Ch 9: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Yu Xiang’an held Yu Xiangju in one hand and Yu Mingjie in the other as they walked to the fields to find their grandmother. The scorching sun blazed overhead, so all three wore straw hats before heading out.

The two mischievous boys initially resisted wearing hats but were forced to by Yu Xiang’an. She insisted, knowing the harm ultraviolet rays could do to the skin, accelerating aging.

Before long, a group of local children noticed them and eagerly approached. Although the Yu family didn’t live in this village, many people recognized them. After all, having a family member with an iron rice bowl—a stable government job—was rare and often the center of local gossip.

While chatting with others, Yu Xiang’an took in the rural scenery. This countryside was a far cry from the 21st century. There were no wide, paved cement roads or sturdy concrete houses. Even brick-and-tile homes were scarce, with most families living in mud-brick houses topped with a mix of tiles and thatch.

Every household had a small yard and a personal plot of land, where sweet potatoes dominated the crops, with beans and pumpkins growing in the corners.

Comparing what she saw to the memories of the original host, who had grown up in the city and recognized few crops, Yu Xiang’an realized the stark difference between field crops and the food that eventually appeared in kitchens. She identified rice paddies, dry fields of sweet potatoes, peanuts, and soybeans. The abundance of sweet potatoes reflected the practical mindset of the village chief, who focused on ensuring enough food for the villagers rather than chasing recognition from the commune by planting unsuitable crops.

The Red Star Production Brigade’s leader, her second granduncle’s eldest son, was known for being pragmatic and capable. His no-nonsense approach ensured the villagers avoided hunger even in tough years.

“Isn’t this Changyou’s granddaughter? I remember you—your name is Xiao An, right? You’re back visiting?”

“Where are you heading?”

“To find your grandmother? She’s at Niuwei Ditch pulling weeds. Do you know the way?”

“Go straight, turn right at the second junction, then take another right at the next.”

Everyone they encountered greeted them warmly, making the journey lively. No wonder Yu Changyou wasn’t worried they’d get lost.

At Niuwei Ditch, Zhang Chahua was crouching with several elderly women, pulling weeds. The task was light but earned few work points, making it suitable for older villagers, teenagers, and female sent-down youth who struggled with heavier labor. However, the young women often couldn’t distinguish between crops and weeds, leading to problems.

As Yu Xiang’an and the children arrived, they saw an older woman scolding a girl of about sixteen or seventeen. “How many times have you been here? And you still pull up the bean seedlings with the weeds! Can’t you tell the difference? If you keep this up, how will there be a harvest? Are you here to work or sabotage?”

The sent-down youth, teary-eyed, lowered her head in silence, looking pitiful. But the older women showed no sympathy. After nearly a year, such mistakes understandably tested their patience.

When Zhang Chahua noticed her grandchildren, her eyes lit up. She wished she had more hands to pull all three of them close for a good look.

Yu Xiang’an, though meeting her grandmother in person for the first time, felt an innate closeness due to the vivid memories of the original host. She called out cheerfully, “Grandma!”

Yu Xiangju followed suit. “Grandma!”

Yu Mingjie added loudly, “Grandma!”

Zhang Chahua chuckled at his enthusiasm and gently corrected him, patting his head. “Oh, you sweet boy, you should call me Great-Grandma!”

Yu Mingjie realized he had called her the wrong name, blushed in embarrassment, and squirmed to hide behind Yu Xiang’an, avoiding everyone’s gaze.

Zhang Chahua chuckled warmly. “You three must have left early today. Are you hungry? Have you seen your grandpa yet? He should be at home.”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “We had breakfast and already saw Grandpa.”

Zhang Chahua grabbed her bamboo water jug from a shady spot nearby and said to the others, “My second son and his family have come back. I’ll head home to check on them and return shortly.”

The nearby women smiled and waved her off. “Go, go! There’s not much left to do here. We’ll finish it for you. It’s rare that your son’s family visits, so don’t worry about coming back this morning.”

Typically, as long as it wasn’t excessive, the record keeper wouldn’t deduct work points. In special circumstances like this, with others offering to help, they wouldn’t intervene.

Zhang Chahua didn’t refuse the offer. “Alright, I’ll owe you one this time.” She then happily grabbed the children’s hands and led them home. “Later, Grandma will cook eggs for you. Do you want fried eggs or egg drop soup?”

Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie responded in unison, “We love both!”

Zhang Chahua laughed. “Alright, we’ll make both today.”

As they walked away, the women left behind at work, along with the young sent-down girl, watched them enviously.

Eggs were a luxury. Although many households raised chickens, eggs were rarely consumed; they were saved for bartering or selling for salt or money. Unlike Zhang Chahua, these women didn’t have her luck—two sons, one working nearby and the other holding an iron rice bowl in the county. Even when her husband was seriously ill recently, the family could afford treatment at the county hospital, thanks to her son. If it had been one of their families, they would have had no choice but to wait for death at home, unable to afford such expenses.

The sent-down girl also looked on enviously. After nearly a year in this village, she had learned all about the notable families. She knew who they were.

How fortunate they were—well-fed, carefree. Before she came to the countryside, her life had been similar.

When could she return home? She had survived here only because of her family’s continuous support.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chahua paid no attention to their reactions. She was busy planning lunch. Eggs were a must, and there were two nearly one-pound grass carp in the fish tank from her grandson’s fishing trip. One could be made into a fish soup with wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots from the mountains—deliciously fresh.

There was also a bit of preserved meat left from the New Year’s stash. She could slice off a couple of pieces, mix in some other ingredients, and whip up another dish…

When she returned home, she noticed her husband’s serious expression. Sensing something was wrong, she sent the children out to play and asked him about it. He hadn’t intended to keep it a secret, so even if she hadn’t asked, he would have told her.

Upon learning what had happened, Zhang Chahua felt a wave of anger rise, tightening her chest. The only thing that eased her frustration was knowing her granddaughter now had a stable job. But that was her due. The job had originally been promised when the marriage was arranged. Now, it was merely compensation.

Still, gossip was inevitable. If someone pursued her granddaughter in the future and inquired about her background, this scandal would likely come up. A match that was once equal might now require settling for someone less ideal because of this blemish.

Zhang Chahua suppressed her anger.

Though she wanted to storm over and cause a scene, she knew that would harm her granddaughter’s future—hurting the enemy while suffering even greater losses herself. Rationally, she understood her second son’s approach was correct: securing a job for her granddaughter provided a basic safeguard. But emotionally, she couldn’t let it go.

She paced the room twice, fuming. If the offending parties lived closer, she would have snuck over that night and thrown a sack over that boy’s head to teach him a lesson.

Yu Changyou, knowing her temper, asked Yu Qingshan to pour her some water to calm her down.

After a few sips, Zhang Chahua’s anger subsided slightly. She turned to Yu Qingshan and asked, “Are you sure your wife didn’t know about this? Didn’t she collude with her daughter to send Xiao An to the countryside so that her daughter could take her place and reap all the benefits?”

Yu Xianghai chimed in from the side, “Grandma, it’s true. I saw her reaction clearly at the time. She didn’t know.”

Zhang Chahua’s expression softened a bit more. “From now on, that girl surnamed Ding must never set foot in our house again. Qingshan, mark my words. Don’t let her manipulate you and forget the grievances your daughter suffered.”

Yu Qingshan gave a wry smile. “Mom, I’ve already made it clear. Xiao An is my own daughter. Of course, I’ll stand by her.”

Zhang Chahua snorted but still felt unsatisfied. She marched into the kitchen and sent her granddaughter-in-law, Ye Qijia, to pick vegetables. Then, glaring at Zhao Qiaoniang, she erupted, “This is the wonderful daughter you brought into this house? Has our family ever mistreated her? Where does she get the audacity to do something so shameless? She ate our food, lived under our roof, and didn’t suffer any hardship. Yet she’s so heartless!”

If Ding Minxiu had been there, Zhang Chahua would have slapped her. But since she wasn’t, Zhang Chahua vented all her anger on Zhao Qiaoniang.

Zhao Qiaoniang hung her head, unable to look up, tears streaming down her face.

Zhang Chahua scoffed, “You still have the nerve to cry? This is your ‘well-raised’ daughter! Stealing her sister’s fiancé—shameless! Remember this: she is never to set foot in this house again! Or was this all part of a plan you and your daughter schemed up? Hoping to replace Xiao An’s future for a better life?”

Zhao Qiaoniang shook her head frantically, struggling to speak. Her heart was full of bitterness.

She hadn’t known anything about this. Minxiu had never mentioned a word. Her daughter’s actions broke her heart. Sure, Minxiu now had a path forward with the Zhou family, especially if she bore a son. Given the Zhou family’s reliance on a single heir, they wouldn’t dare treat her too harshly.

But what about her, the mother? She couldn’t have any more children. She had been thrown out by her first husband and couldn’t return to her own family after her parents’ passing. Finally, she had found peace in the Yu household. Now, this scandal had shaken everything, and her future was uncertain.

Zhao Qiaoniang raised her hand and swore, “If I had any hand in this, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!”

Zhang Chahua silently approved but didn’t soften her expression. “I’ll believe you for now. But if she ever comes back to ask for your help, what will you do?”

Narrowing her eyes, Zhang Chahua added, “If you’re so heartbroken over her, we won’t stop you. You can leave and be with her, but you won’t be part of our family anymore.”

Zhao Qiaoniang broke down into loud sobs. “Mom! That’s too cruel! This is my home!”

Zhang Chahua’s face remained cold. “If you know where your home is, then act accordingly. Remember your words today. If you don’t, don’t blame me for showing no mercy when the time comes!”

Zhang Chahua had chosen Zhao Qiaoniang because she seemed gentle and unlikely to harm the family, even with a daughter in tow. If she could bring her in, she could just as easily drive her out.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃