The rice in the fields is starting to turn yellow.
This year, it's the first time the villagers of Liu Family Village have followed Qin Yao in using intensive farming methods. With the harvest season approaching, everyone's heart is hanging in suspense.
Coupled with the previous food shortage, this autumn harvest is not only a major concern for the farmers, but also closely monitored by officials of all ranks in Kaiyang County.
Old Liu now goes out three times a day, checks the rice ears, then the stalks, and finally runs back to see if the field's water has been drained.
Feeling the full rice ears puts his mind at ease, allowing him to sleep peacefully and wear a constant smile all day.
Whenever he has time, he also helps out at the third son's field. Passing by the melon patch, he spots a few village kids sneaking away with something in their arms, sliding down the ridge. Realizing they are melon thieves, he strides after them.
"What are you kids holding in your arms!"
