In ancient times, like in the original host's family, it was rare to have three meals a day; most people only ate twice a day, especially since the new dynasty had not been established for long, and families that could fill their bellies were already considered wealthy.
The original host had not intended to be so ostentatious, but circumstances were special, with a pregnant woman in the house, and the original host's own health being not very good. The barefoot doctor in the village had seen her several times and said she needed to nourish herself. She was too reluctant to buy tonics or meat, so she figured having three meals a day would be nourishing enough without making them hungry. Plus, all her grandchildren were young, and she adored them, so she changed to three meals a day.
In fact, it had been less than a month since they started, but unfortunately, the original host's health did not recover, and then she arrived.
At dinner, men at one table could only be seen with their chopsticks moving rapidly; women with their children did not show any restraint either. Zhulan enjoyed her meal as well; in modern times, it was difficult to find purely natural and unpolluted food, but in ancient times it was much easier, even cabbage tasted sweet and delicious.
The staple food was still rationed. Although they ate three times a day, it was not about eating to fullness, but ensuring they were seventy percent full. However, tonight they could reach ninety percent. Lady Li's cabbage dish was indeed generous, and with the leftover rice porridge given to the grandchildren, the adults got to eat a bit more.
Zhulan, who had to save room in her stomach for medicine, put down her chopsticks first. She was fond of children, and having been there for a day, she had not dared to come closer in the morning. Now that she felt reassured with Zhou Shuren around, she took the time to carefully observe her grandsons and granddaughter.
Eldest grandson Zhou Mingyun was at that bratty age, being restless even while eating; second grandson Zhou Mingteng had a rambunctiously cute look. Eldest granddaughter Zhou Yushuang was very compliant, not daring to raise her head while eating, and her only standout quality was her cleanliness.
"Yushuang, come to Grandma," Zhulan called out.
Zhao's heart skipped, and she quickly grabbed her daughter, "Mother, are you calling Yushuang for something?"
Influenced by her mother's tone, Yushuang, the little girl, trembled with fear. If not for biting her lip tightly, she might have been scared to tears.
Zhulan, "...."
She really wanted to swear. What had she said? She just wanted some closeness with her granddaughter, yet she managed to scare this mother and daughter badly, which somewhat depressed her.
Lady Li scraped together the last of the dishes and pushed her youngest son forward, "Mother, Ming Teng has been talking about missing you all day!"
Second grandson, Zhou Mingteng, was little and knew that Grandma treated him well. Having not seen Grandma for a day, he threw himself at her, "Grandma, Grandma."
Zhulan couldn't resist the affectionate call—it was too cute. She picked up Ming Teng, "Let Grandma give you a kiss."
The child disliked the tickling and giggled. The sound of his laughter lifted Zhulan's depressed spirits.
Lady Li watched her sister-in-law with disdain in her eyes. She really looked down on the family of the second son, but she was also pleased. The worse off they were, the less Mother would like them, and the more she would favor the eldest son's family.
Zhao bit her lip and lowered her head, her eyes reddening.
Zhulan caught a glimpse of this out of the corner of her eye and was completely speechless at the wife of the second son. Then she saw Yushuang's tears falling too, and silently recited the Three Character Classic in her heart. What a good child had been spoiled by Zhao. She instructed Lady Li, "Hurry and clean up the table."
As she spoke, Zhulan put down her grandson, pried Zhao's hands away, and picked up Yushuang, "Alright, no more crying."
Lady Li was surprised; this was the first time this year that the mother-in-law had held the girl. She didn't dare to think too much, "Yes, Mother."
Zhulan, while focusing on Yushuang, was also sizing up everyone in the room. Fortunately, all were just surprised and didn't think much of it. She thought to herself that being at the top of the food chain did have its benefits—at the very least, she didn't need to look at anyone's face and no one dared to make a peep about what she wanted to do.
After pacifying the child, Zhulan set her down. There would be time in the future; she couldn't expect to change everything all at once.
After taking her medicine, her sons all went back to their respective rooms, and only then did she return to the bedroom.
Zhou Shuren had already awakened. He saw that the oil lamp was lit and, despite the poor lighting, could see Zhulan taking out the Money Box. He became more alert, "Counting our savings?"
With a smile on her face, Zhulan replied, "Yes, but you'll have to wait. I need to find everything first."
Counting money was indeed a delightful task!