In the village, everyone lives their own lives behind closed doors.

Under Zhao Tingzhang's tireless supervision day and night, Song Yun's private residence was almost finished.

Song Yun personally inspected the work and pointed out some areas that needed improvement.

Zhao Tingzhang wrote down everything Song Yun said and had it revised repeatedly.

City dwellers are more particular and believe that newly built houses shouldn't be moved into immediately. They need to be aired out for a period of time before moving in.

Looking at the magnificent brick house, Zhao Tingzhang clicked his tongue in disbelief... He had no idea when he would ever be able to live in such a grand house.

It's unimaginable to even think about it, unless their family has become extremely wealthy.

Zhao Wanzi and He Shitou finished their classes at the Zhao family's school and walked home one after the other.

Zhao Wanzi walked in front, and He Shitou walked behind.

He Shitou is the oldest child in the class, and today is his first day at school.

He felt very embarrassed and appeared quite awkward, nervous, and uneasy.

He Shitou sat at the very back, and for the entire 15-minute class, he couldn't sit still as if he had nails stuck to his bottom.

One reason was that he wasn't used to it, but another major factor was that the younger children would frequently turn around and look at him.

It was as if they were watching him like a monkey, as if they were mocking him.

He Shitou was feeling extremely uncomfortable. Finally, get out of class ended, and he was almost the first to rush out of the Zhao family's courtyard.

Zhao Wanzi was walking ahead when she suddenly stopped.

She looked at He Shitou, who seemed a little disappointed, and comforted him, "Uncle, don't be discouraged. I'll give you extra help every day from now on. When you're better than them, they won't dare to laugh at you anymore."

In Zhao Wanzi's mind, she must defeat everyone in her studies.

Although she has now become number one.

But what she's learning now is only the most basic stuff. Compared to people her age in the city, she's definitely far behind.

Therefore, she needs to study even harder.

Now, Zhao Yan comes over every night to teach her some extra arithmetic. Compared to classical Chinese texts, Zhao Wanzi has found that she prefers abacus calculation.

He Shitou didn't have any grand ambitions. He felt that he would be extremely proud if he could recognize even ten characters.

If this were in Peach Blossom Village, he would have plenty to brag about among his friends.

"No need for meatballs, I'm not trying to become some kind of expert," He Shitou explained.

Zhao Wanzi walked to the door and saw Zhao Tingzhang standing at the door next door.

These tiled houses are nice, but surely Grandpa Pavilion Chief doesn't come here every day?

"Hello, Grandpa Pavilion Chief." Zhao Wanzi greeted him as usual.

"Greetings, Pavilion Chief." He Shitou called out from behind.

Zhao Tingzhang walked over with a smile, "Hello, you've just come back from school? Shitou, where's your dad? I'd like to have a chat with him."

Because Zhao Tingzhang often comes over, he has become quite familiar with He Chun.

He Shitou darted inside in one swift step.

"I'll go call my father, please wait a moment, Pavilion Chief."

Zhao Wanzi didn't linger, after all, she still had to feed the chickens and rabbits at home.

There aren't many people in the family now, and it's too much for Little Green Sister to handle everything on her own.

He Chun has farmed all his life, but now, due to the drought, the land is all empty and he can't grow any crops.

Now he just does dirty work at home, such as starting fires, chopping wood, and shoveling manure.

He Chun moved a stool and invited Zhao Tingzhang inside. The two sat in the courtyard and chatted.

Zhao Xiaolu was responsible for cooking for the family and preparing a variety of dishes for Madam Song.

As soon as Zhao Wanzi and He Shitou got home from school, they went to the back mountain to cut wild vegetables, carrying baskets with them.

After watching the two leave, Zhao, the pavilion chief, sighed with worry.

"When will this damn drought end? God should send some rain by now!"

Everyone in the village can chime in on this. It's something they talk about all the time.

"It hasn't been this hot lately, it's autumn now, and it's getting colder. The rain... it shouldn't be far off, right?" He Chun said this with a lack of confidence.

It's not hot today, and there's even a breeze at night now.

Many times, people thought it might rain, but no matter how much they waited, not a single drop of water came down.

Zhao Tingzhang just wanted to end this unpleasant topic as soon as possible. He took a puff of his pipe and asked, "By the way, is it possible that Wanzi's mother isn't coming back? I see that business is doing very well. I'll ask her again after Dahai brings back the water."

He Chun chimed in, "They said they're coming back. Once the shop stabilizes, they'll hand over the business to Lantern Management."

"Oh dear, this lantern is only about ten years old now, after the New Year."

He Chun nodded, "My daughter has always been quite opinionated since she was little. Now she has three daughters, and Lantern and Maruko are somewhat like her in temperament."

As he said this, the honest and taciturn He Chun couldn't help but feel proud.

Zhao Tingzhang was truly envious. Who said that women were inferior to men?

Look at other people's daughters, and then look at your own son.

Although his two sons are quite filial, they really can't compare to him.

"Maruko's mother is a good person; good people will be rewarded," Zhao Tingzhang remarked.

It seems he will have to advocate for more daughters in the village in the future.

Stop thinking about having a son all the time. These days, how many women in the village die from childbirth?

In his opinion, having two or three children, regardless of gender, is enough.

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