My humble days in ancient times

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, before daybreak, Xu Ruyi and his two siblings woke up early, set off firecrackers, and then dressed neatly to head to the ancestral hall.

Along the way, every household was decorated with lights and the red lanterns swayed gently in the morning breeze, creating a strong festive atmosphere.

When we arrived at the ancestral hall, many clan members were already gathered there, greeting each other with happy smiles on their faces.

Xu Ruyi and his brothers and sisters respectfully burned incense and kowtowed to their ancestors, praying for their ancestors to bless the family with peace, success and prosperity.

After the ceremony, the elders of the clan began to distribute melon seeds and candies to the children. Xu Qingyan was so happy when he received the candies that he couldn't stop smiling.

Because in the ancestral hall, many people had already exchanged New Year greetings, and the sound of blessings echoed back and forth, making it very lively. So everyone left the ancestral hall and went back to their own homes.

Xu Ruyi and her two siblings went together to their grandparents' house. As soon as they entered, they all shouted in unison: "Grandpa and Grandma, Happy New Year! We wish you two a happy new year!"

Grandpa and grandma were so happy that they couldn't stop smiling. They quickly took out the copper coins they had prepared and stuffed them into the children's hands, saying, "Good children, be healthy and happy in the New Year!"

After leaving their grandparents' house, they went to Xu Dachuan's house to wish him a happy new year. Xu Dachuan happily welcomed them into the house and served them candies and snacks.

Xu Ruyi saw that Tian Yuhe didn't look very happy, so she said a few simple words and left.

Xu Ruyi and his two siblings went to the new house happily again, but unexpectedly they met Du Lei and his group on the way.

Du Lei and the others all said in unison, "Happy New Year to the eldest young master, happy New Year to the eldest young lady, happy New Year to the second young lady, and happy New Year to the young master. I wish all the young masters and young ladies a happy New Year, good luck in the New Year, and everything goes well!"

After hearing this, Xu Ruyi and his four siblings smiled brightly and said quickly, "Happy New Year to everyone! I wish you all a happy new year, good luck in the new year, and happiness every day!"

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, according to custom, Xu Ruyi and his two siblings packed up early and went to their grandfather's house with carefully prepared gifts.

Grandpa He Tiezhu and uncle He Changsheng were looking forward to their arrival! From early morning, grandpa would walk to the gate of the courtyard from time to time to look out, and uncle was busy in the house preparing various foods.

The gate to the courtyard was open today, and Xu Ruyi and her two siblings happily entered the courtyard as soon as they got out of the car. When He Tiezhu saw the children, his wrinkles on his face were all brightened with joy: "Great, it's too cold outside, let's go inside!"

Uncle He Changsheng also hurried over with hot water and said, "Drink some water, it will warm you up."

Several people took the hot water and drank it in big gulps. The steaming hot water flowed down their throats, immediately dispelling the coldness in their bodies and making them feel much more comfortable.

Xu Qingyan was like a happy little bird, throwing herself into He Tiezhu's arms and acting coquettishly.

Xu Ruyi smiled and asked, "How is your business now, uncle?"

He Changsheng couldn't help but said happily: "The income is not bad. Thank you Ruyi for teaching me how to make egg pancakes and rice balls."

After hearing this, Xu Ruyi said with relief: "That's good."

Xu Ruyi looked up and saw a table filled with sunflower seeds, candies, and cakes of all kinds. They were neatly arranged, and she thought life was going well for them. She was also happy for her grandfather and uncle.

Xu Ruyi and her uncle worked together to prepare lunch. In the kitchen, Xu Ruyi expertly cut and prepared the vegetables, while her uncle controlled the heat at the stove. Soon, delicious dishes were served.

Everyone sat around the table, eating delicious food and chatting with laughter.

He Tiezhu's wrinkled face was filled with satisfaction and relief, and he couldn't help but sigh, "Thanks to Ruyi, look at my life now. I never dreamed that an old man like me could live such a good life. Before, I couldn't even think about it. Now I have no worries about food and clothing, and every day is like New Year's Day."

As he spoke, He Tiezhu looked at Xu Ruyi with eyes full of gratitude and love.

After dinner, everyone stayed in the house for a while, chatting about family matters and sharing recent interesting events. Then, Xu Ruyi and his four siblings got up and prepared to go back.

Grandpa and uncle walked them to the door, constantly reminding them to be careful on the road and to come back often when they had time. The four siblings nodded repeatedly, and with a lot of reluctance, they set off on their journey home.

When I returned to the village entrance, I unexpectedly ran into Huang Guiyun. She looked like a beggar, with disheveled hair and tattered, dirty clothes.

Huang Guiyun had gone to the county town to beg. The basket she carried on her back was overflowing with food. A closer look revealed steamed buns, steamed bread, and some small snacks. She must have had quite a bit of money from begging.

Xu Ruyi watched this scene and couldn't help but marvel inwardly. She had to admire her ability to make money. She thought that although Huang Guiyun looked miserable, she really had her own way of making a living.

When Huang Guiyun passed by Mr. Xu's door, Widow Wang, who was sitting outside the door basking in the sun, saw her and hurriedly asked, "Huang Guiyun, how many copper coins did you beg today?"

Huang Guiyun did not hide it and said frankly: "It's more than a hundred coins, and everyone gave one or two coins. And kind people also gave steamed buns. I will go there again in the next few days!" After saying this, a look of pride appeared on his face.

When Widow Wang heard this, her eyes lit up, and her mind began to think hard. She was immediately tempted and said, "Starting tomorrow, I'll go with you!"

Huang Guiyun frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Of course, it's possible, but we have to separate and discuss our own issues to avoid affecting each other."

So the next day, at dawn, Huang Guiyun and Widow Wang went to the county town together to beg.

Along the way, Widow Wang was full of anticipation, imagining that she could get as much as Huang Guiyun. Meanwhile, Huang Guiyun was mentally planning which busy places to go to today to beg for more money.

Arriving in the county town, the two went their separate ways as agreed. Huang Guiyun went to the market with ease. She pretended to be pitiful and cried about her miserable experience to everyone she met. Many people took pity on her and offered to help her.

Widow Wang's situation was not so smooth. She was a little embarrassed at first and her words were stuttering. She didn't get much money after a long time. Seeing that Huang Guiyun had made a lot of money, she became more and more anxious.

At noon, the two met. Widow Wang looked depressed, while Huang Guiyun was happily counting the money she had begged. Widow Wang couldn't help but say, "Why don't you teach me how to beg for more money?"

Huang Guiyun rolled her eyes at her and said, "That's easy. You have to be able to talk. The more miserable you make yourself sound, the better."

Widow Wang nodded, not quite understanding, and continued to beg for money in the afternoon.

But before evening, Widow Wang was spotted by a few hooligans. They surrounded Widow Wang and said with a playful smile: "Little lady, come and play with us brothers."

Widow Wang turned pale with fear and screamed for help. Huang Guiyun heard the sound and ran over to argue with the hooligans. But they didn't listen at all and even assaulted them.

At this critical moment, patrol officers passed by and drove away the hooligans. After experiencing this incident, Widow Wang was still frightened and said, "This job of begging for money is not easy. I must be more careful in the future."

Huang Guiyun smiled bitterly and said, "How can money be earned so easily in this world? Just be careful." Then he continued to beg.