However, heavy rain and storms are unavoidable. In previous years, during heavy rainstorms, thatched houses in the village would often collapse, and the families whose houses collapsed suffered terribly.

Shuiqing had been wanting to build a house, and after hearing Wang Guifen's suggestion, she quickly said, "Thank you, sister-in-law, I understand. I'll build the house after the mushroom season is over!"

"Yes, but making adobe bricks is hard work. Your child is still young, and your husband is a scholar, so I'm afraid there won't be enough time."

"It's alright, just let us know when the time comes, and all the men in our family can help make adobe bricks!" Wang Guifen said cheerfully.

Winter is a rare time of rest during the year, and the man in the family originally went to the city to see if there were any short-term jobs that could earn him a lot of money.

But this year, we only earned that much rice thanks to Shuiqing's family, so we know exactly what's going on and naturally prioritize their needs.

Only through give and take will others be willing to help you in the future.

Shuiqing knew that the old village chief's family were hardworking. During the off-season, they would go out to do odd jobs instead of resting at home. They didn't go out this year because picking mushrooms was more profitable.

She gratefully agreed, "Thank you in advance, sister-in-law. My husband and I have discussed building a brick house. We will ask the older brothers to come and help with the construction. The wages will be calculated according to the rate in the city, so you won't work for nothing."

Upon hearing that they were to be paid wages, Wang Guifen hurriedly waved her hand, saying, "No, we're all from the same village, and you've helped us so much. How can we ask for wages?"

Shuiqing stopped talking about the price and said they would agree on the wages later.

The old village chief pondered for a moment and said, "Eldest brother, you should tell the eldest brother and the others to make more adobe bricks and replace all the chicken and duck coops with adobe bricks."

We also need to build a woodshed, so we can store more firewood during the winter and replenish it when we run out!

Let's exchange half of the rice for corn and millet, and the other half... for wheat flour. If next year is truly a year of famine, having something to eat is better than going hungry.

Also, regarding the wasteland at home, you and your sisters-in-law should discuss what crops to plant that can still yield a harvest even after a flood.

As Shui Qing listened to the old village chief's well-organized instructions, she finally understood why his family could live in a brick house while also eating coarse rice and grains.

Such elderly people are truly a treasure to have in the family.

Wang Guifen agreed to everything, then asked, "Dad, should we also remind the people in the village?"

"Okay, go talk to them. Those who believe will follow along, and there's nothing we can do about those who don't." You can't force people to work.

Shuiqing had already silently envisioned adding a large woodshed, a sturdy livestock shed, a chicken coop, and a rabbit pen to her home...

After finishing their urgent business, Wang Guifen noticed the fabric and cotton that Shuiqing had placed on the chair next to her and asked, "Shuiqing, what's this?"

Shuiqing remembered the important matter and explained her purpose: "It's getting colder, and as you know, we used to live a very difficult life. Our children's clothes were tattered and worn. I was thinking of asking you to help make some winter coats for the children."

"But I'm not letting you work for nothing. This five feet of cloth over there is a thank-you gift for you, is that alright?"

Wang Guifen hadn't expected to receive fabric as a thank you gift for making a few clothes, and stammered, "My skills aren't good enough, they're not as good as Aunt Li's..."

“Aunt Li, I’ll invite you too. There are many children in the family, and now there’s a new one, Hei Zi. I was thinking of making a couple more sets of clothes so that we’ll have some to change into,” Shui Qing continued.

Upon hearing this, Wang Guifen no longer hesitated, "Alright, but five feet of cloth is too much, three feet will suffice."

It's just right to make a long gown for Changlin.

Shui Qing politely said, "Sister-in-law, please don't refuse. I'm only doing this because of you. If I went to the city to find a tailor to make clothes or buy ready-made clothes, the price would be much higher."

Wang Guifen's smile widened. How could her skills compare to those of tailors in the city? Shui Qing was really giving her too much credit!

Shui Qing thanked him and got up, wanting only to get home quickly and see what preparations she could make!