After cultivating for at least three hours, I decided it was time to prepare lunch. I planned to make braised rabbit meat with cassava starch, but first, I needed to pound the cassava to extract its juice. Although I possessed internal energy that could turn the cassava into fine powder, just like modern starch, I chose to keep this ability a secret. While I trusted my family, I wanted to reserve this skill as a trump card for crucial times. As I heard them training outside, I looked at the plate filled with cassava in my hand, pondering for a moment before heading outside with it.
" Older brother, Bal, I need you both here," I called out. I placed all the cassava in a white katcha I found in the kitchen and placed it on a stone slab.
" What do you need?" they asked in succession.
" Eh? What is this?" They looked at the cassava with confusion. Instead of answering, I pulled them apart and positioned them on opposite ends of the stone slab. I instructed Cree to fetch some fiber rope and create loops on the ends.
" Older brother, Bal, do you want to become stronger?" I asked.
" Yes," they chorused, still looking at me with bewilderment.
" Do you want to eat?" I asked, causing them to laugh and affirm their answer.
" Then this practice will help you control your strength while solidifying your foundation. It will also develop alertness and agility in your arms," I explained.
I tied the rope around their hands and instructed them to begin. They shrugged but never questioned or protested. A warm smile crossed my face as I witnessed the unwavering trust, they had in me.
UNCLE JIANG'S POV
I had just returned and noticed that no one was in the backyard. Eh? Where could all the young masters be? They were usually dedicated to their training and seldom took breaks.
As I made my way to the front yard, I heard the laughter of the Third Young Master. I was greatly surprised when I discovered what the Eldest and Second Young Masters were doing. I thought they were simply goofing off, ready to intervene, but then I felt a serious gaze on me. I turned around and saw Little Miss nodding at me. I don't know why, but her words carried weight, reminding me of the House Master. I found myself following her wholeheartedly. I sighed. These children had been through tough times. Perhaps occasional playtime would do them good.
I stood on the sidelines and quietly observed them. At first, it didn't make any sense to me. I could hear them groaning in pain and saw the excessive amount of sweat on their bodies. But as I watched their rhythm, I was surprised. This practice created a rhythmic wave-like movement of their arms. They needed strength to pound the cassava, but they couldn't release too much energy, or they would hurt each other. The bamboo strip's constraint allowed for a soft, yet firm and sharp movement.
" Little Cree, how did your older brothers start practicing like this?" I asked curiously.
"Elder sister made them pound the cassava this way," he replied. I was taken aback. It was Little Miss again. I glanced at her, and she simply smiled. How many surprises did Little Miss have?
" Isn't it strange? Maybe Elder sister feels that they're not handsome enough, so she decided to punish them, right, Sister?" Oh my! Youngest Young Master, aren't your thoughts a little peculiar?
" Hmm," Little Miss nodded seriously. My face cringed and wrinkled. Could Little Miss please stop staring without blinking?
" You're so intelligent, my mighty little Cree. Tell me, do you want to be handsome too?"
" But didn't you say I'm already the most handsome?" the Youngest Young Master replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
" Yes, of course you are, but you're growing up, and it's important to improve your handsomeness. Didn't Older brother and Second Brother start doing this practice too?" Little Miss explained.
" Really? So this practice helps them become more handsome? Oh no! What if they surpass me? Sister, you have to help me! You must help me!" the Youngest Young Master exclaimed, sounding a bit panicked.
" Of course, I will help you. I'm on your side." I can see a playful mirth in Young Miss's eyes.
"You see those two bowls? You have to balance them while only holding the bamboo strip. And while doing that, you need to catch all the liquid coming from the cassava. If you spill a single drop, you won't be able to taste the other amazing dish that I've thoughtfully prepared just for you!"
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the Youngest Young Master. Maybe one day Little Miss will have already sold you, and you'll still happily help her count the money.
" Come here, let me give you two kisses to give you energy. And don't let even a single drop spill, okay?" Little Miss offered, reaching out to him affectionately.
Little Miss took a couple of steps, then turned around.
" Hey, finish it quickly, okay? How can we eat lunch without it? Work hard, brothers. I love you," she giggled before resuming her walk.