As the sun rises, its gentle rays fall on the country lanes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

There are several small paths leading out of the village, but only one main road is accessible by vehicle.

We encountered several groups of people from Shanshui Village along the way.

Those with slightly better conditions pushed wheelbarrows, carrying grain to sell on one side and other odds and ends on the other.

Those with poor conditions but strong strength carried a carrying pole and two baskets, the baskets filled with grain;

Those who are weak and lack strength carry a basket filled with grain, topped with chicken and duck eggs that they have saved up but are reluctant to eat.

Aunt Zhang and her eldest son belong to the latter two categories.

Seeing Aunt Zhang struggling to carry the bamboo basket, Shui Qing greeted her, "Aunt Zhang, why don't you put the basket on the cart? We'll give it to you when we get to the market."

"No need, no need! The journey isn't far, I can carry it," Aunt Zhang said warmly with a smile.

Shuiqing could tell that her whole family was going back to her parents' home. There were seven people on the oxcart, along with two bags of grain and cloth. She was too embarrassed to put her own things on it as well.

Moreover, the heavier the grain she carried, the more at ease she felt, and the happier she was.

Zhang Jinniu, carrying two full baskets of rice on his back, wiped the sweat from his forehead and laughed heartily at the water, saying, "My mother is very happy."

Originally, it would have been fine to have Yinniu carry the grain, but Mother said there were many things to prepare, so she came instead.

Aunt Zhang showed no politeness to her son, snorting, "We're running low on salt and lamp oil, so we need to buy some more."

Lately, you brothers and sisters have been working day and night, and your mother is just worried about you, thinking of buying you some oily food.

"You heartless bastard, I knew I shouldn't have come!"

In the past, her family would not buy lamp oil, and if it was too late, they would wash by moonlight. But now, in order to be able to peel water chestnuts at night, they figured it was more cost-effective to buy lamp oil.

Salt is essential; you need it to have the energy to work. We can't do without it. Since there's plenty of rice now, we should exchange it for more salt and store it at home. Salt won't spoil anyway.

Who knows what next year will bring?

Zhang Jinniu could only hear the words "oily food," and he swallowed hard, excitedly asking, "Mother, are you going to buy pork?"

Good heavens, how long has it been since he's had a piece of fatty pork? Especially after his father squandered all the land and went into debt, he hasn't even seen a drop of oil.

Aunt Zhang couldn't bear to discourage her eldest son, who had suffered for many years, but she also didn't dare to let him have too high expectations. She said in a low voice, "Don't be too happy. Our family can't afford fatty pork. We can only buy some lean meat from the pig's leg and a big bone to make soup."

"That's enough! As long as there's something to eat, lean meat and big bones are good enough!" Zhang Jinniu suddenly felt more energetic and the burden on his shoulders didn't feel so heavy.

The thought of being able to eat meat and drink bone broth filled him with joy.

Yan Qiuxing and the others could understand Jinniu's joy. Even though they had eaten meat several times after the family split up, they were still extremely happy every time they ate meat.

Shui Qing was happy for Jin Niu's family.

Turning around, I heard Aunt Zhang brainwashing Taurus: "You must remember the kindness of your second brother and sister-in-law's family!"

Without them, you and your younger siblings wouldn't be able to eat meat or drink bone broth, and you'd even have to eat coarse cornmeal porridge sparingly.

"Thanks to your second brother and sister-in-law taking care of our family, we've been able to eat dark flour buns for just a few days! Tell me, aren't they our family's greatest benefactors!"

Shui Qing's face flushed red. She really wasn't that great, nor was she selflessly dedicated.