flamboyant - Chapter 111
That year, Feng Wu gave birth to a daughter who was extremely beautiful and lovely, so she named her Long Qiao. Two years later, she gave birth to a son for Long San, who was named Long Yin.
The couple, Long Fei and Feng Wu, had a harmonious relationship until their deaths.
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[What is this, a closing remark? I don't know, I'm just a bit long-winded and like to say a few more words.]
Life is full of surprises, unexpected events, and moments of humiliation and hardship. You may feel lost, afraid, and angry, but don't lose your way. Sincerity will always be rewarded. This applies to life, and it applies to love. Tolerance is a more powerful force than complaining or hatred; sincerity and tolerance will bring you happiness.
"Dragon and Phoenix Dance" —Completed—
Mingyue Tingfeng, June 9, 2011
82
82. Extra Chapter 1: Third Madam Long Learns to Cook...
Feng Wu was several months pregnant, and perhaps because of the baby in her belly, her maternal instincts were overflowing.
The first obvious sign was her love for dressing up Bao'er. She collected piles of hair ties, hairpins, and jade pendants every day, creating all sorts of elaborate hairstyles for Bao'er. Bao'er was also well-behaved; she never fussed when having her hair combed three times a day, and no matter what hairstyle Feng Wu gave her, she would always praise it: "Beautiful!"
Bao'er's father, Third Master Long, and Bao'er's second uncle couldn't bear to watch any longer. Who could stand seeing their precious little girl change so drastically in less than two hours? The two grown men felt deep sympathy for Bao'er, so Bao'er's father, acting as her representative, gently negotiated with her after serving her mother to bed.
“Feng’er, look, it’s not appropriate for Bao’er to dress up like this every day. She has less time to do her homework and less time to play outside. Little children should be running and jumping around. If you make her sit and comb her hair all day, she won’t be able to play with the other children.”
Lying on the bed with her big pregnant belly, Feng Wu thought seriously, "But girls need to dress up, right? Look, Bao'er changes her makeup every day and is very happy."
Long San sighed inwardly, thought for a moment, and then said, "But Bao'er can't just know how to comb hair. As her mother, you have to plan well for her. When Bao'er grows up and gets married, she'll need to have her own things to do. What if her future in-laws ask, 'Bao'er, what can you do?' and Bao'er answers, 'I can comb beautiful hair.' Wouldn't that be embarrassing? If she can't do anything and her future in-laws dislike her, and Bao'er suffers, wouldn't you feel heartbroken?"
Feng Wu raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when Long San pointed a finger at her lips, stopping her. Long San continued, "I understand what you're going to say. If Bao'er is wronged, you'll definitely want to get revenge for her, right? But think about it, if Bao'er gets married, she'll have to face many things on her own. How can you, as her mother, support her and take care of everything? Can you stay by her side every day? You can only visit her for three to five days. When you come back, Bao'er will be left alone, still having to put up with her in-laws' attitudes. What I mean is that as a mother, you should think more about your child. While Bao'er is still young and learning things quickly, let her have time to learn more useful skills."
Feng Wu knew that Long San was right, so she shut her mouth awkwardly, stared at the top of the tent for a long time, and then suddenly asked, "What is useful?"
Long San was speechless for a moment, because he suddenly remembered that his Feng Feng seemed to be not very good at anything except fighting. If he ordered some things that girls usually learn, would that expose her shortcomings?
Long San quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. This first round of persuasion failed, and he couldn't think of a suitable answer. He would try again next time.
Feng Wu turned her head and saw that Long San had fallen asleep so quickly. She was annoyed, so she bit his shoulder, then hugged his arm and closed her eyes to sleep as well.
The next day, Long San left early in the morning. Feng Wu went to find Granny Yu and asked earnestly, "Granny, what do you think is effective for young women?"
Granny Yu retorted, "What good will it do?"
"That's right, after getting married, you should be someone your in-laws appreciate and like."
This topic invigorated Granny Yu, who sat up straight and happily took Fengwu's hand, explaining carefully, "Madam, you are truly thoughtful. A young lady's strengths are nothing more than playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, cooking, needlework, and so on. Of course, being filial to one's parents-in-law, respectful to one's husband, carrying on the family line, and bringing prosperity to one's husband's family are also extremely important. As for the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, it's explained like this..."
Feng Wu listened patiently to Granny Yu for half an hour before finally interrupting, "Granny, you missed something."
Granny Yu was taken aback: "What's missing?"
"Having martial arts skills to protect one's home and house is certainly an advantage."
"Uh..." Granny Yu came to her senses and quickly tried to salvage the situation: "Yes, yes, Madam is right. Martial arts are a strength, of course they count. I just forgot because I don't have that skill myself."
Feng Wu pursed her lips, looking somewhat downcast. Seeing this, Granny Yu quickly comforted her, "If Madam is willing, I can accompany you in your studies. However, now that you are pregnant, it is not advisable for you to overexert yourself. It is best to wait until the baby is born before considering these matters."
Feng Wu nodded and walked away unsteadily. It turned out that she didn't know any of the things that make a girl pleasing. As she walked, Feng Wu pondered, "What are the arts like playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting? How difficult would it be to learn them? Anyway, I'm already married, and there's absolutely no way I can return Long San." With that thought, she felt relieved.
Back in the courtyard, the maid was playing with Bao'er's kite. Fengwu beckoned to Bao'er, who ran over after flying her kite, her little face flushed and covered in sweat. Fengwu pulled her down to sit, took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat, and had the maid bring water and fresh fruit. Once the little girl had caught her breath and rested enough, Fengwu said, "Bao'er, Mother won't make you comb your hair anymore."
"Then what does Mother want to do?" Bao'er blinked her bright, watery eyes and asked obediently.
"Mother hasn't decided either. What does Bao'er want to do?"
Bao'er opened her mouth and ate a grape that Feng Wu had broken for her. She rolled her big eyes and thought for a moment before saying, "Bao'er likes to draw."
Feng Wu's face fell when she heard this. It wasn't that she wanted to discourage her little darling, but she simply couldn't understand Bao'er's paintings at all.
Bao'er looked at Fengwu and asked, "Mother doesn't like painting? Then what does Mother like?"
Even after becoming a mother, Feng Wu still knew how to blush: "What I'm best at is fighting and eating."
Bao'er tilted her head and thought for a moment: "Dad and Second Uncle don't allow Bao'er to learn martial arts. Brother Qingsheng also said that with him around, Bao'er doesn't need to learn this. Bao'er doesn't like learning martial arts either."
Feng Wu sighed, quite regretfully: "Then Mother will no longer be able to travel the world with Bao'er and be a pair of chivalrous women."
Bao'er nodded seriously: "Bao'er doesn't like being a female knight-errant."
Feng Wu sighed again: "What else does Bao'er want to do?"
"What else does Mother want to do?"
"Besides fighting, all Mom does is eat."
“Then Bao’er will eat with her mother.”
Bao'er's suggestion made Feng Wu's eyes light up instantly: "That's right, isn't there another cooking skill? Yes, yes, let's learn this." Feng Wu immediately found a goal and happily hugged Bao'er and kissed her several times.
That evening, Feng Wu announced her grand plan to Long San.
"My lord." Feng Wu's call made Long San perk up; she must have something important to say.
"I've discussed it with Bao'er." Yes, he discussed it with Bao'er. Long San quickly focused and listened carefully.
"We won't be playing with hair combing and changing hairstyles anymore." The word "playing" was used, and Long San immediately became cautious and wary.
"My son and I have decided to learn cooking properly, and we'll take care of all the meals at home from now on!"