Chapter 49 Going into the mountains to chop firewood for burning
Today is the day when the brick kiln pays the last wages. From tomorrow on, they will no longer have to endure the torture there.
For those who endured the torment of the brick kiln, this was undoubtedly a piece of heaven-sent news. Even Tu Suye, who had always kept a tense face, now revealed a rare faint smile.
Yu suppressed the uneasiness in her heart caused by Tu Suye's reproach and softly suggested: "We have all been working so hard for so long, we really should have a good rest. Since we don't have to go to the brick kiln tomorrow, why not..."
"Still want to rest? Rest your ass!"
The old grandfather came over with a shaky gait: "We must take over the charcoal burning immediately. Otherwise, how will the whole family survive?"
"Tomorrow, you will all follow me to the mountaintop to cut wood. The rest of you will stay home and light the charcoal kiln. Make sure the fire is kept to a moderate level and don't slack off. Those who will be responsible for raising the children and cooking the meals must also do their part and not be idle."
As soon as he finished speaking, he revealed an unquestionable majesty, and it was obvious that his anger had not yet subsided, as he was negligent because the old lady was in a deep sleep.
The smile on Tu Suye's face instantly disappeared. Seeing this, Tu Suminfei hurried out to ease the atmosphere: "Grandfather's teachings are very true. Winter is approaching, and we can't make mistakes in burning charcoal."
"However, the felled wood still needs to be carried back home before it can be used for charcoal. How about this arrangement? Tomorrow I will accompany my eldest brother into the forest, while my father and third uncle will be responsible for carrying the wood back. This way, we can take care of both ends and avoid any delays."
Tu Suye has always been favored by the old lady and finds it difficult to deal with the current situation. Tu Su Minfei, who has been hidden indoors by the second wife, can no longer hold back and shows his wisdom in being tactful and not offending anyone.
It is undeniable that he does know how to deal with people better than his hot-tempered father.
This plan was impeccable. The old grandfather's eyes revealed a little anger, but he didn't say another word.
Yu gently exhaled a breath and then said decisively, "It's settled then. I'll join you in carrying firewood tomorrow. More people means more power, and the progress will naturally be faster."
As soon as she finished speaking, she hurriedly tugged at Tu Suye's sleeve and urged, "Second Master, go change your clothes and come out for dinner. Rest early tonight and get enough rest so that you can work better tomorrow."
Tu Suye, who always seemed out of place, was gently pulled by her into the inner room. Tu Subo also came to assist Gu Yuexuan, placing the cooked dishes on the table one by one.
At the table, everyone was silent. After dinner, they began to prepare for the heavy work of the next day.
Gu Yuexuan carefully checked the hatchets and wooden racks needed for tomorrow's firewood. After confirming that nothing was left out, she found some discarded old clothes and carefully wrapped the straps of the wooden rack around and around.
Xi Lanfang, holding a needle and thread, hemmed the strap while curiously asking, "Xuanxuan, is there any special benefit to wrapping this strap with fabric?"
Gu Yuexuan expertly cut off the excess fabric and replied without looking up, "This strap is made of three strands of hemp rope. While it's strong and durable, carrying firewood for a long time will inevitably wear down the skin on your shoulders. Wrapping it with cloth can slightly reduce the friction and make your shoulders feel more comfortable."
Although everyone's shoulders will inevitably be callused once the charcoal pit in the backyard is lit, it is still better to be covered than to be exposed, which is some consolation.
Xi Lanfang nodded half-believingly, as if he understood something.
Having already experienced the hardship of carrying a heavy load today, Yu tried to lift the heavy object onto her shoulders and couldn't help but sigh, "Sister-in-law, you're right, after wrapping it around for an extra round, it really isn't that tiring anymore."
As she spoke, she picked up the cloth from the basket and muttered to herself, "I'll add another layer of cloth to this one, so that my shoulders won't always be burning with pain when I carry it home."
Gu Yuexuan couldn't help but smile when she saw her taking some more discarded cloth.
Ever since he realized the huge profits that could be made from burning and selling charcoal, Yu, who had originally only wanted to be lazy, disappeared.
There was a greedy glint in her eyes, as if she was completely attracted by the temptation of money.
Who in this world does not seek wealth and prosperity? Unless one has grown up in a wealthy family and knows nothing about poverty, who can honestly say that money is vulgar?
Who doesn’t like money?
Her desire for money is beyond description.
Driven by the common desire for wealth, dogmas that were once considered unshakable, such as women should not appear in public, were quickly forgotten.
All the capable people in the family took action, and the Tu Su family, which was originally full of conflicts, actually showed a rare scene of unity.
…
the next day.
As the first rays of dawn gradually spread across the earth, family members began to get busy with their respective duties.
Tu Suting, Tu Subo, and Tu Suminfei, together, entered the deep forest, wielding sharp axes and felling sturdy trees one by one. They sorted the chopped wood and handed it to Tu Suye and his wife and Li Shi to carry, bringing the precious fuel home step by step.
Gu Yuexuan led Xi Lanfang to take care of the children in the family and strictly monitor the fire temperature in the charcoal pit in the backyard to avoid wasting the hard-earned firewood.
The old lady had originally intended to make up for her negligence yesterday and stay home to help. However, before she left, the old grandfather said, "We, the old couple, will go with you."
Without waiting for the old lady to object, he continued, "Although we can't wield a heavy axe or carry heavy firewood, we can still pick up dead branches and leaves on the ground to lighten your burden. As for tying up the chopped firewood, we can always do such light work well."
Although the old lady forced a smile, she finally nodded firmly and agreed.
Xi Lanfang distributed the bags filled with clean water one by one. When she saw the old lady being taken away by her grandfather, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
If the old lady really stayed at home, it would be a real burden to them.
Gu Yuexuan noticed Xi Lanfang's relieved expression, and then she restrained her smile and said, "Mother-in-law, I'll go to the back to take a look first."
Xi Lanfang hurriedly suppressed the relief of surviving the ordeal on her face, quickened her pace, and caught up with her, calling out, "Xuanxuan, please wait a moment. I'll go with you."
If you want to carefully make charcoal blocks with exquisite appearance, you cannot use dead branches that are too thin and weak, but must use thick round logs with hard texture and complete shape.
Such high-quality firewood cannot be picked up casually. It can only be chopped into pieces by hard work with axes and hatchets, and then carried back home.
Gu Yuexuan looked at the tall, pointed-top pile of firewood, and couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
Fortunately, this was in ancient times when forest resources were inexhaustible.
After sighing for a moment, she picked up some dry pine needles and ignited the firewood. While waiting for the flames to ignite, she did not sit idly by the charcoal pit and wait. Instead, she ran back and forth between the charcoal pit and the front yard, busy.
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