After fleeing the famine, my older sister and I married the brother next door.

After digging up those few trees, the father and son walked around the neighborhood again. Chen Dashan, with his sharp eyes, spotted a few more saplings in a ravine. The two went over to take a look and confirmed that they were indeed Chinese toon saplings, and they were growing even better than the previous ones.

"Dig!" Chen's father waved his hand.

The two squatted down and got busy again. By the time they had dug up these few trees, the burlap sack they had brought was already full.

Chen Dashan straightened up and wiped his sweat: "Dad, is that enough? We can't carry any more."

Mr. Chen looked at them and nodded: "Okay, that's all. Let's go, let's go straight up the mountain and plant them."

The two men carried sacks and walked towards their own barren mountain.

---

Upon arriving at the barren mountain, Chen's father selected several sunny spots, and the father and son began digging holes, planting trees, and watering them. Planting each tree one by one, watching the seedlings sway gently in the spring breeze, Chen's father felt a deep sense of peace.

"Dashan," he suddenly spoke, "I think your idea of ​​opening a general store is good. But we have to take it slowly and accumulate these things first."

Chen Dashan nodded: "I know, Dad. No rush, let's take it one step at a time."

Mr. Chen said, "Let's discuss this properly after Xiaohe comes back from his fruit tree studies. We need a plan for these things on the mountain. Let's plant the Chinese toon trees this year, and see if we can find other saplings next year."

Chen Dashan said, "Okay, I'll do as you say."

As the sun gradually set in the west, the father and son finally finished planting all the saplings. Standing on the mountain, looking at the newly planted saplings and then at his own yard below, Mr. Chen felt a surge of indescribable emotions.

Several years have passed since Da Shan and his wife got married. From having nothing to owning fields, mountains, and shops, every step has been difficult. But every step has been taken steadily.

"Let's go, let's go down the mountain." Father Chen patted his eldest son on the shoulder. "Your mother must be getting impatient."

Chen Dashan nodded and followed his father down the mountain.

---

By the time they got home, it was almost dark. Chen's mother was busy in the kitchen; seeing them return, she asked, "Are you finished planting?"

Mr. Chen nodded, washed his hands, and sat down to drink water.

Su Xiaoyin brought in the food, and the family sat down to eat. Chen Dashan recounted the things he had discussed with his father that day, and Su Xiaoyin's eyes grew brighter as she listened.

"Open a general store?" she repeated. "That's a good idea. Then our embroidery will have a fixed place to be sold."

Chen's mother also said, "Yes, it saves us from having to set up a stall every day, exposed to the wind and sun."

Mr. Chen said, "There's no rush. Let's plan slowly. Let's focus on making the most of what we have now."

The family nodded and continued eating.

----

"Mother, Xiaoqing and I have finished the embroidery!"

That morning, Su Xiaoyin came out of the east wing with a relaxed smile on her face. She and Su Xiaoqing had spent nearly three months completing the embroidery of the last feather on the Five Relationships picture.

Chen's mother was feeding the chickens in the yard when she heard this and looked up: "Really? That's wonderful! You'll come with me to the county town tomorrow to deliver it to Manager Sun."

Su Xiaoqing poked her head out of the house: "Mom, we'll go with you tomorrow. It's not reassuring to leave the embroidery at home; the sooner we send it out, the sooner we'll feel at ease."

When Mr. Chen came out of the main room and heard this, he laughed and said, "Alright, then you three can go to the county town tomorrow. I'll stay home to take care of the children and play with my grandchildren."

Chen's mother rolled her eyes at him: "You think you know how to enjoy life?"

Mr. Chen wasn't annoyed. He just smiled and picked up a broom to start sweeping the yard.

---

The next morning, before dawn, Chen's mother had already harnessed the mule cart. Su Xiaoyin and Su Xiaoqing carefully wrapped the Five Relationships Chart, placed it in the innermost layer of the basket, and covered it with several layers of cloth, afraid that it would be bumped or damaged.

"Let's go." With a flick of her whip, Mother Chen slowly drove the mule cart out of the courtyard gate.

The morning breeze was cool, but the three of them felt warm inside. Su Xiaoqing leaned on her sister's shoulder and whispered, "Sister, will Manager Sun be as satisfied this time?"

Su Xiaoyin patted her hand: "Don't worry, we embroidered it with our hearts, there won't be any problems."

As the mule cart reached the village entrance, two figures could be seen standing by the roadside in the distance. Upon closer inspection, it was Li Hu and his son Li An. Li Hu was leaning on a cane, while Li An carried a small bundle on his back. The father and son were looking out of the village.

Chen's mother stopped the mule cart and asked, "Brother Li, where are you going?"

When Li Hu saw that it was Chen's mother, he smiled and said, "Sister-in-law Chen, we're going to the county town. Li An has to go back to school today, so we're waiting for the village's oxcart."

Chen's mother glanced at the sky and said, "The village oxcart won't arrive for a while. My cart is big enough for everyone; I'll take you all with me!"

Li Hu was taken aback for a moment, then quickly waved his hand: "Oh, I can't possibly accept that, it's too much trouble..."

Chen's mother interrupted him: "What's the trouble! It's just a small favor. Hurry up and come on up, don't delay the child's school."

Li Hu thought for a moment, then stopped refusing and helped Li An into the car. Li An obediently greeted, "Hello, Grandma Chen, Hello, Aunt Su, Hello, Aunt Xiaoqing."

Su Xiaoqing smiled: "Li An is so sensible."

The mule cart resumed its journey. After traveling for a while, Li Hu asked, "Sister Chen, I'd like to ask you something."

Chen's mother turned to look at him: "What is it? Tell me."

Li Hu said, "Where did you buy your mule? I'd like to buy one too. My legs aren't very strong, and it's too inconvenient for me to go back and forth to the county town. Having a mule cart would save me a lot of trouble."

Chen's mother said, "We bought this yellow ox from Geng Niu Guan, but he quit and went to live with his son in the county town to retire. The mule was bought from Hu Niu Guan's family, and it's not bad either. I don't know the specifics, but I'll have your brother Chen come to your house tonight and I'll explain it to you in detail."

Li Hu quickly thanked them, "Thank you, sister-in-law, you've gone to so much trouble."

Mother Chen waved her hand: "No trouble at all. By the way, Brother Li, if you're ever too busy, you can leave the child with us. It'll save you the trouble of taking him everywhere, and I don't feel comfortable leaving him alone at home."

Li Hu felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Sister-in-law, I appreciate your kindness. Li An will be staying at the school this time. He can also board at Liu Xiucai's place; he just needs to pay some rice and grain each month."

Chen's mother nodded: "That's good. The child's education is the most important thing."

Li Hu looked at his son beside him, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Yes, in two more years, when he's a little older, I'll send him to learn a trade."

Chen's mother asked, "What trade should you learn?"

Li Hu said, "This child wants to be a doctor. I plan to inquire around in the county town and find him a good mentor."

Chen's mother's eyes lit up: "Being a doctor is great! Saving lives and healing the wounded is a virtuous profession."

Li An whispered to her, "Grandma Chen, once I learn medicine, I'll treat you."