Chapter 34: Making Clothes

Yesterday, Pear Blossom went to Jinyang County, but this time she was just buying meat, which could be found at the nearby small town. The young girl, benefiting from system attributes, walked quickly and reached the place in less than half an hour.

Following her mother’s instructions, she bought two pounds of pork. When she heard the butcher surnamed Zhang say that the price was fifteen wen per pound, Pear Blossom was taken aback and asked, “Yesterday, in the city, it was only twelve wen per pound. Why is it three wen more expensive here?”

The butcher, Zhang, shrugged and said, “Can’t help it. The price of pork changes every day. In the city, they raise pigs specially to sell cheaply. My pork comes from local farmers, and I buy it at a high price. I can’t sell it cheap, or I’ll be at a loss.”

Pear Blossom thought that the old man was raising the price unfairly, but since there was only one pork stall nearby, she had no choice but to pay.

After all, when people are hired to build houses, it’s all physical labor, and if they don’t eat enough, they won’t be able to work. The most important point was that her parents had invited people to help, and the villagers didn’t want to come because they thought their family couldn’t afford meat. If they really didn’t have any, it would prove the villagers’ words true.

Besides, they could still afford to buy meat now.After paying, she saw a few large bones on the counter and thought about the delicious meat soup she had had in the city yesterday. If only they could make such a soup at home—boil some noodles and pour the soup over them.

It would be so delicious. So she asked, “Boss, how much for the bones?” The butcher looked at her tattered clothes and said, “Ten wen for all of them.” Pear Blossom shook the ten copper coins she had left and had to give up the idea.

Just then, a voice suddenly interrupted, “Oh, isn’t this my Pear Blossom niece? Came to buy meat? Aren’t you folks living in a house that’s falling apart? How do you still have money to buy meat? Don’t tell me you secretly went to my mother to borrow some silver?”

Pear Blossom turned around and saw that the person speaking was Liu’s fourth son, Liu Youtie, her father’s younger brother.” Your father was so stubborn, saying in front of so many people that he didn’t want any inheritance.

He earned others’ sympathy and good reputation, but our Liu family became the villains. Go back and tell him, if he wants to be stubborn, he should be stubborn all the way. Don’t turn around and come asking my mother for money.”

Hearing the other person’s sarcastic tone, Pear Blossom felt uncomfortable, but she was too lazy to argue. She gave him a glare and turned to leave. “Hey, little girl, don’t you have any manners? Didn’t your father teach you to greet your uncle when you see him?” Pear Blossom ignored him and continued along the street, carrying two pounds of meat, looking for the tofu stand.

Liu Youtie shouted again from behind, “Call me Fourth Uncle, and I’ll buy you that big bone. What do you think? “Pear Blossom still paid him no attention. Liu Youtie shouted for a while, but eventually grew bored and stopped bothering her. She hadn’t found the tofu stand yet when she saw someone walking toward her with a load of goods, shouting as they walked. “Tofu for sale! Tofu for sale!” Pear Blossom quickly stopped him and asked how much the tofu cost. The man replied, “Five wen per portion. Each portion weighs just over a pound, tender and tasty.

If you buy it from a shop, it’ll cost seven or eight wen per pound, so you’ll save two or three wen buying from me.”Pear Blossom breathed a sigh of relief. After buying the tofu, she’d still have five wen left to buy vegetables. Fortunately, the vegetables in town were grown locally and were relatively cheap. A large cabbage only cost one wen.

After buying the tofu, Pear Blossom bought three big cabbages and two bundles of beans, filling her basket completely. But she had spent all forty wen her mother had given her. If this went on every day, the money wouldn’t last long. Especially the meat— it was just too expensive.On the way back, Pear Blossom asked the system, “Are there wild boars on the nearby mountain?”

The system dutifully scanned and responded, “Yes, there are wild boars on Wuyin Mountain, but there are also wolves. Further into the mountain behind your house, there are more wild boars, but there are also other dangerous creatures like snakes and wild animals.”Pear Blossom didn’t feel scared at all. Instead, her heart began to burn with excitement.

Since there were wild boars on the mountain, why not hunt them? If she could kill a boar, she wouldn’t have to worry about meat for the house building this month.The system, of course, knew what she was thinking and said, “Host, most of the wild boars around here are over three or four hundred pounds.

You currently don’t have the strength to fight one. “But when Pear Blossom heard that a wild boar weighed three or four hundred pounds, she became even more excited. How long would it take to finish eating all that meat?”

I can’t beat it in a fight, but can’t I set a trap? “Hearing this, the system suddenly felt relieved, “Host, you’ve finally become smart. Do you want me to teach you how to set a trap?” Pear Blossom, rarely praised by the system, chuckled and then asked, “If I hunt a wild boar myself, will I get points?” “Yes, if you find and hunt a wild boar by yourself, you’ll earn ten points. If you need me to locate it, and you hunt it yourself, you’ll only get five points.

But if you need me to locate it and help you hunt it, there will be no points.”Pear Blossom laughed, “Even if it’s all you helping, I may not get points, but I’ll get a wild boar. But I can’t always rely on you. Right now, I don’t have the skills to track prey, so I’ll use your location function. I’ll find someone to teach me how to make traps, and I’ll hunt the boar myself.”

The system said, “Not blindly confident, nor fully reliant on others. Host, you’ve really come around. “With a clear goal in mind, Pear Blossom quickly left behind her earlier frustration about the high meat prices and walked back home with light steps. She didn’t even care about Liu Youtie calling her from behind.

When she reached the foot of the mountain, the men working on the foundation were busy, and on another patch of wasteland, Xiong was working with Xinghua to clear land for a vegetable garden.Up the hillside, Pear Blossom could vaguely see Erniu and Dog (Gou Dan) tending cattle in a large field.

The workers saw Pear Blossom returning, and Zhang Laowu called out from a distance, “Pear Blossom, where have you been?”

Pear Blossom smiled and replied, “I went to buy meat. We’re having meat for lunch.” Zhang Laowu hadn’t expected meat for lunch, especially after having only steamed buns for breakfast. He knew the conditions at Dagen’s house.

Even when he hired people to work for him, they couldn’t guarantee meat every day. He turned to Dagen and said quietly, “Dagen, it’s just us here, no outsiders. If you’re tight on money, we can make do.

As long as we can get full, that’s good enough.”Dagen was surprised by Zhang Laowu’s concern, as they didn’t usually interact much. He was flattered and replied, “It’s no trouble. We’re building a house, and this is all physical work.

Without some oil in our bellies, we won’t have the strength to work.” The Xiong brothers overheard and, since Dagen was one of the few people from Xiaoqing Family Village who wasn’t from the Qin family, they also developed some goodwill toward Zhang Laowu. Xiong Laoda said, “Fifth brother, don’t worry. Dagen knows what he’s doing.”Now it was Zhang Laowu’s turn to feel awkward.

He chuckled a little and said, “If he knows, then that’s fine. That’s fine.”Dagen quickly added, “It’s not just buying from outside.

Pear Blossom went up the mountain the other day and caught a wild pheasant. That’s enough for a small treat.” When Zhang Laowu heard this, his interest was piqued. The main reason he had agreed to help Dagen build the house was because of Pear Blossom’s performance on Wuyin Mountain. He truly thought she was different, tougher than any man.

When he heard she had caught a wild pheasant, his eyes lit up. “Really? I knew this girl had some ability.

She single-handedly led away six or seven wolves that night. In this area, who else could do that? Catching a pheasant is nothing for her.”

The Xiong brothers were hearing about Pear Blossom’s wolf-drawing stunt for the first time, and their eyes went wide. “Really? She’s that capable?” Qin Laohan, hearing the conversation, finally spoke up, “That night, my three grandsons, Old Five, and I all saw it with our own eyes. If anyone doesn’t believe it, they can say what they like, but we can’t lie to ourselves.”

The nearby mountain also nodded repeatedly. Even Qin Laohan spoke up, so there was no way this could be fake. Boss Xiong (Xiong Laoda) remembered that Dagen had mentioned yesterday that it was Pear Blossom who had saved the nobleman and received a reward of one hundred taels, an amount that would take a lifetime for those mud-stained folk to earn. The fact that she had led the wolf away didn’t seem so unbelievable anymore.So, the two of them looked at Pear Blossom with a different expression. Boss Xiong, seeing it was about time, came back to prepare lunch. She first sliced some lean meat and made a cabbage and tofu soup, then braised some pork with beans, and finally stir-fried some wild chives.

In the countryside, it’s common to invite guests with one meat dish and one vegetable dish. Today, however, she had prepared three dishes—one meat, one vegetable, and a soup, which was already quite good.

Adding in the lard she had just rendered yesterday afternoon, Boss Xiong felt sorry that her family rarely had meat, and especially for the two brothers. So, aside from the soup, the other two dishes had enough oil, and the portions were generous.

There was also plenty of rice, and everyone ate to their heart’s content, their faces greasy as they kept eating without stopping.

Boss Xiong, along with Pear Blossom, Xinghua, and the dog egg, ate in the shed, while the men gathered around a large stone slab outside, eating while standing or squatting.

Zhang Laowu, a distant relative, was willing to come and help, and Boss Xiong was very grateful. She treated his son well and, though reluctant, put some of the meat in Dog’s mouth. Before Dog could finish, he had to wipe his nose, but after two bites, it came back again. The others were used to it and let him be.

Zhang Laowu walked around with his rice bowl, eating while moving. He peeked into the shed and saw his son sitting on the stone slab, his coat open, exposing his little belly, holding a piece of meat and eating with his face covered in oil.

This reassured him, and he turned to chat with the others. Everyone was satisfied after the meal, and taking advantage of the sunny weather, they rested under the shade of a tree for more than half an hour before going back to work. In the afternoon, Boss Xiong took Pear Blossom and Xinghua into the shed to cut fabric and start making clothes.

Before she married, Pear Blossom’s grandmother had taught her how to sew, but she hadn’t touched any fabric for many years. After a long while of struggling, she was still at a loss. Just as she was about to give up, she heard Qin Laohan’s voice from outside the shed.

Boss Xiong’s heart lifted, and she put down her needle and thread to go outside.“The sun’s so hot, why aren’t you resting at home and came to my place?”

Mrs. Qin laughed.“I came over to chat because it’s too hot to work,” Mrs. Qin said, placing a large basket down. Inside, there were a few big cabbages, beans, and loofahs.“ These are all homegrown. You don’t have a garden yet, so you have to buy everything in the market. Don’t spend that money anymore.

If you want anything, just come to my garden and pick it, or tell Dashan, I’ll have him bring it over.” Then, she pulled out a piece of dried pork about half an arm long and said, “There’s some leftover dried meat from the year, take one and cook it to let everyone try it.”

Boss Xiong looked at the large basket of food, her eyes reddened as tears almost fell. “Auntie, you’ve been so good to me, I don’t know what to say—” Mrs. Qin patted her hand and said, “No need for formalities between us.

I see that Dagen and Pear Blossom are both capable. Your life won’t be hard in the future. Right now, it’s tough, but once you get through this, it will get better.” Boss Xiong was delighted by this and didn’t hesitate to collect everything into the kitchen shed.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside. They turned their heads, and to their surprise, it was Old Zeng bringing Fubao over with a large basket on her back as well.Seeing someone visiting, Boss Xiong hurriedly stepped forward to greet them.

Mrs. Qin and Old Zeng were from the same village, and their relationship was neither close nor distant. Although Old Zeng had a sharp tongue and often scolded her daughter-in-law, that was their family’s business, and outsiders had no right to interfere.

These women, who were of similar age, usually gathered together to chat, often discussing their daughters-in-law, occasionally complaining about this or that. “Why are you here under this hot sun, bringing little Fubao out? You’re not letting this little chubby bundle get sunburned, are you?” Mrs. Qin teased.

Old Zeng replied, “Well, Pear Blossom came to my house yesterday and said her father told her that since Dayou’s wife helped the two sisters, after the autumn harvest, their family would help us harvest rice. I can’t accept their kindness for nothing, so I thought, since they don’t even have vegetables to grow at home, I’ll bring them some of my own produce.

Every bit saved counts.”Boss Xiong’s smile froze at the corners of her mouth. She was of course willing to help harvest rice for the Zeng family due to Dong Yun’s connection, but Old Zeng had now brought up this matter in front of her, and she felt somewhat uncomfortable.

The autumn harvest was a big deal, and every family had its own fields to tend to. There was no time to help others. In previous years, the Zeng family only had the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to do the work, and Zeng Guangjin, a weak scholar, could only provide half a laborer.

The eldest daughter of the Zeng family could only come to help after her in-laws were done with their harvest. Every time, the Zeng family harvested their rice the earliest, but also finished the latest.

Mrs. Qin knew very well what Old Zeng was like, but since she had mentioned Dong Yun’s help, she didn’t dare to speak out.

Boss Xiong finally came to her senses and smiled. “It was I and Dagen who asked Pear Blossom to speak with Dayou’s wife. Don’t worry, Aunt, we’ll definitely finish your harvest first before ours.” Upon hearing this, Old Zeng’s old face broke into a wide grin. She put down her basket and said, “I knew Dagen wasn’t an ungrateful person.

He hasn’t forgotten how Dayou’s wife has been so good to Pear Blossom.” Boss Xiong couldn’t argue with Old Zeng’s claim that Dong Yun treated Pear Blossom well. When Boss Xiong had been ill, it was Pear Blossom and Dong Yun who lent her money for medicine.

Later, when they caught some pheasants and rabbits, they went to Dong Yun’s house to cook, and even borrowed thirty taels of silver. When it came down to it, helping harvest rice was really no big deal. If Dong Yun had said something, Boss Xiong would have volunteered to do it without needing to be asked.

This old woman came, and every word was calculated, making it uncomfortable to listen to.However, it wasn’t a big deal, so Xiong didn’t take it to heart.

Looking at the vegetables she brought, she said, “Growing this cabbage isn’t easy, and the livestock at home need to be fed too.

Next time, don’t bring anything when you come.”Once Mrs. Zeng achieved her goal, she no longer had her usual sharp attitude and smiled, saying, “It’s not a rare thing. Why be so polite with me?”

Pear Blossom, hearing Mrs. Zeng’s voice from the shed, was still unhappy about her taking the thirty taels of silver from Dong Yun, but since they were from the same village, avoiding each other wasn’t a solution.

Moreover, when Fubao arrived, Pear Blossom didn’t like Mrs. Zeng but adored Fubao. She climbed out of the sleeping shed with Xinghua to meet the two old women. Mrs. Xiong said, “Yesterday, Dagen went to the city and bought two bolts of cloth.

I was going to make some clothes for the kids, but I haven’t touched a needle and thread in years and almost forgot how to sew. Since you’re here, you have to help me take a look and teach me. “Mrs. Qin said, “We’re not idle. Let me and this old woman have a look. Let’s go under the tree over there; it’s spacious and cool, perfect for chatting. I also wanted to talk to you about the Xiang family.”

“What happened with the Xiang family? Did they decide who will go serve in the army?”Upon hearing about the Xiang family, Mrs. Zeng also came over. She had been helping her eldest daughter with her postpartum confinement and hadn’t heard the village gossip for the past two months.

She was itching to know. Mrs. Xiong quickly went into the shed to grab the cloth, thread, and needle, then went to the nearby shade. The three women gathered together, sewing while gossiping. Pear Blossom, curious about the Xiang family’s news, led Fubao and followed them to the shade.

Erniu had let the cattle graze in the morning and didn’t need to return in the afternoon. He went to the foundation with his brother to help move soil. Dog was brought over by Xinghua to play with Fubao under the tree.After sitting down, Mrs. Qin eagerly shared the explosive news she had brought.”

Xiang Laosan broke his own leg, so he doesn’t have to serve in the army, but he can’t go to school anymore.”Since Mrs. Qin had hinted at this yesterday, Xiong wasn’t too shocked, but she still felt a shiver at Xiang Laosan’s actions. She couldn’t imagine what would have happened to her family if they had still stayed with the Xiang family.

It was Mrs. Zeng, however, who was hearing this for the first time, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head in surprise.”That whole family has five or six adult men. Each man serves for two or three years.

After the older ones finish their turn, the younger ones grow up. They only serve once in a lifetime, and it’s better than breaking your leg and becoming useless.”

Mrs. Xiong shook her head. “He doesn’t want to serve in the army, and he probably knows the family doesn’t have money for him to waste outside.

He can’t study, and now he’s unwilling to work the fields. This is a cheap trick to rely on his wife and children to support him for the rest of his life.”

Mrs. Qin spat on the ground fiercely and said, “That family is really not a place for anyone to stay. Luckily, you got out. Otherwise, your whole life would be ruined.” Xiong couldn’t help but agree.

Even the usually harsh Mrs. Zeng spoke ill of the Xiang family, mocking them relentlessly.

Mrs. Xiong asked, “If Xiang Laosan broke his leg, doesn’t that mean his son, Xiang Erlang, will have to serve in the army?”

Mrs. Qin nodded. “Yes, the second branch keeps saying Xiang Laosan didn’t study all these years and wasted money outside. They said the third branch has to send someone first, and then after three years, the second branch will send someone.

But who knows what will happen in three years? Right now, Liu is crying so hard she almost fainted. Her husband broke his leg, and her son has to serve in the army.

It’s like the sky is falling on them.”Xiong sighed when she heard this. “When I heard that Dagen died, and Daniu was only thirteen and had his age changed to be sent to the army, I knew what it felt like. Liu is a pitiful woman.”

Mrs. Zeng said, “You’ve forgotten the pain once the wound is healed. They’re getting what they deserve. When the third branch and second branch bullied you, they didn’t show mercy.

Liu’s sons are fat and healthy, and most of the silver Dagen brought back went to Xiang Lao San to squander.

You don’t need to sympathize with them.”Mrs. Zeng’s words were sharp and on point, making Xiong feel a bit regretful for her moment of sympathy. She said, “Forget it, forget it. It’s none of our business now. It’s someone else’s family matter, so let’s just laugh it off.”