Chapter 11: Helping
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Chen Hu smiled at Su Sanlang and said, "Wasting my time? I've already finished all the work at home today. What trouble can it be if I help you cut some weed? Besides, we've been good friends since we were young. If I don't help you now, I'll be unable to sleep peacefully in the future."
"Plus, it's been sunny for a few days in a row already. It might rain cats and dogs some day. Sister-in-law just gave birth. She can't be in the rain. Don't say anything. Let's get to work."
2
Chen Hu started cutting the weeds immediately.
1
Su Sanlang was so touched that he choked. "Thanks."
With that, he picked up the scythe and continued cutting the weeds.
By sunset, a large patch of weed in this wasteland was cleared. Chen Hu then helped to twist the weeds into ropes and tie up the cut weeds in large bundles.
"Sanlang, when are you going to renovate the house? Do you want to do it tonight? I'll help you weave the grass after dinner. It's a beautiful day and there'll be a moon tonight."
Chen Hu told Su Sanlang as he tied up the grass.
Su Sanlang was grateful, but he rejected the offer. He said, "Hu, I appreciate your kindness, but you really don't have to help. I can get it done myself. It's not easy for you either. Take care of your own home."
Chen Hu's situation was not much better. When Chen Hu was little, his feet were burned and he became a cripple. Although he was the youngest son in the family, his two older brothers were seven or eight years older than him, and he was a cripple, so he was not well liked by his parents.
Chen Hu's wife, Madam Qian, was also disabled after being burned when she was young. There were scars on her face, and only half of her thumb was left on one hand.
He had two daughters and no sons. He was not in a good place at home. He had been scolded a lot when he came to help Sanlang.
Chen Hu lowered his eyes and swallowed before saying, "Sanlang, why do you think our lives are so difficult?"
"In any case, I regard you as my brother. If you hadn't saved me when I was young, I, Chen Hu, wouldn't be alive today. Besides, I've done most of the work that I'm supposed to do. I want to help you and no one can stop me?"
Chen Hu looked up, his eyes red. He had a disability and was not tall. His parents felt that he was embarrassing and did not like him, but they did not think about who caused his disability in the first place!
When he was younger, his two older brothers, who were seven or eight years older, had fought over food. His parents hadn't cared. He hadn't been able to fill his stomach and was lucky he didn't die.
When he was young, he was pushed into a river by his two brothers. It was Su Sanlang who risked his life to save him. When he was young, he loved to follow Su Sanlang around. Su Sanlang would give him two bird eggs when he found three, and some wild fruits when he picked them. Over the years, they forged a deep and lasting bond.
He'd never forgotten it.
Looking at Chen Hu like this, Su Sanlang found it difficult to refuse. He patted Chen Hu's shoulder and smiled bitterly. "As long as I don't die, I'm not afraid. Come after dinner. I'll remember this favor. If there's a chance in the future-"
He would definitely repay Chen Hu.
However, Chen Hu interrupted Su Sanlang with a smile and said, "I don't want you to pay me back even if you have the chance. I'm the one paying you back in the first place."
Chen Hu helped Su Sanlang pick some grass. When he saw that the Su siblings had cleaned up the well, his worries about Su Sanlang disappeared.
Although Su Chong and Su Hua were silly, they were obedient.
Su Sanlang looked at the well, which had been mostly cleaned. It will be ready for use tomorrow afternoon after another round of cleaning. He stroked the children's hair with relief. "Be good, all of you. Wash your hands. Let's make dinner. Dad will bury some chestnuts for you in the fire pit later."
"Okay."
The children nodded happily, and Su Sanmei immediately went to help with the fire.
At night, they had bacon vegetable soup that did not have much oil in it. They would occasionally taste the minced meat inside.
1
Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei would never covet what's in the pot. After Su Sanlang scooped their portions for them, they ate it obediently and slowly. Occasionally, when they got to the meat, their eyes would light up and they would chew on this little bit of meat.
Su Sanlang sent the food to Madam Zhao. As Madam Zhao was eating, she said with concern, "Sanlang, you should go and eat too."
Su Sanlang nodded. Being constantly cared for warmed his heart. He smiled and said, "No rush. Let me check on Simei."
1
Su Xiaolu looked at her father and yawned.
Needless to say, she saw the words 'I love you' in her father's eyes. She must be a beautiful and cute little daughter.
1
At this point, Su Xiaolu had never looked into a bronze mirror before, so she naturally did not know that she had not bathed since she was born. There was still some fetal fat on her body, and a layer of it was still buried in her hair.
3
However, this didn't stop Su Sanlang from liking her. He liked to look into Su Xiaolu's eyes because they were bright and full of life. Just by looking at them, he could understand what Dr. Wu meant when he said that her eyes had life in them. They were shiny, intelligent, and lovable.
"Good girl, be good. I'm going to eat too. I'll hug you properly after I'm done."
Su Sanlang spoke to Su Xiaolu. It was strange for adults to talk to children. After all, children would not understand.
1
Yet, Su Sanlang didn't think so. He thought his little girl understood his words. When he spoke, her eyes looked at him seriously. She even opened her cute mouth wide, as if she was saying, "Oh, oh, I know."
Su Sanlang couldn't help but smile. Then, he said to Madam Zhao, "Darling, call me when you're done eating. I'll go eat."
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. "Alright, go ahead and eat."
Madam Zhao's heart ached for Su Sanlang's hard work. She only wanted him to go eat quickly. He had been busy all day and there was no good food at home. How could he not be hungry?
Su Sanlang went out to eat. There was not much white rice in the meal, and it was almost all ground corn. He could not bear to eat too much of the vegetables, so he only scooped up a little soup to eat.
After dinner, he asked the Su siblings to wash the dishes together. After cleaning the dishes, the three siblings could dig up the chestnuts buried in the fire pit to eat. Meanwhile, Sanlang moved a small round wooden stool and started to weave grass.
The weeds were dry. Most of them could be used directly. The bottom layer had to be woven tight so that it wouldn't leak.
He had been weaving for an hour when Chen Hu arrived. The two of them did not speak much and worked silently.
When it was almost midnight, Su Sanlang lowered his voice and said, "Huzi, I'm stopping too. You should go back and rest too."
He had urged Chen Hu several times, but Chen Hu refused to leave. He did not want to stop, but it was almost midnight. If Chen Hu did not leave, his body would not be able to take it tomorrow. Eventually, Su Sanlang simply stopped.
Chen Hu smiled and stopped as well. He said, "Sanlang, I'll go home today. I'll come back tomorrow. I might not be able to help you with the renovation, so I'll take the time to help you cut the grass and weave it."
Chapter 12: Remember It Forever
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Chen Hu wanted to help more, but his parents would not agree.
Su Sanlang patted Chen Hu's shoulder. "You don't have to be so formal with me. Go home and rest."
Chen Hu was not his biological brother, but he was like one.
3
After watching Chen Hu walk into the moonlight and return home, Su Sanlang also packed up and returned to the house.
As the ancients used to say, it was common to kick someone when they were down, but it was rare to offer timely help.
Su Sanlang would never forget Chen Hu's friendship.
As soon as Su Sanlang entered the house and lay down, he realized that Madam Zhao was still awake. He could not help but ask, "Why aren't you asleep? Did Simei disturb you?"
Madam Zhao smiled and said, "No, Simei is very obedient. Sanlang, Hu must have come to help us."
Su Sanlang nodded. He reached out and gently touched the sleeping Su Xiaolu before lying down. He said, "He'll help me fix the roof. It's been really sunny recently, so it might be cloudy soon. I'll go and bring some chestnuts back tomorrow and come back early. Then, I'll go and cut the weeds for the rest of the day. Huzi will come over and help me weave it at night. Then I can renovate our roof."
"It's been hard on you."
Madam Zhao had too much sadness in her heart. In the end, she only said this. She was in confinement and could not help Su Sanlang with anything. All the work at home had fallen on Su Sanlang.
If his two sons were smart, they could help. But they...
As if he knew Madam Zhao's worries, Su Sanlang gently reached out to stroke her hair and said, "It's not hard at all. It's much easier than before. In the future, everything in our family will belong to us. When we're free, I'll go and cut some bamboo to weave baskets. Rich families often use them to carry things. Don't worry, our lives will get better and better."
Since winter was coming, Su Sanlang knew what Madam Zhao was worried about. Even if he was equally worried, he still tried his best to comfort her.
"In the past, you've never been in confinement. This time, you can rest for a full month. The medicine prescribed by Doctor Wu can last for a month. I'll get Sanmei to brew it for you every day. In two days, I'll go and take a look at traps. Maybe we'll be lucky and catch something."
Su Sanlang stroked Madam Zhao's face and said gently. Madam Zhao was very thin, and the bones in her cheeks were sharp. Other than the fact that they had just been kicked out of their home, he had already accepted their fate.
Although there was not much food, it could all enter their stomachs. In the previous house, their family had also never been full. Even if there was meat, it would not be theirs to eat.
At least for now, whatever the family had, the family could eat.
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Madam Zhao leaned on Su Sanlang. Although their family was poor, their hearts had always been together.
As Su Xiaolu woke up from peeing, she heard these conversations. She couldn't help but think that her father was a good person.
Madam Zhao was in poor health. If she could rest for a month, it would be beneficial.
She was happy to be in such a family. In her previous life, she had been an orphan. The old Chinese physician who had adopted her had said that he had picked her up. At that time, it was very common to favor boys over girls, and it was in time for family planning. Therefore, many people who were quietly pregnant and gave birth would see that the child was a daughter and quietly abandon her by the roadside.
If someone picked the child up, she would live. If no one picked it up, she would be as good as dead.
5
She longed for the warmth of her parents, but she also knew how cruel the world could be. Just because you had parents didn't mean you would feel warmth. Whatever she didn't have in her previous life, she had in this life.
If Madam Zhao had not carefully wrapped her up, she would have wanted to feed Madam Zhao spiritual spring water every day.
That said, there was plenty of time. There was no hurry.
The next morning, Su Sanlang was up before dawn. He warmed up the fire and started cooking before waking up Su Sanmei and her brothers.
He instructed the three of them to eat a bowl of rice each before continuing to clean the well. He asked Su Sanmei to wash off the diapers that Simei had changed out of.
Before leaving, Su Sanlang was most worried about his two sons. He patted their heads and said, "Chong, Hua, don't go out and play, understand? You have to work with Sanmei, I'll bury chestnuts for you to eat tonight, okay?"
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Su Chong and Su Hua recalled the fragrant chestnuts from yesterday. They had burned them in the ashes, and they smelt great. The two of them nodded obediently and agreed. "Yes, yes."
Su Sanmei nodded obediently too. She entered the room and took out the diapers that Madam Zhao had changed out of Simei to wash them. Then, she poured the dirty water on the edge of the courtyard.
After Su Sanlang made arrangements for the three siblings, he carried the basket on his back and entered the mountain. Along the way, he went to see if he had caught anything in the traps. They were empty, and he could not help but feel a little disappointed.
Fortunately, he had the chestnut tree. When he arrived at the tree, he cut down a small tree and started climbing. There were many knots in this tree. He should be able to sell it for a hundred coins.
He still did not know about these things yet. In the past, his mother, Madam Wang, was the one who sold them. Madam Wang never said how much she sold them for. They were being left to die this time, hence, his family did not get a single cent.
Even if it was only worth a few coins, he would sell it.
Ever since he had accepted the reality, Su Sanlang felt full of energy. After knocking down all the chestnuts on the tree, he carried home the ones that he could peel.
The basket on his back was heavy, and Su Sanlang couldn't help but hurry home with a smile on his face. From a distance, he watched the children diligently cleaning the well. He smiled in relief.
Seeing that Su Sanlang had returned home, the three siblings ran to his side happily and grabbed his hand. "Father, Father, you're back."
Su Sanlang rubbed their heads one by one and said with a smile, "Have you been obedient?"
Su Chong and Su Hua nodded happily. "We're very obedient."
Su Sanmei let go of Su Sanlang and ran to the chicken coop. She quickly brought over a leaf bag and handed it to Su Sanlang as if she was presenting a treasure. "Father, I caught a lot of insects for the chickens to eat. They all really like to eat these. Father, use this as bait. The chickens at home all like it, so the birds in the mountains will definitely like it too."
Sue's eyes sparkled. She was sensible enough to know that things were different at home. Difficult. She'd thought of this when she was feeding the chickens.
Su Sanlang took it and nodded with a smile. "Okay, Father will listen to Simei. Father will go out to cut the weeds after drinking some water. You have to be obedient at home, understand?"
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Su Sanmei nodded happily. "Yes, yes. I'll take good care of Big Brother and Second Brother."
Su Sanmei's obedience brought tears to Su Sanlang's eyes. He ruffled her dry hair and smiled as he entered the house.
Madam Zhao heard Su Sanlang's voice and sat on the bed. When he came in to see Su Xiaolu, she said gently, "Sanlang, sit down and take a rest."
As she spoke, Madam Zhao reached out and removed the leaves from Su Sanlang's head. Her heart ached when she saw that Su Sanlang's hand had many wounds from being pricked by the chestnuts.
Chapter 13: Scent
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Sanlang held the leaf bag in his hand and said, "Our Simei is so capable. You helped feed the chickens and even caught many insects for me to use as bait in the trap."
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Madam Zhao smiled and said, "Then you'll have to make another trip."
Su Sanlang smiled and said, "It's just one more round. It won't take much effort."
Su Sanmei had caught so many insects. He would be letting her down if he didn't make the trip. There was no bait in the traps he'd made. He thought it was up to fate that he hadn't caught anything, but she'd reminded him that birds loved to eat these little bugs. The wild animals were more likely to be caught with bait.
Su Sanlang looked at Madam Zhao. Su Xiaolu had woken up and was listening obediently and quietly.
He smiled and spoke to Su Xiaolu. "Simei, look at Daddy."
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Sanlang, but not at his face. She was looking at the leaf bag in his hand. She could smell her urine...
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It was a little awkward. Did these bugs drink the dirty water her third sister used to wash her diapers?
Su Xiaolu's sense of smell was very strong. Once she smelled something, she would remember it. A baby's urine did not have much of a smell, but she was surprised to smell the familiar scent of spiritual energy in the Space. Although it was very faint, it did not escape her nose.
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Seeing that Su Xiaolu seemed to be interested in the leaf bag in his hand, Su Sanlang smiled and said, "Simei wants to catch insects? Not now. When you grow up, I'll let your third sister take you to catch them. Simei, be good. I'm going out to work."
After chatting for a while, it was time for Su Sanlang to go out.
Madam Zhao wanted him to rest more. Su Sanlang smiled and said as he walked out, "When I go out, I'll take a walk along the way and that would allow me to rest. Darling, rest well. If you're hungry or thirsty, call for Sanmei."
Helpless, Madam Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu gently and said, "Simei, you must be filial to your father in the future. Your father is the best man in the world."
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Su Xiaolu looked at Madam Zhao's obviously better complexion and smiled at her. "Wahh..."
She had to. A man like her father was a rare commodity. He protected her when she was young, and she would take care of him when he got old.
1
Madam Zhao's gaze was gentle. Su Xiaolu was clearly just a baby and could not understand anything, but every time she spoke to her youngest daughter, she could not help but be serious. Every time she looked at her youngest daughter's black and moist eyes, she felt that she understood.
Every time she saw her youngest daughter open her mouth in an o shape or make a sound, she felt that it was her response.
Madam Zhao leaned against the bed and patted Su Xiaolu gently to coax her to sleep. Madam Zhao smiled slightly. The room was bright and quiet. There were no curses nor noises. It was very quiet and comfortable.
She could still hear the other three children clearing the well not far from the house.
This was really good. Madam Zhao felt relieved at this moment.
Su Xiaolu slept soundly while her consciousness went into the Space to absorb spiritual energy.
...
Su Sanlang followed the trail of traps, sprinkled some bugs into each one, and went to cut the weeds.
He cut them for the entire afternoon and then picked them all back.
He made dinner and started weaving the grass after he ate.
Chen Hu came to help again. The two of them looked at each other and smiled. They did not speak much and weaved quietly. When it was almost midnight, Su Sanlang stopped what he was doing and patted Chen Hu on the shoulder. "Hu, thank you. This is enough. You don't have to come tomorrow."
Under the moonlight, Chen Hu smiled innocently and said, "Alright, I'll go home then. Brother, rest early too."
Su Sanlang nodded and watched Chen Hu hop away. He tidied up the grass before going to rest.
The thirteenth of August was the third day of their separation.
Today, Su Sanlang did not go out. Instead, he began to prepare to renovate the roof.
In the morning, he went to cut bamboo to make a ladder. Then, he carried Madam Zhao and Su Xiaolu next door and began to renovate the roof. He removed all the old and broken bamboo pieces on the roof and replaced them.
When everything was done, he spread the woven grass and tied them together tightly. He then repeated the process layer by layer.
He threw away the grass that couldn't be used and used it to start a fire.
Su Sanmei handed the grass to Su Sanlang, and the father and daughter cooperated seamlessly. By the time it was dark, the roof had changed completely.
Su Sanlang came down from the roof after a tiring day and carried Madam Zhao and Su Xiaolu back.
Now, the roof was opaque.
Su Xiaolu praised her good father in her heart! He was too capable.
Looking at their home, Su Sanlang relaxed and took the three children to the fire to cook.
The food was the same, but the family ate especially well.
After the meal, Su Sanlang was free for once. He pulled out a few of the chestnuts buried in the ashes and let the three siblings share the rest while he brought the medicine for Madam Zhao to drink.
After Madam Zhao drank the medicine, he took out a chestnut and said, "Darling, try this."
The chestnuts buried in the ashes were fragrant and delicious.
Su Xiaolu swallowed her saliva when she smelled the fragrance.
Su Sanlang peeled it for Madam Zhao, who was a little embarrassed.
Su Sanlang smiled and said, "What are you waiting for? Eat."
Madam Zhao ate the food that Su Sanlang fed her in embarrassment. She said, "Sanlang, give it to me. I'll do it myself."
Su Sanlang focused on peeling the shell and said naturally, "You don't have to dirty your hands. I'll peel it for you."
Madam Zhao was touched. Separating from the family gave them freedom.
Back in that house, Madam Wang would curse Madam Zhao everytime Su Sanlang looked her way. But now, all those curses were long gone.
Madam Zhao belatedly thought that splitting up might be a blessing.
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Madam Zhao couldn't help but look at Su Xiaolu, who was swallowing her saliva. She smiled and said, "Simei is a glutton. Even if you want to eat it, I can't give it to you now."
Su Xiaolu pursed her lips and thought, I know, I know. I'm still a baby. I understand.
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Su Sanlang peeled the chestnuts and fed them to Madam Zhao one by one. Even the air seemed to be sweet.
At night, after the children had gone to bed, Su Sanlang also went to bed. This night was the most peaceful one among the past few days. There was no need to worry about rain.
On the fourteenth of August, Su Sanlang planned to cut weeds for another day, preparing to thicken the roof of the house by two more layers. Everyone in the village could see his diligent figure.
Every time Su Sanlang was out of earshot, the people working the autumn harvest in the fields would gossip.
Su Sanlang would occasionally hear words like 'criminal sin', but he didn't care.
In the afternoon, he looked at a piece of barren land. When walked over, he passed by that family's land. He saw Old Master Su working with Su Dalang and his family, as well as Madam Zhou.
The leader, Old Master Su, lowered his voice and said coldly, "All of you, work hard. Don't look at those useless things."
Everyone in the family knew what Old Master Su meant.
Chapter 14: Bad Luck
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
So, no one looked up and acknowledged Su Sanlang.
Su Sanlang didn't mind, but his eldest brother's youngest son, Shun, suddenly lost his temper. He swung the lawnmower in his hand and shouted at Su Sanlang angrily, "Third Uncle, why aren't you working? Why aren't Eldest Brother and Second Brother working? Why can they play but I can't?"
Su Chong and Su Hua had not been working for the past two days so they could play at home, he thought.
In Su Shun's opinion, clearing the well and digging the mud was just a game.
Su Dalang walked over and slapped his youngest son, Su Shun, and said, "What are you shouting for? Hurry up and go back to work. Do you still want to eat or not?"
Su Shun felt extremely aggrieved after being slapped. He was not Su Chong or Su Hua, who could hold it in. He was furious and his face was red with anger. He wanted to cry but was slapped again.
Su Sanlang stopped for a moment when he heard the shout, but soon he walked away without looking back. His heart had gone cold for that home.
His father and brother did not even want to talk to him. They were probably afraid that he would shamelessly go and ask for food.
Su Sanlang left without looking back. Su Shun was still sniffling and asked Old Master Su indignantly, "Grandpa, Father hit me. I didn't do anything wrong. Third Uncle clearly didn't do any work."
Old Master Su said sternly, "Your Third Uncle's family has been separated. From now on, there's no Third Uncle in the family. Don't call him that in the future either. Stay away from those two fools. I'll send you and Qing to school next year. Don't tell those two fools in case you get led astray."
"You and Qing must study hard and bring glory to our Su family in the future."
Old Master Su had high hopes for his two grandchildren and was determined to send them to school.
Su Erlang tugged at his son, Su Qing, who was beside him. "Qing, swear to your grandfather."
Su Qing immediately stood up straight and looked at Old Master Su seriously. "Grandpa, I swear that I will study hard and study hard to get scholarly honors."
Su Dalang did not want to lose to his brother either. He tugged Su Shun, who was still sniffling. "Shun, swear to your grandfather too."
Su Shun was still angry, but when he saw his father's gloomy expression, he knew that he would be beaten up if he didn't say anything, so he copied Su Qing and swore too.
Old Master Su nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, "Alright, I believe you. Get to work."
Without the burden of the third branch at home, work was even more tiring.
4
The effectiveness had clearly decreased over the past two days, so only Madam Wang and Madam Li were left at home to cook. Everyone had to go to the fields, and Madam Li and Madam Zhou would take turns cooking each day.
Last night, Madam Wang was still nagging at Old Master Su that if she had known earlier, she would have waited until the autumn harvest was over before separating the third branch. As she nagged, she could not help but curse Madam Zhao again giving birth at this time.
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Old Master Su did not feel good either. He had been paying attention to the movements over at Salang's house for the past few days.
It didn't sit well with him to see Su Sanlang renovating the roof and taking charge.
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However, despite his discomfort, life at home still had to continue. He had separated the third branch to get rid of the burden, so the family's lives would get better and better.
4
—-
Su Sanlang quickly forgot about meeting his parents. He only had one goal, and that was to cut the weeds.
Usually, after the autumn harvest, most people would cut some and bring them home to repair the family's cowshed and so on. This was the time of year when the weeds were the best. Su Sanlang was also on time for it.
He cut a large patch and saw Old Wu coming down the mountain. He smiled and greeted, "Doctor Wu, are you going to pick herbs?"
Old Wu glanced at Su and recognized him. When he reached Su, he simply sat down to rest. "How is your wife?" he asked.
Su said gratefully, "She's much better. She's been taking medicine for the past few days, and she looks better."
Old Wu looked at the grass that Su Sanlang was cutting and said, "I heard that you've been renovating the old house these past few days. These weeds are going to be gone in no time."
Su Sanlang scratched his head, embarrassed. "Yes. I had no choice."
Old Wu smiled. "What's there to be embarrassed about? This is ownerless to begin with. Anyone can cut it. Anyone who wants the weeds can take it. I was joking."
When Su Sanlang cut the weeds. The villagers were indeed a little sore. This meant that if they wanted to get weeds, they would have to go further away.
Su Sanlang scratched his head, unsure what to say.
After Old Wu had rested, he carried the basket on his back and said, "Come to my house tonight. I'll give you some insect-resistant herbs. You should crush them and sprinkle some on the grass appropriately when you lay it down. This way, your roof can last for several years."
Su Sanlang was overjoyed. "T-this is great. Thank you, Doctor Wu."
After thanking him, Su Sanlang looked troubled. "B-but I don't have the money to pay—"
Old Wu snorted and walked away without looking back. His arrogant voice entered Su Sanlang's ears.
"Who asked you for money? It's just a few bucks. I don't care for it."
Although Old Wu was old, he walked steadily and quickly.
Su Sanlang was both happy and touched. He shouted at Old Wu's back, "Doctor Wu, thank you."
With the insect-resistant herbs, his roof didn't have to be renovated every year.
This was the second person who had come to his aid.
4
After Old Wu left, Su Sanlang immediately continued cutting the grass. When he was almost done, he made two rounds to carry them all home.
As for the well at home, all the smelly mud had been dug up by the three children. The silt at the bottom was already visible, and the water that flowed out had turned from black to yellow. With a little more cleaning, the water would be clear.
When Su Saburo was cooking, he asked Su Sanmei to get medicine from Old Wu.
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When she brought it back, Su Sanlang realized that the medicine was already ground. He made a mental note of Old Wu's good intentions.
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After a simple binding, Su Sanlang climbed onto the roof. After scattering the herbs, he asked Su Sanmei and her siblings to hand over the grass and thicken the roof by two layers.
2
That settled his mind. The renovation of the roof is now complete.
After letting the three children wash up and sleep, Su Sanlang also returned to the house to sleep in peace.
The fifteenth of August was a sunny day. It was also the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In the village, the fragrance of meat wafted out from every house. The Mid-Autumn Festival symbolized reunion. After working hard for a long time, the autumn harvest was finally over.
Su Sanlang also cut an extra piece of meat to cook. The rice at home was still ground gold and jade sticks mixed with rice. The meat was cut into cubes and added into the vegetable soup.
They had eaten a portion of the vegetables from the separation a few days ago. The other portion had also been dried and stored for eating.
The roof that worried him the most had been refurbished. Now, he could start preparing the fields and growing vegetables.
1
In the morning, Su Sanlang took the three children to clear the well. With him around, the well was quickly cleared and the water became clean. Su Sanlang looked at the mud that had been cleared. Many of it had dried, and the weeds in these areas around him had been cleared.
"Father, come and see, quickly."
At this moment, Su Sanmei's exclamation came from the chicken coop.
Chapter 15: An EggTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Chong and Su Hua were attracted to the shout and had already run over.
Su Sanlang came back to his senses and immediately walked over as well. Before he walked in, he heard Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei's surprised voices.
"The hen laid an egg—"
Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei were all surrounding the straw nest in the chicken coop. The only rooster and hen in the house had already quietly moved to the side and were clucking uneasily.
Su Sanlang was just as surprised. "The hen laid an egg?"
Su Sanmei picked up the egg with both hands and carefully handed it to Su Sanlang. Su Sanmei said happily, "Father, can you cook it for Mother?"
Su Sanlang took the egg and nodded. "Yes, I'll make egg soup later. Let's drink it together."
When the rooster and hen arrived, Su Sanlang could tell that the hen would not lay eggs for the time being. It was still very thin.
He hadn't expected an egg in just a few days.
He looked at the two chickens and realized that the hen seemed to have gained weight.
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Thinking of Su Sanmei's diligence, Su Sanlang couldn't help but stroke Su Sanmei's hair. "Sanmei, you've worked hard. This is your credit. When your mother is out of confinement, the first egg the hen lays, I'll cook it for you."
Su Sanmei smiled and nodded. "Okay."
She couldn't remember the smell of eggs, but they smelled good. They had to be delicious.
Su Chong and Su Hua still didn't understand what the confinement period meant. They only remembered that Su Sanlang had said that they could have some egg soup that night. The two of them were practicing foolishly, as if wondering how to drink more of that.
As his two foolish sons inhaled the air, Su Sanlang rubbed their heads helplessly.
After cleaning up the well, Su Sanlang went to clean up the few acres of wasteland at the back of the house. He dug up the weeds and the ground, while Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei followed him to clear out the grass.
The family was happy. The afternoon was overcast and the weather had changed.
He worked until evening and dug out an acre of land. He cleared out a large pile of weed poles and left them exposed to the sun. When the time came, he would burn them and scatter the ashes on the land. If he did this repeatedly, the land would become more nutritious.
This piece of land had been abandoned for many years. In the past, his family had other lands and it took time to care for them, so Old Master Su did not work on this land.
Now that this land was the source of his family's food, Su Sanlang worked hard on it.
When they cooked that night, Su Sanlang cracked the eggs into egg soup. There was a little more soup so that all three children could have a small bowl.
He brought the rest to Madam Zhao, who was a little surprised. "Sanlang, where did the egg come from?"
The hen that was distributed to the family should not be able to lay eggs.
Su said with a smile, "You fell asleep at noon and didn't know it. These eggs were laid by the hen at home today. Over the past few days, Sanmei had dug up a lot of insects to feed the chickens every day, so they are fattening up and are laying eggs again. Drink up. It's delicious."
It was only an egg, but the fragrance was really strong.
Madam Zhao looked at Su Sanlang and said, "Sanlang, drink a few mouthfuls first."
Su Sanlang quickly said, "Why should I drink this? You're the one who really needs it."
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If not for the fact that it was not allowed now, he would have killed the chickens and fed them to Madam Zhao.
Madam Zhao looked at Su Sanlang with determination in her eyes. "If you don't drink it, then I won't drink it."
Seeing how stubborn Madam Zhao was, Su Sanlang had no choice but to take two sips. There was no oil and the soup was very light, but it was really delicious. The egg made it very fragrant.
Su Sanlang couldn't help thinking that this was probably the best egg he'd ever tasted.
Su Sanlang took two sips and refused to drink anymore. Madam Zhao held the bowl and sipped.
Su Xiaolu, who was awake, moved her mouth silently.
The eggs smelled really good, but they also had a familiar scent. Thinking about how Su Sanmei washed diapers every day and caught insects to feed the chickens, Su Xiaolu understood why.
She drank spiritual spring water to absorb spiritual energy, so her feces were very nutritious.
Su Sanmei splashed the dirty water every day on the grass, so that patch of grass should be nutritious. The grass would fatten the insects, and the insects would be eaten by the chickens. Then, the chickens would lay eggs and the eggs would nourish the people.
Everything in the world was such a cycle.
Their chickens would definitely be delicious in the future. She really wanted to grow up quickly.
Madam Zhao was stuffed, and so was Su Xiaolu.
It was a cloudy day on the sixteenth of August. It looked as if it was going to rain. Su Sanlang got up early to make breakfast and got ready to go out and chop wood.
This time, he brought along Su Chong and Su Hua, leaving Su Sanmei to watch the house and take care of Madam Zhao.
Since Su Sanmei was at home and Madam Zhao did not call for her, she went to catch bugs to feed the chickens. Every time she caught a bug, she was very happy.
The rooster and hen could recognize her. When they saw her with something in her hand, they ran over happily.
After she was done, Su Sanmei went into the house to take a nap with Madam Zhao.
She slept beside Su Xiaolu and smiled at her. "Mother, Simei is so cute and obedient."
Hearing the praises, Su Xiaolu was in a very good mood and smiled at Su Sanmei.
Su Sanmei was thin, her face was yellow, and her hair was dry and frizzy. From this, it was obvious that her life was not easy. She could eat her fill after being separated from the family, but she was barely fed enough to survive in the past.
Su Xiaolu could not help but pray that she could bring good luck to her family and make everyone healthy.
"Simei, I love you so much."
Seeing Su Xiaolu's smile, Su Sanmei couldn't help but kiss her.
Su Xiaolu liked her genuine affection too.
Kiss, kiss.
Su Sanmei leaned against Su Xiaolu and soon fell asleep.
Madam Zhao looked at her two daughters with gentleness in her eyes. She had eaten and slept well these few days, and her health had improved day by day.
With her two daughters by her side, she soon fell asleep too.
At noon, Su Sanlang returned with the two children carrying firewood. They drank some water and went back to work.
It started to rain on their second trip back.
When they reached the back room, Su Sanlang said with a smile, "This rain comes at the perfect time. It's cool and comfortable."
Madam Zhao smiled and said, "You've been working hard for so many days. It's raining, so you should take this opportunity to rest."
Su Sanlang sat down on the bed and teased Su Xiaolu. He pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth and made silly noises. He said to Madam Zhao, "Yes, I haven't used up the bamboo I cut. I'll cut them open and tidy them up later. I'll use them to make some things like dust pans for our family."
Madam Zhao's heart ached. "Thank you for your hard work."
Su Sanlang smiled. "It's not hard. It's just a matter of moving my hands."
Madam Zhao looked at Su Sanlang. Their eyes met. Some things that did not need to be said. They understood everything in their hearts.
Su Sanlang patted Madam Zhao's shoulder gently and said, "Our lives will get better and better. The chestnuts are almost dry. When we have enough firewood at home in a few days, I'll go to town to take a look."
Chapter 16: Wild AnimalsTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Madam Zhao nodded. "Yes."
She knew that the greatest difficulty for their small family was not that they were starving, but that winter was approaching and there were no winter coats in the house for winter.
Without money, they couldn't buy cotton and cloth. How could they survive the cold winter?
The only thing that they could sell to earn money were those wild chestnuts.
Su Sanlang stroked Su Xiaolu's head again, then left the house. Soon they could hear him breaking through the bamboo.
There was also the sound of Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei playing together. Madam Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu gently and said softly, "Simei, our family will definitely survive, right?"
Su Xiaolu looked at Madam Zhao and smiled at her.
Of course it would get better and better.
The baby's innocent smile was like the sweetest dew in the world and the warmest morning sun. It instantly made Madam Zhao's heart sweet and warm.
Su Sanlang, who was outside the house, quickly broke through a lot of bamboo. He broke through the pieces again until they were thin bamboo strands. Then, he began to weave.
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Meanwhile, Su Sanmei was playing with rocks with her two brothers. It was raining outside, so they couldn't go out either.
For four hours in the afternoon, Su Sanlang weaved bamboo baskets. When it was almost dark, the rain stopped.
Seeing that it was not dark yet, Su Sanlang stood up and said to Su Sanmei, "Sanmei, I'm going out for a while. You stay at home and watch the house, okay?"
Su Sanmei looked up at Su Sanlang and nodded obediently. "Yes, don't worry, Father. I know."
Su Sanlang then said to his two sons, "Hua, Chong, stay at home and don't wander around. You have to listen to your sister, understand?"
Su Chong and Su Hua nodded. Then the two of them looked at Su Sanmei expectantly, signaling her to hurry up. They hadn't had enough playing with stones.
Su Sanlang smiled and turned to leave.
He wanted to take a look at those traps before nightfall. Perhaps he would find something.
He held hope in his heart, but he knew that they would most likely be empty. Animals in the mountains were not easy to catch. They were all very clever.
He had almost reached the first trap when Su Sanlang heard the sound of flapping wings. He paused at first, then in ecstasy, he raced toward it.
His movement startled a pheasant with black fur and a green tail in the trap. Its wings fluttered even more fiercely as it tried to fly, but it was trapped by the rope on its feet.
Su Sanlang pounced on the pheasant and hugged it tightly.
Very cautiously, he took down the rope and used it to tie up the pheasant's wings. "Thank God," Su Sanlang whispered happily.
However, what Su Sanlang did not expect was yet to come.
Inside the second trap was a turtledove. The third was empty, but the insects had been eaten and the trap was destroyed. The fourth and fifth traps yielded a pheasant and a hare.
The sixth and seventh traps were empty. The bait was eaten and the traps were destroyed.
The eighth, ninth, and tenth traps yielded two hares and a turtledove.
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When he returned after seeing all the traps, his hands were already full. Su Sanlang couldn't stop smiling. He felt like he was stepping on clouds.
In the past, after the autumn harvest, Old Master Su would bring a few of them into the mountains to set up a few traps. It would be considered good if they could catch one or two hares a year.
This time, all of his traps worked and the animals were all alive. If he sold them, he could earn some money.
Before he entered the house, Su Sanlang was already shouting happily, "Darling, darling, quickly get up and take a look."
Su Sanmei, Su Chong, and Su Hua ran out when they heard the commotion. When they saw the pheasants and hares that Su Sanlang was carrying, they exclaimed, "Wow, there are so many of them, Daddy."
Madam Zhao had already sat up. Before she could get out of bed, Su Sanlang had already carried the animals into the house and said happily, "Darling, look, I just went to check the traps. All of them worked. I caught three hares, two pheasants, and two turtledoves. They're all alive. I'll drown these two turtledoves and make soup for you later."
Madam Zhao was pleasantly surprised. She quickly said, "No need, no need. Sell them for money."
There were some chestnuts at home. Coupled with these wild animals, they could be exchanged for some money. With money, they could buy cotton and cloth. Thinking of this, Madam Zhao's worries dissipated a little.
Su Sanlang knew that Madam Zhao was worried. He looked at her gently and said, "We can earn money in the future. The two turtledoves don't have much meat and aren't worth much. I'll make some soup to nourish your body and let Sanmei and the others have a sip too. I'll go to town tomorrow and see which family needs firewood."
"Darling, don't say anything. Just listen to me. Let's eat some wild animals today. The bait for the trap was caught by Sanmei too. We have to reward our daughter."
Su Sanmei was standing beside Su Sanlang when he entered the house.
Su Chong and Su Hua's eyes landed on the pheasant and hare from the moment they entered the house. They licked their lips and swallowed their saliva.
Su Sanmei swallowed and looked up. "Father, I'm not eating. I'm not hungry."
Su Sanlang's heart ached as he looked at his considerate daughter.
How could a poor family not crave meat?
Madam Zhao's eyes were also a little pained. She thought of the days before they were separated from the family. When they ate, even if there was meat, it would not be theirs to eat. In the eyes of Madam Wang, Su Sanmei was a good-for-nothing. She should have been drowned to death as soon as she was born. Her very existence annoyed Madam Wang. She was not even allowed to eat more rice, let alone meat.
If Su Sanmei looked too hard at the meat, she would be scolded.
Thinking of this, Madam Zhao's heart ached. Her eyes were slightly moist as she looked at Su Sanlang and said, "Sanlang, you're right. It's all thanks to Sanmei's diligence that we can eat turtledoves tonight."
Su Sanlang ruffled Su Sanmei's hair and said, "Sanmei, go and start the fire. Hua, Chong, come with me and help me lock up the rabbits and pheasants."
Su Chong and Su Hua clapped and followed Su Sanlang happily.
Su Sanmei also went to the stove to boil water.
After Su Sanlang and his two sons had settled the hares and pheasants, they drowned the two turtledoves in water. They were heated in hot water before they plucked their feathers.
Su Sanmei was a diligent helper and had already cooked the rice.
This is rare. Su Sanlang could not even bear to throw away the bird's intestines. He washed them all and cut them into large pieces to cook in a pot.
Before long, the rich aroma of meat wafted into everyone's noses.
Su Xiaolu smelled it too and was very happy. Insects with spiritual energy were loved by birds. This meant that there was a high chance that Su Sanlang's traps would work well in the future.
If he caught something, he could exchange it for money. Once he exchanged it for money, their lives would be easier.
When dinner was ready, Su Sanlang brought a bowl of meat soup to Madam Zhao. Madam Zhao could not bear to eat so much meat. She said, "I don't have to eat so much. Let the children eat."
Then she called to Su Sanmei, "Sanmei, come here."
Chapter 17: TradingTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
There had to be an entire turtledove in this bowl. Madam Zhao couldn't help but tear up. She had cried a lot.
She cried when she was sad and also when she was happy.
Su Sanmei replied from the outer room, "Mother, I have meat to eat. I'm not coming."
Su Sanlang smiled and said, "Hurry up and eat. Our daughter is worried about you too. I'll go and fix the traps tomorrow. I'll catch more in the future. Every time I catch something, we'll eat a little."
Madam Zhao looked at Su Sanlang and said softly, "Sanlang, you eat too."
Madam Zhao picked up a piece of turtledove meat and fed it to Su Sanlang. As he retreated, she said, "Sanlang, if you don't eat, then I won't eat either."
Madam Zhao knew that Su Sanlang had given all the meat to her and the children. He probably couldn't even bear to take a sip of the soup.
And how could she bear to see this? They were family.
Seeing how determined Madam Zhao was, Su Sanlang had no choice but to eat that piece of meat.
Turtledove meat smelled really good. Even the bones were soft after a long stew.
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After dinner, the family washed up and went to bed.
Su Sanlang got up early the next morning to cook and woke Su Sanmei up to help.
When it was done, Su Sanmei went back to sleep.
When Su Sanlang entered the house, Madam Zhao was awake. As if she knew that he was going out, she said gently, "Sanlang, I don't know much about trade either, but I heard from Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law in the past that you have to compare goods with other shops. Try going to a few more places."
Winter was coming and the weather would get colder. Madam Zhao only hoped that they could sell for more money.
Su Sanlang was also a little nervous, but he smiled and said to Madam Zhao, "Darling, don't worry. I know what to do. I'll go now. You stay at home. If there's anything, call for the children. They're obedient."
Madam Zhao nodded.
Su Sanlang did not want Madam Zhao to worry too much, so he did not delay. He placed the animals at the bottom, placed more than ten catties of chestnuts on top, and carried them out.
Madam Zhao watched Su Sanlang leave and sighed softly. She prayed silently in her heart that the heavens would bless their family.
Su Xiaolu yawned and said to herself, "Sending good luck to Daddy."
It was dawn when Su Sanlang left the village with the basket on his back and the villagers were still asleep. He looked back in the direction of his home, his eyes filled with many emotions.
However, it was only a glance, and he moved on determinedly. The town closest to the village was called Goathorn, and Su Sanlang was prepared to go to Goathorn to sell the animals and the wild chestnuts.
It was a two hours walk from the village to the town. Only when he reached the town did Su Sanlang learn that they had to pay a fee to enter.
Those who didn't have money to pay had to make do with what they had, or on credit. There was a big river outside Goathorn, and there was only one way in and out of town. If he wanted to get away with it, he'd have to cross mountains.
If one tried to cross the mountains, they could encounter poisonous insects and snakes. If they were bitten, they would even lose their lives. Therefore, the soldiers guarding the city were not worried about anyone escaping the toll.
When it was Su Sanlang's turn, he mimicked the others and said, "Officer, I'm from the countryside to sell some wild goods from the mountains. I don't have any money now. Can I make up for it when I come out after I sell these."
The soldier guarding the city was a middle-aged man. He looked at Su Sanlang and asked calmly, "What are you selling?"
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Su Sanlang answered honestly, "Wild chestnuts and two pheasants."
"Fine. Just put your thumbprint here and go in."
The soldier brought a piece of paper to Su Sanlang, who obediently pressed his thumbprint and carried his basket into the city.
There were many streets in the town. Street vendors shouted at the commoners passing by, "Come and eat noodles and fragrant meat buns."
Su Sanlang carried the basket on his back and looked around. He didn't approach anyone to ask questions. Instead, he decided to walk around first.
After a while, he had a rough idea.
Like him, there were many people who came from the countryside to sell things, and they were all gathered in a single street. Down the street, one could see many pheasants, hares, and wild fruits.
Many well-dressed women walked past with baskets in their arms. When they saw something they liked, they would ask about the price.
Su Sanlang observed the crowd. Most of the hunters' prices for pheasants and hares were twenty copper coins a catty. Everyone's prices were about the same, and Su Sanlang had an idea.
He took out the chestnuts, pheasants and hares and prepared to wait for someone to approach.
At this moment, a person jogged over from afar. Su Sanlang didn't recognize him, but the people beside him had already stood up with wild rabbits and pheasants in hand. They smiled and said, "Butler Sun, look at my pheasants. I just caught them this morning. Their skins aren't even broken."
"Butler Sun, look at my wild rabbit. It's very fat. Its fur is also very good."
People surrounded Butler Sun, carrying their prey and smiling.
A person who introduced the wild fruits even stepped forward and handed Butler Sun a peach. He said obsequiously, "Butler Sun, try it. These wild peaches from the mountains are very sweet."
Butler Sun covered his nose and waved. He glanced around and said, "Move aside. If you dirty my clothes, you'll have to pay for it."
The people stepped back in unison, but they still looked hopefully at Butler Sun.
Su Sanlang also came back to his senses. This was the butler of a big family coming out to buy goods. However, he could no longer squeeze in and could only stand there.
Butler Sun did not choose anyone's things. Instead, he walked forward. The people surrounding him had no choice but to make way.
As soon as the people moved aside, Butler Sun saw the hares Su Sanlang had placed on the ground. He didn't look impressed at all. His eyes narrowed as he walked forward and said, "I want all of these. Carry them and come with me."
Joy surged in Su Sanlang's heart. He nervously stuttered as he tried to sell wild chestnuts to Butler Sun. "Sun, Butler Sun, my wild chestnuts are also very fresh. They dried just right and are very sweet."
With that, Su Sanlang pulled open the sack at the side so that Butler Sun could see the chestnuts inside.
Butler Sun looked over and said, "It's not bad. They're rare. Bring it along. It's not bad to let Young Master try it."
After buying Su Sanlang's goods, Butler Sun didn't look at the others' anymore. He turned around and left.
Su Sanlang happily picked the basket up and followed. He didn't mind if people looked at him with envy. He naturally understood that his presence affected the opportunities of the others.
However, this was just an interlude. After Butler Sun left, others quickly came to buy the goods.
Those who did not sell their prey did not care about being jealous of Su Sanlang. They immediately put on a smile and presented their prey to the buyers...
Su Sanlang, on the other hand, followed Butler Sun away from the noisy street to the back door of a large house. Looking at the good house with green bricks and tiles, Su Sanlang exclaimed inwardly. As he followed Butler Sun through the back door, Butler Sun said, "You look unfamiliar. This is your first time in town, right?"
Chapter 18: Return Fully LoadedTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Sanlang nodded quickly. "Yes, yes. This is my first time here."
Butler Sun smiled and said, "I can tell. Don't worry. The Sun family won't make things difficult for you. Your goods are not bad. We'll pay you a good amount for them. We'll give you 25 copper coins per catty for the animals. These wild chestnuts are rare too, so we'll give you 18 copper coins."
This price was very high.
Su Sanlang nodded happily and was overjoyed.
"Okay, okay. Thank you, Butler Sun."
Su Sanlang thanked him profusely and followed Butler Sun to the kitchen.
Butler Sun pointed to the ground and said casually, "Leave the things here."
With that, Butler Sun shouted towards the kitchen, "Fu, come out and take a look at the goods."
"OK."
A voice came from the kitchen. Soon, a slightly plump man walked out. He looked about fifty years old. When he came out, he went straight to the wild animals. He examined them and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. Let's weigh them and calculate the money."
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"Oh, there's also chestnuts. Coincidentally, the Young Master wants to eat sugar-fried chestnuts."
Sun Fu reached into the sack of chestnuts and scooped up a handful. He was already planning on how to use them.
Butler Sun smiled and agreed. "That's right. That's what I thought as well."
Su Sanlang stood silently at the side, waiting to calculate the payment. At the same time, he made a mental note of this place. He thought that if he had anything to sell in the future, he would come here and ask first. If the Sun residence didn't want it, he would sell it at the market.
Sun Fu called the kitchen staff out and quickly weighed the goods.
The three hares and two pheasants weighed a total of 20 catties. 25 copper coins per catty amounted to 500 copper coins. The wild chestnuts weighed 17 catties. 18 copper coins per catty amounted to 306 copper coins. Together, they were worth 806 copper coins.
Su Sanlang was elated and shocked by the numbers.
Butler Sun saw his face and found it a little funny. He teased, "Why are you acting so silly? Haven't you seen money before?"
Butler Sun was teasing, but Su Sanlang had really never seen money before. He nodded in embarrassment, his dim gaze hiding many stories that he could not tell anyone.
Butler Sun had sharp eyes and thought that this person had a story to tell. However, the two of them were not familiar with each other, so it was not good to ask about other people's family matters rashly. Therefore, he did not ask any more questions. Instead, he counted the money and gave it to Su Sanlang.
Then, he sent Su Sanlang out the door. Su Sanlang kept the money tightly against his chest. On the way, he could not help but touch his chest.
Such caution made Butler Sun sigh. When he sent Su Sanlang out, Butler Sun kindly reminded him, "Young man, you have to be more magnanimous when you go out. If you're being too obviously careful, others will know that you have valuables with you."
Su Sanlang immediately understood. He looked at Butler Sun gratefully. "Butler Sun, thank you."
Butler Sun smiled and waved his hand. "It's not a big deal. If you have good stuff in the future, just send them to our Sun residence."
Su Sanlang nodded gratefully. He was thinking about firewood, and since Butler Sun was so easygoing, he asked.
"Butler Sun, does the Sun residence need firewood? I'm good at chopping firewood. I guarantee that it's all good firewood."
After Su Sanlang asked the question, he looked at Butler Sun and waited for him to answer.
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Butler Sun smiled and said, "We've no need for that. Seeing that you're a good person, I'll say a few more words. Wealthy families don't need to buy firewood. Only ordinary families might buy it, but the prices won't be very high. Moreover, most people have already agreed on a deal long ago. If you had come a month earlier, you might have had some business. But now... it's difficult."
Su Sanlang's heart sank, but he smiled and thanked Butler Sun. "Thank you for telling me so much, Butler Sun."
The firewood business would not work. Butler Sun's kind words had saved him a lot of detours.
Butler Sun waved his hand indifferently. "I see that your hunting skills are not bad. Why don't you work harder on this? The Sun residence will definitely not mistreat you if you send us good products."
With that, Butler Sun went back in.
Su Sanlang could not tell Butler Sun that he was not a real hunter and that it was all luck. He could only smile and agree.
After leaving the Sun residence, Su Sanlang wanted to touch his chest several times, before he remembered Butler Sun's reminder and lowered his raised hand.
He would act as an ordinary person with no money.
Thinking of the thin sheets at home, Su Sanlang asked for directions to the cloth shop. An ordinary bolt of cotton cloth would cost 300 copper coins. A slightly inferior bolt of sackcloth would cost 200 copper coins. Cotton was calculated by catties. A catty of ordinary cotton cost 20 copper coins, and good cotton quality cost 30 copper coins a catty.
Su Sanlang calculated the money in his hands and gritted his teeth. He bought a bolt of cotton cloth, a bolt of sackcloth, and ten catties of ordinary cotton. This cost him 700 coins at once.
Although his heart ached, when he thought that his family would not suffer from the cold this winter, a smile appeared on his face again. In previous winters, their family's winter clothes were modified from the old clothes of his eldest brother and second brother. The cotton was thin and not warm. Every winter, Madam Zhao would always cough.
This year, their family could wear new clothes and be warm through the winter.
After packing everything in the basket on his back, Su Sanlang went to the grocery store and bought some salt. Salt was very expensive. He only got half a catty for 50 coins. He had 56 coins left. He didn't plan to use them. He looked at the sky. It was already evening. He had to go home.
On the way out of the city, Su Sanlang paid the entrance fee he owed.
After the soldiers let him through, Su Sanlang eagerly carried his basket and rushed home.
Two hours later, Su Sanlang was back in the familiar village.
It was barely five in the afternoon and most of the villagers were busy in the fields. He did not encounter many people on the way, but there were still people who saw Su Sanlang carrying a full basket back.
Su Sanlang didn't care. He just wanted to get home.
Even before he reached home, in the distance, he could see Su Sanmei with her two older brothers, catching insects. He could hear their sons cheering happily, and Su Sanlang's gaze was tinged with joy.
Su Sanmei was washing diapers when she saw Su Sanlang return. She shouted happily, "Daddy is back."
Su Chong and Su Hua also looked down the road and saw Su Sanlang. They shouted happily, "Father, there's another egg."
Su Sanmei had already gotten up and ran to him. She looked up and said to him, "Father, there's another egg today. I picked it up and put it at home."
Su Chong and Su Hua also ran over and surrounded Su Sanlang. "Father, Hua and I touched the egg. It's not broken."
Su Hua licked the corner of his mouth and looked at Su Sanlang hopefully. "Father, the egg smells so good."
Su Sanlang was in a good mood. He smiled and patted the heads of the three children. "You're all good children. I'll make egg soup for you tonight."
"Yay!"
Su Chong and Su Hua clapped in unison.
Chapter 19: Warmth 1Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Sanmei swallowed. She wanted to eat eggs too, but when she thought of her mother and sister, she said sensibly, "Father, I won't drink. Let Mother drink more so that Simei can eat her fill too."
Su Sanmei liked Su Xiaolu very much. At the age of six, she already knew that her newborn sister could not eat anything and could only rely on her mother's milk to survive. Only when Madam Zhao ate well, would she have enough milk to feed Simei.
His sensible daughter always made Su Sanlang's heart ache. He reached out and stroked her hair.
"Give it to our little sister, Father. I don't want it anymore either."
Su Chong looked at Su Sanlang in confusion. He was giving away, but he also looked like he could not bear to do so.
"I don't want it either. Feed my sister well."
Su Hua waved his hand as well, enduring the pain.
Su Sanlang couldn't describe what he was feeling. He patted his sons on the head, then patted Su Sanmei on the head and praised them. "Good children. You're all good children."
Even his two mentally retarded sons knew how to be modest. They might never understand how precious this was.
Leading the three children into the house, Su Sanlang went straight into the back room.
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Madam Zhao had already sat up when she heard Su Sanlang's voice. She had been waiting anxiously.
When she saw Su Sanlang enter, the worry in her heart eased. She said gently, "Sanlang, you've worked hard."
Su Sanlang put down his basket and said happily, "Darling, I've bought cotton and cloth. We don't have to suffer from the cold in winter."
When Madam Zhao heard this, joy surged in her heart. She said in a sobbing voice, "Really?"
Su Sanlang took the cloth and cotton out of the basket on his back and put it on the bed as if he were presenting treasures.
Madam Zhao was so happy that she cried. Her hands trembled as she touched the cloth and cotton cautiously.
"Darling, don't cry. It'll hurt your eyes."
Seeing Madam Zhao cry made Su Sanlang's heart ache.
Su Sanmei also went to Madam Zhao's side to wipe her tears. "Mother, don't cry."
Madam Zhao nodded. She was so happy. Ever since they were chased out, she had been worried about how they would spend the winter. Although they had also been cold in the past, they did not die from the cold.
Now she could finally stop worrying.
Su Sanlang also began to talk about what had happened after he entered town. Madam Zhao listened quietly and smiled gently.
Su Sanlang concluded, "The heavens are still looking after our family after all."
Madam Zhao nodded in agreement.
"Ahwoo—"
Su Xiaolu, who did not have much presence, made a cute sound at the right time. She had been awake since she heard Su Sanlang's voice. In fact, she also worried about how much he could sell the goods for.
After hearing Su Sanlang's report to Madam Zhao, she was relieved.
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Wild animals were still valuable. Without this threat hanging over this house, there was no need to worry about freezing to death this winter. With the diligent Sanmei around, there might not even be a lack of meat to eat this winter.
"Simei is awake."
Madam Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu gently and picked her up after some thought.
Su Sanlang leaned over to take a look. He reached out and said, "Darling, let me hold Simei."
He had not held his youngest daughter since she was born. He had been so busy and anxious these past few days that he did not even have the time to hug his daughter properly.
Madam Zhao nodded and carefully handed Su Xiaolu to Su Sanlang.
Su Xiaolu was quickly carried carefully by Su Sanlang. Su Xiaolu looked at him and opened her mouth. "Yiya..."
Su Sanlang's eyes were gentle as he looked at his little daughter lovingly. He said softly, "Simei is so cute."
"Father, Simei is so obedient at home. She smiles when she sees us and doesn't cry at all."
Su Sanmei moved her head closer. Su Xiaolu's eyes turned to look at her and she smiled.
Su Chong and Su Hua were also watching from the side. They wanted to poke Su Xiaolu's face, but they seemed to be afraid that they would hurt Su Xiaolu.
Seeing this, Su Sanlang smiled and said, "Don't be afraid. Just curl your fingers and gently touch Simei's little face, like this."
Su Sanlang carefully freed his right hand to demonstrate to his two sons.
Su Chong and Su Hua mimicked it seriously and then carefully touched Su Xiaolu's face.
Su Xiaolu moved her head and pressed her face against her brothers' hands, scaring Su Chong and Su Hua away.
Su Xiaolu blinked innocently. "Yiyi—"
She didn't mean to scare them.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao both smiled.
Su Su Sanmei gently pressed against Su Xiaolu's cheek and whispered, "Simei, I'm your third sister."
Su Sanmei often helped change diapers, so she was not afraid. Su Xiaolu also liked her diligent third sister very much. She moved her head and touched her warm little hand.
At that moment, Su Sanlang felt happier than ever.
Madam Zhao touched the cloth and said, "Sanlang, I'll tailor your clothes for you later. My body has already recovered. This small chore isn't tiring."
Su Sanlang looked at Madam Zhao and felt that the warmth in her eyes was as warm as the spring breeze in March. After a few days of rest, Madam Zhao's complexion was not as withered as before. Su Sanlang nodded slightly. "Okay, but you can't tire yourself out. I'm not in a hurry to wear it. It's not cold yet."
Madam Zhao smiled happily. She reached out to stroke Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Sanmei's hair and said, "After I make new clothes for your father, I'll make them for you."
Su Chong and Su Hua were overjoyed to have new clothes to wear.
However, Su Sanmei hesitated for a moment before lowering her eyes and gritting her teeth. "Mother, I don't have to wear new clothes. Let's make new clothes for Simei."
The winter was so cold that she feared her newborn sister would not survive it.
Su Sanmei's overly mature behavior made Madam Zhao's nose sting. Su Sanlang's heart ached as well. He stroked Su Sanmei's hair with his broad palm and said, "Sanmei, be good. Father bought enough cloth to make new clothes for all of us. You can have them, and so can Simei."
Su Sanmei smiled upon hearing this. "Thank you, Father, and Mother."
Su Sanmei seemed to remember something and suddenly said, "By the way, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and I caught a lot of insects today. The chickens couldn't finish them. I wrapped them all up. I'll bring them to you."
Su Sanmei ran out.
Su Chong and Su Hua looked up at Su Sanlang with their chests puffed out.
Su Chong said, "Father, I caught three more than Hua. Sanmei said that I'm awesome."
As Su Chong spoke, he reached out and patted Su Hua's head like an adult. "But the insects that Hua caught were fatter than mine."
Su Hua pursed his lips and nodded in agreement. "Brother is awesome, so am I. We listened to Sanmei."
Su Sanlang was touched. He looked at his two sons lovingly and nodded with a smile. "You're both great. You're both good children of ours."
Su Sanmei quickly brought the leaf-wrapped insect into the house.
Su Sanlang placed Su Xiaolu on the bed and took it from Su Sanmei's hands. It was heavy. He said, "Sanmei, I will cook the rice. You stay at home and watch the fire. I'll take your eldest and second brothers out to set up the traps again. With such good bait, there's a higher chance of catching prey."
Chapter 20: Warmth 2Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Sanmei nodded. "Okay, Daddy. Be careful."
Su Sanlang looked at Madam Zhao and said, "Darling, it's not dark yet and setting up those traps won't take much time."
Madam Zhao nodded slightly and said, "Sanlang, be careful on the way."
After saying that, Madam Zhao instructed her two sons, "Hua and Chong, you have to listen to Daddy, understand?"
Su Chong and Su Hua nodded.
They'll do as they're told.
Su Sanlang went out with Su Chong and Su Hua after washing the rice and starting the fire.
Su Sanmei watched over the fire obediently.
Madam Zhao patted Su Xiaolu and said softly after feeding her, "Simei, sleep well. I'll clean up the cotton."
Su Xiaolu pouted, blinked, and obediently went to sleep.
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Over the past few days, Madam Zhao had been in a much better state than before. Their family was not doing well. If she did nothing, she would be anxious.
She could just sit on the bed and make some clothes. It would not be too tiring to move her hands. She would also keep an eye on her and let Madam Zhao rest every once in a while.
She also sank her consciousness into the Space to absorb spiritual energy.
Seeing that Su Xiaolu was obedient, Madam Zhao heaved a sigh of relief. She could not help but laugh at herself for speaking foolishly to her younger daughter.
Madam Zhao did not have the time to think too much. She started to prepare the cotton.
Ordinary cotton was not carefully selected. There would also be some leaves and other things inside.
She picked those out and threw them away so that the finished clothes would be comfortable to wear.
After she worked for a while, Su Xiaolu would make some noise and Madam Zhao would have to rest for a while. If she didn't rest, Su Xiaolu would cry.
Helpless, Madam Zhao could only rest after every hour. Looking at Su Xiaolu's obedient appearance, she couldn't help but mutter, "Simei, are you feeling sorry for me? For some reason, I feel that you're very sensible, even though you're just a baby. How can you understand? Perhaps you're just not used to me not holding you."
Su Xiaolu obediently leaned against Madam Zhao without crying or making a fuss.
Madam Zhao smiled again and said, "But I believe that you feel sorry for me and want me to rest."
Su Xiaolu opened her eyes and looked at Madam Zhao.
Madam Zhao looked at Su Xiaolu's bright eyes and could not help but kiss her cheek. "Simei's eyes are so beautiful."
If Su Xiaolu could speak, she would also tell Madam Zhao that her eyes were really gentle.
Everyone in the family made her feel warm.
Madam Zhao rested for a while before continuing to clean up the cotton.
After Su Sanmei finished cooking, she put off the fire and came to help clean up. When it was completely dark and all the cotton had been cleaned up, Madam Zhao said worriedly, "Why aren't they back yet?"
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Just then, a noise came from outside.
"Darling, I'm back."
Hearing Su Sanlang's voice, Madam Zhao was relieved. She smiled and said to Su Sanmei, "Sanmei, go get water for your father to wash his hands and eat."
"Sure thing."
Su Sanmei got out of bed and went out.
It was really too late today. Su Sanlang said apologetically to the three children, "Can I cook that egg for you all tomorrow?"
Su Chong and Su Hua were craving eggs, but they still remembered what they said not long ago. They shook their heads and said, "No, it's for little sister."
Su Sanmei also said, "Father, we won't eat it. When the hen lays an egg again tomorrow, we'll cook poached eggs for Mother."
Su Sanlang smiled and nodded. "Okay."
Su Sanmei did not know that chickens did not lay eggs every day. Su Sanlang looked into her glittering eyes and could not bear to tell her this.
Su Sanlang first brought food to Madam Zhao before coming out to eat.
Su Sanmei was sitting on a small stool with her two brothers and eating slowly. When she saw Su Sanlang come out, Su Sanmei said, "Father, should I continue catching insects with my big brother and second brother tomorrow?"
Su Sanlang thought for a moment and shook his head. "Tomorrow, Chong and Hua will be turning the soil with Father. They won't be able to catch insects with you. You can still catch them."
The firewood business was out of the question, and the traps might not yield anything. The most important thing in the house was the land.
The four acres of land here had been abandoned for a long time and it was thin and dry. He would have to turn the soil and sprinkle some vegetable seeds to nourish the land over the winter.
Although the two sons were mentally disabled, they were still half-grown and considered half a labor.
Since Madam Zhao needed someone by her side, it was just right for Su Sanmei to stay and take care of Madam Zhao and the child.
Su Sanmei smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll catch a lot for our chickens."
Su Sanlang smiled warmly.
Not long after dinner, the family washed up and went to bed.
The next morning, Su Sanlang got up first to turn the soil.
Madam Zhao also got up. She had taken Su Sanlang's measurements last night and could start to cut the cloth.
There were no scissors at home, so she asked Su Sanlang to give her the scythe in advance.
Su Sanmei was sleeping soundly next to Su Xiaolu.
The two sons were also fast asleep on the other bed.
Madam Zhao worked quietly, but she was fast and focused.
Su Xiaolu only sighed and did not disturb Madam Zhao. She knew that if the family's situation was better, Madam Zhao would not be so anxious.
The weather was gradually getting colder, and there was not much at home. If Madam Zhao were to lie down for a month or two, her heart would burn with anxiety.
Since everyone was trying their best, she could not stay idle. Su Xiaolu tried her best to struggle her hand out. Since she could not feed Madam Zhao, she would give her diligent and cute sister some spiritual spring water.
Without enough food and clothes, Su Sanmei was also thin and small. Her hair was yellow and messy. Su Xiaolu put her hand into Su Sanmei's mouth and the spiritual spring water moistened her mouth.
In her sleep, Su Sanmei knew nothing. She subconsciously swallowed the sweetness in her mouth.
After feeding her for a while, Su Xiaolu retracted her hand. Her third sister doted on her so much. If she woke up and found herself sucking on her sister's fingers, she would probably be frightened.
After doing all this, Su Xiaolu sank her consciousness into the Space to recuperate.
When it was about time, she came out and cried to make Madam Zhao rest.
Hearing her cries, Su Sanmei woke up and quickly patted Su Xiaolu. "Don't cry, Simei."
When Madam Zhao saw that Su Sanmei was awake, she said, "Sanmei, coax Simei. I'll be done soon."
Su Xiaolu pursed her lips and let out an aggrieved and loud cry. "Wah... Wah..."
Su Sanmei was shocked and at a loss.
Su Chong and Su Hua were both woken up by the crying.
Even Su Sanlang, who was behind the house, was alarmed. He looked up at the sky and thought it was time to make breakfast. Su Sanlang put down his hoe and returned.
Before he entered the house, he asked, "What's wrong with Simei? Why is she crying so loudly?"
Madam Zhao quickly put down the cloth in her hand and went over to hold Su Xiaolu. As she coaxed her, she replied to Su Sanlang, "Sanlang, I don't know either. Maybe she woke up and didn't see me."
"Alright, alright, Mother is here. Simei, be good and stop crying—"
Madam Zhao coaxed her patiently and even wanted to feed Su Xiaolu. However, Su Xiaolu refused and cried until her face turned red. Madam Zhao did not know what to do either.