Chapter 21. Being excessive
This time, it was unknown where Zhou Da Wa ran off to play and Er Wa was unable to find him. He asked an older child in the village to pass a message. If he saw his eldest brother, tell him to come home to eat pan-fried sweet potato.
Then Er Wa ran home by himself.
So when Zhou Da Wa heard the message and ran home, Lin Qing He had eaten with Er Wa and San Wa.
It goes without saying, she left a piece for him.
"Mother, you didn't tell me there are pan-fried sweet potato cakes!" Da Wa complained while washing his hands.
"I got Er Wa to call you." Lin Qing He responded.
Da Wa immediately glared at Er Wa: "You dare not call me and run back on your own to eat?"
"I did go call, but I didn't find you, so I told someone to pass a message to you. Otherwise, Eldest brother, you will definitely not return home now." Er Wa gave a lazy response.
After eating three pieces of sweet potato cakes, he was sunk in delight and felt full now, so he does not want to quarrel with his eldest brother.
Da Wa can only eat sweet potato cake, and there was only one piece left. His appetite was relatively large, so it wasn't enough. He turned to Er Wa: "How many pieces did you eat?"
"Three pieces," Er Wa answered.
"Mother, why did you let him eat my share!" Da Wa expressed dissatisfaction.
"Who told you to run off to play where people can't see you. Remember next time you play, stay near around the house, otherwise, don't think about having what I'm cooking." Lin Qing He said.
Although she won't rein him in, it was impossible to let him run like a wild horse.
However, compared to her holding his ear and counseling him, it was obvious this method of using good food was more capable of affecting Zhou Da Wa and hinting him to decide not to run so far next time, and let Er Wa find him easily when he heads out!
He also wanted to tell Er Wa where he usually went to play, so that Er Wa could find him easily. However, Er Wa was not happy, and object to the number of places he played at. He had no way of finding and won't look for the entrance he can't find.
Then he got beaten by Da Wa, and Er Wa howled. Lin Qing He planned to beat Da Wa.
After a while of chaos, Lin Qing He asked Da Wa, "Did you tell your grandma?"
"I did. Grandma said she would come once she's not busy, but don't need to prepare her meal." Zhou Da Wa replied.
Even though she said this, Lin Qing He still prepared lunch for Mother Zhou. After all, she was asking a favor from the other.
Steamed rice for noon. After washing the rice, she left it to soak in the iron pot. After soaking for half an hour, it can be steamed.
They do eat rice here, but just fewer people. Generally, they ate more noodles. Rice, especially this white rice, was very rare.
However, it was obvious that white rice was the tastiest. It wasn't easy to buy and required food coupons. But still, the original owner liked it very much.
Lin Qing He also liked it, so the rice tank was always full. She was afraid that Zhou Qing Bai will come back suddenly, then she can't refill it when she wants.
She didn't have a large appetite, and the three children hadn't reached that time. However, Da Wa's food intake was not small. This kid was fed by Lin Qing He for a few days, although he didn't develop more meat, he was obviously much stronger.
While Mother Zhou, her appetite should be relatively larger.
Around eight bowls of rice were steamed. She, Er Wa, and San Wa get three bowls, two bowls for Da Wa, and lastly three bowls for Mother Zhou.
There was a good bit of salted pork belly left, so Lin Qing He picked two cucumbers.
After the rice was steamed, she heated the pork belly in the pan. After scooping up the pork belly, there was a lot of oil with a salty fragrance left. The cucumbers went in the pan and it started sizzling as the fragrance emit out.
After the cucumbers were fried, Lin Qing He also made an egg drop and seaweed soup.
Steamed rice was served with salted pork belly, fried cucumber, and egg drop, and seaweed soup. This was also a relatively simple and ordinary meal.
But when Mother Zhou came to see the food, her heartache acted up again. It was no worse than the landlord's household in the past!
"Mother, sit down, and eat. I specially made steamed rice for you. If you don't eat it, then there will be leftovers. I promised Da Wa that they would eat lean pork congee tonight." Lin Qing He said.
Mother Zhou's expression was not good, but she knew she wouldn't listen to her. So she sat down and looked at the plate of salty meat, and the plate of oily fried cucumbers. Even tasty smell filling her nose didn't alleviate her worry.
Fourth's wife really didn't know how to live!
"Grandma, eat it quickly, it's really fragrant." Da Wa received the rice that his mother had served him and called her.
Er Wa began to eat. San Wa sat quietly, but could not wait for his mother to feed her with his mouth open.
Lin Qing He also called: "Mother, eat. Don't just sit there."
Then she began to feed San Wa. San Wa was very obedient when eating. He sat on his mother's lap and pointed at whatever he wanted to eat.
His favorite was meat, and his appetite was not small. He ate a small half bowl of rice, with a lot of meat and vegetables, and a few sips of soup before she let him play by himself at her feet.
Then Lin Qing He also started eating and said to Mother Zhou: "Mother, it tastes pretty good."
Mother Zhou's lips twitched and thought, how can it be bad with so much oil in. However, seeing the amount she fed San Wa, she didn't mind anymore. The money-splurging was still the same as before, at least it was spent on the three brothers. So she was beginning to be considerate.
"Why did you think of having me over for lunch?" When Mother Zhou finished eating, she started talking. Lin Qing He got up, filled another bowl for her, and poured cucumber's oily juice over the rice with a spoon, making it especially fragrant. Da Wa and Er Wa liked to eat it this way.
Of course, she too.
Mother Zhou glanced at her, Lin Qing He replied, "It's like this. I plan to buy some dry goods from the county city for passing winter. Our local supply and demand cooperative doesn't have much. After this trip, I won't go out again this year. I will head out at five tomorrow, so I want Mother to come over to watch the three tomorrow and cook for them. "
Knowing that she can't stop her, Mother Zhou had no other choice but to agreed. If she didn't, she would definitely leave her son behind and go.
Thankfully, she knows to get her to come over and help watch the children now.
After comforting herself, Mother Zhou agreed, but still advised: "Don't buy anything that is not necessary."
"I know." Lin Qing He nodded.
Mother Zhou ate three large bowls of fragrant rice, and then went back. Before going back, she said that she'll come over to sleep with the kids tonight, so so does not have to come over in the dark tomorrow morning.
Lin Qing He conveyed to her to join them for dinner tonight. Mother Zhou refused.
In fact, she could promise to let her come and sleep with the kids for a night made Mother Zhou a little surprised. According to her temperament, even if she agreed, she wouldn't agree so frankly.
In the end, Lin Qing He was not the original owner. She can't copy the original owner to the T. Mother Zhou was willing to come over to help, why would she disagree? Not happening.
Mother Zhou, who was very satisfied with the food, talked about it with Father Zhou when she returned.
Except for the love to spend money and the unchangeable habit of being excessive, Fourth's wife's other aspects seem to have changed a lot.
Father Zhou said: "Already separated, so why intervened so much. It's enough that she can now care about the children and raise them well."
It was much better than supporting the old Lin Family!
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Mother Zhou came over at eight o'clock for the sleepover.
The kids had not washed their feet yet. Lin Qing He washed the brothers first and then fetched a basin for Mother Zhou.
Mother Zhou was so shocked. Fourth's wife actually got her water for washing feet?
"Mother, make lean pork porridge for the kids tomorrow. I used well water to cool the meat." Lin Qing He only fetched the water and as for washing feet, that was left to Mother Zhou. She'll just help pour it out later on.
"What are you going to buy tomorrow?" Probably because Mother Zhou found her more pleasing, she asked.
"Nothing much, mainly because the kids don't have warm inner clothes and trousers. I have to get some material. This demand isn't too high. At that time, I'll just ask Eldest Sister-in-law to help, however, she would pay a lot for her effort." Lin Qing He explained.
Mother Zhou thought that if the money wasn't spent on her grandsons, then it must have been taken back by this daughter-in-law to the old Lin Family, so she said: "It is time to make some inner clothes for the brothers."
Lin Qing He wasn't familiar with her, so when she was mostly done, she took out her foot basin and prepared to rest.
After a few days, Lin Qing He became used to it. Especially since she needed to wake up earlier tomorrow to go to the county town. She would have to leave before dawn.
Just the thought of it made her leg ache.
Lin Qing He got up the next morning. She got up, washed herself, and then came out. Of course, she went to give Mother Zhou a head up.
During the darkness, she came out and saw Zhou Dong pulling the tow cart. He had just arrived but waited outside without knocking on the door.
"I'll be hard on you today. Later when we are at the county city, the white bun will be on Shenzi." Lin Qing He declared.
Zhou Dong hurriedly said no need, he had eaten at home before coming.
It was now October. It was a bit cold in the morning, and what's more, it was still dark.
If Zhou Dong wasn't with her, Lin Qing He dare not to walk on this dark road.
"Now it is getting colder and colder every day. Does your quilt still ward off the cold?" Lin Qing He asked.
"It's warm," Zhou Dong nodded.
"I ordered a big quilt on the county city last time, so the one at home can be a replacement." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Dong stunned: "Shenzi, is that true?"
There were quilts at home, but it was getting quite old. And now that he and his sister have grown up, it goes without they can't sleep together like when they were young. So the siblings have one each.
But it was because one each, the brothers and sisters were freezing since the year before. Fortunately, there was the kang, which burns until the middle of the night and become cold again.
He was fine, but the main point was his sister.
"It is." Lin Qing He nodded.
On this trip to the county city, she planned to pull the big quilt out of the space. Not only the big quilt but also the bedding. These were essential for keeping warm in the winter.
"Shenzi, how much does that one cost? There are some cloth coupons I haven't use at home. I can give them to Shenzi." Zhou Dong quickly responded.
It wasn't easy to get a quilt in this era.
Although in Lin Qing He's eyes, the one at home was a bit old, it was only a few years since she was married. Of course, this one wasn't a newly-wed quilt. It was another piece bought afterward. Not old either. If Zhou Dong didn't want it, she planned to keep it as a mattress.
As for the mattresses in the space, she can sell it in the county city, and someone will want it.
But seeing how tough the Zhou Dong's and his sister's life was and what's more, they help out with chores even if paid, supporting them wasn't a problem as the siblings weren't bad in the end.
"You can forget the money. Your Shenzi, I don't lack that money. However I'll be buying a lot during this year's food distribution, you will be responsible for carrying it home for me then." Lin Qing He said.
In previous years, the original owner called for Eldest Brother Zhou's help. It goes without saying, she gave him two eggs back to bring back before leaving.
Zhou Dong shook his head: "Shenzi, don't need to mention it. I would have volunteered to carry it back for Shenzi."
"Besides that, do your best with this time supplies. I am going to buy a lot of things this time. Today will exhaust you without exception." Lin Qing He said.
On and on they walked, as the sky began to light up. When they reached one-third of the way, it was dawn.
At this time, Lin Qing He was hungry, but she couldn't take anything out to eat. So she kept on going with Zhou Dong till they reached the county city. Then she entered the state-run restaurant and came out with three white buns. One for herself and two for Zhou Dong.
Zhou Dong wanted to refuse but was told by Lin Qing He that he had a lot of work today, so hurry up eat and they can start working after eating.
Then Zhou Dong ate.
One was enough for Lin Qing He. Zhou Dong had the most delicious meal of white bun in his life, and what's more two of them. The ingredients inside made Zhou Dong nearly swallow his tongue.
Although he could finish three more white buns like this size, the two made his stomach really comfortable.
Lin Qing He took him over to the county supply and demand cooperative.
She planned to come here to make a large purchase today. In fact, at this time, there were many from the production team in all directions. Some production teams have handed the public ration early and issued the coupons and money, so they naturally come to the county city for consumption and purchased this year's supplies.
Sure enough, there were a lot of people in the supply and demand cooperative and basically, they couldn't buy any fabric. Lin Qing He wasn't concerned. She originally planned to buy it from the black market. Although the price was a little more expensive, the quality wasn't worst than the supply and demand cooperative.
As for the other goods in the supply and demand cooperative, there were still some. After browsing, Lin Qing He bought the shrimp skin, mushroom, seaweed, edible fungus, and red dates with the family's subsidiary food coupon.
She got one jin of shrimp skin, one jin of mushrooms, one jin of seaweed, two jins of red dates, and two jins of dried fungus.
Because she and the children like to eat fungus.
In addition to these, there were three packs of white rabbit candy, a jin of white sugar that reserved for an emergency, and two cans of malted milk powder instead of the initially planned one after seeing how small a can was.
Also canned fruits. She wasn't interested in canned fruits during this age, but the children haven't eaten it before, so she bought two cans back for them to try.
The taste was definitely no match for the apples in her space.
She also grabbed other snacks, such as sweet glutinous-rice sticks.
Because she bought quite a lot of things, she bought a large wrap from the teller, then simply packed these things, and asked Zhou Dong to come in and carry it out.
Don't underestimate Zhou Dong cause he was fifteen, his strength isn't little because he had been working as a farmer since young.
Zhou Dong's mouth twitched, even if he didn't know what she bought inside, but he also knew that she definitely spent a lot of money.
That was about it with the things she needed to buy from the supply and demand cooperative, Lin Qing He directly brought Zhou Dong to the county city's department store.
Zhou Dong stayed outside to watch the cart and the things in it. Lin Qing He entered and bought two large quilt covers with the remaining cloth tickets.
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Chapter 23. Coal Stove
After entering a corner of the store, she stashed away the two quilts and then continued to wander the department store.
There were ready-to-wear clothes in the mall, both for adults and children.
It was only three yuans for a bolt of cloth from the black market, and there was no need to use a coupon, but in the mall, an adult's clothing will cost five yuans!
Children were cheaper, around three yuans.
Even like this, a fabric coupon was necessary.
With a bolt of cloth from the black market, one can make five or six sets of your own ready-made clothes, and not get rip off by department store.
However, Lin Qing He still asked about the coal stove.
"It's not easy to get a coal stove at this time." The young salesperson saw that she was young, with good temperament and good looks as well as having no one coming around, she became willing to chatter with her.
"It's not easy, but if there is, I have something to exchanged it with." Lin Qing He casually mentioned.
"What can you exchange with?" The salesperson stared at her.
If it weren't for Lin Qing He's get up and temperament, the salesperson won't necessarily be willing to talk to her. At this time, the staff at this workplace were also extremely proud and looked down upon the rural people.
"I'll give what is needed," Lin Qing He frankly answered.
"Your tone is too brazen." The salesperson inspected her as she spoke.
"Meizi, do you have any channels? If there are, then I won't short you your effort fee. I won't hide it from you Meizi. My family lacks nothing, only lacks a stove. And it is for the convenience of boiling water in winter. Normally, won't use it for cooking. "Lin Qing He glanced at her and whispered.
"I do know someone, but he lacks a pot. If you can get a pot, I will ask him to exchange the stove with you and also get you some coal!" The salesperson lowered her voice and whispered as well.
"Meizi, are you serious?"
Lin Qing He was initially thinking since she worked in her department store, she should have connections. So she promised a bit of benefit to prompt her to inquire. This was better than blindly searching by herself, after all.
Unexpectedly, she hit the jackpot.
"That's on the premise that you can bring a pot. Do you really have a pot?" The young salesperson looked at her.
"Would I lie to you? When can the exchange happen?" Lin Qing He whispered.
"I'll ask someone to watch the shop for me, and fetch the person for you. It'll take less than two hours, but you still have to show me your pot first." The young salesperson was obviously clever, responded.
"Then wait here for me first." Lin Qing He uttered.
Then she went out of the department store and brought Zhou Dong back to the door of the supply and demand cooperative. She let him wait for her here, as she went to handle her matter.
When she found a place where no one was there, she took out the old-fashioned double-eared pot and packed it into a nylon polybag.
literal translation- snakeskin bag, using nylon polybag here.
Then she carried with her and searched for the young salesperson. The young salesperson's eyes lighted up and said, "Are you sure you want to exchange such a good pot for it?"
"Yes, exchange for the stove. Of course, the coal stove has to be good. My pot is brand new." She quietly leaned over and said: "And it came from Shanghai, and not including an industrial coupon, it was 225 yuan!"
The young salesperson didn't believe this. No matter how expensive the pot price is, it shouldn't be this exaggerated. Two hundred and twenty-five yuans! Her monthly salary was only fifteen yuan.
But it was undeniable that this pot was really good-quality, and there was no pot like this here, so maybe it really came from Shanghai.
"Don't bargain with me. Our stove is new too. However, we will get more coal for you," the salesperson said.
"Alright, hurry up." Lin Qing He urged.
The young salesperson arranged with her to meet at the entrance of the department store two hours later. and Lin Qing He agreed. She took the nylon polybag back into the space while no one was there, and then headed over to the black market to circle around.
There were still people selling meat in the black market at this time, but Lin Qing He didn't want any. On the contrary, she found and sold to an old lady two jins of fat pork belly for profit.
Because she doesn't want a meat ticket, the old lady paid five dimes per jin. The old lady didn't even blink.
This made Lin Qing He see the business opportunity from getting goods from Sister Mei. But after thinking about it, she can't take this path unless she really lacks money.
Lin Qing He earned three yuan from the meat and bought a bolt of handwoven cloth in the black market.
Then she looked at other mountain goods, such as the mushrooms she had already bought. She had seen the pumpkins she wants in a corner of the black market. They were pretty big. One was enough three or four meals, but there were only five. She bought it for three dimes.
These things were carried over to be placed on the cart, Especially the bolt of cloth. Lin Qing He asked Zhou Dong to drag the cart to a corner. Then she took it out of the space and stuffed to the bottom of the cart.
At the same time, the newly bought quilt covers she placed in too, also to the bottom of the cart.
Seeing these materials, made Zhou Dong's eyes bulged.
He felt he finally understood the reason for the rumor in the village had always been floating about Shenzi having very little money.
If he didn't see it with his own eyes, he wouldn't know how much of a big spender his Shenzi is!
"Little Dong, as a woman, it's enough to be responsible for spending money. Earning money is you men's business. Women are responsible for spending money and take care of everything in the home. Otherwise, what is the point of men making money? Money is earned to be spent, not for saving" Lin Qing He explained.
Zhou Dong: "..." What the villagers said was not all rumors. This belief of Shenzi was really terrifying.
After these things were bought, Lin Qing He led him to the department store and waited. After waiting for about half an hour, the salesperson returned. She came back on a bicycle, was panting, and was obviously relieved when she saw her.
"Come with me." The salesperson whispered.
"Little Dong, you wait here." Lin Qing He took the snakeskin bag from the cart which she put in after she left the black market. She said to Zhou Dong, then followed the salesperson.
A young man was waiting for them with a coal stove was placed on the bicycle and more than half a bag of coal.
"This is half new." Lin Qing He looked at the stove and was not satisfied.
"Don't judge because this is half new, but it's still good to use. We haven't used it many times in our own homes. Mainly because we're short a pan, or our family wouldn't take it out." The man in blue work clothes said: "What's more, I brought you so much coal. If you run out in the future, you can also go find to my sister, I will give you the internal price! "
"How is this your sister, this is clearly your wife." Lin Qing He glanced at them.
In the end, the folks in this era were simple. When the two were exposed, they immediately blushed. After all, they are not professional.
The salesperson blushed and said, "Not married yet."
"This little brother has already prepared the pot you need to use in the future. Not bad at all. Being with him, you will be blessed in the future," commented Lin Qing He. And then said, "Okay, as you wish. You can't be without the pot when you separate from the family. The pot was gotten from my maternal family at the time of separating, otherwise, not allowed to separate. "
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The salesperson and her fiancé were relieved to hear that she was willing to change.
The two of them were indeed preparing for marriage and family separation.
"In the future, when the coal is used up, I will come to your wife. Make sure to get some good one." Lin Qing He said to the man.
"Don't let anyone else know about this." The man nodded and stated.
"This is for sure. My family still has three sons to raise. So I'm relying on your coal." Lin Qing He affirmed.
Both sides said goodbye to each other. The man rode back with a pot and a nylon polybag. Lin Qing He asked the salesperson to watch the good, then went to call Zhou Dong.
As soon as he saw that the coal stove and large half bag of coal, Zhou Dong was stunned again.
His Shenzi was capable! She can even get a coal stove and coal, which were used by city folks.
But this ... how much does it cost?
After the successful exchange, the salesperson went back. Lin Qing He ran the black market again and walked around. While she was at it, she took out another old-fashioned double-eared pot from the space, wrapped it in a nylon polybag, and placed it in the cart.
There were other things, such as the foot basin and the likes. She went to the department store again. She bought hats for each of her sons. The kind with long flaps that can cover and protect the ears from frostbite.
It took three industrial coupons.
However, there were still a few industrial coupons left. Zhou Qing Bai sent it back last time. So she looked at it and bought woolen yarn to knit sweaters for the children.
Initially, she wanted to buy shoes and socks, however, socks required cloth coupons, and canvas shoes required industrial coupons. The remaining cloth coupon and industrial coupons were used for two large duvet covers, hats, and woolen yarn. All gone now.
But with that bolt of cloth, socks and shoes can be made.
"Can little Xi make shoes and socks?"
She was mostly done, so Lin Qing He and Zhou Dong ate the white bun when they prepared to go home, Lin Qing He asked.
This time, only one per person.
"She can." Zhou Dong nodded quickly after hearing this as he ate a big white bun that he might not have had the opportunity to eat again in the future.
"Then I might have to trouble Little Xi to help this time to make a pair of shoes and two pairs of socks for each of my boys." Lin Qing He said.
"That's no problem. Do you need to make clothes? My sister also knows how to make clothes." Zhou Dong voiced out.
"No need. It's enough to ask their Eldest Aunt to make clothes for them, she is idle." Lin Qing He replied. What's more, Eldest Sister-in-law was also willing to make it.
After all, she will also be paid, and not let her work in vain.
When they returned home, it was almost four o'clock. Lin Qing He was exhausted to death.
Once things were unloaded, she let Zhou Dong enter the house to drink, and then let him go back first.
Mother Zhou and the children weren't home. They should be over at old Zhou family's side. Today, the production team went to hand over the public ration, so no work to do.
Tomorrow was the big day, food distribution.
Although Lin Qing He was very tired, she still sorted the things out in one go. She also took the old-style casserole pot from the space.
Now she had a coal stove, she can simply stew everything in the casserole.
The quilt was placed in the room, and two mattresses were also taken out.
Taking this opportunity, Lin Qing He can bring out a lot of things, such as a kitchen knife. She planned to ask Mother Zhou whether she wants to buy one back, and an industrial coupon wasn't needed.
As for giving it to Mother Zhou directly, forget it. She may faint.
If she remembered correctly, the old Zhou family should be missing a few knives.
All the other supplies were put in her room. Things such as enamel or foot basin were all placed where they should go.
So many things brought back, but truthfully, there was nothing much when spread out.
However, many people saw her and Zhou Dong on the way back. They especially noticed those big and small bags, that was filling the whole cart.
Afraid that even if several households group together to buy, won't reach half of hers!
Everyone in the village marveled, but their eyes that were looking at her nearly screamed this wealth diminishing woman mostly likely used up all the money sent back by Zhou Qing Bai!
At home, Mother Zhou soon heard the news. Her heart ached when she brought a cartload of goods back.
"Let's go, back to your house to see what good things your mom has bought!" Mother Zhou returned with Er Wa and San Wa.
The few sisters-in-law looked at each other. Now there's not much to do as it was idle, so Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law closely followed.
As for Third Sister-in-law, she was not interested, since she won't have a share of the things.
She currently wanted to swiftly finish the clothes, and then make one for her daughter. Last night, she felt a little cold when sleeping.
Her speed was also extremely fast. It wasn't possible today, but tomorrow morning she will definitely be able to finish Er Wa's cotton coat.
There was a sewing machine in the old Zhou's house. After Lin Qing He moved out, Mother Zhou used the remaining money and coupon to buy it back in a fit of anger and put it in old Zhou's house to use.
So with a sewing machine, the speed was very fast. It just takes more time to process the cotton, otherwise, it can be faster.
Back to Mother Zhou who brought back Er Wa and San Wa, and also Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law. When they arrived, Lin Qing He had already been tidied up most of the thing.
"Mother, Grandma heard that you bought a whole cartful back?" Er Wa, the astute one, came over to hug her leg and said.
As soon as she saw that Mother Zhou and her sisters-in-law came together, Lin Qing He knew what was up and said, "A whole cartful? That's because they exaggerate too much. How can there be so many things."
As soon as Mother Zhou inspected, she really didn't see much. So she was internally relieved.
At this moment, Second Sister-in-law saw the coal stove in the kitchen and widened her eyes: "My God, Fourth's wife, where did you get the coal stove? Why did you bring it back?"
"I entrusted someone the last time I went, so I brought it back while I'm there this time as well as the more than half of the bag of coal. It is because of these things, it looked much." Lin Qing He explained like this.
"There is a hearth in the house!" Mother Zhou's heart hurt and also felt pained on behalf of her son. This coal stove was used by people in the city. To give Fourth's wife, who knows how much money was used to exchange!
"The stove is inconvenient. It is much more convenient to have a coal stove in winter. What's more, when placed in the room, it can be warm the room," Lin Qing He said.
How much does it cost?
Mother Zhou did not say this out loud, while Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law understood.
"By the way, Eldest Sister-in-law, I think the clothes you made for Da Ni and Er Ni are pretty good. Are you free to make Da Wa and their brothers two warm vests and inner pants?" Lin Qing He asked.
"You still have fabric?" Eldest Sister-in-law halted and asked.
"I do." Lin Qing He nodded. Then she entered the room, cropped a bit in the room to reserve some for Zhou Xi to make shoes and socks for the children, and brought out the rest.
"Two sets for each of them. Just lengthen it a bit, don't need to be too long. The rest of the cloth will be an effort fee for you, Eldest Sister-in-law. It should be enough to make two warm innerwear for little Zhou Yang." Lin Qing He said.
Warm innerwear and trousers can be worn on their own in the spring., meaning it wasn't necessary to make any in the spring. As for the summer, have to make two more pieces. But let's talk about it in the summer. It was too early now.
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Chapter 25 The Best Mother in the Village
Eldest Sister-in-lawLinexamined it and mentally calculated it. She felt that it was enough to make two warm clothes for her two-year-old son and extend the length a bit, so it would be possible to wear it next year. (T/N: the Lin is a typo in the raw)
"Last time I requested Third Sister-in-law, I gave two jins of brown sugar because I had a good bit of brown sugar then. Now I don't have much left at home. This small bag of rock sugar is for Eldest Sister-in-law to bring back and treat Da Ni and Er Ni." Lin Qing He used oil paper to wrap the small package of rock sugar and stated.
"Leave it for Da Wa and his brothers to eat." Eldest Sister-in-law politely said.
"There's still some left at home, take it." Lin Qing He stuffed it to her.
Eldest Sister-in-law accepted it, and then returned with the cloth to start working.
Then Lin Qing He turned to ask, "Mother, this time I saw a new kitchen knife in the black market. Exactly the same as the one I used in my kitchen. I recall that the old one in old Zhou's house has gaps and isn't efficient to use, so I bought it back. Five yuans and no coupon needed. Do you want it? I didn't profit a penny from you. "
"Show me." Mother Zhou hesitated before uttering.
The kitchen knife at home indeed had a few chips. It was really easy for her to chop the meat with Lin Qing He's knife for Da Wa's breakfast in the morning.
Lin Qing He showed it to her. Mother Zhou took out five yuan to give it to her. Lin Qing He accepted it without embarrassment, and mentioned, "It's because I have an acquaintance, otherwise I can't buy this knife for five yuans. I'm not boasting. The things in the county city are very expensive, but it's really good quality. Like, my pot and casserole pot."
It was only then Second Sister-in-law noticed that there was a second pan in the kitchen, and it was a double-eared pot fully equipped with a spatula lid.
The casserole was also brand new.
"How much money have you spent!" Mother Zhou couldn't hold back.
"When the grain gets distributed tomorrow and I buy the grain from the production team, the family will wait for the next time our Da Wa's father to send money back." Lin Qing He's words made Mother Zhou turned around and returned steaming.
She carried a kitchen knife like she wanted to chop someone.
Second Sister-in-law secretly uttered, It goes without saying, no matter how able Fourth Brother-in-law is, and it can't withstand Fourth's wife, this family destroyer?
She didn't think Lin Qing He would lie, because it was not necessary at all since they would not request to borrow money from her.
A coal stove, coals, a new pot, a new casserole pot, and also fabric, which were all seen. What about those unseen things placed in her room?
These all cost a lot of money.
Second Sister-in-law's relationship with her was normally lacking. Since Mother Zhou went back, she didn't stay any longer. She returned in a prideful mood.
What kind of eyesight Lin Qing He had? How could she not know what this Second Sister-in-law thinks?
She let her be.
Truthfully, this time she didn't spend much money. A coal stove this big including coal was exchanged with a pot. The double-eared pot and casserole didn't cost money. Just the bolt of cloth required money, which was gained from selling meat in the space. She didn't add much.
The rest was food. The enamel and foot basin didn't cost much. Lin Qing He had tallied it up on the way back, she didn't spend more than 20 yuan.
It was very worthwhile to buy so many things with this much money.
"Go call your elder brother back to eat apples." Lin Qing He said to Er Wa.
Er Wa immediately went out to fetch him. This time Da Wa didn't run far, and soon came back with Er Wa.
Lin Qing He cut the apple for them, each get a quarter.
"Mother, is there more in the cupboard?" Er Wa asked.
"Yes, and others too. Pears, white rabbit candy, sweet glutinous-rice stick, malted milk powder, canned food, etc. If you are obedient, you will have a treat. If you run out every day and get your clothes dirty, then don't think about eating it. "Lin Qing He gave a little meaningful glance at Da Wa as she spoke.
Da Wa was dumbfounded. Same with Er Wa. No wonder they were born from the same father and mother. Their expressions were the exact replica.
Not just saying this, Lin Qing He also took them into the room to tour.
"Mother, mother, you are so wonderful." Er Wa was anxious to hug Lin Qing He to act spoil.
Er Wa blushed and uttered, "Then ... I will play less in the future."
"Alright." Lin Qing He nodded. She wrapped an estimate of half a jin piece of big fatty meat in oil paper. The old Lin Family would like it: "Send it over to your grandpa and grandma to eat." (T/N: Lin??? Another typo. Should be Zhou...)
"I will go there." Da Wa took the big fatty meat and delivered it to their grandpa and grandma.
Afterward, he can't wait to go home and anticipate for food.
Tonight, Mother was going to make them stewed pork belly and bean, it sounds very fragrant. And the soup poured over rice! He can eat two and a half bowls of rice!
Sure enough, when he came back, his mother had soaked the rice.
"Da Wa, call your little Xi Jie Jie over," Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Da Wa did what she told him to do now. He had no objection at all when she ordered him around because his mother bought so many delicious things for them!
Their mother was simply the best mother in the world. Adding all the mothers in the whole village together still can't be as good as their mother!
Zhou Xi had heard from her elder brother, so Lin Qing He gave her the rest of the cloth: "Make a pair of shoes for each of them, and then make two pairs of socks. The rest, make two pairs of big socks, around three sizes bigger than your brother. "
Naturally, it was prepared for Zhou Qing Bai.
As for her, she didn't need it, the original owner's socks were good and there were five pairs.
Zhou Xi confirmed.
"Around half-past eight in the evening, come over with your brother to take the quilt back," Lin Qing He asserted.
Naturally, it was better to sneakily take the quilt back late at night.
That quilt weighed almost four jins, which was also very good.
"Thank you Shenzi." Zhou Xi understood how important a quilt is this period. Even if one had money, one may still not be able to get it.
"No need to thank. Your brother has worked hard today. There's no rush on the shoes and socks. So you don't need to work and spend kerosene at night." Lin Qing He said.
As for others, she didn't give more. Although she tired Zhou Dong for the whole day today, she did give him three white buns to eat. For Zhou Dong who hadn't eaten much white flour and meat in a year, this was enough reward.
As for making shoes and socks, it wasn't counted. After all, she gave such a large quilt. Any more, it wasn't Lin Qing He's style.
In the evening, Lin Qing He had dinner with her three sons. The two eldest ones bathed in delight eating the rice. The little one, San Wa, also had a mouthful of oil.
After eating, she let the brothers play in the yard, while Lin Qing He ate by herself.
At eight o'clock in the evening, Zhou Dong and Zhou Xi came over. Lin Qinghe gave the quilt that had been replaced to them and then closed the door and went to bed.
Now the days are really chilling. Last night wasn't so bad, but tonight she can really feel it.
The three children were called by her to sleep in her Kang because it was really cold tonight.
There are two four-jin quilts at home, which remained from the time of marriage. Plus the one given to Zhou Dong siblings, it was a total of three. The original owner enjoyed what can be considered sufficient supplies.
As for the two seven-jin large quilts, those were placed on kang head by Lin Qing He. They still don't need to use such a large quilt yet.
For the four of them, it was enough to only use one large four-jin quilt.
After all, the three boys are all like heaters. So their bodies were extremely warm.
Jie Jie: Older Sister-don't have to be related
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 26 Food distribution, buying grain stewed yellow pear
The next day was the day of food distribution for the group.
This kind of day had nothing to do with Lin Qing He and her three sons because her family had separated off and had no share of labor. Because there was no labor done, even she didn't get the most basic headcount share of grain.
This was the rule of their community. Unless they were old, weak, sick, or disabled, they have to work in order to have a headcount portion in addition to the work points portion.
The original owner, as a youth in her peak, she didn't work in the field, then there was nothing to say. Even Da Wa, Er Wa San Wa also didn't have the so-called headcount level of grains.
But it didn't matter, without a share, she can still buy.
There was no hurry, since buying food with the production team had to wait until the community finished getting their share first and there was leftover remaining.
She knew that this year's production team got a hefty harvest, so naturally, there would be surplus grain.
So no worries at all.
While at old Zhou's side, they had already picked out a lot of grain back before nine in the morning. Of course, this was what Da Wa and Er Wa said when they came back.
The whole village was very happy on a day like today. The children were running all over the street and Lin Qing He also didn't restrain the two brothers.
Each got a big white rabbit candy and was sent away.
Not mentioning that the two little brothers chewing big white rabbit toffee in their mouths received their little friends' envy and drooling appearances. Zhou Dong and Zhou Xi also came to transport their family's grain at approximately ten-thirty.
Zhou Dong came over and said that in a while, the distribution would be all over.
That is to say, it was alright to go now. Once she arrives, the whole group will mostly finish getting their shares.
"Then are you free now? If it's okay, push the cart and make a trip with Shenzi." Lin Qing He said.
"Now is no problem," Zhou Dong replied.
So Lin Qing He let him bring the cart over while she grabbed the money. Then she carried San Wa and locked the door.
Zhou Dong brought the cart over and Lin Qing He followed him to the team.
A lot of women saw her heading over, and all were whispering. Who didn't know that she was going to buy food? That was to say, the days were good now. If she was like this in the past, then she would be waiting to starve to death!
Back then, there was no such good life like now.
But because of old Zhou family and Father Zhou's and Mother Zhou's good reputation in the village, they said nothing.
The team leader had no prejudice against Lin Qing He. Although he felt that she didn't know how to live a life, it was someone else's business after all. What's more, she had money to buy and didn't want extra (like a freebie) from the team.
Lin Qing He had it all planned out this time. Because there were so many goods in the space, she intends to do for appearance sake.
After all, Zhou Qing Bai has no income in the future, and she can't really be so scrupulous.
But in the eyes of the villagers, this time she was extremely wasteful with money because she didn't buy much of others. Just mostly wheat!
They have long heard Da Wa openly brag about their mother making all kinds of food for them every day at home. Just by looking, how can they not tell?
Lin Qing He bought a hundred jins of wheat. A jin of wheat cost more than three dimes. A hundred jins of wheat totaled to more than thirty yuan.
Besides wheat, were corn kernels, which was used to grind into cornmeal. This was cheaper. She asked for eighty jins.
There were fifty kilograms of millet. Next were mung beans, adzuki beans, soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds. For these, she didn't require much. Mung beans, red beans, and yellow beans were ten jins each. Peanuts were a lot more, thirty jins. Also a good bit of sesame seeds, twenty jins.
She got a sack of sweet potato, which was twenty jins.
As for the cheaper dried sweet potato, she didn't need any. This stuff can be ground into sweet potato flour, but it was particularly unpalatable. This was something in the original owner's memory.
But most people in the village were eating this right now.
After asking for these things, Lin Qing He didn't intend to ask for coarse grain.
But these things still spent a good chunk of fortune. Seeing her spending the money without blinking, some women in the village couldn't help but feel distressed for her!
These things will cost about sixty yuans!
Everyone else came to the team for their share of food and then wait for the team to divide the money. Even if there wasn't much, everyone can still have a sum of money throughout the year. Who would ever act like her?
Others, they don't eat. just flour. And a big family received only a few jin of wheat ah!
And if she was willing to work, not only will she get a headcount share, but three children too. What's more, she can also get work points to exchange for food. Even if it wasn't enough to eat, she can buy then. At most, she can spend a few yuans to buy it. Then would there be a need to throw out so much money?
Lin Qing He was unfamiliar with everyone and didn't have any intention to talk to them because the generation gap was too big. There was no need to force herself. Anyway, the original owner had such a personality, she can just follow it.
She asked Zhou Dong to transport the food and will sort it herself.
Zhou Dong said: "Shenzi, I will get you firewood in the afternoon. However, tomorrow the team will be busy planting winter wheat tomorrow and the day after. I won't have time to. Once this is over, I will have nothing to do then."
"OK." Lin Qing He nodded.
Da Wa and Er Wa came in and their eyes lit up looking at the food in the house. With this food, they will not be short of food this winter!
They didn't have much judgment now. So naturally, they didn't know that much. Truthfully, these foods weren't enough to eat.
Especially once Zhou Qing Bai returned. However, Lin Qing He already made plans. This 100-jin wheat and 80-jin corn will wait until Zhou Qing Bai to come back and then grind it. Before that, she'll consume those in her space as much as possible.
"I'm going to prepare for lunch. You two brothers take good care of San Wa." Lin Qinghe instructed.
After she finished eating in the morning, she set the dough aside to rise, and now it was ready. She will make noodles for noon.
Eating noodles in scallion oil accompanied by bacon, the taste would be particularly fragrant. Even Lin Qing He liked to eat it.
She had nothing to do now, so she wondered which day she'll try to cook braised meat.
There was no rush at the moment, let's wait until the children's sweaters are knitted first. She will knit herself. There was one in the cabinet that was particularly new, which was newly knitted last year. However, the three children have none.
Lin Qing He also knew how to knit sweaters. She had learned from her grandma in the country when she was a child. Although she was out of practice, she still had the original owner's memory. With the combination of the two, she can knit it for the boys. No need to let others do it.
After eating noodles in the afternoon, Lin Qing He led Da Wa and Er Wa to twine the ball of yarn. This was for knitting sweaters for the two of them, so naturally, two of them were happy.
With the help of the brothers, it goes without saying that the speed was very fast.
At about one o'clock in the afternoon, she took the three boys to take a nap. When she woke from her nap, she stewed rock sugar and yellow pear for the boys.
She sent them to wrap yarn balls. She was so bored that she dug out the flesh inside the pears for the brothers to eat. Then she poured cold water into the pear, put some rock sugar and red dates into it, and then cover over with the flat cut-off pear tops (like the picture above). It was put in a bowl, which was then placed in a pot on the stove to stew away.
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Chapter 27 Sesame Pork Ribs Congee
If Mother Zhou saw this, she will definitely nag how it wastes wood. But Mother Zhou had no time to come at the moment because the family had just got their share of food, and it goes without saying that it needed to be sorted out.
When Mother Zhou heard that she had spent more than sixty yuan to buy food, her heart felt blocked.
"This is a lot less than last year." Second Sister-in-law commented.
This was true. Last year the original owner bought about 80 yuan of food, which caused a huge disturbance in the village.
Of course, wheat was also the most bought.
"It can't be that she bought the stove and coal and have no money left?" Second Sister-in-law didn't need an answer and kept mumbling.
As soon as this word came out, she felt that she found the truth. Last time, Fourth's wife said that she had no money in her pocket, so she didn't expect that she could still spend so much to buy food with the team.
This year was much less than last year. Afraid that this time she was really a mountain running out of the water!
Mother Zhou's expression was very dark and mentally suppressed a sigh. She had witnessed how Fourth's wife treated her three grandchildren a lot better and acted more attentive to them than before, sending large bone and fatty meat one after another. However, she was still so unreliable with money.
But her son wasn't controlling the money. No matter how much money, it wasn't enough for the Fourth's wife to lose ah!
Seeing that her mother-in-law's face wasn't pretty, Second Sister-in-law did not say anything, but she was still somewhat pleased.
No matter how much Fourth Brother-in-law earned, it was useless. It can't stand against a wife in the family who spends money like running water and does not treat money as money.
As for Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law, they did not have so much leisure time. Both were using sewing machines in turn, as they wanted to quickly make the clothes for the brothers so that they could do it for their own family.
The Third Sister-in-law's speed was very fast. Er Wa's cold-resistant, cotton-padded clothes, and trousers were soon completed. Although Mother Zhou was angry, she still took it this opportunity to send it over.
When she brought it over, she saw what her three grandchildren were drinking, something pear water. They had an expression full of satisfaction and comfort.
"Mother is here. I prepared rock sugar and pear water for the three brothers." Lin Qing He saw her come over and said.
Mother Zhou asked, "What is this? Rock sugar and pear water?"
"Well, the humidity is pretty low these days. Yesterday I saw some pear in the county city, so I bought them back. Today I stew rock sugar and pear water for them." Lin Qing He explained.
"Dates too!" Er Wa interjected.
"Delicious!" Da Wa said.
"Mother, eat." San Wa was anxious to drink.
Lin Qing He fed it to him. There was only one box of pears in her space, but when she bought it, she asked the wholesale manager to take out all the extra packaging for her, so the capacity of one box was equivalent to two boxes.
Same for the two boxes of apples.
These things were accumulated to be eaten, and her image of family destroying had long engraved into people's hearts. If one went out and said that she was a good wife of a thrifty family, no one would believe.
Similarly, Mother Zhou also didn't believe it. But seeing that she made it for her three grandchildren, she didn't even comment.
"This is what your Third Sister-in-law made for Er Wa. Have a look." Mother Zhou took out the cotton-padded trousers in the basket.
With one look, Lin Qing He knew it was suitable for Er Wa. He could even wear it next winter. Of course, she had to make another set for the kids next winter.
But this set was enough this winter.
"It was hard on Third Sister-in-law. Once she finishes Da Wa, she can rest. When she gives birth, I will go to the slaughterhouse to see if there are any trotters and get two for her to stew with peanuts for more breastmilk." Said.
Mother Zhou heard her words and remarked, "How can trotters be easy to acquire?"
Naturally, Lin Qing He could tell that Mother Zhou wanted it. As she fed San Wa pear water, she stated: "I know someone. She has acquaintances inside. If there is no coupon, the price will be higher. If there is a coupon, it won't be expensive."
As for giving food coupons privately, she knew there was no need to say everything, only she knew was enough.
Mother Zhou: "!"
She knew that Fourth's wife wasn't principled, and she was always able to get meat. She didn't expect that she knew someone in the slaughterhouse!
"At that time, can you try to get trotters?" Said Mother Zhou.
They were all children of old Zhou Family. Although she loves Da Wa and his brothers more, the other children were not treated badly. Especially since Third's wife who injured her body when she gave birth to Wu Ni and took so many years to be pregnant again. If they have the condition, naturally they would want to raise the children well.
"Wait until she gives birth." Lin Qing He replied.
However, things like trotters wasn't a rare thing. Just needed to go to the supply and demand cooperative to tell Mei Jie in advance and there should be no problem.
Mother Zhou had initially planned to come here to admonish a sentence or two, but she got interrupted by this matter. It won't be good to mention it now. Before leaving, she said: "If there isn't enough food at home, let the family know."
Lin Qing He knew that she was cherishing her three grandsons, but still she was grateful. She refused, saying: "No need, there are still many left at home. But if we really don't have any food, then I will definitely say." In the end, she left some leeway.
Mother Zhou glanced at the three grandchildren who were being raised more and more properly, so she didn't say anything.
After her three sons ate the rock sugar and pear water, she let them continue to wrap their wool. Da Wa and Er Wa had no objection being commanded at all. And that's because the rock sugar and pear water they drank today were so delicious!
Almost in the evening, the yarn balls were completely twined for her. Lin Qing He stewed sesame ribs congee in the casserole pot on the stove.
The sesame was the one bought today and was a bit difficult to wash. She was still able to wash it clean.
The sesame ribs congee was served with pickles and bacon. She was too lazy to heat up the bacon anymore, so she directly threw it into the congee.
However, even like this, Da Wa and Er Wa also ate happily and praised that sesame ribs congee was really delicious!
After eating, Lin Qing He tidied up the bowls and chopsticks. Seeing that the sky still wasn't dark yet, she collected her clothes and let Da Wa and Er Wa take San Wa to play at the entrance for a while. She began to knit the sweaters.
It was only five o'clock now. At this time, most people have just started cooking in the village, while her family had finished eating.
The villagers saw Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa playing at the door, and asked them with a smile if they had eaten white flour.
This was actually a kind of envy disease. There was no way. How much wheat and flour do the villagers get after having to work hard throughout the year?
While Lin Qing He didn't have to do anything. She dared to buy a hundred jins of wheat with the team in one breath. Eighty percent of it becomes powder form, which was equivalent to approximately 80 jins of white flour!
How can people in the village not be envious?
"Didn't have white flour. I ate sesame ribs congee." Da Wa raised his eyebrows and answered the man.
The man was choked and resentful walked away.
"Haven't finished the rice at home yet?" Someone asked when they heard the ribs congee.
It was said that yesterday Lin Qing He took Zhou Dong to transport a truckload of goods back. Zhou Dong had a solid mouth and they could not pull anything out. Nobody knew what exactly Lin Qing He bought.
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Chapter 28 Hoarding firewood remaining indoor during winter
However, they have heard a bit from Second Sister-in-law Zhou, that there were a coal stove and coal, as well as a new pot!
Last time Lin Qing He did to buy rice, but it was only a few jins, and it was very expensive. It also required a lot of food coupons. But it happened long time ago, how could there any left?
Needless to say, she must have bought a lot from the county city yesterday.
Putting aside the sesame seeds, there were ribs. This was too gluttonous. Their team had not divided meat yet!
The last time they ate meat was when they finished the autumn harvest last year!
Here, they divided the meat twice a year, once during this period, and again before the New Year.
Then it will be next year.
But look at Lin Qing He acting like this, this was obviously being rich and willful!
"There are still some at home, but not much." Zhou Da Wa's eyes spun before he answered.
Nobody doubted that a five-year-old kid will tell lies. After all, such rice was not easy to buy. Many people eat it in the county city, while the villagers don't eat it.
Because it was too expensive and can be compared with white flour. So who would have more spare money to buy it? And what's more, it needed food coupons!
At the end of the year, the ration coupons get distributed. But these coupons do not include food coupons, only imported oil coupons, and cotton coupons.
Around six o'clock, Zhou Dong was back with two bundles of firewood.
Lin Qing He wanted to settle the firewood money, but Zhou Dong did not accept it.
Last night the brother and sister duo brought the quilt home in the dark. It was really a good quilt, so warm and soft. It wasn't like their family's quilt. Not only were they old, but also dry and hard. Although they were better than nothing, it really didn't keep warm.
The quilt Lin Qing He gave was obviously very new. At least with such a quilt, his sister didn't need to freeze this winter.
As for him, it was okay. He was more resistant to cold.
After taking Shenzi's quilt, how could he accept payment again? In fact, he planned not to accept money for the firewood he brought back.
"If you don't accept it, I don't want this firewood." Lin Qing He declared.
"Shenzi ..."
Before he finished speaking, Zhou Dong was interrupted by Lin Qing He: "Shenzi's quilt can't be used. If I can use it, I won't have to give it. So no need to be concerned about it. And also you helped me transport my food back today and Little Xi is helping to make the boys' shoes and socks at home now. You don't need to get even with me. One matter for one matter."
Then she stuffed him with three dimes: "Remember, when winter wheat is planted, you have to gather firewood back."
"Shenzi ..."
"Hurry back to get something to eat. You have been busy for a whole day." Lin Qing He said. Then she closed the door, not bothering with Zhou Dong.
It was pretty late now. Just six o'clock and it was already cold. The sky also turned gray.
There wasn't much kerosene left at home. Only a little more than half jin per month. How could that be enough?
The next time she finds Mei Jie to buy meat, she must ask her if she had any channels. She must prepare more kerosene for her home.
Lin Qing He took this opportunity to boil water for the boys at this time.
Although the bath was once every three days, the hands and feet had to be washed every day.
After washing, she shooed all three of them to go on the Kang.
She lit the faint kerosene lamp and then continued to knit sweaters.
Da Wa blurted out: "Mother, earlier when playing at the entrance, someone asked me if there is any rice in my house. I said there's not much left at home."
"Smart." Lin Qing He gave him an admiring look.
"Hehe." Da Wa grinned.
Only then Lin Qing He recalled it. Now the grain had been distributed, even if the atmosphere was very good nowadays and many people don't even need to close the door, Lin Qing He still felt that it was better to defend against the just in case.
So after waiting three days, she told Zhou Xi her plans when she came over.
Zhou Xi had hurriedly made shoes and socks for Da Wa and his brothers these three days just so she can go out with her elder brother to get firewood tomorrow.
Lin Qing He said: "Let your elder brother find some villagers to go together, like two more partners. When the time comes, let your elder brother give them some effort money and you don't have to go. You stay behind to guard the house."
There were also some people in the village who have unclean hands and feet. The brother and sister relied on that food for the whole year.
Zhou Xi froze: "Shenzi, there shouldn't be any matter."
"Under normal circumstances, there aren't. But this kind of thing, there's always an in case. Let your elder brother find someone else. Others can sell up to two bundles of firewood at the end of the day. At that time, tell your elder brother to equally split. You don't need to go," Lin Qing He explained.
Zhou Xi heeded her words and nodded when she said it so seriously.
Once she got back, she told her brother. Hearing this, Zhou Dong also felt that it was better to leave one person at home, so he went out to find his partner.
Zhou Dong was a hardworking and diligent person and had good partners in the village. In this kind of matter, he went to find his best partner. He found two and said that he'll evenly split.
When the two partners heard that they were selling to Lin Qing He, they naturally had no objections.
They also go find firewood and sell it. They gathered two bundles of firewood to sell in the county city and get almost three dimes. But the county city was very far away. They were very envious of Zhou Dong.
He can directly carry back to the village and sell it to Fourth Shenzi Zhou. He didn't have to travel that far and stay in the county city for a long time. Sometimes, if they bump into in one or two stingy people, they may not be able to earn for three dimes.
But Fourth Shenzi Zhou didn't want anyone else's. She was afraid that she labeled as someone using finance to make people slaves. Only wanting Zhou Dong's, was to let the brother and sister be able to have an extra meal. This way, nobody can talk about her.
"Shenzi requested me to get it, but I couldn't get it all by myself, so I found you. You better not talk nonsense, otherwise, I won't find you for such good matters in the future." Zhou Dong said.
"That's a must!" His two partners immediately promised.
Only fools would this kind of randomly wagging their tongues. Although Shenzi was a big spender, she didn't do anything to the villagers. She didn't go out much.
The next day before sunrise, they dragged Zhou Dong's cart and headed out.
They came back after three o'clock in the afternoon with a cart full of firewood. They were all bundled up properly. In total, thirteen bundles of firewood!
The cart was piled high and transported to the door.
Zhou Dong brought it over on his own. His two partners did not come, because this was Zhou Dong's work and they profit from it.
Lin Qing He was a bit surprised. She had thought that it would seven or eight bundles at most. She did not expect them to bring that much back.
She got Zhou Dong to move the thirteen bundles of firewood to the fire shed in the backyard. She went in and brew a cup of brown sugar water for Zhou Dong. Zhou Dong was embarrassed. Lin Qing He asked him to drink it before she settled the payment.
Thirteen bundles of firewood totaled two yuans for Zhou Dong.
The action displayed no stinginess, as this was the source for her family's firewood for isolating indoor during this year's winter.
Knowing her temperament, Zhou Dong embarrassedly headed over to split up with his two partners.
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Chapter 29 Acknowledged as the best meat
Both partners said that six dimes would be enough, and the remaining eight dimes would be given to Zhou Dong. After all, if it were not for him, they would not be able to partake.
Earning six dimes in one go was a lot. It should be known that adults' one day worth was only about four dimes. This was the average and very few earn six or seven dimes.
They, teens get at most two dimes.
Now the winter wheat has already planted, they were about to enter the day of loafing. At this time, many hardworking people chose to find firewood to sell in the county city.
This way can somehow financially support their family expense, without having to sit down and empty out their nest?
Especially when they were teens, and have the largest appetite.
After being busy for the whole day, they can't make much money. But today, they made six dimes, which is really a lot!
Then they asked if they were needed tomorrow?
Zhou Dong had checked. His Shenzi said yes. It was the same phrase, she'll take as much as possible.
Zhou Dong replied to his two partners. Hearing the answer, both's eyes lit up and agreed on to start at the same time tomorrow. Tomorrow, they will gather more back!
Each of their families was delighted when they heard about the money their son made today. They simultaneously settled on not say anything outside.
What if Lin Qing He becomes dissatisfied when it gets out?
Looking at the whole village, there was no one who can be generous like her. Even if they just got their share of food, winter isolation was soon. Once the winter was over, there would a period of temporary shortage. Now was the slack season, they would earn a little if they can, after all, there were not many days like this.
A huge amount of firewoods was delivered every day. The firewood shed Zhou Qing Bai built for his family don't any space left. Lin Qing He asked Zhou Dong to put them in an empty place in the backyard and then covered them with bundles of straw. There was a heavy dew now and also needed to defend against rain. Covering was a must.
Speaking of rain, when Zhou Dong returned with the fifth cart of firewood, autumn rain began.
Everyone in the village said that this rain came at a perfect time because the wheat was planted and naturally, the rain was needed to moisturize it.
After the autumn rain came, the day became completely cold.
Lin Qing He estimated that it might only be seven or eight degrees, so she bundled up big Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa without hesitation.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law's finished cotton-padded clothes, shoes, and socks. She equipped them all on them.
She has already woven Da Wa's sweater, so she puts on Da Wa first. Da Wa especially satisfied with this new set, and going out to boast was a must.
The autumn rain stopped after five continuous days. Lin Qing He let him be. As for the firewood at home, these days Zhou Dong brought a maximum of 13 or 14 bundles of firewood when they had a lot that day, and 11 or 12 bundles when they had little. The teen boys were full of energy and that's because it was a rare opportunity. So they spared no effort to make use of the time to make money.
After so many days in a row, enough firewood was accumulated at home.
Even if she heated the kang and wasting wood for cooking at home, there was no worry about not having enough.
Because even if she was a big wood burner, a bundle of firewood can be used for two days. There was also a half a bag of unused coal. The accumulated firewood was enough.
There were food and firewood in the house. This winter was definitely going to be comfortable.
Lin Qing He let Da Wa go out to play on the first day the autumn rain stop, but the next day they were required to stay back and watch the house. She told them that if the food at home was stolen, then they would have nothing to eat. At that time, don't blame her for not cooking.
Da Wa and Er Wa naturally expressed their willingness to stay at home.
Da Wa was six years old after the new year. And these days having been subtly influenced by Lin Qing He, he cared about family a lot more and no longer didn't care about anything.
Now he knew that he need to protect food.
So as soon as they heard that their mother was going to the supply and demand cooperative to see if there was any meat to buy, the two of them immediately said they would stay behind.
Because they haven't eaten meat for a good few days, and the eggs were almost finished!
Needless to say, Lin Qing He wouldn't use meat every day. Even if there was meat distribution before the autumn rain, it couldn't be justified as she didn't go buy any.
So she planned to go around today. Of course, she called Mother Zhou over to her house.
However, she had locked her own room door and asked Mother Zhou to watch the kids at home.
Mother Zhou heard that she was going to buy meat and did not stop her. She thought she had no money, so she didn't expect her to buy meat. Why didn't she go over to buy when the team divided the meat?
Mother Zhou didn't know that it was Lin Qing He spurning the meat from the team as they were leftovers, what's more, the community's remain. Only the original owner, who didn't have Mei Jie, would want it. She wouldn't.
Leaving Mother Zhou looking after her three sons at home, Lin Qing He came over to the supply and demand cooperative to find Mei Jie.
It just happened that Mei Jie was working today. She has also inquired about Lin Qing He, the identity she said wasn't false. But she also heard that Lin Qing He was infamous for her love to spend money and was a family ruining, gluttonous woman.
However, this has nothing to do with Mei Jie. She won't interfere so much. It was enough as long as her identity was true and the military food coupons that were usable all over the country she given last time was from proper channel.
As for others, it was take what she needed.
Lin Qing He was naturally happy to see Chen Mei.
"Qing He Mei, what are you going to buy today? Yesterday, a new batch of shrimp skins and red dates arrived. Would you like to buy some back for nourishment?" Mei Jie greeted.
"Of course, I want." Lin Qing He said.
"Ah Mei, is this your relative?" The salesperson next to her asked Mei Jie.
"Yes, my sister," Mei Jie said with a smile.
Lin Qing He heard the salesperson tell her: "Got subsidiary food coupon? If not, it might be more expensive."
Under normal circumstances, without a subsidiary food coupon, one can't buy anything. But if the salesperson was willing, one can buy a half a jin, because there was an internal share. This part didn't a coupon, but that required acquaintance.
Toward this kind of calcium supplement, Lin Qing He naturally wanted it. Although there was some at home, she wouldn't disdain haven't too much. Throwing some in when cooking soup and congee, make it fresh and nourishing.
So Lin Qing He got the red dates and the shrimp skin. After paying, she came out with Mei Jie to talk outside.
"Mei Jie, can I trouble you to set aside some meat for me tomorrow." Lin Qing He said.
"What kind? How much?" Sister Mei whispered.
"Give me one jin of lean meat. Also, grab some ribs and big bones for me." Lin Qing He stuffed two yuans and a one-jin food coupon over as she spoke.
"No fatty meat?" Mei Jie accepted without a trace and blurted.
It was acknowledged that fatty meat was the best meat at this time.
"Will it be difficult?" Lin Qinghe hesitated slightly.
This indicated that she wants, but didn't want to make it difficult for her.
Sister Mei grinned and said, "I can get you half a jin."
"Then many thanks Jie." Lin Qing He responded immediately.
"No need. It's because of you that my kids at home can eat more." Mei Jie said.
This time Lin Qing He gave her a universal coupon. It was good to use. It can be exchanged for whatever she needed, with additional of two yuan.
Lin Qing He politely made small talks and then mentioned matter about Third Sister-in-law's breastfeeding after she gave birth.
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Chapter 30 Pickled Eggs
Mei Jie expressed: "These two pig's trotters are nothing. If you tell me one day in advance, I will get it."
"Thank you, Jie." Lin Qing He nodded.
The two chattered for a while, and Lin Qing He talked about the kerosene. Mei Jie told her to come over tomorrow and take it all back together. Seeing that there was a guest at Mei Jie's counter, she said goodbye.
Lin Qing He wasn't in a hurry to go back. She covered the basket with a tablecloth at the bottom of the basket and wandered around a lot of places. She bought some peppers, dried ginger, garlic and the like, before returning home.
When she almost reached Zhoujia Village, Lin Qing He took the eggs out of the space. Around three jin of it. As for the meat, she took out none.
That was tomorrow's matter.
However, two buns were brought out. The three kids had not eaten meat for several days, so got to give them some meat.
In fact, this was her standard. If it was according to the village's standard, the brothers were undoubtedly living in a honey jar.
One egg every day and occasionally white rabbit candies, apples, pears, and red dates.
If this was suffering, then what was terrible?
But Lin Qing He didn't have this awareness.
After returning home, Lin Qing He told Mother Zhou about the trotters, saying that she needs to give a head up one day before she wants it.
Mother Zhou saw that she really had a way, and she felt a surge of emotions inside. As expected, one who can eat can further one's own interest.
She peeked into her basket. Lin Qing He was naturally not afraid of her looking. She took out two white buns.
"White buns!" Both Da Wa's and Er Wa's eyes lit up.
San Wa, who became more intelligent in recent days, immediately ran up and uttered 'eat, eat'.
Although he hadn't eaten this white bun for a while, he still had the impression that it was delicious!
"Da Wa bring it in and cut it in half with a knife. Remember, you are the eldest brother. You have to be fair and just." Lin Qing He handed the two big buns to Da Wa as she instructed.
Da Wa said: "Of course I will be fair and just!"
Er Wa was worried and followed him into the kitchen.
It was just cutting a bun. He'll be six years old after the New Year. So it wasn't a big deal. Lin Qing He was at ease letting him handle it. (T/N: without supervision, I wouldn't)
Da Wa cut it, divided one half to Er Wa, and another half to San Wa. But he worried that San Wa will spill the oil all over his clothes and make it difficult to wash, so he didn't give it to him. Instead, he put it in a bowl and brought it out to his mother.
"Give that half to your grandma." Lin Qing He took the bowl and spoon-fed it to San Wa.
Mother Zhou wanted to say no, but Lin Qing He had carried San Wa and the bowl inside to eat in the hall. It was too cold outside.
"Grandma, taste it. This white bun is very yummy!" Zhou Da Wa gave it to his grandma and urged.
"Yummy!" Er Wa nodded.
Mother Zhou received the bun. This contained eggs and meat. What's more, the bun was made from flour. It'll be strange if it wasn't yummy.
Seeing her daughter-in-law really doesn't mind her eating, Mother Zhou ate it too. Really must say ... It's so delicious that she was about to swallow her tongue.
"Mother, do you want to stay for lunch." Lin Qing He asked.
"No, I'll go home now that you're back," Mother Zhou responded.
"Da Wa, Er Wa, send your grandma back." Lin Qing He directed.
"Grandma, let's go, we will send you back." Da Wa and Er Wa said.
Mother Zhou let the brothers sent her back since there was not much distance and the two of them were wearing much warmer this year.
She saw that there was a lot of firewood in the house. This winter, they didn't need to be afraid of not having enough to burn. Also, Da Wa had a sweater on, and Er Wa's was already half woven.
There were many yarn balls at home, it seems like San Wa also had a share.
Once she reached home, Mother Zhou let Da Wa and Er Wa go back before she entered the old house.
Father Zhou was dozing off. When he saw her coming back, he uttered, "Why you're back?"
"Fourth's wife is home.What's the point of staying." Mother Zhou said.
Father Zhou's nose moved and voiced out, "What's that smell?"
"Had half a bun over there." Mother Zhou answered.
There was meat at home, but when he thought about the bun, Father Zhou can't help but feel nostalgic.
In his life, he had eaten white bun once. The taste was something that he would never forget in his life and still think about it even until now.
"Want to eat?" Mother Zhou looked at him and knew what he was thinking and chuckled.
"What eat. Third's wife is about to give birth, no need to waste. Leave it for her to eat." Father Zhou waved his hand and said.
The current days were much better than before. Everyone was full and satisfied. He was satisfied. As for the white bun, nothing bad will happen if he doesn't eat one.
He never thought over at this side, Er Wa mentioned to his mother: "Mother, Grandma has eaten, Grandpa hasn't eaten yet."
Grandpa was usually very nice to them.
Da Wa also nodded: "Before we were hungry, Grandpa would call us to go over and eat."
Although it wasn't delicious, it can fill their stomach.
Because the original owner didn't pay much attention, they used to go to their grandpa and grandma when they were hungry, so they still remember these things.
Lin Qing He understood and said: "Then tomorrow when the mother goes to buy meat, I will bring a white bun back. You guys bring it over to your grandfather. However, you have to be stealthy when bringing it and must watch him eat it.
"Alright." Both Da Wa and Er Wa nodded.
Lin Qing He beamed and rubbed their heads: "Not bad."
Both of their eyes shone.
"What do you want to eat at noon?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Eat egg dumplings," Da Wa responded.
Er Wa nodded.
This was made last night, and there was no problem to leave it out in this weather overnight.
So Lin Qing He cooked dumplings for them. The dumpling soup also had some shrimp skin, and the taste was very good.
Now that there was nothing to do at home every day, Lin Qing He wanted to pickle some salted eggs.
She knew how to. What's more, she was using the soil method. She used to learn it from her grandmother. It oozed out a lot of oil.
She preserved a small jar of salted eggs. Not much, just around two jins. She took it from the space again and also used the ones she brought back today from 'outside'.
When marinating the eggs, she had to add some white wine. The pickling time was one month. Now it was marinated, it'll be next month before she can take it out to eat.
When pickling eggs, she naturally called Da Wa and Er Wa to help out. For example, she handed the task of egg scrubbing to them.
She had no intention to raise them delicately.
After washing the eggs, she immediately rinsed their hands with warm water and smeared it with vanishing cream. With that, she sent them to the kang to eat apples.
Putting the jar of pickled eggs in the corner, she came to Kang and squeezed in with the brothers. However, she was knitting a sweater.
With the current temperature and sufficient firewood at home, she didn't need to save on her usage. The kang was burning, so it was very warm.
The kang was relatively dry and they got to consume more moisturizing food like fruits. But there was no fruit in the supply and marketing cooperatives.
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