When Grandpa Gu and the others returned home, they immediately noticed the basket full of rabbits sitting in the yard.
They froze in shock.
“Where did all these rabbits come from?”
“You caught these today?”
“How did you manage to catch so many?”
The moment the subject came up, Gu Zhenzhong became excited.
He enthusiastically recounted the entire hunting process, adding dramatic gestures and colorful descriptions.
Listening from the side, even Gu Xiaoxiao couldn’t help thinking that her brother would make an excellent storyteller.
Grandpa Gu and the others listened in amazement.
Rabbits were notoriously difficult to catch.
Yet somehow they had returned with an entire basket full of them.
It hardly felt real.
Seeing that everyone was focused on the rabbits, Gu Xiaoxiao reminded them:
“Grandpa, if you have time, could you build another rabbit hutch?”
“Otherwise they’ll all be crowded together.”
Grandpa Gu immediately nodded.
“Right, right.”
“We definitely need another one.”
“Otherwise we won’t have anywhere to keep them.”
Looking at the growing number of rabbits, Gu Xiaoxiao suddenly had an idea.
“If we’re going to raise more rabbits later, maybe we could fence off part of the backyard.”
“Let them roam around and eat grass during the day.”
“Then put them back into the hutches at night.”
“That way they won’t have to stay locked up all the time.”
Grandpa Gu thought about it and nodded.
“That makes sense.”
“Though there aren’t many rabbits yet.”
“If we let them run around now, some might escape.”
“Once we have more, we can build the enclosure.”
Gu Xiaoxiao agreed.
That sounded reasonable.
While Grandpa Gu busied himself weaving another rabbit hutch from bamboo, Gu Xiaoxiao headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
There were still leftovers from lunch.
She only needed to reheat the dishes and stir-fry a few vegetables.
That would be more than enough.
After dinner, Grandpa Gu continued working.
Before long, another rabbit hutch stood neatly beside the first one.
The entire family helped transfer the rabbits from the basket into their new homes.
The rabbits hopped around, sniffing everywhere as they adjusted to their surroundings.
Watching them bounce around energetically, Gu Xiaoxiao felt genuinely happy.
These rabbits represented the family’s future income.
Their little rabbit farm was slowly taking shape.
Once everything was settled, everyone returned to their rooms.
Tomorrow would be another early morning.
They needed their rest.
After a full day of activity, Gu Xiaoxiao barely touched her pillow before falling asleep.
The crowing of roosters signaled the arrival of a new day.
By now, Gu Xiaoxiao had grown used to the sound.
Sometimes she could even sleep through it.
Life in ancient times was simple.
There were no late-night activities.
No phones.
No internet.
Nothing to keep people awake.
As a result, everyone went to bed early.
These days, she woke naturally every morning.
And every time, it was surprisingly early.
Back in her previous life?
At this hour she probably wouldn’t have gone to sleep yet.
After washing up, she stepped into the courtyard.
She immediately spotted Old Madam Gu and Xu Yan in the kitchen.
The two women were busy kneading dough while chatting and laughing.
Gu Xiaoxiao finished washing and entered the kitchen.
The moment they saw her, both women looked surprised.
“Xiaoxiao, you’re up already?”
“Why are you awake so early?”
“Your mother and I can handle the dough ourselves.”
“What are you doing here?”
Looking at the bowls of prepared dough, Gu Xiaoxiao grinned.
“I’m not here to help.”
“I’m here for breakfast.”
The answer immediately made both women laugh.
“You little rascal!”
Old Madam Gu instinctively raised a flour-covered hand, intending to poke her forehead.
Halfway through, she remembered the flour and quickly stopped.
Instead, she pointed toward a pot warming on the stove.
“Alright, alright.”
“Your breakfast is waiting for you.”
“Go eat while it’s hot.”
Following her grandmother’s direction, Gu Xiaoxiao found a bowl of white rice porridge accompanied by some pickled vegetables.
She wasn’t picky.
Carrying the bowl outside, she sat in the courtyard and began eating.
Soon, Gu Yanchen and Gu Zhenzhong woke up as well.
The moment they spotted her, they cheerfully greeted her.
“Little Sister, you’re awake!”
“Good morning, Big Sister!”
Gu Xiaoxiao smiled and responded to both of them while continuing her breakfast.
After washing up, the brothers headed toward the kitchen.
The moment they stepped inside—
they were ambushed.
Old Madam Gu immediately began scolding.
“Look at you!”
“Your sister woke up earlier than both of you!”
“What kind of older brother are you?”
Gu Yanchen instantly sensed danger.
Before the conversation could turn toward him, he quietly grabbed his breakfast and fled.
He sat down beside Gu Xiaoxiao with a guilty smile.
Seeing his expression, she couldn’t help laughing.
Pinching his cheek, she asked:
“You ran away because you were afraid Grandma and Mother would start lecturing you too?”
Caught red-handed, Gu Yanchen’s eyes widened.
“How did you know?”
“Big Sister, don’t tell them!”
“When Grandma and Mother start nagging, they don’t stop for ages!”
His timid expression was so adorable that Gu Xiaoxiao burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Gu Zhenzhong remained trapped inside the kitchen, enduring the full force of the lecture.
A little later, he finally emerged carrying his breakfast.
Completely unfazed.
Apparently, not a single word had entered his ears.
He sat across from Gu Xiaoxiao and grinned.
“Little Sister.”
“I still have some left.”
“Want any?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“I’m already full.”
The moment he heard that, Gu Zhenzhong’s smile widened.
Without hesitation, he attacked the remaining food in his bowl.
His speed was astonishing.
Both Gu Xiaoxiao and Gu Yanchen stared at him.
“Brother.”
“Don’t eat so fast.”
“It’s bad for digestion.”
Hearing his sister’s warning, Gu Zhenzhong immediately slowed down.
At least…
he slowed down by his standards.
To everyone else, he was still eating at lightning speed.
Seeing that the habit wouldn’t disappear overnight, Gu Xiaoxiao gave up trying to lecture him further.
After finishing breakfast, she washed her bowl.
Moments later, Gu Zhenzhong arrived and washed his own dishes as well.
Not long afterward, Old Madam Gu and Xu Yan finished preparing the dough.
“Let’s go!”
The family gathered their things and set off for town.
Just like yesterday, they walked all the way.
When they finally reached their usual market spot, a familiar young maid rushed over.
The moment she saw them, she looked relieved.
“You’re finally here!”
“I’ve been waiting forever!”
Gu Xiaoxiao immediately recognized her.
It was the maid who had come back yesterday only to discover the sauce pancakes were sold out.
Seeing how anxious she looked, Gu Xiaoxiao smiled apologetically.
“Sorry.”
“We left a little later today.”
“I’ll make yours right away.”