He had met his brother Danian before, and it was the first time he met his brother and sworn brother Song Xiaoniu. He was a little embarrassed.

He cupped his hands and bowed slightly to salute Song Xiaoniu, saying a long blessing, and then sat next to Song Xiaoniu, keeping a certain distance, trying to avoid face to face or mouth to mouth, for fear of being disliked by others.

In fact, both Gu's mother and Gu Xiaonian knew that the disease was related to the lungs, and was called "cough and nagging disease" in the countryside.

This disease is said to be contagious, so patients are advised to go out as little as possible.

Song Xiaoniu actually guessed it, but he thought that Gu Xiaonian's illness was not long, less than half a year, and with timely and effective treatment, coupled with dietary nutrition, maybe the disease could be cured.

Otherwise, they will become useless at a young age and their lives will be short.

In this way, Song Xiaoniu reunited with his adopted brother's family and had a happy dinner. He also served braised beef to Gu's mother and Xiaonian from time to time.

It is estimated that mother and son have not smelled the scent of meat for half a year.

The candlelight flickered in the thatched house. Although the light was not bright, everyone's heart was bright, they had hope for the day, and they were full of energy.

The laughter and laughter in this room spread outside and infected the neighbors next door.

A rare smile appeared on Gu's mother's face.

After dinner, it was time to stay. There was a large wooden frame bed at home, where the mother and son rested.

The back room was dark and small, with only a small window for ventilation. In addition to the large wooden frame, there were also piles of cotton wool, bedding and other winter items and other things, so there was no extra space.

The end of April and the beginning of May is the season of mildew and rain. The house is humid and you can smell a musty smell as soon as you enter.

Gu's mother wanted to give Song Xiaoniu a big wooden bed to sleep on, but Xiaoniu refused.

Finally, he and Danian spread straw on the floor in the outer living room, covered it with a straw mat, and slept.

On summer evenings, you don’t need to cover yourself with anything else.

…

Early the next morning, Song Xiaoniu had just finished eating the porridge when an old man in his fifties came in the door, smoking a cigarette.

"New Year, you are finally back, thank God." He shouted as he entered the door.

"Hey uncle, I'm going to visit you today." Gu Zhunian stood up and gave way.

After introduction, this old man is Gu Zhunian's biological uncle, who lives in the southwest of the village. Last night, he heard that his nephew was back for the New Year, so he was so busy that he came over early in the morning to have a look.

When he heard that Song Xiaoniu was the savior of his nephew Gu Zhunian, he stretched out his calloused hand, held Xiaoniu's hand and said, "I thank you on behalf of his dead father!"

As he was about to bite the cake again, Song Xiaoniu was on guard this time. He quickly held his hands and said in a deep voice:

"Uncle can't help it. Danian and I are sworn brothers now. Don't mention any saviors. I'm ashamed. It's just that Danian's family will have to rely on uncle and other relatives to take care of him from now on."

"Of course." The old man's eyes were red with emotion.

"Uncle, I have something to ask for." Seeing this, Song Xiaoniu changed the subject.

"Whatever it is, just say it, don't ask for anything."

"I wonder if there is a small rowing boat in the village. I want to rent one and go to Shuangqi Town, where a relative of mine is there."

Song Xiaoniu thought about it for a while at night. He saw that it was really difficult for his family. Xiaonian was sick all year round and needed medical treatment. What would he do with the crops if the family had no labor?

Floods don't happen every year. If the floods recede, the crop land will still be planted. Otherwise, where will the food come from?

For this reason, last night Gu Zhunian had the idea of ​​delaying his return to the army for a few months, but Song Xiaoniu understood in his heart that the army is different from the place, and if you join the army, you must obey military discipline.

He and the older boy only took five days off. Later, he had to go to Niutoushan, and Gu Zhunian had to enter a recruit training camp to receive basic military training.

Therefore, Song Xiaoniu plans to use these two days of vacation to help Danian deal with everything at home, so that his sworn brother can rest assured.

First of all, there is the issue of treating Xiaonian's illness. This is a very difficult problem. It not only requires a lot of money, but also requires people to serve.

Song Xiaoniu suddenly thought of Shuangqi Town, the eldest young master's hometown, and went there to ask for help.

At the end of last year, the eldest young master and his third young lady went to Shuangqi Town to celebrate the New Year, and Song Xiaoniu was among the escorts.

In addition to the wedding on the small island in West Lake in Hangzhou, he became very familiar with the eldest young master's mother, sisters and brother-in-law Ahua.

Mrs. Chen herself is very kind and is a well-known benevolent person.

Song Xiaoniu suddenly had an idea. He wanted to ask the eldest young master's brother-in-law Ahua to help him contact a famous traditional Chinese medicine doctor who specializes in treating cold and chronic coughs for treatment.

The economy of Shuangqi Town is not much richer than that of Qian Qingxiang, and with the young master's influence in the local area, it is not difficult to find a famous man.

For this reason, he decided to rent a small rowing boat and go to Shuangqi Town, which should not be far away.

"This matter is easy to handle. My eldest son has a small rowing boat. It's just a little worn out. I wonder if you like it." The old man took a puff of dry cigarette and replied.

"What about that? Please put in an extra oar and we can row together." Song Xiaoniu was overjoyed.

"Brother, can you come back tonight after you went to Shuangqi? Why do we need to have a drink at home?" Gu's mother came out of the inner room. She had just made a medicinal soup for Xiaonian and sent it in.

I heard that Song Xiaoniu was going to Shuangqi Town, and she was anxious. She planned to kill a chicken tonight, and then buy a piece of meat and a jar of wine. Thank you for your kindness.

Song Xiaoniu naturally understood what Gu's mother was thinking. Country people were simple, and if someone like him, who was a benefactor, came to the house, if he didn't treat her well, he would feel as if he was in debt.

"Don't worry, Auntie. I mainly want to see someone. I'll leave early and come back early. I'll definitely be back here before dinner." Song Xiaoniu said with relief.

Mother Gu nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Song, please hurry up and wait by the river. I'll call my son over." Seeing this, the old man hurriedly walked out the door.

"Hey, uncle, you can come over later in the afternoon. There is no one in charge of the banquet tonight, so you can take charge." Gu's mother followed him a few steps away and whispered to the old man outside the door.

According to the rules in rural areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is absolutely impossible to entertain guests at home without a man present. If I am not here, my son must be here. Women cannot attend the banquet, let alone accompany the wine.

The old man understood immediately and said to Gu's mother: "Don't worry, brothers and sisters. You can prepare for the banquet tonight. I will definitely come when the time comes."

After saying that, he strode towards the village.

Chen Tianhua changed into a set of clean clothes, washed his face, said goodbye to his mother, and walked to the river accompanied by his foster brother Gu Zhunian.

"Brother Xiaoniu, do you really not need me to accompany you?" Gu Zhunian knew last night that his adopted brother was going to Shuangqi Town this morning to explore the way for Xiaonian's illness.

"No, you help your mother tidy up the house, crops, etc. at home. I'll be right back."

"Let's go to the eldest young master's hometown. I'm sorry if you go empty-handed. How about you catch some chickens from home?"
Chapter completed!