Divorced woman with child travels through time

On the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, Chen Xuanyu and his father squatted in a row, each with a cup and toothbrush dipped in salt, brushing their teeth. Little Ahao next to them looked quite helpless. Chen Wenfang came out after folding the quilt and saw this scene, only then realizing that she hadn't brought them toiletries.

Chen Wenfang liked to hoard things. She went back inside to get a toothbrush. She also had a lot of water cups, and bamboo cups were very cheap, so she took two. She also gave each of them a handkerchief to wash their faces. After coming out, Chen Wenfang gave the handkerchief to Xiao Ahao and said to him, "Haohao, go find your father and tell him that this is for him to wash up. From now on, you can wash with your brothers like them."

Little Ahao was overjoyed. He would have his own toothbrush and water cup from now on. He ran and jumped with his toothbrush and handkerchief to find Wang Erniu, excitedly saying, "Daddy, Daddy! We have a toothbrush and handkerchief now, and a cup too!"

Wang Erniu hadn't expected Chen Erfang to be so considerate, even bringing him toiletries. He was a rough man, used to washing himself quickly with willow twigs whenever he had a spare moment, rain or shine, and rarely used handkerchiefs. He was deeply touched; he was determined to accept Chen's thoughtfulness. He took Xiao Haohao to the yard to brush his teeth, only to see Chu Yi and two other children squatting under the eaves brushing their teeth, which he found rather amusing.

Then he and Wang Hao squatted down, picked up two other new cups, and started brushing their teeth.

The three little ones turned around and smiled at the two of them.

Chen Wenfang was carrying a basket of steamed buns as she passed by, and I couldn't help but find it a bit funny, haha.

After washing up, everyone grabbed bowls and chairs, and together they set the table. Everyone returned to the table to eat breakfast. Chen Wenfang placed the steamed buns on the table. There was a large basket of steamed buns, about thirty or forty in total. She also brought out four dishes: two plates of stir-fried cured meat and two plates of cabbage. The selection wasn't extensive, but the portions were generous.

Wang Erniu picked up a steamed bun and took a bite. Hmm? This steamed bun is soft, sweet, and has a slightly lingering aftertaste. He hadn't expected Chen Niangzi's cooking skills to be so good; not only were her noodles delicious, but her steamed buns were too. If she were his wife, he'd be in for a treat every day! *Cough cough* Wang Erniu was startled by his own thoughts—there were so many people around! He quickly ate another bite to calm himself. He finished the steamed bun in three or four bites, eating it heartily.

Chen Wenfang looked on with some admiration; this man really had a big appetite.

Little Wang Hao was the same; he didn't even have time to pick up any food, just holding a steamed bun in his hand and eating. There were two more steamed buns next to his bowl, as if he was afraid he wouldn't eat enough. The other three little ones were used to it, slowly munching on their steamed buns. They were already used to it; with Madam Chen around, there was no need to worry about not having enough to eat.

While Wang Erniu was picking up some food, Chu Yi asked, "Uncle Erniu, wait a minute, are you taking us hunting together?"

Wang Erniu looked up and glanced outside the courtyard. The sun was already out, and the temperature seemed to have risen a bit. He said, "If you all want to go, that's fine too. We'll go find some wood, and I'll make bows and arrows for you. I'll take you there too. Observe the situation in the mountains, and hunt wild game more often in the future."

The children were very happy about this, because now everyone could play together.

Anyway, the back mountain isn't far, so Chen Wenfang said, "Brother Erniu, it'll be hard on you taking care of them. Please keep an eye on them on the first day of the lunar month." Wang Erniu smiled and said, "It's my pleasure."

Chu Yi nodded seriously, "I will. Don't worry, Godmother."

Even Wang Erniu, with his astonishing appetite, still left a huge pile of steamed buns. He ate eight of them. The children could only eat two at most each, with Chu Yi eating three. There were still many left. Chen Wenfang then said, "Why don't you each take one with you and eat it as a snack on the way?" The children each put one in their pockets. Seeing this, Wang Erniu also took two, like a big kid. Chen Wenfang smiled.

After finishing their meal, Wang Erniu grabbed his bow and arrows and his broadsword, then led the children up the mountain. Chen Wenfang washed up at home. Seeing Wang Erniu's undergarments hanging outside, she thought of his obviously old and thin padded jacket and measured it. She had a piece of fabric left over from making cotton-padded clothes last time; she wondered if it would be enough. It looked like she could only make a short jacket at most, not a long robe. Oh right, they weren't wearing cotton-padded trousers or shoes. Oh dear, she'd forgotten to change Xiao Ahao into Chen Xuanyu's cotton-padded clothes and shoes. Would the child get cold in the woods? Chen Wenfang felt a pang of regret for her carelessness.

Remembering Xiao Ahao's thin padded jacket, Chen Wenfang went to the room and rummaged through the bag of clothes Madam Ouyang had given her last time. She wondered if any of them would fit Xiao Ahao. After a pause, she took out the clothes one by one and found a padded jacket that was roughly the right size. She thought it should be fine for Xiao Ahao; she could alter it and add some cotton padding. She considered whether she could give one to each of the four children and picked up the jacket to compare it. Wait, Madam Jiang gave it to Chen Xuanyu; she should ask him later. Chen Wenfang picked up the jacket for Xiao Ahao. No need to ask; she'd alter it for now and give it to him as an emergency.

Chen Wenfang found the leftover piece of fabric from the last time she made clothes, took it to the yard and compared it with Wang Erniu's clothes. Sure enough, it was just enough to make a short jacket for Wang Erniu. Well, she decided to make it for him anyway. She didn't have anything else at the moment, so she would go to town later to buy him a ready-made garment.

Chen Wenzhang picked up scissors and a charcoal pencil, confirmed the size of the clothes, drew lines on the fabric, and sat on the kang (a heated brick bed) to cut the fabric.

On the back hill, Wang Erniu led the children, including Luo Xiaohei, to the edge of the forest. They dared not venture too far in; there were too many children, and he was afraid he couldn't protect them properly. As they walked, Wang Erniu taught them about the plants, but in winter, there wasn't much to eat. Chen Xuanyu, however, pointed to the withered kudzu vines and said, "Uncle Erniu, do you know what that is?" Chen Wenfang hadn't brought him here to dig since they had enough food, so it was good to let the kudzu grow properly.

Wang Erniu said with great interest, "Oh? Do you know what that is? I don't recognize it at all."

Chen Xuanyu said, "That's kudzu root. You can eat it raw or cooked. When my mother first came here, we had nothing to eat, so we ate this every day."

Wang Erniu laughed and said, "Can this be eaten? Your mother knows so much!"

Chen Xuanyu proudly said, "That's right, my mother is amazing, isn't she?" He then looked at Chu Yi and Shiwu beside him.

The two nodded in agreement with pride, saying, "Yes, godmother is amazing; she can even make herbal remedies."

Xiao Ahao suggested, "Then let Madam Chen be my mother. You all have mothers. I'm the only one who doesn't."

After saying that, she looked at Chen Xuanyu pitifully.