By around four in the morning, smoke from cooking fires had already risen across Zhang Family Village. In addition to the women who got up early, the young and old with hoes were already busy with farm work in the private plots.
Far away, aside from the crowing of roosters in various yards, there were also the voices of families shouting for their men and children to eat.
Mr. Zhang, hands behind his back, was quickly spotted as he entered the village.
"Old Second, why have you come back so early?"
"Have you eaten? Come over and have porridge at our place?"
Mr. Zhang shook his hand with a smile. Apart from during busy farming days, many families only ate two meals a day. How could he be so thick-skinned as to take advantage?
"Has your wife not come back?"
"The children's mother is chatting with Aunt Ye at the village entrance, she'll be back soon."
"That's good, if you need a hand with anything, just shout."
