Su Long and Fu Sheng walked back up the porch steps and into the warm main house. The scent of roasted barley tea and fresh rice broth filled the wooden hallway, replacing the cold air from outside.
Further down the hall, Fu Li and Fu Fei were just stepping out of a guest bedroom, quietly pulling the wooden door partially shut. Fu Li held a bundle of extra cotton quilts, while Fu Die carried an empty tray of small wooden bowls.
"They're inside," Fu Li whispered, smiling softly as Su Long and Fu Sheng approached. "We set up the big bed for them with our warmest blankets."
"The little ones ate two whole bowls of broth before their eyes started closing," Fu Fei added with a light chuckle. "They're fast asleep now."
"Thank you, both of you," Fu Sheng said quietly, giving his younger sisters a gentle nod before pushing the bedroom door open a crack.
