CHAPTER 107: CHAPTER 107: CHASING CHICKENS AND RABBITS

Time flies, and as night gives way to morning, another wheat harvest season has arrived, and the Jiang siblings have all grown a year older.

Xiaomi and Tiedan are already over two years old. Xiaomi is becoming more mischievous and loves to run around, while Tiedan is gradually revealing his quiet nature.

The eldest child, Dawa, turned seven last month, and on May 5th, Jiang Hu sent him to study in the town, abandoning his nickname and going by his formal name, Jiang Yu.

The second child, Erni, is about to turn five. Now that she’s older, being called Erni doesn’t sound quite right, so her parents started calling her Xiaoxue.

It’s already June, and summer heat has set in. Jiang Hu and Erni’s mother are harvesting wheat in the fields, and Jiang Yu’s school is on break for a few days to allow the children to help with farm work at home.

Meanwhile, Xiaoxue is at home taking care of Xiaomi and Tiedan, and turning over the wheat spikes laid out in the yard.

This is the third year the Jiang family has been living in Fu’an Village. They still reside in the original thatched cottage, which has been expanded slightly.

Originally, there was only one pigsty. Later, Jiang Hu built another one beside it, and now they have eight pigs, thus requiring pig feed to be cooked every day.

Fortunately, Xiaomi and Tiedan are growing up, requiring less attention, and since the villagers appreciate the manure from Jiang’s family, they are happy to provide excess pig forage, which saves a lot of time.

Over more than a year, the rumor of a Little Lucky Star in Fu’an Village has spread among the neighboring areas.

Presumably due to a cycle, Xiaomi is generous with the Spiritual Spring, and the water nourishes the crops, which, when consumed, have benefits, while the manure becomes even better.

In such a virtuous cycle, Fu’an Village thrives, especially with Xiaomi continuing to use the Spiritual Spring.

Grateful villagers considered Xiaomi the lucky star, welcoming the Jiang family warmly, treating Xiaomi as dear as their own child.

Even nearby villages, upon hearing the tale, formed friendships with Fu’an Village and even bought many seeds.

Especially the giant corn seeds and the short-growing sorghum seeds, ideal for increasing yield and saving time!

Sorghum is fine, but the giant corn lacks the chewy texture of smaller corn, but yield trumps flavor.

Jiang Xiaoxue worked under the hot sun turning wheat ears with a rake, while Tiedan played undeterred by the heat, following his older sister.

In the kitchen, Xiaomi managed the fire, pulling out the embers to bury them in ashes after boiling the water, yelling out, "Second sister, the water’s boiled!"

Xiaoxue quickly went inside; after working under the sun, her sight dimmed momentarily until she adjusted to the light.

"Xiaomi, watch over Tiedan, don’t let him come over," Xiaoxue instructed as Xiaomi led Tiedan aside, not wanting to disturb her sister’s task.

Xiaoxue expertly grabbed a handful of chrysanthemum, a few goji berries, and two dates, placing them in a kettle, then carefully adding hot water with a ladle.

This kettle was prepped for fieldwork, with cold infusions ready so as not to scald when drinking.

Once filled, leaving it on the stove, Xiaoxue continued adding water and rice, preparing to cook porridge.

"Xiaomi, keep an eye on the fire. I’ve got wheat to turn over, and Dad and Mom should be returning soon."

Xiaomi: "Okay, second sister, go ahead and work."

Despite the three siblings at home, it’s no leisure. Xiaomi tended to water for cooking while Xiaoxue fed the chickens and rabbits and continued turning the drying wheat ears.

This year’s wheat spikes were noticeably larger and plumper than last year’s, indicating higher production.

Beyond the manure, selective planting from last year’s choicest, fullest spikes ensured a great yield.

Their mother was up early steaming a large batch of corn buns. Porridge for lunch, paired with buns and pickles, quenched thirst and filled stomachs.

Xiaomi pulled out the charcoal from the ash, rejuvenating the flame with a blow, switching to a simmer after a robust boil.

With time spared, Xiaomi took a basket, gathering cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers from the garden, though truth be told, she fetched them from a hidden space.

Now older, Xiaomi expanded her range of activities, even sneaking items from the hidden space for the family to savor.

Garden cucumbers were nourished with Spiritual Spring water, yet space-grown ones were unmatched.

Xiaoxue, unaware of these details, reminded her: "It’s too hot; don’t run around, Xiaomi."

"No worries, Second sister, I’m making smashed cucumber salad. Tiedan, want some?" She split a tender cucumber, taking a bite, offering the other half to Tiedan.

"Yes, please, thank you, Sister." Tiedan eagerly dashed over, biting into the cucumber, finding it crispy and delicious.

Xiaomi handed him another: "This one’s for Second sister for later."

These space-grown cucumbers were nutritious, akin to drinking Spiritual Spring water, beneficial with no downsides.

Tiedan didn’t call her Third sister but simply Sister, probably due to their twin bond, even with Second sister caring for him more.

Perhaps it was due to the treats Xiaomi brought him when he was younger.

Though small, Xiaomi handled tasks like cooking or making cucumber salad without issues, only hindered by her height against the stove.

Outside, sounds of activity emerged: Xiaoxue calling to chase chickens and a barking dog, with small feet scampering overhead.

Used to the commotion, Xiaomi ignored it, regretting her initial eagerness for the kitten.

Perhaps if her brother or sister fetched the kitten, it wouldn’t be so mischievous now?

It hadn’t eaten eggs or caused damage, but chasing chickens and rabbits felt problematic.

As thoughts trailed, a large shadow entered, tail gleefully wagging, a tabby cat perched proudly upon its back, making a rumbling noise.