Chapter 121. Lazy and gluttonous
Many people witnessed Zhou Qing Bai catching this plump rabbit.
Once the brothers finished eating and walked out, many people asked whether the plump rabbit was delicious.
Da Wa, this little lad bragged: "It's delicious, extremely delicious. My tongue was almost swallowed into my stomach when devouring it. That taste can't be described."
"A whole rabbit was braised by my mother. It's unbearably flavorful." This was what Er Wa said.
"Enough. It's enough!" San Wa bobbed his head repeatedly.
Before, only Da Wa and Er Wa went out to brag outside.
Now, this kid had grown up and was able to talk. So the bragging camp included him.
And once he brags, it was completely filled with arrogance. Listen to this envy and jealous provoking words, it's enough.
Such a meaty rabbit. The rabbit became so meaty from eating the grains in the fields. From the looks, it had to around three or four jins.
This was all eaten in one meal. Really didn't how to live ah.
If it was them, they can make 18 dishes through various methods.
A group of women in the village thought like this.
No matter the summer harvest or the autumn harvest, there were actually wild rabbits appearing in the field. Whether one can catch it depends on their own ability.
Zhou Qing Bai got lucky this time and got it.
However, a sensitive rabbit wasn't so easy to catch. The next day another rabbit was seen, but Zhou Qing Bai failed to catch it. Its speed was too nimble. And a cunning rabbit has three burrows. Once it dived in, no one knows where it went.
Caught a rabbit, then another dish added to the meal. If not, it was fine too.
Lin Qing He made red bean mantou for lunch the next day and sent them over with a fried cucumber omelet. Just one dish and nothing else.
Because it was in front of everyone, Lin Qing He tried to be as low-key as possible.
But no matter how low-key it was, she had to give Zhou Qing Bai some protein, otherwise, how can he survive this blazing weather?
Because Mother Zhou didn't go to the field, Lin Qing He simply told Mother Zhou not to cook and bring the food supply over. She'll make it together at her side and bring it to Father Zhou.
Including Mother Zhou's share, which she'll be called over to eat.
Mother Zhou was a bit abashed. But seeing how fourth daughter-in-law didn't really mind about this, Mother Zhou brought the rations over and then came over to that side for lunch.
This made Mother Zhou delighted.
It wasn't just her, Father Zhou was overjoyed. Fourth's wife can really cook.
Even if it was a fried cucumber omelet and red bean mantou, the portion was quite bountiful and the taste was excellent. The oil content was sufficient.
After finishing, they snacked on two more tomatoes and felt completely refreshed.
Lin Qing He grew a lot of tomatoes in the backyard because she likes to eat them too. The ones picked were a perfect size, great as an after-meal snack.
And the loach at home, it'll be cooked in the evening.
Lin Qing He packed her things, turned around and went to find Sister Mei.
"What's the matter?" When Sister Mei saw her come, she was slightly worried that something bad had happened.
Lin Qing He gave a reassuring smile: "Sister Mei, I came to discuss something with you. No need to worry."
Sister Mei was relieved. Even though things had handled rigorously and nothing ever happened, it still made people unease at the slightest wind.
"Sister, speak." Sister Mei nodded.
"I want to ask if my old brother can get a little more during this while?" Lin Qing He whispered.
After the autumn harvest was over, she planned to take the grain and sell it off. But for now, there wasn't too much meat.
"I'll ask. Come over to my house tomorrow." Sister Mei whispered back.
After the agreement was made, Lin Qing He returned home. She stopped by the supply and demand cooperative to have a look around. There were eggs. Even though the price was a bit pricey, she still bought four jins at once.
There were some eggs in her space, but how many men were there at home? No amount of eggs was too much. Now, whenever she saw something, she replenished her space a little, that way it can be eaten when desired.
Once back home, Lin Qing He began to clean the pigsty and chicken pen.
When Mother Zhou came over carrying little Su Cheng, Lin Qing He was working away.
"I usually don't do this. Seeing how my kids' father is occupied with the autumn harvest, I only help out then." When Mother Zhou came, Lin Qing He clarified immediately.
From Mother Zhou's perspective, this Fourth's wife wanted face. Even if she was telling the truth, Mother Zhou was very pleased.
It was still that reasoning. Lin Qing He was habitually lazy and occasionally witnessing her do chores would change her view greatly.
If Lin Qing He was a constant diligent person and Mother Zhou chance upon her son cleaning up, the opinion would be different.
Therefore, Lin Qing He immediately stated her position that she only helped since she saw how busy Zhou Qing Bai was. If Zhou Qing Bai could handle it, she won't bother doing it at all.
The next time she encountered it, she would be prepared and not have a gap in perspective.
"What's for dinner tonight? I'll help you make it." Mother Zhou said.
Lin Qing He froze for a moment. What does this mean? She didn't plan to include Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's dinner.
She just saw how Mother Zhou would cook a two-person meal at noon and when given to Father Zhou, it wasn't much. So she took it over and made a together.
She had no plans for dinner.
"You didn't take a look at the food I brought over. I brought it all." Mother Zhou was taken aback.
Lin Qing He hadn't really check it. She asked Mother Zhou to carry it over. Just the lunch share, not all the food.
But judging by Mother Zhou's reaction, it seems like she brought all the food from her family?
"Eating braised loach tonight. Mother, go to remove the loach's intestine." Lin Qing He recognized the mistake but did not care too much. It was just having meals, so she directed Mother Zhou.
Mother Zhou also realized that she had misunderstood Fourth's wife's meaning. But seeing that Fourth's wife didn't object, she didn't say anything.
Little Sucheng had just eaten, so he didn't need to be carried around. Mother Zhou went in to set him on Da Wa's Kang and let on down the mosquito net so there was worry about being bitten by mosquitoes.
Mother Zhou came out to kill the loach.
Lin Qing He cleaned the pigsty and chicken pens and decided to find a time to go to the hospital next time to get two masks back and wear them!
She headed to the kitchen and started to cook the pig food.
She boiled a large pot of pig food, let it cool down slightly, then fed it to the pigs and scooped a gourd-size scoop for the chickens to eat.
After finishing this, the livestock matter in the backyard was considered to be finished.
Mother Zhou had already killed all the loach. Lin Qing He set it aside. She had soaked the mung beans, so brushed the pot and started cooking mung bean soup.
After the cooking was done, it was scooped out and put it into the casserole pot. Rock sugar was added in and then set in a water basin with water to cool. It will be nice and cold when eaten after seven o'clock, that way it's very scrumptious.
After finishing this, Lin Qing He began to make the main food.
Today's main food was cornmeal mantou. The dough was ready. Lin Qing He steamed them in the pan. When steaming the cornmeal mantou, she made the savory dishes for tonight.
Braised loach was one of them. There was also stir-fried small cabbage, which was fried with lard. There was oil residue inside the lard, so the fried small cabbage tasted simply, very sweet!
At this time, the cabbage was grown from pure farm manure, turning out to be really tender and delicious.
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Chapter 122. Forced to appear as a virtuous wife
A large plate of braised loach and this large plate of small cabbage accompanied with a pot of cornmeal mantou were enough.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou both had the same meaning and also thought like that, so he joined Zhou Qing Bai after work and brought three brothers back.
San Wa went wild for the whole day and was tired. He returned on his father's back.
Once they got back, they went to wash their hands and face to prepare for dinner.
Lin Qing He noticed that Zhou Qing Bai's eyes were particularly gentle.
Lin Qing He: "..." That's it, another misunderstanding.
She didn't ask, but can still guess. Zhou Qing Bai must have heard Father Zhou mention it on the way back.
And thought she was starting to be a virtuous wife, a good mother, and filial daughter-in-law.
What else should she say?
Eating cornmeal mantou with braised loach and small cabbage had everyone satisfied.
After dinner, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou went back.
Lin Qing He heated a little hot water to bath San Wa. The little guy was really exhausted. He dozed off while eating.
San Wa was bathed first and then placed on the Kang so he could sleep first.
The little guy can still laugh with her while washing up, but once he was set down on the Kang fell asleep instantly.
"You two wash up as well. Get ready to go to bed." Lin Qing He instructed Da Wa and Er Wa.
Both have finished their chores, however, they didn't want to sleep.
"I want to drink mung bean soup," said Da Wa.
"Me too," Er Wa followed.
Lin Qing He let them be, but she still had them take a shower first.
Zhou Qing Bai went to grab the loach after dinner. In the beginning, he rarely ate loach because he didn't like the odor.
However, he really liked the braised loach made by Lin Qing He. What's more, it counted as a meat dish too.
Only when it was getting dark, he came back with a few loach. Even with a few, it can be kept first, save a little more, and then cook together.
"Go wash up and drink mung bean soup. Then go to sleep." Lin Qinghe said.
Zhou Qing Bai went to take a shower. Along the way, he washed the children's clothes.
Lin Qing He had scooped up some mung bean soup for the two elders. The rest was for her own family. After eating, everyone cleansed their mouth and prepared to sleep.
"Father was very delighted to eat with our family." On the Kang at night, Zhou Qing Bai told her.
Lin Qing He wasn't really willing. But since he spoke, Lin Qing He responded: "Two more people's meal is nothing much. If love to eat, then come over and eat."
"Thank you." Zhou Qing Bai said.
Then Lin Qing He immediately brought up: "If I did something wrong, would you forgive me?"
"What did you do wrong?" Zhou Qing Bai asked.
Lin Qing He started pretending: "What are you saying? What can I do wrong? Just tell me whether you promise or not."
"I promise." Zhou Qing Bai reached out and took his wife into his arms.
How could his wife possibly do anything wrong? She would never do wrong in her life. Even if she did, he wouldn't mind.
Lin Qing He was satisfied: "Then you must remember what you said today."
Zhou Qing Bai acknowledged it. For him, as long as she was willing to stay and live with him, everything else wasn't a problem.
Lin Qing He got up at half past four the next day.
She steamed a pot of steamed buns, which was leftover from last night and was placed in an iron pan to chill in the water. It couldn't go bad overnight. She cooked millet porridge, cut two salted eggs, and then fried a large plate of fried cucumber omelet.
Then Zhou Qing Bai finished eating and headed out with his father and his brothers from Zhou family.
It was required to start early during the autumn harvest.
"Old Fourth, what did you eat in the morning?" Second Brother asked.
"Mantou, cucumber." Zhou Qing Bai curtly answered.
However, there was also millet porridge, salted eggs. The cucumber omelet was fried with lard. Very flavorful. His wife said that plate was prepared for him, and later on, she'll fry for the children. So that plate of cucumbers omelet all ended up in his stomach.
Zhou Qing Bai was very full from breakfast.
But no matter how full, from the morning to the lunchtime, he'll be hungry.
"Not eating as good as old Third." Second Brother remarked.
Third Brother gave him an eye-roll: "Those are all for my wife to eat. I didn't eat her share."
Su Da Lin brought a lot of things over, but it still wasn't finished yet.
But for Third Brother to say he didn't have any would be a lie. More or less, he had eaten it.
Second Brother quarreled with Second Sister-in-law because of this matter. But because of the autumn harvest period, Second Sister-in-law left in the morning and came back on her own by noon.
In such a busy time, who was idle enough to bother with her drama?
Besides, it was decided by old Zhou Family's son-in-law. He preferred whoever to help nurse his child, then it was whoever helped. Who could say anything?
Also, why did they request Third Sister-in-law and not her? Wasn't it still her own fault!
So on Second Sister-in-law came back with dejection. She didn't stop there. She didn't display any pleasant attitude toward Third Sister-in-law. However, Third Sister-in-law didn't take it seriously.
They had separated, everyone lived their own way. Whoever was desired, whoever goes.
"Father, why didn't you come over in the morning to eat." Zhou Qing Bai ignored these things and asked Father Zhou.
"Morning isn't needed," Father Zhou replied.
"I told Qing He today that you will come over to eat tomorrow morning too." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
He knew his mother well, her cooking is so-so, so his father definitely had nothing delicious in the morning.
Besides, his mother was currently more tired from minding the child and got to get up earlier just to cook.
"Alright then." Father Zhou agreed.
If he can go over to eat at his youngest son's house, he'll definitely be delighted to.
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother had nothing to say about this. They didn't dare to open their mouth without asking their wife at home.
It seems that old Fourth's words were very effective in his family.
Lin Qing He didn't go back to sleep anymore, because she need to start cooking pig food and feeding them.
Zhou Qing Bai was supposed to get up in the middle of the night to do it, but got scolded by her. She told him to sleep well in the morning.
After working away for the whole day, he had to get up to cook pig food in the middle of the night. Lin Qing He didn't have the heartlessness to make him do it.
Then she sighed while cooking the pig food herself.
Sure enough, diligent women get tired and old too fast. She didn't work hard that long and she already couldn't wait for the autumn harvest to pass quickly.
Once the autumn harvest was over, she can dump it all to Zhou Qing Bai without any hesitation.
After cooking the pig food and letting it cool before feeding it to the pigs, she began to prepare breakfast for the boys. After all of this, it was only six o'clock.
Lin Qing He yelled for the boys to wake up.
Because Eldest Sister-in-law and the rest were about to leave, they would follow them in a moment.
After the three brothers finished eating and brought a few tomatoes to participate in the glorious autumn harvest labor, Lin Qing He locked the door and rode the bicycle over to Sister Mei.
Sister Mei didn't let her down. Apart from the usual leftovers, there was also a very good quality pork belly, which was about two jins, and a piece of lean meat weighing more than a jin.
Seeing this piece of pork belly, Lin Qing He thought of pork belly fried with pickles ends. As for this lean meat, Lin Qing He could already imagine the minced meat...
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Chapter 123. Large generation gap
After giving Sister Mei the food coupon and the money, Lin Qing He carried these things back home.
It was still early when she arrived home. But she still needed to start cooking pigs again at this hour. Both pigs in the backyard have grown up and become big chubby pigs. They got hungry very fast.
It was currently the time for them to grow meat, so Lin Qing He fed it.
She worked hard for a while and Mother Zhou came in holding little Su Cheng.
Mother Zhou set little Su Cheng in the room to play by himself before coming out to help.
Lin Qing He said: "It's nothing much. Mother, go, and rest."
Mother Zhou responded: "No need to rest. It's just minding a child, how can I get tired."
Lin Qing He passed the pig food cooking to her and said, "Why didn't Father come over to eat this morning?"
"Just let your father eat breakfast at home." Mother Zhou didn't expect her to mention this. She answered after being stunned for a bit.
"Don't have to skip this meal. Mother, you must get up in the night to bring Little Cheng over to drink milk. No need to get up in the morning to busy away. Just ask Father to come here and eat. I'll make it together, it's quite convenient to do," Lin Qing He urged.
She didn't discuss this with Zhou Qing Bai. Still, the couple had similar thoughts.
They eat lunch and dinner together. No need to skip out on breakfast either, right?
Mother Zhou grinned in response to this, "Alright, I will tell him when your father comes back."
"I'll tell Father when I deliver lunch at noon." Lin Qing He replied.
"Okay." Mother Zhou nodded with a smile.
Lin Qing He took out the lean meat and chopped it. She was making spring pancakes for lunch and this was going to be the minced meat filling. No need to remark on how good the taste will be.
Mother Zhou saw this but said nothing.
She had opened up her mind. Fourth's wife can do what she wants. She and her old spouse can save the money for the three grandsons.
And Fourth's wife can still buy meat back when she and her husband came over to eat. She really didn't mind about them eating and talk about making something casually at the sight of them joining. Things went they should be.
What can Mother Zhou complain about?
Lunch was spring pancakes, even if the season wasn't right. Spring pancakes were quick and simple to eat.
Inside were cucumber sticks, aromatic minced meat, and scallion sprinkles. It tasted undoubtedly delectable with it all wrapped within the dough.
There was also a pot of egg drop and tomato soup, making the whole person feel cozy.
Lin Qing He told Father Zhou that it was fine to come to their house for breakfast.
Father Zhou laughed and said that Qing Bai also brought this up in this morning.
Zhou Qing Bai grinned at his wife. Sure enough, hie and his wife connected.
Lin Qing He also chuckled. Seeing that they were full and drunk until content, she packed up and went home.
This autumn harvest was really tiring.
A chicken at home was killed by Lin Qing He to stew.
The whole family gathered around to eat together. One was consumed about every half a month, so two were used for nourishment in one autumn harvest.
Mother Zhou drank soup as well and ate a lot of chicken.
On the night when the autumn harvest was completed, everyone was relieved.
Mother Zhou laid on the kang with her old spouse and emotionally remarked: "No wonder Fourth's wife is so thin. From my observation, she ate so little during every meal."
Because they ate together she could witness this. It was one bowl of rice or half a mantou. She also preferred to eat vegetables. The meat was all for old Fourth and the boys.
"Fourth's wife is pretty good." Father Zhou also had this perspective.
Since old Fourth retired, Fourth's wife had changed. Her current self was really great. Even though she can't save any money according to these meal plans, there was only so much consumed by her. Wasn't it all eaten by old Fourth and these grandsons?
What was there to say about her?
Mother Zhou nodded in agreement.
It was impossible to say Fourth's wife was acting. Fourth's wife couldn't be bothered to act in front of the old couple. She was always the kind of person to say one is one, act on two, then it was two.
The most she ate were those vegetables. She can often be seen holding a tomato or snacking on a cucumber.
"Say, San Wa isn't small now. Why is there no reaction from Fourth's wife's stomach?" said Mother Zhou.
Father Zhou replied: "Already got three sons. Better to not give birth anymore. Go ask old Fourth to ligate."
Any more, them two old couple can't save money for their granddaughters-in-law.
"Sons are enough. Isn't there still a daughter to be born." Mother Zhou whispered.
"Can you guarantee that it'll be a girl? What to do if it's a son again?" Father Zhou shot back.
Mother Zhou wanted to say if pregnant, then give birth. Who would disdain in having too many sons in this era?
But at the thought of Fourth's wife's lifestyle, she didn't say anything. And also, Fourth's wife's stomach was quite capable.
If she got pregnant again, there was a bigger chance of being a son.
No matter how the two of them save more money, they might not be able to accumulate the gift money for the four grandsons. After all, they were over sixty, their work-life can only last for several years.
Unknown to her parents-in-law's worry for her sons' future, Lin Qing He was exhausted from Zhou Qing Bai's tossing and turning until she was a salty fried fish. (T/N: what an image... basically she's dead and drained of all moisture)
But still, she didn't forget to tell Zhou Qing Bai off: "Can't you save some strength and rest?"
"I am resting." Sated, Zhou Qing Bai hugged her.
At this time, it was already the end of October and the weather was getting a little bit colder. It wasn't too hot to be held by him. Lin Qing He let him be and said, "Starting tomorrow, you will cover the backyard!"
The autumn harvest was over, he should do what he was supposed to.
Zhou Qing Bai concurred and talked about going to the hospital for a check-up after a while.
"Wait until the winter isolation is here." Lin Qing He could only utter..
Once winter isolation, she'll explain it to him then. Don't let anger get to this man's health.
After all, she knew exactly how much he wanted a daughter. If she could, she would actually bear the pain and give him one.
But there was really no way, she got ligation done.
"Hurry up and sleep," Lin Qing He ushered.
Tomorrow was food distribution. She had to bring some more back home to sell and make a fortune.
Food distribution was indeed a major event in the village. Lin Qing He called Zhou Dong to join her.
This way, she'll be able to pull the grain back together with Zhou Dong's cart.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou gave their food book to Zhou Qing Bai and asked him to go over and carry the two's rations back.
Yes, directly to their youngest son's house.
Lin Qing He saw Zhou Qing Bai take out the old couple's work point food book: "..."
She didn't plan to take care of the old couple's three daily meal. It was just because the autumn harvest was too hectic. The old couple only made so much. She thought might as well make it together as it was only an increase in amount.
But it seems that the old couple thought they would eat with her family in the future...
"What's the matter?" Zhou Qing Bai asked her when she looked at food book in a daze.
Lin Qing He saw his 'entirely natural' expression and thought, this was the large generation gap between her and this man. What else can she say?
She could only accept it!
As long as Mother Zhou doesn't interfere with how she does it things or how extravagant the dishes were, it was fine. If she does, then in the future, it'll be back to how it was.
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Chapter 124. Making a quilt
This time, was naturally much more due to the addition of Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's share.
One cart was not enough. Lin Qing He asked Zhou Dong to take it back first, and then make another trip later.
It went without saying that Zhou Donghad no objection. He shipped it back first and then brought the cart back to let his uncle and aunt carry the grain.
What's more, it wasn't a secret in old Zhou Family that Father Zhou and Mother Zhou began to join Fourth's family for meals.
Since this year's autumn harvest, the couple hadn't cooked much. They normally ate at Fourth's house and went back to sleep in the old house.
So there was nothing to say when seeing the old couple transporting their food to Fourth's house.
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother were all like that.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law didn't utter anything, only Second Sister-in-law complained a little: "So much food!"
"Not a lot. It has to last until next year's food division." Second Brother honestly remarked.
It seems like lots. But the couple got a huge appetite. They ate together in the past, so how can they not know?
So don't look at the large quantity, once it got consumed, it'll be easier gone.
"The old couple favors Fourth's family, so they'll be frugal." Second Sister-in-law persisted.
"Do you think old Fourth will let Father and Mother save on food?" Second Brother looked at her in surprise.
Speaking of filial piety toward the old couple, old Fourth was more caring than them. And what kind of temper old Fourth have? He would rather eat less than letting his parents be hungry.
Second Sister-in-law received another block, scolded: "You're infuriating me on purpose!"
"You better stop paying attention to these pointless things. In my opinion, my parents are better off like this. If you, yourself, won't cook for Father and Mother, so don't go on about Father and Mother giving their food to Fourth's family to eat with old Fourth." Second Brother said.
He truly felt it was great. If it wasn't for his wife's definite refusal, he wanted to tell his parents to eat with them as the old couple only made their own meals.
But in the end, he didn't have old Fourth's courage and directly took on the old couple's food.
"Are you really my man? Whose side are you on?" Second Sister-in-law lashed out.
"That's my parents, who do you think I'm partial to?" Second Brother Tuesday said indifferently.
The couple ended up in a bad note.
Lin Qing He didn't pay any heed on her side. She had Zhou Qing Bai transport the food home and gave Zhou Dong a bag of red dates.
"Auntie, take it back." Zhou Dong shook his head.
"Why take it back? It's not for you. And this red date only worth a bit of money. Take home and give it to Little Xi. Tell her to eat a few each day. It's good for her body. You men will not understand. Have her take better care of her health." Lin Qing He stuffed it to him and stated.
Zhou Dong nodded and dragged the cart back.
Lin Qing He began to direct Zhou Qing Bai on storing the food. She separated the grain she was going to sell and the rest was placed in the firewood shed in the backyard.
This time, she bought a hefty amount back. As they had a bountiful harvest this year and got a lot of food accumulated, she bought it without any reservation.
As long as she didn't go overboard, the team will not say anything. After all, her reputation as a prodigal was already deeply embedded in everyone's mind.
Besides, with how she raised her man and three sons, it wasn't like everyone was blind. So she bought more back and everyone won't find anything strange.
Even if they did felt something, they'll feel Zhou Qing Bai is unable to save a penny throughout the year.
Although Mother Zhou felt that she had bought too much food, she didn't question her as she won't intervene now and Fourth's wife was impatient with her pestering. It was enough to punctually come over every day for meals.
"I'm going to the city tomorrow. Mother, mind the house for a bit." Lin Qing He said to her.
"Going to the city?" Mother Zhou froze for a moment.
"That bit of cotton we get this year isn't enough. Qing Bai and I plan to make a new quilt for you two, so I have to take this time to check." Lin Qing He nodded.
Feeling a warm surge within her heart, Mother Zhou urged: "Tell Qing Bai to go with you?"
"What is he going for? I'm familiar with this matter. He doesn't have to go. Besides, he still has to work." Lin Qing He replied.
It was said that it'll be idle after the food distribution. After the grain was divided, the winter wheat needed to be planted. Once that was done, they'll truly be idle.
"Honestly, the quilt is still usable." Mother Zhou looked at her and said.
"What usable? I saw it last time when I went over to make clothes. It's certainly can't keep warm this year." Lin Qing He stated.
In fact, getting cotton was secondary. The most important thing was that she was going to sell the materials in her hand.
So many grains were gained this year, which have to be sold.
Lin Qing He set off the next day and carried a bag of grain away. Truthfully, there was a lot of stock in the space.
However, this was for an explanation.
She didn't bring along Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa and had them stay at home.
Once out of the village entrance, Lin Qing He withdrew that bit of grain behind the bicycle directly into the space when she saw no one around before going to the county city.
After reaching the county city, she spent more than an hour circling around before she sold all kinds of pork scraps accumulated in the past period.
Taking away the expenses, she made a profit of fifty-something yuan. Not a lot, as she hadn't come to the city for more than a month.
She never missed out on the pork promised by Sister Mei. Accumulated one after another, it stacked up so much?
In addition to selling pork, Lin Qing He came up with ways to sell out the food she brought over.
Afterward, she came over to the black market to buy cotton again. She, who was a regular in the black market, knew the black market's secret code. However, the black market's secret code switch too fast. This time she came, it didn't match.
"That was the last last one." That man watched her and stated.
"Brother, do me a favor. The autumn harvest was too busy this time. I really didn't have time to come over. The elders at home need cotton to make a new quilt." Lin Qing He stuffed a dime over and whispered.
The man didn't expect her to be so generous. What's more, she was still a stick skinny woman. Believing nothing could happen, he brought her over.
Lin Qing He requested four jins of cotton.
A jin of cotton was pressed into a square. Four jins were just four squares. The space it took wasn't much.
Not only did she get four jins of cotton, she also asked for a bolt of handwoven cloth.
After handing over the money and receiving the goods, Lin Qing He carried a large bag of cotton and the cloth away. She weaved through the alley very skillfully. After several twist and turns, the cotton and the cloth had been moved into the space.
Then she came back to the black market and circled again. She bought three more jins of cotton.
On such cold winter, how could one four jins quilt be enough to cover two elderly?
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Now there was seven jins, it was sufficient.
In fact, the kids' side had a seven-pound quilt there, but starting this year, Da Wa and Er Wa have to sleep next door. San Wa could still come over and sleep with her and Zhou Qing Bai.
So the brothers need theirs. Father Zhou and Mother Zhou could only get another one made.
After cotton and the cloth were settled, Lin Qing He came over to find her old acquaintance.
This old acquaintance was a retired female worker whom Lin Qing He had known before. They met during the meat transaction. The quilt she had previously given to Zhou Xiao Mei as a wedding gift was made by her.
"Young lady, where did you buy these few pounds of cotton? Such good quality" remarked the old lady with bright eyes.
"The black market. If you want, I will give you a code. There are still some over there." Lin Qing He replied.
"OK, I'll check it out later." The little old lady nodded.
"You can make a quilt with these seven jins of cotton. I will come over and get the good from you half a month later." Lin Qing He said.
"It doesn't take half a month. You can collect it after seven days." stated the little old lady.
Lin Qing He and her were familiar acquaintances and nodded. She whispered: "Next time I come, I can bring some meat for you, Ma'am. How much do you want?"
"If you have, bring more. Doesn't matter what meat." The old lady responded quickly.
"OK." Lin Qing He promised.
At this time, people were still honest. What's more, the old lady was in this industry too. So no need to be afraid of her embezzling her things, unless she didn't want to work in this industry.
However, taking Zhou Xiao Mei's quilt from last time as an example. Lin Qing He still had some trust in her. She did an excellent job with it.
After leaving the old lady, Lin Qing He came to the mall to buy knitting wool.
She intended to knit a vest for Zhou Qing Bai and her three sons, so she doesn't need to make new clothes. Last year's one was still new.
After some contemplation, she bought some for Father Zhou and Mother Zhou, which was enough for the two of them.
After buying knitting wool, she headed to the supply and demand cooperative and bought some extra materials. She didn't stay any longer and rode the bike home.
"Didn't get cotton?" Mother Zhou asked when she saw her return with a bag of knitting wool and no cotton.
"I did. I asked someone to make it. It won't be that quick. I will get it in a few days." Lin Qing He replied.
"Will it be unreliable?" Mother Zhou couldn't resist and uttered.
"It won't. The quilt I gave Xiao Mei last time was made by this person." Lin Qing He assured.
Then she divided some wool out of that package, which was enough to make two sweaters, and said to Mother Zhou: "This is for you and Father. I need to knit for Qing Bai and the boys, so I'm pretty busy. Mother, take it home and knit it yourself."
"Making a quilt, and still buy wool back." Mother Zhou remarked embarrassedly.
"Take it back." Lin Qing He didn't act reserved with her on this. She set aside and started preparing for lunch.
Lunch was a bit simple. In the morning, she grabbed a handful of edible fungus to soak before going out. Now it was ready.
A plate of cool fungus, a plate of eggplant and meat bits, and another tomato and egg drop soup as the finishing touch.
The main food was white mantou.
Although the dishes were simple, Lin Qing He was willing to use oil. Whether it was the cool fungus or eggplant and meat bits, they were very aromatic.
Really appetizing.
After eating lunch, Lin Qinghe began to instruct the boys to wrap some yarn balls.
The boys had complained: "Mother, you didn't buy anything to eat back this time."
"This time I bought a lot of cotton for your grandpa and grandma to make a quilt and we have to knit another vest for you. It cost a lot of money." Lin Qing He explained.
It certainly did cost a lot of money, especially on the black market, which was really bloody expensive.
"Does it cost a lot of money?" Er Wa asked.
"That's for sure. The money in my pocket is almost empty. I need wait and see if the team can distribute some this year. If they do, I will buy you a pack of candy at the end of the year." Lin Qing He said.
"So poor." San Wa, the little brat sighed deeply.
Lin Qing He couldn't help but be dumbfounded: "Our family isn't poor."
"If we aren't poor, why can't we afford sugar?" San Wa said.
"We have to show filial piety to your grandpa and grandma, right? So our family can only shrink their diet and tighten our belts to live." Lin Qinghe said.
"Does our family still have money?" Da Wa asked.
"Although it isn't much, there's still a little." Lin Qing He nodded.
"Mother, don't worry. I will work hard to get admitted to the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University!" Da Wa vowed seriously.
"What is the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University?" Er Wa asked.
San Wa also stared at his eldest brother.
"That's a university. After studying at the university, you can go to work, and then you will be able to make money." Da Wa explained.
"Where did you hear this news?" Lin Qing He raised her eyebrows and asked him.
She knew about the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University. This year was the year '71. There were Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University in the year '70 and began enrollment in June last year.
Initially, Lin Qing He wanted to take the exam, but what about the three children in the family and their father?
In addition, the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University at this time didn't mean that you can take the exam if you want to take the exam. It required a recommendation and review. In short, it was very strict.
It was impossible for her, a lazy thing who had never been to the field, to want to pass the review. So even if she knew there were Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University, she would have no chance.
However, she didn't expect Da Wa, this stinky boy to actually heard of it.
"I heard the teacher say that Father is a soldier, he has a lot of credit, and our family are lower-middle-class peasants. The composition is very good. If I have a good grade, I can be recommended to take the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University's examination!" Da Wa looked at his mother seriously and clarified.
"It is indeed possible." Lin Qing He nodded.
She certainly can't pass, but Da Wa definitely can. Even if she was such a mother, there was still his father.
What's more, she was a minor thing. She didn't steal or rob, just don't know how to live. Her son won't be affected because of her.
But she still encouraged Da Wa. And how old was he now? When he grows up, the college entrance examination will resume then.
At that time, he can directly participate in the college entrance examination with her. Would he still need to take the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University's exam?
But he still needed to be encouraged.
"Da Wa, then you have to work hard. It's certainly hard, with our family depending on your father alone. You have grown up and it is time for you to contribute to your family." Lin Qing He urged.
Dawa straightened his chest: "Mother, you can rest assured. I will gain glory for you and glory for our village!"
Yes, if one can pass the exam, it will also earn glory for the village and glory for the team.
"Mother is very happy that you have this awareness," Lin Qing He nodded. "You have finished your work at hand and then you can go to study."
Studying required studious effort, but the work should still be done. She will not let her son dedicate himself to classical learning and do nothing else.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter126. Wife with so many secrets.
Zhou Qing Bai's knitted vest was the first to be made. As for the three cheeky boys, she'll take her time.
Da Wa also kept saying Father holds the most important spot in her heart. Lin Qing He frankly agreed and expressed that grouping the three of them together still can't outweigh Father's place in Mother's heart.
Da Wa voiced out how heartbroken he was. Er Wa gestured he was too. While San Wa, he whispered to his Father on his return and bargained if he could not hog Mother all to himself.
Zhou Qing Bai figured out what was going on and the corner of his raised mouth didn't drop.
Lin Qing He didn't know that she had further ensnare this man. She came to Zhou Qing Bai with a knitted sweater to compare. She directed at the father and son, "What are you two muttering?"
"Nothing," San Wa said.
"Let your Father go to work, don't hold him up." Lin Qing He dismissed him.
There was no autumn harvest now. Although the daily work was still tiring, he didn't have work from dawn to dusk like the autumn harvest. So Lin Qing He heartlessly dumped the backyard's pigsty and chicken pen back to Zhou Qing Bai.
Mother Zhou and Father Zhou waited until it was almost time for dinner before coming over. However, dinner was slightly late today as Lin Qing He's knitting and bragging with her three sons caused some delay.
Lin Qing He went in to cook, while Zhou Qing Bai cleaned the pigsty and chicken pen in the backyard. Mother Zhou wasn't distressed when she saw it now.
After she came here often, she found that Fourth's wife basically had no idle time. She was either patching clothes for the kids or making them delicious food and drink.
She didn't pay much heed to herself very much.
What can Mother Zhou criticize about?
She left little Su Cheng for Er Wa and the others to watch and she entered the kitchen to help.
"You don't need to give a hand. It's just these three dishes." Lin Qing He said.
Today was a fried cucumber omelet, minced meat tofu, and a shrimp skin seaweed soup. They had cornmeal mantou.
It was very simple, but it was still that phrase. Lin Qing He was willing to use oil, so the dishes were very fragrant.
Mother Zhou noticed her working away swiftly and she really didn't need her, so she came over to the backyard.
"Mother." Zhou Qing Bai saw her arriving and called out.
"Today your wife went to the city to get some cotton and asked someone to help me and your father make a quilt." Mother Zhou smilingly mentioned.
"Qing He told me that you and Father's quilt aren't warm and will make a new one for you." Zhou Qing Bai nodded in confirmation.
Seeing the youngest son wasn't against it, Mother Zhou grinned and continued, "I thought it was just making a quilt for us. Didn't expect Qing He to buy some wool back and told me to knit two sweaters to wear."
"Since Qing He bought it, Mother knit them to wear." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
"These two pigs, it might gain a lot of meat by then." Mother Zhou observed the two fat pigs with satisfaction.
But the only drawback was that it consumed more food.
"A lot of meat can be exchanged this year. At that time, what do you want to eat, Mother?" Zhou Qing Bai said.
"Your father and I are fine with whatever Qing He makes." Mother Zhou smiled.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded. His daughter-in-law's cooking was the most delicious.
Soon Zhou Qing Bai completed the work at hand.
This year, the two pigs in his family will not be killed until the end of the year. In a while, all winter wheat will be planted and then the team's one will be killed first.
Zhou Qing Bai tidied up and cleaned himself before coming over.
Lin Qing He had swiftly prepared the few dishes and carried them out.
The whole family gathered around and started eating.
In this era, every household and table won't be short a dish of pickled vegetables or vegetable chunk. However, this was rarely seen on her side. Lin Qing He doesn't like to eat them, so naturally, it will not appear.
There were only a few dishes. In fact, Lin Qing He was really frugal, but for people of this era, it was undoubtedly extravagant.
After eating, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou took Little Su Cheng back.
Er Wa and San Wa ran off to play. Lin Qing He left the chores to Da Wa and went back to the room to grab the wool to start knitting. Zhou Qing Bai took a bath. He came in completely refreshed. Lin Qing He told him about Da Wa's ambitions.
"If he can pass the exam, he can go to study." Zhou Qing Bai sat next to her and nodded.
"I don't know if the college entrance examination can be resumed in the future. If it can, Qing Bai, I want to take the exam for university." Lin Qinghe said.
Zhou Qing Bai was slightly stunned: "You also want to take the exam?"
"If I can take the test, I will take the test. You won't agree?" Lin Qing He raised his gaze toward him.
"It's not that. I'm afraid it will be difficult for the college entrance examination to resume," Zhou Qing Bai shook his head.
"It's very difficult, but I have a hunch that it will definitely recontinue in the future. I will take the exam at that time. Don't stop me." Lin Qing He stared at him.
"How can you be sure that it will?" Zhou Qing Bai looked at her.
"Talents are indispensable for national development. To make progress and development, a lot of knowledgeable people are needed. With the current situation, our country's talents are scarce. At that time, there will definitely be continuation for intellectuals selection. So I estimate that the college entrance examination will probably resume, right?" Lin Qinghe said.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't speak. His face was blank, but his heart was even shocked.
His wife, actually understood so much?
Lin Qing He looked at him. She already tried her best to make it simple. It wouldn't scare him?
"If it resumes, you can take the exam if you want. But for now, don't mention this outside." Zhou Qing Bai recovered and seriously looked at his wife.
His wife seemed to take literacy classes for a period of time and she could see that far.
To be honest, Zhou Qing Bai never thought about these things himself. It was clear that what his wife said is likely to be a dilemma in the future.
How did she think of this?
His wife always made him unable to read her.
"Why are you looking at me like this? I just heard Da Wa mention the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University and initially wanted to take the exam. But at the thought of me being the famous lazy woman in the village, I definitely couldn't pass the selection. Only then I thought of taking the college entrance exam in the future." Lin Qing He began to rectify.
Hearing this, Zhou Qing Bai was also relieved and nodded, "Don't talk about this outside."
"I'm not stupid. Needless to say, I only mention this kind of thing to you." Lin Qing He gave him an eye-roll.
Zhou Qing Bai smiled.
"When can you finish your work? There's no more firewood at home." Lin Qing He continued to knit and said.
"Still occupied for half a month." Zhou Qing Bai responded.
"Then we can bear a bit," Lin Qing He nodded.
Seeing her knitting, Zhou Qing Bai asked: "I heard my mother say you bought some for her and my father."
"En, I saw it was available over there, so I bought it back." Lin Qing He replied.
"Father and Mother are very happy since they came here to eat." When Zhou Qing Bai talked, his gaze on his wife was especially soft.
Lin Qing He smiled and said, "Since they're happy, then keep coming over here for the meals." At most, it was increasing the quantity.
Seven days later, Lin Qing He came over to get the quilt.
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This quilt was made to be very warm and durable. Lin Qing He had also weighed it. Not a gram short.
That bolt of fabric had a lot of leftovers too.
"There are still some scraps. I'll get them for you." The little old lady judged her expression and said.
"It's okay. Ma'am, keep them for yourself." Lin Qing He responded.
Then she passed the basket of meat in her hand over to show her.
This time she came over and she sold a part of it off. What remained was also of good quality. Among them was a piece of big fatty meat, about half a jin. In this era, this was regarded as the number one meat.
In addition, there were other meats. In short, about two or three pounds.
Seeing that Lin Qing He really brought meat over and it was all top-notch stuff, the little old lady was overjoyed. The two had their exchange and then Lin Qing He departed in her bicycle from the little alley with her quilt strapped up.
Once turned into an empty alley, she immediately took in the quilt and immediately rode the bicycle back to the village!
This big quilt was brought back home. Mother Zhou had a shock. She had never thought Fourth's wife would even make such a big quilt for her and the old man!
"This... how many jins of cotton did this take?" Mother Zhou couldn't help exclaiming.
"Seven jins." Lin Qing He said: "It'll cause too much stir to bring it back now. Wait until night. I'll ask Qing Bai to carry it over to you."
"With such a big quilt, did anyone catch sight of you along the way?" Mother Zhou rushed to ask.
"Catch sight of what? They all went to work and I crossed through the grove. I didn't see anyone. You can rest assured, Mother." Lin Qing He pacified.
"That grove isn't very safe. You don't need to take such a risk next time. Just get Qing Bai to bring it back at night," Zhou said.
"That's a good idea. I will do it next time." Lin Qing He displayed an agreeable expression.
But in fact, it was impossible. She wouldn't ask Zhou Qing Bai to stick in these things.
Seeing she was able to take some sense into her, Mother Zhou said nothing more. However, how much did it cost for such a big quilt?
"You don't need to make such a big one," Zhou said.
"Since we're making it, might as well make it bigger. It can last it for many years, and you don't have to worry about freezing in the future." Lin Qing He said.
Needless to say, Mother Zhou knew such a quilt must be cozy. Seven jins ah.
This year, each household was allocated some cotton, but only a half a jin had been divided between the whole family. What was this cotton enough for?
Their family's cotton received was simply sent to Zhou Xi by Lin Qing He. She also cut out a cloth for her to make something cozy.
For this reason, Zhou Dong brought over the fabric coupon that were allocated to their home this year. Money too.
"Aunt accepted the coupon. Forget about the money. If you are free, go help Aunt see if there are any loach or eel at this time. If there are, catch some back for Aunt." Lin Qing He took the fabric coupon and told him.
Zhou Dong nodded and went to catch the ricefield eel and loach.
At this time, it was already cold. The eel and loach began to hide, but once they have time to catch, they can still catch some.
In just a few days, Zhou Dong accumulated a pot of eel and brought it over.
Lin Qing He didn't act reserved and accepted it.
For Zhou Dong and Zhou Xi siblings, this pot of eel's value couldn't compare to the cotton she gave. However, in Lin Qing He's opinion, it was more valuable than cotton.
It was just that the cotton of today's people was indeed rare.
Especially when winter was coming soon.
The half jin of new cotton given to Zhou Xi was in fact only enough to make a thin winter coat.
The half-jin of cotton she gave and the share they received themselves, couldn't make thick clothes when combined. It was always better than nothing.
Last time Zhou Xi asked her to buy knitting wool. The siblings could wear sweaters this winter. Their life was getting better each year.
A pot of eel brought over by Zhou Dong was used up by Lin Qing He after braising two dishes. The taste was particularly savory and delicious.
As for the quilt, Zhou Qing Bai carried it over to his parents' home after ten o'clock in the evening. It could be counted as stealthy handiwork.
Otherwise, a seven-jin quilt would really cause a scene.
However, his family got two large quilts of this size. He had no idea how his wife brought them back. But he had to say, they were really warm.
After the winter wheat was planted, it was really cold.
Lin Qing He had already woven Zhou Qing Bai's vest. Wearing a shirt inside and putting this vest on the outside was very pleasing to the eye.
The one for San Wa was done. Er Wa's was half knitted. Da Wa's had yet to be started. As for her own, there was no need for this year. The previous one can still be worn.
Zhou Qing Bai went out to gather firewood early in the morning. The firewood at home was almost gone and they didn't have any to burn in winter.
"Mother, the team will slaughter the pigs tomorrow. Let's get some pig intestines to eat." Da Wa said.
"When your father comes back, go ask your father. I don't know how to clean up that stuff." Lin Qing He simply answered.
"Why ask my father? He needs to fetch firewood and go no time. I will ask my grandma." Da Wa responded and headed to the old Zhou's house.
Mother Zhou came over with little Su Cheng in her arm and said, "Da Wa said he wanted to eat pig intestines. I heard from Da Wa that you don't know how to clean it?"
"I don't know." Lin Qing He stated.
"Then Mother will handle it." Mother Zhou nodded.
"Mother, do you know how to clean the pig's stomach?" Lin Qing He asked again.
"I do." Mother Zhou smiled.
"Then I will get a pork stomach." Lin Qing He said.
Pig's stomach was also delicious. Stewing pig's stomach soup with a sprinkle of pepper was also warming and healthy.
Leaving the meat distribution to Lin Qing He and the children was fine. Mother Zhou also joined them. Zhou Qing Bai didn't need to go over. He continued to get firewood.
With Zhou Qing Bai at home, they gained a lot of work points. And Da Wa went to forage pigweed too. Now, that Father Zhou and Mother Zhous's work points were counted together, the meat allocated was really bountiful.
Without any reservation, Lin Qing He requested for a large piece of fatty meat for extracting lard.
The rest was pork belly, lean meat, pork ribs, large bones, a pork stomach, a string of pig large intestine. Lin Qing He eyed on the small intestine and asked for it.
She had heard her friends say that it was delicious, despite not liking it herself.
Once these things were added up, it was really a lot. One big bucket full of stuff!
A group of women in the village was envious and jealous from watching.
Wang Ling said to a jealous Second Sister-in-law, "Your mother-in-law is clearly being biased. This many portions of meat are all sent to your Fourth Brother-in-law's home, while you three family get none."
"It must be said, our family has divided. Each counts their own work points. My father and mother are now eating with Fourth's family, naturally, the meat has to be transported there. What does it have to do with us?" Eldest Sister-in-law was at the side. In response to this, she simply voiced out.
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128. Comfortable life
"Who would deny that. The family had already split. The two old ones are eating with Fourth's family, it goes without saying that their share will be sent to Fourth's house. Our own family also has work points, we won't eye on Father and Mother's meat." Third Sister-in-law followed up.
The other people nearby had some opinions when Wang Ling spoke out, but after Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law's words, they said nothing.
Who in the village doesn't know now that the old Zhou couple didn't open fire anymore (i.e. cook) and ate with their old Fourth?
Therefore, it was normal for the meat to be sent to Fourth's home.
Wang Ling didn't say anything once she saw that everyone was not on her side.
It was only Second Sister-in-law who kept a terrible expression, especially when it was her turn. Her family could only get a cut of three jins of meat.
One must know, Lin Qing He got a large piece of fatty meat just now, while she got a cut of three jins!
What about the other meat?
Because she bought a good bit of ribs and bones, it looked like a hefty amount. Due to these being cheaper, she requested more of these.
After the meat distribution and reaching home, Second Sister-in-law's face was still very unsightly.
On the other hand, Second Brother was very delighted and said, "Let's eat dumplings tonight!"
After a long day of exhaustion, eating dumplings were still affordable.
"Eat, eat, eat! All you know is to eat. What do you know besides eating!"Second Sister-in-law lashed out.
Second Brother was shocked. He just wanted to eat dumplings. Why did he get yelled at? He said: "What's with you now? Who has angered you?"
Second Sister-in-law gritted her teeth, "Just now, Mother was with Fourth's wife during the meat distribution and got allocated a big barrel!"
"What's the matter? Father and Qing Bai both get ten work points." Second Brother responded.
Two sets of ten work point ah! Think how much meat was given this time?
"All those meat was sent to Fourth's place!" Second Sister-in-law continued on.
"What is there to say? Father and Mother are eating over there now. If the meat isn't sent over there, then where?" Perplexed, Second Brother responded.
He really couldn't understand what was going on with his wife.
"Say, how about letting Father and Mother come and eat with us?" Suggested Second Sister-in-law.
She felt it was better to let her in-laws eat with her family. Currently, Father-in-law was still able to move and can earn ten work points. Although Mother-in-law wasn't working in the field, the child will soon grow up and she'll be free to gather pigweeds in exchange for work point.
So there was no loss.
"You can really think. How can your cooking compare to Fourth's wife? Didn't you see how delighted my parents were since they headed over there for meals?" Second Brother laughed.
He knew that his father and mother were over the moon. And he had to admit that his father and his mother looked much better since they joined Fourth's family during the meal. It evident how good the food there was.
His wife wanted his parents to come to his house to eat. It'll be strange if his parents were to be happy with his family's pickled vegetables and vegetable lumps.
"You haven't mentioned it yet, so how can you know whether your father and mother are unwilling!"
"Don't make trouble," Second Brother stated.
Not to mention his father and mother, if it was him, he won't change. He heard that the dishes on the table at Fourth's place weren't repeated and there were meat or eggs in every meal!
It can't true that there was meat in every meal, but it was definitely true that every meal had eggs. Last time he saw it, Fourth's wife returned with a basket of eggs from the outside.
A big basket full of it ah! It must be bought from the community's supply and demand cooperative.
Second Sister-in-law was very angry: "You won't say, then I will!"
"Then you go." Second Brother waved his hand.
Second Sister-in-law didn't immediately go. She planned to find a suitable opportunity to bring it up.
However, Mother Zhou had no time to bother with her at the moment.
Lin Qing He was also very busy. So much meat brought back home. It must be sorted out.
She chopped the large fatty meat and then started cooking the lard.
There were only two barrels of peanut oil left in her space, and it was consumed at a speedy pace, so if there was big fatty meat, she was more than happy to get it for oil extraction.
At this time, the pork was all raised by nature and did not eat the fodder, so the oil extracted was particularly flavorful.
The oil residue was also good stuff. The children love to eat them very much.
Lin Qing He intended to make steamed buns.
Oil residues and cabbage as filling. As for other ingredients, it wasn't needed. Even the end result of this steam buns was so delicious and so fragrant.
As for the pork belly, Lin Qing He sprinkled a handful of salt and left it for frying for consumption.
Lean meat, pork ribs, and big bones were all arranged to the fullest. None will be wasted at all.
However, the weather wasn't too cold at the moment, so the meat should be eaten as soon as possible.
Pig's large intestine, pig's stomach, and small intestine were all processed by Mother Zhou and didn't need Lin Qing He to intervene. The pig large intestine was fried with pickled vegetable bits. The pig stomach was sliced and stewed with pepper into a soup. And the small intestine was steamed in an airtight container.
In short, the food on this day was all top-notch. Zhou Qing Bai also took out the wine and had a drink with Father Zhou and Mother Zhou.
Lin Qing He and the kids didn't drink it. Da Wa actually wanted to drink and shrank back under Lin Qing He's glare. Not fifteen years old, then not a drop of wine was allowed to touch.
The dishes on the table were very rich and everyone ate until their heart content.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou was extremely pleased with the meal.
The old couple went back to rest after eating. They were drained from all activities during this while, and now they need to take a good rest.
As soon as the two returned, Second Sister-in-law brought a bowl of dumplings over with a smile.
"Father and mother, this is the dumplings I made. Try it?" Second Sister-in-law offered.
"No need. We ate it at your fourth brother's house." Mother Zhou said.
Second Sister-in-law smelled alcohol, and said, "Father and Mother had wine as well?"
"The dishes over there were so delicious, so I had a drink." Mother Zhou grinned.
Second Sister-in-law couldn't maintain her smile. She hadn't spoken yet and still got her mouth blocked by her mother-in-law.
Mother Zhou didn't know about Second's wife's plan, she simply took her little grandson back into the room to rest.
Second Sister-in-law returned with the dumplings.
"I told you, no need to bring it over. Old Fourth can't possibly starve father and mother." Second Brother remarked.
"Don't care about my filial piety, then I'll eat it myself!" Second Sister-in-law uttered with irk.
Second Brother didn't say anything and told his kids to eat quickly. It was a rare opportunity to eat dumplings. This was full of flavor unlike the coarse grains, which was hard to swallow.
Even so, there was only so much wheat allocated to their home. They can only eat it for a few meals.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law were also given a lot of meat today. Both brought some to Father Zhou and Mother Zhou, but the elders didn't accept it. They had them take it back to eat.
"Father and mother are very elated to eat at Fourth Brother-in-law's house." Eldest Sister-in-law chuckled.
"Today is certainly pleasing. Both of you go back to eat. Your father and I know you are filial." Mother Zhou said with a beam.
Third Sister-in-law also nodded with a smile.
Both sisters-in-law went back.
"The two of us are having a good time now," Mother Zhou grinned at Father Zhou.
Father Zhou narrowed his eyes in comfort. The current days were really well.
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For the ordinary people nowadays, wasn't the happiest thing the moments right now?
This year's production was also a bumper harvest. As long as they worked hard, every household can get enough food for the winter.
Now the winter wheat had all been planted and the team had the meat divided as well. At the end of the year, it will be divided again. The common people can also eat a few good meals. These days were really beautiful.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou think so. Wasn't it the same for the others at their age in the village?
Especially for the elderly who have gone through three years of famine. It was a blessing to have a peaceful and stable life right now.
After dividing the meat, the food at home was indeed a grade better.
Although Lin Qing He lived a bit extravagantly according to the people in this era, in fact, her family really didn't eat meat for every meal.
Even if there was, it was some meat bits.
As for eggs, it can be eaten every day.
But it was only at not so eye-catching moment like now, where it was possible to openly take action.
Early the next morning, Zhou Qing Bai rode the bicycle to get firewood again. In the past two days, he had already gathered a lot of them and were left in the yard. Some weren't dry. At this time, the wind was a bit chilly, so it can only dry a bit.
Lin Qing He led Er Wa, San Wa, and Mother Zhou on making buns.
Yesterday's oil residues were still there. Even though the kids snacked a little, there was still a lot left. Although they were greedy for the oil residue, they knew that it was going to use for making buns today and knew to restrain themselves.
Counting the days, they haven't eaten meat buns for a long time.
In fact, the meat buns in Lin Qing He's space only had one-third left. Occasionally, she gave the three brothers one each.
Then she would say she bought it from the city, and it was only when they did not have meat at home she would give them.
Zhou Qing Bai also ate a few times. Afterward, whenever she gave it to him, he never ate it. Instead, he urged her to eat it herself.
Mother Zhou still had some understanding of Lin Qing He, this daughter-in-law, so she didn't say anything about making buns today.
After breakfast, she started to help.
As for Father Zhou, he went out to chat with others. Before going out, he only asked what he would have for lunch when he returns.
White flour Buns, his most favorite.
Because Father Zhou and Mother Zhou were included, Lin Qing He made more. But because of the limited oil residue, not much was made.
Probably enough for one meal.
"It's enough for two meals. Cook some congee to go with it and leave some for later." Mother Zhou said.
According to Lin Qing He's thoughts, just having steamed buns for lunch was enough. At night, she wanted to make mushroom dumplings. However, after hearing Mother Zhou's suggestion, she didn't object.
It was fine to cook millet porridge to accompany it.
At noon, the buns were naturally very flavorful. With the palm-sized buns, Da Wa had three and drank a bowl of millet porridge.
Er Wa also ate three, but only drank a half bowl of millet porridge.
In the end, San Wa was still a bit small. Even if he had the heart to, he had no capacity to. He still ate two steamed buns and half a bowl of millet porridge.
With this volume, it caught up with Lin Qing He. Lin Qing He had one bun and two bowls of millet porridge.
She preferred to drink more millet porridge. As for this oily cabbage dumpling, her feelings toward it was so-so.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou had eaten a lot. The two of them were old but vigorous. Initially, the two had stopped at three each. However, Lin Qing He knew that it wasn't enough for the old couple and each of them was given one more.
After eating this, there wasn't much left of the buns made in the morning. Zhou Qing Bai returned after one in the afternoon. Lin Qing He heated the rest of the buns and the leftover millet porridge for him.
Five big buns and almost two bowls of millet porridge all ended in the belly.
There were only eight buns left from the morning, which was definitely not enough.
Mother Zhou's thoughts were too beautiful. She didn't know that her youngest son's fighting power as well as her grandchildren's weren't small.
Lin Qing He sent Zhou Qing Bai to sleep and she began to make the dough.
There were only eight buns left, how could that be enough. Adding a mushroom and pork dumplings was about enough.
Originally Zhou Qing Bai wanted to help, but Lin Qing He didn't need him. Just bit of work, how could it take two people?
Mushrooms have to be soaked in warm water. It was too late to use cold water. Once the dough finished rising, it should be mostly ready.
Zhou Qing Bai woke up after lying down for half an hour.
The dough was still rising. Lin Qing He was sitting on the Kang edge knitting clothes, which was for Er Wa. It was almost done. Da Wa was the only one left.
"I'll bring all the firewood back these few days, so let's have a trip." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"OK!" Lin Qing He chirped brightly.
"Can't bring the children." Seeing her perked up, Zhou Qing Bai's lip corner carried merriment.
"Why bring them? We have to go and have a two-person world, right? A bunch of little nuisance light bulbs." Lin Qing He said.
Although many vocabularies can't be heard, it didn't mean it can't be understood. Zhou Qing Bai was in a good mood.
"I have to knit out Da Wa's vest before departure. You will make the dumplings tonight." Lin Qing He directed.
Making dumplings was simple for Zhou Qingbai. At the force, he knew how to, even though his wife never had him to cook after returning home.
Mother Zhou brought little Su Cheng over at four o'clock. Now she often came over and it was great to talk to Fourth's wife.
She came across Zhou Qing Bai chopping the filling.
"Why are you making dumplings?" Mother Zhou asked.
"I have eaten a lot of steamed buns. There's not enough for tonight. Qing He asked me to make some." Zhou Qing Bai replied.
"And Qing He?" Mother Zhou asked.
"She's knitting for Er Wa." Zhou Qing Bai answered.
"It's really not easy to take care of you father and sons." Mother Zhou also said truthfully.
She came here often and could witness it. It can be said that Fourth's wife was at home all day. In fact, throughout the day, she had no idle time.
Every time she came over, she saw Fourth's wife sewing the soles or knitting sweaters or reorganizing the garden in the backyard. If not, then she was preparing food for her youngest son, who had been busy outside for a day, to come back to eat.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded: "Qing He really doesn't have it easy. Mother, I will go out with Qing He in a few days. Probably takes seven or eight days. At that time, let Father come to live at home and take care of Da Wa and his brothers. ."
"Where are you going?" Zhou Mu paused for a moment.
"We are going to the capital. But don't tell others, Mother." Zhou Qing Bai replied.
"What are you going there for?" Mother Zhou couldn't help utter.
"Go and have a body checkup." Zhou Qing Bai had already thought of the explanation.
Sure enough, as soon as he said it, Mother Zhou immediately understood. She whispered: "How can Qing He possibly have problems with her body? The boys are like you. You can't think about nonsense, understood?"
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Zhou Qing Bai didn't get what his mother was saying at first, but when he did, he was dumbfounded.
"Mother, it's not Qing He who needs a checkup. It's me." Zhou Qing Bai took it upon himself.
"Your checkup?" Zhou Mother froze for a moment. "What's wrong with you?"
"I'm afraid it reached the foundation that time I was seriously injured, so Qing He hasn't been able to have children until now." Zhou Qing Bai said.
It wasn't really taking all the responsibilities. He did have such a suspicion. Although the injury did not damage his lower body at that time, it was indeed heavy.
Most likely the reason was him. Otherwise, with his wife's belly's capability, why haven't she been pregnant until now?
It dawned on Mother Zhou. She was saying San Wa was already this big, why wasn't Fourth's wife pregnant yet. Could it be this was the reason?
"Did Da Wa's mother tell you off?" Zhou Mother couldn't help utter.
"No." Zhou Qing Bai shook his head, and then said: "Mother, it's enough that you and my father can take care of the boys for us then."
"Can't you do a checkup in the county hospital?" Mother Zhou couldn't resist saying.
"It's better to go to a big place. I'm afraid we won't get any result here." Zhou Qing Bai replied.
Mother Zhou sighed and said, "Then go. Just get Da Wa's mother to take good care of you. Father and Mother will keep watch at home."
Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Because of this, Mother Zhou couldn't taste the delicious dumplings in the evening. Her mind was full of worried.
"What did you tell Mother when making dumplings to make Mother so soulless?" Lin Qing He asked Zhou Qing Bai when going to sleep at night.
Zhou Qing Bai gave a simple rundown. Lin Qing He: "..."
You don't have to doubt yourself. You hurt your upper body. I can assure you on the lower body, that your big brother is really strong and has no problem at all!
However, Zhou Qing Bai obviously felt this way. So even though it was Lin Qing He who wanted to go the capital this time, Zhou Qing Bai did want to check his body for any after effect.
Lin Qing He whispered: "Qing Bai, what to do if it's my problem?"
Zhou Qing Bai shook his head: "You won't have any problems."
It should be him, who couldn't make her pregnant. Her body was the type to be pregnant once touched.
Lin Qing He mourned for herself in her heart. She planned to wait until they went to the capital before confessing to him honestly. With only two people, it was easier to talk.
Now that there were so many people in the family, leave it.
Seven days later, Lin Qing He finished knitting Er Wa and Da Wa's vest. Zhou Qing Bai also saved a lot of firewood.
And this year, there were a lot of straw and cotton stalks allocated to their home. No need to completely rely on Zhou Qing Bai to get firewood, so they didn't need that much.
Lin Qing He prepared a full pot of eggs for the family, which could be as much as four or five jins.
Other materials were also abundant. So Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai brought their marriage certificate and their travel certificates and headed out.
The three brothers especially wanted to follow, but there was no way. The two of them came out to do business, not to play.
Besides, the situation outside the village was much more severe. Lin Qing He wasn't willing to let the children take risks.
At this time, when a man and a woman go out, their marriage registration certificate must be brought with them, or they will be treated as an improper relationship between man and woman.
Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai also encountered few checks on the train.
The other person was aggressive. However, when he came across Zhou Qing Bai's obvious military aura as well as Lin Qing He's extraordinary speech, which was a clear indication of good origin, he didn't dare to be too presumptuous.
After checking that the two of them were husband and wife and they wanted to go to the capital to deal with a matter, they didn't say much.
But even like this, Lin Qing He still frowned.
"Now the situation outside is like this. Just endure and it'll be over." Zhou Qing Bai grasped her hand and said.
Lin Qing He nodded.
The way to the capital wasn't very short. Just a one-way journey took five days.
Have to say, the moment when Lin Qing He got off the train, she felt that she was alive again. She never imagined that the transportation was falling behind to this extent.
After riding on the transport for the whole way, Lin Qing He was drained. So without saying a word, she started to find a fairly good guest house with Zhou Qing Bai, showed the documents, and then opened a room.
After confirming the sanitary conditions, Lin Qing He finally fell into bed at once: "I will only come out this time. The next time I am invited, I will not come!"
My god, she didn't know how she endured the whole way.
"Go take a bath first." Zhou Qing Bai chuckled.
He was used to suffering, so he didn't find it unbearable. But he knew that his wife would definitely be tired.
Lin Qing He went to take a bath first. Zhou Qing Bai also went to take a bath. Both couples felt much refreshed before going to bed.
They really didn't get to sleep well along the way. Let alone Lin Qing He, Zhou Qing Bai himself was a little tired.
So the two had no time to eat and went to bed at once before they decide anything.
This sleep lasted it was really pitched dark. Zhou Qing Bai got up after two hours of sleep. In the end, his previous foundation was still there. After he got up, he saw that his wife was still asleep and did not disturb her. After going out to bring delicious food back, he woke his wife for a meal.
Lin Qing He was still very sleepy. She casually ate a bit and then went to sleep. The rest was finished off by Zhou Qing Bai.
Zhou Qing Bai continued to sleep after eating.
The two were asleep from early evening to early morning.
In the morning, Lin Qing He couldn't tell the difference between north and south. Once she moved, Zhou Qing Bai woke up too.
After sleeping for so long, her spirit had recovered a lot.
"What time is it?" Lin Qing He asked.
Zhou Qing Bai looked at his watch and said, "It's half-past seven."
"Slept that long!" Lin Qing He was also a little surprised. She really didn't expect to sleep for so long.
"Much better?" Zhou Qing Bai asked.
"I'm fine, just tired." Lin Qing He stretched out comfortably.
After sleeping for such a long time, her body really felt a lot more comfortable. At least not like half-dead condition when she first arrived at the capital yesterday.
The two sprawled in bed for a while. When it was almost time, they got up to wash up and went out.
Lin Qing He was not in a hurry to collect things. First, she walked around with Zhou Qing Bai, and then came to the hospital that day.
Lin Qing He thought he would take her out for shopping, never expected him to bring her here.
"Let's go." Zhou Qing Bai led her.
Even in this era, even if the couple was married, they cannot hold hands when walking on the street and also can't walk too close.
"Qing Bai, I want to tell you something."
Lin Qing He looked at the hospital and sighed after a moment. She stood still and looked at Zhou Qing Bai with resignation.
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