Chapter 28: Feeding

"You damned little harlot! You are lazy and good-for-nothing! Luo Yunhe, you are so unfilial, abusing your parents-in-law and even trying to sell your sister-in-law! Heaven will never forgive you!" Mother Su cursed.

Luo Yunhe stopped in her tracks. She turned around and shot a piercing, venomous glare at Mother Su. Stunned by the intensity of her gaze, Mother Su, who had been mid-rant, instinctively took a step back, her expression shifting to one of terror as she clamped her mouth shut.

"You think I’m the one who sold you? Fine, then go report it to the authorities. Let them investigate exactly who is selling whom! And another thing—I am a very petty person. Don’t let me hear you cursing me or my husband again, or else no one in this house will have a peaceful day!"

Luo Yunhe had no desire to bicker with her any further; she only wanted to prepare a nourishing meal to help her husband recover his strength. Mother Su was left trembling with rage at Luo Yunhe’s words.

Luo Yunhe searched the kitchen but found no cooking pots. She knew immediately that this was Mother Su’s doing. Fortunately, she discovered a small stove and an earthen jar in the corner. After scrubbing them clean and gathering some seasonings from the kitchen, she tossed the two chickens she had brought back into the jar. Adding water and spices, she carried the small stove to the edge of the doorway, lit the fire, and began to stew the meal.

Throughout the process, Luo Yunhe sat by the edge of the stove, a small fan in hand, her eyes never leaving the pot. She understood the principle that while one should not harbor malicious intent toward others, one must always remain vigilant, especially against Mother Su and her family, who might seize the opportunity to sabotage her cooking.

Mother Su had assumed that by stealing the only iron pot, she had made it impossible for Luo Yunhe to cook. Seeing her continue to stew the meat in an earthen jar over a small stove filled her with fresh fury. She could only curse Luo Yunhe viciously in her heart, helpless to do anything else.

Meanwhile, having secured so much game, Mother Su was determined to feast. The kitchen soon echoed with the sound of clattering pans, followed by the drift of a rich, savory aroma. She worked quickly, turning the game she had snatched into a series of delicious dishes. With a smug look on her face, she carried the food into the main hall, humming a cheerful tune. In the past, she would never have been so extravagant, but since this was game caught by Su Jingxuan, she wanted to flaunt it deliberately, letting them taste the bitterness of being outdone.

Luo Yunhe watched Mother Su’s smug, self-satisfied display, but she paid it no mind. She knew that such petty arrogance would eventually lead to its own downfall.

Before long, an enticing aroma began to waft from the earthen jar. Luo Yunhe added more firewood, letting the soup boil vigorously until the fragrance grew thick and intoxicating. As the flames died down to a low simmer and finally extinguished, she used a cloth to carry the jar into the room. She fetched two bowls, two pairs of chopsticks, and a spoon, ladling the tender, stewed meat and broth into the bowls.

Looking at the still-sleeping Su Jingxuan, Luo Yunhe moved to wake him. As she approached, she heard him muttering in his sleep. Driven by curiosity, she leaned in close, straining her ears to listen.

"Father... no, Mother, don't... go..."

Though the words were disjointed, Luo Yunhe frowned. She could hear a note of anxiety, fear, and deep reluctance in his tone. But how could Su Shan or Mother Su ever elicit such emotions from him? Unable to make sense of it, she let the thought go. She reached out and gently patted Su Jingxuan, calling to him in a soft, whispering voice.

"Husband, husband, wake up. It’s time to eat..."

"Husband, please, wake up..."

Her gentle voice reached him, pulling Su Jingxuan slowly from the grip of his nightmare. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw Luo Yunhe leaning over him, her brows furrowed with worry.

"Wife...?"

"You’re finally awake. How do you feel? Is there anywhere you’re uncomfortable?" Luo Yunhe reached for the quilt, propping him up and tucking it behind his back.

"I’m fine, just a bit tired."

Upon hearing this, she quickly placed her hand on his forehead. Finding no fever, she let out a sigh of relief.

"Husband, I stewed the game you brought back today. Come, eat! See if you like how I made it!" She placed the bowl of soup and meat before him. Seeing how exhausted and weak he was, she picked up the chopsticks herself, plucked a piece of meat, and held it to his lips.

"I can do it myself!"

"Don't move! You work so hard every day and never rest; you’re the one who carries the burden for this family. I’m your wife, it’s only right that I take care of you! Besides, if I were in your shoes, wouldn’t you do the same for me?"

"Come on, don't be shy. Let me feed you!"

Flushed with embarrassment at her actions, Su Jingxuan eventually complied, opening his mouth to accept the food she offered. He ate with a refined grace that was pleasing to behold.

"How is it? Is it any good?" Luo Yunhe asked, looking at him with anticipation.

"Mm, it’s delicious," Su Jingxuan replied.

"Really? You aren't just saying that to please me?"

"I’m telling the truth."

"Then be a good boy and finish it all!"

Under her attentive care, he quickly finished the bowl of meat and soup. Luo Yunhe then ladled more broth for him. "Husband, you are far too thin. You need to eat more; this soup is very nourishing!"

Though Su Jingxuan was already full, seeing the deep concern in her eyes, he drank the second bowl as well. He didn't want to disappoint his little wife. Once he was satisfied, Luo Yunhe finally let him be.

"Wife, you should eat too!"

"Don't worry, I won't go hungry while taking care of you. I have to keep myself healthy so you won't have to worry about me!"

Luo Yunhe, who hadn't had meat in a long time, didn't stand on ceremony. She filled her own bowl and sat down to eat. She ate like a little hamster, her cheeks puffed out, looking incredibly adorable. Watching her, a smile tugged at the corners of Su Jingxuan’s mouth.

"What are you laughing at?" she asked, her mouth so full of food that her words were slightly muffled.