The two women then went back to their respective homes to cook.
When Lin Lan arrived home, Erwang and Maisui had already prepared the meal.
Dawang was sweeping the yard, shovelling chicken manure into the vegetable bed as fertiliser.
Sanwang watched Xiaowang play the harmonica curiously. He then took the flute for a moment before throwing it away impatiently, “This thing is a firestick!”
The weather was cold and it was technically impossible for Sanwang to go down the river, so Lin Lan temporarily let down her guard against him.
After Dawang subdued Zhuzi, Zhuzi went on to subdue the other children, which resulted in the other kids’ obedience towards them. Now, Dawang was firmly seated as the leader of the children in Shanzui Village, so he remained an honest and hardworking boy.
There really wasn’t much of a problem with him other than the fact that he still didn’t like the idea of going to school.
Maisui was serving rice, but Erwang looked melancholic. He was writing some calculations on a notebook with a lost expression on his face.
Lin Lan patted Erwang on the shoulder, “Son, what are you thinking about?”
Erwang sighed, “Mom, is our family going to go bankrupt?”
…Erwang, you chamberlain, don’t worry, your parents are not going to let you starve.
“Let me tell you some good news. Together with the Women’s Director, I will promote the knowledge of physical hygiene. From now on, I will earn 12 work points every day– even more than men!”
“Really?” Erwang was stunned. How could his mother be so capable?
Lin Lan nodded and educated them, “That’s why I want you to study hard. Knowledge is power; knowledge is wealth! Everything you want can come from your knowledge,” Towards the end of her speech, she waved her fist to strengthen her momentum.
Erwang and Maisui admired her very much. Their mother never went to school, but after learning bits and pieces from them, she was able to handle the hygiene promotional work for the Commune members.
How amazing that was.
“Mom, you’re so cool, you’re really very cool!” The two children said excitedly, holding Lin Lan’s hand.
Lin Lan proudly said, “That’s right. Don’t you realise that I’m studying harder than certain students? If you are educated enough, you can earn more money even without needing to work hard.”
She gave Dawang a sideways look.
Dawang, who was targeted despite not saying a thing, “…”
Sanwang giggled, “Mom is educated, father is strong and I can swim.”
Xiaowang came in, alternating his blowing on the first two notes of the harmonica, “I can play the harmonica for mom.”
Lin Lan patted his head, “Xiaowang is amazing. We can go and publicise your skills for performances in the future. Then, Xiaowang will play the harmonica with Teacher Huo. When I have the time, we will go talk to Teacher Huo and ask her to teach you some techniques.”
Xiaowang looked up at Lin Lan with his beautiful big eyes, as if there were stars living in them.
Lin Lan reminded the other children, “You father won’t be coming back for dinner, so we can all start eating. After that, do your homework.”
Han Qingsong was quite busy recently so he hardly came back for dinner. Hence, they didn’t have to wait for him to start eating.
When the children heard that their father was not going to come home soon, most of them were relieved as they dared to chatter away while eating.