She said she couldn't bear the load, hoping her nephew and niece would help, but those who usually ran about quickly as if they were flying, all suddenly seemed to have changed faces. None were willing to help, either citing other matters or showing impatience.
Her sister-in-law even scolded her, accusing her of acting like a delicate lady of a wealthy household. Weren't they all rural maids, unable to carry ten pounds of grain? She might as well stop eating altogether, for what use was there in keeping such useless beings alive?
Having no other choice, Song Chunhua carried the ten pounds of grain home, clueless about what to do. She swallowed her pride and asked a neighbor for help, managing to exchange it for five pounds of coarse rice.
She noticed that the firewood at home was also running low, which had never been an issue before; the house had always had a full supply stacked up.
