Madam Wang stopped and turned to look at A Jiu, "Granddaughter, the word 'death' just represents the meaning of the word itself; its deeper meaning is not to be understood that way."
"Then... it doesn't mean dying?" A Jiu was also shocked by her grandmother's solemn demeanor.
"Of course not. It depends on what that person seeks. 'Death' merely represents seeking without results, or facing setbacks in all matters; it doesn't mean that the person will necessarily die."
So that's how it is. A Jiu still didn't understand these profound words, "That's good then."
However, ever since Grandma had prayed for heavenly dew, she had gained a lot more trust in her.
"That's right, Grandma. It seems Grandpa Niu might indeed have encountered the plague in Nanzhou County, and it might not go smoothly."
A Jiu suddenly remembered, though her sister-in-law had mentioned that one wouldn't get infected if they didn't eat the flesh of the dead.
"Natural disasters and man-made calamities are the will of heaven. Do not worry too much."
As Madam Wang finished speaking, the two of them entered the village.
A Jiu, looking through the dim twilight, saw that the village path was crowded with people, a dense, dark mass.
They were discussing issues concerning planting seeds.
"Why don't we go into town together tomorrow and ask the higher-ups to open the granaries?"
"That won't do. Wouldn't that be gathering a crowd to cause trouble? Let's do this: select a few eloquent speakers to go with me. Not too many people."
The village head was also there to mediate.
It hadn't rained in three years. If they didn't plant crops now that the soil was moist, it would be a great waste.
As soon as A Jiu arrived home, Cai Lihua, who had been waiting anxiously, said, "Jiu'er, Mother, you're finally back. Did you buy the things?"
"I did, Mother. It's just that the grain is too expensive, so I only bought a little, just two catties." As soon as A Jiu said this, Cai Lihua's eyes widened.
"How could it be so little?" Cai Lihua felt a pang in her heart. Her husband had been plowing the fields all day, and she had spent the entire day thinking about how to make various rice flour pastries for her daughter.
But these two catties of white rice wouldn't even be enough to fill their stomachs.
"It's fifty wen per catty." A Jiu swore she hadn't hidden any money. Instead, she took out the seeds and showed them to Cai Lihua, "Mother, we still have a catty of rice seeds that can be planted."
"Forget it, Lihua. Didn't we trade our fruits and vegetables for a sack of wheat? After planting the one mu and three fen of land, we still have half a sack left. If necessary, we can grind it into flour."
Meng Shaode was already satisfied that his daughter had returned unharmed.
"Besides, flour can also be used to make some food. The village head here is also in charge, and he mentioned that he would go into town tomorrow to discuss opening the granaries with the officials."
"Even if they open the granaries, it won't be our turn to receive anything," Cai Lihua's day's fantasies were shattered. She sighed, looking at the lump of white rice.
"Lihua, you can't say that. Our daughter is, after all, registered in this village. We can't say we won't get anything."
Meng Shaode's words made Cai Lihua feel a little better.
"I'll go cook. You two rest." As Cai Lihua stepped into the kitchen, Mao Junlan rolled up her sleeves and followed her in, "Let me help."
"Daughter, come here so Father can see you." Meng Shaode saw that it was getting late, closed the door, and pulled his daughter aside to ask seriously:
"Did you encounter any rioting refugees? Were you hurt anywhere?"
"No, Father, don't worry." A Jiu felt a warmth in her heart. "The refugees in the city have mostly been cleared out by the soldiers. It's not as chaotic as last time."
"Knock, knock, knock."
There was a sound of knocking on the door.
"Who is it?"
A Jiu went to open the door. She first peeked through the gap and saw it was Grandpa Village Head, with a group of villagers behind him.
"Grandpa Village Head, is something the matter?" A Jiu opened the door and asked.
"Where did you get the wheat seeds?"
"Yes, did the government open the granaries and distribute grain today?"
The villagers behind him eagerly chimed in.
"Calm down, everyone, calm down," the village head quickly stopped the villagers behind him. He turned and entered the courtyard before speaking softly, "Don't worry, girl. After years of severe drought, it has finally rained a bit. Everyone wants to plant crops, but seeds are hard to come by in this world. We just wanted to ask where your family got your seeds."