Chapter 111. Really know how to eat
"Old Fourth, why are you cut banana leaves for?" Second Brother and Third Brother just carried a basket of ricefield eels. It wasn't much, like a few. After getting off work, the two of them went to check the basket they had set up yesterday.
There was some harvest.
"Qing He said she'll make a sponge cake." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"Oh, Old Fourth, you're living pretty well." Second Brother couldn't help but envy.
Sponge cake, he wanted to eat it too.
The corner of Zhou Qing Bai's mouth slightly raised: "If Second Brother wants some, ask Second Sister-in-law to make it for you."
"Your Second Sister-in-law live prudently, so how could she possibly do that?" Second Brother responded.
"It's better to be a bit more frugal in life." Third Brother said instead.
"It's just a little cake." Zhou Qing Bai didn't mind much.
It wasn't like the family can't afford to eat cakes. And also, he wanted to eat it too. His wife's culinary skill was excellent and the things she made were never bad.
He separated from his two elder brothers after that.
Second Brother and Third Brother returned home and divided the eels equally.
"Da Wa's mother really knows how to eat. Just now, we encountered Old Fourth cutting banana leaves and said that they are going to make sponge cake to eat." Third Brother mentioned.
Third Sister-in-law didn't mind: "What's wrong with this? It's just a cake. If you want to eat, I will make you one."
Third Brother shook his head with a smile. Forget it. This year, his wife was pregnant again and her months are getting big. By then, it'll be necessary to eat good meals during the post-natal confinement. Better to save a bit.
Second Brother didn't bring it up on his return because there was no point.
In the evening, Lin Qing He made a steamed red date sponge cake. The red dates were cut in half, pitted, and embellished on top of the sponge cake.
The sponge cake was brown in color because brown sugar was added in. The sponge cake tasted really fluffy and soft, especially scrumptious.
Lin Qing He made a big one. She cut out a quarter and asked Da Wa to give it his grandpa and grandma to respect them.
It was after it was delivered, did other people in old Zhou's family knew that Fourth's wife had made such a delicious cake.
"If you want to eat, ask your mother to make it for you. Don't come to grandpa and grandma. Grandpa and grandma don't have much." Mother Zhou waved her hands and sent away the group of grandchildren that had gathered over.
Then the two of them ate by themselves.
This was Fourth Family's filial piety to them. They mustn't divide it out, otherwise, it would be gaining favor with Fourth's wife's thing. What would Fourth's wife think then?
Besides, even if the two of them eat up this cake, it's not going overboard at all.
Second Sister-in-law's son, Zhou Xia went home and demanded for one.
Second Sister-in-law was extremely irked: "That family don't know when to stop. Every day she finds ways to make trouble for me!"
Second Brother was puzzled: "Our son wants to eat sponge cake, so why are you bring in Fourth's wife?"
"If it weren't for her, what would my son be pestering? If she wants to send the cake, just send the cake. But Da Wa had to shout all the way, fearing that others wouldn't know about it!" Second Sister-in-law lashed out.
Second Brother was already used to his wife's way of thinking. It wasn't like Da Wa need to be sneaky when bringing something to honor his grandparents.
Besides, apart from Fourth Family, the other three didn't give anything. No one would criticize who, so what was there to be angry about?
"I want to see, how long can she waste that little money!" Second Sister-in-law sneered.
Second Brother rolled his eyes: "Hurry up and make a cake. Your son is throwing a tantrum."
"Make what? Not making. There's no flour at home." Second Sister-in-law uttered in displeasure.
Second Brother said nothing then. The last bit of flour seemed to be used for making dumplings.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law also didn't make one. Their family condition couldn't compare with Fourth Family's conditions. It was unreasonable to eat whatever that side comes up every time.
Father Zhou was satisfied after finishing the red date sponge cake and saw Mother Zhou's melancholy look.
"What are you doing? Is the cake not delicious?" Father Zhou said soberly.
"Delicious." Mother Zhou replied.
"Since it's delicious, why are you like that?" Father Zhou said.
Mother Zhou sighed softly. This cake was really scrumptious, but inside was brown sugar, white flour, and red dates. It was extremely luxurious.
However, Mother Zhou had thought it through now. She won't talk about these things to Fourth's wife.
Anyway, the money for the three grandsons' marriage would be saved by her and her old partner. In the future, it'll prevent her three grandsons being unable to marry a wife.
"Fourth's wife is taking care of Old Fourth really well." Father Zhou stated honestly.
At least in his opinion, the youngest son hadn't gotten thinner since he returned home. He was still as tall and strong as he was when in the force and looking very tough.
None of the other three sons had the same spirit as the youngest son. Not to mention the other three sons, even the other men in the village did not match up either.
Why was this?
Well, wasn't it due to eating well at home?
Mother Zhou didn't continue on and said: "Last time Xiao Mei passed on a message, she wants me to raise her child. What do you think, old man?" Five yuans a month was quite a lot.
Five yuans a month, so fifty yuans a year. Just looking after a few years, it'll a little saving. When Da Wa and his brothers get married in the future, they'll see if they can gather up the four major gifts.
In order for the few grandsons to marry their wife, Mother Zhou earned even her own daughter's money.
"It's good for you to stay at home. When you're free, you can gather some pigweed." How could Father Zhou not know what his wife thought? But he still answered.
He was still able to move and can still get ten work points. So it was not a problem to support himself and his wife.
Besides, every season, the sons below will show their filial.
"Alright then, I'll go and tell Da Wa's Mother. Let her pass on to Xiao Mei next time she goes to the city." Zhou Mu said.
"Don't criticize Da Wa's Mother." Father Zhou said to her.
"I know." Mother Zhou waved her hand and headed over to Lin Qinghe.
"Mother has come. Have you eaten the cake with Father." Lin Qing He asked.
"I have. It's delicious." Mother Zhou smiled. Da Wa and his brother were eating it. They were clearly enjoying it.
Zhou Qing Bai was also holding a piece in his hand.
"Mother came over to talk about Xiao Mei's child," MotherZhou said.
"Mother agree to?" Lin Qing He said: "If yes, I will tell Xiao Mei next time I go to the county city."
"En, you tell her that I can help her with it." Mother Zhou responded.
"Sister said to give you five yuans a month. It's only right to give the money. You did her a big favor, otherwise, she can't keep her job." Lin Qing He stated.
If no one takes care of the child, then she can only bring it up by herself, so her work must be dropped.
Women who watch the children were not valuable, even if Su Da Lin didn't look like that kind of person. Lin Qing He felt that Mother Zhou's willingness to raise was a good thing. Zhou Xiao Mei can continue to work. Women who have jobs were confident and highly looked upon.
Mother Zhou grinned. Fourth's wife was a smooth talker. Mother Zhou was actually a little embarrassed about being paid, but from Fourth's wife's words, she was able to accept it with her heart at ease.
"I can't take care of the baby when it's still young. Once it's older, you can bring it over to my side if you have something to do, Mother. I'll help with keeping a watch." Lin Qing He said.
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Chapter 112. Family ruin
"Alright." Mother Zhou smiled and agreed.
No wonder Xiao Mei was close to her fourth sister-in-law. She treated her very well.
Otherwise, with Fourth's wife's personality, she won't necessarily bother to mention so much, let alone taking care of the child.
Mother Zhou didn't remain any longer and returned.
"Mother, when are you going to buy me football?" Da Wa asked as he ate the cake.
"After a while," Lin Qing He replied.
Once she saved more pork, she would then go to the county city to sell it.
Zhou Qing Bai kept silent. He never asked about his household affairs, it was all left to his wife. The house was his wife's world. Even he had to obey his wife.
The days passed one by one. It' went really fast.
Soon March was over and entered into April.
At the end of the year, they were busy all year round except during the end of the year, where they can be idle in winter isolation.
Zhou Qing Bai was occupied, but no matter how he busy was, he would still catch some eel and loach from time to time. Lin Qing He would cook it for him.
Stewed loach with tofu, braised eel, and the rest were all delectable and nutritious.
While the promised football for Da Wa was bought by Lin Qing He in her following trip to sell the pork.
As soon as Da Wa arrived home, he saw that Er Wa and San Wa playing football and screeched out in happiness. He dropped his school bag and went to play football.
The children in the village were extremely envious and then flocked over to join.
Da Wa had no objection and they played together.
Of course, they had to have a good relation with him. If they didn't or was unfamiliar, they can stand at one side and not participate.
Such a new football was bought, had those half-grown boys envious when they saw it.
Zhou Da Wa's mother was indeed the best mother in the village. It was enough that she made all kinds of nice things for Da Wa and his brothers to eat, but now she even bought such an expensive thing like a football.
Was there a better mother than this?
That was how the children in the village thought, however, the adults shook their heads.
Qing Bai's wife was really worthy of being the number one family ruiner wife in the village, who doesn't know how to manage a family. What fun was there in kicking a football? Not only it cost a lot of money, but this was also toys for city kids. What need was there to buy this for kids in the countryside to play?
She really didn't know how to live life.
According to those who saw it in the mall, this football cost more than 20 yuan.
My god, how much money was received from working in the field all year round? It wasn't easy for Zhou Qing Bai to support the family with ten work points. The family also had a terrible wife in charge, meaning he could forget about having a penny left.
Wang Ling from the village asked Second Sister-in-law: "Didn't you say that she has no money? If she got none, how can she buy a football for her son to play? That one costs more than 20 yuan!"
"Who doesn't know that she wants pride so much even if it meant suffering. It must be because she doesn't want to let outsiders know that she has no money so she's stretching it." Second Sister-in-law didn't want to believe that Lin Qing He still had money, so she could only explain it like this.
But Wang Ling didn't believe it: "Wasn't it said that wanted to eat sponge cake a while ago? I heard that it was also very tasty. Maybe your Fourth Brother-in-law brought back so much money on his retirement, otherwise, how could she spend it like this?"
"Impossible. I heard people say that she went to borrow money from her maternal family. There's no mistake." Second Sister-in-law stated.
"So what? It must be because your Fourth Brother-in-law brought the money back and she didn't want her maternal family to benefit, so she deliberately went to find something to make trouble with her maternal family." Wang Ling snorted.
Gotta say, Wang Ling actually hit the bullseye. Second Sister-in-law turned her nose up: "You don't know how much she valued her maternal family in the past. She couldn't deliberately find faults. I remember one time my fourth brother-in-law sent back a brand new army coat and she took it back to her maternal family."
Mentioning this, Second Sister-in-law gritted her teeth.
It was very cold that year. Her family lacked a quilt. In fact, she just wanted to borrow to cover a bit, but Lin Qing He gave no leeway and simply refused.
Then she took it back to her maternal family. Her mother-in-law had nagging about it, however, that unfilial Lin Qing He didn't care at all.
Wang Ling was also talking nonsense before, so at these words, she just curled her lips and didn't continue.
"I really sympathize with you. You both married into the Zhou Family and why do you live like this? You have to enter the field and earn work points even when you have a big belly, while she doesn't need to do anything." Wang Ling said.
At the mention of this, Second Sister-in-law was oozing blood, she replied, "I don't have her kind of fortune, what can I do?"
"But having said that, why she hasn't been pregnant for so long? Her youngest son is two years old this year, right?" Wang Ling said.
"I don't know." Second Sister-in-law was not interested in this and thought how she wished for Lin Qing He to be unable to give birth. This woman's life was too fortunate. It was enough that she was able to marry a man like Fourth Brother, but her stomach was also full of capability. Three in a row were all sons.
"Do you think she is infertile?" Wang Ling asked.
Second Sister-in-law waved her hand: "She already birthed three sons, do you thinks she's infertile?
Wang Ling choked. About birthing son, no one in the whole village could not match Lin Qing He on this. Only few could birth three sons continuously.
"Quickly cut it. I'm heading back to rest after handing in the task. This day is getting hotter and hotter," urged Second Sister-in-law.
She and Wang Ling wais cutting pigweed.
Wang Ling didn't say anything and cut the pigweed seriously.
The perpetrator of the football incident, Lin Qing He was also cutting the pigweed. After getting pigweed, she dug a handful of wild vegetables. These were for the salad for lunch.
At noon, eating bean flour mantou with fried meat with wild vegetables and a poached egg was enough.
Although her family's diet was number one in the village, Lin Qing He often made some staple meals with coarse grains added in.
Bean flour mantou and cornmeal mantou were often eaten at home.
The rest was wild vegetables. The fruits and vegetables grown in the backyard were also often eaten at home.
The boys in the family had sturdy teeth. They basically ate whatever she made and wasn't picky. Of course, this was also due to Lin Qing He not having to work, otherwise she would have no mood to make tasty food and just casually eat whatever.
Lunch, they had bean flour mantou with poached eggs and fried meat with wild vegetables.
Zhou Qing Bai brought up the matter of going to buy fertilizer tomorrow.
All these things were entrusted to him by the team.
"Will you come back for lunch tomorrow?" Lin Qing He asked.
"No." Zhou Qing Bai will return home in the evening tomorrow.
The next morning, after Lin Qing He had made breakfast, she went to get him food and meat coupons and money: "Remember to eat well outside. You don't need to save this money."
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai smiled.
Zhou Qing Bai worked away, while Lin Qing He studied and memorized the text at home.
She thought that Zhou Qingbai was simply going to buy pesticides, But in fact, Zhou Qing Bai didn't simply return after getting pesticides. He came over to the Public Security Bureau to find his old comrade.
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When Zhou Qing Bai came back, he brought a gold necklace, a gold finger, a pair of gold earrings, and a pair of gold bracelets to his daughter-in-law. In addition, a piece of jade that can be kept for admiration.
At this time, all these old things can't be revealed.
Zhou Qing bai could only get these because his old comrade was in the public security bureau, otherwise, let alone getting them, Zhou Qing Bai himself might possibly get reported.
Once these things arrived home, he gave it to his wife.
As expected, Lin Qing He was surprised.
She was completely shocked still. She never thought an old-fashioned man like her man would bring such things back to her to please her.
"Don't show it outside." Probably due to the excess surprise in his wife's eyes, Zhou Qing Bai coughed and uttered stiffly.
Lin Qing He put it away. The children were still young. She couldn't let the children see it and leaked it out.
"Last time you listened and kept it in mind?" Lin Qing He took in to put in a safe place when actually she placed it into the space. She said to Zhou Qing Bai.
Zhou Qing Bai had never been able to express affection, but Lin Qing He understood. She smilingly glanced at him. Really this man. If it wasn't her, which woman can understand his withdrawn personality?
"I was just saying. Don't take any more risks." Lin Qing He came over to hug his waist and pressed her face against his chest. As she listened to his strong heartbeat, she stated.
Zhou Qing Bai uttered an acknowledgment.
Lin Qing He asked: "What did you eat out for lunch? Were you full?"
"Dumplings. Not as delicious as your one." Zhou Qing Bai replied.
This wasn't flattery. He had eaten so much of his wife's cooking, he became completely unaccustomed to the food outside. It was a big gap from his wife's.
Lin Qing He giggled and said, "Today, we're having chive pocket with millet porridge." (T/N: chive pocket looks like a pan-fried calzone with only chive inside.)
"Alright." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Lin Qing He let him rest first. After all, he went out for the whole day.
She began to cook millet porridge, and at the same time, she made the dough.
It was needless to be said how Lin Qing He's skills were, especially after transmigration. It had grown rapidly. There was no other way, the were three boys in the family waiting to be fed as well as a man who depended on her. So how can she not cook the food well?
After the millet porridge was cooked and scooped out. Lin Qing He scrubbed the pot and came to the backyard to cut the chives. She washed it, cut it into small pieces, and fried it. Once it was placed into a plate, a few eggs were scrambled. The chives and eggs were then fried together with salt added in. Afterward, it was scooped out to be used.
Then she wrapped the scrambled eggs and chives in the rolled out doughs. Oil was poured into the pan and the chive pocket was placed in to fry until golden on both sides. The smell inside spread out.
Da Wa hadn't come back from school yet, while Er Wa and San Wa went out to play.
Especially Sanwa, his naughtiness degree was comparable to his eldest brother when he was younger.
However, Lin Qing He didn't restrain him much. She only forbid him from going near the river. If he went there, he had to be accompanied by her. Otherwise, if she found he secretly entered the water, she would stop the snack for seven days.
Once Da Wa was disobedient and was found out by Lin Qing He, she didn't give him snacks for seven days afterward.
Even until now, it was deeply imprinted into Da Wa.
His younger brothers had watermelon to eat, he didn't. His younger brothers had sweets to eat, he didn't. His younger brothers can also eat deep-fried fish jerky, he didn't.
During those seven days, his mother prepared a variety of tasty things, but he had no shares.
There was no punishment more worst than this.
Even though Er Wa and San Wa were young, they took it as a warning. They absolutely shouldn't learn from their eldest brother and be punished in this way.
Lin Qing He had managed her time. When Da Wa came back from school, Lin Qing He's chive pocket was almost done.
"Mother, it smells so good. Is it chive pockets?" Da Wa's eyes shone.
"Yes. Go and call Er Wa and San Wa back. It's dinner time." Lin Qing He said.
"So early?" Da Wa couldn't help utter.
"It is early, but there are some barley and red bean sweet soup for later." Lin Qing He responded.
"I'm going to call them back now!" In response to that, Da Wa immediately went out to call his two younger brothers.
Both Er Wa and San Wa covered dirty all over from playing. On return, they went to clean their face and hands under Lin Qing He's glare.
"If you come so dirty again next time, see if I'll deal with you!" Lin Qing He nagged while washing.
"It's all San Wa's fault. He doesn't know how to play with glass marbles and got me to teach him," Er Wa exclaimed.
"You don't know either. Not accurate at all." San Wa mocked him.
"Then don't ask me to be in the same team as you next time," Er Wa shot back.
"Fine then, I'll pair with Hou Zi." San Wa responded.
This kid had been particularly talkative since he can speak, and it wasn't inferior when arguing with his two brothers.
"What are you fighting for? Wash your hands cleanly at once. If it's not clean, you're not allowed to eat." Lin Qing He stated.
"Mother, Father hasn't come back yet." Zhou Da Wa finally recalled.
"Your father is back already and resting in the room. I'm going in to see if he's awake. You supervised them on their handwashing." Lin Qing He replied and went in.
As soon as she came in, she met at Zhou Qing Bai's gaze.
"You woke up. I thought you were sleeping. Since you're awake, come out to eat." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Qing Bai had long been awake. Listening to her conversations with the children outside, his heart was filled with warmth. He was very grateful to her for giving him this family.
Zhou Qing Bai's hand reached out toward Lin Qing He.
Lin Qing He held on and then got pulled by him. She fell directly into his embrace.
"What are you doing? They can come in at any time." Lin Qing He said timidly.
"Wife, let's have a baby girl." Zhou Qing Bai sniffed the fragrance of her hair and stated.
Lin Qing He was feeling 囧. This topic hadn't been mentioned for a while, so why he bring it up again.
"If I get pregnant, then we will have the baby." Lin Qing He said with a dry smile.
"En." Zhou Qing Bai nodded and kissed her necks.
"I didn't see anything!" Emerging at the door at an unknown time, Er Wa covered his eyes with a large gap between his finger and declared.
Lin Qing He scrambled off Zhou Qing Bai and coughed dryly: "Er Wa, you didn't knock on the door before you came in!"
"That's not it. The door wasn't closed." Zhou Er Wa replied.
"Father, Mother, quickly come out and eat. The chive pocket aren't as good when they are cold." Zhou Da Wa shouted from outside.
So Zhou Qing Bai led Lin Qing He out to eat. Er Wa giggled with mirth.
The whole family ate the chive pocket together. It was eaten with millet porridge. Just chive pocket by itself was a bit boring, so it was just perfect with millet porridge.
Must say, the chive pocket made by Lin Qing He was too scrumptious. The main reason was due to her willingness to pour oil, so the fried chive pocket was especially flavorful.
However, San Wa was still too young to eat too many chives, so she let him eat two and finish off with the millet porridge.
She didn't restrict Da Wa and Er Wa at all. They weren't little now, so they could eat more.
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After eating the chive pocket and the millet porridge, Da Wa cleaned up the bowl and chopsticks. Er Wa and San Wa were playing at the entrance.
Lin Qing He returned back to the room.
Zhou Qing Bai went to the village secretary's house.
"Mother, I'm done with the bowls. The pot too." Zhou Da Wa said.
"Then go do your homework. The red bean and barley sweet soup were done in the afternoon. We'll set aside for now." How could Lin Qing He not know what he meant and she replied.
With this, Zhou Da Wa went to do his homework.
Lin Qing He took out the gold jewelry and jade that Zhou Qing Bai brought to her.
Whether it was the gold jewelry or jade, it was all top-quality things.
But this kind of thing wasn't as valuable as one white flour mantou in this era.
Not only was it worthless, anyone who dared to take it out will be criticized.
However, Lin Qing He had an idea when looking at these things.
But this idea had to wait until this summer harvest is over first. At that time, there will be surplus grain to do something else.
Lin Qing He placed all these things into the space. As well as the stamps that she had bought before. Each and every one of them.
She can keep for when the value increases in the future, no?
Lin Qing He counted the things in the space again. The fruits were all used up. The buns were also used up in the past few days. Half of the flour and rice were left. Almost half of the soy, vinegar, oil, salt, rock sugar, and brown sugar was also left.
The consumption of pork and eggs was relatively large. It was reduced to only one-third of the original amount, so not much.
It seems that she has to be a little more frugal later.
But the money was more than before.
Even if they bought a big piece like a bike, there was still excessive money. After all, her monthly pork sale earned more than Su Da Lin's salary. Naturally, it won't decrease much.
At around seven o'clock, Lin Qing He scooped red bean and barley sweet soup for the boys.
Children can't eat too much. Each was given a bowl. Lin Qing He also had one bowl. The remaining two bowls were all for Zhou Qing Bai to finish.
In the evening, in order to achieve his wish for a daughter, Zhou Qing Bai, who had eaten chive, was very energetic.
Now that the weather was warmer, the three sons went to sleep next door. So it was no problem if they created some noise. One can imagine how satisfied Zhou Qing Bai was.
Of course, Lin Qing He also enjoyed it.
This time ticked and they entered into June.
The weather in June was really starting to heat up. Day by day, it became even more roasting. What's more, at end of this month was the summer harvest days.
These days were too blazing. It also suddenly rained. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. It was quite heavy.
"If it keeps going like this, the village branch secretary and the leader would cry anxiously." Da Wa looked at the heavy rain outside and maturely said with a sigh despite his young age.
Lin Qing He swept him a glance: "This is nothing. June's weather is said to temperamental. By tomorrow, it'll be clear."
Apparently, this time it didn't clear up. After showering for seven days straight, there was no sign of stopping. Not to mention the leader and village branch secretary, the whole production team was in a panic.
But it was still that phrase, June's weather is said to be temperamental.
After the heavy rain that night, it cleared up the next morning.
The sky after the rain was especially bright and the sun after the rain was also extremely hot.
But the whole production team didn't care whether it was hot or not, they were all relieved.
Then they quickly began to prepare for the summer harvest.
Lin Qing He paid no heed to the summer harvest. She swiftly burned wormwood leaves when the rain stopped and smoked the house inside out. The main focus was on the pigsty and chicken pen. Not only wormwood leaves were burnt, lime powder for disinfection was also sprinkled. Hygenic environment must be taken seriously.
A few days after it cleared up, the village sounded the summer harvest horn.
At this time, the weather was really poisonously hot, especially after this heavy rain. Many women in the village with poor health suffered from heat stroke.
Two of them came over to her house to seek medicine.
Lin Qing He estimated and set aside some supplies for themselves. These can't be given to anyone, only prepared for her family.
As for the rest, it can be distributed out. As long as the other person was good and came knocking, she gave it. She also didn't accept the money.
Like this, it washed her image white and people said that she was actually very good.
However, Lin Qing He wasn't pleased with these comments. Don't label her as a good person. With this label, she'll be treated as a good person in this life. (T/N: I assume it also means people think she's easy to take advantage of?)
So when someone came later, she simply said none left and the rest had been divided out.
So there was another saying, if one had a bad relationship with her, she would not give them a wisp.
No matter what the outsiders said, Lin Qing He didn't care at all. Three days into the summer harvest, she killed one of the two extra chickens raised at home.
She simply placed in red dates and goji berry to stew.
The whole family needed to be nourished.
The remaining chicken was killed and stewed after the summer harvest.
After one summer harvest, despite being tired, their spirit was still in good condition.
After all, Lin Qing He handled the three meals a day sufficiently. Even if he was tired, he didn't lose his vitality.
After the summer harvest, the food was distributed.
With Zhou Qing Bai there, there was definitely a lot of food distributed to their family. Lin Qing He also exchanged the settlement money for a share of food.
Toward her request for more food, the team said nothing. After all, everyone knew that she doesn't know how to live well and came up with various delectable treats.
Especially when it heard that cornmeal was also used to feed the pigs. That was indeed a big consumption.
So it was fine to exchange for more food.
Zhou Qing Bai knew about it. After the grain truck had brought all the grains home, he then asked her with his eyes.
"Cough, I know an old lady in the city. The conditions at her home aren't great. Often eat one meal and starve for two. However, her daughter-in-law works in a textile factory. I want to exchange some rags back to make more shoes for you guys. Especially you and Da Wa. Your shoes use up so much." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Qing Bai's eyes were soft and he responded, "You have worked hard."
"It's nothing. Probably owe you from my previous life." Lin Qing He waved her hand and said with resignation.
Zhou Qing Bai chuckled.
Lin Qing He began her food selling business.
In fact, this time there wasn't much food to sell. She bought an extra 300 jin of corn kernels and slightly over 50 jin of wheat.
However, she did buy a lot of sweet potatoes, potatoes, various beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, and the likes.
These things moved into her space bit by bit several times, so it can be transported to the city to dispose it.
The price of food without food stamps was a little higher and it was particularly convenient to get rid of. Lin Qing He was already a veteran of this. Money, goods, transaction done. Especially efficient.
These harvested grains were almost doubled in price, meaning a profit of nearly seventy yuans. From that, the wheat was the most profitable.
Her amount was too little, otherwise, she can earn more.
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115. Hard to handle Da Wa
However, seventy yuans was good. Seventy yuans wasn't a small sum.
And this was just the food. There was pork. This time the income was at least a hundred yuans!
When entering the county city to get rid of the stock, she brought along Er Wa and San Wa. After she returned from her sale, the two of them were sitting beside her bicycle.
Their eyeballs were wandering around. At first glance, they didn't appear obedient, but still, they behaved, didn't randomly stroll away and sat there waiting for their mother.
As soon as they saw Lin Qing He, their eyes lit up.
"Mother." San Wa stepped forward to hug his mother's thigh.
"Have you obediently waited for Mother's return?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Yes, we did keep waiting here!" Er Wa said.
San Wa nodded and requested: "Mother, buy me a candied haw stick!"
"Didn't you just eat a popsicle?" Lin Qing He said.
A cream popsicle was eight cents. She bought two and gave them one for each.
"I still want to eat." San Wa started to act spoiled.
"I'll buy one for you. However, we're taking it home and share it with me, your father, and your elder brother." Lin Qing He said.
"OK!" Er Wa nodded happily.
San Wa hesitated. Feeling that he should share with his father and his brother, he nodded.
Lin Qing He took them around for a while. The sugar at home was almost gone. She bought another jin of sugar. As for the others, there was no need. Of course, she also bought a can of milk powder. The boys can drink it.
As for the rest, there was no need. She bought a candied haw stick, which was wrapped in oil paper. Then they went home.
When they got home, the brothers pestered for the candied haw and Lin Qing He complied. Each got one piece, so three was left.
Once Zhou Qing Bai came back from work at noon and Da Wa got back from the pigweed gathering after school, Lin Qing He took out the candied haws, and ate it with them. They each devoured one.
It had Er Wa and San Wa drooling.
"Mother." San Wa wanted to hoodwink.
"It's useless for you to cry. Each ate one, now it's gone." Lin Qing He said.
San Wa withdrew his teary face at once.
"Will you wait for your father and your elder brother the next time and not have the treat on your own?" Lin Qing He asked.
Er Wa and San Wa expressed they'll wait and won't eat alone anymore, otherwise, they would have no more to eat and wanted to cry!
Lin Qing He displayed her satisfaction, and then gathered them for dinner.
Zhou Qing Bai never cut in on her when she educates her children. This old-fashioned man had always pursued the belief of male outside, woman inside. Everything within the house was her say.
Lin Qing He was actually content with this clear division of labor.
After all, this was his recognition of her.
"Who did you buy those two chicks from?" Lin Qing He asked Zhou Qing Bai.
"Village branch secretary." Zhou Qing Bai's eyes were gentle.
Their family was raising three hens that lay eggs. Now there were two chicks. The last two were raised after the spring and have already been slaughtered this summer to stew for the father and sons to eat
Now they brought two chicks back to raise from July to October. More than three months was enough for the chicks to grow up.
At that time, they can be slaughtered and used to nourish the father and sons.
There was no other way. In this era, the resources were too scarce and must work endlessly each day. Only chicken and fish can supplement the body.
There was basically nothing else to eat.
And only her, who came from the future and transmigrated over, would be so extravagant. Once one goes out to the village and check, no family had a diet like hers.
The main reason for this was that Lin Qing He was worried about eating badly would reduce Zhou Qing Bai's vitality, which was hard to make up for.
So she didn't care what was said about her outside. Three meals a day at home must be top-notch.
For lunch was pork ribs stewed with seaweed, a scrambled egg with cucumber, and tomato soup with bean flour mantou.
Even though the three dishes were very simple, the nutrition was still sufficient.
"In the evening, go see if there's any loach or eel." After lunch, Lin Qing He said to Zhou Qing Bai.
"Alright." Zhou Qing Bai agreed.
In the evening, Zhou Qing Bai got off work and he went to catch the loach.
Approximately half a barrel of loach was caught and two ricefield eels were captured as well. One looked about 250-300g. It was only at this time. If it was later, it would be very rare to get such a big wild eel.
Once these were brought home, Lin Qing He was pleasantly surprised.
The loach was left in the water to spit mud and will be stewed with tofu tomorrow. As for the two eels, they will cook it tonight. She got Zhou Qing Bai to go kill it. Lin Qing He went to the backyard to pull onions.
Lin Qing He liked to eat braised eel meat. Although it was just two, it wasn't small. It was enough for the whole family.
In the evening, it was a braised eel meat, and a tomato and egg soup. The father and sons each got a poached egg. The main was cornmeal mantou.
After dinner, there was green mung bean soup in the well water.
It had a bit of rock sugar, so only a tinge of sweetness. Needless to mention how good the taste was. It was set aside to consume at 7 o'clock.
"Da Wa, are you going to have exams?" Lin Qing He asked Da Wa.
It was the summer harvest a while ago and the school uniformly took a break. During this period, it still continued.
It had to be said that there wasn't much importance placed on education during this time. The school system was very loose.
"Exam is on the day after tomorrow. The day after that, the holiday begins." Zhou Da Wa replied.
"Do your best." Lin Qing He nodded.
"Mother, it's summer vacation. Take me to the county city to play as well? You always take Er Wa and San Wa but haven't taken me there yet." Zhou Da Wa said.
"Alright, I'll bring you next time. Of course, if you don't get a good grade this time, then don't think about it." Lin Qing He responded.
Zhou Da Wa's eyes lit up: "I promise to definitely complete the task!"
Lin Qing He continued to sew the soles. Zhou Qing Bai was fanning her. Lin Qing He sat for a while and said: "Our home's hygiene is so good, we still have so many mosquitoes."
There were a lot of mosquitoes and their bite was fierce.
"Mother, I was bitten. Put some oil on me." San Wa said.
Lin Qing He went in, took the oil out, and smeared it on him.
"I also want some." Er Wa stretched out his arms and legs.
Lin Qing He also rubbed it on him. This oil was brought over by her. It was very effective and have a mosquito repellent effect.
"Do you want some, Da Wa?" Lin Qing He smeared it on Zhou Qing Bai at once and then asked Da Wa.
"For your man, you simply put it on. For me, you ask if I want it. You really don't want to use it on me." Da Wa sighed and muttered.
"Hee hee." Er Wa giggled.
San Wa laughed as well.
Zhou Qing Bai's gaze directed at his wife was soft. Lin Qing He was a bit embarrassed. She didn't give special treatment. It was Da Wa, the stinky boy, becoming harder to deal with as he got older.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter116. Considerate man
Under the summer stars, the whole family was quite happy at this time, despite the relatively poor days.
Whether it was Zhou Qing Bai or the boys.
Even though their growth increased with age, these brothers were getting harder and harder to fool.
But overall, Lin Qing He was quite satisfied with her current life now.
Seeing that it was almost time, Lin Qing He got up to serve mung bean soup.
The sticky green mung bean soup with a slightly sweet taste was the boys' favorite. Lin Qing He basically cooked a pot every day during this blazing summer.
A pot wasn't a lot, enough for one bowl per person. It was still satisfying to drink.
When sleeping at night, Lin Qing He put down the mosquito nets for the boys.
It was a bit stuffy to sleep under a mosquito net. There was no other choice, it was better than being the mosquito's birthday present.
Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai also put down their mosquito nets. It was fine in the winter, Zhou Qing Bai was like a big stove in the winter. Lin Qing He especially liked to sleep with him.
However, Lin Qing He couldn't stand it this summer weather. She longed to stay away from Zhou Qing Bai.
But Zhou Qing Bai was not pleased with sleeping on one side each.
Lin Qing He found that this man was a tough guy on the outside. He was very quiet and could do everything, but privately he clung to her.
For example, when sleeping. She was not used to pillow arm, but he liked it very much.
It was useless to just like it. Lin Qing He was so uncomfortable sleeping like that. Everyone sleeping on their own was so much better.
"Hot." Lin Qing He uttered when she felt him moving closer.
Then Zhou Qing Bai fanned her but still persisted on huddling together with her.
"Wife, when the situation outside is stable, I will take you out for a trip." Zhou Qing Bai said.
Lin Qing He was a little sleepy, and mumbled back, "That's still a long way."
Right now, it was the year '71. Have to wait until '77 when the college entrance examination will resume. There were still seven years. Seven years ah, how many daylilies will become cold.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't respond and continued to fan her.
While Lin Qing He became spirited and said, "Qing Bai, can you get a letter of introduction or the like to enter the capital?"
"You want to go to the capital?" Zhou Qing Bai raised his eyebrows at her.
"I want to have a look." Lin Qing He's eyes spun and replied.
Currently in the capital, who knows how many good things were treated as broken trash. She wanted to go over to see if she can pick up the leaked out stuff and keep it, so she can make a fortune in the future?
"I will check this year." Zhou Qing Bai said.
Hearing this, Lin Qing He was ecstatic and hugged her family Qing Bai, exclaimed: "Qing Bai, you're the best."
By saying check, it meant he agreed. She knew her own man.
Zhou Qing Bai laughed: "How will you repay me?"
"Between us couple, still have to repay?" Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Qing Bai stared at her. How could Lin Qing He not know what he meant, uttered in embarrassment: "Aren't you tired?"
"Not tired." Zhou Qing Bai replied quite readily.
Since he wasn't tired, then let's do it.
That night's posture had changed from the past. As if a new window opened, Zhou Qing Bai saw a whole new world.
Later, Lin Qing He's evaluation of herself was: No do, no die.
Why didn't she something else? Why did she have to unlock the new posture for this kind of thing? Now she did it. Once he mastered this one, it was easy to grasp the rest. Sometimes there will be bruises on both knees!
As for what was done, it cannot be described.
That day Lin Qing He took all three brothers to the county city.
San W sat in the specially-made child seat in the front. Both Da Wa and Er Wa sat down at the back. Even so, it had Lin Qing He sapped when bringing the three brothers to the county city.
There were a good few big slopes on the way over. She had to make Da Wa and Er Wa get off to go uphill and then continued.
When they reached the county city, she bought an ice cream bar for each of them. It was the same rule, let them wait.
"What is Mother doing?" Zhou Da Wa asked as he ate the delicious ice cream.
"I don't know." Er Wa shook his head. He and San Wa were used to it.
"Wait for Mother." San Wa stated.
Judging by their look, Zhou Da Wa didn't ask anymore, since they don't know even if he persisted.
Because she got a space, Lin Qing He got away safe and sound when getting checked twice since she began selling pork.
Because there was nothing during the inspection, naturally there was nothing to say.
However, this also made Lin Qing He deeply aware of the rules of this era, so she acted in a very low-key manner and didn't dare to say anything.
She agreed with her family Qing Bai, once something happened, she will terminate her business.
How can that do? She finally found such a way to make money after much difficulty. Don't underestimate her two or three times a month trip to county city, but the money earned by the pork she sold was higher than the average worker's salary.
If she came across meat coupon, she would accept it. If not, she would raise the price by a little bit more.
Lin Qing He specifically targetted the old lady segment. The kind of old lady who had experienced big winds and waves and generally won't seek trouble. The most important thing was that there must be grandchildren at home. At this time, how much meat will be in demand?
Even if it was leftover, it was treasured.
They want to keep it for their little grandson and granddaughter, so why would any of them bother to cause trouble? Might even get implicated themselves.
It took half an hour for Lin Qing He to get rid of her pork.
When she returned to look for the boys, she found Su Da Lin pushing his bicycle and was accompanying the boys.
"Four... Fourth Sister-in-law." Su Da Lin was relieved when Lin Qing He came back.
He had just passed by and saw his wife's nephews, so he stopped and waited.
"Is brother-in-law passing by?" Lin Qing He understood at a glance and smiled.
"Pass...passing by." Su Da Lin grinned.
"You just ate popsicles and still asked your uncle to buy more for you?" Lin Qing He shot a glare at the boys.
"It's... nothing, just... just a few pop... popsicles." Su Da Lin interjected quickly.
"Did you thank your uncle?" Lin Qing He said.
"We did!" Leading his younger brothers, Zhou Da Wa answered at once.
Lin Qing He chatted a bit with Su Da Lin. Zhou Xiao Mei was further along on her pregnancy now. Counting the months, she was over seven months.
Pretty far along, just like Third Sister-in-law.
After a few exchanges, Su Da Lin went back. Only then, Lin Qing He swept her gaze to the boys: "Do you know where you were wrong?"
"We never thought of getting popsicles from Uncle. He bought them at his own will and we would waste them if we didn't eat it," said Er Wa.
"There won't be next time, I promise!" Zhou Da Wa readily declared.
"Not tasty." This was San Wa's evaluation.
Lin Qing He harrumphed and questioned them, "What if other people give you the yummy popsicles? Will you accept?"
"How is that possible?" Zhou Da Wa responded instantly.
"That's right. Don't know even know them. Not going to casually eat other people's food," Er Wa said as well.
"Not eating!" stated San Wa.
Only then, Lin Qing He dropped the matter.
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117. Looking forward to the college entrance exam continuation
After letting go of Su Da Lin's matter, Lin Qing He took the brothers around the county city.
The brothers continued to make requests. Lin Qing He coldly smiled: "Initially, I wanted to give you each a candied haw, but now it's gone."
"We all know our wrong!" Da Wa said.
"So what about it? Even if you know you're in the wrong, the mistake had already been made." Lin Qing He showed no mercy.
"Mother, since it's a rare chance to come to the city once, buy one for us!" Er Wa added.
"I know my wrong." San Wa also directed a pleading look to their mother.
Lin Qing He took in the three's behavior and didn't act too harshly. She said: "I can give each of you one, but you can't eat it now. We'll take it home, and keep it for tomorrow."
"Mother..."
Once the three stinky boys uttered mother, Lin Qing He interjected: "Want it or not?"
"Want!" What else can they say, it was better to keep it for tomorrow than not having any.
"Remember ah. Since it's your first offense, so I will be lenient with you. However, if you commit a second offense, you'll know then." Lin Qing He bought three candied haw sticks wrapped in oil paper and harrumphed.
Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa nodded their heads, indicating that they would definitely not casually eat other people's stuff in the future.
They knew their mother's punishment method, simply too cruel. She purposely cooked delicious stuff to have them drooling. They were scared of her.
Especially since she had the final say at home, even their father dared not revolt against her.
After buying the candied haws, Lin Qing He brought them along for children's book shopping. Da Wa requested a revision book, but the revision book at this time was too simple. So they didn't get any.
Instead, they came to the waste section and bought a stack of old newspapers. These were all brought back for the kids' doodle.
It was very cheap and a few dimes bought a large bundle.
In addition, Lin Qing He also bought a watermelon. There was nothing better than eating one in this hot summer.
Only then she took the three boys home.
After arriving home, Lin Qing He was completely sapped. These three brothers weren't light at all, they been raised too well by her.
The candied haws were stored away, as she won't give it today as she had said eat it tomorrow.
For watermelon, she used the cool well water to chill it and leave as a snack for after lunch.
Because of exhaustion, Lin Qing He steamed a pot of steamed buns for lunch, which was served with a plate of fried green pepper and meat. A pot of tomato and egg soup too.
However, because her family's man was doing manual labor in the field and that her three boys got a good appetite, the amount of meat in the plate of fried green pepper and meat was quite hefty.
It was pork belly, very delectable from all the frying. The green pepper was also delicious.
"Eat more meat. You have been working in the field for the whole day." Lin Qing He placed it into Zhou Qing Bai's bowl. This man kept on munching green peppers while refraining from meat as much as possible. How could she not know what he thinks, wanted to leave it for her and the children.
Zhou Qing Bai smiled faintly: "You eat more too."
"I don't need you to tell me, I will eat." Lin Qing He picked a few pieces of oily pork belly for him.
At this time, due to the scarcity of oil content, fatty meat was labeled as first-class meat. Sister Mei will sometimes get some. However, every time there was quality fatty meat, pork belly, and lean meat, she will keep it for her own family to eat.
Other scraps will be sold.
Lin Qing He doesn't eat it much, but Zhou Qing Bai needed to consume some.
Meat was indispensable to such a sturdy man, or else his body can't bear the strain of the daily numerous works.
"Yummy?" Lin Qing He looked at the three sons.
Da Wa had his lips covered in oil and responded, "If only Mother can dote me like you did with Father. Just put a piece of meat in my bowl and gently say, come, eat more."
"Hee hee." Er Wa giggled.
"Mother." San Wa also laughed and then pushed his bowl over.
"None of you are acting seriously. Eat your stuff." Lin Qing He remarked in displeasure. Stinky boys, dare to tease her now.
Besides, what was wrong with her doting her man? He worked so hard, it was only right to favor him.
"Don't worry about them. They can still grow up by eating grass. It's enough that you eat more." Lin Qing He uprightly favored her man.
Da Wa and Er Wa howled in extreme misery.
"Not eating grass, not eating." San Wa rapidly shook his head.
Zhou Qing Bai's gaze toward his wife was especially soft.
Although lunch was simple, lunch containing meat and eggs was already luxurious in this era.
After lunch, they rested. The boys were pining on the watermelon.
Lin Qing He didn't stop them. Eat it if they wanted to, but they can only have it forty minutes after the meal.
Zhou Qing Bai had already drowse off. The boys had finished eating, so they went to sleep in content. There was a larger half leftover.
Lin Qing He didn't nap. She was sewing the soles, which was for Er Wa.
When Zhou Qing Bai woke up, he saw his wife was sitting at the door and sewing the shoes. His gaze was extremely gentle.
"Didn't go to sleep?" Zhou Qing Bai came over and asked.
"It's fine. I haven't done much during the day, so I don't have to sleep." Lin Qing He replied: "There are watermelons in the kitchen. Go and eat it."
Zhou Qing Bai went in and grabbed the watermelon to snack on.
He brought out cut-out pieces. Lin Qing He said: "I have eaten it, you can eat it."
Zhou Qing Bai had cut a share for her. Seeing his firm attitude, Lin Qing He then accepted and ate it. She stated: "This watermelon is good for cooling off. You eat more. No need to leave it for those three naughty children. Just before going to bed, they had it."
"It's fine to set it aside." Zhou Qing Bai said.
He only ate the piece in his hand and didn't have anymore. Although this man wasn't one to say affectionate words, his action demonstrated his pampering toward his wife and children.
Whatever good things were left to his wife and children to eat, he never put himself as a priority.
Such a man had Lin Qing He liking him from deep within her heart.
"Come back early tonight. The pot of loach is almost ready. I will cook braised loach for you tonight." Lin Qing He grinned to him.
There was still half a pot loach at home, which was set aside to spit out mud.
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai headed out once he responded.
"Oh, still have to wait seven years for the college entrance examination continuation." Lin Qing He sighed.
She was really reluctant to let him do this. If the college entrance examination came, she could take the college entrance examination. The criteria for the first year of college entrance examination restart were very relaxed. Even if one was married and old as her, can also participate.
If she was admitted to university, she would take her husband and three sons away.
There was no need to do this tiring farm work.
Lin Qing He's thought was quite rosy. She did have the foundation to. Otherwise, why would she work so hard to sell the grain and pork?
Whether it was food coupons or meat coupons, as well as some other coupons, she had saved a lot. So even if she goes out to live in the future, there was no worry.
And as time progresses and these coupons will gradually withdraw from the stage of history, a lot of money had currently accumulated in her pocket.
At least the majority of it was the retirement fee that Zhou Qing Bai brought home!
If it weren't for her big expenses for the family, she could save more money.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 118. Birth a boy
Not long after Zhou Qing Bai headed out, the boys got up. The rest of the watermelon was gobbled up by them.
At the beginning Lin Qing He was still a little worried about whether they would have diarrhea if they eat too much cold stuff today. Unexpectedly, these kids were quite sturdy and nothing happened.
When they went out to play, Lin Qing He formed the dough.
In the evening, they were having bean flour mantou and braised loach.
The braised loach made by Lin Qing He was very delicious because the ingredients she prepared were complete.
Rice wine, ginger shreds, green onions, chili pepper, sugar, salt, garlic.
The loach's belly was cut open to remove the intestines and then added to the pot along with the other ingredients. A large plate of braised loach can be scooped out of the pot.
It was a little troublesome, but because Zhou Qing Bai had to go to work every day, Lin Qing He was also willing to spend some effort to make him more delicious food to let him eat more.
In addition to a braised loach, there was also a cold cucumber and the same pot of egg drop and tomato soup like the one in the afternoon.
Going through the vegetable at home, there were only those few selections. There was not much difference, but Lin Qing He still tried her best to make the dishes as good as possible.
But for now, the father and sons in the family have a strong approval toward her cooking.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa came back after four o'clock in the evening. They brought a half bucket full of eel back.
Lin Qing He froze for a moment: "Where did this eel come from?"
"Brother Zhou Dong gave it." Da Wa said.
Lin Qing He smiled when she heard it, nodded, and said nothing.
Since Zhou Qing Bai came back, she didn't need Zhou Dong for the firewood. Zhou Dong had now grown up, he can get eight work points just like the adults. He could raise his sister well.
His sister, Zhou Xi was also a strong person. She would gather pigweed to earn work points. The siblings' combined work points weren't little and they can live pretty well with it.
In the end, Zhou Xi grew up. Previously, she got her period and was clueless. It was Lin Qing He who saw the blood on her pants and then brought her back.
She taught her some knowledge and also gave half a jin of brown sugar for making ginger and brown sugar water to drink.
Zhou Xi didn't dare to accept it. Lin Qing He made her keep it and stated it was enough to come over and help out with the boys' shoes when she's free.
As the big brother, Zhou Dong was grateful to her, so he gifted such a small half bucket of eel.
Lin Qinghe divided the eel in half. The dishes for dinner were already set, but since there was more eel, she'll add another braised eel. She cooked half and set aside half for tomorrow.
So in the evening, there was one braised eel, one braised loach, cold cucumber, and tomato and egg drop soup. Obviously an abundant meal.
Zhou Qing Bai and the others just planted the seeds and the sky turned cloudy. It began to rain heavily again.
This heavy rain was refreshing within this sultry weather.
What's more, everyone was delighted, because the seeds have just been planted, they only needed to do the watering after the rain.
The rain continued for five days in a row. Needless to say, there was no need to go to work in the afternoon. Zhou Qing Bai was able to rest.
Zhou Qing Bai could get some rest, however Lin Qing He couldn't.
This guy came on her as he had no work.
Every night he had to pester her and demand for a round or two.
It can be seen that this man still wants a daughter.
Lin Qing He wanted to let him nurture his vitality since he didn't need to go to work. However, this guy really put all his energy on her...
Soon the time passed and it was September. Da Wa started school again.
Lin Qing He started to wash the jars to prepare the chili paste.
The peppers weren't yet ripe, but they will be ripe next month. Now was the best time to clean up the jar first.
Two large jars were prepared. These were the jars she brought the honey back in. One can hold a lot, so two jars should be enough.
Starting from the end of this month, the autumn harvest will begin.
It was also starting at the end of the month, the autumn harvest will continue until next month. This was a very grand autumn harvest, which was the same every year.
At this time, Zhou Xiao Mei gave birth in the city.
Lin Qing He thought she got not much to do, so she represented Mother Zhou and visited Zhou Xiao Mei. She had brought two trotters as well as a jin of brown sugar. Mother gave her a half basket full of eggs.
These things can be bought over.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, how is Third Sister-in-law?" Zhou Xiao Mei asked.
This time she gave birth to a son. It had Su Da Lin over the moon. His family only had this single seedling, and this time his wife gave him a son, so how can he not be delighted?
His uncle and his aunt were happy for him. They were very satisfied with Zhou Xiao Mei, this niece-in-law as well.
"She's fine. Next month, she finishes her confinement and you can take the child back then." Lin Qing He replied.
Su Da Lin sent a lot of things back for Third Sister-in-law's post-natal confinement.
Crucian carp, trotters, pork, etc.
The purpose was to have the child sent back next month and be fed together.
Third Sister-in-law was naturally willing and couldn't be more delighted to.
While on Second Sister-in-law's side, it was filled with discontent as none of the things Su Da Lin brought back was shared with her. She constantly lost her temper at home.
Second Sister-in-law gave birth to a daughter this time. Same with Third Sister-in-law.
They both already have sons, so they didn't care whether they were a boy or girl. Just the difference in confinement treatment was a little bit large.
No one can say anything, because Su Da Lin wanted to send his son back to his mother-in-law's family. The child was still young and still needs to drink milk. Naturally, they will have to trouble Third Sister-in-law who was nearly at the same timeframe as Zhou Xiao Mei.
In response to this, Second Sister-in-law declared she won't nurse a single sip for her.
Everyone just listened, not bothering with her.
Now they have all separated, each lived their own life. Who would bother to supports whoever's stinky feet? If they can get along, they will connect more, if not, then each does their own.
After listening to her fourth sister-in-law, Zhou Xiao Mei was relieved.
At the end of September, Zhou Xiao Mei and Su Da Lin delivered their child to Mother Zhou.
Having Mother Zhou raised the child, the monthly payment went according to what was previously agreed.
Mother Zhou was naturally delighted to. She had worked for most of her life. Now that her sons were grown up, she rested at home and cooked for the old man. Who would dare to say anything about her?
Besides, it was just bringing up her grandson, not a big deal. Mother Zhou can manage.
Su Da Lin and Zhou Xiao Mei were a little reluctant, but in the end, they had to go to work tomorrow. After spending most of the day, they left their child behind and returned to the city.
This time, they had brought a lot of things, including meat, fish, and eggs. Even like this, they didn't forget to bring a pack of candy for Da Wa and his brothers.
Lin Qing He also expressed, if Mother was too busy, she can babysit at her side, so the two of them can rest assured and it was enough to check on the kids when they have days off.
After all, Third Sister-in-law's character was quite nice. Accepting so many things, she would definitely treat the child well.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 119. Little Su Cheng
Zhou Xiao Mei and Su Da Lin's son was called Su Cheng.
Little Su Cheng grown wonderfully. He completely picked up all of Zhou Xiao Mei and Su Da Lin's good looks and looked very cute.
Knowing that this was their aunt and uncle's child, Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa had visited.
Lin Qing He also told Mother Zhou, if there was any urgent matter, she can bring the child over and she'll help babysit.
Then Lin Qing He went over to chat with Third Sister-in-law.
"What's going on there today? There's no movement at all." Lin Qing He pointed her chin at Second Sister-in-law's room as she looked over.
Third Sister-in-law uttered two points of sarcasm: "After younger sister and brother-in-law returned home yesterday, there was a lot of pointing at the mulberry but actually scolding the locust tree and caused unrest for the whole family. Wu Ni's uncle couldn't endure and argue with her. She packed her things early today and ran back to her maternal home."
"So she had returned to her old Chen's home. I was wondering what was up." Lin Qing He had a surprised look.
"She's acting like the old Zhou family had mistreated her." Third Sister-in-law uttered with despise.
"She does believe that our old Zhou's family is bullying her alone. Not worshipping her is bullying her." Lin Qing He stated.
"Who would let her have her way!" Third Sister-in-law responded.
Lin Qing He said: "Let's not talk about her. Properly have your post-natal confinement. You don't need to save those things. It's really not easy to nurse two children. You must eat what you should."
"I know." Third Sister-in-law's face beamed at the thought of the things that were brought over yesterday
Third Sister-in-law had no objections against the nursing matter. He didn't have to sleep with her at night and will sleep with her mother-in-law. When he'as hungry, she'll bring him over to breastfeed. She also needed to get up in the night to feed her own daughter, so it was nothing.
Like this, Little Su Cheng lived in old Zhou's house.
Da Wa and his brothers took a liking to little Su Cheng and would come over from time to time.
Even if San Wa would ask 'can little brother eat it?' every time he gets something yummy.
On this day, they had red bean cake. San Wa asked again: "Can my little brother eat it?"
"Not yet." Zhou Qing Bai answered.
"When can he eat?" San Wa asked.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't know as he hadn't participated in his three sons' growth. Since he couldn't answer this question, he looked at his wife.
Actually, Lin Qing He was too sure either. When she came, San Wa was more than a year old, so she said, "He can eat it when he's about one year old."
"Mother, why doesn't my family have a younger brother." San Wa continued to ask his mother.
Lin Qing He responded: "Who said our family doesn't have? You are your eldest brother's and second brother's little brother, no? Doesn't your eldest brother have you and your second brother as his little brothers?"
"But I want a younger brother." San Wa uttered as he looked at his mother: "I want Mother to birth one for me."
Don't underestimate him because he was young. Even if he was young, he can distinguish clearly that he and his brothers were born from his father and his mother, so they can sleep together. Not from the same parents, then they will not sleep together.
Lin Qing He wanted to punch someone. It was fine that Zhou Qing Bai wanted to a child, but this kid too.
"You are currently the youngest in the family. If I give you a younger brother or sister, then you are not the youngest. Anything delicious, you must a bite with your younger brother or sister. Are you willing to?" Lin Qing He said.
San Wa's face displayed hesitation.
"Mother, birth one. I'll give my share to my younger sister, but you have to give me a younger sister. I already have two younger brothers, don't need more." Zhou Da Wa piped in.
"I want a younger sister too." Er Wa nodded.
"Mother, birth one. I will let my younger brother or sister eat it. I don't have any of the younger brother or sister. I want both, give birth both for me!" San Wa thought it through and replied.
Lin Qing He looked at Zhou Qing Bai and met the man's blazing gaze.
But...
She can't give birth. She did ligation, how can she give birth ah!
"Every one of you are so troublesome. It's not enough to wait upon you, now you want me to birth another to serve again. All of you scoot to one side. Besides, your sisters and brothers from your three aunts are also your sisters and brothers. It's the same." Lin Qing He waved her hands.
Then she stopped talking to the children and the children's topic ends here. She didn't know how to answer this group of stinky boys, who get more voluble day by day if they kept going.
Lin Qing He went back to the room to tidy the room.
The sun was wonderful today, so she took out all the quilts used for the winter this year and hung it out.
Zhou Qing Bai came in.
"You came at the perfect timing. Quickly help out. Both of our big quilts have to be taken out to sundry." As soon as Lin Qing He saw him, she assigned him to work, uttered.
These two big quilts were brought over by her. One weighed seven jins and was extra large in size. It was enough to cover even three of Zhou Qing Bai.
"Not the same." Zhou Qing Bai stated this without warning.
Lin Qing He hadn't wrapped her mind around at first. It came to her after a pause, this was the answer to the sentence she dismissed the kids with.
"Birth one with the same father and same mother, they will like it more." Zhou Qing Bai stared at his wife.
Lin Qing He gave him a sweet smile: "I know. I didn't say I won't birth one. It's just fate haven't arrived yet, no?"
Zhou Qing Bai nodded and decided in his heart that he would redouble his efforts.
Have to say, Zhou Qing Bai was really envious of his three brothers before him. They all have sons and daughters. Although he had the most sons, only three mischievous boys but no girls at all.
If a daughter is born with his wife's looks, she will definitely look beautiful.
Lin Qing He coughed and shifted the topic: "Let's make a new quilt for Father and Mother this year. The last time I saw, Father and Mother's quilt was quite old. This year it's okay to cover the mattress with it, but can't be used as a covering."
"Do what you think best." Zhou Qing Bai responded.
He didn't intervene very much in these matters, it was all up to her how things go.
Lin Qing He nodded: "Wait until this period's cotton get handed out. You and the boys don't need anything made. Last year's one can still be worn. I'll make another knitted vest for each of you, at that time, you won't be freezing."
Zhou Qin Bai was always clear about her ability to take care of people. There was nothing she couldn't manage. Only on the matter of getting daughter left him helpless.
He didn't know what was going on, why was his wife not pregnant even until now.
"This year's winter isolation, I will take you to the hospital to see." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"Okay." Lin Qing He planned to confess to him at that time. This matter can't be kept hidden forever, he'll know sooner or later as this man really wanted another child.
But she couldn't born one. Confessing was the only way.
Now Zhou Qing Bai was occupied because the autumn harvest had begun at this time.
Once Zhou Qing Bai participated in the autumn harvest movement, Lin Qing He began to make her chili sauce.
It had her extremely spiced up.
But her man happened to like spicy food. Even if she had to make a sacrifice, she must make it for him.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 120. Plump Rabbit
When Zhou Qing Bai returned from work in the evening, he saw his wife's eyes were completely red.
Only when he asked, did he know she was making chili sauce.
This made Zhou Qing Bai, the big man feel touched and distressed.
"Why are you looking at me like this? It's just these two or three days of hard work. And I like chili sauce." Lin Qing He remarked.
Then she got the children to wash their hands and prepare to eat.
Because the autumn harvest has begun, Lin Qing He's cooking was aligned with nourishing Zhou Qing Bai.
Tonight was a scrambled egg with cucumber, a minced pork with beans, and a steamed taro with pork ribs. The soup was shrimp skin and seaweed soup.
The main was cornmeal mantou. (T/N: I don't think I ever touch on this. In Chinese culture, carbohydrates were seen as a main dish like rice or noodle or something made from flour (like dumplings, mantou). In Ireland, boiled/fried rice and noodles are like sides here and the meaty dishes are the main. I assume it's the same in American or European side of the world. Not sure about the rest.
After Lin Qing He finished eating, she continued to make her homemade chili sauce. The bowls and chopsticks were left for Da Wa to clean up.
Zhou Qing Bai wanted to help but was sent away by Lin Qing He: "Take advantage while it's still early and go back to grab some loach and ricefield eel."
She had cleaned all the pigsty and chickenpens and also fed them.
When it was summer harvest or autumn harvest, she will handle these works. If Zhou Qing Bai was idle and didn't want to rest, then he can go catch some wild meat.
If he can get some, it will be added to a meal the next day.
Zhou Qing Bai went to catch loach and eel. He headed out at half past six and didn't come back until after seven. At this time, daylight hadn't ended that quick. So it wasn't too dark, but it did start to get dark.
He didn't capture that many, only seven or eight loach. As for eels, none.
"Raise in water first. Once more is accumulated and it'll be cooked together." Lin Qing He said after a quick scan. Then directed him to take a shower and prepare for sleep.
Lin Qing He had finished today's chili sauce and was about to put it into a clean jar.
Chili sauce was very easy to make. Mince the chili, mince the garlic, and then add the appropriate salt. Stir these three things well and it's chili sauce.
More garlic should be chopped up.
As long as it is fermented in the jar for half a month, it truly became chili sauce.
Lin Qing He was confident in her culinary skill. One jar was definitely not enough for the whole family to consume, so this time she brought back a lot of peppers and planned to make a few jars to keep and use slowly.
Lin Qing He continued to make chili sauce the next day.
At noon, when she came to deliver food to Zhou Qing Bai and her three sons, her eyes were red again.
"No need to make so much." Zhou Qing Bai urged.
"It's fine." Lin Qing He didn't mind.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa were obviously very starving. They knew that their mother was like this due to making chili sauce, so they only worried about eating.
For lunch, Lin Qing He made some simple spring pancakes and a shrimp skin soup.
The spring pancakes had two meat filling, egg, and diced meat. There was more veg, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens.
Eating the spring pancakes with shrimp skin soup, both father and sons were satisfied.
"San Wa, do you want to go back with Mother?" Lin Qing He asked San Wa.
"I will go back with my father." San Wa shook her head.
Lin Qing He let him be. This mischievous kid had long wanted to participate in the autumn harvest with his eldest brother and second brother. Before he was too young. Now he was three years old and was more sturdy, so she let him stay.
Lin Qing He went back by herself. She contemplated killing a hen from the backyard tomorrow.
This time she planned to grab an old hen and leave the new chicken for laying eggs.
But when Zhou Qing Bai returned in the evening, he brought a particularly plump rabbit back.
"Plump rabbit? Where did that come from?" Lin Qing He's eyes lit up.
"Mother, it was caught by Dad!" Da Wa excitedly exclaimed.
It wasn't just Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa were even more excited: "The rabbit had cried out and dashed over. Everyone had yet to respond when Father caught it!"
"Gang Tie and the guys were envious to death, but it's useless. Their father isn't as great as our father!" Er Wa declared with extreme pride.
"Yes, not as great as our father!" San Wa bobbed his head.
Lin Qing He beamed at Zhou Qing Bai. Zhou Qing Bai was also looking at her, Lin Qing He didn't skimp on her own praise: "His father, I'll make braised rabbit meat for you tonight?"
"Alright." Zhou Qing Bai grinned.
Then he went to deal with this rabbit.
Lin Qing He prepared all the seasoning. At this time, it wasn't too late, just only after six o'clock. Zhou Qing Bai had taken care of the rabbit for her and passed it over to his wife to cook it. The backyard's work was already handled by his wife, so Zhou Qing Bai grabbed a bucket and headed to the door.
"I'll go with Father." Da Wa tagged along.
"Give this to your father as well to fill his stomach first," Lin Qing He called after him.
Da Wa munched on one in his mouth, while he took another tomato for his father. Zhou Qing Bai ate the tomato on his way to loach catching.
Lin Qing He stewed potatoes and braised rabbit meat.
Zhou Qing Bai and Da Wa punctually returned. When they came back, they brought more than a dozen loach with them. Including yesterday's ones, they can make a dish tomorrow.
When the father and son came back, Er Wa and San Wa were close to weeping from the temptation. The scent was really unbearably delicious.
"Came back at the perfect time. I don't know if your grandparents have eaten over there yet. Da Wa, deliver this plate to your grandparents." Lin Qing He came out with a small plate.
Although it was a small dish, the portion wasn't little. It was definitely enough for Father Zhou and Mother Zhou to eat.
Da Wa speedily sent it over. On the way, those children were about to burst into tears from gluttony.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou were in the midst of dining. There was pickle veg on the table. When this dish of stewed potatoes and braised rabbit meat was brought over, Father Zhou was about to swallow his tongue.
Mother Zhou too.
"Can't praise Fourth's wife's cooking enough. I think her cooking skill can be comparable to the old chef of the past." Giving a very high evaluation, Father Zhou said.
Mother Zhou smiled, but did not say anything about Lin Qing He, the fourth daughter-in-law.
Speaking of these four daughters-in-law, the other daughters-in-law can't be compared to Fourth Daughter-in-law on the matter of filial piety, even though she was the most disobedient one.
Whatever good stuff they have, she will send a plate of it over.
Today, old Fourth caught a rabbit and will definitely cook it. She estimated that she would send a plate so she didn't cook any dishes. As expected, it was delivered.
Da Wa delivered the meat and immediately returned home.
"You didn't wait for me!" Da Wa saw that Er Wa and San Wa were eating and exclaimed with a glare.
"What didn't wait for you? Your braised rabbit head is reserved for you." Lin Qing He said.
Da Wa looked at the untouched rabbit head and grinned: "It's still Mother who loves me the most."
"Stop chattering. Wash your hands quickly. Your rice is in the pot, it's ready." Lin Qing He ushered.
Da Wa went in, took out his own rice, and then began to eat the braised rabbit meat.
The stewed potatoes and braised rabbit tasted the best when eaten with rice.
The soup can be sprinkled on the rice, not to mention that it was more fragrant.
There was no other side dish tonight, just this dish of braised rabbit meat as well as a tomato and egg drop soup.
This was enough. It had everyone satisfied after eating.
Lin Qing He planned to kill a chicken to nourish the father and sons.
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