Fortunately, Baiyun Village is backed by a large mountain, so the logging done by the villagers does not have much of an impact. Everyone understands the principle that those who live off the mountain must protect it; only as long as this mountain stands can they continue to rely on it. Therefore, their firewood gathering is not a reckless, frenzied destruction; they only set to work on trees that are already near death. The forest floor is not only covered in fallen leaves but also littered with miscellaneous branches, and picking those up for fuel serves the same purpose.
The men work in teams to fell trees and then split the yield, while the women gather the branches scattered on the ground. Older children who are capable of working are brought along to help with chores; in farming families, this rule of "those who eat at home must work for the home" is passed down from generation to generation. Putting the children to work is also a way to build their character; otherwise, if the children cannot stand on their own two feet by the time their parents grow old, it is a tragedy for the entire family.
Qiangzi is the personification of such a tragedy.
Chapter 148