The reason why Erlizi Village is called Erlizi Village is because there are two huge plum trees in the center of the village. They grow side by side. The trees have large branches and provide shade in summer and snow in winter. They can also harvest big and sweet plums in autumn.
Plum.
There is a big stone mill under the tree. The villagers like to gather there when they have nothing to do. They chat all day long, push the mill to grind noodles, etc., just to have a good time.
There are new things to talk about every day these days, but no matter how strange they are, none of the water conservancy and stone mills built by Zhuang Keqing are eye-catching.
Under the plum tree, the mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law gathered in a circle, holding shoe soles in their hands, sewing clothes, and braiding straw ropes. They were busy working without raising their heads, but this did not stop them from talking.
.
"Did the village chief really say that?"
"That's right, it was said to be built at the mountain stream behind the village! Although I didn't hear it with my own ears, I was there the day I became the master. It was said to be very magical!"
"How amazing?!"
"That stone mill cannot be pushed by anyone. It moves on its own and it spins very fast!"
The young daughter-in-law who spoke was the newly married second daughter-in-law of the Liu family in the village. She probably hadn't gotten to know each other well before. She usually kept quiet and didn't chat with everyone. But this time she heard something new at home and exposed her.
I was originally in a good temper, talking with great joy, and stopped sewing cloth in my hands.
"I didn't expect this banker's girl to be so capable. You said she could just make tofu, but how could she make such a labor-saving thing?" An aunt was peeling beans in a bamboo basket without raising her head as she spoke.
I couldn't tell whether my tone was envious or jealous.
"It doesn't matter what people think of it, as long as people are kind." Liu Fengzhi interjected from the side.
Ever since the dealer brought out the tofu, she always went to buy it. As time went by and she interacted with them more, she realized that both mother and daughter were honest people with no bad intentions.
"There's no need to be jealous of someone who made such a thing. Anyway, we've already agreed that everyone in the village can use it, so don't try to take advantage of it." She spoke straightforwardly, without beating around the bush, but she was truthful.
Son, the mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law around me nodded.
Aunt Wang came over with a basket from a distance, and she heard someone talking about stone grinding, getting a bargain, and so on. She thought they were talking about herself, so she immediately came closer with a smile on her face, wanting to test what was going on.
"Sister, what are you talking about? Let's talk with my aunt." As she spoke, she found a small open space, pulled away the dead branches and leaves on the ground, cleaned them up before sitting on them, for fear of soiling her new clothes.
Change into a floral shirt.
"My aunt hasn't been feeling well these past two days and hasn't been able to come and chat with you guys. She's finally feeling better today. I thought I'd be gone for a few days, so I brought some mountain grapes for you to sweeten your mouth."
Putting the basket on the ground, Aunt Wang took out the grapes and picked them one by one, holding them in her hands. When her hands were full, she started from her side and handed them to the people one by one, letting them take their own picks.
"I'm so lucky today, I can still eat the food brought by Aunt Wang." Liu Fengzhi pinched a piece, peeled it off and put it in her mouth. She turned her big eyes at Aunt Wang, curled her mouth, and lowered her head to busy herself.
of life.
Aunt Wang divided the circle and found that there were not many mountain grapes left in the blue. Then she sat down again and asked: "What new thing were you talking about just now? Tell me about it?"
The Liu family's daughter-in-law was not familiar with Aunt Wang. She had just eaten something given by someone and was embarrassed not to reply. In addition, the news about the stone mill had already spread throughout the village. It was really nothing new. It was just that everyone was curious about the thing and turned it around.
Just say it.
"We were talking about the water mill."
"What is a water-powered mill?" Aunt Wang was confused after hearing this.
"The banker's sister came up with an idea and made a stone mill pushed by water. The village chief and elders saw it a few days ago and are planning to build a mill behind the village." The Liu family's daughter-in-law had never heard of this when she saw her old aunt.
Seemingly, he got excited and learned what he heard again, "Sister Zhuang is really kind-hearted. She said that the stone mill is allowed to be used by the villagers without taking any money. Don't you think this is a good thing?"
Aunt Wang was stunned. Why did she lie at home for two days, and then the banker's little hooves caused something new? Was this intentional to not give him a way out of the Wang family?
"Look, Aunt Wang was so happy that she couldn't help but say something." Liu Fengzhi covered her mouth and chuckled, with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
How could Aunt Wang not hear this? That day when she came back from the banker, her hair was messed up and her clothes were dirty, and the things she brought were smashed to pieces. I don’t know how many people looked at her all the way back. These people all knew that she was the same as the banker.
It's a matter of grudges. If you are asked about it, how can you let it go smoothly?
"Hey, Wang family, don't worry. This villager is not a small-minded person. Even if you fail to propose marriage, he will never let you touch the stone mill in the future. He said that the whole village can use it, so how can you do it?
Is it possible to leave your home?"
I don’t know who made the bold statement, but to Aunt Wang’s ears, these words were like thunder on a sunny day.
"What? Who said I went to the banker to ask for a hand in marriage!" She almost threw the basket in her hand in shock, "Don't talk nonsense!"
"Why are you talking nonsense? It has been spread all over the village." Liu Fengzhi answered, "It is said that your third son has taken a liking to the girl from the banker's family and wants to marry her as his wife. The day you became a mother, you went to talk to Xiang Xiang.
Yes, you were beaten back, but after a night of trouble at home, you are still looking for life?"
What's going on!
Although there were so many people gathered around to watch the fun, they all thought they were there to apologize, so they didn’t mention anything about getting married? Who spread this word?! Could it be the banker!
Okay! You do one thing in front of your face but another behind your back, what a cheap person!
Liu Fengzhi saw that Aunt Wang's face was pale and red, and she was holding back her purple. She was afraid that she would be really angry and did something bad, so she finally comforted her, "It's impossible to spread gossip in this village, so why should we go to that person to spread the word?"
Why don't you come out and give me a beating? As time goes by, the gossip will naturally fade away. Old aunt, please don't take it to heart."
How can you not take it to heart!
Aunt Wang raised her head slightly and saw that the mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law around her were squinting at her. When her eyes caught her, she pretended to be working with her head down, wondering why she was laughing at her!
"Ouch! I suddenly thought that I have something to do at home. I'm going back first. You guys can take your time and play."
After all, Aunt Wang has such a good reputation that it’s hard to get angry after being exposed to so many people. In the past few years, except for the day when she came back and spat on a few people who pointed at her, she has never cursed anyone in the village.
After saying this, she picked up the bamboo basket, stood up, and left in a hurry without taking off her pants. She didn't even notice the disdainful looks that the wives looked at each other.
Although the banker's girl is not a swan, your Wang San, who specializes in the little girl, is a toad, the kind in the smelly ditch. What do you think of that little girl? We can't let the banker even in this mill.