Mr. Mu fetched a bucket of water in the kitchen, washed the mud off himself, and sat alone in the yard, smoking dry tobacco.

After a few puffs, his entire demeanor seemed noticeably more haggard.

After a while, Mu Danian hurried back.

He was in such a rush, like his eyebrows were on fire, that he ran straight to the main room, completely missing Mr. Mu under the big willow tree in the yard.

It was only when Mr. Mu called out to him that Mu Danian stopped in his tracks.

"Fifth, your father has a few words to say to you..."

Mr. Mu explained to Mu Danian the importance of not addressing him incorrectly later.

Originally, he hoped for a few comforting words from Mu Danian, but instead, Mu Danian bluntly said, "Dad, my older brother makes sense. He’s a scholar now, and with so many classmates around, of course, he wants to save face.

You say you’re in a hurry to come back, but you should at least change into clean clothes. What if my brother becomes a high official—shouldn’t he maintain some decorum?"

Mr. Mu remained silent, only deepening his smoking actions.

The old man felt wronged but couldn’t find a reason for his grievance.

He could only suffer in silence.

When the second branch arrived, the situation was similar; they reprimanded Mr. Mu and then went home to get dressed up.

The fourth branch was the last to return, coming back filthy, resembling Mr. Mu.

Mr. Mu explained the situation clearly as well.

Mu Dajiang showed some displeasure on his face.

"Dad, we of the fourth branch won’t go to our brother’s place. Later, we won’t ask for chicken to eat; just having a bowl of porridge will do. Don’t be too upset, go inside and rest!"

"Yes, Dad, though you won’t get sun under the big tree, it’s close to the ground. If you absorb moisture, it won’t be good for your health."

Mrs. Liu was also very concerned about Mr. Mu, but they ultimately didn’t speak a word against Mu Dade.

Right now, the entire family relied on Mu Dade for support—who dared to speak against him?

The warmth lingered in the old man’s heart, but he still sat under the big tree, unwilling to move an inch.

The fourth branch had no choice and went to their own house to rest.

Mrs. Liu stayed for a while, then continued washing the family’s clothes, with Mu Xiaxia helping her out. The mother and daughter worked diligently.

Over at the third branch, without Old Mrs. Mu watching over them, everyone worked a lot faster.

By the end of the morning, Mu Shuangshuang and Yu Si Niang had managed to handle almost an acre of land. Estimating that they would need one more afternoon and another morning, the Old Mu Family’s three acres would be harvested completely.

Standing on the ridge between fields, looking at the piles of rice, Yu Si Niang felt deeply satisfied.

She never expected Shuangshuang and Fengzi to work so hard that even an adult couldn’t compete with either of the children.

"I’ll be cooking at midday, let me know if there’s anything you want to eat," she called as she prepared to leave to start cooking.

For the past few days, the meals were all prepared by Yu Si Niang, who usually left their working area early to cook, so when the food was ready, Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng would return.

"Mom, I want meat, braised pork, and pork stewed with vermicelli, or perhaps you could make some potstickers..." Mu Shuangshuang listed out dishes, waiting for Yu Si Niang to make them.

"And Fengzi? Any requests?" Yu Si Niang asked.

"Aunt, I’m easy, whatever Shuangshuang wants, I’ll have the same!"

Lu Yuanfeng answered casually, but to Shuangshuang, it seemed like he truly wasn’t picky, eating whatever was offered.

"Alright then, you two should come back soon. We don’t mind what we’re doing at the moment, we’ve got plenty of time." Yu Si Niang remarked.

Yu Si Niang clearly understood how hard the two kids were working.

She wished the children would follow her early each day. But both had their own thoughts; her words didn’t change a thing.

However, Lu Yuanfeng really would return early today, as he needed to visit Zhang Huai Shu to inquire about his grandpa’s condition.

After Yu Si Niang left, Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng hid their sickles and such in the fields.

Before leaving, Mu Shuangshuang walked around the rice paddy, noting the positioning of the rice in the field.

That way, if anyone tampered with it, she would definitely notice and avoid being kept in the dark.

On their way back, they didn’t say a word, but both had smiles on their faces.

Lu Yuanfeng occasionally sneaked a glance at Mu Shuangshuang, his eyes full of affection.

At Zhang Huai Shu’s house, the old man happened to be in his yard drying herbs, not noticing the two of them.

Not until they entered the yard did Zhang Huai Shu become aware.

"Oh, Little Shuang, Little Feng, come, come! I’ve just made something delicious for you, come in and have a taste," Zhang Huai Shu paused his herb drying, raising his voice to welcome them.

"What good stuff, Grandpa Zhang? Long time no see, you look much younger!" Mu Shuangshuang stepped closer, full of curiosity.

"You cheeky little girl, such sweet words. Seems like I didn’t invite you to taste good food in vain today!" Zhang Huai Shu chuckled at Mu Shuangshuang, his eyes playfully watching Lu Yuanfeng.

"Grandpa Zhang, what is it exactly? Tell me, it’s not fair to keep me in such suspense." Mu Shuangshuang spoke softly.

Zhang Huai Shu laughed heartily, saying, "Yesterday, a patient I cured gifted me a black-boned chicken. I stewed it with herbs for a whole morning; it’s just about ready."

Afraid Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng wouldn’t recognize the treasure, Zhang Huai Shu elaborated, "Black-boned chicken is a great tonic, and with several kinds of herbs added, not just anyone gets to eat it!" 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Hearing this, Mu Shuangshuang’s anticipation only grew.

Inside the house, Cui Shi had just placed the black-boned chicken on the table and beamed when she saw Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng.

"Oh my, it’s a rare guest indeed today. Just in time for the black-boned chicken, I’ll fetch you some bowls."

Cui Shi turned to the cabinet, pulled out two bowls, two sets of chopsticks, rinsed them in hot water, and handed them to Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng.

"Grandpa Zhang, what illness does my grandpa have?" Lu Yuanfeng asked about Old Sir Lu while sipping the chicken soup.

"It’s nothing much really, just a minor cold. But since it’s summer and he delayed it too long, this time it hit harder. I’ve prescribed two sets of herbs for your grandma to cook twice daily for him.

As long as he takes the medicine on time and rests, it shouldn’t be a big problem. Don’t worry, I’ve reminded your grandma to take good care of him."

"Thank you, Grandpa Zhang. If any further costs arise for the treatment, just tell me!" Lu Yuanfeng said.

Zhang Huai Shu nodded, his admiration for Lu Yuanfeng growing even more.

Zhang Huai Shu considered Lu Yuanfeng to be a remarkably good kid.

He had come to him early in the morning, asking for treatment for Old Sir Lu, even paying in advance to ensure no delay in treatment.

Zhang Huai Shu also knew very well about the things Old Sir Lu had done in the family.

What the old man did was indeed excessive; Feng had every reason not to help him. Who wouldn’t be angry with such excessive behavior from the old man?