CHAPTER 85: CHAPTER 85: THE EXAMINATION FROM THE CAPTAIN’S WIFE

After washing her hands, Yunyi first went to the kitchen to cook a pot of coarse porridge. She placed yesterday’s purchase from Carpenter Yin—a steaming basket—on top and steamed two flower rolls before going to gather the firewood she’d brought back.

She worked swiftly and soon had everything neatly arranged. She then headed to the vegetable garden in front, ready to pull out the remaining weeds, when she heard, "Leave those weeds for me to pull."

Yunyi turned her head to see Liu Chenglin standing there. Apart from working hours, she had scarcely seen him these past few days—it was quite mysterious.

She didn’t bother being polite with him. After all, she had been tending to the garden in the evenings after finishing work. Since he would also be eating vegetables from this garden, it was only natural for him to lend a hand.

She stood up, picked a few cucumbers, pulled up some spring onions, and even plucked two green chili peppers, planning to go home and make a cold cucumber salad.

She planned to go to town today. The old cart driver Luo had brought back her water jar the day before, but she still needed a bucket to fetch water. She really couldn’t stand those crafty sent-down youth at the Zhiqing Point, always playing innocent despite having taken advantage—they really got on her nerves.

Just as she reached the place to catch the ride, she overheard a woman in front say, "Jiuxiang, when did you get back?"

Upon hearing the question, the production brigade leader’s wife, Ma Jiuxiang, turned her head and saw who it was. "Wang Lanhua? I got home last night."

"I heard your daughter Xingfang’s in-laws built a brick and tile house?"

"That’s right, it’s quite grand. They just finished building it yesterday. My husband really couldn’t bear being away from the team any longer, and I was worried about the house, so I came back first. Xingwang and Xingsheng stayed behind to help tidy up."

"Your daughter Xingfang is truly fortunate. You just wait for your daughter and son-in-law to honor you."

People know their own family affairs best. Only she knew the real situation of her daughter’s in-laws, and even if she were dissatisfied, she would never share it with outsiders.

She smiled and changed the subject. "As long as they’re living comfortably, that’s what matters. Are you going to town?"

"Yes, my eldest nephew’s wife is about to give birth. I’ve saved up some eggs and thought it’d be a good idea to go see the baby."

"You’re quite generous as an aunt."

"These past years, my sister has helped me a lot, and there isn’t much else I can do to help her in return. I can at least offer the eggs and vegetables we have at home."

While they were talking, Yunyi also approached.

Ma Jiuxiang glanced up and, not recognizing her, asked, "Lanhua, who’s that girl? I don’t think I’ve seen her before."

Wang Lanhua replied with a smile, "That’s Chu Zhiqing, the new sent-down youth from the village."

Wang Lanhua’s husband, Gao Shoubei, had previously helped Yunyi with some house repairs, and Wang Lanhua had a particularly good impression of Yunyi. "Chu Zhiqing, are you also heading to town?" she asked.

Yunyi smiled back. "Yes."

Wang Lanhua seemed to remember something and pointed to Ma Jiuxiang next to her. "Chu Zhiqing, this is the production brigade leader’s wife."

Yunyi had already gathered from their conversation who this woman was. "Auntie, hello."

Ma Jiuxiang looked Yunyi up and down, about to say something, when she heard the sound of a whip cracking. Old Luo was already calling from a distance, "All aboard!"

Wang Lanhua quickly tugged at Yunyi. "Hurry, hurry, hurry! The ox cart is here; let’s grab a spot!"

Yunyi nodded to Ma Jiuxiang and ran toward the ox cart.

In truth, she didn’t like the way the production brigade leader’s wife scrutinized her, so the arrival of the ox cart was timely.

The cart was quite full. The village women knew that Yunyi had medical skills and had saved Doctor Gong from the village, so they didn’t shun her as they did other sent-down youths from the Zhiqing Point.

Once everyone was aboard, Wang Lanhua looked at Yunyi with a smile. "Chu Zhiqing, are you going to the commune or to the county?"