My humble days in ancient times

Everyone worked together to build two sheds. One was specifically used for cooking. A simple stove was set up inside and pots, pans, and utensils were placed there.

The other was for dining, furnished with several long wooden tables and stools. As usual, Aunt Zhang and Aunt Li, both diligent and skilled cooks, were hired to prepare the meals.

Wang Youcai is quick-witted and experienced. After some discussion with his partners, he planned and reserved the land for building a house.

Afterwards, the workers were divided into two groups. One group was responsible for building the wall on the hillside. They carried tools and bricks and started working enthusiastically. The other group continued to dig the soil to raise the foundation higher to lay a solid foundation for the subsequent house construction.

After hearing Wang Youcai's clear and concise instructions, everyone began to work hard. For a moment, the wasteland was bustling with activity.

The shouts of people and the clatter of tools mingled together, but the wind was very strong, blowing wildly and raising a cloud of dust that made it impossible to open your eyes.

Now, the area in front of Uncle Xu's house was much quieter, with only some idle women gossiping and chatting here.

Widow Wang brought a few other women with her and came to find Xu Ruyi in a hurry.

As soon as Widow Wang saw Xu Ruyi, she couldn't wait to ask, "Xu girl, we can do the digging work too. Why don't we find some women?"

Xu Ruyi looked at them carefully and said gently but firmly, "Women are not as strong as men. Sisters-in-law, you'd better not think about it. Otherwise, it will not be good to give up after working for two days."

When Widow Wang heard this, she immediately became anxious and raised her voice, saying, "How is that possible? We have all worked as agents for others."

Xu Ruzhi saw that they were so unwilling to give up, so he shook his head helplessly and took them to the wasteland.

Xu Ruyi said to them, "You guys can dig together. I'll watch from the side. You guys can compete with the men and see how much you can dig in a day."

Widow Wang and the others looked at each other, bewildered. After a moment's hesitation, they rolled up their sleeves and began digging. Dust suddenly flew up, spreading like a yellow mist, making it difficult to open one's eyes. Dirt inevitably got into one's mouth, choking and causing a cough.

After digging for an hour, Widow Wang was the first to give up. She was so tired that she was panting and her face was covered with dust. She said to Xu Ruyi, "Girl, it seems that I am short-sighted. I really can't do this job." After saying this, Widow Wang left with a dusty face.

When the people who came together saw Widow Wang leaving, they stopped what they were doing and gathered together to discuss something.

Luo Daying thought about it and felt that he couldn't bear it anymore. He patted the dirt off his body and turned to leave. The rest of the people were stunned after seeing this, looked at each other, and finally shook their heads helplessly and dragged their tired bodies away.

Huang Guiyun saw a group of them walking heavily from the wasteland and asked curiously, "What were you doing there? You all look so dusty and dejected."

Widow Wang sighed repeatedly, "I thought I'd earn some money digging in the dirt, but who knew that was not something women like me could do? I really overestimated my abilities."

Xu Ruyi suggested that Widow Wang and the others leave, so he simply wandered around the wasteland and observed the progress of the various projects. Then he went into the cooking shed and saw Aunt Zhang and Aunt Li busy with their hands and feet!

Xu Ruyi saw them carefully washing cabbage and radishes, so she asked with a smile, "Do you want to make cabbage, pork and vermicelli stew?"

Aunt Zhang said happily, "You always guess right. You are such a clever girl."

After that, they smiled at each other and started chatting, and the shed was filled with a cheerful atmosphere. At this time, Hu came hurriedly.

Mrs. Hu is Xu Ruyi's aunt. They hardly interact with each other on weekdays. She never goes to her grandparents' house for dinner or other gatherings during the holidays. She always keeps to herself.

Today, he came to the wasteland for the first time. Could something be wrong? Xu Ruyi pondered in his heart.

Sure enough, when Mrs. Hu saw Xu Ruyi, she couldn't wait to say to her, "Ruyi, you are here. I have something to talk to you about."

Although Xu Ruyi was confused, she still politely walked out of the shed and went to a deserted place with Hu.

Mrs. Hu said flatteringly, "Ruyi, I'm your aunt too. Can you find me a job? I've been sitting around at home doing nothing all day, and I'm feeling a bit down, don't you think?"

Xu Ruyi couldn't say she liked her aunt, but she didn't seem to dislike her either. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Now that everyone is here, we're not short of people. If aunt wants to work, then boil some hot water for me every day! Once in the morning, once at lunch, and once in the afternoon."

After hearing this, Mrs. Hu thought to herself that although she originally wanted to come over to help with cooking, since Aunt Zhang and Aunt Li were already there, she felt embarrassed to squeeze in.

Mrs. Hu said, "Thank you very much, girl. I will go back and boil some water now!"

Xu Ruyi quickly stopped her and said, "Auntie, wait a minute. I want to talk about your wages. Twenty cents a day. Is that okay with you?"

Hu thought for a moment and said, "This job is easier. I agree."

It's easier said than done. Boiling water wasn't difficult for Hu, but getting the hot water back was a hassle. He had to push it back again and again on a cart, which was a real hassle.

After two days, Mrs. Hu began to complain, "Why don't they burn it in the wasteland? It's such a long way. Are they trying to make things difficult for me?"

She grumbled and complained, but she had to keep going. After all, she had already agreed to the job, so she couldn't give up halfway. She gritted her teeth and pushed the cart filled with hot water with great effort, sweat beads on her forehead.

Two days later, while delivering hot water, Mrs. Hu happened to run into Ruyi. She couldn't help but complain, "It's not easy to deliver water here and there. The road is full of potholes, and I'm always worried that the water will spill."

Xu Ruyi knew she was complaining a bit, so she said sympathetically, "How about this, I have a stove and a water heater at home. Go get them and boil water on the wasteland from now on!"

Xu Ruyi thought to herself: The weather isn't that cold anymore, and the stove won't be used anyway. Might as well give it to Mrs. Hu to use, and save her from running back and forth complaining.

When Mrs. Hu heard this, her face lit up with joy, and her eyes lit up. She said hurriedly, "That's great! I'll go to your house right away and get the stove." After that, she hurriedly walked towards Xu Ruyi's house.

Now Hu's work was joyful and relaxing. Every day, she appeared relaxed and at ease. She would fill the stove with water, then sit idly by, waiting, fanning the fire from time to time. Once it was done, she would pour it into the wooden barrel and methodically start the next pot.

When it was almost time, everyone would come over to drink water. Hu would also take the trouble to bring water to those working on the hillside, showing her conscientiousness in her duties.

That was fine, as they also needed to boil water for lunch, so Mrs. Hu was also eating at the construction site. Although everyone had some thoughts about this, they couldn't say anything.

After Xu Ruyi knew about it, she shook her head helplessly, thinking that as long as Mrs. Hu could do a good job of boiling water, she could eat here as she pleased.