Little He Ran took his rabbits for a walk around the village, making the other children envious. None of them had ever owned rabbits before. They all lined up, only allowed to touch them if He Ran gave permission.
Having such authority was a new experience for Little He Ran. With a crowd of children trailing behind him, he strutted around like a young lord, drawing everyone’s attention.
Meanwhile, Qiu Yu went to see Sister Liu, asking her to make clothes for the family of three. Sister Liu was the best seamstress in the village and agreed to the job. She charged 20 coins for adult clothing and 10 for children’s.
Qiu Yu brought out the fabric. Sister Liu’s eyes lit up as she examined it. “This cotton cloth is so fine—breathable and comfortable to wear.” She had some herself but was too frugal to use it.
Sister Liu proposed, “This fabric is enough for two adults and one child, with about half a foot of leftovers. How about this—I’ll waive the fee if you let me keep the scraps!” She paused, realizing the fabric was quite valuable, and added, “I’ll also make cloth shoes for all three of you.”
Fabric was costly, and store clerks often looked down on those who bought small amounts. Sister Liu’s youngest son was around He Ran’s age, and she figured she could piece together something for him with the leftover cloth.
“Deal,” Qiu Yu agreed. “Thank you, Sister Liu.”
Sister Liu chuckled, “No need to thank me. I like keeping busy.” Having a close relationship with Qiu Yu, she added, “My son heard about Ran Ran’s rabbits and went to play with him.”
Qiu Yu smiled. “His father got those for him.”
Seeing how well the couple got along, Sister Liu teased, “With Zifeng doting on your son like that, why not give Ran Ran a younger sibling?”
Qiu Yu’s ears turned red. “We’ll… talk about it later.”
After discussing the clothing measurements, Qiu Yu returned home, leaving Sister Liu amused. The boy was already four, yet his parents still acted shy like newlyweds.
Sister Liu started working immediately, eager to have the family wearing new clothes and shoes as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, He Zifeng sat at home using a needle to pierce a large blister on his foot. His strength made carrying loads easy, but his shoes were uncomfortable, and now the blister stung slightly. It would heal in two or three days.
Liuzi, one of his uncles, came over carrying a piece of pork the size of a hand. “Just bought this. Thought I’d help you break in your new pot.”
“Sixth Uncle, you’re too kind!”
Liuzi sighed, “Your father’s no good—same rice, but it raised all kinds of people. Back then, he insisted on divorcing your mother for no clear reason. He humiliated her until she left, and within a month, he brought Xiao Wanshi home. They must’ve been sneaking around long before that. To favor a stepson and harm his own child—only he could do such a thing.”
“I heard he even gave the sauce workshop to Wan Hai. Your uncle was furious, saying it was the He family’s legacy, and now it’s in the hands of an outsider,” Liuzi added.
“He can give his things to whoever he wants,” He Zifeng said. He had no intention of returning. The He family might be wealthy, but the life he’d led there was worse than being an ox or horse for others. Even after breaking his back, it was never enough. Now that he was free, the He family’s riches or poverty meant nothing to him.
Liuzi nodded. “My brother-in-law works as a foreman, building houses. He’s looking for strong hands. You’re the best worker in the village. They pay 30 coins a day, with three meals included, and wages are settled daily. Someone from the next village wanted me to recommend him, but I didn’t.”
Grateful, He Zifeng replied, “Thank you, Uncle. Just let me know when he needs me.”
Liuzi laughed, “He’ll be back in three to five days. I’ll have him find you then.”
“Alright.”
Liuzi, enjoying his new role as village chief, was eager to prove himself. “If you have any problems, come to me,” he said.
“Xu Li’s father got removed as village chief and probably holds a grudge against me,” He Zifeng said. “I’m worried he might cause trouble while I’m out working, leaving Qiu Yu and the boy alone at home.”
Liuzi thumped his chest confidently. “Not while I’m here! If anyone dares stir up trouble, come straight to me.”
Relieved by Liuzi’s reassurance, He Zifeng thanked him.
Liuzi observed the house, noting how much had changed. The once overgrown and cluttered yard now looked spacious and neat. A lived-in house really was different.
Many villagers had dismissed He Zifeng as a foolishly filial simpleton, but now Liuzi saw that wasn’t the case. The little home he and Qiu Yu had built was well-organized and promising.
“Keep up the hard work, you two,” Liuzi said. “You’re diligent people—your life won’t be worse than anyone else’s.”
“Uncle, I have one more favor to ask,” He Zifeng said.
“Name it,” Liuzi replied.
“I want to use the ten taels from the family split to buy two acres of land,” He Zifeng explained. In the countryside, owning land meant security.
“I’ve got two acres of poor land near Little Xiuzi’s fields. It used to be good farmland but has been left fallow for years. You interested?”
Good farmland was expensive—eight taels per acre—and rarely sold. Even poor land was now five taels per acre.
“I’ll discuss it with Qiu Yu,” He Zifeng said.
“Take your time. Let me know if you want it,” Liuzi said, leaving after a warm farewell.
Unable to sit idle, He Zifeng built a rabbit hutch for his son. The craftsmanship was excellent, and he knew Little He Ran would love it.
When Qiu Yu returned, he saw He Zifeng busy in the yard. “Take a break! Your blister hasn’t even healed,” he scolded.
“I’m fine,” He Zifeng replied, smiling. Then he asked about buying the land. “I heard an old man talk about fertilizing techniques. With proper care, the poor land could become fertile by next spring. But we’ll have to delay sending our son to school by a year. Liuzi also recommended me for a construction job, which could bring in 900 coins a month—enough for living expenses.”
“Let’s buy it,” Qiu Yu said. “You decide.” Keeping the money on hand felt risky anyway.
He Zifeng agreed, noticing that Qiu Yu seemed a bit off. Curious, he followed him inside, wondering why his ears were so red. What could he be thinking?
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