The next morning, Xiao Yuxi insisted on joining them to go to the fields.
"I have recovered. It's no longer as itchy as before," she muttered vehemently. "Besides, our field is so wide. It's been a few days since we watered it. One more person meant more labor force."
In the end, they just let her since they couldn't persuade her anymore.
However, seeing her eldest sister's successful attempt, Xiao Qingya jumped from her small stool, looking at her mother and siblings with sparkling eyes. Her intention was undisguised. She also excitedly raised her little hand. "Me too, me too!"
This time, Xiao Yuxi felt silent. Her insistence turned into guilt.
"Little Ya, it's hot outside. Let's just stay inside the house, alright?" She tried to coax the little one and relented. "Sister no longer wants to go to the field anymore. I will stay at home to accompany our Little Ya."
Xiao Qingya stared at her with her innocent grape-like eyes, blinking.
[I want to see our field too. Why don't they let me?]
[System, you are sure that there are some useful items for our family's field, right?]
These sentences echoed in everyone's mind. They stole a few glances at Xiao Qingya, their breathing almost stopped. What kind items are there that could help them to solve bird pests and drought?
The family's current land was located a little far from their house, requiring half an hour for a back and forth journey. That place was somewhat dry, requiring frequent watering to keep the crops alive.
Fortunately, their house was close to the river. There was enough supply of water although the volume of water in the river had decreased a lot compared to last year. It was about time that the water might stop flowing completely.
Zhou Anran calculated that it would still take a while. Even with the decreasing water volume, the river water in some areas remained deep. Enough to make a two-year-old almost drown to death.
[Of course. Why would I lie to you, Host?]
Xiao Qingya patted her little chest and avoided Xiao Yuxi's hands, giggling slightly as she ran. Overnight, her hands had recovered a lot, and the rashes almost entirely disappeared, leaving some darker spots on her fair skin.
Although Physician Li said that her skin was somewhat sensitive, she was always a healthy and energetic person. Hence, she could recover faster and wasn't worried anymore about spreading the skin problem to her family members.
It wasn't contagious, after all.
"I want to go!" Xiao Qingya insisted in her childish tone.
Xiao Yuxi could only helplessly stare as Xiao Qingya ran to their mother, who was arranging the water buckets.
Zhou Anran smiled at her youngest daughter.
"Your sister is right, dear. It's very hot in the field." She caressed Xiao Qingya's fluffy head. "There are also insects. Aren't you scared of insects?"
Since they were living in a village, Zhou Anran still dared to let Xiao Qingya out because of the considerable distance between houses. Even if there were people who passed by, they would have enough time to snatch her inside the house.
However, if they were to bring Xiao Qingya into the field, they couldn't guarantee they wouldn't meet people on the way.
Some aunties sometimes would crowd together, gossiping.
Xiao Qingya's little face scrunched up, disappointed. Their hearts ached slightly when they saw her shoulders drooped slightly and glistened eyes, resembling an abandoned little puppy. Unfortunately, they still had to harden their hearts.
"Let's play with your sister, ok? I will accompany you." With that, Xiao Yuxi scooped Xiao Qingya's little frame and hugged her tightly.
Xiao Fenghao couldn't help but approach the little one. He poked her nose and promised, "Spend more time with your eldest sister. I will bring back delicious wild berries for you later."
Originally, it was Xiao Yuyan who was supposed to stay at home and accompany Xiao Qingya since the eldest daughter wanted to go. Now that Xiao Yuxi had no choice but to coax her little sister, she abandoned her previous willfulness.
"Fine!" Xiao Qingya muttered childishly, retaining some stubbornness. "Tomorrow… I go!"
They all smiled in relief. Tomorrow, they could find another reason to keep her at home again if necessary.
Xiao Yuxi brought Xiao Qingya inside as soon as the little one agreed, afraid she might change her mind later when she saw Zhou Anran and others walking away.
In the ancient time, there wasn't much entertainment available for kids especially if they came from a commoner family. Luckily, Xiao Fenghao still had some decent carving skills.
He carved all sorts of shapes he could think of for Xiao Qingya. The little one played with the wooden toys in boredom. Besides her, Xiao Yuxi was washing the dishes.
Her attempt to check the field for herself was thwarted. It was definitely not because she was tempted away by the wild berries her brother promised her. Definitely wasn't!
[Tomorrow, I will definitely go to the field. No one can stop me.]
Xiao Yuxi's movement paused, and she glanced at her little sister's serious face. The latter had her hands supporting her chin, seemingly deep in thoughts.
[System, do you think I will look unladylike if I throw a tantrum and roll over the ground?]
Listening to the little one and the System hatching their evil scheme, Xiao Yuxi nearly broke into cold sweat. This time, Xiao Qingya seemed to be very persistent!
[Little Ya, you are still less than two-year-old…]
Xiao Qingya subconsciously nodded, showing her understanding. [So, you agree with my plan, right?]
At this moment, there was a knock from the front door. Xiao Yuxi pursed her lips and washed her hands before she stood up. "Wait for Sister here. Don't go anywhere."
Xiao Qingya blinked, then she slowly nodded.
[When my sister is occupied with the guest, should I secretly go to the river and follow my mother or brother?]
Xiao Yuxi nearly tripped when she heard that. She turned around. "Little Ya, Sister will be quick. Wait for me, okay?"
Unfortunately, she couldn't bring Xiao Qingya along. As such, she could only quickly close the door and lock it amidst Xiao Qingya's intense gaze. The little one's eyes flickered with disappointment.
Xiao Yuxi hurriedly went to the front door, intending to deal and send the visitor away quickly.
However, it turned out to be a familiar person who had come for a visit.