Chapter 121: Building a New House for the Teacher

Xiahe Village brigade is located in the mountains.

The transportation conditions are far worse than those of Cihang Village brigade; even cycling is difficult.

Shen Chuning helped Peng Kaiyuan climb the mountain.

This mountain range connects to a primeval forest.

Xiahe Village is situated on the top of a hill on the outer edge of the mountain; entering the primeval forest is a short distance behind Xiahe Village.

The mountain path is steep and difficult to climb.

If Shen Chuning hadn’t strengthened her body and increased her strength by using the spiritual spring water, she would have struggled to climb this mountain.

Several times, she almost suggested that her teacher stay in the commune staff dormitory instead.

Xiahe Village brigade’s location is extremely inconvenient.

But she ultimately didn’t voice her suggestion.

Although the commune is said to be not far from Xiahe Village brigade, it’s still more than ten miles of mountain road away.

For the teacher, no matter how convenient the commune staff dormitory is, it’s not home.

When Shen Chuning and her group followed Peng Kaiyuan into Xiahe Village brigade, villagers greeted them enthusiastically, “Old Accountant, you’re back!”

It was evident that the villagers of Xiahe Village deeply respected Peng Kaiyuan.

Peng Kaiyuan nodded in response to the villagers while introducing his student, Shen Chuning.

Shen Chuning later learned from the villagers that Peng Kaiyuan’s respect stemmed from his actions during the three years of hardship.  He donated all his salary and food rations to the village.

Many families survived those three years thanks to the money and food Peng Kaiyuan donated.

Upon reaching Peng Kaiyuan’s old homestead, they found his old house had mostly collapsed, leaving only ruins.

Seeing the desolate site, the old man’s face turned somber, his cloudy eyes filled with tears.

He quickly wiped his eyes and explained to Shen Chuning, “I haven’t been back in a long time.  I’m getting old, and my eyesight isn’t good; my eyes water easily.”

Shen Chuning supported the old man, “Teacher, don’t say that.  Anyone would be moved returning to their old home.”

After comforting him, Shen Chuning discussed her house-building plan.

It would be a small courtyard with three rooms: a main hall and two bedrooms, one on each side of the hall.

On either side of the courtyard, there would be a kitchen and a shower room.

The latrine would have to be outside the courtyard wall; it would smell too much inside, though it would be inconvenient for the teacher to use.

Peng Kaiyuan waved his hand, “What inconvenience? I’m not so old that I can’t even go to the toilet.”

Shen Chuning initially planned to build a brick house for her teacher, but Xiahe Village’s poor transportation made it extremely difficult. Bricks would have to be carried up the mountain manually.

While Shen Chuning discussed the plans with the bricklayer, Peng Kaiyuan offered his opinion: “Ning, we don’t need a brick house, a rammed earth house is fine.

Brick houses look nice, but they’re not cool in summer and not warm in winter. I find rammed earth houses more comfortable.”

Shen Chuning knew her teacher had made up his mind and wouldn’t change it.

So, they decided on a rammed earth house.

When the villagers of Xiahe Village learned that Peng Kaiyuan was building a house, they volunteered to help.

Some dug mud, others carried it, mixed it, and rammed the walls.

The mud for the rammed earth walls couldn’t be used directly from the ground; it needed to be mixed with three parts soil and one part straw and repeatedly rammed to build the walls.

Many hands make light work, and Peng Kaiyuan’s house went up quickly.

In just five days, the rammed earth walls were up; next came the beams and roofing.

Red bricks were still strategic materials; buying them required special permits from the brick factory.

However, tiles were easier to obtain; the brigade only needed to issue a permit to buy them from the tile factory.

Due to its location, Xiahe Village brigade had difficulty transporting materials from the foot of the mountain. Tiles, however, were needed by every household.

Therefore, the brigade had its own tile kiln.

The tiles cost 1.2 cents each.

The bricklayer calculated that Peng Kaiyuan’s courtyard would need about 640 tiles.  Accounting for waste and future repairs, Shen Chuning bought 700 tiles for 8.4 yuan.

The lumber for the main and cross beams cost 13.2 yuan.

Labor was exchanged; those who helped build the house would receive reciprocal help when they built their own houses.

However, meals were provided.

The villagers helped build the teacher’s house voluntarily, and Shen Chuning, knowing they might not have many opportunities to return the favor, didn’t want to skimp on food.

She transported a lot of grain, instructing the cook to use half rice and half sweet potatoes.

Vegetables were plentiful; Shen Chuning provided two jin of meat or two to three dozen eggs daily, along with a large vat of cooking oil.

Not only was there meat and eggs every day, but the vegetables were also generously oiled, making them more fragrant than others.

Initially, some relatives of Peng Kaiyuan in Xiahe Village resented him taking a student from another brigade to fill his position.

They also disliked the delicate Shen Chuning.

However, during the house construction, the villagers got to know Shen Chuning and saw her genuine respect and filial piety towards Peng Kaiyuan, treating him like her own family elder.

She was beautiful and personable, making it hard not to like her.

By the time the house’s main beams were being put in place, many aunts in Xiahe Village were inquiring about Shen Chuning’s marital status, wanting to introduce their nephews or sons.

They were disappointed to learn she was already married.

According to custom, a feast was held on the day the main beams were raised.

Knowing Shen Chuning was busy at the commune and couldn’t take time off, Peng Kaiyuan scheduled the beam-raising for a rest day.

The day before the rest day, Lin Shulan helped Shen Chuning clear out her garden, preparing to move the vegetables to Peng Kaiyuan’s new home for the celebration.

That evening, Lin Shulan curiously asked Shen Chuning, “Ningning, how did you grow your vegetables?  We planted ours at the same time, but yours are so much more vibrant.”

Lin Shulan found it strange; Shen Chuning had less time to fertilize her garden, while she herself fertilized hers more frequently.  Yet, Shen Chuning’s vegetables were far superior.