"Don’t make it sound so easy. Everyone’s having a hard time. Isn’t every beggar chased away like a dog?"
Upon hearing Guan Cheng’s words, Jiang He scoffed: "Bullshit! People are barely surviving. How many can afford to keep dogs? Even those with dogs have long since slaughtered and cooked them to stave off hunger! Aren’t we beggars dependent on the mercy of others? Do you think we are esteemed guests? Don’t joke around! Every time we knock on their doors, it means their provisions are reduced. They would hardly welcome us."
At this point, Jiang He said earnestly: "Guan Cheng, don’t worry. Winter was tough, but now it’s spring, isn’t it? Everywhere is full of wild grasses and vegetables, poplars and willows are sprouting. As long as one can work, no one will starve."
Throughout Guan Cheng and Jiang He’s conversation, Feng Qingxue remained silent.
Because she knew very well that while she sympathized with these children, she couldn’t take them all home. There was nowhere to house them, and she couldn’t afford to feed this many mouths. That would draw too much attention.
Everyone is struggling for food, and she couldn’t risk appearing to support so many solely on her own, even a blind man could see there’s something amiss.
The more she endures, the more she appreciates the value of food.
Feng Qingxue made up her mind again. Once the years of famine passed, and the production and supply of food flowers, she must gradually decrease the supply of food to her family and friends. She must ration as much as possible. If they want to fill their bellies, work hard. This way, she could reduce the consumption of her space resources.
Soon, Guan Cheng and Jiang He’s conversation came to an end. Guan Cheng left with his little brother under Feng Qingxue’s care, but the old temple’s doors were always open to them, they could come back at any time.
Feng Qingxue gave a slight smile, these children indeed have good heads on their shoulders.
Jiang He’s words were actually intended for her. If Guan Cheng and Guan Yu had a good life, it would be the best outcome. If they were not well taken care of, they could leave and return to the old temple.
"You can rest easy, Jiang He. If I can’t provide for Guan Cheng and Guan Yu, I wouldn’t have taken them." She gazed at Jiang He, the seemingly ruthless but kind-hearted teenager. "I took Guan Cheng and Guan Yu in, but I won’t forget about you kids. As long as I still have the means, I will definitely come back to see you."
Jiang He waved his hand in the air a few times. "If Guan Cheng and Guan Yu lead a better life, we’re all happy for them. Everyone is tightening their belts to get through these days. You don’t need to worry about us!"
With that said, it was time to wrap up.
Guan Cheng carried the basket Feng Qingxue gave him, while Feng Qingxue held Guan Yu. They departed under the watchful eyes of everyone else. After some distance, they looked back and could still see the children at the entrance of the old temple.
The sight of them turning back prompted Zhang Erya and several other children to wave enthusiastically.
They arrived at Wanglou Brigade at dusk. Lu Tianjun and his brother had been waiting expectantly. On seeing Guan Cheng and Guan Yu, they didn’t get the chance to catch up on what had happened over the years before they heated two pots of water for the brothers to bathe.
Guan Cheng bathed himself, while Feng Qingxue washed Guan Yu. The child had woken up on the journey and didn’t let go of Feng Qingxue after he woke.
Bathing while having a fever might actually help lower the temperature.
The clothes that the two brothers put on were clean but looked loose and baggy. They belonged to Lu Tianjun and Lu Tianzhi.
Lu Tianjun’s father served a pot of coarse rice porridge, "Eat first, we’ll talk after."