"Mom, I won't be going, keep the melons for yourself, stay inside and rest since it's hot, let the others like the second, third, and fourth ones do the work."
"My son is so filial, I'll listen to you. It's comfortable like this, your father and I haven't misjudged you. You're the only one in the family with a conscience."
Old Mrs. Mu felt delighted in her heart. Her eldest son was truly good, always giving her food first, unlike the other sons, who were like pigs, eager to eat a whole pot of food by themselves.
Mu Dade hurried back, while Old Mrs. Mu carried the slop bucket back to the kitchen.
After noon, once Mr. Mu had finished lunch and was about to rest, Old Mrs. Mu pulled him aside.
"Old man, what are you planning to do about the fifty taels of silver needed for Da De's Autumn Examination?"
It would have been better if not mentioned, but once brought up, Mr. Mu began sighing, repeatedly slapping his thigh, overwhelmed with worry.
