Chapter 7: Harmony at Home Brings Prosperity in All Things

She placed the dishes in the center of the table and began ladling a bowl of sweet potato porridge for each person, starting with Gu Lizong and Mrs. Zhou. The men received large bowls, the women small ones, and the porridge was divided out just right—not too much, not too little.

Gu Lizong smiled broadly and said, "Everyone, please eat."

At his words, everyone began to eat. Zhen Mier quietly lifted her eyes to observe the people at the table. She was surprised to find that although the Gu family was poor, each person ate with great decorum—slowly, deliberately, and calmly.

Because there were many people, the dishes were served in large bowls, yet everyone only took food from the side nearest to them, using communal chopsticks. There was no clatter of eating, only quietness. Judging by this, the family must have been well brought up.

Noticing her gaze, the eldest sister-in-law, Lin Huiniang, showed little expression; she glanced at Zhen Mier before lowering her head to sip her porridge. The second sister-in-law, Su Hefang, however, offered her a warm smile and raised the wooden spoon in her hand, signaling her to eat quickly.

As for the youngest sister, Gu Qinghe, a smile had never left her face since morning, her mouth nearly stretching to her ears. She was very fond of this third sister-in-law.

She looked at Zhen Mier, then at her third brother, and instinctively felt that this third sister-in-law would surely take good care of her third brother. Thinking this, she smiled even more brightly.

Everyone was eating together at the same table, so her joyful smile was naturally seen by all.

Mrs. Zhou cleared her throat, glanced over her sons and daughters-in-law, set down her chopsticks, and said, "When the first and second daughters-in-law came into the family, I said this once before. Now that the third daughter-in-law has just arrived, this old woman will say it again."

Everyone hushed, listening attentively as if their ears were being cleansed.

"Only with harmony can a family prosper; this is what our ancestors said, and they were never wrong. I don’t care what thoughts you had before, but once you step through this door, you become a part of this family. Unity is the foundation of harmony. As long as our family members are united in heart, we need not worry about living a peaceful and happy life. Even if the family is facing difficulties now, as long as your father and mother have a single meal to eat, your food and drink will never be lacking. Understand?"

The three daughters-in-law replied together, "Mother, we understand."

"Good," she said, then turned to her three sons. "You are brothers by blood. There’s an old saying: even if the bones are broken, the marrow is still connected. At all times, you must help and support each other. As long as you work together, this family will surely thrive. Do you hear me?"

Gu Qingsong and Gu Qingbai both affirmed. Gu Tingzhi didn’t quite understand but glanced at Manman and then at everyone else, nodding solemnly along.

Across from her sat Lin Huiniang. When she looked up, she caught sight of her younger brother-in-law’s confused face. Her heart sank deeply, though she forced a smile.

Back when she was unmarried, she had been considered one of the most beautiful young women in the village. When Mrs. Zhou sent a matchmaker, she agreed without hesitation, partly because Gu Qingsong was dependable and handsome, but mainly because the family had a third younger brother who was a scholar. Everyone around knew he was destined for great things. Marrying into this family meant a comfortable future.

After becoming part of the Gu family, she was filial to her in-laws, considerate to her husband, kind to her sisters-in-law and younger sister-in-law, and even though the whole family had devoted their resources to her younger brother-in-law’s education, she bore no complaints. She was filled with energy, thinking that once he passed the imperial exams, the whole family would live well.

The Gu family was full of kind people. Although she had been married for years without bearing children, and the village had spoken ill of her, her father- and mother-in-law never said anything but instead defended her.

She was grateful for her choice and devoted herself wholeheartedly to everyone in the family, attending to every detail. Every day, she prayed for her younger brother-in-law to pass the exams soon.

Yet, heaven did not heed her sincere prayers. Her younger brother-in-law went up the mountain once and nearly lost his life. Though saved, his mind was damaged.

Not only did Mrs. Zhou feel as if the sky had fallen, but she too felt her faith, which had sustained her, collapse. The hopes she had pinned on her younger brother-in-law were now replaced by profound disappointment. Lately, she had been quite lost, uncertain of the direction her life should take.

A few days ago, she had mentioned the possibility of dividing the family’s property to Qingsong, who nearly tore her apart. She recalled the usually honest and gentle man’s fierce warning: if she ever brought it up again, he would divorce her.

Lin Huiniang shivered and quickly stuffed a mouthful of pickled radish into her mouth.

After breakfast, except for Gu Tingzhi, the men went out to work in the fields. The women stayed at home to clean the dishes, tidy the house, and do some embroidery.

Zhen Mier remembered that the firewood shed was nearly empty during her morning cooking. She volunteered to go up the mountain to gather some dry wood and, if possible, pick some wild vegetables.

Mrs. Zhou warned her to be careful and not to venture too deep into the mountains, to gather only a little and return early. Zhen Mier nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Gu Tingzhi insisted on going with her when he saw she was heading up the mountain. Since his trip to the mountain, he had become this way—Mrs. Zhou refused at first, but the stubborn young man with a damaged mind would not relent. She finally agreed but asked Gu Qinghe to accompany them so the three could look after each other.

The three changed into short, comfortable clothes suitable for movement and set off toward the back mountain.

Gu Qinghe held Zhen Mier’s hand, skipping ahead happily. Gu Tingzhi followed behind with a serious expression, constantly alert to their surroundings as if afraid they might encounter danger.

"Third sister-in-law, you’re really pale—paler than a boiled egg," Gu Qinghe said.

The Gu siblings were all quite attractive, though except for Gu Tingzhi, the others were a bit tanned from years of outdoor labor. Qinghe had a cute, round face with delicate features, just a bit dark-skinned, but certainly not unattractive. Zhen Mier felt this younger sister-in-law had a pleasant personality.

"You just need to stay indoors more. After a while, you’ll become pale too," Zhen Mier replied.

Qinghe frowned and pouted, "How long do I have to stay inside? Will I have to stay so long that I get moldy? Then forget it."

Zhen Mier thought it wouldn’t take long, at most half a year. Just look at Gu Tingzhi’s pale complexion—some things are truly innate.

For example, herself: she was naturally prone to gaining weight, but aside from that, it was hard to find any other flaws, especially her skin—moist, delicate, and smooth like fine mutton-fat jade. Who wouldn’t envy her? Those who called her greasy and fat were probably just jealous.

Thinking this, Zhen Mier felt a bit down.

Seeing her suddenly droop her head like a frostbitten cabbage, Gu Tingzhi tugged at her hair. When she turned her face toward him, he showed her his white teeth and made a goofy face.