Winter had come. Wealthy, influential families would light charcoal in their homes for warmth. Good charcoal burned smokeless and lasted the entire day.
In Chen Ku's backyard and within his room, it was very warm.
Chen Ku's elderly mother and his wife, Xu Lan, were sitting on the kang bed. One was sewing insoles, and the other was knitting a sweater.
Not far away, a servant was lulling Hu Zi to sleep.
The mother and daughter-in-law were chatting leisurely.
"This charcoal isn't cheap, is it? There isn't a wisp of smoke. It's a lot better than the quality of the charcoal burnt at Second Wu's house in our village."
Gazing at the charcoal brazier before the bed, the old woman, her words starting to flow more freely, bit off a thread and said, "Although our second boy has earned some money, we still need to be frugal. Add more charcoal to your brother-in-law's room."
"Yes, Mother."
Xu Lan gave the servant a look, signaling her to pick a few pieces of charcoal from the brazier.
