Chapter 23: Wrong Pill

Old Su was stuck.

He wanted to say no—but how could he, with that little girl staring at him with eyes full of hope?
And besides, it was *her* who’d pulled out the yellow lump in the first place.

"Dad," said Su Erhu, "take Little Sister with you—I’ll carry her."

Of course, going to town wasn’t a solo trip.
This was about testing gold—something serious.
Su Da Hu was honest but slow; Su Erhu was sharp as a tack. Clearly, Erhu had to come along.

"Fine," Old Su finally relented. "We’ll take your sister."

He couldn’t say no anyway—the look in that little girl’s eyes was impossible to resist.

Su Liuhu watched with envy.
He *really* wanted to go too.
Da Pan and Er Pan were practically drooling, eyes wide with longing.

But they knew—just *knew*—their father (their grandfather) wouldn’t let them.

So the three of them turned their gazes toward Xiao Tang Bao, like a united front.

Xiao Tang Bao looked at her six-year-old brother and the two little nephews, their hopeful faces glowing like candles in the dark.
Her heart melted.
With a tiny wave of her hand, she chirped in her sweet, baby voice:
"All go! Together!"

She’d just been allowed herself—she’d forgotten all about that.

"Woo-hoo! All go! All go!" Da Pan and Er Pan jumped up instantly, squealing with joy.

In this family, if Auntie said yes, Grandpa and Grandma never said no.

Old Su’s wife laughed helplessly, poking Xiao Tang Bao’s forehead.
"You’ve got your six-year-old brother and two nephews completely wrapped around your little finger."

Xiao Tang Bao instantly flashed her most winning smile—rosy cheeks, dimples, sweetness dripping from every word.
"Mommy, best!" Her voice was soft as honey, almost too sweet to bear.
Then, with a loud *smack*, she planted a kiss right on Old Su’s cheek.

Her mom might have several grandchildren already, but she still carried herself like a woman in her prime—elegant, radiant, effortlessly beautiful.

Old Su surrendered instantly.
"Da Hu," she said, "you’re coming too. Keep an eye on Da Pan and Er Pan."
"Got it, Mom," Da Hu replied.

Su Liuhu’s eyes lit up like fireworks.
His mom hadn’t mentioned him—but of course he was included.
"Little Sister," he blurted out, "once I earn money, I’ll buy you candy every day!"

He knew one thing for sure: ask his little sister, and anything was possible.

Da Pan and Er Pan were younger, slower on the uptake—but they had Su Liuhu as their compass. And between his enthusiasm and Grandma’s quiet persuasion, they quickly promised Xiao Tang Bao all sorts of things: “I’ll carry you!” “I’ll protect you!” “I’ll bring you flowers!”

They didn’t know if they could actually do it—didn’t matter.
Right now, their hearts were pure, their promises true.

Old Su watched it all with deep satisfaction.
Xiao Tang Bao understood her grandmother’s quiet plan—she wanted to teach these boys to care, to grow into men who would protect their family.
She wanted to whisper, *Don’t worry, Mama—you’ll live forever. And your daughter doesn’t need brothers or nephews to stand by her.*

But her language system was still too young.
She couldn’t say such complicated thoughts.

So instead, the whole household set out together.
Only three women remained behind—plus baby San Wa, still nursing.

When Xiao Tang Bao and the others left, Qian Yuemai did something shocking: she grabbed the dishes and started clearing the table, scrubbing pots and pans without being asked.

"Mom," she said, "San Wa’s sleepy. You take him to my room—I’ll clean up after Big Sister."

Old Su was stunned.
Even Zhao Chunhua blinked, thinking she’d misheard.

Since Qian Yuemai gave birth to San Wa, she’d done nothing but feed, soothe, and rock the baby.
Dishes? Cleaning? That was long gone—out of her world.

Zhao Chunhua had her own grudges, sure—but when San Wa cried, it was endless.
As his aunt, she couldn’t force Qian Yuemai to work.

"Little Sister-in-law," Zhao Chunhua said gently, "go comfort San Wa. Don’t want him crying again."

Qian Yuemai’s willingness was enough.
"Never mind," she said, tossing the words off like dust. "Let him get used to it. Kids shouldn’t be spoiled."

Then, quick and efficient, she gathered the bowls and carried them to the kitchen.

Zhao Chunhua stared.
"...Huh?"
Something felt *off*.

Did Second Brother’s wife suddenly lose her mind?