Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space-Chapter 139. Tell the blunt truth

During the meal, everyone was too busy grabbing the delicious food to speak, but afterward, each person had a compliment to share, none of which repeated what someone else had said.

Even Hua Jinyi, who considered herself quite thick-skinned, felt a little embarrassed by the continuous praise.

Even old Hua Chengtian, satisfied with the meal, felt conflicted after realizing the kids’ culinary skills, thinking it wouldn’t hurt to have the children and their mother occasionally modify the flavors.

Unfortunately, they didn’t know their little darling had already decided to heed their advice not to cook unless necessary.

She would help out grandma and mom by picking vegetables and washing them, thus lightening their load.

As for dealing with the kitchen smoke, she politely avoided it for the time being.

The following days passed smoothly and orderly until the day for Hua Yunao and Hua Yunxiang’s exams approached.

This was the most important event for the Hua family this year.

The family began preparing a few days in advance, not only arranging new outfits for the two kids to wear during the exams but also making their meals more luxurious and well-balanced than usual. Even the sound of household chores was kept quieter, all to create a conducive environment for the children to study earnestly.

The exam venue was in the county town, and those living far away even needed to leave home several days early, which was also the case for the Hua brothers.

This exemplified why it was so difficult for the poor to pursue education; even if a family exhausted all resources and made sacrifices, they might not sustain a scholar. Education requires a lot of time and money, and those who achieve academic success wish their child to succeed, but success requires money, leading some to stop their pursuits prematurely.

This was the reality, an unavoidable truth.

The Hua family decided to depart early on the third day before the exam.

New Moon City was too far from here, taking a whole day just for the journey, plus an extra day to find an inn for the kids to rest.

Considering the distance from the county town and being prepared for not finding an inn and sleeping in the ox cart, it was crucial to prepare for both scenarios, since this important exam saw everyone eager to give it a shot, indicating the number of participants probably would be massive.

If that were the case, even more preparation was needed at home, such as getting water, fodder for the ox, and food ready.

Initially, Hua Jinyi wasn’t planning on going with them, knowing how vital this exam was for her brothers. She thought it’d be better not to interfere, so as not to distract Dad and her brothers by having to look after her.

However, considering various factors, the family elders eventually decided to take her along after discussing it.

The children’s exams couldn’t have the slightest mishap, so preparations had to be thorough. Even if an unexpected issue arose, her blessed land space could still serve as a backup.

She’d brought live things into the space once before, and her father had secretly told the elders, so old Hua was aware. It was clear the space could store unusual medicines, and although it required specific conditions, old Hua didn’t see that as a problem.

He even thought of making his son carry a few medicine-soaked handkerchiefs along for safety, irrespective of the dangers they might encounter on the road.

However, all this relied on his granddaughter coming along.

Moreover, his granddaughter had become noticeably more agile, coupled with a natural strength, so old Hua wasn’t too worried.

The same blessed land excuse was used to convince the old wife and daughter-in-law, and though they hesitated, they eventually agreed.

With the departure date set, Mrs. Qi spent the two days before leaving cooking lots of food in the kitchen, especially several big potfuls of meat-filled buns and steamed buns placed within Hua Jinyi’s blessed land space, along with cooked eggs, salted duck eggs, and several large portions of hot dishes, all placed inside so parts could be scooped out in bowls or pots as needed.

Considering the time needed for travel and adjustments, they figured they’d stay in the county for several days. Despite preparing lots, the mother and daughter still felt it was insufficient, so they also prepared a few large portions of refreshing salads and fancy pastries old Hua bought from the town for the daughter to store in the blessed land space.

Old Hua had heard that the exams could last several days, with even bowel breaks happening inside the examination hall, so naturally eating had to happen there too. The pastries were durable and made with good materials, perfect for taking inside, and he sneaked some fruits from his granddaughter to present casually, letting his grandson bring them into the examination hall too. freewebnøvel.coɱ

Anything unsuitable for the blessed land space was placed in the ox cart, along with food as a cover.

They were set to depart at dawn the next day, so the evening meal was lavish, including chicken they cooked for broth.

In such special times, old Hua couldn’t help but say some motivational words, his heartwarming speeches coming one after another, impressing Hua Jinyi.

"...Just do your best, don’t pressure yourselves. Your grandparents and parents just want you to be literate and well-mannered, not necessarily to be successful; there are countless paths, and only trying them informs which suits you..."

"Your grandpa’s right, think of this as a trip. Whether you succeed in the exam or not, you’ll have gained experience. Isn’t there a saying something like, ’Reading may not be as good as...’" Grandma paused, having forgotten.

"Grandma, it’s ’Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.’" Afraid grandma’s deep frown could trap a fly, Hua Yunxiang quickly chimed in, winking at grandma, his playful demeanor instantly lightening the mood.

Despite his carefree nature, he wasn’t insensitive; he felt the family’s concerns brimming in their words and wanted them to always be smiling happily.

In his own way.

"Yeah, yeah, ’Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.’ See, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be," Grandma laughed.

"Grandma, you’re not old," Hua Yunao said sincerely, his eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at his comforting family, grateful for being their child, blessed with love, patience, and unconditional space, like a beacon guiding them through moments of confusion and loss.

"Exactly, Grandma, you’re young! Among those your age in the village, none are as youthful and beautiful as you. Standing with Mom, you both look like sisters." Hua Yunxiang, disagreeing, got up and hugged her, sweet-talking until grandma grinned broadly.

No matter the age, women delight in being praised as young and beautiful.

"You child, you’re too honest. Outside you can’t be this straightforward!"

Thrilled, Grandma cheekily replied, breaking the slight seriousness with her words and making everyone around the table laugh and relax.

"Grandma, rest assured, your grandson is smart enough to keep the very honest things at home," Hua Yunxiang playfully winked at her.