Chapter 383 - 383 372 Introduction

Words : 1386 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

383: Chapter 372: Introduction 383: Chapter 372: Introduction Manbao woke the next morning to the sounds of bustling activity in the main courtyard. After washing up and slinging the Small book box over her shoulder, curiosity led her toward the commotion. A courtyard filled with about twenty women fell silent for a moment before Dazhu’s familiar wife eagerly grasped Manbao’s hand and exclaimed, “Manbao, you’re awake! Come, take a look. These are all here to work. Do you think we can keep them?” All eyes intently fixed on Manbao. Manbao was startled and, seeing the familiar face of Daliang’s wife, asked, “Daliang’s wife, are you coming to work at the small farmstead too?” “No, no, no,” Daliang’s wife quickly waved her hands, “We have plenty of land of our own. It’s not me who’s coming; it’s my aunt.” She pulled a slim woman forward, smiling, “Miss Man, don’t be fooled by my aunt’s small stature—she’s actually quite strong and works efficiently. If you don’t believe it, have her work for half a day, and if it’s not satisfactory, you can send her back.” “My sister-in-law is also good; she’s been working in the fields since she was young, everyone knows how to farm...” “My aunt is also not bad...” The courtyard instantly erupted in commotion, and only then did Manbao realize that out of the twenty-some people, only twelve were here to work, brought by relatives from their village. Manbao breathed a sigh of relief, the number wasn’t too many. Ms.Qian hurriedly interrupted the chatter and smiled, “This is not a decision for Manbao alone to make. How about this—we’ll let Manbao take you to the Bai Family to see Old Madam Bai. You might not know, but the hiring and the wages are primarily decided by Old Madam Bai.” Junior Ms.Qian then went to the kitchen to pack a flatbread and cracked an egg into a bowl, scattering it with green onions and salt before scalding it with boiling water, and directly poured it into a bamboo container. Junior Ms.Qian placed both items into Manbao’s book box, saying, “Go ahead and eat this at school. Don’t enter the small courtyard. Finish eating outside so as not to inconvenience the teacher.” Manbao uttered, “Oh,” and led the group straight to the Bai Family. For many, it was their first time seeking work outside their homes, and they felt quite anxious, as did the villagers from Qili Village who had brought them. They couldn’t help but crowd around Manbao, asking, “Miss Man, are there any specific requirements for this job?” “Not really,” Manbao replied, “Just be capable of farming, hardworking, and obedient.” She thought for a moment and added, “It’s like farming your own land. The only difference is that you can’t be lazy when the overseer doesn’t call for a break. The Bai Family provides lunch at noon. You start working again after the hottest part of lunchtime, and after dinner, you work for about half an hour before heading home.” Curiously, Manbao asked them, “Do you plan to go back home to sleep, or will you stay here?” The women grew tense. “We have to stay here too?” “Of course, going back to your own homes is better,” Manbao felt there were too many of them and probably not enough space for everyone, so she continued, “The only concern is if your homes are too far away and traveling back and forth is inconvenient, in which case, you can stay here. However, we only have one mud hut, and many of you would need to crowd together. So, if you can, it’s better to go home.” Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed. Dazhu’s wife chuckled, “Miss Man, you needn’t worry about that. If needed, they can stay with relatives. It won’t be a problem.” They crossed the river and continued onward until they reached the Bai Family. Manbao knocked on the door directly. Bai Shanbao happened to be heading out and was surprised to see her, “Why are you here so early in the morning?” Manbao pointed to the people behind her and said, “They’re here to apply for work. Let Grandma Liu come out and see if any of them can be hired.” It was only then that Bai Shanbao noticed the group behind her. He turned to the doorman and said, “Go inform Old Madam Bai.” The doorman went to deliver the message. The group of women became motionless at the sight of Bai Shanbao, and the scene immediately quieted down as everyone stood still. Bai Shanbao stood aside and talked with Manbao, “Did you finish the homework the teacher assigned last night?” Manbao nodded her head in frustration, “I was so sleepy I had to pinch myself several times just to finish.” Bai Shanbao breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought I was the only one like that. I wonder if the teacher will assign homework again tonight.” “So shall we pray to the Heaven Master at my place at noon?” Bai Shanbao said, “Children should not speak of the strange and chaotic spirits.” “It’s good to have something to rely on. After all, doesn’t it bring peace of mind?” “If you’re willing to walk for two or three quarters of an hour to come back and then another two or three quarters to the field just to pray, then go ahead,” he replied. After thinking it over, Manbao said, “The Heaven Master is omnipresent; I can pray to him in the wilderness too.” Bai Shanbao: ... Nanny Liu came out quickly. Seeing the two children still standing at the door with their book boxes, she smiled, “Young master, Miss Man, you go on to school. I’ve got these people taken care of.” Manbao walked away with Bai Shanbao. The faces of the women showed unease, and Dazhu’s wife couldn’t help but quietly call out to Manbao, “Miss Man, about this...” Manbao reassured them, “Don’t worry. Grandma Liu is very kind. As long as you’re suitable, she’ll keep you.” Nanny Liu showed them a warm smile, “Ladies, worry not. Our Old Madam wants to meet you. As long as you can farm and don’t object, we’ll keep those who are suitable. Come with me inside.” The women followed Nanny Liu into the house with a slight ease in their hearts. Meanwhile, Manbao went with Bai Shanbao to the school. When they arrived outside the school, Manbao didn’t enter the small courtyard but found a clean stone step to sit on and took out her breakfast. Bai Shanbao wasn’t eager to go inside either. He sat beside her and watched her eat, asking, “Why didn’t you have breakfast?” “They arrived too early. I had just woken up when they started waiting in the courtyard.” Manbao opened the bamboo container and took a hot sip of egg water before she took out the warm, lotus leaf-wrapped flatbread and bit into it. Bai Shanbao watched her eat, swallowing involuntarily. Manbao then tore off half for him. They sat side by side sharing the breakfast. Bai Shanbao mentioned while eating, “Your sister-in-law’s cooking is really good. Ever since the school stopped providing meals, I haven’t been able to enjoy her dishes.” Manbao suggested, “Come to my house for dinner then. Tonight, my sister-in-law will definitely make flatbreads, and she’ll cook eggs too.” Bai Shanbao thought for a moment and nodded, “Okay, I’ll come to your house for dinner.” He took out a packet of snacks from his book box and shared several pieces with Manbao. After they had eaten and rested for a while, Bai Erlang came ambling over, yawning wearily. With his book box on his back, he didn’t notice the people lined up on the stone steps until he reached the school’s entrance. Squinting, he asked, “What are you guys doing?” “If we said we were waiting for you, would you believe it?” Manbao asked. Bai Erlang responded emotionlessly, “No.” Bai Shanbao and Manbao patted their backsides and stood up, “Well then, there’s nothing to discuss, let’s head in.”

Chapter 383 - 383 372 Introduction

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