After settling the matters in the provincial capital, Luo Ge and the others returned to the town.
Nowadays, the tavern in the town was co-managed by the two brothers, Lin Yun and Lin Lin.
Both brothers were literate and had learned quite a bit from Er Zhu as well. They would discuss and handle the affairs of the tavern together.
Although they were young, they were quite dependable and smart in their work, capable of commanding the respect of their subordinates.
They were two promising seedlings worth cultivating further.
After briefing the two brothers about the New Year holiday arrangements, they finally returned to the village.
"Older Baby, Second Baby, you're back! We're going to gather bird eggs, want to join us?"
As they approached their home, they happened to encounter the little village kids looking for them to play, including Tie Dan.
"Second Uncle Gu, Second Aunt Gu," the group of children sweetly greeted Luo Ge and the others.
"Hmm."
Hearing the children's greetings, Luo Ge responded with a laugh.
Turning to see the two little ones eagerly looking forward to playing with their friends, she amusedly waved her hand.
"Go ahead if you want, but don't play too late, come back early."
"Okay."
"Then Uncle, Auntie, we'll go play."
With permission granted, the two little ones scampered off cheerfully.
Watching the group of rowdy children leave together, Gu Jinchen also found it amusing.
"The village kids sure are lively when they play together."
Recalling their own childhood, they were probably just like that - a bunch of rambunctious brats, scurrying about the village and causing a ruckus.
Back then, the village would never have a moment's peace because of them.
Compared to that, this batch of kids seemed quite well-behaved.
"Children have more fun playing together like that."
Hearing his words, Luo Ge also smiled, agreeing that such a carefree childhood was the epitome of simple joy, something to cherish.
"Yes."
After that, the two of them returned to their residence.
"Luo Ge, you're back?"
"Jinchen!"
After resting for a while and just about to go out for a stroll, Qin Mianmian, her husband, and Wang Sister-In-Law came looking for them.
Qiu Niang led them inside.
The small workshop had begun their New Year holiday even earlier than the tavern, starting from yesterday.
"Mianmian, Sister-In-Law, what brings you here?"
Hearing the commotion, Luo Ge came out from inside.
With the impending New Year, there were many household chores to attend to. Seeing Wang Sister-In-Law and the others from the village bustling about, she didn't expect them to visit her today.
"The village is organizing a fishing event today, and we thought we'd join in the festivity. We came to ask if you'd like to come along."
"There are river shrimp and mussels in the river, delicacies that are hard to come by normally."
"But today, we'll be using a large net to gather them."
"We should be able to catch some. Those river shrimp are so delicious, and the mussels make a wonderful porridge broth."
The river in the village was abundant with fish, and every year before the New Year, the villagers would organize a fishing event.
It was also a way to ensure each household had some meat to enjoy during the festive season.
River shrimp and mussels were even harder to obtain than fish, so it was rare to have a chance to eat them.
Although this season might not be the best for catching shrimp and mussels, using a large net would hopefully yield some.
Moreover, this was an annual event, so it would be a pity to miss the festive occasion.
"Sure."
Upon hearing their words, Luo Ge's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.
"Let's go together."
With that, she walked over and joined Wang Sister-In-Law, Qin Mianmian, and the others.
At this time, fishing gear was already available, although the conditions were not as advanced as modern times, and the tools were rather crude.
They could catch fish, but the agile shrimp were more difficult to obtain.
Fish were commonly sold on the streets, but shrimp was rarely available, and it had been a long time since Luo Ge had eaten any.
Upon hearing about the opportunity, she was indeed very excited.
Seeing this, Gu Jinchen sighed and grabbed her cloak, following behind along with those who had been left behind.
