“Dear, that older one must be Master Qiao’s granddaughter, right?! Did the whole family get sent down here?!”

A few days ago, Li Dani had already heard from her husband that Master Qiao’s granddaughter was coming to their area for labor reform.

At the time, she thought maybe just one or two people would come.

She never expected it would be the whole family.

And today, she even saw two such young children, which made her feel quite sorry for them.

“She is Master Qiao’s granddaughter. Otherwise, there’s no way she would even know about this place. Their family was reported by someone. If it weren’t for that, given Qiao Yin’s status as a martyr, the Qiao family might have been able to avoid this.”

Bai Lianshan didn’t intend to go into detail with his wife, giving only a vague explanation.

That was what Uncle Jiu had instructed—better to keep it quiet so it wouldn’t cause trouble for the Su family.

Li Dani had seen Master Qiao several times growing up.

In fact, she saw him once before she married Bai Lianshan—that was also the last time.

After 1955, Master Qiao never came again.

Later, she heard that his only grandson had died, and not long after, the old man passed away too.

Who would have thought that the descendants of their former benefactor would fall on hard times and end up back here?

“Those two kids are still so young. Should we give them some refined grain? They were running a high fever when they arrived the other day—I wonder if they’ve recovered?”

Li Dani offered to bring some better food for Dabao and Xiaobao out of genuine concern.

Their own family was doing well now, and since they had received kindness from Master Qiao in the past, she was generous.

“No need to give them anything. Qiao girl said they just want to be treated like ordinary people, nothing more. That’s also what Uncle Jiu wants. They’re trying to keep a low profile and live peacefully here.”

Bai Lianshan quickly stopped her, worried that good intentions might backfire.

The Su family wanted to avoid drawing attention.

“That’s true. Just like us—our background isn’t bad, but we still have to live like everyone else.”

Their family was actually quite well off.

Not only did they have nearly three thousand yuan, they even had a stash of gold hidden under the floor beneath their bed—one large gold bar and eight small ones.

Not to mention, now they had more than enough to eat and wear.

Their good life was largely thanks to Master Qiao, who had once come to the area to collect medicinal herbs and helped them sell mountain goods and furs in the capital.

With such a financial cushion, Li Dani could live comfortably.

Her eldest son worked in town, the second in the forestry bureau—only the third and youngest sons were still at home.

“Even if we can’t give them food, things like a machete, small hoe, vegetable seeds, and a carrying basket—they probably need those.”

Spring had come.

Every household had its own little plot of land for growing vegetables, and the Qiao family would too. Remembering this, Bai Lianshan began discussing it with his wife.

“Alright, I’ll go gather the old machete and hoe, and pack some vegetable seeds. As for the basket, just take one.”

Li Dani agreed without hesitation.

They had extras anyway, and it was far better for the Su family to be self-reliant than to rely on handouts.

That evening, after dinner, Bai Lianshan packed the items into a basket and headed out—but he went to Uncle Jiu’s house first.

“There’s still a long way to go before the next food distribution. I’ll send them 300 jin of sweet potatoes and potatoes, and several dozen jin of cabbage from my own supply.”

Uncle Jiu had heard the Su family had gone to work today and done well—steady and spirited—which reassured him.

Since Bai Lianshan wanted to bring them some things, Uncle Jiu figured it would be best to give them coarse grains, something that wouldn’t draw criticism.

“Uncle Jiu, the production team hasn’t issued them any food rations yet. I’ll have the accountant record it tomorrow—advance them three months’ worth. If that’s not enough, we’ll come to you again.”

Bai Lianshan quickly offered a plan. He had intentionally delayed giving the Su family their rations so that outsiders wouldn’t suspect anything.

“Alright. Just tell everyone to stay calm and don’t slip up. Just make sure that family doesn’t fall ill or go hungry or cold.”

“Will do. I’ll stop by and let them know in a bit.”

Bai Lianshan responded, and seeing that it was about the right time, picked up the basket and headed toward the distant house.

Neither Qiao Jiuru nor Su Huaiyuan had expected Bai Lianshan to visit so late.

Luckily, they hadn’t gone into the space at that moment.

“These are tools our family no longer uses—machete, hoe, and a basket. In a few days, you’ll be given the plot next to this house as your own garden. These are vegetable seeds; you can grow your own food.”

Entering the house, Bai Lianshan set down the basket and explained to Qiao Jiuru and Su Huaiyuan.

“Are Dabao and Xiaobao fully recovered?”

So he had come to bring them tools.

Qiao Jiuru and Su Huaiyuan were deeply moved—Bai Lianshan had thought of everything.

“Pretty much fully recovered. Brother Bai, we can’t thank you and Uncle Jiu enough.”

Su Huaiyuan stepped aside to let Bai Lianshan see the two little ones asleep on the kang.

“Good to hear. Tomorrow, the team will give you three months’ rations. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Bai Lianshan had sharp eyes—he saw the two kids sprawled out in sleep and couldn’t help but smile.

Qiao Jiuru and Su Huaiyuan didn’t try to keep him, quickly walking him to the door.

The couple exchanged a glance.

“Brother Bai, we might be getting a package delivery notice in the next couple of days. It’s something we secretly mailed before being sent down. Would you be willing to help us pick it up?”