Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

In the winter, staying warm was of paramount importance. Therefore, she purchased a plethora of thick clothes, shoes, socks, quilts, firewood, charcoal, and other necessities, ensuring her stockpile was well-supplied.

As the twelfth lunar month approached, the capital brimmed with increasing festivity for the upcoming New Year celebrations.

Being newcomers from the countryside, both Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were enthralled by the city’s unique charm and financial prosperity. Money was not an issue, and they indulged in buying various New Year goods, unintentionally amassing a considerable collection.

Meanwhile, Lixia and Liqiu busied themselves by making numerous meatballs and marinating some smoked meat for the festivities.

As evening approached, dark clouds gathered ominously, hinting at an impending heavy snowfall. Seasoned elders, well-versed in such signs, predicted the snowstorm.

Qiao Xuan, with her extraordinary senses, could already detect the imminent snow in the air. The flakes were ready to descend.

True to their predictions, as the evening mist descended and the sky turned misty, the snowflakes silently began their descent, gently swirling in the air. Soon, they started to accumulate on the ground.

By nightfall, a thick layer of snow covered the landscape. The courtyard’s flowers and trees were cloaked in a white blanket, displaying soft undulating contours.

The following morning, the window revealed a bright and clear view. Stepping outside, the crisp air greeted them, invigorating their senses.

Though it was chilly, the sky seemed to exude a unique radiance, illuminated by the fresh snow. The air, now sanctified by the snowfall, brought an indescribable sense of novelty and wonder, even to the otherwise ordinary surroundings.

The scenery was breathtaking, with the snow having ceased and the bright sun casting a crystal-clear, snow-white glow over everything.

Outside the yard, the laughter of children from different families in the alley echoed joyously, reveling in the snowy fun.

On their day off, Shao Yunduan was at home, and Qiao Xuan entered the room with a smile. “What a beautiful day! Let’s venture outside of town and enjoy the snow. If we’re lucky, we might even catch some wild roosters and rabbits!”

“It’s just after a heavy snowfall, and the wild roosters and rabbits will be less agile, getting stuck in the snow. They’ll move slower due to the cold, making them easier to catch. Let’s go and try our luck!” Qiao Xuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.

Shao Yunduan couldn’t resist her enthusiasm and agreed, despite wanting to stay home with his wife in this weather to enjoy a nice meal together.

“Alright, let’s prepare and head out. The earlier we leave, the sooner we can return. Winter days grow dark early, and it gets much colder after noon!”

“Okay!”

Songshi went to rent a wagon, and Lixia and Liqiu had already prepared breakfast and readied the essentials, including fur cloaks, moccasins, a hand-burning stove, charcoal basin, and everything needed to stay warm. They quickly finished breakfast and set off.

Lixia and Liqiu stayed back to take care of the house, while Songshi drove the wagon with the couple on board.

Before leaving, Qiao Xuan asked Liqiu and Lixia to prepare the pot and various dishes for a hot pot dinner.

During the twelfth lunar month, various types of meat were available, with fat mutton and beef cut into thin slices, ideal for the hot pot.

The couple happily nodded in agreement.

Apart from beef and mutton, they also had ribs, fish balls, meatballs, vegetarian balls, pig’s blood, vermicelli, winter melon slices, lotus root slices, taro slices, cabbage, tofu, and yuba. They had also made some egg dumplings and bought haggis. Additionally, they had fresh pea sprouts and soybean sprouts at home.