When Li Long got up, dawn was just breaking.
He had slept for more than eight hours and felt refreshed.
He got dressed and went outside. Hearing movement in the West Room, he pushed the door open and saw his sister-in-law Liang Yuemei steaming buns.
"Why didn't you sleep a little longer?" Liang Yuemei asked with a smile. "There's nothing much to do anyway, and you've had two tiring days."
"I set some rabbit snares yesterday. I'm planning to check them in a bit."
"Uncle! Uncle! You set rabbit snares? When are you checking them? Can I come?" Li Qiang called from the inner room.
"No, it's too far. You wouldn't manage the walk."
"I'm not afraid of getting tired!" Li Qiang was at an active, curious age, and he ran out of the inner room, speaking excitedly.
"Where did you set them?" Liang Yuemei asked.
"Red Willow Flats. It's a kilometer and a half away."
"Then let him go and get some exercise with you. It should be time to eat when you get back."
"All right." Li Long nodded, then turned to Li Qiang. "Dress warmly."
"Mom, I want to go too," Li Juan suddenly spoke up.
"All right."
Li Long took Li Juan and Li Qiang east, following yesterday's footprints.
"Uncle, how many rabbits will we catch this time?" Li Qiang asked as they walked. His trouser legs were tied tightly around his padded shoes to keep the snow out. Walking was awkward, but he was too excited to feel tired.
Li Juan followed at the rear with a urea sack, saying nothing.
"I don't know. There might not be any," Li Long said as they walked. He had to match the two children's pace, so he wasn't moving fast.
The fields were a vast expanse of