The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

As night fell, the stars dotted the night sky like sparkling diamonds. Tang Youyou stood in the yard, looking at the quiet night, and suddenly a thought came to her mind: It's time to thank those who have given their love to the children.

Thus, an extraordinary charity dinner quietly kicked off under Tang Youyou's careful planning.

As the news spread, the villagers rushed to tell each other, their faces filled with joyful smiles. The dinner was held in the village threshing ground, which was spacious enough to accommodate all the attendees. Tang Youyou and the children began to decorate the venue early. Red silk ribbons decorated the originally simple threshing ground, and the atmosphere was filled with a festive atmosphere. The villagers also came to help spontaneously, moving tables and arranging chairs. Everyone was enthusiastic, as if they were celebrating their own family's wedding.

As night fell and the lights came on, the once quiet threshing ground became bustling with activity. Villagers, dressed in their cleanest clothes and carrying their own homemade specialties, arrived one after another for the banquet. The old carpenter and his family arrived early, and the elder even brought a set of hand-carved wooden bowls and spoons, promising them to be for the children. Mr. Li, the good man, also arrived with his family. Observing the lively scene, he stroked his beard and smiled with satisfaction.

Tang Youyou, dressed in a simple and elegant dress, moved through the crowd, warmly greeting each guest. The children also changed into new clothes. Tang Wan sensibly helped her mother entertain the guests, while Tang Jin, like a happy little bird, shuttled through the crowd, sharing the joy with his friends. Only the youngest, Tang Xiaoya, was captivated by the lively scene before her, looking around curiously with wide eyes.

"Dear fellow villagers, dear friends, thank you all for coming to this dinner tonight..." Tang Youyou stood on a simple stage built of wooden boards, and her clear voice rang out in the silent night sky. "Today, I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere gratitude to all those who care about and help the children..."

As soon as Tang Youyou finished speaking, there was a burst of warm applause from the audience, which lasted for a long time.

"Mom, I want to say a few words too." Tang Jin tugged at Tang Youyou's clothes, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Tang Wan also stepped forward and gently took her mother's hand...

"Of course." Tang Youyou smiled and touched Tang Jin's head, then led him and Tang Wan to the front of the stage.

The two children stood on the stage, nervously glancing at the dense crowd below. They then shook hands encouragingly. Tang Jin took a deep breath and spoke first, "Thank you, grandparents, uncles, aunts, for your care and support for us and all the children!" His childish voice was filled with sincerity. "I remember when we first started, the village school was so shabby and old..."

Tang Wan continued her brother's words, saying, "Everyone worked together to rebuild the school brick by brick. Now we have a spacious and bright classroom where we can study happily with all our friends..."

Speaking of this, Tang Wan's eyes became moist. She remembered the days when she worked with everyone, the bright smiles on everyone's faces, and even more, the children who could not go to school because of poverty. Now, they, like herself, were carrying schoolbags and walking on the road to the palace of knowledge.

"Thank you, everyone!" the two children said in unison, bowing deeply. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience again, and everyone's face was filled with a gratified smile. This applause was not only for the children, but also for all the people who have given their love to the children.

At this moment, Tang Xiaoya, who had been sitting quietly beside Tang Youyou, suddenly broke free from her mother's arms and skipped onto the stage. She said in a baby voice, "I'll sing for everyone, okay?"

Before anyone could react, Tang Xiaoya cleared her throat and began singing: "Blue sky, white clouds, birds flying happily..." Her tender voice and simple yet playful lyrics instantly captivated everyone present. Everyone was surprised to discover that this beautiful song was actually composed by Tang Xiaoya herself. The lyrics, filled with a yearning for a better life and blessings for everyone, deeply moved everyone present.

When the song ended, the entire audience fell silent, everyone immersed in the emotion brought by the song. Suddenly, Mr. Li stood up from his seat, walked quickly to the front of the stage, and looked at Tang Youyou with a sharp gaze...

Shanren Li excitedly shook Tang Youyou's hand, tears glistening in his cloudy eyes, "Madam Tang, I've lived for most of my life, and I've never met anyone as kind as you! I've seen everything you've done, and I've kept it in my heart!" He turned around, facing the crowd, and raised his voice, "I've decided that from today on, I will fully support Madam Tang's charity work and do my best to help more people in need!"

Warm applause broke out from the audience, and people were moved by Mr. Li's generous act. Mr. Li was highly respected in the local area, and his support was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of Tang Youyou's charity.

The applause gradually died down, and a middle-aged man in official uniform emerged from the crowd. He was County Magistrate Wang. He approached the stage, a smile of approval on his face. "Madam Tang, I know all you've done for the people. You care about the people and are generous and charitable. You are truly a role model for the people of the Tang Dynasty!" His voice was loud and powerful, echoing throughout the venue. "On behalf of the county government, I express my gratitude and promise to do my utmost to support your charitable work and provide you with every possible convenience!"

As soon as County Magistrate Wang finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience again. Everyone was moved by Tang Youyou's kindness and inspired by the support of Mr. Li and County Magistrate Wang. This applause was a praise for kindness, a transmission of love, and an expectation for the future.

Tang Youyou looked at the sincere and respectful faces in the audience, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that she was not alone on this road of charity, because there were so many people walking with her.

"Thank you, everyone. Thank you..." Tang Youyou's voice was a little choked, but she held back her tears and continued, "Tonight, I have an important announcement to make..." Her eyes swept across the crowd, finally stopping at Tang Jin and Tang Wan's faces, "I've decided..."

"I've decided..." Tang Youyou took a deep breath, his eyes determined, "I've decided to build a Hope Primary School in the disaster-stricken area!"

Her voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the silent night sky. The crowd erupted in warm applause, all of them moved by Tang Youyou's boundless love.

"This Hope Primary School will provide a warm home for the children in the disaster area, allowing them to study with peace of mind and grow up healthily!" Tang Youyou's voice was choked with sobs, but more of it was determination and hope. "I believe that knowledge changes destiny and education shapes the future. I hope that through our efforts, these children can see hope and have a better tomorrow!"

Tang Youyou's words deeply touched the hearts of everyone present. People generously donated money to contribute to the construction of the Hope Primary School. Mr. Li even expressed his willingness to donate all his property to support the construction of the Hope Primary School.

The dinner ended in laughter and joy. Tang Youyou looked at the faces before her, each filled with happiness and hope, her heart filled with joy and emotion. She knew that she had chosen the right path for charity and would continue on it.

Late at night, Tang Youyou returned home with the children. Moonlight shone through the window, spilling into the room, illuminating Tang Youyou's tired but satisfied face.

"Mom, you were great today!" Tang Wan hugged Tang Youyou's arm, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Yes, Mom, you are really a role model for us to learn from!" Tang Jin also echoed.

Tang Youyou looked at the children's innocent smiles, her heart filled with warmth. She gently stroked the children's hair and said softly, "Everything Mother does is for you, for all those in need in this world."

Suddenly, a rapid knock on the door broke the tranquility of the night. Tang Youyou was startled, and an ominous premonition came to her mind.

"Who is it?" Tang Youyou asked warily.

"Mrs. Tang, we are from the county government office and we want to see you about something important!" A strange and serious voice came from outside the door.

Tang Youyou's heart suddenly sank, and an inexplicable sense of tension made her clench her fists involuntarily...