Chapter 519 - 510: Unexpected Situation
Afu understood Shiyi’s thoughts the best. Seeing his entanglement and silence, she knew he was upset for Marquis Chu but was too embarrassed to help. She gently pinched Shiyi’s hand and said softly, "Good boy."
For some inexplicable reason, Shiyi was somewhat moved. Indeed, the one who understood him best was still his own "mother". He sniffled, then said aloud to Afu, "Before you go back to Dingzhou, please tell me. I will prepare some things for Grandmother Liao Chen, Uncle Atang, my little brother, and Dahu as a token for their past kindness to me."
What a clever and grateful boy! Afu nodded, approving his sentiment.
Seated at another table, Marquis Chu and the elder Marquis also discerned his implied meaning, and were deeply moved.
After the meal, Afu saw off the guests, then encouraged Chu Hanyan and her two little brothers to go rest.
After a bath with Yu’er, Afu played with her for a while to lull her to sleep. Afterwards, she stepped into her private space.
Yu’er was now over ten months old. Afu had been cautious about letting her into this space since the previous month. The little girl was smart and not only had a good memory, but even started speaking a few single syllable words like grandfather, mother, father, brother, sister, eat and treasure. The first word she ever said was "grandfather" which made Marquis Chu ecstatic, praising her intelligence, sensibility, filial piety, and thoughtfulness. Nowadays, even his own grandsons were overshadowed in his eyes. His favorite little person was Yu’er. Marquis Chu, being wealthy and generous, was well known for expressing his love by spending money. He had already prepared several large boxes of "dowry" for Yu’er.
Lately, Chen Afu had been trying to wean Yu’er off breast milk. She breastfed Yu’er only once a day, and fed her sheep milk cooked with Yan Chenxiang wood for the other meal. The little one was resistant and cried whenever she tasted the sheep milk. However, Afu persisted in having someone feed her. She did not want to bring Yu’er on her upcoming trip to Dingzhou because she was too small and it would be inconvenient.