Chapter 105

Li Xuewu added, “Cut some pork for tomorrow’s lunch. On the first day, with some fat in the food, the workers will give their full effort—cornmeal, white flour, and dried goods—I’ll bring some back later.”

Liu Yin said, “There’s not much pork left—only ninety-odd jin.”

Li Xuewu squeezed his mother’s shoulder and said, “We need some fat in it, or they’ll call us Old Zhou the Stingy. If we run out, I’ll find another way.”

Liu Yin laughed and scolded, “Brat, if you dare go into the mountains again, I’ll peel your skin off!”

Li Xuewu chuckled and stepped out the door.

Li Xuewu drove the cart just as before: two barrels of liquor, cabbage, radishes, and potatoes piled halfway up; he left some ribbonfish and river fish behind, stacked the rest on the cart, added all six dumb roe deer, and finally placed a large drum of soybean oil at the back.

This drum of soybean oil was the last one meant for sale; the rest were reserved for personal use—the slow output of rice, white flour, and cornmeal was why.

When he arrived at Wen San’er’s house, all four were waiting for him.

He unloaded the cart, left four men to butcher and divide the dumb roe deer, told them to set aside thirty jin for him, then turned the cart around and headed home.

Along the way, he left a sack of white flour, a sack of cornmeal, a small drum of soybean oil, twenty-odd cabbages, half a sack of radishes, and a sack of potatoes.

These were provisions prepared for the midday meal at home.

On this side, Qin Huaiju returned home beaming.

The children were already tucked into bed; Jia Zhangshi sat at the head of the bed, sewing shoe soles, waiting for Qin Huaiju.

Seeing Qin Huaiju leave with a frown and return with a smile, she knew something good had happened.

Had Uncle One and Fool Zhu again given her aid?

Jia Zhangshi sneered, “What’s got you so happy? Did you swallow bee dung?”

Qin Huaiju replied irritably, “Mom, how can you talk like that? It’s Li Xuewu from the front courtyard...”

Jia Zhangshi, hearing it was Li Xuewu—the number one threat in her household, the demon with five-star avoidance rating, the evil man who could end her life at any moment—thought her gossip had been discovered, and immediately cut in: “What about Li Xuewu?”

Qin Huaiju continued, “The back rooms and west courtyard were assigned to Li Xuewu—he just told me he’s planning to renovate.”

Jia Zhangshi, relieved it wasn’t about her, snorted, “Everyone’s barely got enough to eat, yet he’s fixing up his house? Rich people burn money. Did he lend you money?”

Qin Huaiju replied flatly, “How could he? You still haven’t paid back Li Laotai’s ten yuan—why would he lend me any?”

Jia Zhangshi grunted, “It’s not your house—why are you so pleased? I’m warning you: don’t get any foolish ideas.”

Qin Huaiju had been in good spirits, but now Jia Zhangshi’s words made her want to curse.

“Li Xuewu said he’ll provide a midday meal—Liu Yin’s busy, so he asked me to come help chop vegetables and steam buns on the first night—I can take extra back for you.”

Jia Zhangshi perked up instantly at the mention of food, exclaiming with feigned surprise, “That’s wonderful! Now we can eat solid food and save a meal’s worth of grain. Li family’s meals are among the best in the courtyard—you don’t know, when their old lady ran things, she set the rule: clothes and tools could be shabby, but everyone had to eat their fill. Those years, their family never...”

Though she spoke cheerfully, she suddenly remembered something and snapped her face cold: “Why help you? Why not help someone else?”

Qin Huaiju seized the chance to speak plainly: “Mom, from now on, you’ll cook dinner, wash clothes during the day, do as much housework as you can—share the load so I can find time to earn some money.”

Before Qin Huaiju finished, Jia Zhangshi erupted: “Qin Huaiju! I’m your mother-in-law—are you tired of me dragging you down? Are you trying to kick me back to the countryside? My poor son—why did you die so early, leaving your old mother to be abused by your wife?”