Chapter 38: The Eve
Two days before the martial examination began.
In the low, cramped main room of the old Chen family house.
Three white flour steamed buns and a bowl of pickled vegetables sat on the table, which Second Aunt had gritted her teeth to scrape together, with the purpose of letting Chen Heng conserve his energy at this final moment.
Chen Wen stared longingly at the steamed buns, his Adam's apple bobbing constantly, his fingers unconsciously reaching over.
"Slap!"
Second Aunt's palm fell without mercy, "Are you trying to die? Those are for Xiao Heng!"
Without another word, she stuffed all the buns into her son's hands, lovingly stroking Chen Heng's wrist, "Son, look how practicing has worn you down these past months, you've gotten so thin... Eat quickly, eat more to recover!"
Chen Wen complained in a low voice, "Haven't seen any oil for months, my intestines are ready to tie themselves in knots..."
Old Master Chen's fingers, like dried wood, repeatedly stroked his cold pipe stem, his cloudy old eyes fixed on Chen Heng, "Endure it! Once Xiao Heng earns his title and gets a position with monthly pay, the family burden will lighten. Then what won't we be able to eat?"
