Chapter 2: The Curved-Beam Plow Is Definitely Easier to Pull Than This!

Li Ziru blinked her big eyes at Li Su, wondering what was wrong with her little uncle.

Feng Cui-cui straightened up and rubbed her aching waist. When she saw her youngest son standing on the ridge holding Li Ziru, her face grew anxious and she quickly walked over. “Fourth, why are you here? Are you not feeling well? Ziru, your little uncle isn’t in good health. How can you let him carry you?”

Li Ziru pouted unhappily and tried to wriggle out of Li Su’s arms. So that’s why her little uncle suddenly picked her up—he wanted Grandma to scold her!

Li Su’s mind went blank. How heavy could a three- or four-year-old girl be? How frail did he have to be if he couldn’t even carry her?

He bent down and gently set Li Ziru on the ground, explaining to Feng Cui-cui, “Mother, I wanted to carry Ziru. Little girls aren’t heavy at all.”

Since Li Su said so, Feng Cui-cui didn’t scold Ziru any further. Instead, she turned to Li Su with concern, “Fourth, the sun is fierce today. Go back and rest. If there’s anything you want to talk about, we’ll do it at home.”

A look of distress flickered over Feng Cui-cui’s face. After paying for Fourth’s recent treatment and medicine, there was truly no money left at home. To make sure her family wouldn’t go hungry, she’d have to borrow money from someone in town for Fourth’s next trip to the county hospital.

Li Su shook his head. “I just came to see if you needed help. I’ve been lying in bed for days, but I’m fine now.”

His words stunned the busy family, children included.

No one could blame them for being surprised. Li Su had always been the most pampered and studious son; he had never once helped with the farm work, nor had he ever volunteered.

Feeling everyone’s gaze, Li Su grew a little embarrassed and coughed. “I just want to try working in the fields. I don’t want to study anymore.” He had other ways to support the family.

“What?” Father Li, Li Daping, was so shocked he dropped his plow. “We have money. You focus on your studies and take the exam a few more times. Fourth, you’re bound to pass!”

Jiang Yu and Dong Fangfang exchanged glances, both surprised and a little delighted.

If the little uncle stopped studying, even if he lazed around at home, without spending money on his schooling, life would surely be much easier.

Both women actually thought the Li family was quite decent. Their mother- and father-in-law weren’t harsh, their husbands were considerate, and the children were sweet—if only there wasn’t that spendthrift scholar uncle making things tight.

Feng Cui-cui echoed Li Daping. “Son, you’re made for studying. Your hands are meant to hold a pen, not farm tools. Listen to your mother, go back and study hard. However much silver you need, I'll find it for you.”

After their heartfelt persuasion, Li Su finally understood what it meant to be spoiled.

If it were someone else, he’d think they were crazy. But when it was himself, he had to admit—it felt wonderful!

A smile played on Li Su’s lips as he bargained with his parents. “Father, Mother, just let me try. If I can’t manage, I’ll go back to my studies.”

Seeing that he was determined to work in the fields, Feng Cui-cui and Li Daping, though distressed by their son’s stubbornness, knew his temperament well and relented.

They figured he wouldn’t last anyway—he’d never worked the fields a day in his life.

Li Daping gritted his teeth. “Second, go help your mother. Let Fourth take your place.” The sooner the boy gave up, the better!

Li Zhengqiang hesitated, glancing at his father. “Dad, maybe my little brother should help Mother instead?”

Li Daping shot him a glare, and Li Zhengqiang silently unhitched the rope from his shoulder.

Feng Cui-cui wanted to say something but held back in the end.

Li Su lifted his long robe, took off his shoes and socks, and stepped into the paddy. His feet sank, and the strange, unfamiliar sensation actually struck him as rather fascinating.

Curious, Li Su tried to take a step forward—then froze. Wait, why did it feel like someone was holding his foot?

Trying to act composed, he yanked his foot free, but pulled too hard and nearly fell into the mud.

The entire Li family watched him in silence.

Li Su: ...It’s fine, it’s fine. A lifetime passes quickly enough.

He reached for the rope in his second brother Li Zhengqiang’s hands. “Second Brother, go help Mother. Let me handle this.”

He’d never done it before, but for some reason, Li Su felt a strange surge of confidence—he couldn’t say where it came from.

Li Zhengqiang clapped him on the shoulder. Li Su winced. What a grip—was his brother trying to murder him?

His eldest brother, Li Zhengyi, spoke up. “Little brother, if you can’t keep going, just say so.”

Li Su nodded. “Alright.” At that moment, he still didn’t grasp the gravity of the task. He thought it was all just a bit of fun and eagerly copied his elder brother, looping the rope around himself.

Li Daping: ...He truly couldn’t understand his youngest son anymore.

Li Daping put on a stern face. “Pull and walk.”

“Dear, what’s Fourth up to today?” Dong Fangfang whispered to Li Zhengqiang as she worked, glancing worriedly at Li Su. “I have no idea,” he replied.

A glimmer flashed in Dong Fangfang’s eyes as she tested, “If he really stops studying, life would be easier for the children, wouldn’t it?”

Li Zhengqiang looked up at his wife. “Fangfang, as long as my little brother wants to read, our family will support him. Don’t say such things again.”

Dong Fangfang took a deep breath. “But he doesn’t want to study anymore, does he? He’s been to school a few years—he could find work in the county. Plenty of shops would hire him.”

“I know you love your brothers, but think of me and the children. We have little ones, and I’m pregnant, but the best food always goes to him. I even have to work in the fields, but he never does.” Her voice grew tight with emotion, and she nearly lost control, then felt a wave of fear.

Her mother-in-law treated her well, but if she heard such words, there’d be no kindness in her eyes. Dong Fangfang knew to watch her tongue.

“Don’t worry, Fangfang. When the harvest’s over, I’ll go to the county to find work. I’ll make sure you and the children have a good life,” Li Zhengqiang promised solemnly.

Dong Fangfang was left speechless, tears welling in her eyes. “But I don’t want you to work so hard...” Especially when it wasn’t strictly necessary.

Li Zhengqiang grinned at his wife. “It’s not hard.”

She laughed through her tears. “Fine, have it your way.”

Then she told Feng Cui-cui, “Mother, I’ll go back and make lunch.”

“Alright, go ahead. Remember to cook white rice for Fourth—he’s still recovering. And fry him an egg; he’ll be exhausted after working today,” Feng Cui-cui instructed.

Dong Fangfang hesitated, then nodded. “Alright...” As she turned, she saw Li Su red-faced, struggling to pull the plow, with his eldest brother having to stop and wait for him. Their progress was abysmally slow.

Dong Fangfang: ...He certainly does look tired.

Meanwhile, Li Su was already suffering inside. This thing was impossible to pull! He was purely forcing himself through.

A sudden idea struck him—what about a curved-shaft plow? That would surely be easier to use!