Zhang Guoqing got up early in the morning, happily ran to the yard to sweep the snow, just about to loudly sing out "Our common folks, today is really joyous."
Thinking about going up the mountain to hunt later, he swung the iron shovel quickly.
Today, except for Zhang Guoqiang who had to go to work, all the n in the family would go up the mountain with dry food. At this ti, Mother Zhang was lying in bed, hearing the sound of sweeping outside, she knew her youngest son had gotten up.
She quickly lifted the blanket and hurriedly dressed.
Mr. Zhang was awakened by her, "Why the rush, take your ti. It’s still early."
"You stay lying down, I’m going to find my youngest son."
Mr. Zhang sat up and realized that the youngest son had probably gotten up around five, so he got up along with his wife. The couple both smiled when they heard the sound of the west and east wings’ doors opening.
In the bedroom, Zhou Jiao began organizing the dry food and clothing for Zhang Guoqing. Although he said he would be at most there for two nights, just in case, she prepared everything necessary. Such as dicine for injuries and fever, better safe than sorry.
Last night, a few young wives from next door stayed chatting with her too late, and she was in the dark about the situation outside, unsure if a small business could be started now.
As soon as Zhang Guoqing ca in, Zhou Jiao pulled him into the bedroom.
After listening, Zhang Guoqing shook his head repeatedly. If they really sold couplets, his wife would be exhausted.
If she had to rely on herself for the calligraphy, spending the capital and effort, and if anything went wrong, she would feel guilty. If his father-in-law knew that his precious daughter was exhausting herself over the couplets for such a small amount of money, he would definitely scold him to death.
Looking into her eyes, Zhang Guoqing really couldn’t bear to refuse, so he averted his gaze and said softly, "Jiao Jiao, your intention is good. But people’s hearts are unpredictable.
Maybe you made money, but if Lin Juhua can’t keep it secret and tells others. The less trouble, the better. If there’s really an issue, we are the ones who need to solve it with effort and money, and get no benefit from it."
Zhang Guoqing hugged her and whispered, "They have their own money. Sister-in-law secretly saved quite a bit. As for the support I hear you give elder sister, it’s out of gratitude. If the jobs for the eldest and second brother are arranged, there’s no need for us to worry. We shouldn’t cultivate people’s greed or let them rely on us."
After speaking, he carried her to the kang and playfully teased her, "Jiao Jiao, I’ve beco a kept man. I realized even my monthly salary can’t support my wife and son."
"Haha... ke kept man. Can’t support and our son with a monthly salary? Elder sister said a female worker at her factory supports five siblings in the countryside with just over twenty yuan a month. I think you still have leftovers from your monthly salary. Don’t hide anything from , you intend to catch valuable animals this ti. If you get even a little injured and co back, watch how I handle you."
Zhang Guoqing saw her getting more anxious as she spoke, and quickly soothed her with pats, "I’m not foolish. Why not enjoy good days instead of seeking trouble? I’m going there this ti to have fun. Safety first. Even if I catch sothing valuable, it’s for everyone to share. I know in my heart."
Zhou Jiao nodded after hearing that. She just ntioned it casually, and she trusted that he understood the importance. Seeing it wasn’t early, she pushed him away and pointed to the things on the table, explaining each one’s use.
After breakfast, hearing the announcent on the speaker, Mr. Zhang and others took their hunting tools and bamboo baskets to et Uncle Zhang and the two rooms’ people.
Except for Zhou Jiao, who was in confinent, all mbers of the three houses of Old Zhang’s family set out, both n and won, young and old, heading toward the village drying ground together.
Around the drying ground stood many old and young people, and the n going up the mountain gathered in the center. The Old Captain stood on a mound, in front of him was a drum and gong.
Everyone was waiting for all to arrive, and once the drum sounded, they would start going up the mountain.
The Old Captain saw from afar these tall and strong n from Old Zhang’s family and couldn’t close his mouth with joy.
After a dozen minutes, he saw that everyone had gathered, repeatedly reminded everyone about mountain safety precautions, and ensured everyone’s safety. Only then did he let Uncle Zhang lead the team to the mountain.
After the sound of drums and gongs, amid cheers from the village’s old and young, Uncle Zhang led the n from Zhang Family Village towards the foot of Daqing Mountain.
They joined the waiting n from the neighboring two villages. Nearly four hundred people were divided into several teams heading towards Daqing Mountain.
Zhang Guoqing followed an old hunter leading the front. Behind, Zhang Qingshan managed the rear, with Zhang Qingya on guard in the middle. The entire team was about fifty strong.
Among the group, besides Old Zhang’s male mbers, were young n around twenty from each village. Surrounding them were several wolf dogs—this was the group most likely to bring back ga from the three villages.
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