Shen Qing: “…Marketplace, I know books are important and valuable, but can you first open up the categories for meat, weapons, transportation, daily necessities, and seasonings? If that’s not possible, even just eggs, vegetables, or fabric would do!”

What she lacked most right now wasn’t intellectual nourishment but real, tangible supplies for daily survival!

Oh well, something was better than nothing.

Shen Qing walked along the road, unable to browse books in detail, so she shifted her focus to the storage cabinet.

It was only five cubic meters—not too big, about the size of a bathroom in an urban apartment.

Not like the spacious bathrooms in rural self-built houses, which were almost as large as her guest room or even master bedroom.

Its best feature was that items placed inside would remain exactly the same when taken out—no decay, no spoilage, similar to a refrigerator but even better. Everything remained as fresh as the moment it was stored!

Shen Qing was thrilled—this storage cabinet was too practical!

Though not large, it was perfect for storing heavy objects, silver, money, travel permits, and other valuables.

She could even keep a kitchen knife inside—essentially carrying a weapon at all times, which could save her life in a critical moment.

Shen Qing’s gaze toward Jiang Yu became intense and fervent, as if she were looking at a priceless treasure.

Jiang Yu: “…Sister-in-law?”

Shen Qing snapped back to reality and grinned. “Yesterday, we bought some new fabric at home, so I had Ah Bing make you two sets of new clothes. These old ones you brought back—you don’t have to wear them anymore.”

No need to wear clothes that made her feel uncomfortable.

Jiang Yu understood her sister-in-law’s meaning.

She sensibly replied, “It’s okay. These clothes are still wearable. Throwing them away would be a waste. You should use the new fabric to make clothes for yourselves.”

Fabric was expensive.

She was well aware of their family’s financial situation.

They must have calculated and saved carefully before buying even a small piece of fabric.

How could she just take a large share for herself?

Shen Qing: “It won’t go to waste. There are other uses for it. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Yu was about to ask more when she saw several men walking toward Shen Qing.

Now that they were farther from Ten-Mile Village and closer to Seven-Mile Village, there was no longer any fear of danger.

The men, eager to return home, approached to say their goodbyes.

Shen Qing raised her voice and called out, “Wait! Everyone worked hard today! If it weren’t for all of you keeping things under control, how could Liu Sheng have signed the separation document so easily? How could we have brought Xiao Yu back so smoothly?

Before I left home, my daughter-in-law and my daughter had already started cooking. It won’t be a feast, but it’ll be enough to fill everyone up! If you don’t mind, come to the Jiang household and eat before heading home!”

It was currently the lean season—food was scarce in every household, and everyone was rationing carefully.

No one had expected Shen Qing to provide a meal, especially for seventy or eighty people.

Just one meal for so many people would cost Jiang’s family at least three days’ worth of food!

The men didn’t immediately accept the offer. Instead, they looked toward Village Chief Jiang Er-Ye.

Shen Qing turned to Jiang Erye and said, “Second Uncle, before I left, I asked Ah Bing and Xiao Shui to prepare food. You all helped us so much today, so please don’t worry and just come eat. It’s nothing fancy, just some simple pancakes and steamed buns.”

Jiang Datiao knew exactly what Shen Qing had arranged.

Those were white flour pancakes and steamed buns—and even eggs!

Jiang Erye had been expecting something like coarse cornbread or wild vegetable cakes, so he turned to the men and said, “Everyone worked hard today. If the meal isn’t fancy, please don’t mind.”

Hearing the village chief’s approval, the men cheered and quickened their steps toward the Jiang household.

After working all morning, they were indeed starving.

Shen Qing instructed Feng Xing and Feng Tao, who were supporting Jiang Yu, to run ahead and help prepare.

When they arrived home, they found that Huo Bing, Jiang Shui, and Guan Li had already cleaned up everything related to brush-making and soap-making.

The courtyard was tidy and refreshing.

The kitchen was bustling with activity.

A large bamboo tray was stacked high with freshly baked white flour pancakes.

Two bamboo baskets were filled with fist-sized steamed buns.

The large iron pot had a roaring fire underneath, with five steaming baskets stacked on top, sending up plumes of steam.

Next to it, an earthenware jar was filled with egg drop soup, which Guan Xiao-Shan was ladling into bowls.

Huo Bing saw Shen Qing and came over to report, “Mother, we baked the pancakes while waiting for the steamed buns to rise. There aren’t many, but the steamed buns should be enough. These five steamers will be ready soon, and the next batch will be done in just one more round of brewing tea.”

“We figured pancakes and buns might be dry, so we decided to make egg drop soup instead. Xiao Li borrowed extra bowls from Uncle Er, Uncle San, and Uncle Wu’s homes. Is that okay?”

Shen Qing had no objections—she was absolutely satisfied with her resourceful daughter-in-law and daughter!

“Of course! You did great! They’re almost here, so let’s bring the food out to the courtyard.”

As the men stepped into the simple reed-fenced courtyard, they saw the large baskets filled with white flour steamed buns and hesitated.

Their steps faltered as they glanced around, wondering if they had entered the wrong house.

Some even considered turning back.

Shen Qing came out holding two bowls of egg drop soup, beaming with enthusiasm. “Come in, come in! We don’t have many tables or chairs, so just make do by standing or squatting while you eat.”

More men continued to enter, but seeing the ones in front frozen in shock, they nudged them forward.

The men at the front snapped out of their daze and quickly took the soup bowls from Shen Qing’s hands—only to be stunned once again.

The soup was filled with rich egg blossoms, with even bits of pork fat floating on top.

Jiang Shui poked her head out from the kitchen and cheerfully called, “Uncles and brothers, eat as much as you want! There’s more in the pot!”

As the rest of the men moved forward, they finally saw the mountains of steamed buns, the neatly arranged stacks of pancakes, and the hearty egg drop soup—and they understood why the first group had frozen in place.

They, too, were stunned.

Several elders of the Jiang family were equally surprised.

At first, they tried to eat sparingly, thinking they would only have one bun each.

But the soft, delicate texture of the white flour and the sweetness of the egg drop soup made it impossible to stop at just one.

Just as they worried about taking too much, two more baskets of freshly steamed buns emerged from the kitchen.

Every time they thought the food would run out, another batch was ready—enough not just for the men but also for the women following behind.

Jiang Wuye clicked his tongue in amazement. “How much flour did our niece-in-law use for this meal? She’s so generous!”

Jiang San-Ye sighed in admiration. “And the eggs! I’ve never had egg drop soup with this many eggs before!”

Jiang Er-Ye remained silent, deep in thought as he ate his soft, warm bun.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu ate her bun and soup, tears streaming down her face.

Having a family was wonderful.

No, having a family that protected her, stood up for her, and supported her with all their might—that was what was truly wonderful.