Bahu returned before lunchtime. When he dismounted, he happened to run into Mu Xiang carrying a basin of diapers out.
“Leave it, I’ll wash it when I come back.” After washing his hands in the river outside, he cupped water to wash his face. He took off the robe he had been wearing for two or three days and tossed it into the river, pressing it down with a stone. When he was at home every day, he didn’t feel the need, but once he left home, he started to miss the two little ones.
Bahu said he would wash the diapers. Mu Xiang immediately put the basin down. The diapers were quite dirty, and if there were choices, she wouldn’t be willing to wash them. Seeing that he had brought back four camels, two large and two small, she asked if she could take a closer look. She had never seen baby camels before.
“Feel free to look, but don’t touch. The mother camel can be irritable during nursing and is protective of her calf,” Bahu nodded toward Mu Xiang. “I’ll go in to check on Mi Niang and the child. If you have things to attend to, go ahead.”
Entering the small courtyard surrounded by felt, Da Huang was lying in front of the main door, sleeping. When Bahu walked in, it lifted its head and wagged its tail. If Bahu had spoken outside, Da Huang probably heard it, even if it was just engraved on its fur. Bala, that foolish dog, got addicted to being a wet nurse. Whenever Da Huang was not in the doghouse, it would go in and cradle the puppies in its arms. As for Alse wolves, the biological father, he didn’t seem to care much about the puppies. When they crawled out, he played with them. Normally, he paid no attention and slept, only occasionally going for a walk with Da Huang.
Mi Niang was waiting at the door. As soon as the door opened, she rushed forward, excitedly saying, “You’re back! Your two children have tormented me.”
“…” Bahu’s smile was somewhat awkward for a moment. “I thought you missed me.”
These days, she missed him more than ever. Without Bahu taking care of the children, Mi Niang felt like she hardly slept at night. She was always on edge, and her dreams were filled with the sound of the children crying.
“Your mother came a couple of days ago and left this morning.” Qiqige and Jiya were still sleeping. Mi Niang sat with Bahu at the bedside and spoke softly, “She came in the evening the day you left. When she saw the child, she was so happy she wanted to sit by the bed and watch while eating. At night, she asked Mu Xiang to go back, and she stayed to keep watch and help me with the child.”
Bahu didn’t know how to react. In fact, his feelings were unclear. It seemed like he didn’t care much. It was only when he saw the clothes, shoes, and socks his mother sent that he hesitated a bit and said, “Then, when Jiya and Qiqige turn one month old, I’ll invite her for a meal.”
“If my mother comes and I’m not at home, you keep an eye on the two children. Don’t let them be alone with her,” Bahu added.
“Why do you say that?”
“I can’t figure out my mother’s temperament right now, and I can’t see through her thoughts. I always feel like she’s confused and acting a bit crazy. I’m afraid she might believe that old man’s words again and take Qiqige and Jiya back.” Bahu knew Mi Niang had only seen his father twice, and they never exchanged a word. She might not fully understand their relationship. “I have a terrible relationship with my father. He has a really strange personality, and anything he does wouldn’t be surprising. I’m a bit worried, so you should be cautious too.” Bahu couldn’t comprehend how a grown man could kneel, apologize, and slap himself as if it were an everyday occurrence. It was as perplexing as his mother enduring repeated beatings and still hesitating to leave the person who hurt her. It was too bizarre, so bizarre that it made him uneasy.
“Alright, I’ll be careful from now on,” Mi Niang replied. She glanced down and noticed that Jiya was awake, his eyes wide open. However, he didn’t make a sound; he just quietly observed everything. She gestured towards Bahu, and the two of them shared a smile, deciding not to talk anymore. After a while, Jiya started pouting.
Bahu quickly picked him up, his hands skillfully patting his bottom. “Little guy, do you still remember my voice?”
As soon as Bahu spoke, Jiya stared at him again, and his little mouth stopped pouting. This reaction was even sweeter to Bahu than if he had been given three pounds of honey. Bahu’s mouth almost stretched to the back of his head as he held Jiya’s small hand and told him about bringing four camels, two of them being small ones, back home after being away for two days. Just like him and his sister, the baby camels were still nursing.
“These two little camels will stay in our home. When you and Qiqige grow up, each of you will have one. When it’s time to move, you and your sister will ride on the humps of the camels, and I’ll lead them for you,” Bahu explained with a smile.
The child has been over half a month old, and Mi Niang has never heard Bahu refer to himself as the father. It has always been “my” or “mine.” He feels awkward when he speaks, but every time he’d rather pause and say “mine.”
“I’ll change your diaper, I’ll wash your bottom, I’ll hold you…”
“Waah!” cried the little tyrant Qiqige.
“Awake? Don’t cry, Mom is right next to you,” Mi Niang picked up Qiqige and pointed to the man a few steps away. “Look who’s back? Is it Daddy? Do you remember him?”
Bahu also approached and whistled at the crying little girl, “Qiqige, do you still recognize me?”
“Not recognized, ask him who he is,” Mi Niang held Qiqige’s little hand and touched the man’s nose, repeating, “Ask him if he is your dad.”
Bahu didn’t speak, just looked at Qiqige’s eyes, devoid of tears. Her eyes were big and round, with eye sockets and eyelids resembling him a bit, but only a little.
After watching for a while, Qiqige turned her head and nuzzled into Mi Niang’s arms. Whether she recognized him or not, judging by her actions, it seemed she was hungry.
The gurgling sound of swallowing milk stirred Bahu’s throat, and his already deep eyes became even more profound, unfazed even when kicked.
“Be careful, Mu Xiang might come in.”
Bahu averted his eyes and changed his sitting position, and although he wasn’t looking, his mind was still occupied. It was only when Mi Niang handed Qiqige to him that he restrained the restless thoughts, holding the little girl and patting her gently to help her burp.
With both children in their arms, after talking to Mi Niang, and with the children asleep, Bahu’s heart finally settled down. The urgency of being away from home these past few days was also smoothed out. He changed into a clean robe, energetically heated water, gave both children a bath, changed their clothes, and carried them out to wash in a basin together.
Starting from that noon, Mi Niang switched from drinking cow and sheep milk to camel milk. Bahu took over the cooking and stewing, and the crucial part was that even after working at home, he still had the energy to tan cowhide and sheepskin when Mi Niang and the children were asleep.
Mu Xiang, upon seeing this, exclaimed about Bahu’s high energy. During the full moon feast, when Mi Niang publicly thanked her, Mu Xiang waved her hand, “I don’t deserve it. I’m just helping out, and most of the work is done by Bahu. As long as he’s at home, he cooks, washes diapers, comforts the children when they cry, and even rocks them to sleep when they’re fussy at night. I found this month at your house more relaxed than herding sheep, and I’ve enjoyed good food and drink, gaining weight thanks to your postpartum care.”
“He’s their father; this is what he should do,” Mi Niang took out two new robes that had been prepared in advance. “Don’t decline; this is our way of thanking Auntie for Qiqige and Jiya.”
There were two tables full of people in the felt-covered room, and everyone was watching. Mu Xiang blushed, feeling like she hadn’t done much. The food and drink had compensated for her little contribution.
“Mi Niang sincerely thanks you; just accept it,” Zhao A’nai interjected. She glanced at the woman across from her who was holding a child—Mu Xiang was much stronger than Mi Niang’s mother-in-law. No matter how capable Bahu was, if Mu Xiang didn’t lend a hand and exert her effort, with a mother and two babies under a month old, he wouldn’t dare leave his mother and three others alone to go out.
Mi Niang didn’t join them for the feast. She came out to make an appearance and then carried the child back inside. “Since you’re all family, treat it as your own home. Enjoy the food and drinks. Zhao A’nai, Mu Xiang, Uncle Muren, thank you for helping me entertain. I’ll go inside to comfort the children.”
Uncle Chaolu, who left a few months ago, and other servants came to give gifts. Bahu wasn’t good at handling such situations without someone else to chat with, so it became awkward in the absence of a conversation starter.
“Mother, give Jiya to me; it’s time for him to sleep.” The moment her mother-in-law arrived, she took Jiya into her arms. Qiqige was just playing around. Mi Niang felt uncomfortable watching.
“I’ll hold him to sleep; I think he’s quite well-behaved.” Bahu’s mother was reluctant to let go. Although she was invited by her son, judging by his attitude, it was probably just a simple meal. After eating, she would likely leave with the others.
The two tables were not far apart, and Bahu had been keeping an eye on this side. He walked over carrying Qiqige and asked what was going on.
“It’s nothing,” the woman hastily handed her grandson back to his mother. “His eyes are squinting; it’s time for him to sleep.”
Zhao A’nai saw the scene and couldn’t help but laugh. It was the first time she had seen her son looking so helpless. “I heard that Bahu has a younger brother and sister. Why aren’t they here on this auspicious day?”
The woman glanced at Bahu with resentment. When he went to her house yesterday, Sandan mentioned wanting to come and see the dragon and phoenix twins. Bahu heartlessly refused on the spot, saying Sandan’s loud voice and talkative nature would scare the children.
“They are still studying. They’ll come over when they have a break. Anyway, the two places are not far apart,” the woman explained, and given Bahu’s words, Sandan’s coming would indeed be surprising.
Mi Niang went out holding the child, and Zhao A’nai didn’t mention it anymore. She turned to talk to Uncle Chaolu’s wife.
After Bahu and Mi Niang put the child on the bed and came back out, he brought in the fish soup he had stewed for Mi Niang. “After you eat, put the bowl on the table. I’ll tidy up after seeing off the guests.”
“Getting used to serving? I’m out of my postpartum period; I can step out of the felt-covered room,” Mi Niang leaned against him. “You haven’t been drinking, but are you feeling dazed?”
Bahu had indeed become accustomed to it. “Should I go out first, then?”
Mi Niang nodded and sat down to start removing fish bones. After she drank the fish soup and ate the fish, she carried the bowl to the kitchen. On the way, she noticed Mu Xiang sitting outside Da Huang’s dog kennel with a flushed face, cradling a puppy in her arms.
Mi Niang called out to her and walked over, “Have you been drinking?” It seemed like she was a bit intoxicated.
“I had a bowl of mare’s milk wine,” Mu Xiang replied, a bit dizzy, smiling foolishly while holding the puppy. “When I have my own home, I’ll raise a dog too.”
“If you want to raise one, wait until the puppy is weaned, then you can take one,” Mi Niang pulled her up and walked towards the house. The felt-covered room where they had the meal was lively, with constant toasts.
“Who persuaded you to drink? Did Pandi and Lan Niang also drink?” Mu Xiang’s head was spinning, but her mind was still clear. “Auntie Hairi said mare’s milk wine isn’t intoxicating, but it seems I can’t handle alcohol. Even that girl Ying Niang didn’t feel anything after drinking a bowl.” She put the puppy back into the kennel and stood up to walk with Mi Niang. “I won’t raise a dog now. Dogs that follow me will suffer. It’s better to leave them in your house. I’ll raise one later.”
Auntie Hairi was Uncle Chaolu’s wife and enjoyed being in lively situations.
“Then, when you decide to raise one, I’ll give you one,” Mi Niang poured a bowl of water for her, seeing that her eyes were still clear, so she didn’t insist on her taking a nap.
Mare’s milk wine wasn’t too strong, and by the time they dispersed, Mu Xiang was no longer feeling dizzy. She helped Bahu and others clean up the leftovers. When they left, Bahu went to the storeroom, took six chunks of butter, put them in a basket, and also chopped half a brick of tea for them to take back and make butter tea.
“Bahu, Mi Niang, I’ll be leaving now.” Bahu’s mother came out while others were clearing the table. She had been persuaded by Auntie Hairi to drink quite a bit of mare’s milk wine today, feeling feverish and more clear-headed than usual. She was confused herself; before the winter last year, she was unwilling to disturb Bahu’s life, so no matter what Bahu said, she never came to stay. However, because Bahu’s attitude changed after March, she felt resentful again. It was indeed confusing. Seeing Bahu finally free from the influence of her and his father, having a home, a wife, and children was a good thing.
This time, she didn’t instruct Bahu and Mi Niang to live a good life. Her son had been improving day by day since breaking free from that family, and she had just realized it.
“You’re not drunk, are you?” Bahu stared at her. He noticed that she had drunk quite a bit during the feast, and he tried to stop her but failed.
“Mare’s milk wine doesn’t make people drunk. I’m not dizzy at all.”
Mi Niang scrutinized her carefully. Besides the smell of alcohol in her breath, she couldn’t tell that she had been drinking. “You didn’t drink? If you didn’t, ride a horse and drive the carriage to send Mother back.”
See, she came just to make trouble for her son. The woman didn’t refuse, and while Bahu went to prepare the carriage, she went inside, glanced at the two children without saying anything, and then left again.
Mi Niang waited until the carriage had gone far before entering the house. The wind carried a floral fragrance, and she wondered how her beehive was doing.
