44 Gifts & Gratitude

Later that day, Uncle Liu carried his own son, Zhao Zhiqiang, and a basket on his back. In front of him was a basket with a hot pot inside, while the basket behind him had the head of an old hen sticking out. They walked all the way to Zhao Ce's house, the aroma of the food wafting along with them.

Along the way, people kept asking Uncle Liu what he was doing. He simply smiled and said, "Zhao Ce saved my daughter-in-law and grandson today. This is the snake he killed, and my wife made it into snake soup for him. I'm bringing my son to deliver it to his house."

Everyone was curious and asked for more details. Uncle Liu embellished Zhao Ce's heroic actions and some of those who hadn't seen it were skeptical of his story. They didn't believe that the skinny, talkative scholar could kill a snake, let alone a big one.

Uncle Liu showed them the evidence in his hand, the pot of delicious-smelling food, and everyone was convinced. They knew that the food in the pot was the result of Zhao Ce's bravery.

Uncle Liu didn't stay long, as he was in a hurry to deliver the food to Zhao Ce's house. He mentioned that Ah Feng and the others had also witnessed the incident and suggested that they could ask them for confirmation.

Meanwhile, Su Caier was sitting outside the house repairing Zhao Ce's worn-out shoes, while he sat on a small stool and slowly cleaned the yellow clay he had brought back. They heard a knock on the door and Zhao Ce went to answer it.

He walked out and opened the door. It was Uncle Liu, who had brought his son with him. Uncle Liu saw Zhao Ce and quickly said, "Zhao Ce, my wife has cooked the snake you just killed."

"This snake is quite big, you won't finish eating it tonight. Just boil it before you go to bed and let the pot sit. You can eat it tomorrow."

After speaking, his son stepped forward and placed both baskets on the ground. Zhao Zhiqiang also said, "Thank you for saving my wife and child. This is a small gift from our family. We hope you can accept it."

"This old hen is one that lays eggs in our house. It's good for a scholar like you to raise at home and eat an egg every day to nourish your body. We also brought some grains and vegetables from our own home. They are not valuable things."

Zhao Ce looked down and saw the two baskets full of things, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had just helped out casually and didn't think much of it at the time. Even if it wasn't for Uncle Liu's family, he would still have helped.

"You guys have brought too many valuable things. Please take them back. Everyone works hard, how can I accept such a heavy gift from you?" said Zhao Ce.

Farmers' life is not easy and their income is not great, so if they can gather a small token of thanks, it is a sincere expression of gratitude. Uncle Liu's family had brought so much, how could Zhao Ce accept it all?

However, Uncle Liu insisted that he take it, saying, "What we did to your land this year was unfair. I should have come to talk to you more and explain things clearly. After this season's crops are harvested, I will plant everything you want, and you won't have to worry about the crops this year. Our family will take care of it all."

"In the spring of next year, I will grow more seeds for you and plant the whole field together. And, by the way, there's that yellow clay you've been digging up recently. Although we don't know what you're going to use it for, I'll have my second son pick some up for you every day. If it's not enough, just let us know and we'll pick more for you."

This time, Zhao Ce didn't argue or resist. Uncle Liu's apology was sincere, and he spoke very earnestly. Zhao Ce looked at them, feeling both amused and helpless. He had just casually helped two fellow villagers, and now he was receiving so many free gifts and labor. He felt like he was taking advantage of them.

Zhao Ce said, "Uncle Liu, you don't have to do so much for me. You already promised to help me plant crops before."

Uncle Liu waved his hand and left the two baskets behind. "You guys enjoy the food. We have to go back home now. My grandson was frightened today, so I have to comfort him."

Ignoring Zhao Ce's refusal, Uncle Liu left with his son, not even bothering to take the baskets with him.

Zhao Ce looked at the two baskets helplessly and brought them inside. Su Caier, who was in the main room, heard their conversation and quickly came to help him.

The two baskets were placed on the ground, and one of them emitted a tempting fragrance. Su Caier sniffed and her mouth began to water. She exclaimed, "Husband, it smells so good!"

Zhao Ce smiled and said, "It's not me who smells good, it's the food in the pot." He then reached for the lid to open the pot.

However, Su Caier was quick to stop him and said, "Husband, the lid is hot. Let me do it."

She reached for the lid and opened it without getting burned. The aroma filled the room.

Zhao Ce teased her, "The lid was too hot for me, but not for you?"

Su Caier replied naturally, "Yes, my hands are calloused, so I'm not afraid of getting burned."

Zhao Ce shook his head helplessly and pinched her cheek. "What kind of logic is that?"

Su Caier giggled and asked, "The food smells so good, husband, do you want to eat it now?"

Zhao Ce replied, "Let's cook some rice tonight and eat it with the food." Su Caier nodded and swallowed her saliva, afraid that her husband would think she was a glutton.

She quickly shifted her gaze to the other basket, which contained a tied-up old hen with its legs and wings bound, a small basket of eggs, several tender cucumbers, a few bunches of vegetables, and a bag of grains at the bottom. These gifts were very precious to farmers.

Zhao Ce was surprised by Uncle Liu's generosity, and Su Caier's eyes were fixed on the old hen. She asked, "Husband, should we accept these gifts?"

Zhao Ce replied, "Yes, let's take them. It's their token of gratitude, it will be impolite to refuse and return the gifts"

Su Caier happily took the old hen to the courtyard and untied its bonds. She murmured, "Now we can raise chickens too!"