Qin Junyao poured her father a glass of water. "The war started ten days ago."
"Our village is still considered good. I heard Uncle Hou say that some villages had their wheat, which wasn't even ready for harvest, completely uprooted by refugees overnight."
"Make sure to record the numbers of these grain thieves. We'll simply refuse them porridge."
Qin father drank the water in one gulp. "I want to set up barricades at the village entrance and organize the young and strong men of our village to guard them day and night, preventing them from entering."
"Stealing from our families' fields is one thing, but if they steal the wheat we harvest from the fields outside the village, the losses will be much greater."
"Do you think you could spare a few people to help? The villagers lack experience, and I'm afraid they won't be able to guard it effectively."
"Father, don't worry, I'll send people."
With assurance, Qin father didn't linger at the Zhao family's home and hurried off to arrange for the barricades. These would need to be set up before the full autumn harvest.
As soon as Qin father left, Liu Rong also came to ask Qin Junyao for people.
"Madam, we are severely short of people to make the cotton-padded clothes. Should we find some among the refugees or hire some from outside the village?"
Qin Junyao frowned and asked Liu Rong, "Are we short by a lot?"
"If we are to make the quantity of cotton-padded clothes you specified yesterday before winter sets in, we will need at least fifty more people."
"So many? Then you and Granny Wang take some people to find some among the refugees. It's best to buy them. If not, we must make it clear that they cannot leave the estate until these clothes are finished and cannot leak any information."
"Yes, Madam."
Qin Junyao spent the morning dealing with various matters. Fortunately, all she had to do was speak.
After lunch, as Qin Junyao was about to play with Fuzi, she suddenly received news that her second aunt was going into labor.
"Where are you going?" Granny Qin, carrying a basket, was returning to the Qin family home and saw Qin Junyao also preparing to leave.
Qin Junyao's face showed anxiety. "Second Aunt is going into labor, I'll go take a look."
"You're pregnant, what are you going there for? Stay home and behave. You won't be able to help and will only be a nuisance."
Granny Qin looked around Qin Junyao and then asked, "Where are your two maids?"
"I sent them on errands. Right, Grandma, I need to have someone call Liu Yu back. She knows medicine."
"Just stay put," Granny Qin grabbed Qin Junyao's arm. "Knowing medicine is one thing, and delivering babies is another."
"I want someone to watch you. We've already found a midwife. It's your second aunt's third child, and your Aunt Hou and other aunts will be there to help. What can you possibly do by going?"
"I..." Qin Junyao thought for a moment. "I'll go cheer for my second aunt."
Granny Qin threw her hand off. "Cheer for her my foot! Xiao Yu, you come here!"
Qin Xiao Yu also wanted to go home and see her second aunt, who was about to have a baby brother, but was roped in by Granny Qin before she could even step out the door.
"Keep an eye on your sister. You are not allowed to go back. If you dare to let your sister go or go with her, I'll make you practice eating for half a month straight."
Mealtime etiquette was Qin Xiao Yu's greatest fear. No sticking out her tongue, no leaning forward. When picking up food, she could only take a small bite. She had to sit up straight and could not let soup spill on herself. In short, there were many rules.
The thought of practicing eating for half a month sent a shiver down Qin Xiao Yu's spine. She stepped forward, hugged Qin Junyao's waist, and assured Granny Qin that she would not let her sister step out of the Zhao family's residence.
After Granny Qin left, Qin Junyao and Qin Xiao Yu began to negotiate. "Xiao Yu, let's sneak a peek. If you don't say, I don't say, and no one will know. Besides, don't you want to see how Second Aunt gives birth?"
Qin Xiao Yu pulled Qin Junyao's hand and walked into the courtyard, away from the dangerous main entrance.
"Even if we go, we won't be able to get in. I heard Sister Xing Sheng give birth, and it's probably the same for Second Aunt, with all that screaming."
However, Qin Xiao Yu tilted her head and looked at Qin Junyao. "I think you'll be the one screaming the loudest."
Qin Junyao: Can this sister be given away?