Old Zhou lit his pipe and after a few puffs, he called Zhou Dalang over, "You and Two need to make a trip to your uncle's home tonight—hmm, don't let your second and third uncles know, just your eldest uncle. Ask him how this spring's wheat harvest turned out; actually, we should have gone there a couple of days ago."
After muttering to himself, Old Zhou added, "Once you're clear on that, if the seed over there is good, discuss it with him quietly. Have him bring the best wheat over first thing tomorrow morning. Don't bring too much—just one load per person will do."
"What about the second and third uncles..."
"Let your eldest uncle handle it," Old Zhou said, "You need to enter the village before dawn, and try not to be seen by anyone in the village. If you are seen, it's no big deal, just say your mother's illness has improved and your uncles have come to visit the house..."
Zhou Dalang nodded.
