“Then there’s even less need,” Jiang Nuan shrugged. “Why make trouble for yourself?”
If you want to help someone, you can do it any way you want; you don't need any official title. Having a connection actually makes you more hesitant.
Not wanting to talk about this anymore, Jiang Nuan changed the subject, "Second son, third son, do well during the corvée labor. Don't be afraid of hard work, it's just a little tiring."
"Mother," Huang Xiaosan asked, somewhat puzzled, "this time, our family has to send two people for the corvée labor?"
"No, this service is different from before. The tribe has decided to take turns doing the work so that people won't be exhausted."
After glancing at the two of them, Jiang Nuan continued, "This time the corvée labor should be easier than before, so it's good for you to experience it."
She doesn't mind spoiling the child, but she's afraid of spoiling him like Old Huang.
Occasional reminders of past hardships and the present happiness are still very necessary.
After all, in this era where rule of law and barbarity coexist, no one knows what uncontrollable things might happen.
One may not be smart, but one should not be stupid.
"Where's our eldest brother?" Huang Lao Er glanced at Jiang Nuan cautiously before asking, "Should we bring him home?"
“No need,” Jiang Nuan smiled mysteriously. “Juquanlou is very good. It’s more suitable for the boss than corvée labor. We don’t need to worry about him for now.”
“Mother is right,” Huang Lao Er felt that his mother’s smile was a little dangerous, so he shrugged and slipped away. “I’ll go pack my things for military service first, so as not to cause any trouble later.”
After Huang Lao Er left, Huang Xiao San asked thoughtfully, "Mother, do you have some plans for this corvée labor?"
“Yes,” Jiang Nuan did not hide anything, “You know, because of Mom, our family has a bad reputation in the village. Reputation is usually useless, but it becomes a lifesaver when there is a natural disaster or man-made disaster. Selling cabbage can earn us some goodwill, but it is not enough. This corvée labor is the opportunity.”
"Mother," Huang Xiaosan whispered in Jiang Nuan's ear, "Do you have some plans?"
"Um!"
The notice of forced labor was like a drop of hot oil in a ripple, stirring up waves in the once calm Huangjiakou.
The heavy corvée labor weighed heavily on the people, causing them to repeatedly cause trouble at the Huang clan chief's house, throwing tantrums, threatening suicide, and resorting to all sorts of bizarre tactics.
It took the combined efforts of the clan chief Huang and other respected elders in the village to calm the unruly crowd down.
After finally submitting the list, another incident occurred because of a shovel.
Chief Huang persuaded them with reason and emotion before finally collecting all the tools.
These dramatic events kept Jiang Nuan, a mere spectator, thoroughly entertained.
Time is a mischievous thing that always slips through our fingers; in the blink of an eye, it's time to perform our corvée labor.
At the village entrance, a group of young people carrying bundles and shovels stood calmly, their faces devoid of joy or sorrow, fear or apprehension.
Knowing that corvée labor would be arduous, these vibrant children did not back down or run away for the sake of their families, but calmly faced their fate.
People are exceptionally strong, yet also exceptionally vulnerable, during times of disaster.
"Make way, the cart is here," Huang Xiaosan said, driving the oxcart over. "Brother Dashan, Second Brother, I'll take you there."
“Well,” Huang Shan looked at everyone with difficulty, “everyone else is walking, how can we two be treated differently?”
“Come on, everyone,” Huang Xiaosan said with a bright smile. “There’s also an oxcart behind us, which my mother borrowed in the county town.”
"Really?" Huang Shan looked back in disbelief and saw Old Man Huang driving the carriage. "Grandpa, you've come to see someone off too?"
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