Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Upon hearing the news, Wang Wu hurried home, his footsteps so rapid they seemed to create sparks. Meanwhile, Wang Wu's wife was sitting on the doorstep, sewing. When she saw her husband hurrying home from afar, her dull eyes lit up instantly, and her lips lifted involuntarily, revealing a delighted smile.

As soon as Wang Wu stepped into the house, before he could even catch his breath, he was met by his wife. Wang Wu's wife looked up with joy, but perhaps because she was too weak, her voice sounded weak: "Master, you rushed back in such a hurry, what's the matter? You must be so anxious, did something good happen to you?"

When Wang Wu saw his wife asking the question, he hurried forward a few steps, grabbed her hand, and said excitedly: "Wife, let me tell you, this time we have really come across a great thing! The government is recruiting bricklayers who can build kangs! I heard that as long as the skills are good enough and you can build a satisfactory kang, you can not only have two full meals a day, but also get an extra two kilograms of food!" At this point, Wang Wu couldn't help swallowing his saliva, his eyes full of anticipation.

Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, he continued to say to his wife, "I remember you mentioned before that our father-in-law and brother-in-law went to the Northeast a few years ago and stayed there for two or three years. Wasn't that when they learned to build a kang? I just wonder if they've lost the skill after so many years..."

Wang Liushi, Wang Wu's wife, was instantly enraged when she heard this. Her eyes widened, and she eagerly chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! That's right! What's going on? Dad used to always talk about his long journey. I heard he went to an extremely cold place, so cold it was unbearable! To make a living, Dad had to leave his hometown and venture to the Northeast."

I heard that they went to dig up precious medicinal herbs like ginseng, and they stayed in that icy and snowy place for two or three years! I don’t know if Dad suffered a lot during that time. But fortunately, Dad also learned how to build and use the local kang to resist the severe cold. Now I heard that the government is actually recruiting people with this skill. Oh, my god, I have to go home quickly and tell my father-in-law this good news to make him happy. By the way, I can see if Dad’s skills are rusty. If not, that would be great! My God, this is really a great joy! If Dad can successfully apply for this job, then our family will definitely be able to spend this winter safely and warmly!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Liu turned around and said anxiously to Wang Wu, "Head of the family, please come back with me to my parents' home! I miss my father so much, and I don't know if my brother can still shoulder the burden of the family. If they knew the good news, they would be very happy!" Upon hearing this, Wang Wu's originally listless expression instantly became excited, and he quickly responded, "Wife, let's pack up quickly and set off now!" However, Wang Liu interrupted him hastily and said, "Oh, our family is so poor that we can hardly make ends meet. What is there to pack?

Even if someone stumbled in, they'd probably be frightened by the sight of such poverty and run away crying! Wang Wu couldn't help but smile bitterly, shaking his head helplessly. "That being said, this is our home after all." He then gently lifted his young daughter into his arms, reached out and tightly grasped his wife's rough hand. Then he walked to the door and tied it securely with a thick rope to prevent anyone from breaking in. And so, the family of three set off on their journey to her mother's home.

Wang Liushi's family lived not far from their village, just across the street. However, the once bustling village had become deserted, with more than half the population gone. She couldn't help but think of her father and brother who remained there, wondering how they were doing.

I recall the days when my mother was still alive. Despite the hardships of life, she cared for my father and younger brother with unwavering care. Back then, the family only had one meal a day, and food was scarce, barely filling their stomachs with soup and water. Even so, thanks to my mother's resilience and hard work, the family managed to eke out a living. But after the terrible epidemic struck, my mother's already frail body could no longer withstand the torment of the disease, and she eventually succumbed to the tragedy and passed away. From then on, my elderly father and younger brother were left alone to depend on each other.

Filled with worry and concern, Wang Liu slowly entered the village. From afar, the dilapidated thatched cottage at the outskirts of the village was her once warm home. Gazing at the crumbling structure, seemingly poised to collapse at any moment, Wang Liu's heart was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions. This was the place that held countless childhood memories! Once upon a time, she had played carefree here, enjoying the care and love of her parents and the warmth of her family. But now, this little house, once filled with joy and laughter, seemed so desolate and lonely in the chill autumn wind, as if even a stronger gust would bring it crashing down.

Wang Liu and Wang Wu tiptoed quietly into the shabby door. Sunlight filtered through the crack onto the floor, casting a narrow strip of light and shadow. The house was filled with the faint scent of everyday life. They entered cautiously, fearing to disturb anything.

My father was huddled in a corner, quietly basking in the sun. His washed-out shirt seemed uncomfortably loose, as if draped over a skeleton. The sunlight shone on his wrinkled face, outlining the traces of time. My younger brother was busy at the stove, his small frame shrouded in smoke, and only his faint silhouette, constantly waving his spatula, could be seen.

Wang Liu's eyes fell on the old, emaciated figures of her brother and father, and a wave of sadness suddenly welled up in her heart. Her eyes reddened, and tears burst out like a flood, streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto the ground beneath her feet. Her lips trembled as she softly called out, "Dad..."

Old Man Liu heard the voice and slowly raised his head. His already cloudy eyes were now even more lifeless, as if covered by a thick layer of mist. He struggled to turn his head and looked in the direction of the voice. After a long moment, he finally recognized the tearful woman before him as his daughter. A smile of surprise instantly broke out on his face, but it was extremely stiff.

Old Man Liu stood up shakily and stumbled toward Wang Liu. As he walked, he muttered to himself, "Ni'er, why are you here? Come in, come in! How have you been these days?" Wang Liu looked at her father's stumbling steps and concerned expression, feeling a mixture of emotions. Fighting back tears, she quickly stepped forward and supported her father's shaky body.

Ever since her mother's death from the plague, the family had been left without a pillar of support. After the funeral, Wang Liushi had been unable to return home for a visit for various reasons. Now, nearly two months had passed, and upon seeing her father again, he was thinner and older than when they'd parted. Thinking of this, Wang Liushi's grief deepened.

Wang Wu rushed forward, anxiously supporting his staggering father-in-law. As he grasped those weathered, calloused hands, a pang of pain clung to his heart, and a lump in his throat. Gazing at the gaunt old man, Wang Wu knew that the natural disasters and plagues of recent years had tormented the people to the point of unbearable suffering, making life difficult.

He carefully supported his father-in-law and slowly walked into the house. He saw the worn little bench shaking on the ground, as if it would fall apart at any moment. At this moment, Old Man Liu's eyes fell on his skinny granddaughter. With tears in his eyes, he waved to the little girl and called softly, "Child, come here quickly, let grandpa take a good look at you!"

The thin, withered, yellow-haired little girl timidly moved slowly toward the old man. The old man reached out his withered, branch-like hands and gently stroked the girl's dry, long hair, his fingers trembling slightly. As he smoothed the girl's messy hair, he said in a sad tone, "Child, grandpa is not capable enough to buy you delicious food. There are only a few steamed buns left at home. You must eat more later."

At this moment, Liu Tiedan, who was busy cooking in the kitchen, heard the noise outside and hurried in from the back of the house. When he saw his sister and brother-in-law coming, a hint of joy appeared on his face, but it was soon covered by worry.

Liu Tiedan has always been a thoughtful and careful person, and he has almost never made a mistake. When he saw his brother-in-law coming, his face immediately filled with a happy smile. He hurried forward and called out affectionately, "Brother-in-law, you're here!"

Wang Liu looked at her brother's emaciated face, and a wave of grief washed over her. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. She clutched his rough hands tightly, choking with sobs as she sobbed, "Brother, it's all my fault I'm incompetent and can't take good care of you..." She hadn't finished her words when she broke down in tears.

Seeing his sister crying so heartbroken, Liu Tiedan felt his heart broken, but he suppressed his grief and comforted her, "Sister, please don't say that. How can you be blamed? This is all caused by this hateful world. It has nothing to do with you." After calming down a little, he continued, "Sister, is there something important that brought you here this time?"