Grandma Ye scooped out a cup of rice and poured it into Mrs. Wei's rooster bowl.

It looks like it weighs only about a pound, which is enough for one meal for a family of fourteen.

To be full, a person needs to eat at least two ounces of rice per meal.

Now, the rations for five people have to be divided into fourteen portions...

Grandma Ye opened another cloth bag, scooped a cup of rice bran into another bowl: "Alright, go cook!"

Ms. Wei sighed and turned to leave.

Seeing that the family's rice and grain were running low, Du was filled with worry: "The remaining grain at home won't last for more than a few days. And what will we do for the New Year... Alas!"

Grandma Ye said, "Let's take it one step at a time! If all else fails, I'll swallow my pride and go back to my parents' home to borrow some money."

Madam Du pursed her lips, said nothing more, and turned to leave the room.

At dinner, everyone looked at the porridge, which was even thinner than at noon, and they all knew what was wrong. They all looked worried, but no one said anything.

It wasn't until noon the next day, after lunch, that Old Man Ye sighed softly, "We don't have much rice left at home. Second son, from now on, don't put brown rice in your dinner."

Wei gave a wooden sigh.

Everyone turned pale, meaning they would only be eating radishes that night.

But there was nothing we could do; everyone knew about the family's situation.

Just as everyone was about to leave, Ye Caiping suddenly said, "Wait, Dad, I have something to say."

Old Man Ye turned to look at her, and Ye Caiping said, "Yesterday Jinhua said I stole and ate poisonous roots..."

Ye Jinhua's expression changed, and she jumped up abruptly: "It's my fault, alright!"

She was stupid and got tricked. She's already been taught a lesson! What more does she want?

Do I have to bring it up again and again until I beat her up before it's over?

“No, you’re right. I really did eat the poisonous root yesterday at noon,” Ye Caiping said.