The Winter Camp was small and very warm. There was an Open-Pit Coal Mine nearby that had yet to be developed. After Harimu and the others returned from moving their herds, they had spent several days digging coal, hauling back enough to last the winter.
The strong mingling smells of milk and livestock took Li Long a little getting used to, but after two bowls of milk tea, he barely noticed them anymore.
The old woman sat on the Wooden Kang, smiling at Li Long and occasionally murmuring words he could not understand.
Nasen and Sasiken kept taking things out to show Li Long: certificates, their books, drawings, and handicrafts they had made.
Li Long asked whether they had finished their homework, and both children immediately began hemming and hawing.
Li Long laughed heartily. These two were much like Li Qiang. Without Li Juan keeping him in line, Li Qiang would never do his homework either. Apart from mealtimes, he played outside all day long, even in the depths of winter.
Looking a little embarrassed, Nasen and Sasiken took their exercise books from a corner of the Wooden Kang and lay on their stomachs to start their homework.
Before I come next time, I should find a carpenter to make them two little wooden tables, Li Long thought. Sitting on the Wooden Kang to write would be better than lying on their stomachs.
Harimu's home had a wooden kang table, but it was used for eating, and doing homework on it was inconvenient.
Li Long also thought those small folding wooden tables from later years would be good. They could be opened when needed and folded away for easy storage afterward.
He just did not know whether the township carpenter could make them now.
Harimu's mother broke some nang into