The four children stood in a circle, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement, and nodded in unison. The little girl was particularly serious. She covered her cherry-like mouth tightly with her small hands, and her tender face showed a solemn promise beyond her age. She looked so adorable that it warmed Xu Liyun's heart. She couldn't help but hug her daughter in her arms and kissed her several times.

Afterwards, the family seemed to be blessed by the god of good luck. Along the way, they not only found several plump and juicy pomegranates, but also picked some delicious wild fruits, which were either purple or red.

By the time the herb-collecting team they were following were ready to return, they had already been exploring in the mountains for nearly four hours.

The sun was setting, the mountain breeze was getting cooler, and everyone's stomachs began to growl.

They found a shade under a tree to sit down, simply shared some dry food they had brought with them, and drank the cool mountain spring water, enjoying a short but satisfying rest time.

Zhang Laoer took advantage of the break to remind everyone: "There are many kinds of medicinal herbs. If you can't remember them all at once, you might as well pick a few common ones and memorize them first. In the future, I will take you up the mountain more often, and you will see them more often, and you will naturally be able to identify them one by one."

His words were plain and pertinent. The men nodded one after another and secretly took note of this practical advice.

When he got back to the foot of the mountain, Zhang Laoer did not stop for a moment and his figure quickly disappeared on the path leading to the village chief's house.

Xu Liyun led the children, walking briskly along the stone path bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun towards the warm little nest.

At home, they spread out today's harvest one by one and sorted them out.

At the same time, in the village chief's house, Zhang Laoer seemed particularly busy.

Without any delay, he immediately started teaching the women in the village how to prepare medicinal herbs.

The village chief's wife and two young daughters-in-law had no choice but to obey the village chief's arrangement. They suppressed their inner anxiety and decided to wait and see whether the pills could be successfully sold after a month before deciding whether to devote themselves to it.

Zhang Laoer's explanation was detailed and patient, especially to Grandma Ayu and her daughter-in-law, who stared at him intently, and the seriousness in their eyes could almost ignite every speck of dust in the air.

They are afraid of missing any subtle movement or every key step, because this is not only an attempt related to family finances, but also an opportunity to improve their own abilities.

After Zhang Laoer's instruction, the women began to practice by themselves. Seven pairs of skillful hands were working together. Among them, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of Ayu's family cooperated well and their techniques were delicate and subtle, as if they were born for this.

Zhang Laoer reviewed everyone's results one by one, pointed out the shortcomings from time to time, and encouraged everyone in his tone. He asked everyone to think carefully about what they had learned today after returning home, and to meet again tomorrow to continue to deepen their skills.

After completing the teaching task, Zhang Laoer quickly and skillfully packed up the tools for preparing medicinal materials. With a satisfied smile on his face and his heart full of expectations for the future, he set off on his journey home with ease.

When I opened the door, a rich aroma hit my nose. It was the dinner that Zhang Siwa had carefully prepared.

A pot of fragrant chestnut roast chicken, paired with a pot of soft and glutinous rice with a slightly golden crust on the bottom.

The rice is cooked over a stove fire, so every grain is crystal clear, and the rice crust at the bottom is crispy and delicious. A light bite will leave a lingering fragrance in your mouth.

The chestnut roast chicken has tender meat, blended with sweet and glutinous wild chestnuts. The soup is rich and almost intoxicating, which makes people sigh.

The family sat around the simple yet warm wooden table, immersed in the aroma of the food. Everyone was eating with relish, so much so that when they occasionally looked up, the sweat on their foreheads and the smiles at the corners of their mouths were intertwined, almost immersing their entire faces in this rare feast.

After enjoying the mellow wine and the hearty meal, Xu Liyun gently stroked her slightly bulging belly and slowly brought up the topic of the precious ginseng. The atmosphere in the house became solemn.

The night gently enveloped this shabby but vibrant hut. The family sat around the stove, their eyes flashing with expectations for the future, and began to discuss every next step of the plan.

"Although our family is not wealthy, this precious ginseng is unexpected wealth and should not be used lightly."

Zhang Laoer's voice was gentle and thoughtful. He had a long-term vision. "The village chief just told me that the craftsmen for the house repairs have been found, but tiles and bricks still need to be purchased. My idea is to focus on renovating the two main rooms and the kitchen to ensure the safety of the family. When we have enough money in the future, we will plan to settle down in the town and give the children a better environment to grow up in."

Speaking of the thatched huts in the village, the traces of time are visible, and they seem shaky under the wind and rain. Instead of frequent repairs, it is better to renovate them completely.

Zhangjia Village is located in a remote area, and purchasing supplies is not only time-consuming but also inconvenient. Xu Liyunzi and Zhang Laoer have unspoken worries in their hearts. They hope that their children can get out of this secluded village and see the wider world.

When they heard that there was a chance to move to the town, the four children's faces immediately broke into brilliant smiles, as if they saw infinite possibilities for their new life.

Although Zhangjia Village carries their childhood memories, the prosperity and convenience of the town are obviously more attractive, and the children's eyes are full of longing for the future.

"When the time comes, I will set up a snack stand in town!" Zhang Siwa's eyes turned and he cleverly proposed his own little plan, his tone full of anticipation.

Xu Liyunzi's mind flashed with the delicious dishes cooked by her second son's skillful hands. She nodded in agreement without hesitation, and was secretly proud of her child's ambition.

After finishing the serious business, Zhang Laoer picked up Xiao Youniang and walked towards the clear sweet water well in the distance.

The water conditions at home are extremely poor, and fetching water is a long journey every time. If it weren't for the fact that he would be moving away soon, Zhang Laoer would really like to dig a well in his own yard.

The little girl lay on her father's broad shoulders, and her laughter like silver bells echoed in the evening air, attracting envious glances from the children passing by.

The pair of newly embroidered shoes on her feet were particularly eye-catching, appearing particularly dazzling in this simple village, and became a topic of conversation among the villagers after dinner.

Several gossiping women, seeing this, gathered quietly outside the Zhang family fence and said to Mrs. Zhang, who was basking in the sun, in a sarcastic tone, "I heard that your second son left home with nothing, but it seems that his family is living a sweeter life, wearing new clothes, and even your daughter's embroidered shoes are new!"

The speaker may not mean it, but the listener may take it seriously. These words came from Aunt Guo, who thought her family was well off, but they could not hide the bitterness in her heart.

Have my grandchildren ever had such new clothes and shoes?

On the contrary, this inconspicuous little girl enjoyed this treatment so early. Aunt Guo felt as if her heart was filled with vinegar, sour and unbearable.

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