inspire-indiana Chapter 204 Farming
Chapter 204 Farming
In the following days, brothers Xu Congwen and Xu Cong'an went up the mountain to collect hay and mixed it with chaff to feed the chickens. Xu Congyi was responsible for carefully observing and recording the growth of these white-feathered chickens every day. In less than a month, these chickens were much bigger than the native chickens at home.
The weather is getting warmer, and it's time to plant crops. Although Xu Congyi grew up in the village, her family didn't have any land, so she knew nothing about planting crops. But she knew that her family must be very busy recently. Although the two acres of fertile land are not large, there are still 15 acres of wasteland that need to be developed. In addition, the family raises so many rabbits, and her grandmother and mother have to chop wood and make popcorn on weekdays. Xu Congyi feels very busy.
After dinner that day, Old Man Xu announced that he would start plowing the land the next day: "We have to start plowing the land early tomorrow morning. We have a lot of land at home, so we will plow the two acres of good land first. Because Mr. Lu's family moved away in recent years, the land has not been cultivated for a long time. Fortunately, Youhu and I have fermented the feces accumulated in the rabbit house into fertilizer. We have applied fertilizer not only to our own good land, but also to that piece of wasteland. I hope it will be a good omen. But having said that, the land has not been cultivated for a long time, and the soil is inevitably loose. I am afraid that this year's harvest will be worse than that of our neighbors. Congwen and Cong'an, you two don't need to participate, study hard, and Yiyi doesn't need to go either."
Hearing this, Xu Congwen and Xu Cong'an looked at each other, their eyes flashing with understanding. They knew that although their studies were heavy, they also had responsibilities for farm work at home. Fortunately, in this era, during the spring plowing and autumn harvest, the school would arrange special holidays for them to go home and help. So, the two nodded obediently, saying that they would do their best, but during the days in the school, they would concentrate on their studies and return home to help during the holidays.
After hearing what her grandfather said, Xu Congyi felt unwilling to fall behind. "I want to go too! There is so much land at home, one more person means more strength!" She eagerly expressed her wish, not wanting to miss the opportunity to contribute to the family.
Seeing this, Xu's mother gently stroked Xu Congyi's hair and softly comforted him, "Yiyi, be obedient. The work in the fields is not easier than at home. It's windy and sunny. How can a girl like you stand it? Besides, you have important tasks at home. You need to prepare the popcorn that Mr. Tang is waiting for, and we can't do without you for our meals. Lunch is left to you. Let everyone have a hot meal when they come back. This is your greatest contribution."
Xu Congyi's impatience gradually subsided when she heard this. She realized that although she could not directly participate in field work, she could also make an important contribution to the family by providing logistical support in the rear. So she nodded firmly and said, "Okay, I will stay at home to do the logistical work so that everyone has nothing to worry about."
Suddenly, Xu Congyi seemed to remember something important. She turned to look at her grandfather and father, "Should we bring Li Tian with us? Also, there doesn't seem to be any ready-made ox-carrying tools at home?"
Hearing this, Old Man Xu laughed heartily, "Haha, don't worry, Grandpa has expected this day to come. The plow is ready, waiting to be used tomorrow."
Hearing this, Xu Congyi finally felt relieved. She decided that starting from tomorrow, she would not only get up early to prepare a hearty breakfast, but also work harder to do everything at home during the spring ploughing period, so that her family members who returned from hard work could feel the warmth and comfort of home.
"Okay, then what time will you get up tomorrow morning? I'll get up early to make breakfast to reduce some of your burden." Xu Congyi thought that he couldn't sleep until nine o'clock. Even his grandmother had to get up early to plow the fields. He had to do more during the spring plowing period.
"You, just sleep until you wake up naturally. We can get up in the morning and make some steamed buns and pancakes. It's not a big deal." Li Dahua refused, and the other family members nodded.
"Okay," Xu Congyi agreed superficially. She knew her family's temper. She was well aware of their hard work and difficulties. She also understood that they always said relaxing words to let her rest more. How could she really just stand by and watch?
After seeing Shen Xiao off at night, Xu Congyi lay in bed, thinking about how to let her family enjoy a nutritious and convenient breakfast after busy farm work. She decided to use her knowledge of modern fast food and the actual situation of her family to create some breakfast options that are both traditional and convenient.
She also got up early the next day and came out of the house before her family left. Working in the fields these days requires a lot of effort, so Xu Congyi specially bought fine feed and tender grass from the space to feed it. Only when it is full can it work well.
After seeing off the family, Xu Congyi made a big bowl of noodles. She must be very tired from working these days, but she also needed to replenish her nutrition and eat quickly so that she could rest after eating. So she planned to steam some buns first, and pair them with egg soup and cold dishes. There were meat, vegetables and staple food, which were filling and filling. Moreover, if she steamed more, she could put them in the space, and it would be convenient to take some out every now and then for breakfast.