Chapter 215

Chapter 215

A trip to the city to sell eggs was a time-consuming affair due to the distance and the need for caution against breakage, making it impossible to rush. Thus, each journey took most of the day, but fortunately, the prices were good. Pei Yan's meticulous nature ensured that even with the inevitable jostling along the way, he still managed to make a tidy profit.

As days grew colder, the abundance of fruits, vegetables, and greens dwindled. Vines withered, and crops decayed, leading to a scarcity of fresh produce.

The threshing ground was now covered in straw, with several bamboo mats at the edges holding the last wild vegetables of late autumn. The past few days had seen a significant decrease in available wild grasses and greens, replaced mostly by barren branches and yellow leaves.

The five persimmon trees to the west had produced a sparse harvest this year, with only about a dozen persimmons of varying sizes. The leaves had all fallen, leaving behind a few red persimmon fruits high on the branches, swaying precariously in the autumn breeze.

Their vibrant red stood out starkly against the desolate landscape, a splash of color in an otherwise earth-toned world.

Several plump birds perched on the branches, their tiny claws gripping the twigs tightly. It was unclear how they knew the persimmons were ripe, but they eagerly opened their grayish-yellow beaks to peck at the fruit.

A ripe persimmon, already partially eaten by birds, fell to the ground with a soft "plop," splattering into a puddle.

Suddenly, Huaihuai, who had been playing near the courtyard gate, lifted his head, his ears twitching. He stared intently at the persimmon tree, sensing something. Without warning, he sprinted off.

Huazai hesitated for a moment before barking in frustration and quickly chased after him.

By the time Huazai reached the persimmon tree, Huaihuai was already licking up the fallen persimmon. Huazai growled and lunged forward to snatch his share, but Huaihuai ate faster.

Before long, the two were fighting again, barking and yipping in alarm. Gu Lanshi, sitting in the courtyard sewing clothes while basking in the sun, glanced over but chose not to intervene.

It seemed like every day was filled with arguments or fights between the two. Sometimes one would chase the other, a game of cat and mouse, both acting shamelessly as they dug up dirt with their paws.

On occasion, the fights would escalate, causing dog hair to fly everywhere, getting stuck in their mouths. If Pei Yan approached, Huaihuai and Huazai would immediately tuck their tails between their legs, knowing full well that they would be punished.

This year, there were no pomegranates or apricots, but the jujube and persimmon trees bore a few fruits. Whenever Gu Lanshi and Pei Yan passed by and saw the red jujubes, they would simply pick them, leaving no chance for the dogs to guard them.

Occasionally, Huaihuai and Huazai would see the red dates in their hands and beg for some, which they would be given.

The persimmon tree didn't have a good yield this year, far from its peak fruiting season. Gu Lanshi picked some directly from the tree, as did his older brothers, providing enough for him and Pei Yan. They left the remaining few persimmons on the branches, knowing that as the weather turned colder, birds and sparrows would come to feast when food became scarce.

Unexpectedly, Huaihuai and Huazai developed a fondness for the ripe persimmons, spending their days under the tree, eagerly awaiting any that might fall.

Pei Yan noticed the ripe, soft persimmons the day before yesterday and picked one for each of them. Dahai also enjoyed them, but he was too lazy to wait around. The fallen fruits naturally went to Huaihuai and Huazai.

"Another fight?" Pei Yan asked as he came from the backyard, having just finished repairing the donkey shed with Liu Dagé. With the cold weather approaching, it was crucial to protect the donkey from the wind and rain.

Since purchasing the donkey, it had proven invaluable, assisting in various tasks. As such, it was treated with care and kindness.

Gu Lanshi rubbed his neck and said, "Yes, probably over the persimmons again."

Pei Yan whistled sharply, the sound piercing and clear, immediately calming Huaihuai and Huazai. They licked their lips and dispersed to play, no longer daring to act aggressively.

Seeing Huaihuai approach, wagging his tail in a fawning manner, Gu Lanshi laughed and scolded, "They really need to be disciplined."

Liu Dagé couldn't sit idle and grabbed a pitchfork to turn the straw on the threshing ground. Having been in the sun for half the morning, it was indeed time for it to be moved.

Pei Yan washed his hands, dried them, and hung the towel on a wooden rack. He then checked the diapers he had washed the day before, noticing they were dry. He collected them, folded them neatly, and headed inside.

Gu Lanshi was altering Xiao Suo'er's old clothes for Xingxing. These garments were given to him by his second sister-in-law during a visit the previous day. Babies grow quickly, and having extra clothes for changing was essential.

Farmers were frugal, and since babies didn't work, their clothes wouldn't wear out easily. Although these clothes had been worn by several children, they were soft and comfortable. Gu Lanshi adjusted the cuffs and trouser legs, adding embroidery of flowers and small stars to the corners and collars.

With the addition of colorful threads and patterns, the clothes looked brighter and more suitable for a child.

After putting away the dry diapers, Gu Lanshi saw Zhou Shuyun enter through the fence gate, carrying a bamboo basket. She had gone to buy pork and tofu.

Pei Yan said, "Let's eat earlier this afternoon. After the meal, I'll take Zhou Jiejie back home."

"Okay." Gu Lanshi nodded. Today was the day Zhou Shuyun was scheduled to work, and he had already paid her wages the previous night.

Zhou Shuyun had brought her luggage and bedding with her, making it difficult for her to carry everything back home. Fortunately, they had a donkey cart, making transportation convenient.

"Lan Ge, I also bought tofu skin. Should we have it shredded and mixed for dinner?" Zhou Shuyun asked as she entered the courtyard.

"Yes," Gu Lanshi agreed, then added, "Jiejie, let's have an early dinner. We can have steamed rice, a tofu skin salad, minced meat tofu, and stir-fried Chinese cabbage. Later, ask Pei Yan to kill that rooster for us to have tonight. We've had enough of stewed meat."

That would make four dishes of meat and vegetables. He thought for a moment and continued, "Also, let's have an egg drop soup with sesame oil drizzled on top. Each of us will have a bowl. Let's have a nice meal today."

Zhou Shuyun understood that this was because she was leaving, but she hadn't expected to be treated with such importance. Buying meat and tofu wasn't enough; they were even going to slaughter a chicken. She hesitated, unsure of how to react.

Gu Lanshi noticed her expression and smiled, saying, "Jiejie, go ahead and get busy. There's a lot of work to do. Once I finish what I'm doing, I'll come in to help."

"Alright, you focus on your work. I'll handle the kitchen," Zhou Shuyun replied promptly, heading straight for the kitchen.

Gu Lanshi smiled without saying anything further.

Pei Yan entered the woodshed where a rooster with bound feet awaited. He carried it outside and sat on a stool in front of the firewood pile, chopping firewood with a small axe. He could wait until the water boiled before slaughtering the chicken.

Fang Honghua had brought the rooster over the day before, claiming it was old and suggesting Pei Yan sell it in town. Originally owned by his eldest daughter-in-law, Pei Yan had taken care of feeding it. The rooster had been raised for several years, and after discussing it with his eldest son and daughter-in-law, they allowed his mother to decide its fate. The money earned from selling the rooster would belong to her.

Pei Yan gave Fang Honghua fifty coins, a fair price for an old hen. However, the price for an old rooster was typically lower, around forty-five coins at most. Pei Yan found an excuse, stating that the rooster was large and had plenty of meat, justifying the additional five coins. Fang Honghua happily accepted the offer.

Since he was instructed to kill it, Pei Yan didn't ask any questions. If they wanted to eat it, so be it.

Gu Lanshi considered how Zhou Shuyun had worked diligently for two months, always honest and dedicated, never taking shortcuts. Whenever she was sent to buy things, she returned every coin, not keeping any for herself. Her work ethic was impeccable.

She was a clean person, kind to Xingxing, often helping to soothe and entertain him. Xingxing would smile upon seeing her, clearly indicating his affection.

"Jiejie, we'll have an early dinner this afternoon. Pei Yan will take you back home afterward," Gu Lanshi mentioned while embroidering.

"Ai, okay," Zhou Shuyun responded from the kitchen. A moment later, she wiped her eyes discreetly.

*

After the meal, the sky was somewhat overcast.

Every year, as deep autumn arrived, the lush greenery faded, leaving a vast expanse of earthy yellow hues stretching across the land.

Fearing the strong winds, Gu Lanshi didn't let Zhou Shuyun wash the dishes but instead asked her to pack their luggage, taking advantage of the daylight before the wind picked up, making the journey easier.

Pei Yan hitched the cart quickly, and soon after, Zhou Shuyun emerged with her bundle and bedding roll in tow.

Gu Lanshi came out of the new annex, holding Little Star in one arm and a small basket of eggs in the other, saying, "I've packed thirty eggs for Big Sister, tell her they're for her health."

"Alright, I understand," Pei Yan took the egg basket and placed it carefully on the cart.

Zhou Shuyun smiled, "I'll hold them steady during the trip."

"Good." Gu Lanshi nodded, carrying his child as he saw them off towards the gate.

"Lan-ge, it's cold outside, you should go back; the child can't bear it," Zhou Shuyun spoke up.

As she said this, a gust of wind blew, causing Gu Lanshi to pause at the courtyard gate, covering Little Star's face with a corner of the swaddling cloth, "Alright then, Sister Zhou, I won't see you off any further."

Zhou Shuyun nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, hurry back and rest."

Ever since giving birth to her second child last winter, Gu Lanyu's health had been poor, prone to coughs and fevers from the slightest chill. She had taken medicine intermittently, which hadn't come cheap. Zhou Shuhong was attentive to her needs, but even so, medical expenses strained their finances, leaving their household less well-off than before.

With plenty of eggs at home—produced by feeding grass and fish bugs without additional cost—Gu Lanshi didn't mind parting with them. During his and Pei Yan's impoverished times, their siblings had helped them, including Gu Lanyu who secretly gave them salted duck eggs behind the Zhou family's back.

Pei Yan led the donkey through the village, drawing attention from many who knew that they were sending Zhou Shuyun back to Zhou Village.

Fang Honghua was at the door, munching on rice cakes while chatting idly with the elderly lady. Seeing them, she exchanged a few casual words with Zhou Shuyun.

Because they carried eggs, after leaving the village, Pei Yan didn't sit on the cart, allowing only Zhou Shuyun to ride while he led the donkey ahead.

"Tsk tsk." Old Lady Zheng clicked her tongue, a mix of envy and resentment, her eyes turning red as she blurted out her true feelings, "No wonder they say money talks, they can even afford a maid. How young is she, barely more than a child herself, and yet she's treated like royalty just because she bore a child, needing someone to wait on her hand and foot!"

Fang Honghua glared at her, not really angry enough to take these people seriously. Ever since Zhou Shuyun arrived, she wasn't unfamiliar with such idle gossip. She then laughed, "Well, what can you do? Our boy Pei Yan has made good, whether rich or poor, he's willing to hire help, unlike other men who don't bother with anything major."

She concluded, "Pei Yan and Lan-ge are just two people; without hiring someone, who would handle both the child and the chores at home?"

"Indeed, with a small household, having an extra pair of hands is essential," Old Lady Sun chimed in.

Fang Honghua initially wanted to throw a few jabs at Old Lady Zheng, everyone in the village knew each other's secrets, but then reconsidered why she should waste her breath.

Since her Lan-ge and Pei Yan's lives improved, she felt genuinely happy, enjoying food and drink unmatched by the rest of the village elders, her temper improving as a result. Unless provoked, she wasn't one to spread malicious rumors or hurt others' feelings. She chose to converse with Old Lady Sun, largely ignoring Old Lady Zheng's passive-aggressive remarks.

Old Lady Zheng, ignored, huffed and turned away, leaving Fang Honghua to give her a dismissive glance, too lazy to engage further.

The conflict between the old ladies meant they wouldn't be idly chatting together for some time.

*

In Zhou Village, Zhou Shuyun's home was nearby. Pei Yan recognized the courtyard gate from when he fetched her two months ago, stopping directly in front.

Zhou Shuyun's youngest daughter chased chickens around the yard, covered in dirt, while her older daughter pounded rice. Upon seeing her mother, both daughters dropped their tasks and ran over, calling out to her.

Clearly, her mother-in-law was home, evident from the unwashed clothes and unkempt hair of the youngest daughter. Zhou Shuyun's anger flared, and if not for Pei Yan's presence at the gate, she would have unleashed her fury immediately.

Pei Yan helped carry the bedding inside. Uncomfortable entering their home, he placed it on a high stool in the yard, straightening up to say, "Sister Zhou, I'll be going now."

"Yes, yes." Zhou Shuyun forced a smile, seeing him off.

As he left, Pei Yan noticed her youngest daughter staring at him with wide, curious eyes. Though her face and hands were dirty, her eyes sparkled, showing no fear. Her earlier spirited chase of chickens indicated she was far from timid.

He narrowed his eyes, hiding a smile, wondering if Little Star would grow up similarly lively and energetic.

Pei Yan left, leading the donkey cart towards Gu Lanyu's home.

Meanwhile, Zhou Shuyun turned back inside, starting an argument with her mother-in-law through the window, their voices escalating into a heated exchange. After two months of working hard for others, her daughters were left neglected, looking like wild children without care.

Her mother-in-law was no less fierce, berating her for failing to bear a son, calling her daughters worthless girls who only consumed food and wasted grain.

Hearing even her children's rations were being withheld, Zhou Shuyun's anger surged, losing her usual meek demeanor. Not only did she curse back, but she also spat toward her mother-in-law's window.

The youngest daughter, with her sparse yellow hair, mimicked her grandmother's insults against her and her sister, spitting on the ground and making tutting sounds.

The older daughter, more shy by nature, had faced her grandmother's disdain since childhood, especially after being beaten, making her much more timid. With her mother's return, she seemed to lift her head, finding support. Though she didn't dare spit, she clung tightly to her mother's waist.

After venting their frustrations, both inside and outside the window, they were left panting, equally infuriated. Yet, there was an unspoken understanding that they wouldn't truly come to blows. Their family, though broken, wasn't about to fall apart completely.

With her husband still out working, Zhou Shuyun suppressed her rage, ignoring the bedding and bundles, prioritizing washing her daughters' faces and braiding their hair.

In the kitchen, Zhou Shuyun glanced outside, noticing no one in the yard. She secretly retrieved a bamboo tube, shushing her daughters, and fetched chopsticks. Opening the tube's stopper, she used the chopsticks to pick out a piece of chicken, quickly stuffing it into her older daughter's mouth.

"Ahh ahh!" Seeing the meat, the younger daughter couldn't speak, only opening her mouth wide to indicate her desire.

Zhou Shuyun fed her a piece as well, whispering, "Be quiet, don't even tell your father, or we won't get to eat anymore."

"Mmm hmm." The girls nodded like chicks pecking at grain, their mouths full of meat.

Zhou Shuyun had concealed the bamboo tube in her clothes, bringing it back with her. The meat and its warm juices were still hot. Afraid they'd fight over it and spill the contents, she fed them bit by bit. Finally, she poured the remaining juice onto steamed buns, dividing them between her daughters.

She bore two daughters, and during her confinement, she didn't see a single chicken, let alone eggs. After caring for Gu Lanshi for two months, he slaughtered a chicken for her departure, treating her better than family despite being an outsider.

Seeing her daughters well-fed, their hair combed, and faces clean, Zhou Shuyun sighed deeply, burying all her grievances and emotions.

As her mother-in-law emerged, she quickly hid the bamboo tube and wiped her daughters' mouths clean, ensuring no traces remained.