Colorful years

Before dawn, when the first light of day was just beginning to appear in the east, Zhang Zhong quietly got out of bed.

He moved quietly to avoid disturbing his family who were still asleep, and his tenderness and sense of responsibility towards his family were evident in every little movement.

Outside the window, the night was still dark, with stars twinkling like nature's most faithful guardians, witnessing the prelude to this farmer's daily life.

As he washed his face, he splashed cold water on his skin. The coolness stimulated his skin and instantly woke him up. It was an awakening from within, a harbinger of anticipation for the day to come.

After tidying his clothes, Zhang Zhong strode out of the house, each step so firm and powerful, as if declaring his sovereignty to a new day.

As the production team leader, he was keenly aware of the heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. In this era where agriculture was the foundation, organizing agricultural production according to the four seasons required him to get up earlier and rest later than others, which was an indispensable part of his career.

He knew that only by setting an example himself could he motivate the entire production team, ensure that every field was carefully tended and every grain of rice was safely stored.

Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight pierce through the thin mist, Zhang Zhong gets out of bed early and begins his "wake-up call" journey.

He first went to the threshing ground to the right of his own gate, which was where the villagers usually gathered and also an important place for him to pass on information.

He took a deep breath and shouted in his loud voice, "Time to get to work!" The sound was particularly clear in the quiet morning, like a horn that pierced the silence of the night and awakened the neighbors who were sleeping in their dreams.

The Diaolan Village production team is home to more than 30 households, and the Zhang family is undoubtedly the largest family here. Apart from three families surnamed Xiong, and two families each surnamed Sun and Li, all the other villagers are surnamed Zhang.

They are connected by blood, and together they have formed the glory of this large family. Zhang Zhong's call was not only a summons to the members, but also a manifestation of family unity.

After calling out three times, Zhang Zhong hurried to the riverbank diagonally opposite. That was the only way for the villagers to get to the fields, and it was also a key location for him to ensure that no information was missed.

He opened his throat and shouted twice more, "Let's go dig the ground in Sangshuwan!" His voice was as powerful and resonant as a bell, as if to awaken the entire mountain village from its slumber.

The sound lingered over the mountain village, intertwining with the echoes in the valley to create a unique rural morning song.

Within fifteen minutes, the doors of every household were slammed open, and male laborers poured out of their homes in an endless stream. Carrying hoes, they were all in high spirits and full of energy as they ran towards the riverbank to meet the team leader, and then they formed a long dragon heading towards Mulberry Bay.

It was a vivid picture of labor, showcasing the hardworking and simple spirit of the rural people.

Early morning work was usually the domain of men, while women stayed home to prepare breakfast.

As soon as her husband left, Shi Daya quickly got up and began her busy day. She first washed up, then deftly went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Cooking has always been one of her strengths. Whether it's a simple home-style stir-fry or a complex banquet dish, she can handle it with ease and make mouthwatering delicacies.

In the kitchen, Shi Daya's busy figure and the rising steam intertwined to create a warm and cozy scene.

She first boiled half a pot of water, then rinsed the rice and put it in the pot. After the rice was half-cooked, she drained the rice water and simmered the rice in the pot over low heat.

Afterward, she went to the vegetable garden to pick vegetables, washed and chopped the fresh produce, and waited for the rice to cook before stir-frying the vegetables. This way, when her husband finished his morning work and came home, he could enjoy a hot and fragrant meal.

Her heart was filled with love for her family and enthusiasm for life, which she poured into every meal she prepared.

As the rice was about to be cooked, Shi Daya began to wake the children one by one. She gently called their names and patted their backs softly until they woke up, rubbing their sleepy eyes.

After the children finished washing up, she started cooking the rice and then began stir-frying the vegetables. The aroma of the food wafting from the kitchen mingled with the children's laughter, creating a heartwarming scene of a rural family.

When the rice was cooked, the children all rushed to eat the crispy and delicious rice crust.

Congcong is only a little over a year old, and his little teeth haven't all grown in yet, so he can't eat the rice crust at all. He can only stand by the stove, watching his older brothers and sisters eat with relish, feeling incredibly envious. His mouth is watering, and his appearance is both heartbreaking and funny.

As the aroma of food filled the house, Zhang Ming was woken up by his mother: "Mingzi, get up and go to school!"

He got up quickly, dressed, and washed up. Shi Daya brought over a bowl of steaming sweet potato porridge and placed it on the table, urging, "Eat quickly, then go to school."

Zhang Ming is eleven years older than his younger brother Zhang Cong and is in the fifth grade of elementary school. After quickly finishing his meal, he slung his schoolbag over his shoulder and headed to school. His figure gradually disappeared into the morning light, carrying the hopes and dreams of his family.

The other family members had to wait for their father, Zhang Zhong, and grandfather, Zhang Quan, to return before they could eat.

We have a strong water buffalo at home, which is a great help to the team. It can plow the fields, harrow the fields, and pull carts. It is the main force in cultivating the team's hundreds of acres of land.

Grandpa Zhang Quan is the cow's dedicated feeder. He takes good care of the cow and earns 1500 work points a year.

This income is undoubtedly a considerable sum for the family.

Every morning and evening, Grandpa was responsible for herding the cattle. He would lead the cattle by the rope, walking along the winding village road towards the river.

The cows grazed leisurely, while Grandpa sat to the side with his eyes closed, enjoying this rare moment of peace and tranquility.