Gu Ans hand holding the rice bowl paused, she looked at Gu Wei and said, "Dad, the neighbors are gossiping again..."

  Gu Wei Qiang directly took action, pinched a piece of crispy rice cake, stuffed it into his mouth, the fragrant and crispy rice cake paired with cured meat, one bite down, he almost bit off his tongue, he didnt know that his own daughters culinary skills were so good.

  When An heard this, he spoke unclearly, "Say what, anyway weve split up the family property, each to their own, even if its delicious, they wont get a share." He paused for a moment, with some schadenfreude, "Well eat meat and let them smell the flavor, thats not bad either."

  Old father! Do you know that being so arrogant will get you beaten? Anan smiled slyly like a little fox, nodded slightly. For her, Gu Wei was the superior one, and his attitude determined hers towards the family next door.

  They were all ready, and Anan picked out the largest piece of cured meat from the pot, stuffed it into Dongdongs mouth, and instructed, "Dongdong, take this bowl of cured meat rice and old mother chicken soup to Da Baos wife. Pingan is too thin, she needs to be well supplemented. When you come back, bring Nai over to our house for dinner."

  An An is a vengeful person, she remembers clearly who treats her well and who treats her badly.

  She fell ill, and those two big grass carp were still caught by her uncle who trudged through several feet of thick snow to the riverbank, chiseling open the ice and fishing them out. In such freezing weather, it wasnt easy to go fishing; otherwise, every household would have gone, but only Gu Weiguo could endure this hardship. After breaking open the icy layer, he stretched his warm hands into the icy water, and the fish naturally swam over following the temperature.

  "Winters mouth was stuffed and unclear, Sister, can I speak a bit louder?"

  "Go!", the siblings exchanged a glance, and Anan knew what Dongdong meant. The child was very clever and knew to get angry at the second house, after all, Er Baos wife had scolded them for eating too much during the day, and Dongdong still remembered it in his heart.

  Outside was cold, Dongdong held two big bowls in his arms and ran to the door of Zhaos house, intentionally shouting loudly, "Auntie, my sister said that the fish you caught last time when she was sick tasted particularly good. Today, my sister cooked radish stewed old hen soup and cured meat potstickers rice, it smells so good! You try some." The little boys eyes sparkled as he stuffed everything into Zhao Junyans arms before she could refuse, then turned around and ran off.

  In rural areas, if a family with good relationships has made something delicious, they will directly bring it over in a bowl.

  Gu Hua Zis place is a bit far from the Gu family, by the time they arrive, the food will be cold. It would be better to invite them over for dinner next time, this was An Ans initial thought.

  Zhao Junyan looked at the two large bowls stuffed in her arms, she smiled wryly and carried them into the house. "The master of the house, Dongdong has just brought a lot of food." Pingan, who was originally lying on the kang, smelled the aroma and got up with a start. He took one look at what his mother was carrying and swallowed hard, "Mom, whats this? It smells so delicious!"

  "Your fourth uncles family made potbar rice and mother hen soup."

  Gu Weiguo sat at the door, with a bamboo basket on his legs, rubbing hemp rope. This hemp rope cost three cents per catty, and he could earn about thirty cents by rubbing it for one night. The hemp rope looked like a big pile, but when placed on the scale, it was as light as cotton, taking up space without much weight.

  Hes useless, after the divorce, his wife and son can only suffer with him. He doesnt mind suffering as long as he can earn more money to make life a bit easier for his family.

  When he heard his wifes words, the wrinkles on his face were filled with a faint smile. "Lao Si is a kind-hearted person." He looked up at the bowl in Zhao Junyans arms and said, "Go eat with Pingan, its already late and youve only had mantou (steamed buns) soaked in water for dinner, you must be starving." After they separated from their family, neither of them wanted to go to the main kitchen to borrow a pot to cook, so they simply used hot water to soak some leftover coarse mantou, which solved the problem of one meal.

  Zhao Junyan put the two big bowls on the small table that was as high as a childs leg, and then went to pull Gu Weiguo over, insisting, "Come on, lets eat together." She picked up a piece of braised meat and stuffed it into her husbands mouth.

  She fed her son another piece, Pingans eyes lit up, "Wow, its so delicious!", he stirred the bowl of old hen soup with his chopsticks and exclaimed, "Mom has a big chicken leg!"

  Zhao Junyan felt a little heartache, she nodded and smiled warmly, "Yes, chicken legs are our familys peace."

  It turns out that this is the first time Pingan has eaten chicken legs since he grew up. Before, his family was poor and couldnt afford to eat them. Later, when their familys condition improved a bit, after killing a chicken, the two legs were basically divided among the children of the second and fourth houses, and it never occurred to Pingan to get any.

  Gu Weiguo patted Pingans head, "From now on, Dad will earn money and make chicken legs for Pingan to eat every day."

  Next door, in the middle courtyard, lived the second house of the Gu family. When Gu Dongdong handed a bowl to Zhao Junyan and deliberately raised his voice, Wang Da Yings side of the table could hear it clearly.

  The already unhappy Gu Shuang became even more agitated, sitting on the ground and throwing a tantrum, crying uncontrollably, "Mom, I want to eat chicken legs!!!"

  Gu Weifu had been holding back his temper for a long time and for the first time gave his most beloved youngest child a slap, "If you dont eat, get out."

  This suddenly scared Gu Shuang so much that she even stopped crying.

  "King Da Ying was heartbroken. If the son wants to eat chicken legs, we can make it for him tomorrow, why beat the child?"

  Gu Shu quietly put down his bowl, "Im full, Ill go study inside." Gu Dan, who was sitting next to him and had always been a low-key person in the second house, slurped up the last of his sour noodle soup and said, "My master has assigned me some tasks, Ill go continue making two chairs for our familys use."

  Mr. Gu also lost his appetite for dinner, especially with the bursts of laughter and chatter coming from the western wing next door.

  It made him feel even more uncomfortable as he listened.

  Gu Dongdong had just come over to call Zhou Aijiu, and didnt even look at this old man, let alone mention inviting him to eat together. It was really because he had lost interest in his heart.

  Compared with the cold and deserted second house of Gus family.

  Its lively over here at Xīwū.

  Zhou Aiju had a tough afternoon, came to the west house, took a look, and found that her youngest sons home was in order. Not only that, but also her granddaughter, grandson, and son were all thinking of ways to cheer her up.

  Whats wrong with her?

  Its not because shes worried that the children will have a hard time after the division of the house... But when she comes over and takes a look, without mentioning other places, just at the dinner table, there is a large plate of stir-fried winter melon, sour and spicy big bok choy, golden cured meat potstickers, and a large pot of radish stewed with old hen, each dish is rich in oil and water.

  Zhou Aijun dared say that in her whole life, she had cooked for a lifetime, but never tasted such delicious dishes.

  Especially the bacon with potba rice, one bite down, the potba is fragrant and crispy, the bacon has a chewy texture, not to mention, theres also a very special flavor, anyway, eating it is just incredibly delicious.

  And what about the clear stewed old hen soup? I dont know how An made it either.

  This chicken soup doesnt have any strong smell at all, but instead has a light and refreshing fragrance. After drinking a mouthful, my whole body feels comfortable and relaxed.

  "Wow! Your cooking skills are getting better and better!"

  Gu Wei Qiangs belly was bulging with food, "Im telling you, An Ans cooking skills are even better than those chefs at the big restaurants in the provincial city."

  Anan took a bite of the rice, smiled slyly and said, "Its all thanks to what I learned from Huajiu Xiang." As for why she didnt say it was thanks to Tang Lanzhi, thats because after Tang Lanzhi married into the Gu family, the number of dishes she had cooked could be counted on one hand.

  After several people finished eating, the bowls were washed by Xiao Douding and Zhou Aijuan together.

  A big pot of braised pork belly rice was eaten clean, and they even wanted to scrape the bottom of the pot until not a single grain was left.

  Theres still a large bowl of radish stewed with an old hen, after all, its a whole chicken, with four big radishes added, and half a pot of water, the quantity is quite sufficient.

  Gu Wei stared at the large bowl of soup, his thoughts became active, after everything was put away, An An lay on the warm kang, she didnt know if it was her illusion or not, but since they separated, even the kang seemed to have warmed up a bit.

  The little bean beside me is sleeping soundly in another quilt tube, with a satisfied expression on his face.

  Anan opened her eyes wide, staring at the beam, she wanted to think of a way, thinking and thinking about making money, only then would they separate, I guess her dad didnt have much money either.

  No matter what era it is, when theres no money in hand, ones heart will always be anxious.

  Gu Weiqiang took advantage of the childrens sleep and took out a large bowl of chicken soup from the pot, hid it in his thick cotton-padded jacket, and went to the thatched hut at the foot of the mountain under the cover of night.

  When he left, Lang Yongling and Feng Xianquan were still huddled on the kang with Feng Qingyan, playing cards.

  Of course, Lang Yongying is a master. You know, the Eight Banners young men living at the foot of the Imperial City, when it comes to having fun, no one can surpass Lang Yongying. Things like fighting chickens, playing with crickets, raising birds, and playing leaf cards were only learned by his old friends from a few years ago.

  Before the Spring Festival, the four pigs raised by Gus family had been slaughtered. The small piglets hadnt been sold yet, so the three of them were idle.

  Lang Yongling gave Gu Weiguo a few decks of cards, which he had made himself, and the three of them played together, making quite a lively scene.

  Gu Weiqiang arrived when it was already past nine oclock at night. At this time, the outside world was cold and frozen, and the whole Gus Village had quieted down.

  He knocked on the door, and as usual, it was opened by a young Feng Qingyan.

  He went into the house, shook his body, and didnt warm up until after a while. "Its freezing to death outside."

  Lang Yongling moved his nose, raised his head and looked at Gu Weiqiang, "Little Gu! What good thing did you bring?"

  Gu Wei Qiang was taken aback, took out a large bowl of chicken soup from his arms, and sighed, "Your nose is really amazing! I havent even taken it out yet, but youve already smelled it." The chicken he brought back home today was the one he had stolen from the thatched cottage. Originally, Lang Yong Ling had paid for it and asked Gu Wei Qiang to help bring it back from the county town. Who would have thought that just as he put the chicken down this morning, something happened at home.

  In the afternoon, he was still thinking that at home there was a pile of vegetarian dishes without meat, only then did his attention fall on this chicken.

  When he came to the thatched cottage in the afternoon, the chicken had been cleaned up by Feng Qingyan and was ready for dinner, but was robbed halfway by Gu Weiqiang.

  At night, Feng Qingyan and his group simply baked a half-cooked pancake and drank some plain boiled water.

  It just so happened that Gu Wei felt uneasy and thought of the big bowl of old mother chicken soup at home, so he sent it over to let the three people have a taste first.

  He thought of ways to repay the kindness afterwards.

  Lang Yongling tossed the Yezi brand onto the table, his white hair trembling as he directly took it from Gu Weiqiangs hand and sniffed it in front of his nose. "Wow, youve put a lot of good stuff in this." As someone who had seen the world, in the early years when their family hadnt fallen on hard times, Lang Yonglings mouth had been spoiled. With just one whiff, he knew that this chicken soup used many fine ingredients.

  Gu Wei Qiang was somewhat perplexed, took off his quilted jacket and put it on the chair, "My daughter made it, using radish stewed old hen soup, not some expensive thing."

  Lang Yongling looked at Gu Weiqiang with a profound meaning, but did not tear him apart. In his view, Xiao Gus family still had some background.

  This year, red dates, longan, Chinese yam, ginger and ginseng can be gathered to make a stew, the familys foundation is not shallow!

  Since Xiao Gu didnt want to say anything, the old man wouldnt say any more either. However, for this kind intention, he should thank Xiao Gu; this is a highly nutritious thing and its been many years since he last had some.

  A beautiful misunderstanding was thus born.

  Clueless Gu Weiqiang, with a smug face, "This chicken soup is delicious, right? My daughters braised pork belly rice bowl is the real deal! I wish I could lick the pot clean."

  Feng Qingyan held a coarse ceramic bowl, poured in half a bowl of chicken soup, took a sip, and sighed, "This weather is perfect for drinking a hot bowl of chicken soup, its so comfortable! Wait, what did you just say, Gu Ge?"

  Gu Wei Qiang regretted what he had just said and felt like he had misspoken.

  Lang Yonglings temperament is like a child, he sourly said, "Xiao Gu said that he had just eaten the cured meat and rice bowl made by Anan at home, it was great, unfortunately, we didnt get to eat it."

  "Can anything taste better than chicken soup?" Feng Qingyan absolutely refused to admit that he was inexperienced, but when he was at home as a young master, the chicken soup made by their servants didnt have such a clear and fragrant flavor.

  "Thats it!", Gu Wei Qiang said with a pleased expression, "Next time when An An is making them, Ill bring some over for you all to try."

  "Lang Yongling spat, If I were Anan! I wouldnt recognize you as my father, and Id even cook for you. Youre thinking too much. Anan was a straightforward child, Lang Yongling genuinely treated Anan like his granddaughter. As for the mess in the Gu family, he knew a bit about it too. This was also because he was familiar with Gu Weiqiang, so their conversation was casual."

  Gu Wei stood up, holding the empty big bowl in his arms, "Lang Lao Ye Zi, dont worry, Ill take care of An An! From now on, whoever dares to bully An An will have to deal with me!"

  "What if it were your wife and little daughter?"

  "Nobody is allowed," Gu Wei said, his voice firm. "I only have a daughter and a son now." As for Tang Lanzhi and Wanwan, he had no intention of recognizing them either. What he said during the division of property was just an act to gain sympathy. After living together for over a decade, others might not know what kind of person Tang Lanzhi is, but he did.

  After arriving at the provincial capital, if she met a suitable person, Tang Lanzhi would definitely remarry according to her personality. As for Yuanyuan, similarly, she would change her surname without hesitation.

  The two of them are a kind of people who always think about making their lives better no matter what.

  He then took out two large handfuls of roasted peanuts and pumpkin seeds from his pocket, all with shells on, which were roasted using a small fire on a farm-style stove, and they smelled fragrant when chewed.

  Old Lang and his friends played cards, ate peanuts, cracked melon seeds, feeling very comfortable.

  These peanuts were packed from Huazis home in the afternoon, made by Huazis daughter-in-law herself. They were originally meant to be brought to Anan and Dongdong, but unexpectedly forgot, and there are still a lot left. Gu Weiqiang knew that Lang Yongling wouldnt stop talking, so he also brought some for them.

  As expected, as soon as he put it on the table, Lang Yonglings eyes lit up like a childs, and he hurriedly said, "Little Gu! You should head back early, be careful on the road."

  Gu Weiqiang shook his head, put on his coat and walked out of the thatched cottage.

  After he left.

  Lang Yongling grabbed a few pumpkin seeds and ate them with great satisfaction. "Tomorrow, let Anan that girl come over and make us a pot of braised pork belly rice. Looking at Xiao Gus smug face, no way! I must eat Anans pot of braised pork belly rice, or else my heart wont be at ease."

  Feng Qingyan and her father exchanged a glance, sighing, "Anan isnt even our familys chef, Lang Lao Ye Zi, youre having another episode of rich mans disease."

  Lang Yongling narrowed his eyes and reminisced, "The old days were better!"

  Who says it isnt?!

  I dont know when this day will end.

  Among the three, Feng Xian was the one who suffered the most persecution. When he returned from studying abroad and parachuted into the provincial hospital, he destroyed the interests of many people and offended many enemies.

  Fortunately, his medical skills are solid, and he slowly stood firm on his feet. With these two hands holding the scalpel, its unknown how many people he has saved!

  But good medical skills are worthless in the face of profit.

  At first, the people he offended not only brought people to ransack his house but also deliberately locked him in a dark room for three days. Those three days were not days fit for human existence. There were glass shards on the ground, and he was forced to kneel down with them pressing into his skin, causing blood to flow instantly from his knees. This was still a minor matter, at least his hands were spared.

  However, Feng Xians opponent was also a doctor and understood the importance of those hands to a doctor. He not only broke Feng Xians hands but also refused to let him receive medical treatment.

  As a result, after all these years have passed, when Feng Xian holds that chopstick, his hand will shake uncontrollably. For a doctor, this is a fatal injury. If he were to hold a scalpel and his hand kept shaking, it would be life-threatening.

  Compared to Feng Xians experience, Lang Yongling was relatively better off. At the time, he cut off his wrist and decisively handed over all of his familys property. With the help of his adopted son, he only suffered a bit on the way to exile. After arriving at Gujia Village, he raised pigs for the first two years, which was a bit tough, but in recent years, he has gotten used to it.

  He met Feng Xian again, who had saved Gu Weiqiang. After getting familiar with each other, Gu Weiqiang proved to be a man of great justice and would occasionally bring them some food in private, so their days passed quite smoothly.

  Gu Weiqiang slipped into the house, his arm accidentally knocking against a string of dried chili peppers on the windowsill. The loud rustling sound was especially jarring in the stillness of the night. Anan heard the commotion and sat up groggily, responding softly, "Whos there?"

  Gu Weiqiang, who heard his own daughters question, stiffened for a moment. After all, it was late at night and he was out alone, feeling a bit guilty. He pinched his throat and imitated a cats cry, "Meow!"

  It was just a kitten that accidentally bumped into it, and Anan felt much more at ease. She patted the sleeping Dongdong in the quilt beside her and whispered, "Sleep, its just a little kitten."

  Dongdong nodded.

  The sister and brother fell asleep again.

  Gu Weiqiang stood still at the window for over ten minutes, not daring to move, with his ear pressed against the window. After hearing the breathing inside gradually slow down, he finally let out a sigh of relief and quietly pushed open the door, hastily splashing some cold water on his face.

  He went to the small ear room next door, which was only about the size of a palm. After putting in a kang, it basically occupied more than half of the space. Gu Weiqiang, a big man, huddled inside and couldnt stretch out. The ear room was originally where Gu Anan slept. The west house was where Tang Lanzhi and Gu Weiqiang lived as a couple, but since Gu Weiqiang was rarely at home, it was usually Gu Wanwan and Tang Lanzhi who slept there. Occasionally, Dongdong would also go to the warm kang in the west house for a while, but he was always chased away by Gu Anan.

  The ear houses kang was built at a time when the family didnt have enough money, so they cut corners and used inferior materials. As a result, whenever the kitchen fire was lit, the ear house would fill with smoke, making it hard to open ones eyes. And yet, despite this, the kang still couldnt retain heat; by the second half of the night, it would be icy cold.

  Gu Anan was used to the hardship and also got used to living there, Zhou Aijuan called her many times to go to her house and squeeze with Dongdong, but Gu Anan was stubborn and thought that if she went to live with Zhou Aijuan, Second Aunt would gossip about it, so she refused.

  Why not just fix the heating in the ear room?

  Because this ear house is connected to the east house, the smoke here is mostly from the east house. After fixing the warm kang in the west house ear room, the smoke will be closed to the east house. With Wang Da Yings temper, how can she lose? Every time Zhou Ai Ju mentions repairing the warm kang in the west house ear room, Wang Da Ying starts to make trouble, quarrel and make a big fuss at home.

  A scholar encounters a soldier and cant reason with him, this refers to Zhou Aijuan and Wang Daying. Zhou Aijuan is indeed an educated person, unlike Wang Daying who is unreasonable and stubborn. After mentioning it several times, Wang Daying disagreed, and Tang Lanzhi from the Western House also remained silent, so the matter was delayed.

  Gu Wei Qiang This is the first time sleeping in an ear room, originally hot Kang, this will be cool and icy, not to mention the whole house is filled with choking smoke.

  He lay down on the kang, lit the kerosene lamp, and carefully examined the structure of the ear house. The more he looked, the angrier he became. Isnt this obviously cheating? The chimney on the east house kang was connected to the west house wall. No wonder, no wonder it leaked smoke.

  If he didnt live here today, I really dont know what kind of life the eldest daughter had before.

  Thinking of this, Gu Weiqiang felt his face burning with shame. To say the truth, he spoiled his eldest daughter. Every time he got something good, he would bring it to her, but he had never asked if she needed it or not, whether the place was comfortable or not, and whether she was full or not.

  He let out a long sigh! Wiped his face, blaming him!

  Its his fault!

  I thought he was busy outside, Lan Zhi would have managed the household neatly, I knew she was biased, but I didnt expect it to be like this.

  He dared to say that if it were Wanwan who lived in such a place, she would quarrel with Orchid for at least half a day, not to mention the whole day.

  However, Anan lived in this small ear room for two whole years without making a sound. Tonight, Gu Weis eyes were wide open, and he was stunned as if he hadnt slept at all.

  He owes it to his elder sister.

  Im so sorry!

  Anan, who slept in the west wing, had a warm kang under her. Since she came over, she got sick and stayed on the best kang in the west wing all along. But it was unknown that her old man in the east wing didnt sleep for a night, and she herself even forgot about the east wing, not thinking of it at all.

  Before five oclock in the morning, people from household after household got up one after another in the village. Country folks generally get up early.

  Gu Weiqiang was no exception, he didnt sleep all night, his eyes were bloodshot, but his body was full of energy. He got up early and tidied up the ear room, found a piece of charcoal in the kitchen stove, and drew on the wall, roughly drawing out a framework, apparently planning to renovate this ear room.

  Tang Lan Zhi is blind, he is not blind.

  Tang Lan Zhi doesnt care about the big girls, he cares about her.

  Actually, even Gu Weiqiang himself didnt realize that on the first night his wife left, the cold kang should have made him think of his own daughter-in-law. But seeing this scene in the ear house, he really hated it, hating that woman for leaving early, otherwise he would definitely beat her up. The eldest daughter of the four houses shouldnt be treated like this.

  It was too early, and the person he asked to repair the kang had not even eaten breakfast yet. Moreover, the snow that had stopped for a day started falling again. When he went out, the snow was as deep as his knee. As soon as he stepped down, he sank into it.

  Gu Wei Qiang went to the kitchen first and took a look at the water tank. Yesterday, when he washed the old hen, his hands were large and used more water, now its almost empty.

  He simply picked up the carrying pole and wooden bucket, planning to go to the front yard to fetch water.

  The whole village of Gus family had only three wells, one at the head of the village, one at the end of the village, and one in the middle of the village. The house of Gus family was well-built and within a five-minute walk from the well. However, with this heavy snowfall, several feet of accumulated snow made the road impassable, and there were not many people carrying water.

  Gu Weiqiang was the first to go, and he also took an iron shovel with him. As he walked, he shoveled snow and cleared a narrow path that was just wide enough for people to pass through.

  After he finished shoveling, people started going out to fetch water one after another. When they met acquaintances or seniors, Gu Weiqiang would also lend a hand.

  Wang Da Ying was kicked off the bed by her husband early in the morning, and she sat on the cold floor with a dazed expression. The chill ran from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, instantly dispelling her sleepiness and clearing her mind. Only now did she realize that they had separated, and from now on, fetching water, cooking, and washing pots would all be her responsibility, no one elses.

  She patted her butt, and when she got up, she pulled the wound on her chest. The chest was the most seriously injured part. Yesterday, Gu Weifu kicked it with one foot in the main room, which was really cruel.

  She was still thinking when she couldnt sleep at midnight, and its lucky that she had a big life, otherwise this kick would have taken half of her life.

  Wang Da Ying shook off the messy emotions in her mind, let out a sigh, and only then did she realize the benefits of not being separated. In the past, it was either Gu Anan, that dead girl, or Eldest Brother Gu Weiguo who went to fetch water, and when cooking, there was Big Sister Zhao Junyan taking charge at the front, while she just sat by the stove burning fire and yelling for everyone to come out and eat.

  She didnt realize until now that those good old days were completely gone.

  Wang Da Ying leaned on the table, slowly got up, hastily put on a cotton-padded jacket, before going out, took a look at the man sleeping soundly on the kang, and sighed again, only then did he push open the door of the east house.

  Seeing the white outside, Wang Da Ying touched the cool flat handle in his hand and didnt want to go out even more. This kind of weather is suitable for nestling on the kang, where is it suitable for going out to work?

  She was stunned, inside the house, Gu Weifu raised his eyelids and scolded, "Damn woman, you want to freeze me to death! Dont work anymore, the kids will get up soon."

  Wang Da Ying rubbed his hands together, stuffed the jacket in his bosom tightly and hastily went out of the door.

  As soon as he went out, he met Old Guo Weifu, wearing a tattered hat, and was taking the carrying pole from Zhao Junyans body. "Yaner, you go back to the nest, the snowy road is not easy to walk, Ill carry the water."

  Zhao Junyan looked down at the thick snow on the ground, thought for a moment, and indeed this road was not easy to walk. He handed the carrying pole to Gu Weiguo, turned around, and saw that his second brother and sister had just come out of the house, still carrying water buckets. She felt a bit embarrassed and asked, "Second brother and sister, do you want your big brother to help you carry the water back?"

  Wang Da Yings face was flushed with embarrassment, she had always thought that among the several sisters-in-law in Old Gus family, she was the wife of the team leader, a status higher than others, and her life was also the best.

  But reality is.

  She thought she was living the best life, but now in this snowy weather, she still had to go out and fetch water, while her husband slept soundly on the warm kang.

  She despises the old couple who do the heaviest work and live the worst life. Now that theyve been separated for a day, Zhao Junyans husband knows to care about his wife, but what about her own husband?

  Wang Da Ying felt uncomfortable in her heart, but on the surface she smiled complacently, "Elder sister! Its not that Im saying you, men are all people who do big things, dont let them be delayed by these small matters. Like my husband Wei Fu, today during the day he has to go help Zheng Widows family pick up their eldest daughter to come home for New Years, and Zheng Widow even gave him 5 yuan as a thank you!"

  In those days, five dollars was a lot of money. Zheng Guafu was from the neighboring village, and when she was young, she fell in love with Zhang Tuhou from Gushi Village. At that time, it was a big sensation. Zheng Guafus family conditions were not bad, but they looked down on Zhang Tuhou. However, Zheng Guafu liked him so much that she didnt even ask for any betrothal gifts and married him.

  Its been many years since I got married. In the 60s, private households were no longer allowed to raise pigs in the village, only public households could raise pigs. The butcher became unemployed and had no choice but to venture out.

  But unexpectedly, after going out for so many years, I couldnt come back.

  Zheng widow relied on her natal familys support, plus she herself was quite capable, and single-handedly raised three daughters. Moreover, every day, like a waiting wife stone, she would take out time to wait for her husband at the village entrance.

  It is said that there are many disputes in front of a widows door, but Zheng Widow knows how to get along with people. She gets along well with her neighbors and is considered by everyone to be a virtuous woman like those of ancient times.

  So, Wang Da Ying was wary of other women eyeing her husband, but she felt at ease with Zheng Guafu. That woman had only one thing on her mind - the butchers shop, and besides, she was five years older than Gu Wei, so it was impossible for them to be together.

  Gu Weiguo heard Wang Da Yings words, and was speechless for a long time. In his opinion, compared to his second brother, he was useless. Let alone earning five yuan in one morning, it would be difficult for him to earn five yuan in a month.

  But Zhao Junyan was different, she usually just didnt want to bother with Wang Da Ying, she opened her mouth and said, "Wei Guo is only capable of this, hes afraid of women, cant make money, it doesnt matter, a family can still live a hard life, Im willing to accompany him."

  This ordinary sentence made the honest and dull Gu Weiguos eyes suddenly turn red, he raised his rough hands, tightly pinching Zhao Junyans hand, although Zhao Junyan was pinched to the point of pain, but she couldnt bear to say a word to Gu Weiguo.

  However, it was Gu Anan who came out wearing a cloak to use the restroom. Unexpectedly, she saw this touching scene and naturally saw Wang Da Yings face turn green with anger. She couldnt help but burst out laughing. She pulled her cloak tighter to cover up the drafty areas and gave Zhao Jun Yan a thumbs up, "Uncle, if you dont treat Auntie well, Ill let Ping An beat you up." This was also because Gu Anan had a good relationship with the eldest branch of the family, which is why she would tease him like this. Earlier that morning, when Gu Anan couldnt carry water, Gu Wei Guo, who had finished his chores in the fields, always helped her carry the water.

  Teased by his junior, Gu Weiguos old face turned red, and he hummed like a mosquito, carrying the shoulder pole to the well.

  Anan smiled and said, "Auntie, go back to sleep, that kang is really warm!"

  Zhao Junyan raised his hand and gently tapped Anans forehead, and the two of them entered the house together.

  As for Wang Da Ying.

  She pities men, her husband is a man who does great things.

  Then go fetch water.

  Others dont even feel wronged themselves.

  What can these outsiders say thats good?

  Its really cold outside! The cold is piercing to the bone, and it hurts. This was Anans first reaction. She gritted her teeth, shivering all over, and quickly ran into the western room, slamming the door shut behind her. She slipped onto the warm kang, and it felt so cozy.

  She turned her head and met a pair of bright, shiny eyes staring back at her. Dongdong smiled lazily and said, "Winter, youre awake!"

  Gu Dongdong stretched his hand out of the quilt and pulled Gu Anans hand out of her quilt, saying, "Sister, let me warm your hands."

  Dongdong grew up on Anans back since he was a child, and later when Zhou Aijuan was busy, Dongdong would sleep in the same bed with Anan.

  Later on, as they grew up slowly, they separated the quilt, but still slept on the same kang, and the relationship between brother and sister was exceptionally good.

  An An stared at the little kid in front of her, his small hands were a bit black and had some cracked skin, but when he held An Ans hand, his small mouth opened wide, blowing air onto An Ans hand nonstop. His bright eyes were wide open, full of expectation, "Sister, is it warmer now?"

  "Its warm now." An An smiled, with a warm expression on her face, and deliberately inserted her icy small hand into Dongdongs neck, rubbing it.

  Gu Dongdong had become a ball, rolling around on the bed, constantly shrinking his neck. "Sister, its so cold." After a while, An An stretched out her hand and Gu Dongdong, like a little adult, stuck out his neck, looking very serious. "Sister, you go in and warm me up, Im not afraid of the cold."

  An An gently patted Xiao Doudings hair, Dongdongs hair was particularly soft, just like a girls hair. She smiled and scolded, "Little fool." Where wouldnt be cold? Still icy hands slipped into the collar.

  She scolded him as a little fool, but Gu Dongdong didnt mind. He smiled and pulled Gu Anans hand into his collar.

  Its also An Ans fault, she was originally woken up by the urge to go to the bathroom, which is located outside and a bit far away. Normally it would take three minutes for a round trip, but she went to listen at the corner of the wall and it became eight minutes.

  In this freezing weather, Gu Anan just wore a thin jacket and almost froze into an idiot.

  Gu Weiqiang returned with water from outside, and from a distance, he heard the laughter coming from the western room. The coldness on his face slowly dissipated, and his entire being softened a bit.

  As for Wang Da Ying, go to hell!

  After Wang Da Ying refused Zhao Jun Yans help, she herself carried a shoulder pole and went to the side of the well. Only then did she realize that it was not easy for a woman to smash ice from several meters deep in the well and fetch water.

  Im really regretting it now!

  She found Gu Weiqiang helping the neighbor carry water, her eyes turned and she suddenly came up with an idea. She put the bucket next to Gu Weiqiang and said in a commanding tone, "Fourth brother, your second brother told you to help me out and carry the water."