Chapter 37: To the County
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Xiu raised her head in surprise. Tears fell from her eyes, but a warm smile appeared on her face. “Sister Yulan, don’t you think I’m right? Big sister is really wonderful.” After saying that, she bent down and washed her hands in the water, then quickly went up to the ridge.
He Yulan was rather taken aback, but it was a good thing that Su Wen had a conscience.
On the ridge of the field, little sister Su first took out the water. “Third sister, drink some water first to moisten your throat. Are you tired? The cornbread is not delicious at all. In future, don’t eat that.”
“It’s fine. I’m already very satisfied with the cornbread.” When they were young, they didn’t even get to eat cornbread.
“That won’t do. I’ll feel guilty if I let you eat the cornbread while working so hard when I’m eating delicious food at home.” Little sister Su said with a serious face.
“Alright!” Su Xiu was very easy to talk to and agreed with a smile.
Anything goes when there was nice food to be had.
“Quick, eat! Big sister made scallion pancakes herself.” Little sister Su whispered mysteriously, “When you and Second sister go back tonight, Big sister will steam eggs for you. Big sister’s steamed eggs are delicious.”
“Okay!” Su Xiu’s hands trembled as she picked up the beautifully rolled scallion pancake. She took a small bite and closed her eyes in satisfaction.
The scallion pancake was still steaming hot and fragrant when eaten. The scallions had a mellow wheat aroma with a little saltiness in its fragrance. She didn’t know how her big sister made it, but the scallion pancake was actually layered and had a rich texture. It was something she had never eaten before.
“It’s delicious, right? Big sis said it’s called a thousand-layer cake, a thousand-layer scallion pancake,” Little sister Su said proudly.
“It’s extremely delectable.”
“Then finish it all.”
“I’ve already had two pieces of cornbread. I can’t eat so much, so I’ll give you half.”
“No, I’m not hungry at all. Big sister made a lot of yummy food for lunch.” Little sister Su waved her hands, refusing to take advantage of her third sister.
She couldn’t do any work at all and could only help her big sister with some housework at home, yet she still ate so much delicious food.
Third sister had it tough enough.
“Third sister, you should eat more and nourish yourself. Big sister said you’re too thin and you’re still undergoing puberty, so it’s not too late to nourish your body.” Little sister Su blurted out what Su Wen had muttered at home.
She actually didn’t understand what it meant. Su Xiu was so embarrassed that she couldn’t raise her head. She simply lowered her head and ate the scallion pancake.
The sisters sat on the ridge of the field. One was eating demurely, while the other was busy picking wildflowers. Little sister Su picked a basket of yellow, white, and pink wildflowers and related what had happened that morning.
In the end, she concluded, “Big sister said that you must win in a fight, or else you’ll feel aggrieved.”
She smiled shyly. “I think so too. Third sister, I’ll tell you a little secret, but don’t tell anyone else.”
“Go ahead.”
“From today onwards, I’m going to secretly practise how to quarrel. Once I’ve learned it, I’ll be determined not to embarrass Big sister.” The smart little girl was really intelligent.
The gentle and honest Su Xiu didn’t know what to say.
She felt that something was amiss.
*****
Su Wen walked for more than two hours before she reached the county. This time, she arrived at the black market with great familiarity. It was almost four o’clock in the afternoon, and the crowd gradually increased.
They sold tofu, pork, and fish that had been secretly caught from the river, textiles… These stalls had gradually taken shape.
There were a few elderly folks gathered at the side. Two of them were playing Chinese Chess, while another was holding a newspaper in his hand and talking about some Document No. 1.
Su Wen’s sharp ears caught it.
She had an impression of Document No. 1. It was this document that opened the free circulation of agricultural products and distributed them to households.
From a collective system to a contract system.
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