Chapter 4: hardships at the bottom

Life, though marked by its challenges, gained greater significance in Lu Bu's eyes due to the presence of both his parents. The loss of his father shortly after his birth and his mother's passing when he was thirteen, instilled a profound yearning for parental affection within Lu Bu. This life, with the privilege of having both parents, even amidst its hardships, held immense value for him.

During his childhood, a group of peers in the village, driven by parental comparisons, exhibited mild rejection towards Lu Bu. Over time, their unexpressed discontent found an outlet in excluding him.

Yet, the exclusion and isolation orchestrated by a bunch of youngsters didn't faze Lu Bu. He found their behavior amusingly childish and remained unaffected by it.

In this life, Lu Bu's father was largely reticent, his interactions limited to mealtimes and work. This pervasive silence and the peculiar surplus of meat in his bowl stirred an unexplainable pang in Lu Bu's heart. The meat itself wasn't uncommon, considering his previous life's abundance, but this modest portion provoked a swell of emotion.

The days passed in similar fashion, uneventful yet significant. At four, Lu Bu's mother became pregnant once more, introducing the concept of siblings into his world. A sibling connected by blood intrigued him, as he had never experienced such a relationship before.

Her pregnancy in October culminated in a birth when Lu Bu turned five. Amid his mother's agonizing cries, a new life entered the Lu family – a daughter. The sight of his sister's newborn features stirred memories of his daughter, Lu Lingqi, from his past life. Wondering how she fared after their separation, he contemplated the challenges single mothers and their children faced.

The decision to give away Lu Bu's sister stung him deeply. Eavesdropping on his parents' discussion, he was thunderstruck. Determinedly, he confronted his father, vowing to work harder or eat less to provide for the family. However, unlike his famed previous life as Lu Bu, he lacked his former capabilities.

Lu Bu's unwavering determination unsettled his father, who eventually relented. With the baby swaddle in hand, Lu Bu took charge of comforting his sister, offering solace amidst uncertainty.

From that day onward, Lu Bu accompanied his father to the fields daily, laboring side by side to alleviate the family's struggles. Despite lacking previous farming skills, he spent a year hauling manure, fertilizing, and weeding. Initially daunting, the work gradually became second nature, lightening the burden on his father.

Two thin acres of farmland and additional tenant farming proved barely sufficient for the family of four. At eight years old, Lu Bu took over the family's fields, while his father focused on supporting the village as a tenant farmer, eliciting admiration from their peers.

Lu Bu's years of agricultural experience endowed him with insights into weather prediction and soil fertility. While the crops grew, the family's sustenance remained a constant concern. The daily grind of survival and the pursuit of a better life weighed heavily upon them.

"Father, why do we still struggle despite paying taxes?" On winter's leisurely days, Lu Bu, now ten, ventured into the mountains to hunt, supplementing the family's needs. Skilled in archery, his talent persisted. Conversing with his father, he voiced his confusion over their persistent struggles.

Father Lu, seated nearby, explained that despite the fertile land owned by wealthier families like Lizheng's, their tax burdens remained comparable.

These words lingered in Lu Bu's mind, provoking contemplation and understanding of the disparity that plagued their lives.