The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 217: Perceptiveness

When Sang Luo and Mrs. Chen returned to Daxing Village, the fields were already bustling with activity.

She greeted everyone briefly and didn’t linger, heading home to start boiling water.

When Shen Ning heard her return, she came over from the back of the house: “Sister-in-law, did you hire people?”

Sang Luo nodded, “Yes, I’ve hired some of our old neighbors from the mountains. They’ll start working in a couple of days, but today we have seven people helping us plow the fields.”

“Seven people?” Shen Ning was surprised and quickly asked Sang Luo, “Do we need to prepare food?”

“Yes, but not this early. We have time to organize that later,” Sang Luo replied, taking a jar from the cupboard. Inside was syrup made from wild jujube fruits picked in early winter, which she ladled into an empty water jug. When the water in the kettle boiled, she poured a jar of hot water into the jug, filling the air with a subtle sweet fragrance.

To keep the water warm in winter, the house had thick, woven straw nests for the food and water jugs. She put the hot syrup into the water nest, covered it with straw, and after about an hour and a half, the water inside was still warm.

Sang Luo placed the jar of hot syrup into the water nest, covered it, and took a bowl with her to the field. She invited everyone to help themselves to the syrup if they were thirsty.

The oldest Zhao family member was a man about thirty-four or thirty-five, with a round face and dark complexion, looking every bit the hardworking farmer. He appeared a bit lean, perhaps due to years of hard work. Seeing Sang Luo bring water, he paused his work and said, “Sang daughter-in-law, we’ve already had breakfast at home. You don’t need to worry about us. We’ll finish before noon and come back tomorrow. I think we’ll be done in two days.”

Unaware that Sang Luo had already arranged to hire two of their family members for longer work, he wanted to avoid troubling the Shen family with food.

Sang Luo smiled and simply said, “Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Zhao.”

The group waved their hands, saying in unison, “It’s no trouble, no trouble. Sang daughter-in-law, you can go back now.”

Sang Luo, still thinking about making paper, didn’t stay long. After thanking them, she returned home, soaked some beans considering the Zhao family’s appetite along with her own, and then went to check on the four pots of tree bark she was boiling.

Shen Lie and Shen An hurried back home. Not finding anyone in the house, they vaguely heard noises from the back and went to see four stoves set up!

“What are they doing?” Shen Lie wondered. Even if it was for lunch, it seemed a bit early.

Shen Ning’s eyes lit up, especially since Shen An had helped peel the bark earlier. She excitedly whispered, “They’re making paper! Sister-in-law is trying to make paper!”

Shen An was immediately excited. He took two steps forward, instinctively reaching for the lid of the nearest pot, but hesitated, unsure if he should open it. He stopped himself and asked Sang Luo, “Sister-in-law, what’s inside these pots?”

Sang Luo answered, “The bark you helped peel.”

Shen An’s eyes widened, “The bark can be made into paper after soaking and cooking?”

Shen Lie was confused. He looked at the four large pots and then at Sang Luo, “You know how to make paper?”

Sang Luo shook her head and answered their questions, “No, I don’t really know. I just thought since cloth is made from hemp, and we don’t have ramie, I’d try using bark that’s somewhat similar and follow the methods used for making cloth. I’m experimenting with four different methods in the pots. I left four bundles of bark to try different techniques and see if any work out.”

Her casual attitude didn’t lessen Shen Lie and Shen An’s appreciation.

Ah Luo is doing this for me and Xiao An.

Sister-in-law is doing this for me and Big Brother.

Seeing the two brothers’ reaction, Sang Luo shifted the topic, “Have you all registered? Are there many references?”

Shen Lie nodded, “Yes, we’ve registered. I don’t know how many others there are or if it’s been announced, but the registration page was almost full when we signed up.”

Sang Luo didn’t press further, waving her hand, “Then go ahead and review your books. Familiarize yourself with the pens, ink, and paper. A good handwriting can earn extra points during the examination.”

Shen An smiled and agreed. Shen Lie, thinking of holding Sang Luo’s hand, hesitated with Shen An and Shen Ning nearby. Instead, he came closer and said, “I heard from Old Chen about hiring people. Don’t just hire them for a month. Keep them on as long as needed. I’ll go into the forest after the exams and find what’s necessary.”

He realized he should have arranged for help earlier, but considering he had brought out the people himself, he didn’t know where to find suitable workers at first.

“Anyway, don’t be stingy. You and An Ning stay at home, cook, study, or work on whatever interests you. Just be happy.”

Sang Luo smiled, and Shen Ning started to chuckle, exchanging a look with Shen An.

Everyone knows Big Brother cares for Sister-in-law.

The little girl is quite sharp. Sang Luo pinched her cheek.

Shen Lie smiled and, after asking Sang Luo about the Zhao family’s meal arrangements and expressing his appreciation, went back to the house with Shen An.

—

Cooking the bark only requires enough water and firewood; it doesn’t need constant attention.

Early in the afternoon, Sang Luo and Shen Ning steamed a pot of five-bean rice, steamed the half-prepared vegetable tripe meant for their own meal, and prepared some oil and seasoning. They also steamed a piece of bacon, sliced it thin, blanched winter bamboo shoots, and made two large plates of stir-fried bamboo shoots with bacon.

The aroma made Shen Lie, who had been traveling for nearly two months, start feeling hungry while reading. Shen An’s thoughts also began to drift.

In the kitchen, Sang Luo divided all the food into two portions: a smaller one for their own meal and a larger one into a big basket. She then asked Shen Ning to prepare ten sets of chopsticks and bowls in a small basket, and called for Shen Lie.

Shen Lie entered the kitchen and, after a glance, immediately understood: “Delivering the food? I’ll handle it.”

He picked up a basket without needing further assistance from Sang Luo or Shen Ning. Sang Luo only instructed, “Call the three Xiao Jin brothers and bring their share. Come back soon for your own meal.”

“Alright, you all eat first. I’ll be back quickly.”

Sang Luo didn’t mention calling Shen An.

—

At the Zhao family’s field, even though it was a busy farming season, they typically had only two meals a day and hadn’t expected lunch. Having worked hard to this point, they were quite tired and hungry. Usually, at this time of day, they would just drink water to fill up and rest before continuing.

Seeing Shen Lie approach with big strides, Zhao’s eldest noticed the familiar figure and the two baskets in his hands. The strong build and long legs of Shen Lie made his approach fast. As he got closer, the winter wind carried the enticing aroma of meat.

“Master Shen?”

Zhao’s eldest’s gaze was drawn to the baskets, and he could smell the delicious scent of preserved meat. He swallowed hard, his dark face flushing slightly.

Shen Lie arrived at the field’s edge, set down the baskets, and smiled, “Uncle Zhao, thank you for your help. My wife has prepared some food for you. Please come and eat first. Rest for a bit and then continue working.”

They had indeed prepared lunch for them.

The Zhao family members looked at each other, surprised that they were being offered not just a meal but also meat.

Zhao’s second son said, “Master Shen, it’s unusual to have lunch during these times. We had breakfast already, and we’ll prepare our own lunch at home.”

Despite his words, his stomach audibly rumbled, betraying his hunger.

Embarrassed, Zhao’s second son covered his stomach.

Shen Lie laughed, “Uncle, don’t work on an empty stomach. You can have your lunch at home. It’s proper etiquette to treat you to a meal.”

He also called over the Xiao Jin brothers to wash their hands and join the meal.

During this busy season, whether Sang Luo or Shen Ning cooked, they always made extra food for the three brothers. They had eaten together a few times, and Shen Jin would bring some rice, grains, and meat in return. Slowly, a routine had developed.

When Zhao’s eldest called them to eat, the three younger Zhao brothers eagerly put down their hoes and ran quickly. The seven Zhao family members hesitated, looking to Zhao’s eldest.

Shen Lie said with a smile, “Uncle Zhao, go ahead and eat. Otherwise, how could I ask you to come help again tomorrow? I need to go back home as well or my food will get cold.”

He urged the boys he knew well: “Zhao Dalang, Zhao Erlang, Zhao Sanlang, hurry up.”

The boys, familiar with Shen Lie, laughed and scratched their heads. Zhao’s eldest son smiled, “We won’t be polite then. It smells so good, and I’m really hungry.”

His stomach growled loudly, and the young man grinned.

Shen Lie laughed, “No need to be polite. Eat up. I’ll head back and come to pick up the baskets later.”

Shen Yin said, “Brother, you don’t need to go. Xiao Tie and I will take them back.”

Shen Lie patted his head, “Alright.”

Fearing the Zhao family might feel uncomfortable, he said his goodbyes and left.

The Zhao family members thanked him and went to the field’s edge. When they saw the dishes in the basket, their appetites were instantly piqued. The seven of them swallowed in unison.

Shen Jin handed them bowls, “Uncle, here, have some rice. My sister-in-law’s cooking is the best.”

The Zhao family washed their hands by the field’s edge, took the bowls and chopsticks handed to them by Shen Jin, Shen Yin, and Shen Tie, and thanked them again. “It really looks good and smells delicious.”

They filled their bowls with bean rice but hesitated to take from the plate of preserved meat.

Unlike the Shen family, hunting was not easy for them. The children had only learned a bit of stick play from afar, and in terms of hunting, they were no match for Shen Yin.

Without a master to guide them, learning to hunt was extremely difficult. Fortunately, Shen Lie and the villagers had been kind to them, often exchanging wild game for other goods.

The meat was a rare treat.

The seven Zhao family members swallowed in unison, too shy to take the meat. They each took a small portion of the vegetable tripe.

Zhao’s third son noted the vegetable tripe, commenting, “This must be made from konjac, right? Sister-in-law’s skill is impressive, much better than what we make.”

It was visibly different.

Tasting a piece confirmed it.

The brothers examined the vegetable tripe, noting its delicate color and cut. They planned to ask their mother and wives to learn how to make it, hoping to improve their own cooking.

Seeing them only eating the vegetable tripe, Shen Jin urged, “Uncle, have some meat too. My sister-in-law prepared this meal to treat you, don’t just eat the vegetable tripe.”

“Oh, so this is the vegetable tripe.”

Realizing it was something Sang Luo made herself, they thought their own efforts might be lacking in finesse, making their food not as appealing or delicious.

Zhao’s eldest said, “Oh, we will, we will. Sister-in-law is really being too kind.”

The meat, with its salty and especially fragrant flavor.

At that moment, Zhao’s eldest felt as if they were eating like a rich family.

He took a piece of meat, savoring it slowly. The unique flavor of the preserved meat made his mouth water. What was initially just hunger turned into a craving, making him feel a rush of appetite, almost devouring it ravenously.

The joy of eating was overwhelming.

Seeing Zhao’s eldest start eating, the other six family members also dared to take their share. Then, they only focused on eating heartily, immersed in their meal.

“Eat up. After this meal, work hard this afternoon! Dig the fields a bit deeper and cover the weeds better! The nutrients in the soil will benefit next year’s spring crops.”

Sang Luo prepared enough bean rice, and since people who had been eating only half-full for a long time gradually had smaller appetites, they finished all the food she brought. Shen Jin and his brothers were fine, but the Zhao family, with their sons and nephews, ate until they were stuffed.

When Shen Jin and his brothers were about to leave with the empty baskets, Zhao’s eldest quickly stopped them and called his two sons: “Go wash the bowls and chopsticks at the spring by the mountain before returning them.”

Shen Jin waved his hand, “No need, there’s a well next to my brother’s place. I’ll wash them there.”

Only then did the Zhao family brothers stop following them.

Shen Jin returned the bowls and chopsticks, and the Zhao family sat on the field’s edge, taking over a quarter of an hour to recover from their meal.

Zhao Erlang, who was used to drinking water at noon, took the bowl he habitually used for drinking, poured a bit of water, and noticed it still had some warmth, not cold. He took a small sip and tasted a hint of sweetness. He was surprised: “Father, this seems to be sweetened with honey.”

Zhao’s second son tasted the water and was also surprised. He turned to his elder brother and said, “It really is sweet.”

Zhao’s eldest said, “Sang Luo is truly kind. We should work well to show our appreciation for her hospitality.”

“Elder brother, even without this hospitality, we would have worked hard anyway,” Zhao’s fourth son replied, laughing. He added, “Sang Luo is genuinely generous. Brother, do you think Sang Luo has asked our parents about hiring workers?”

If there was such a generous employer, he’d be happy to work for them his whole life, not just for a month.

Among the four Zhao brothers, Zhao Silang was the most grateful to Sang Luo and Shen Lie. He married the latest and, unlike his older brothers, had to escape into the mountains with his young child. The child, only five or six years old, couldn’t withstand hunger or danger.

Hearing this, Zhao’s eldest said, “They should agree to it. If Sang Luo wants to hire workers, even if we don’t have extra labor, our parents would still ask us to go.”

The brothers warmed up inside, and Zhao’s third son asked, “I wonder who will come.”

Zhao’s eldest laughed, “If Shen Lie and Sang Luo choose, we won’t know. Whoever they want, that’s who will come. If it’s our parents choosing, it goes without saying—it’ll be the best and most hardworking farmers.”

Among the brothers, Zhao’s eldest was the most hardworking, while Zhao’s fourth son was the best at farming.

Zhao’s second and third sons looked on with envy.

—

At the Shen family’s side, Shen Jin brought the cleaned bowls and chopsticks into the kitchen. Sang Luo and the others hadn’t finished eating yet. While placing the items on the counter, he asked with a grin, “Sister-in-law, I heard from Mrs. Chen that you want to hire the Zhao family as helpers?”

Sang Luo looked at him, “Why do you ask?”

Shen Jin replied, “I secretly observed this morning. The Zhao family’s eldest uncle is the most hardworking, but the most meticulous worker is Zhao Silang.”

Sang Luo laughed, “So you spent the whole morning assessing them and even figured out their order?”

Shen Jin chuckled, “I heard Mrs. Chen talking to my brother. Since you want to hire workers, I thought I should pay more attention.”

Sang Luo laughed and praised him, “Well done.”

It turns out, although he gets dizzy from reading, his keen observation skills are quite useful in business.