The next day, everyone got up early, and after breakfast, Zhixin and the old man took Wenhan and Wencheng up the mountain. Meanwhile, the third and fourth sons also took their families back to their own homes. Jingwan and Jingxian followed their parents back to the county town. Jinghan was somewhat reluctant to part with them, insisting they come again when they had time. As they were leaving, Zhiming told Mrs. Chen to have Zhixin finish planting the ginseng in a couple of days, and then sell all this year's red produce in the county town. Mrs. Chen agreed, saying she would go in a few days.
Mrs. Chen, as usual, brought quite a few things for both families, including pine nuts, walnuts, mushrooms, and more. This time, Mrs. Han didn't pick and choose; she took everything. Watching the fading silhouettes of the departing kin, Mrs. Chen felt a pang of distress. At her age, what she most wanted was to have her children and grandchildren close by, making for a lively and warm atmosphere.
