The Sweet Little Fulang

Chapter 120

As dawn broke, the ground and figures became clear, and people hurried to the fields one after another. Working early in the morning provided relief from the sun's absence, making tasks easier.

The Shen family's second room was no exception. Despite residing at the village's rear, they were punctual. Passing Lin's house, they called out to Lin Jinhu and Lin Jinlong. Upon reaching He's house, He Zhi and Chen Dongdong awaited them.

Lu Gu, still in yesterday's attire, had a minor thorn on his arm. He kept his head down and followed Mai Mang out. With everyone busy in the fields, there was no time to launder soiled clothes. It was a temporary situation, tolerable for a day or two to avoid soiling other garments.

Observing Chen Dongdong's presence, Shen Yaoqing was puzzled. Before he could inquire, He Zhi spoke up.

"Daqing, Brother Dong is here to help too. You don't need to pay him much, just 10 or 8 wen. Even 5 wen will suffice," He Zhi said, his usual reserved demeanor accompanied by trembling eyes. Aware that the frail Shuang'er couldn't match a man's labor, he rarely sought help from him.

His words left him feeling embarrassed, a sheepish smile appearing on his dark face.

With only two acres of land, his family lived in poverty. During peak farming seasons, he worked for villagers to earn money. Last night, Chen Dongdong expressed a desire to join, hoping to earn a few cents. Though reluctant, he mustered the courage to voice his request to Shen Yaoqing today.

Chen Dongdong, naturally timid, kept his silence, clinging tightly to his scythe as he nervously glanced at Shen Yaoqing, his trembling hope evident, fearing rejection.

A few steps ahead, Lu Gu overheard and glanced back at the anxious Chen Dongdong. Recognizing his diligence, Lu Gu, hesitating, subtly tugged at Shen Xuanqing's clothes, silently pleading.

Turning, Shen Xuanqing noticed his husband's imploring gaze. Unable to resist, a smile crept onto his lips as Shen Yaoqing responded without prompting.

"Alright, more hands make lighter work," Shen Yaoqing agreed, refraining from discussing wages in front of Lin Jinhu and Lin Jinlong.

Their generosity left He Zhi and Chen Dongdong grateful. After years of mutual cooperation, they trusted Shen Yaoqing to honor his word.

Thus, nine people set out to harvest wheat.

Honesty was rewarded, as He Zhi, Chen Dongdong, Lin Jinhu, and Lin Jinlong knew their daily wages were guaranteed. The scorching sun beat down as they toiled, accustomed to hard labor. With five strong men and four women and weaker men working in unison, they swiftly reaped the wheat, completing the task in a day and a half. By afternoon, the final wagon of wheat arrived at the new house.

With ample space available, the fields were deliberately leveled before harvesting to avoid encroaching on drying areas used by villagers.

Their work finished early, hunger gnawed at them as they returned home to find Ji Qiuyue had prepared a meal.

Wooden basins in the yard offered warm water for washing. Lu Gu rolled up his sleeves, splashed water on his face, and cleaned his arms. The cool water refreshed, though overly cold to exhilarate. Washing with sun-warmed water was invigorating.

Unfazed by the water's condition, Shen Xuanqing washed without hesitation. Having eaten lunch in the field the previous day, they could now sit and enjoy a meal at home. Ji Qiuyue, anticipating their appetites, served two baskets of steamed buns with mixed noodles. In addition, two large soup pots, one containing fried garlic sprouts and the other stewed duck meat, ensured a hearty meal.