Chapter 16: The Leng Family with Well-Developed Infrastructure

Wen Nuan Nuan had never been knelt to before. In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through her mind. Before her brain could even react, her hands had already moved first to help Leng Tian up. She said gently, “Don’t kneel. What happened?”

She hadn’t said anything, right? Why did Eldest Brother kneel?

The young man lowered his head, his voice choked with emotion: “Sister-in-law, not only are you good to us, but you also think of Eldest Brother who is away. You are the only one who truly and sincerely cares for us.”

Their family had suddenly encountered misfortune. Since childhood, they had drifted from place to place, experiencing the fickleness of human relationships and the harshness of the world. They had finally settled in this remote mountain hollow, thinking they could live a stable life. Unexpectedly, their mother fell ill and passed away, leaving them not only without rice to cook but also burdened with debts.

If it weren’t for Sister-in-law, if it weren’t for Sister-in-law…

So Eldest Brother was grateful to her, and in such a grand manner!

Wen Nuan Nuan truly felt ashamed.

She didn’t deserve this “true sincerity.”

She could only laugh it off: “What’s the big deal? We’re family. Being good to family is only natural. Don’t be so formal in the future.”

Mainly, she really wasn’t used to all this kneeling.

She believed modern people wouldn’t be accustomed to it either.

“Family doesn’t need to stand on ceremony. Pack up and go quickly, come back soon. Although we don’t lack food for now, we’re short of everything else. There are still many things waiting to be done,” Wen Nuan Nuan changed the subject.

But what she said was also true.

They had just prepared the cotton; they still needed to fluff it for quilts and make cotton clothes, all of which would take time and effort. Firewood for winter had only just started being gathered, and they still needed to go into town to buy daily necessities…

Ah, just thinking about all the things to do felt overwhelming.

Leng Tian understood, of course. Without saying more, he shouldered the bamboo basket and nodded to Wen Nuan Nuan: “Sister-in-law, I’m going to town.”

“Mm, be careful outside,” Wen Nuan Nuan reminded him worriedly.

Although she knew they would grow up to become very, very capable people, at this moment, Leng Tian was just a half-grown child in her eyes—her very obedient and sensible Eldest Brother.

“It’s fine, don’t worry.” Leng Tian walked to the courtyard gate, turned around, and instructed his two younger brothers: “You two, don’t go out this morning. Take out all the previously picked and dried wild vegetables to sun them. Wait until I come back at noon before going to gather firewood.”

“Got it, Second Brother,” Leng Yun replied briskly.

Leng Chen, being thoughtful, understood the underlying meaning in his second brother’s words and softly assured him: “No matter what happens, Little Brother and I will always have one person by Sister-in-law’s side. Second Brother, don’t get distracted while handling matters outside. The village is safer than outside after all, and Little Brother and I can not only protect ourselves but also protect Sister-in-law.”

The harvest had just passed, and it was currently a time of abundant produce. Everyone was desperately gathering and stockpiling, so theft and robbery weren’t yet on people’s minds.

The real danger would come when the ice and snow melted and supplies ran low before the new harvest.

Leng Tian and Leng Chen exchanged a glance, immediately understanding each other. With a slight nod, Leng Tian left quickly.

After Leng Tian left, Leng Chen immediately closed the courtyard gate securely and propped a wooden stick against it.

Watching the brothers’ farewell and seeing Leng Chen’s actions, Wen Nuan Nuan finally gained a personal understanding of the unknown dangers brought by the changing environment.

After all, this was a poor, remote ancient place—a place without human rights or security guarantees.

Martial prowess was the greatest guarantee here.

Wen Nuan Nuan surveyed the large courtyard, which was built high and sturdy with thick adobe walls, topped with densely packed wooden stakes and bamboo spikes of varying heights. The courtyard gate was not like the casually woven wooden sticks used by other households, but rather two equally thick wooden planks, fitted with a latch lock in the middle.

Around the perimeter of the courtyard, near the walls, the ground was also studded with sharpened wooden stakes and bamboo spikes.

In this small village, the defenses were remarkably thorough!

Wen Nuan Nuan thought that the Leng Family truly lived up to their reputation as a once-wealthy family fallen on hard times. Even after being reduced to living in a remote mountain hollow, they still understood the importance of protection. Despite their limited funds, they knew the value of investing in solid infrastructure.

Three brick-and-tile houses, a kitchen and a firewood shed built along the right side of the courtyard, a large well, vegetable plots, and a cellar—all were fully equipped. It was precisely because of the Leng Family’s willingness to invest back then that she now enjoyed such convenience in her daily life.

Washing, scrubbing, and drying things were incredibly easy, and the privacy was exceptional.

She didn’t have to worry about villagers passing by outside catching a glimpse of the courtyard’s interior, which was a tremendous relief for someone like her, a self-proclaimed social anxiety sufferer.

Taking out some White Rabbit Creamy Candy with the wrappers removed, Wen Nuan Nuan beckoned to her two younger brothers.

The two little ones obediently hurried over. “Sister-in-law, what is it?”

“Here, take these and eat them.”

“What is this? Wow, it’s candy! So sweet and fragrant, it’s delicious!” Leng Yun exclaimed with delight after popping one into his mouth.

Leng Chen hesitated and didn’t reach out when he realized it was candy.

“Take it. Sister-in-law has plenty more. These are for you,” Wen Nuan Nuan insisted, firmly placing the candy into the second brother’s hand.

“Sister-in-law, you should eat it. I… I don’t like it,” Leng Chen mumbled softly.

Leng Yun looked over and offered the candy in his hand back as well.

This was precious candy, only fit for their sister-in-law to eat.

Wen Nuan Nuan wrinkled her small nose and huffed, “If Sister-in-law gives it to you, you have to eat it, even if you don’t like it.”

They were only nine years old, yet already so sensible it was heartbreaking.

She deliberately asked, “What would you like for lunch?”

Holding the candy, the two boys didn’t understand why Wen Nuan Nuan was suddenly asking them this. They replied blankly, “We’ll eat whatever Sister-in-law makes.”

“Oh? What if you don’t like it? Would I have to make something else?”

The two little ones paused for a moment before finally grasping Wen Nuan Nuan’s meaning and intention. They whispered softly, “Sister-in-law.”

“Alright, alright, it’s just a few pieces of candy. From now on, if Sister-in-law has something to eat, so will you! Don’t be shy about it. When you grow up, Sister-in-law might even rely on you to take care of her. If I were as polite as you are now, refusing this and that, how would you feel?”

“We wouldn’t mind. What’s ours is Sister-in-law’s,” the two little ones finally understood and quietly withdrew their hands. “We can never repay Sister-in-law’s kindness.”

Wen Nuan Nuan waved her hand cheerfully, thinking happily: Isn’t this also a way of being good to them?

“Second Brother, could you help me make a small cup? I need it for something.” She planned to fill it with water and place it in the expanded area of the refrigerator to test whether the extra space could also automatically replenish.

“Alright,” Leng Chen replied obediently.

“Little Brother, let’s thoroughly clean the house together. We’ll also take advantage of the sunny weather to wash and air out the bed sheets, quilt covers, clothes, shoes, and socks. That way, when we buy things in the city and bring them back, it’ll be easier to store them.”

“We’re going to the city? And buying things?” Leng Yun asked excitedly as soon as he heard they were heading to town.

Wen Nuan Nuan seemed to see herself as a child, following her grandparents into the city to buy New Year goods. She completely understood Little Brother’s excitement and joy. Originally hesitant about whether to bring him and Second Brother into the city, she now made up her mind. She nodded and said firmly, “After settling the debts, we’ll head into the city early the day after tomorrow. I’ll make the sauce later, prepare more pancakes and steam some buns tomorrow. We also need to bring food for your Eldest Brother the day after!”

Hearing that they would bring food to Eldest Brother and get to see him, Leng Yun jumped for joy.

Even the reserved Leng Chen couldn’t help but let a smile spread across his face.