Sister-in-law Xiuhua took out a pair of scissors from the winnowing basket and handed them to Wei Yuyan, then led her to the vegetable garden in the backyard.
When Wei Yuyan arrived at Sister Xiuhua's backyard, she realized that she was truly insignificant compared to the Wu family's vegetable garden, which was twice the size of the Wu family's.
I reckon we grow more than we can eat each year, there's a surplus.
Actually, there is still a lot of space in the Wu family's backyard, but they haven't planted anything there, and they haven't loosened the soil. They could plant something if they loosened the soil.
"Sister-in-law Xiuhua, you two are so hardworking! There's so much food, you definitely can't finish it all, right?"
Wei Yuyan couldn't help but sigh.
“My husband and I certainly can’t finish it all, but my father lives with my older brother. The head of the household often sends vegetables over. They raise so many chickens and ducks there, so he eats quite a lot.”
Sister-in-law Xiuhua smiled and said, "If we don't plant enough, it won't be enough to eat."
"Oh, I see."
Wei Yuyan nodded. She hadn't expected that her sister-in-law Xiuhua had a father-in-law. Fortunately, she didn't need to take care of him; she just needed to deliver some vegetables.
According to village custom, if a family has several sons, after the family divides up, the elderly live with the eldest son, while the other sons provide money and food.
Wei Yuyan and Sister-in-law Xiuhua came to the grape trellis and selected a 20-centimeter-long vine.
The vine needs to be strong, healthy, free from pests and diseases, and have two or three buds. Such vines are more vigorous and easier to survive.
"This is the one, sister-in-law."
With a swift movement of her knife, Wei Yuyan had cut the grapevines.
"Let's cut two more, that will increase the survival rate."
Sister-in-law Xiuhua is still selecting good grapevines.
"No need, sister-in-law. I'm confident I can grow them well. Besides, if I really can't grow them well, I'll just have to come to your house to mooch grapes in the summer."
Wei Yuyan couldn't help but tease her.
"Alright, alright, come on over, this variety of grapes is very sweet."
Sister-in-law Xiuhua and Wei Yuyan returned to the front yard.
"Then I'll head back now, sister-in-law. I'll come see you again in a couple of days."
Wei Yuyan winked at Sister-in-law Xiuhua, hinting that she shouldn't forget to go to the clinic with Brother Zhang.
"Okay, I understand. I'll come when I have time."
Sister-in-law Xiuhua saw her to the door and then went back to mending clothes and shoes.
When Wei Yuyan got home, she first soaked the roots of the vine for a while, adding a little bit of rice vinegar to the water to promote root growth.
Then I went to the backyard and found a suitable place to loosen the soil, water it, and fertilize it—yes, the fertilizer from the composting pit.
"Sister-in-law, what are you doing? What is this thing? Why is it soaking in water?"
Wu Qian went to the kitchen to get a drink of water and was a little curious when she saw the grapevines.
"These are grapevines. My sister-in-law is going to plant grapes. If it's successful, we'll have grapes to eat in the summer."
Wei Yuyan estimated that about 15 minutes had passed, so she took out the grapevines and planted them in the ground.
"Wow, that's awesome."
Wu Qian also went to the backyard to see how grapes are grown.
In the evening, Brother Zhang finished his day's work, received his wages, and happily went home.
"Xiuhua, I'm back."
When Brother Zhang opened the door, he saw that the food was laid out on the table. Xiuhua seemed to still be in the kitchen, so Brother Zhang fetched water to wash his face and hands.
"The husband is back. Come and eat. You must be tired today. I'll give you a massage tonight."
Xiuhua's face showed the demeanor of a little woman, which made Brother Zhang's heart flutter. The two had never quarreled in the years since they got married.
Xiuhua only shed tears because of the children; otherwise, she didn't feel wronged.
"Alright, here's today's pay, Master Wang. The work will be finished in two days, and I'll have to find another job."
Brother Zhang put eight coins on the table. Xiuhua had always been in charge of the money at home, and every time he received his wages, he would give Xiuhua every single penny.
"My lord, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
When Xiuhua heard that he wouldn't be working for two days, she became interested and decided to take this opportunity to go and see him. So, after she finished speaking, she looked at Brother Zhang seriously.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing Xiuhua's serious expression, Brother Zhang put down his chopsticks.
"Today a traveling doctor passed by and asked for water. I gave him some, and he said he was a doctor who traveled all over the country."
I asked him to take a look at why I haven't gotten pregnant after all these years.
Who knew he would say there was nothing wrong with my body? I said, then why don't I get pregnant?
He said the problem might be with you, and he wanted me to take you to see a doctor. Do you think he might be lying?
Sister-in-law Xiuhua phrased it rather tactfully, because she was afraid that if she were too direct, she might hurt Brother Zhang's pride.
"What this itinerant doctor said seems to make some sense. He's right, if there's nothing wrong with your body, it could be my problem."
Since that's the case, let's go to town to see a doctor the day after tomorrow and see if it's my problem that's causing us not to have children yet.
Brother Zhang was stunned by Xiuhua's words. He had never thought it was his fault. In his opinion, perhaps the child's time had not come yet.
However, since this itinerant doctor said so, he must have his reasons. It would be good to go see a doctor and find out what the cause is.
So Brother Zhang readily agreed, while Xiuhua seemed a little nervous, because she was afraid that Brother Zhang would refuse to see a doctor.
After all, this is a shameful thing, and if outsiders find out, it will definitely spread, spreading rumors that he is impotent or something.
"Thank you, sir."
Xiuhua's sister-in-law burst into tears. She was so lucky to have met a man like Brother Zhang. She didn't care if she never had children in this life.
"Don't thank me. Having a baby is a matter for both of us. I can't always let you see doctors and take medicine by yourself. I should also take care of myself."
Brother Zhang joked.
"Then let's go the day after tomorrow. Here, this is a pumpkin pancake that Wu Chen's wife brought. It's delicious. Try it."
Sister-in-law Xiuhua picked up her chopsticks and put one in Brother Zhang's bowl. She had eaten two herself that morning when the children brought them over, and she was thinking of saving some for him.
"Oh, Wu Chen's wife is here again today. It seems you two are getting along quite well. Hmm, this pancake is really good. I didn't realize she was such a good cook."
Brother Zhang took a bite and couldn't help but praise it.
"Yes, Wu Chen's wife is a good person. She probably didn't understand before and didn't want to associate with us."
Recently, the two children have been dressed very neatly and their hair is always in a clean and tidy manner. It's obvious that she takes care of their hair. She's a good woman.
Sister-in-law Xiuhua recalled that before, the cuffs of both children's sleeves were always black.
I wanted to wash the two children myself, but I was afraid she would be unhappy. Now it seems she has come to her senses and will settle down here.
"Well, I don't know if Wu Chen is alive or dead, there's no news at all."
When Brother Zhang mentioned Wu Chen, he couldn't help but frown.
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