Xu Songnian had packed all the sheep's milk squeezed from home into a terracotta jar, ready to head out the door, "Mom, my sister and I are off to Third Auntie's."
Li Qingyin darted out of the kitchen, her voice laced with a blend of admonition and warmth, "When you get to your aunt's place, I want you both to be on your best behavior. Whatever your eldest cousin-in-law asks of you, do it. Absorb everything like sponges, got it?"
Xu Songnian, with a hint of playful exasperation, replied, "Mom, you give us this speech every single time. We've got it memorized forwards and backwards."
Li Qingyin's laughter filled the air, "That's my kids. Alright, off you go. Don't be late."
Xu Songnian smiled and said, "Yes, Mother."
As they made their way through the courtyard, Xu Songnian gave Xiao Ye, the family wolf, a gentle pat on the head, "You're on guard duty, buddy. If any bad guys come knocking, you know what to do, right?"
