Wei Lanxiang heard this and patted Shen Yuping's arm with a smile. She beamed with confident and even raised her voice: "Our Yuping is not only good-looking, but also capable and hardworking, he is worth two men. Even the most discerning father-in-law and mother-in-law will definitely say good things when they see him."
She had known Shen Yuping since he was a child. He had a good character and a good temper. As his aunt, naturally she had a soft spot for him.
As Shen Yuping's father, Shen Shunwang couldn't help but feel proud when his son was praised, especially when it was a happy occasion like a wedding? Shen Shunwang was usually strict with Shen Yuping and seldom praised him, but at this moment, his face creased into smile.
"Mother, third uncle, it's time for dinner." Ji Qiuyue walked along the river bank towards the village entrance and called out from afar.
The midday sun was scorching, and the heat was unbearable. It was a good idea to head back for lunch and escape the intense sunlight
Their five-mu plot of land and home were both located along the riverbank. Walking straight along the shore would take them directly back home. Qingxi Village was not big, with only a dozen or so households nearby. When they arrived at the back of their house, Shen Yan said that if there was a back door, they wouldn't have to go all the way around to the front entrance and could enter the house immediately.
Not many households in the area had back doors. A single front door was sufficient, and it also made it easier to secure the home at night, preventing thieves from sneaking in through a back door.
They had been eating well during the past few days while working hard, with scrambled eggs and stewed rabbit meat, with meat dishes at every meal. After lunch, they rested for a while before continuing their work. They had to tidy up the broken wooden shed, collecting the scattered wood and straw. The wooden planks that had been dismantled were not of good quality, and Shen Xuanqing didn't think much of them. Many of them were rotten and could only be used as firewood.
The family worked tirelessly to clear the land, removing stones, digging up roots, and filling in uneven patches with soil from elsewhere. They worked from dawn till dusk, and even Ji Qiuyue was busy. She was either cooking or delivering water, and she had to make several trips a day.
With the help of two strong laborers, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing, by noon of the sixth day, the entire plot of land had been leveled. Compared to its previous state, the transformation was remarkable, and the newly cleared land looked expansive and pleasing to the eye.
After the land was cleared, it was time to hire workers to build a house. They would also need to build a mud wall around the perimeter of the property to provide a barrier, as the area was vulnerable to predators that might target their rabbits, chickens, and ducks.
After staying at home for nearly half a month and taking a two-day break, Shen Xuanqing and Lu Gu finally packed up their belongings and headed back up the mountain,
Shen Xuanqing had already discussed with Shen Yaoqing how to build the house. The two brothers walked around the land, discussing their plans for half a day. They would need to build rabbit hutches, chicken coops, and duck sheds, and they had to be large enough to provide shelter from the rain and snow. They also needed to build a cowshed and a sheep pen. Since the land was spacious, they might even consider raising pigs in the future, even if it was just one pig to slaughter for the New Year.
Shen Xuanqing had set aside money for building the house gave it to Shen Yaoqing. After it was completed, they would draw up a deed to the property, which would be kept in his possession. He paid for the land and the house, and he had made it clear with his family. Naturally, he would get a bigger share of the money in the future.
Shen Yaoqing had no objections to this arrangement. Since his brother had provided the funds, he would only contribute his labor and effort. In return, he would receive a share of the profits, which he considered a fair deal.
This time, when Shen Xuanqing and Lu Gu went up the mountain, they didn't bring Da Bai, and Lu Gu felt a bit not accustomed without the big dog. Fortunately, the puppy was always lively and playful, and often got into mischief, keeping their days on the mountain lively and entertaining.
It had been half a month since they last tended to the garden, and the vegetables in both the front and back yards were looking a bit wilted. However, with the good weather and a thorough watering, they quickly perked up and regained their vitality.
The night was shrouded in a misty veil, and the darkness was filled with the chirping of insects in the grass. The stars twinkled above, and the occasional breeze rustled through the trees, causing the leaves to whisper softly.
As the night deepened, the tall and strong man finally stopped.
Running up and down the mountain was exhausting, and opportunities to fully indulge oneself were rare. In fact, it was only possible about once every two weeks, which was frustrating for a young man full of vigor.
No comments:
Post a Comment