The Zhang Family Village had turned in its public grain, and now they were bracing for winter. Uncle Captain was racking his brains to come up with more money so everyone could have a good New Year, just waiting for the market to open.
Listening to their conversation, he sat there quietly, knowing what was going on but still checking to see if there was anything he had missed.
After a while, everyone stopped talking and looked at him. He finally made his decision, "We won't sell any grain for food. Let's sell all the mountain goods harvested in the autumn, and the less important things like ropes and straw sandals that the team has accumulated over time.
Winter is long; come spring next year, we'll not miss these things. Let's dole out all the food grain to fill stomachs first. There are still several households in the village who have borrowed grain; if they don't get it, they won't make it through to next summer."
