his money on studying and socializing, so Xiaolian had no complaints. Xu's parents were happy to see him eating heartily, their faces beaming with smiles, which dispelled much of the gloom from the family division, earning Xiaolian's admiration. It was probably only this third brother in the family who could make their parents smile with just a few words; that was quite a skill.
After finishing his meal, Xu Zifan drank another bowl of medicine, and then his parents urged him to go back to his room to rest. Not wanting to worry them, he took a pile of bamboo strips back to his room, saying he was bored and wanted to weave a few. The Xu family members had all gone to the fields; the two children from the eldest branch were carrying small bamboo baskets to dig for wild vegetables, while the children from the second branch, the older ones looking after the younger ones, played in the yard. Xiao Lian took some clothes to the river to wash; everyone was busy with something.
Xu Zifan leaned against the edge of the bed and said, "[Shaohua, keep an eye on the people outside, make sure they don't notice anything amiss. I'll make a bamboo hat first.]"
Would it be easier to exchange valuable medicinal herbs for silver if I went into the mountains?
[I'm in such poor health now that I probably wouldn't have the strength to come back from the mountains, and medicinal herbs aren't easy to find; it's all about luck. Even if I found some and sold them for money, it would be a windfall for my parents. It would be better to make some bamboo crafts to put their minds at ease. With a proper income, they might be more willing to let me take the imperial examination. My dad loves weaving, so this suits him perfectly, and he'll definitely be happy if he sells them. Of course, we still need to find the medicinal herbs; I'll look for opportunities again once I've recovered my health.]