By the time the autumn wind began to blow and the leaves turned yellow, the village's fall harvest was complete. The wheat had been planted, the public grain tax had been paid, and there was basically no work left to do in the fields.
Zhou Lian was about eight months pregnant. One day, after getting everything ready, Li Xiu decided to take her to visit her parents. Her belly was so big that another trip to her family home would be too strenuous, and Li Xiu couldn't bear to see her struggle. So, as soon as they had a break from work, he took her for a visit.
The next time they could visit would have to be next year. The baby was due at the end of November, and after that, she would have to go through the traditional postpartum confinement period. Zhou Lian wouldn't even be able to visit for the New Year.
When they arrived at Zhou Family Village, only Mrs. Zhou was home. She was delighted to see her second daughter and son-in-law and quickly welcomed them into the house.
