033 Farming

Despite the exhaustion, Lin Yan continued to accompany Hua Hong every day to clear the wasteland.

After more than half a month of busy work, they finally cleared the plot. It was about two acres; they had spent over two weeks removing the large weeds and brush, though it wasn't perfectly cleared, and the soil hadn't been tilled yet. The cleared brush was left to dry on the side, to be taken back later as firewood.

Only a small cluster of hairy chestnut trees remained in the field, standing out conspicuously. The chestnuts were ripe, their green, prickly husks turning yellow and splitting open, ready for harvesting. In half a day, they gathered five large baskets of chestnuts. Mother and daughter laughed heartily, feeling the fatigue wash away. A few days prior, they had roasted some of these chestnuts and found the taste so fragrant and delicious—even better than meat.

"Mother, these chestnuts will last us a long time. Combined with the pikas we've raised, our food for the cold season should be sufficient," Lin Yan said with a grin. The chestnuts were large and very filling.

Hua Hong agreed, but she still wanted to prepare more. "Tomorrow, I’ll go pick some wild fruits to dry."

"That’s a good idea. Mother, let's plant the hemp seeds. With over two months until the cold season arrives, we should be able to harvest one crop in time."

With the land cleared, sowing the seeds was quick. Lin Yan planted the hemp seeds half a meter apart, finishing the job in less than half a day. Looking at the two acres, she felt immensely satisfied. This was land they had broken themselves, and she was certain it would yield a bountiful harvest.

Back home, mother and daughter slept soundly, feeling like they had truly come back to life. Lying on the heated brick bed, Lin Yan thought happily about how much they had accomplished in the past year. They had a house, land, and enough supplies to avoid freezing or starving during the cold season. Things were finally taking shape. Her mental energy had reached Grade C, making her body's senses even sharper and more acute.

Suddenly, she heard familiar footsteps, and soon after, Old Hei’s voice.

"Hua Hong, is Lin Yan here? I need to talk to her."

"She's inside," Hua Hong replied, stepping into the room. Seeing her daughter awake, she told her to go see Old Hei.

"Old Hei, you're here. What do you need?"

"The new kiln is finished. We’ve fired the first batch of pottery, and I’m ready to open it. I came to ask if you want to come and see," Old Hei said with a smile. These pieces varied in shape, including ten large vats—a request Lin Yan had specifically made for storing water or other supplies.

Now that they had houses, the need for large vats was even greater. Old Hei had arranged for their production immediately, and since the new kiln had just been completed, they fired a few to test the quality. While the main production focused on pots, bowls, and dishes, the large vats were an addition. The tribe was in desperate need of all kinds of pottery, and Old Hei was constantly pushed to work faster.

Hua Hong, feeling intrigued, joined them at the new kiln. When they arrived, Mao Mu, Lin Yun, and several other tribal members were already there to observe. Recently, Old Hei had been managing the kiln, with Mao Mu and Lin Yun as his assistants. They were also busy firing bricks and tiles, as every household in the tribe was renovating, creating high demand. Today, with the kiln opening, they were all gathered to witness the moment.

Amidst the anticipation, Old Hei announced loudly, "Open the kiln," and personally unsealed the door.

They entered and brought out the finished products. The color hadn't changed much, but the surface of the pottery was much smoother, and the texture had improved significantly. The previous batches had been crude, barely usable, and always carried an earthy smell, but these new items were different. Lin Yan picked up a cup and sniffed it; it had no odor, and it felt great in her hand.

She was most anxious to see the large vats, hoping they matched the quality of the smaller items. Upon seeing them, she felt completely relieved. "Old Hei, my family wants two of these large vats. I'll trade you chestnuts for them."

"No, take them as a gift," Old Hei replied happily. Since Lin Yan had suggested the kiln design, he felt it was only right.

Of the ten vats, eight were successful, with two cracking during the firing—a remarkably high success rate. The vats were round, about half a meter in diameter, narrowing at the bottom and widening toward the top, standing a meter tall—perfect for water. Old Hei kept two for himself and gave two each to the families of Mao Mu and Old Lin. Others who watched with envy would have to wait for the next firing.

Lin Yan picked out five pots, ten bowls and dishes each, and six cups—all necessities for their home. Mao Mu and Lin Yun helped her carry everything back, filling up the kitchen. Hua Hong beamed, "Come, rest a while and have some water."

The two young men declined, saying they were still busy, and hurried off. Hua Hong watched them with envy, "It’s good to be a man; they have so much strength."

"Mother, being a girl is just as good. When I grow up, I’ll be just as strong, no worse than any man," Lin Yan replied. She also admired their strength and efficiency, realizing her current small frame couldn't compare. However, she had noticed that the girls in the tribe also grew up to be strong hunters and workers, not falling behind the men. Half of the current hunting team was made up of women.

Hua Hong smiled, "Yes, yes, my daughter will certainly grow up strong. Now that we have the vats, I’m off to fetch water."

Fetching water was hard labor. When they chose the site for their house, they hadn't dared to get too close to the Sun River, leaving a distance of two or three miles. Everyone had to carry pots to the river, fill them, and pack them into large baskets to bring back. The river was a bit far; if they could divert a small branch of it, the tribe's water situation would improve significantly. Thinking of the strong men in the tribe, she figured diverting a small stream shouldn't be too difficult.

Seeing Hua Hong about to leave, Lin Yan said, "Mother, take me to Huang Ye's place first."

"What for?" Hua Hong asked, carrying two large baskets, each holding four small pots.

"I have something to do. Just drop me off on your way to the river."

With Hua Hong carrying the baskets, Lin Yan followed on her short legs, walking through street after street. Most houses now had brick courtyard walls and paved floors, with only a few households left to renovate. Lin Yan found the tribe's tendency to follow trends quite useful; once they saw something new, they immediately adopted it, making life much more convenient.

Huang Ye was sitting in her courtyard weaving straw sandals. She was old and couldn't do heavy labor, but she was skilled at weaving and spent her time making sandals for her family. Seeing Lin Yan, she smiled immediately, "You're here. I’ve woven two pairs for you; take them with you later."

"Thank you, Grandma Huang!" Lin Yan said, accepting them happily.

Hua Hong felt a bit embarrassed, "You're getting on in years, and weaving isn't easy. Don't give them to Lin Yan; keep them for your own family."

Huang Ye insisted, "I wove them specifically for Lin Yan. You go on with your work; I'll watch her here."

Hua Hong didn't push further and turned to leave.