Dressed as a farmer's widow, she brought her daughter to stock up on food and reached the top

The children nodded one after another, with a hint of nervousness and determination in their eyes.

Shi Liu clenched her fists, while A Fan responded with a focused gaze, "Mother, don't worry!"

Shi Liu thought to herself that her mother's concern for the current situation far outweighed her concern for the drought. She frowned slightly, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

In Shi Liu's opinion, A'niang can always deal with various natural disasters calmly. Even in years with poor harvests, A'niang has treasures in her hands and can always find a way to make the family live.

But now, facing this not-so-serious drought, A-niang displayed a rare solemnity, instead expressing deep worry about the turbulent times. Shi Liu couldn't help but bite her lip, her uneasiness growing stronger.

She knew that her mother's worries were not unfounded; she must have sensed a greater crisis was coming. Shi Liu took a deep breath and secretly resolved to protect her family in this turbulent time.

The next day, at daybreak, Xiuying and Taohua set off for Yangliu Town in an oxcart. The oxen's hooves thudded on the dirt road, and the shafts creaked.

The once bustling market has now become quiet, with few stalls lining the streets and few pedestrians.

Xiuying looked at the deserted streets, a wave of emotion welling up in her heart. Her brows knitted slightly, and her eyes were filled with worry.

"Taohua, look, this market is no longer what it used to be." Xiuying said softly.

Taohua looked around and replied, "Mother, I didn't expect it to become so deserted." Her face was full of surprise and loss.

The noisy shouting of the past was gone, replaced by silence, with only the occasional sound of wind blowing, stirring up fallen leaves.

Xiuying and Taohua walked slowly, their hearts filled with confusion and worry about the future. Their figures seemed particularly lonely in the empty market.

……

Mother Yang warmly entertained Xiuying, quickly brought her hot tea, and said with a smile: "Xiuying, please sit down and have a rest." There was kindness in Mother Yang's eyes.

"Qingfeng also went to Nanyang Prefecture City a few days ago. Now there are fewer people buying preserved eggs. I originally wanted to go to the prefecture city to see if I could sell some to the restaurant, but I heard that the court spent one million taels of silver to seek peace with the Shang Kingdom, and even the city entrance fee has increased." Yang's mother shook her head as she spoke, her face full of helplessness.

"The world is getting harder and harder. It's not easy to run a small business." She sighed and frowned.

"We ordinary people just hope to live a stable life, but this..." Mother Yang's voice gradually became low, and her eyes were full of worry.

Xiuying took a sip of tea and replied, "Who says it isn't? I don't know what it will be like in the future." The two sat opposite each other, both with worried looks on their faces.

Mother Yang changed the subject and looked at Taohua, putting on a smile on her face and said, "Taohua, this child will be thirteen next year, and she is almost old enough to talk about others." Mother Yang looked Taohua up and down.

After hearing this, Taohua blushed and lowered her head shyly.

Mother Yang continued, "Xiuying, look at your life now. I suggest that Xiuying send Taohua to learn dancing.

Taohua is so beautiful. If she learns to dance, she can marry into a wealthy family and live a good life." Mother Yang said seriously, her eyes full of anticipation.

Xiuying was slightly stunned, then said: "Mother, your idea is good, but learning to dance is not an easy thing. I don't know where to find a teacher." Xiuying looked embarrassed and sighed softly. She naturally hoped that her daughter would have a good life.

Mother Yang quickly said, "Qingfeng knew a lot of people when he was studying in the city. If Taohua wants to learn dancing, ask Qingfeng to help ask.

We have to plan for our child's future, right? Taohua's condition cannot be wasted." Mother Yang took Taohua's hand and patted it gently.

Taohua said timidly, "Grandma, I don't want to play the piano or learn to dance. I just want to cook." She raised her head, her eyes firm but a little nervous, staring at Yang's mother.

When Yang's mother heard this, she showed a look of surprise on her face and said, "Silly child, what future can you have in cooking? Playing the piano and learning to dance are what ladies from noble families should learn." Yang's mother frowned and scolded her gently.

Taohua bit her lip and mustered up the courage to say again, "Grandma, I really like cooking. Every time I see everyone's satisfied expressions after eating the food I cook, I feel very happy." Her hands were tightly clenched on the corners of her clothes, and her little face flushed slightly with excitement.

If possible, she would like to cook for Awang for the rest of her life.

Mother Yang looked at Taohua's stubborn look, shook her head helplessly, sighed and said, "You are such a stubborn child." Mother Yang's eyes showed both helplessness and a hint of pity.

Xiuying smiled and said, "Cooking is a good idea too. Maybe our Taohua will have superb cooking skills and become a famous chef in the future." Her eyes were full of kindness and she gently touched Taohua's head.

"As long as the child likes it and has a skill, he or she can live a stable life in the future." Xiuying's face was filled with a gentle smile, and her tone was firm and full of support for Taohua.

After hearing this, Yang's mother still muttered somewhat unwillingly: "For a girl, it is always more respectable to play the piano and learn to dance." Yang's mother curled her lips.

Xiuying took Yang's mother's hand and comforted her, "Mom, the child has her own ideas, and we have to respect them. Taohua likes cooking, so let her study hard in this area, maybe she can really make a name for herself." Xiuying looked sincere and patiently persuaded Yang's mother.

Mother Yang frowned, looking helpless, not knowing what to say. What was the point of staying in the kitchen all day long? She really didn't understand why Taohua liked cooking. She complained and kept shaking her head.

"What kind of future can there be with such smoke and fire in the kitchen?" Yang's mother's tone was full of confusion and dissatisfaction.

"Girls from other families all learn music, chess, calligraphy and painting, but our Taohua devotes herself to the kitchen." Mother Yang crossed her arms in front of her chest, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry.

It’s okay that life was hard before, but now that she has some money, she naturally hopes that her granddaughter can be married off to a good family in the future. Only when her granddaughter is well can her daughter be well.

"I'm doing this for her own good. I want her to have a good life in the future." Mother Yang sighed deeply, her face full of confusion and bewilderment.

Xiuying patted Yang's mother on the shoulder and said in a gentle voice, "Mom, don't be upset. Taohua is obsessed with food. When we have money in the future, we can open a restaurant for her." Xiuying's eyes were firm and full of hope.

"A woman must have her own career at all times, so that she can live with confidence." She turned her gaze to Taohua and spoke earnestly. She naturally knew what her daughter was thinking.