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墨書 Inktalez
"Hehe, Mom, I have good news to tell you." She beamed like a child who had just received candy, proudly showing off in front of the adults.
"What good news?" After asking, Zhao lowered her head to busy herself. Life was tough; she had to mend her daughter's clothes one by one. There was hardly a moment of rest, yet life remained difficult.
Moreover, without a son, she felt unable to hold her head high. Years of frustration had left her face filled with worry, and she had no mood to joke with her daughter.
"Mom, it's true! I can read now. Second Sister taught me. Don't worry, I will earn money to support you and Dad in the future." Liu Qinglian vowed earnestly, not for any other reason but because of Liu Qingxi.
"What Second Sister? What do you mean you can read?" Zhao was clearly taken aback for a moment before realizing.
So it turned out Liu Qinglian was talking about Liu Qingxi. If her daughter hadn’t mentioned it, she might have overlooked the existence of this niece. Ever since Liu Qingxi was driven out of the house, she hadn’t paid much attention.
With her own struggles, how could she care for others? So when Liu Qinglian first mentioned Second Sister, she hadn’t thought in that direction.
Liu Qinglian chattered about Liu Qingxi's achievements: "I want to learn from Second Sister. If she can support her brother, then I can support you and Dad too."
The girl straightened her frail back with determination, looking as earnest as a child playing house in Zhao's eyes: "Alright, alright, you're blocking the light. You don't need to support me; just take care of yourself in the future."
The long-term hardships had drained her motivation; she felt like a walking corpse here. Her only hope was that this daughter would have a good life. As for a son? After so many years, she had already lost hope.
Eventually, her daughter would get married and become part of someone else's family. How could she support them then?
So she took it as a joke. Although Liu Qingxi indeed had a reputation at Ten Li Pu, in her view, how could a young lady from a family achieve such success?
Liu Qinglian grew anxious upon hearing this and explained animatedly: "Mom, it's all true! Look, these are the characters I learned today. Second Sister is going to teach me how to build houses in the future; I can earn money!"
To prove herself, she picked up a stone and began practicing on the ground: "Mom, this is 'Liu,' which is my surname."
She learned five or six characters in total and memorized them tightly in her mind, afraid of forgetting them. At that moment, she practiced repeatedly on the ground with neat strokes.
Zhao watched silently and couldn't help but sigh. But what use was it?
Being born a girl was an unchangeable fact; no matter how capable she was, she would still have to marry.
"Sigh! I'm sorry for not being able to give you a brother," Zhao said with deep guilt. But what could be done? She had tried every method possible; nothing seemed to work.
Then the two fell into a long silence. Whenever this happened, Liu Qinglian never knew how to comfort her mother.
Suddenly, Liu Laowu pushed aside the curtain and entered. He was usually taciturn, only able to say a few words in front of his wife and daughter, but the pressure of long-term living had made his back slightly hunched.
"What’s wrong? What are you two doing? Lian'er, what are you up to?"
"Dad, you're back! Come and see, this is my writing." She proudly showcased her learning without any hint of fatigue.
Liu Laowu squatted down and carefully looked at it, smiling broadly: "Lian'er, you're amazing! Better than your dad. Who did you learn from?"
Just like when facing Zhao, Liu Laowu fell silent after hearing this. After a long pause, he broke into a smile: "Hmm, your Second Sister is a good girl. Learning from her is definitely the right choice. Dad believes in you; work hard!"
"Yes, thank you, Dad! I will definitely learn well from Second Sister. She’s really impressive."
"Indeed, Dad heard that your Second Sister bought quite a few head of cattle all at once. She's much better than me."
Although Liu Laowu didn't talk much, he wasn't foolish. His second niece's reputation was soaring; she was unmatched in Ten Li Pu. Although he didn't know how she acquired her skills, it didn't hinder his admiration for her as a man.
Yes, admiration! What man doesn’t wish to have everyone respond to his call? Who doesn’t want everyone to follow his commands?
Thus, Liu Qinglian following Liu Qingxi could only bring benefits with no drawbacks; outsiders were eager to learn but had no opportunity.
At this moment, he seemed to see hope; that glimmer of light broke through the clouds and shone down on him. Although faint, it was like dawn for him, whose life had been as still as dead water.
"Hee hee hee, Dad, let me teach you how to read."
The two sat on the ground, heads touching as they held hands. Zhao watched this scene and revealed a long-lost smile.
It had been years since he felt this relaxed.
Just then, another person came over drawn by the laughter of the father and daughter. Liu Laosi approached: "What are you two doing? Can I join in?"
Indeed, after hearing Liu Qinglian's explanation, he and Liu Laowu shared an unprecedented agreement on their views.
However, he thought one step further than his brother: "This matter must not be known to the First Branch or the Second House."
When he said this, his expression was extremely serious. Liu Laowu nodded in agreement.
After so many years together, the two brothers had seen through all the facts. They were the least favored; if they didn’t carve out their own path, there would truly be no opportunities left for them in the future.
As for Liu Laosi? Even if he doesn't live with the First Branch and the Second House, the thought of separating from them exists in his mind, and he is eager to rid himself of their presence.
Encouraged by the two heads of the family, Liu Qinglian is filled with confidence and wishes to stay close to Liu Qingxi at all times.
Liu Qingxi is unaware that this simple action has stirred up a storm in the hearts of the two men.
She is busy planning the upcoming Construction, as there are many things to pay attention to with more people coming to observe and learn. There also needs to be someone specifically responsible for receiving visitors and teaching safety knowledge.
Even though the houses here are not high-rise and it is not a large-scale construction site, one can still get hit by wooden sticks or hammers if they are not careful while moving around. With a height of about four to five meters from the ground to the roof ridge, a fall could be serious.
If any danger occurs, it could lead to significant trouble.
The next day, after discussions among various villages, each nearby village can send only one person to observe and learn. With so many villages nearby, this approach helps avoid potential issues.
"Everyone, please be careful; there are many nails on the ground. If you step on one, it's something we need to pay attention to while making Mud Bricks. Later, you can take a closer look at the required amount of crushed grass in this mixture."
"And here, the Structural Column must be set down into the foundation; otherwise, it won't be sturdy."
"The Wooden Ring Beam and Rafter must connect properly."
The person in charge of receiving guests patiently explains everything to everyone. Their thoroughness and attention to detail leave no room for criticism, allowing even those with lesser abilities to quickly understand.
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