The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

The morning sun shone on the golden rice fields, and the air was filled with the joy of harvest. Tang Youyou looked at the scene of the harvest in front of her, her face filled with a happy smile.

"Mom, the harvest this year is so good!" Tang Jin ran back and forth excitedly on the edge of the field, the golden sunlight shining on his rosy little face.

"Yes," Tang Wan also said with a smile, "This year's grain will definitely sell for a good price!"

Tang Youyou looked at the two sensible children, her heart filled with relief. She bent down, gently stroked the heavy rice ears, and said softly, "Yes, this year's harvest is good. However, we can't forget those who need help."

Tang Jin and Tang Wan were both stunned for a moment, then Tang Jin asked, "Mom, are you talking about the disaster victims?"

Tang Youyou nodded: "A few days ago, I went to the city to buy cloth for you, and saw many disaster victims displaced, which was really pitiful. Now that we have a good harvest, we should also do our part."

Tang Wan pondered for a moment and suggested, "Mother, we can donate some of the food to the orphanages and soup kitchens in the city so that they can also have enough to eat."

"That's right!" Tang Jin also echoed, "Those children are so pitiful, we should help them!"

Tang Youyou looked at the two children with satisfaction. Their kindness and understanding made her feel extremely proud. She smiled and said, "Okay, let's do as you say! We will donate some of the food to help those in need."

Tang Jin and Tang Wan cheered happily. Hand in hand, they ran happily along the ridge of the field. The golden sunlight made their figures look particularly slender... Tang Youyou looked at the children's innocent smiles, and her heart was filled with warmth. She slowly squatted down, her eyes falling on a small blade of grass at the edge of the field...

Tang Youyou looked at the children's innocent smiles, her heart filled with warmth. She slowly squatted down, her eyes falling on a small blade of grass beside the ridge of the field. Although the grass was weak, it grew tenaciously in the breeze, as if it also felt the joy of the harvest.

"Mom, I want to help too!" At this time, Tang Xiaoya, who had been sitting quietly on the edge of the field, suddenly stood up and said in a baby voice.

Tang Youyou raised her head and looked at her little daughter, her eyes full of love: "Xiaoya, do you want to help too? But you are still young, what can you do?"

Tang Xiaoya tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said seriously, "I can help Mom pack the food into bags!"

Tang Youyou looked at her little daughter's serious expression, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She smiled and touched the little girl's head, saying, "Okay, our little girl has grown up and knows how to help!"

Tang Jin and Tang Wan also ran to Xiao Ya and said with a smile: "Xiao Ya is awesome!"

So the family started to get busy. They carefully selected some of the food, put it into sacks, and prepared to transport it to the city.

When the news reached the city, a highly respected man named Li Shanren heard about it and came to visit Tang Youyou. Li Shanren had always admired Tang Youyou's kindness and helpfulness. He stroked his beard and exclaimed, "Madam Tang, your kindness is truly admirable! I am an old man with little talent, but I am willing to do my best to help those in need with you."

Tang Youyou quickly said, "Mr. Li, you are so polite. Your coming here is the greatest support for us."

Mr. Li waved his hand and said, "No, that's far from enough. Although I'm old, I still have some influence. I will call on the gentry and wealthy families in the city to participate in this charity event."

Tang Youyou was deeply moved after hearing this. She knew that with Mr. Li's help, more people would be helped. She said gratefully, "Thank you so much, Mr. Li!"

Mr. Li smiled and nodded, saying, "Of course, of course. This is what we should do."

A few days later, carriages loaded with food set out from Tang Youyou's home and drove towards the city. The food would be delivered to the city's orphanages, soup kitchens, and the homeless victims.

The news reached County Magistrate Wang... When the news reached County Magistrate Wang, he stroked his beard, a pleased smile on his face. "This Madam Tang truly has the heart of a bodhisattva!" he exclaimed. County Magistrate Wang had long heard of Tang Youyou's deeds. She was kind and generous, often helping the poor nearby, and had an excellent reputation among the people. This time, she even donated her own grain to help the victims. Such a kind act was truly admirable.

Therefore, County Magistrate Wang immediately decided to go to Tangjia Village in person, firstly to express his gratitude, and secondly to see if he could provide some help.

Arriving at Tangjia Village, County Magistrate Wang was stunned by the scene before him. The village entrance was filled with sacks of grain, and the villagers were busily loading them onto trucks, their faces filled with joy and satisfaction. Tang Youyou was directing the work, ensuring every bag of grain was properly placed.

"Madam Tang, on behalf of the people of this city, I thank you for your kindness!" County Magistrate Wang walked up to Tang Youyou and bowed deeply.

Tang Youyou quickly moved aside, "My lord, you are too kind. This is what we should do."

"No, not everyone can do this," County Magistrate Wang said with emotion. "I will report the truth to the court and commend you for your achievements."

"I don't dare to take the credit, I just hope that these foods can help those who really need them." Tang Youyou said.

"Rest assured, I will dispatch personnel to oversee the distribution and ensure that every grain reaches the victims," ​​County Magistrate Wang promised. "Furthermore, to support your good deed, I have decided to exempt Tangjia Village from taxes for the next three years and provide some farming tools and seeds. I hope for a better harvest next year."

"Thank you, sir!" Tang Youyou said gratefully. She knew that with the support of the government, their good deeds could continue for a longer period of time.

At this moment, a ragged figure caught Tang Youyou's attention. The man was skinny, but he worked hard to help carry the food. His face was covered in sweat, but he had a satisfied smile on his face.

"Who is this?" Tang Youyou asked.

"Madam, he is Beggar Zhao, and he lives in a dilapidated temple outside the city." A villager nearby answered.

When Beggar Zhao heard someone calling him, he quickly put down the sack in his hand and walked awkwardly to Tang Youyou, "Madam, I... I just want to do my best..."

"I know, you did very well." Tang Youyou said gently, "I see that you are weak, so you should go to the side and rest first."

"No, I'm not tired!" Beggar Zhao shook his head firmly. "Madam gave me food and hope. I can't...can't..."

"You want to help more people, right?" Tang Youyou saw what he was thinking.

Beggar Zhao was stunned for a moment, then nodded vigorously.

"Okay, then you can follow me and do it together from now on." Tang Youyou said, "I believe that your kindness and hard work will definitely help more people."

Beggar Zhao was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. "Thank you... Thank you, Madam..."

Over the next few days, Tang Youyou and the villagers distributed food to every corner of the city. Seeing the grateful eyes of the disaster victims and hearing their sincere thanks, Tang Youyou's heart was filled with joy and satisfaction. However, during an inventory of supplies, Tang Youyou discovered some discrepancies in the accounts...

Tang Youyou's heart sank, and a feeling of unease welled up in her. This batch of food was related to the food and clothing of many disaster victims, and there must be no mistakes. She decided to investigate secretly and find out the problem quietly.

"Brother Zhao," Tang Youyou called over to Beggar Zhao who was helping to carry the food, "I found some discrepancies in the accounts, and I'd like to ask for your help."

Since joining Tang Youyou's charity team, Beggar Zhao has been diligent and hardworking, and Tang Youyou has great trust in him. "Madam, please give me your orders. Zhao will do it even if it means death!"

"You don't have to risk your life. I need you to help me observe secretly and see who tampered with the food." Tang Youyou handed Beggar Zhao a purse, "Take this silver. If you find anyone suspicious, don't alert them and report to me immediately."

"Don't worry, madam. I understand!" Beggar Zhao took the purse and nodded solemnly.

Over the next few days, Tang Youyou remained calm on the surface, continuing to organize the villagers to distribute food, but secretly observing everyone's every move. She discovered that every time food was transported, a villager named Sun Mazi would always appear stealthily nearby, his eyes flickering, as if he was deliberately avoiding something.

That night, Tang Youyou pretended to rest, but quietly came to the granary. Under the moonlight, she saw Sun Mazi whispering with a burly stranger.

"Is everything arranged?" the strange man asked in a low voice.

"Don't worry, big brother. I have followed your instructions and secretly replaced several bags of old rice. The victims can't tell the difference at all!" Sun Mazi's voice was tinged with flattery.

"Very good, you will definitely get some benefits after the task is completed!" The strange man patted Sun Mazi's shoulder with satisfaction, turned around and left the granary.

Tang Youyou hid in the dark and heard the conversation between the two clearly. She was furious. She didn't expect that Sun Mazi would be so bold. For his own selfish interests, he actually stretched out his black hand to the life-saving food!

She took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and decided to find out the truth behind this. So, she quietly followed the strange man to see where he was going...