This area is a border region with a sparse population. There are a few villages nearby, but they are not very populated, with only a handful of households that have been self-sufficient for years.
It was only after their military camps were built that they no longer had to worry about being attacked at any time. The exchange of daily necessities between the two sides began, and over the years, a small trading market gradually formed, which the rural people called "going to the market."
Because it's close to the border, the environment is harsh, and no one comes to check, so the environment is much more relaxed, and there's no strict requirement to use money or tickets.
However, the items that can be traded are limited. Sometimes they are supplies issued by higher authorities, or things that individuals have saved up, or occasionally some things that soldiers bring back from their leave.
The villagers mostly sell their own agricultural products, eggs, and homemade daily necessities, as well as things they find in the mountains. Occasionally, they might catch one or two wild chickens if they're lucky.
After a brief stroll with Qin Qinghuai, the group came to an end. Qin Qinghuai hadn't left empty-handed; he carried several brooms, brushes, and a few curtains woven by the farmers themselves, and his basket contained a few small odds and ends. Apart from the fact that his clothes had no patches, he didn't stand out in the crowd.
Jian Dan could also see that although it wasn't too far away and was under the jurisdiction of the same county, it was obviously different from Xiangyang Commune. Their clothes were also patched on top of each other, but it felt like life was worse than even Liujiatun, and their mental state was a bit numb.
"Are they all villagers living nearby?"
"It's not exactly nearby. Even though I say it's nearby, it's actually at least a three-hour drive from home to here. You wouldn't believe it, would you?"
I quickly scanned the area.
"I didn't expect that you said they were all self-sufficient?"
"Yes, you would never guess, there are actually quite a few talented people."
"Look over there, that stall selling homespun cloth. It's spun at home by the elderly folks. They don't use cotton; they say they use whatever they can find locally, like wormwood or vines from the mountains. It's a very primitive method of weaving."
"When it comes to self-sufficiency, the hardest thing to solve is the problem of clothing. They have even solved this problem and still have the resources to exchange for other things. They are very impressive."
In my past life, I've met all sorts of people, and I've never dared to judge or view a person based on their wealth or background.
"Yes, there are ways to live when you have money and ways to live when you don't."
Farmers have their own principles and wisdom for living, and they have created many miracles with their own hands.
"yes,"
Jian Dan squatted down at a nearby stall, his basket containing about thirty eggs.
"Auntie, what do you want to exchange these eggs for, or do you want to exchange them for money?"
The area is a military region, and the villagers have seen well-dressed people there before, so they speak somewhat cautiously.
"Young lady, my wife is pregnant, and I was wondering if it's possible to get some brown sugar instead?"
These eggs cost three cents each. If you could exchange them for brown sugar, a little less would be fine too.
"Pregnant? That's great! Auntie, you're going to be a grandma."
Aren't you going to save these eggs for your daughter-in-law?
"Hey, hey, there are still two chickens at home, but I'm afraid they won't lay eggs. I've kept them indoors. There are still some eggs left, so the chickens can lay eggs for a few more days. My daughter-in-law still has about a month to give birth, so I'm saving them for her."
"That's right, eggs alone won't do. I was thinking of exchanging them for some brown sugar, so I can make some brown sugar water later."
"Auntie, your daughter-in-law is so lucky to have a mother-in-law like you."
The stall owner was amused and burst into laughter.
"You're quite the talker, girl."
Everyone says that a daughter-in-law is an outsider. But whether she's an outsider or not, she's not going to live with her parents-in-law after she marries into the family. So what does it matter whether she's an outsider or not?
This daughter-in-law is for my son to marry, so as long as she's not an outsider to him, that's fine.
"If I treat my daughter-in-law well, she'll definitely treat my son even better. Frankly, isn't it all for the sake of the children?"
I am simply in awe of her; even in modern times, there aren't many mothers-in-law as clear-headed as she is.
"Auntie, you've got it all figured out. Those old ladies all want to hold onto their sons and daughters-in-law tightly."
"Hi!
That's still not tiring.
I gave birth to him and have taken care of him for over twenty years. Now that I finally have a wife to take care of him, I'm not going to do something that's exhausting and thankless.
They're already in their twenties; they're responsible for their own lives from now on. Let them figure things out themselves.
If we make things difficult for our daughter-in-law, our son will definitely be unhappy caught in the middle. So tell me, what is the purpose of life? Isn't it for family harmony and the prosperity of our descendants?
We'll lend a hand if we can, by helping out with the kids and cooking, so they can have some peace of mind and a lighter workload.
If he really can't help, he shouldn't blame his parents for being incompetent.
To be honest, this open-minded thinking and simple approach are truly delightful to hear.
"Auntie, I really envy your daughter-in-law."
Thirty-six eggs, he rummaged in his pocket and found one yuan and eight cents. After thinking for a moment, he simply grabbed a handful of more than ten large dates as well.
"Auntie, I didn't bring any brown sugar this time, but I have some dates. You can soak them in water when you get home. I'll come back next time, at the next market. If you want more brown sugar, I'll bring you some."
These markets aren't open every day, but there are quite a few. They're held on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th of each lunar month, which adds up to nine days a month, so the next market is in three days.
The old lady, who had been a little disappointed, immediately smiled again.
"Oh, oh, that's great! I'll definitely come, young lady. How about I bring you some eggs next time?"
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