"Liu Panga, enough with your drama. It's just a knock on the head. Do you really need to stay in bed for three days? Get up and feed the pigs. There's some excitement at the village chief's, and I need to hurry over." From outside the window, a harsh feminine prattle drifted in. As the words fell, the courtyard door was slammed shut.
Liu Jiajia held her head as dizziness washed over her, trying to make sense of the chaotic memories swirling in her mind.
She should've been dead, but fate had other plans, and she found herself reborn in the midst of a backwards society, steeped in a planned economic era where every resource needed a ticket. Her new identity was a young girl named Liu Panga, a countryside lass whose original character was quite unlikable—lazy, greedy, and had no interest in education. The villagers didn't take a liking to her, and ponderingly, she didn’t seem to care.
Her new family’s situation was further complicated.
Liu Panga’s family was governed by her grandma, Cai Dafeng. A towering figure, with thick brows and bright eyes, she presented a force that transcended her age. As far as Liu Jiajia's fractured memories gleaned, every decision was made by this assertive grandmother.
Cai Dafeng, born into a landlord's family, was raised as a lady of the manor. Her wealth dissipated during her adolescence due to her father's misfortune. She was introduced to Liu Fugui, a robust butcher, and married him. She brought with her a reasonably large dowry, thanks to the adage that "a lean camel is still bigger than a horse". They managed to erect a two-story residence and had three sons. It should've been an idyllic life.
However, the societal context argued otherwise. Everyone was poor, and they only slaughtered pigs a few days a year when families would commission their services, yet the income was minimal. With the sons growing up, marrying off, and having children, every event became a money-draining episode. Despite their sincere hard work, life became progressively worse.
Although life was challenging, Cai Dafeng's tenacity, vanity, and competitive spirit remained unfazed, with every fall taken as a valiant challenge. She loved engaging in bragging contests—one of her cherished pastimes.
Cai Dafeng's eldest son, Liu Qiuhai, relied on his impoverished background and managed to study for a few years. He was shrewd, used his art of speech to his advantage, and secured a position as assistant accountant at the commune—a small official.
The elder aunt was also an acerbic and caustic woman who often stirred up domestic storms. Her favored son was doted on.
The youngest son, Liu Qiuhe, and his wife, were simple, unsophisticated, and overlooked. They stuck to farming and had two daughters.
The most exasperating was Liu Jiajia's father in this life, who was also destined to be hers in the future, Liu Qiujang. He was reputed in the village for his lazy, gluttonous habits. The redeeming quality of his character was his love for his daughter—an unfaltering tenderness, regardless of the critiques. Any luxurious item would first be presented to his dearest daughter.
As Liu Jiajia digested these memories, she heaved a sigh. Leading this dysfunctional family on the right path was not going to be easy, especially during these hard times. Even if she could use her futuristic mindset to bring prosperity, the era didn't allow for private trading. If things went south, they could end up in labor reform.
