In this era, family solidarity was paramount. Relatives would band together when faced with challenges, even over minor disputes involving the younger generation. Sometimes, a petty fight between two kids could escalate into a full-blown family feud. Of course, selfish individuals existed, just as there were traitors even during wartime, but they were in the minority.

Though fairness was valued, disputes in rural areas often arose over trivial matters. These disagreements could become tangled and complex, and families with fewer members were at a disadvantage during conflicts.

Each person received 10 pounds of cornmeal and 20 pounds of sweet potatoes. Everyone appreciated Luo Wen, the eldest brother, for his generosity. It was, after all, his family’s grain, and he still had to care for their elderly mother. Dividing half of it among his siblings and relatives was no small gesture.

Particularly for the brothers-in-law, their familial ties were not as close as those of his uncles. In rural culture, daughters were often considered “married out,” no longer as closely tied to their parents’ family as sons were. While this idea wasn’t practiced with absolute ruthlessness, sons were still prioritized when parents provided financial or material support.

Luo Wen’s actions demonstrated that their sisters were not considered outsiders. It sent a clear message: anyone mistreating them would have to think twice.

The Luo family, including extended relatives, wasn’t large in Longyang Town. However, with someone like Luo Cheng in the family now, anyone considering a dispute with the Luo clan would have to tread carefully, even families with greater numbers in town or the surrounding villages.

The bags everyone brought were modest, just enough to carry the cornmeal. Sweet potatoes were simpler to manage; carrying a few each—about 20 pounds—wasn’t much of a challenge. Each family had four or five people with them, so transporting the food was manageable.

The happiest person that day was undoubtedly Luo Cheng’s grandmother. She had enjoyed a filling meal of steamed buns the night before and some vegetable-filled dumplings that morning. Her strength had noticeably improved, allowing her to walk more steadily. However, true recovery would require consistent nourishment over time.

A large pot of sweet potato porridge was brought out while the men chatted. However, they didn’t start eating immediately. Only the first batch was ready; the rest of the porridge was still being prepared in the kitchen. Serving one or two bowls per person and then pausing the meal to wait for the next batch wouldn’t work.

The porridge contained both fine rice and millet because Luo Cheng insisted millet was nutritious and good for their grandmother’s health. The pot brimmed with thick, hearty porridge—much richer than the usual thin fare that often left the bowl’s bottom visible.

The men moved their chairs to the veranda to chat while they waited. Meanwhile, Luo Cheng was still surrounded by his female cousins. Younger children were off hunting bugs, while the older boys helped with chores.

The sight of Luo Cheng laughing and chatting with his cousins didn’t seem out of place to anyone. If a someone else had been in his position, he would’ve been scolded for not helping out. But Luo Cheng’s status within the family granted him a level of respect that made such situations acceptable.

The second batch of porridge cooked quickly. Rice and millet had already been prepared in advance, so it only took about ten minutes for the new batch to be ready. Luo Cheng’s eldest aunt came out to announce it was time to eat.

The first batch of porridge was served to free up the pot for the next round of cooking. Even then, the meal wasn’t a free-for-all. Everyone understood that food had to be shared equitably. Taking an extra bowl meant someone else would have less.

Each person received one bowl for the first round, with everyone using the bowls they had brought from home. In this era, bowl sizes were fairly standard, so there was little room for disputes over portion sizes.

Children, especially younger ones, had their bowls filled for them by parents or older siblings. Even the youngest of the family—like the grandchildren of Luo Cheng’s uncles—were included. However, everyone followed the unspoken rule: finish the first bowl, then wait until everyone else was ready for seconds.

The meal adhered to strict rules. The elders, like Luo Cheng’s uncles and father, ate first at the table. Luo Cheng’s grandmother was offered a seat, but she preferred to stand and eat in the kitchen with the women.

Younger generations, including Luo Cheng and his cousins, ate standing outside. Those who got tired could sit on a nearby rock or dirt mound.

After the first round, Luo Cheng’s mother would check in on the elders. Once they finished, she would signal the start of the second round. However, some restrictions applied:

Children under 10 usually weren’t allowed a third serving.

Unmarried girls were limited to two bowls, reflecting the era’s gender biases. It was believed that women naturally ate less and should prioritize the needs of men and boys.

Though these restrictions were unfair, minor concessions were made. For instance, women were often served extra sweet potatoes in their porridge.

After the second round, others could serve themselves for the third. However, unspoken etiquette dictated that everyone stop eating after three bowls, regardless of leftovers. If there was an abundance, the excess would be saved for Luo Cheng’s family to eat later.