Chapter 108: Rumors Everywhere

Chapter 108: Rumors Everywhere
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Xia, touched by these words, unloaded her small backpack. From within, she took out spinach, broccoli, and other vegetables from the interspace. There were also some items not yet produced but available on their car. She knew these were suitable to be planted after autumn.
At this time of year, families who are wealthy would plant radishes and cabbage in their yard as winter reserves. Of course, they had to buy their seeds, while the less fortunate families would have to rely on the distributed food to survive the winter.
When everyone was eating from a common pot, the disparities between different households were not apparent. But now that each family fends for itself, the gap between those who plan ahead and those who don’t was becoming increasingly clear.
“Grandpa Chief, these are some of the vegetables we found on the mountain. We also found a lot of seeds. We tried planting some on the mountain, and they grew quite quickly. They’ve even sprouted recently. Once our trial planting is done, we can distribute the seeds to everyone.”
“You’ve really worked hard. I wish I could help more as the village chief,” the chief said with a wistful smile.
Jiang Chuan quickly replied, “That’s not right, Chief. If it weren’t for you, we might not be here today. Everyone has helped us so much; it’s only right that we repay the favor.”
The chief sighed, “If only everyone thought like you, our village could thrive.”
In the end, one couldn’t blame the villagers for not thinking ahead. Their understanding was limited, and when it was a struggle to fill their bellies, they could only haggle over the smallest gains.
Noticing the chief’s low spirits, Jiang Chuan swiftly changed the subject.
“Chief, we plan to go to the town to trade some goods. Is there anything you’d like us to get for you?”
The chief looked around. He had recently traded all his harvested vegetables and had no need for anything more.
“I’m fine. But if you’re taking a lot of goods, you should bring Xiao Wu with you for help.”
After chatting with the village chief, Jiang Chuan and Jiang Xia hurried home. The incidents involving the old Jiang and Sun families were still fresh in everyone’s minds. Even after their prolonged absence, no one dared to intrude into their home.
When Jiang Chuan and Jiang Xia arrived, Zhou Lan and Jiang Gu were cleaning the courtyard.
All the furniture inside the house had been wiped down. Given their long absence, a significant layer of dust had settled. It took mother and daughter a good while to restore the cleanliness.
Looking at the sky, Jiang Chuan decided to borrow a donkey cart from the production team. They initially didn’t want to bother Xiao Wu, but they bumped into him on the way.
Upon seeing them, Xiao Wu was overjoyed. He walked briskly towards Jiang Chuan and said, “Brother Jiang, I knew you couldn’t be in any danger. You and your family are so kind-hearted and lucky. I knew you couldn’t just disappear after going up the mountain.”
“Oh, where are you heading?” Xiao Wu asked, noticing the goods in Jiang Chuan’s hand.
Pleased by Xiao Wu’s words, Jiang Chuan smiled, “We’ve been up the mountain for quite a few days. We’ve almost run out of food and came down to trade for some grain. We were about to borrow a donkey cart from the production team to go to town.”
Xiao Wu nodded, “I see! In that case, I’ll come with you. You must be tired from coming down the mountain. Driving is a tough job too. I’ll drive while you rest.”
“That’s too much trouble for you. I can drive just fine. We can handle it ourselves,” Jiang Chuan said, still not used to their enthusiastic help, so he gently declined.
However, Xiao Wu thought differently. He believed that since they were familiar with each other, there was no need for formalities. “Brother, you, your wife, and nieces just wait here. I’ll go get the cart.”
Without giving Jiang Chuan a chance to refuse, Xiao Wu turned around and went to fetch the cart.
On the way to the town, they passed through a wheat field. The wheat had ripened, presenting a golden hue. From afar, it looked like waves of golden sea swaying with the wind.
“If only these weren’t empty husks, if only they were full,” Jiang Xia couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Xiao Wu had also noticed this scene and commented on it.
“Ah! The harvest isn’t good this year! A few days ago, I specifically went into the fields to pick a few stalks of wheat and give them a shake. They felt so light; it seems like we won’t get much grain out of this..”