With Luo Yun's physical recovery, Aunt Mei's family obviously felt that life was getting better day by day. Approaching Chinese New Year's Eve, it snowed again. Some of the blue-black peaks that had just been revealed were once again dressed in white. Although the temperature in the mountains did not drop again with the heavy snow, it made Aunt Mei firmly prevent Luo Yun from going out. So Luo Yun has never seen what the small cottage he is in looks like.

However, she couldn't help Luo Yun's begging, and Aunt Mei did see Luo Yun's body getting better day by day. As a result, Luo Yun's range of activities finally expanded from the backyard to the front hall house and the front yard. From this, Luo Yun knew that the front hall of his house was really very large, and according to Mu'er, when Luo Yun's father was alive, this house was used as a place for important meetings in the clan. It is the best house in the clan. After looking at the few houses in the lower village in front of the gate, Luo Yun admits that this is probably the best house in the village.

I wonder if Zhengdan's clan association is still open in this house? Luo Yun thought about what he didn't have, and wandered around the yard like a fly. The snow in the yard was cleared by the hard-working and capable Uncle Wu wielding a broom as soon as the snow stopped, and there was not even a wet and sticky place on the dirt floor in the huge front yard and backyard, as if it had never snowed. At this time, Uncle Wu was taking Mu'er to clear the snow on the roof. Luo Yun just knew that if the snow was too thick, it would be easy to crush the house, and although his houses were relatively strong, they also had to prevent the snow from turning into water and soaking the roof.

Luo Yun was strictly forbidden to climb the ladder by Aunt Mei, so she couldn't help and could only watch from below. I had nothing to do, so I took advantage of Aunt Mei's cooking to clean up the cowshed with a small broom. Luo Yun didn't know until he arrived in the front yard that his house originally had cows, or two. Although a calf is still a few months old, it has not yet been sent to work. Luo Yun knows very well what the concept of a farmer's family has two cows, which shows that his family is really wealthy. Sometimes he was confused in his mind, Luo Yun felt that he would do many things, just like raising cows, he knew how to make these two cows comfortable and obedient, and he also knew that they could help with farming, as if he had done it. He swept up the cow dung, and grabbed the fodder for the two cows and put it in the trough. Luo Yun looked at the calf and thought about how to make a fortune from it in the future. I kept thinking about the transformation of the straight-necked pear.

"Brother Yun, why did you run outside again?"

Hearing this, Luo Yun looked up at Mu'er who was squatting on the roof of the cowshed, it seemed that the snow on the roof of the house had cleared, and it was time to clean up the cowshed. "There is a charcoal stove burning in the house, although it is warm, but it is too stuffy, come out to breathe."

"Oh, then you just open the window to let in the air, so that my mother can see you working here and talk about you. Although the illness is cured, don't sweat and catch a cold on such a cold day. ”

"Which is so expensive, can there be any big work in this house? Aunt Mei won't let me go out, and I can't lie down every day. Luo Yun said and took a few steps back, waving his hand to let Mu'er clear the snow.

Mu'er waved a broom to clean up the snow on the cowshed, "It's not fun to go out in the ice and snow, when Brother Kaichun Yun is well, I will take you to the forest to catch birds." ”

Luo Yun looked at Mu'er and thought to himself that although this poor man's child had already been in charge, most of the teenage peasant children at this time had also started a family and started their own business. It's like Mu'er is very good at family work and farming, but her heart is still fun-loving after all. Catching birds? If he could catch the eagle, he would be a little interested. Hey? Have I ever raised a bird? I'm not impressed.

"It's all a trick to catch birds, and I'm counting on you to be able to go into the mountains to hunt bears like Uncle Wu."

Hearing this, Mu'er was also excited, her eyes lit up, and she waved a big broom as if she was holding his wooden gun. It's a pity that he is not standing in a place where he can dance a gun, and his feet are unstable, and with a "bang" one foot in the air, he trampled out a big hole in the straw on the cowshed. Luo Yun saw Mu'er sitting on the beam stupidly, and the cow in the family raised its head and 'mooed' and barked at Mu'er's leg. hurriedly greeted Mu'er, grabbed a bundle of straw piled up next to him, lifted it up with great effort and handed it to Mu'er to ask him to quickly plug the hole. Otherwise, let Uncle Wu see it, Luo Yun is fine, but Mu'er will definitely have to be taught a lesson.

The brothers were busy plugging the hole, and Mu'er swept the snow out of the yard with a few brooms. Carrying a big broom, he jumped straight down from the cowshed. Luo Yun glanced at it, and his legs were as smooth as the gymnast's landing movements. They are all teenage peasant children, how can this physical fitness be so bad?

The New Year is coming soon, and the New Year's goods that should be purchased are almost bought. In the past two days, Aunt Mei took the whole family to clean the house inside and out, and every day she had to pull Luo Yun to tell him whose house she was going to visit for the New Year, and which gifts were given to whom; Which rituals must be done by Luo Yun himself; Which ones Luo Yun must pay attention to. These things turned out to be Luo Yun's parents, so naturally Luo Yun didn't have to worry about them. But now that his father and mother have gone, Luo Yun will be fourteen years old after the New Year, and he should be in charge of the farmhouse. Aunt Mei never allowed outsiders to find fault with her young master, so she taught her extra carefully, and at the same time made Luo Yun miserable.

There are too many etiquette rules and customs, which are very cumbersome, but Luo Yun also knows that if he wants to integrate into the life here, he must learn these and follow the customs. In the past few days since he recovered, the uncles and aunts in the village have also come to visit him one after another. From the expressions and tones of these people, Luo Yun felt that they did respect their father and cared about him. But for the future of his family, although everyone said that the family would definitely help if something happened, Luo Yun didn't believe that this kind of care from his father's budding shadow should last for more than a year. But it was his second uncle who inherited his father's position as patriarch that made him feel sincere.

Just like his father's own brother, the fourth uncle. The second uncle said very honestly, as long as Luo Yun lives well, he believes that Aunt Mei and Uncle Wu's family can take care of everything. After hearing this, Luo Yun not only sighed that he was really lucky to meet Aunt Mei's family, but also had a more intuitive understanding of his second uncle. His second uncle, Li Zhenxing, is the only person in this small village in the mountains who has read except for his parents. The fourth uncle said that he was angry about books, and Luo Yun felt the same way. The second uncle's body is not as strong as the third and fourth uncles, but he does have an elegant temperament in his mannerisms and words. And it is indeed kind-hearted or, in the words of the fourth uncle, soft-hearted, which is manifested in a direct junior like Luo Yun, which is a kind of favor.

The third uncle, Li Zhencai, came with the second uncle, except for greeting Luo Yun's body a few times, he kept his head stuffed and followed behind his own brother without speaking. Luo Yun looked at the brows he had been pursing, and the eyes that looked at the second uncle from time to time. guessed that he should have quarreled with the second uncle, reminiscent of what the fourth uncle said. His third uncle should have been desperate to leave the village, but he didn't get the support of his brother. Although he really wanted to have a good talk with his third uncle, the current Luo Yun undoubtedly did not have a good time and no capital to persuade him. Even if he said it, he would only be regarded as a child's incomprehension by the third uncle.

The last day of the lunar month, Chinese New Year's Eve. A peach charm was hung on the door of the main house, and a picture of the door god was pasted on the courtyard door. Aunt Mei happily said that she wanted to eat the two catties of pork stuffed dumplings that Uncle Wu exchanged for yesterday. Of course, this is Luo Yun's own statement, and Luo Yun guessed it when he saw Aunt Mei and noodles. As for Aunt Mei's name for dumplings, it really made Luo Yun a little entangled. And the reason why I ate it on the thirtieth day of the Chinese New Year's Eve does not seem to be due to customs, as if it is to prevent frostbite or something. Luo Yun doesn't want to care so much, it's good to be able to eat dumplings during the New Year. So Luo Yun washed her hands happily and went to the kitchen to help Aunt Mei press the skin.

At first, Aunt Mei was still angry and wanted to drive him out, but although Luo Yun's skin pressing action was rusty, it could be pressed into the shape of a round cake, which was much stronger than the clumsy Mu'er next to her. Aunt Mei allowed Luo Yun's 'nonsense'. The three of them were busy with dinner, and Uncle Wu was preparing the 'firecrackers' to be burned at night. The night on the mountain came early, coupled with the short days in winter, as soon as the sky was dark, the small courtyard was filled with the fragrance of dumplings. A family of four gathered in Luoyun's house to eat dumplings around the stove and chat happily about family life. Luo Yun suddenly felt that this was the 'simple happiness' he wanted.

After the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, the family gossiped around the fire. Although it was supposed to keep the New Year, the day was busy, and the family was a little sleepy. In this era, there is no Spring Festival party for you to watch, and there are not so many entertainment games, and the long night is indeed a bit difficult. Hearing the sound of firecrackers in the silent mountain village, Luo Yun simply pulled Mu'er to burn firecrackers. Although the sound of this bamboo 'crackling' is far less enjoyable than that of firecrackers in later generations. But Luo Yun didn't come up with any idea of making gunpowder, according to his temperament, it was better that gunpowder never appeared.

After burning the firecrackers, Luo Yun went to the front hall to put incense on his father's spiritual seat, prayed in his heart, and then kowtowed three times. got up and went back to the room to greet Aunt Mei, who had already dozed off, and went back to the house to sleep. There's still a lot of work to do tomorrow.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is also the first day of the New Year. As soon as the sky was bright in the morning, Aunt Mei cooked the dumplings that had not been cooked last night and brought them to Luoyun's room. Then he brought hot water and served Luo Yun to wash his face and dress. Not to mention the new clothes worn inside, the fur fur on Luo Yun's body was changed from the bearskin coat. Aunt Mei sewed the growing part inside, so that it would be warmer and not always dragged on the ground. However, it made Luo Yun fat again, and he looked less thin. Aunt Mei put it on Luo Yun one by one from the inside out, from top to bottom, and then sorted it out. From the placket to the hem, from the green silk belt that binds the hair to the cloud climbing boots on the feet, they are all neatly cared for.

Luo Yun could only raise his hands and be at the mercy of Aunt Mei, although he didn't like the horn bun on his head very much. Looking at Aunt Mei's serious expression, Luo Yun suspected that he was not going to attend the clan meeting for the New Year, but as if he was going to the court to meet the emperor. Of course, Luo Yun only dared to say this in his heart, and he still had to fully cooperate with Aunt Mei in action. It wasn't until Aunt Mei circled around him a few times and looked at him for a long time and nodded that his 'model' experience was over. Who said that the 'model' profession is easy to do, let him try this feeling for himself!

After a simple meal, Aunt Mei stayed behind to look after the house. Uncle Wu and Mu'er accompanied Luo Yun out with the prepared gifts. Finally stepped out of the house and walked more than a dozen steps away, Luo Yun looked back and saw Aunt Mei standing at the door and staring at her. Feeling the anticipation in his eyes, Luo Yun turned around and smiled lightly at Uncle Wu and Mu'er, and walked out with his head held high and his chest, "Let's go, go to a few grandfathers' houses first."

The first day of the fifth year of Datang Zhenguan, Zhengdan. On this day, the people of the Li family's cottage all got to know their former young patriarch, and now the fourteen-year-old Li Luoyun. Looking at Li Luoyun, who was a head shorter than himself, he bowed and saluted, said goodbye and turned around, followed by Cheng Wu and Cheng Mu's father and son. Luo Yun's grandfather, who was also his second uncle's father, stood at the door and watched the three of them disappear from sight. "Zhenping's family has raised a son."

Luo Yun's second uncle stood aside and held his father's arm: "Yes, as long as Luo Yun is well." The eldest brother's room is stable. ”

The oldest man in the village slowly turned around and let his son help him back to the collapse and sit down: "Although you have read some books, you just lack the courage to Zhenping." Let you help come up with ideas, really let you be the patriarch, I'm afraid you won't be able to suppress these men. ”

Although he was taught a lesson by his father during the New Year, the son did not show any dissatisfaction. "I'm really not the material to be a patriarch."

Brushing the hanging white hair, the old man glanced at his son: "If Chenglin can make a fortune in the future, the patriarch will pass it on." If Luo Yun is in good health in the future and wants to return to his father's position, then return it to his family. ”

Although he has always been indifferent, the old father's words still surprised the son: "Dad, this ......"

The old man waved his hand and interrupted his son's words: "You didn't see it just now? is worthy of being a son taught by Xiuning, his words and deeds are polite and courteous, and Luo Yun himself is also sensible and reasonable. As for his body, although it is a little weaker. But he finally survived his father's and mother's hurdles, and ...... in the future It's not that you don't know that as long as he lives in this mountain with peace of mind, he can live a vigorous life. Speaking of this, the old man didn't know what he remembered, smiled slightly, and muttered softly, "This child belongs to this mountain." ”

In the afternoon, a gong sounded in the small cottage. The men in charge of each of the dozens of families in the village came out, and they walked towards Luo Yun's house at the same time with a tacit understanding. Although the patriarch has changed, the habits of these years and the temporary time really can't find another place. So, just as Luo Yun guessed, the main hall of his house continued to serve as the place where the clan meeting was held. However, this hall is not the emperor's hall after all, and it can't squeeze dozens of people. There are less than ten people who can sit in the house, namely the two elders of the village and the two grandfathers of Luo Yun; the current patriarch, Li Zhensheng, Luo Yun's second uncle; There are also the third uncle Li Zhencai and the fourth uncle Li Zhenan; the grandson of Luo Yun's third grandfather and a cousin of Luo Yun, Li Ji; And, of course, Luoyun.

After counting in such a circle, Luo Yun found that all his loved ones were in the power class.

There were no chairs in this era, and there were a few futons in the room, and seven people from three generations sat next to each other around the stove, either on their knees or cross-legged. There are also Uncle Wu, Li Chenglin, the son of the second uncle, Li Kun, the son of the fourth uncle, and the rest of the more prominent men in the clan standing in the outer circle. The rest had to squat around a stove in the courtyard.

Luo Yun sat next to the fourth uncle wrapped in a thick fur coat, and his eyes swept around. Most of the people in this room had seen it when they visited the door in the morning, and when they saw his cousin Li Jian sitting next to the third grandfather, Luo Yun paid special attention to the only one of his generation who was sitting. When I went to the third grandfather in the morning, this cousin happened to go out and didn't see him. Because he didn't remember what happened before, Luo Yun didn't ask much at that time. However, I heard something from the conversation between Uncle Wu and the third grandfather. The third grandfather originally had a son, but when he was twenty-seven years old, he was killed by a wild beast when he went into the mountains to hunt. Li Jian was only 12 years old at the time, and he relied on the help of various families to take care of his grandfather and mother to support a family, and he just married a woman from a foreign country last year. Now it's an independent portal, and the third grandfather is left in this room, so he can also have a place to sit.

Luo Yun still admired this cousin who was seven years older, and was looking at it. Li Huan's eyes just swept over and glanced at each other, and showed a charitable smile to Luoyun. Luo Yun smiled back and turned his head to continue looking at the others. After studying the 'power class' of this village, Luo Yun looked at the young people of his generation again. Except for Li Huan, who was also sitting, he was the son of the second and fourth uncles. Except for the third uncle's son, who is not yet ten years old and is not here, he is older than him. Li Jian 21, Li Chenglin 16, Li Kun 18. However, Li Chenglin and Li Kun have not yet started a family, and their parents are still there, so there is no seat for them here. Speaking of which, the Li family's main family has been in the same house for three generations, and the third-generation boss Li Jian should have children in two years. The four generations are about to be in the same house, and people at this time get married and have children very early, and the two old men have just known the destiny of heaven for a few years, and they are still very strong.

I heard that there are also a few sisters and sisters, that is, the daughters of several uncles. But I haven't seen it yet, and there are really a lot of people in this big family. Here Luo Yun was thinking nonsense in his mind, and the second uncle stood up and bowed slightly to the tablet of Luo Yun's parents in the hall, and then turned to face everyone, with a serious expression: "Quiet, let's start the discussion now!" ”

In fact, before the clan meeting began, although Luo Yun was very curious, he had always been very suspicious that such a palm-sized village could have any major things to say. However, after listening patiently for a while, Luo Yun realized that there were really a lot of things in this small cottage. Although in Luo Yun's opinion, it is not a big deal.

This patriarch is also the chief of the county government. Although Lijiazhai is in this deep mountain and old forest, there are less than 100 households, and it is inconvenient to enter and exit, and the errand in the yamen is not even willing to make a special trip to collect rent. Why do they say that in poor mountain villages, the servants go on a trip to the mountain tax and grain to hand in, and the oil and water they catch is estimated to be not enough to replace the worn shoes with a pair. Therefore, the annual tax of this Li Jiazhai was transported to the yamen by the patriarch himself. Moreover, the yamen specifically required the patriarch to visit the yamen on a regular basis, so that there would be any labor or the transmission of court decrees.

After the second grandfather got up and announced to everyone inside and outside the house, the second uncle, who had officially become the patriarch, began to read out some of the imperial decrees he had received from the yamen years ago. Those crepe words and sentences, even Luo Yun, who was coarse and solid, was dizzy to listen to, not to mention that this room full of big characters didn't know a man in the mountains. Fortunately, it seems that he often listens to this, Luo Yun glanced at it, and found that everyone should do what they should do, as long as they don't make a sound. Sure enough, when the second uncle finished reading, he said very simply: "Last year's year was good, and the imperial court did not reduce taxes for our county." ”

"......" Listening to the buzzing sound coming from the courtyard, Luo Yun couldn't laugh or cry. Of course, it will not be such a simple matter in the official document, but it is just such a sentence related to the interests of these villagers, and the affairs of the court are so simple. And then there's what happened in the village during the year. Parents are short, families have conflicts, harvests in the field, hunting, weddings, funerals, etc. One by one, they deliberated and dealt with. Luo Yun could see that as long as the patriarch said the words 'just do it' or 'just decide', a matter would be completely determined. Even if there is a dispute between the two families, after it is said that after dealing with it, the two families will never be allowed to provoke in private, otherwise they will be punished.

I don't know if the power of the chief of the court is so great, or the authority of the patriarch of Li Jiazhai is so heavy.

Now that this year's business is taken care of, it's time to start planning for a new year. From the preparation for spring ploughing to the specific planting, who goes out to work when the farm is idle, who needs help when the farm is busy, and then to the distribution of the land harvest in the clan. Luo Yun, who listened to them one by one, was stunned for a moment, only to know that there were so many things going on in a small village. Although he was one of the seven people with the most decision, Luo Yun didn't have any intention of interjecting. Even if he has any ideas, he can't say it now, although the second uncle will occasionally ask him what he thinks in order to show his attention, Luo Yun replied respectfully: It's all up to the elders. In this way, the villagers who participated in the meeting were full of praise for Luo Yun, saying that it would be a great thing in the future.

When the sun sets on the side of the mountain, the house has just turned on the lamp, and the clan meeting is over. Most of the clansmen went home first, called their daughters-in-law and children to prepare to go to the ancestral hall in the village to worship their ancestors. A few people from the main family drank a bowl of hot soup at Luo Yun's house, and went directly to the ancestral hall after a short rest. Taking advantage of this, the second grandfather called several grandchildren's children to him.