"Your Third Brother really treasured his New Year's money. When we were little, Eldest Brother and I would buy firecrackers to play with whenever we got ours. He alone was a miser.
"No matter what we tried, we couldn't trick so much as a tael of silver out of him. It was only after you came along that he became willing to spend his silver on toys and treats for you."
"Mm, he's a good brother."
Chu Youning nodded earnestly, a trace of tenderness softening her eyes.
"And then?"
Seeing his little sister smiling without saying anything more, Jiang He looked at her, his eyes full of anticipation.
"And then... since Third Brother is so good to me, I'll definitely give him a big gift when he gets married."
Jiang He grew a little jealous, resentment creeping into his eyes.
"What about me? Am I not a good brother? I gave you more than he did!"
"You? You're a Showy Peacock~ and a blabbermouthed Showy Peacock at that!"
Seeing Jiang He looking like a neglected wife, Chu Youning burst into delighted laughter.
"Chu Youning!"
Jiang He planted his hands on his hips, his eyes full of accusation.
Chu Youning pulled a face at him. "Bleh, bleh, bleh! I've already hauled away all the gold anyway! It's too late for regrets!"
"Too late? And you dare give me nicknames? Just watch me teach you how to respect your older brother today!"
Jiang He chased her, and Chu Youning ran off gleefully.
Only when Jiang He was exhausted, panting with a hand braced against his aching lower back, did Chu Youning happily return. "All right, all right. My Second Brother is the best brother under heaven."
"Hmph! That's more like it!" Jiang He gave a little huff and turned his head away.