Shi An watched all of this with a heart full of emotion. Despite their hardships, the home was filled with love and hope. Deciding that she, too, should contribute to the household, she took the initiative to help sweep the floor.
After the mother and her three children busied themselves for the better part of the day, they finally had the house arranged to their satisfaction. Though they were settled, their meager funds were nearly depleted; the family’s biggest problem now was figuring out how to earn some money.
They had started with only three taels of silver after the family split. After yesterday’s expenses—renting the house, buying two sets of clothes for Shi An, purchasing bedding, and acquiring kitchen and other household tools—they were left with barely over a tael.
Deng thought for a long time but could not come up with any good solutions. She eventually said, "Daya, if we do some needlework, it should be able to..."
Before Su Daya could respond, Shi An interrupted anxiously, "Mother, needlework takes a long time to finish, but our family is already... While it is a good method, we really don't have that much time." Her tone carried a hint of anxiety and helplessness, as if she were deeply worried about their predicament.
Su Shikuan chimed in bluntly, "Mother, I think so too. How about my third brother and I go to the river to catch some fish, and Sister goes to gather some wild vegetables? That should be able to..." In truth, he was keen to go fishing, as it was one of his favorite things to do.
However, a look of worry appeared on Deng’s face. She shook her head quickly and said, "No, that is not safe." Her voice was filled with concern and love, as if she were terrified that her children might encounter danger.
Su Shirong added quickly, "Mother, I think it is a viable plan." His eyes revealed determination and confidence, as if he were trying to persuade his mother to let them try.
Looking at her children, a flicker of hesitation and heartache crossed the mother’s eyes. She knew her children were sensible and wanted to share the burden, but she was more concerned for their safety. She said softly, "Children, Mother knows you are all good kids who want to do something for the family. But both fishing and gathering wild vegetables can be dangerous, and I am not at ease."
Shi An quickly grabbed her mother’s hand and said, "Mother, we will be careful; nothing will happen. We have all grown up and can take good care of ourselves." Her gaze was earnest and firm, hoping that her mother would trust them.
Su Daya also walked over and said, "Mother, let them go. They need to learn to take care of themselves. I will stay here and help you with the needlework, so don't you worry." Her tone was mature and sensible, which brought the mother a sense of relief.
Seeing her children, the mother felt deeply moved. She knew how filial and hardworking they were. Finally, she nodded and said, "All right, but you must be careful. Remember to come back early; Mother will be here waiting for you." Her gaze was filled with tenderness and expectation, as if telling them that no matter what difficulties they faced, home would always be their warmest harbor.
By morning, the sun was already filtering through the branches into the Su family’s small courtyard. Su Shirong packed the basket and stepped out of the house with Su Shikuan. Seeing this, Su Daya quickly grabbed her own basket, ready to leave. Shi An was quick-witted and immediately followed in her footsteps.
"Mother, I’m going with my sister to gather wild vegetables!" Shi An turned and called to Deng inside the house, her voice ringing with excitement.
Deng stepped out, looking at them with a gentle gaze, and instructed, "Go on, but be careful. Don't go too far to the edges, and stay safe. Daya, take good care of Xiaoya..." Her voice carried a hint of worry.
Su Daya held Shi An's hand tightly, nodded firmly, and replied, "I know, Mother. Don't worry." Her eyes were steady and confident, as if promising her mother that they would be safe.
Shi An looked up at Su Daya with a happy smile, feeling the warmth and strength transmitted through her sister's hand. The sunlight fell upon them, tracing a beautiful and heartwarming scene.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the fields. Along the way, Shi An asked all sorts of curious questions, and Su Daya answered them patiently. Their laughter echoed through the air.
They arrived at the hillside near the river in high spirits, their faces glowing with anticipation. Their luck today was truly excellent; the ground was covered in fresh, tender wild vegetables. Before long, their basket was full, and there were still plenty left over. Su Daya couldn't help but feel a little regretful. Seeing this, Shi An smiled and comforted her, "Sister, we can come back and pick more tomorrow."
"That shouldn't be necessary; we probably won't even be able to finish eating what we picked today..." Su Daya looked at the overflowing basket, her heart filled with satisfaction.
However, a plan to earn money had already formed in Shi An’s mind. She excitedly interrupted Su Daya: "We can finish it, we can! Sister, we can turn these into vegetable pancakes and take them to sell!" A spark of determination and hope shone in Shi An’s eyes; she seemed to see a bright future ahead.
Su Daya looked at Shi An with surprise, a surge of emotion welling up in her heart. She understood Shi An’s good intentions; behind this small suggestion lay deep concern for the family and a positive attitude toward life.
"All right, Shi An, you are so smart! We will make the vegetable pancakes together, and I'm sure they will sell for a good price." Su Daya squeezed Shi An’s hand, her eyes filled with praise and encouragement for her younger sister. Although she did not actually believe the pancakes would sell, she gave her sister's words nothing but praise.
As summer approached, a gentle breeze brushed against them. Su Shikuan and Su Shirong stood anxiously by the river, eyes fixed on the water, waiting for fish to fall into their carefully set traps. The soft sunlight bathed them, as if draping them in golden gauze.
Seeing her two brothers so focused, Shi An called out softly, "Second Older Brother, Third Older Brother, let’s go home first!" Her voice held a trace of helplessness; she felt as if she had called out many times already.
Without turning his head, Su Shikuan said, "You two go back first; we’ll wait a little longer..." His eyes were resolute and persistent, as if telling Shi An that he was determined to wait until a fish took the bait.
Su Shirong remained silent, but his expression was just as firm as Su Shikuan’s. Shi An knew they were both waiting for the joy of a catch.
Shi An tried to persuade them, explaining her idea to them in detail. As she spoke, her voice rose slightly, and a hint of anxiety appeared on her face. Yet, her second and third brothers only chuckled, remaining completely unmoved.
Anxious, Shi An quickly insisted they had to go home to eat, or their parents would be worried. Her eyes were filled with concern, fearful that their parents would grow anxious if they did not return soon.