061 White Spot
After filling their stomachs, they carried the boar down the mountain.
The little black wolf followed Qin Mian quietly.
Wu Di said in surprise: "It's not going to follow sister down the mountain, right?"
Qin Mian was more than happy. At home, it was somewhat lonely with only him and Lei Tie. He had wanted to keep a pet for a long time. If the little black wolf was willing to follow them, it would be great.
"If it wants to follow, let it follow." Qin Mian pondered, "But Brother Zhang, fourth brother, and Wu Di, you all better not say that it's actually a wolf, so as not to frighten the villagers."
Zhang Dashuan and the other two complied with it.
Zhang Dashuan reminded: "But you need to restrain it, don't catch the chicken and oust the duck." The little black wolf was still young, he was not afraid that it would hurt people.
"Don't worry." Qin Mian guaranteed, and glanced at Lei Tie, "And about Qingli Pill, I hope you all don't mention it either." After living together for so long, he could see that Lei Tie did not want to mention the past.
Zhang Dashuan and the other two promised one after another.
Qin Mian did not want to dirty the yard, so he asked Lei Tie and Zhang Dashuan to put the boar at the river bank and deal with it there.
Wu Di initiatively said: "I'm going to invite Uncle Liao." Uncle Liao was an expert at pig slaughtering. Whenever some villagers wanted to slaughter pigs, they would ask of him.
"I'll go home and get a basin for the meat." Qin Mian said.
Lei Tie asked Lei Xiangli to guard the river and left with Qin Mian. He was going back to bring firewood.
The little black wolf closely followed the pace of the two men.
After entering the house, the little black wolf silently watched Qin Mian rubbing the dirt on the bottom of his feet on the foot mat, and imitated him. Qin Mian and Lei Tie were secretly surprised.
Without waiting for the two men to talk, the little black wolf stepped first into the house. After it unhurriedly rounded in each room, it came out and quietly squatted on the side of the settee.
Qin Mian found two basins and two bamboo baskets, while Lei Tie carried a bundle of firewood from the back of the house. The little black followed them out again.
Back at the river bank, Lei Tie had now built a simple stove and boiled water for later use.
When the villagers heard the news, they came one after another to watch the bustling scene.
Uncle Liao had not use his knife for several months, but his skill had not turned rusty. He skillfully handled the wild boar.
There were quite a few households kept smiling and wanted to buy the boar meat at the price of domestic pork. Qin Mian did not agree. Wild boar meat was more delicious than domestic pork. It costed 8 Wen per jin. If he was willing to sell at the price of domestic pork, even if these people took advantage of him, they might still call him stupid behind his back. Why bother. True friendship could not be cultivated by a few coppers; he might as well make it loud and clear.
In the end, Qin Mian only gave Lei Xiangli, Zhang Dashuan and Wu Di 10 jin each, and gave Uncle Liao 5 jin to thank him.
Uncle Liao smilingly took the meat back, but also said to Lei Tie that if he wanted to slaughter a pig in the future, he could go to him at any time.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie took the rest of the meat home to cure and hung to dry.
After all work was done, Qin Mian had time to ask about Qingli Pill.
"What you said about the Qingli Pill is true?"
Lei Tie nodded.
Qin Mian was startled and knocked over a teacup. The tea half dripped on the tea table and flowed to the ground. "That kind of thing is very valuable. Although I wanted to save the little black wolf, I could think of another way at that time."
Seeing that the tea was going to flow to Qin Mian's feet, but Qin Mian did not notice, Lei Tie shook his head slightly and moved his feet away. He picked up the rag under the tea table and wiped the liquid.
"Don't think about it. A treasure is a treasure when it works; a waste when it is useless."
Qin Mian was still very concerned, "The white-clothed doesnt seem like an ordinary man. What do if he asks you again after using the Qingli Pill?"
Lei Tie said leisurely: "Ive means. Don't worry."
Qin Mian did not know what to say for a moment. He looked at the man in a daze. After a long while, he said in a battle cry: "It's true that I saved it, and it's true that it saved me."
"I believe." Lei Tie looked at him while the corners of his lips lightly raised and his deep eyes unexpectedly carried two points of banter.
Qin Mian understood his meaning as soon as he turned it in his mind. He said he did not remember the past, but remembered the little black wolf, was it not inconsistent? There was a rush of heat from the roots of his ears. He did not know how to go through the motions, so he shouted "ah" in embarrassment, looked away, and said in a loud voice: "The little black wolf will probably live with us. What name should we give?"
"You decide." Lei Tie picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for him again.
The little black wolf seemed to know that they were talking about it and looked at them with its head up.
Qin Mian looked at the white spot on its head and said with a smile: "Why not name it White Spot."
"Proper." Lei Tie commented concisely and comprehensively.
"Good. Youll be called White Spot." Qin Mian bent down and touched the head of the little black wolf.
The little black wolf did not move and let him touch it.
"By the way, it's better to make a hole in the wall of the courtyard for it to get in and out." Qin Mian said to Lei Tie, "I don't think itll stay at home the whole day."
Lei Tie stood up. "I'm going to do it."
After Lei Tie went out, Qin Mian sighed slightly and fell back on the settee. Lei Tie knew that he had not lost his memory, but he (LT) did not ask. What did it mean? Lei Tie really did not mind him lying? However, now it seemed that not only he had secrets, but Lei Tie also had secrets. He had heard the white-clothed man said that the Qingli Pill was very precious, how could Lei Tie have it in possession? The decade he left must had been hard.
He did not know why but when he thought of Lei Tie having something to hide from him, he felt very uncomfortable.
There was pounding sound in the courtyard. Qin Mian shouted out: "Don't knock down the whole wall."
"It wont." Lei Tie's voice was smooth and steady.
Qin Mian turned over to stand and walked out, White Spot slowly followed after him. Although it was still young, its posture had the arrogance characteristic of a wolf.
A few bricks at the side of the courtyard gate and closed to the ground had been shattered by Lei Tie, revealing a hole larger than a plate. Lei Tie used a hammer to break some of the protruding sharp edges and corners to prevent White Spot from getting scratched.
Qin Mian squatted beside him, pointed to the hole and said to White Spot: "White Spot, youll come in and out from here when there is no one at home, understand?"
White Spot looked at him, lowered its body and crawled out of the hole in the wall with its belly against the ground. In a moment, it drilled in from the outside.
Qin Mian said in pleasant surprise: "I knew youre smart."
White Spot, as if it was not satisfied with his praise, shook its ears and sat quietly at his feet.
"Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law."
Lei Chuntao walked into the gate with a smile on her pretty face and with her was Wei Shi.
"You are both at home." Wei Shi said with a smile.
Qin Mian politely said: "Little mother is here." After Wei Shi entered the household, she approached him several times, all of which were bypassed by him. He had no intention of getting close to Du Shi and neither did he have intention of approaching Wei Shi. He did not want Du Shi's attention to return to him and Lei Tie because of Wei Shi's action. How good it would be tosit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight?
With a bowl in her hands, Wei Shi spoke briskly, "I'm here to thank you two for the boar meat. This is the fried dumplings made this early morning. Your little sister said it's very delicious, so we sent some to you." In name, she was Qin Mian and Lei Tie's little mother, but after all, between the sexes there should be a prudent reserve. It was easy to cause gossip if she came alone, so she asked Lei Chuntao to join her.
Qin Mian held the bowl. "When we hunted the wild boar today, fourth brother also made great efforts, so we distributed some meat to him. Little mother don't need to be so polite."
Wei Shi's smile stiffened. She could not help but reevaluate Qin Mian. The youth was not very old, but she did not expect he would be very difficult to deal with.
Qin Mian went into the house and poured the fried dumplings into his own bowl. He returned the bowl to Wei Shi. He said meaningfully: "Much thanks to little mother for remembering me and Lei Tie. In fact, Lei Tie and I are not small anymore. We can take good care of ourselves. As long as you take good care of father and mother, well be at ease."
Wei Shi took the bowl and gave a wee smile. She was speechless for a moment.
Lei Chuntao saw White Spot and happily walked over, "Yah, eldest sister-in-law, is it the little black dog you found? It's lovely."
"Its called White Spot." Qin Mian reminded, "Be careful. It doesn't know you now. I'm afraid itll be very fierce."
Facing White Spots deep and serene eyes, Lei Chuntao felt a little scared and did not dare to approach.
Wei Shi noticed three [Sichuan] pepper trees in the courtyard and asked curiously: "What kind of flowers are these?" She subconsciously thought it was a flower.
The [Sichuan] peppers on the trees had already been picked by Qin Mian and planted in spring.
"It's planted for fun." Qin Mian pretended to be ignorant.
Wei Shi did not ask any more questions. She invited him: "In the evening, I'm going to cook some dishes with the wild boar meat. There are dry pot wild boar meat and braised wild boar meat in soy sauce. You two can also come to eat. You men can have a good drink."
Qin Mian graciously declined: "Many thanks, little mother. However, we're a little tired today, so we won't go."
Helpless, Wei Shi had to say: "Alright, lets get together when theres a chance later. Chuntao, it's time to go back."
After seeing them go far away, Qin Mian said to Lei Tie: "I can do dry pot wild boar meat and braised wild boar meat in soy sauce."
Lei Tie looked up at him and then lowered his head, "Eat these two dishes in the evening?"
"Braised pork is too greasy to eat for dinner." Qin Mian said, "In the evening, Ill make dry pot wild boar meat, steamed pork with flour, and then stir-fried green vegetable. Im going to the vegetable garden. White Spot, go."
Lei Tie watched him walk far with the basket while yelling at White Spot and only then did he took back his gaze.
The vegetables in the garden had grown, mostly because they had been watered with spiritual spring water. The vegetables were free of insects and grown very well.
Qin Mian picked out a basket of green spinach and looked around. Seeing no one around, he secretly poured a small amount of spiritual spring water into the field.
Back home, the same old rules applied. Lei Tie trimmed and washed the vegetables.
Because there was White Spot, Qin Mian deliberately made a bit more dry pot wild boar and steamed pork with rice flour. He put a bowl on the ground for White Spot, and then served the dishes onto the table.
"Drink a few cups?" Qin Mian asked.
Lei Tie was surprised, but immediately said, "I'll get the wine."
They sat down next to each other as Lei Tie poured two cups of wine.
Qin Mian took a mouthful from the cup. It tasted so pungent that he stuck out his tongue. His brain also blanked for two seconds.My God, this wine is much stronger than those modern ones.
Note:
(idiom) watch in safety whilst others fight then reap the rewards when both sides are exhausted
062 Gift from Lei Tie
Lei Tie reproached: "Don't drink too fast. Have food."
After Qin Mian took a bite of spinach to dampen his mouth, he felt slightly more comfortable. He ate another piece of steamed pork with rice flour, picked up his wine cup and clanked it with Lei Ties as he said: "Drink." This time, he drank slowly and tasted a bit of flavor. The heat on his face gradually became heavier and he hurriedly clipped dishes to eat.
Lei Tie drank a big mouthful and did not urge him.
As the dusk sunk deeper, and the room turned darker, he got up to lit the oil lamps in each corner of the central room, lighting up the room.
Qin Mian touched his feverish face and felt a little discontented.If you are a male, you need to know how to drink (alcohol). How can only one sip turn your face red? Alcohol tolerance should be exercised when young.Thinking of this, he raised his neck and drank up the rest of the wine in the cup.
Lei Tie frowned and put dishes in his bowl.
"Wine is nothing good. Why do so many people like it?" Qin Mian said that and yet he poured another cup.
Lei Tie took away his cup. "Eat more before drinking."
"Oh." Qin Mian's head was a little dizzy and his reaction was also a little slow. He obediently took a few clips of dishes and dug in.
Lei Tie took advantage of his muddle-headedness to put some of the three dishes into his bowl.
Qin Mian wiped out more than a half [bowl]. Seeing the wine cup from the corner of his eye, he picked it up and took a mouthful. Then he held it up, "Another cup."
"Drink less, eat more." Lei Tie said.
"No, I want to practice drinking." Qin Mian reached for the wine jar.
Lei Tie picked up the wine jar first and only poured him half a cup. Qin Mian clucked his tongue, held his (LT) hand with both hands, and then released it when the wine cup was filled up. He smiled satisfactorily and emphasized: "I can drink it."
Lei Tie put the wine jar farther away.
Qin Mian finished his drink in one shot. Thinking that it was not a big deal, he went to pick up the wine jar again. Accidentally, he knocked down the wine jar and it dropped onto the ground. With a "pa" sound, it broke all over the floor.
"En? Not on purpose…" Qin Mian stood up, but his legs went soft and he trembled.
Lei Tie quickly supported the person with his hands, placed him on a chair at the side, and looked at him carefully. The youth's body went soft, his eyes looked misty with an expression that was hard to make out distinctly and his cheeks were flushed.
"Drunk."
"Is it? Oh…" Qin Mian blanked for quite a while before reacting. He wanted to stand up, "Im going to sleep."
Just as he stood up, he trembled. Lei Tie simply hugged him.
Qin Mian dizzily fell on him. With both hands on his shoulders and mouth dried, he subconsciously licked his lips.
Lei Tie's eyes darkened and the arms wound around the youths waist tightened. After quite a while, he suddenly lowered his head, took an enduring gentle breath, slowly approached the youths lips, and carefully dropped a light kiss on the youth's forehead.
The slight itch on his forehead made Qin Mian shook his head uneasily. It happened that Lei Tie lowered his head and his lip accidentally brushed the tip of his (QM) nose. The alcohol smell in their mouths intertwined together, fermenting all the more intense smell like an incapacitating drug.
All the heat in Lei Tie's body instantly spread to his chest and finally gathered into an impulse. His left palm clasped the back of Qin Mian's head and his lips sealed Qin Mian's lips without any gap.
Qin Mian's brain was in a state of chaos. He opened his eyes with great effort and opened his mouth to say something, but his tongue was suddenly caught. The hot temperature and the speed of churning dispelled his doubts and his remaining strength.
It was not until the other person had difficulty breathing that Lei Tie regained his senses. His dark eyes returned to clarity as he looked down at the person leaning on his chest meekly. He raised that person's chin and was stunned. He had actually fainted.
Lei Tie flicked the hair on the forehead of the person in his arms, pecked at it gently before picking him up horizontally and walked to the bedroom.
Qin Mian opened his eyes with difficulty and closed them quickly. His head felt heavy and stuffy. There was a small hammer on both temples that kept beating. He stretched out two index fingers and rubbed them, "Hurts, hurts, hurts!"
A pair of big warm hands moved his hands away and helped him rub his temples.
Qin Mian opened his eyes and unexpectedly saw that Lei Tie was still in bed. He turned to look out of the window. It was bright outside.
"You actually didn't get up, too?"
Lei Tie's eyes swept down his body.
Qin Mian realized that his leg was on his (LT) lap and quickly drew it back. His stomach growled. He sighed and sat up.
Lei Tie pressed down his shoulder. "Wait."
Qin Mian stared blankly at him when he got dressed, set a small table on the heatable brick bed, and walked out. After a while, he came in with a tray and put three dishes and a bowl of rice on the table.
Qin Mian looked at him curiously, "You made it?"
Lei Tie said: "Just warm it up, I can. Put on your outer garment."
Qin Mian was really hungry. Regardless of whether he had not washed his face and rinsed his mouth, he took up the rice bowl to eat.
Lei Tie scrutinized his expression and knew that he did not remember about last night.
"Why are you in a daze? Don't you eat?" Qin Mian asked in a puzzled way.
"I'm going to practice fist [boxing] first."
Qin Mian felt that he was a little strange. He sped up, put on his clothes quickly after he was full and came to the yard.
The sun was already three poles high, but Lei Tie was still practicing fist in the yard with sweats hanging on his angular handsome face.
Qin Mian thought it was not his own illusion that the changing style's speed of Lei Tie's fist practice was faster and fiercer than before, which seemed like he was venting something. He picked up a stone and threw it over. Lei Tie, as if he was not aware of it, continued to finish his fist practice.
Qin Mian's chest felt a little stuffy and his tone was not very good, "Who provoked you?"
Lei Tie looked at him for a moment and caught the grievance that he (QM) was unaware of in his (QM) eyes and felt immediately relieved.
"No one. Going to the shop later?"
Qin Mians heart loosened, "I'll go wash up."
When he finished washing, Lei Tie had took the food out of the room and was sitting at the table, eating.
Qin Mian saw White Spot lying in the corner and writhing uneasily. It seemed very uncomfortable. He went to squat down and kneaded its head. "Lei Tie, what's wrong with it?"
Lei Tie pondered: "Yesterday's food was a little spicy, maybe"
Qin Mian was worried, "It's my fault. I remember that wolves don't seem to eat salt, and it should have never eaten cooked food before. Maybe its stomach and intestines aren't adapted to it?" He quickly went to the kitchen, took a bowl of water, poured it into White Spots food bowl, and fed it.
"What are you doing?" Lei Tie asked.
Qin Mian beat around the bush: "I give it some water to make it clean its stomach and intestine. Itll probably be all right." In fact, this water was mixed with the spiritual spring water, which could alleviate White Spots discomfort more or less.
Lei Tie was noncommittal. He ate while watching Qin Mian fed it water.
White Spot slowly drank the water and then lay down for a while. As expected, it recovered its lively appearance.
Qin Mian took some boar meat, cut it into small pieces and put it in its food bowl. With its head down, White Spot ate with gusto.
"Afterwards, feed it raw meat." Lei Tie said.
Qin Mian nodded, "This time I was negligent."
When Lei Tie finished the meal, the two men loaded the ox cart and were ready to go out. White Spot butted out of the hole in the wall and quickly jumped into the ox cart.
There is a gate, but you insist to bore through.Did White Spot like the hole in the wall? Qin Mian closed the courtyard gate and locked it with an amusing look.
Today was a fine sunny day without wind. The sunshine was warm on the body. On the way, they met an old man and his six-year-old grandson from the same village walking to town. Qin Mian politely invited them to get on the cart.
"Grandpa, little dog." The little child pointed to White Spot as he spoke.
White Spot was very clever. Except for watching the old man and the little child warily, it had no sign of attacking.
The grandpa squinted and looked for a long time, "Why does it look like a wolf?"
Qin Mian's heart thumped for a moment before he said solemnly: "It's a wolfdog."
"Oh." The grandpa did not doubt. After all, a wolf would not get close to human beings.
Qin Mian admired his own quick wits. Later, if some people thought that White Spot was a wolf, he would insist that it was a wolfdog.
When the ox cart reached the door of the shop, Zheng Liu and Wang Shun came to greet them and carried the things on the cart down.
Lei Tie sat on the shaft and did not go down to the ground. He said to Qin Mian, "Im going to the county."
"For what?" Qin Mian wondered.
Lei Tie said: "Buying a thing. There isn't in town."
Qin Mian saw that he had no intention to say more. Although he was upset, he also resisted from asking and casually waved his hand, "Go."
Lei Tie nodded and drove away.
"Small boss, youre here." Yue Dong came out.
Qin Mian took back his gaze and walked to the shop. "How's business these days?"
"Not bad." Yue Dong said, "There are still a lot of hot pot customers. For barbecue customers, they mainly ask to package for take away, but there are two fewer customers who eat spicy hot soup. Because the weather is getting colder, many people are reluctant to catch a chill outside the shop."
Qin Mian frowned, "It can't be help. It's not easy to rent a bigger shop in such a small town. Well, I'll think about some new dishes, hopefully it can attract more customers."
Yue Dong revealed a smiling expression, "This method should be feasible. To be honest with small boss, I've been thinking about it with the others these days, but we couldn't come out with any."
Qin Mian was happy, "That'll do! If you come up with a feasible one, your boss I will reward you."
Yue Dong smilingly responded: "All right. I'll tell them the good news in a while."
"En, also tell them that the closer to the end of the year, the more they can't be negligent. If everyone performs well, we'll close our shop on the 24th and give a year-end bonus so that everyone can have a good New Year." Qin Mian said while walking to the counter to check the account book.
There was joy on Yue Dongs face as his response echoed.
More than two hours later, Lei Tie came back.
Qin Mian did not ask him what he bought. They sat in the shop for a while and went home together.
Lei Tie went out with his bow set, a saw and a carpenter's plane. White Spot followed him.
Qin Mian was angry. He did not ask what he was going to do or when he would come back. Instead, he wrote and drew with a pencil and paper.
It was only when it was dark that there was movement in the yard.
Lei Tie put a pheasant on the ground.
Qin Mian took a casual glance and raised his eyebrows. "Is that tooth print?"
White Spot wagged its tail, walked to his legs and rubbed against him.
"White Spot hunted it." Lei Tie then explained, "We can't keep it as a dog."
Qin Mian nodded and somewhat listless, "I understand."
Lei Tie came up to him, took out something from behind, and handed it to him.
Qin Mian's eyes brightened. In Lei Tie's hand was a delicate bow. The arm of the bow was polished to be as smooth as jade, and the color was bright yellow. He did not know what kind of wood it was, but he could see faint golden threads in it.
"This is…"
Lei Tie said: "The string was bought in the county and the bow was made by me. Like it?"
The suffocation in Qin Mian's chest suddenly disappeared. He accepted it with joy, "I like it. So you went to the county to buy a string…"
Lei Tie said: "The string sold in town is not good enough."
Qin Mian fondly stroked the little bow and suddenly noticed that there were still some small determined and cursive characters carved on the arm of the bow. After a closer look, it was "Tie Gifts Wife". There was a line of small characters at the bottom of the bow about a certain day, a certain month and a certain year. His heart leaped and he looked up at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie was staring at him intently.
The two looked at each other for a long time, unable to move their eyes.
White Spot raised its head, rubbed against Qin Mian's legs and glanced at the dining table. It seemed to be asking why the meal had yet been served.
Qin Mian pulled himself together, "Right, what kind of wood is this? Why are there golden threads in it?"
Lei Tie answered: "[Chinese] Mulberry wood."
TL's side note: I bet y'all are squealing…hihihi
063 The Meal at the Relatives House Is Not Delicious (1)
"Mulberry wood." Qin Mian was surprised and held the little bow more tightly, "So this is mulberry wood. As far as I know, mulberry is a very precious wood, equal to yellow pear. It can submerge or semi-submerge in water and its texture is stable and less warped. The core material of mulberry wood is only the thickness of a finger and there are yellow-like gold threads inside. This gold thread is not an annual ring, but only grows one in three to five years. It's not easy to find such wood."
Lei Tie said: "As long as you like it."
Qin Mian said: "Like it very much."
He took the bow and arrows into the bedroom and cherishingly hung it with Lei Tie's big bow. When he came out, Lei Tie had served the food on the table.
"How about going up the mountain tomorrow?" Qin Mian asked excitedly.
Lei Tie said: "Practice shooting fixed target first, then practice shooting moving target."
"So troublesome?" Qin Mian was disappointed.
Lei Tie lightly said: "How to run without learning to walk?"
That was quite reasonable. Qin Mian had nothing to reply with. He could only concede and got up to slice meat for White Spot
The next day, Lei Tie inserted two sticks in the yard with an old straw hat hung as a target in the middle and asked Qin Mian to aim and shoot.
Qin Mian had only got his own bow and arrows. He was full of interest. With Lei Tie's guidance, he shot again and again tirelessly. At first, he failed to hit the target. After shooting seven to eight arrows, he found the feeling that he could hit the straw hat accurately and it was getting closer to the center.
In the beginning, Lei Tie only enticed him to have fun, but seeing that he had some talent, he (LT) was a little surprised and taught more seriously. First, he made him (QM) shoot an arrow 2 zhang (6.6 m) away from the straw hat and then retreated to 3 zhang (9.9 m) away, gradually widening the distance.
Qin Mian just began to learn archery. His arms were sore after some time and finished his practice at noon.
Lei Tie said: "From now on, only practice an hour every day. Haste makes waste."
Qin Mian nodded. He also felt that it was a bit unbearable; he could not even lift his arms. "What to eat for lunch?"
Lei Tie answered: "Hot pot, I make."
Qin Mian smiled and lay relaxed on the settee, "Sure. You make it, I wait to eat."
Lei Tie was not so particular about making hot pot as Qin Mian. After the water boiled, he poured in the seasoning, tasted the flavor, added salt when it tasted light, and put in the sliced meat, meatballs, potatoes, spinach and cabbage leaves brought back from the shop yesterday. By the time the meat and potatoes cooked, the spinach and cabbage leaves had turned too soft to even pick up with chopsticks.
Lei Tie's monotonous face showed a rare look of embarrassment. Before Qin Mian uttered ridicules, he calmly picked up some vegetables and cabbage leaves and added them in.
Fortunately, the taste was not bad.
At the thought that this man rarely cooked a meal, Qin Mian only laughed silently for a moment but did not tease him.
The rice was not cooked and just eating dishes was not enough. The two men put noodles into the hot pot to cook together.
Since there was a noodle maker, it was very convenient to eat noodles. Priory, a huge mass of noodles was pressed out with the noodle maker, hung to dry, and cut with scissors. The noodles were then kept in a dry drawer and cooked whenever they wanted to. It was just that there was no drying agent in this era that the dried noodles could only be kept for a month at most. Nevertheless, this was good enough.
At the dining table, Qin Mian mentioned about the business, "There are fewer people eating spicy hot soup recently. In the afternoon, we'll stay at home and make some radish balls, fish balls, sweet potato balls and vegetable balls. Do some trial sales first. If it's good to sell, hire people to do it." If it were not for making more money to expand the business, he definitely was not patient to do this every day.
Lei Tie nodded.
After lunch, they bought some sweet potatoes, potatoes, radishes, carrots and fish from the villagers.
Making sweet potato balls were the simplest. After the sweet potatoes were peeled, they were steamed. Then they were pressed into mashed sweet potatoes, added in some flour, mixed well, and kneaded into small balls. When the oil heated up, put them in and fried until they were golden yellow, chewy and fragrant. Making radish balls were easy. The radishes were chopped and mixed together with minced meat, eggs, flour and seasoning, and kneaded into balls before frying. The main ingredients of vegetable balls were potatoes and carrots. The potatoes were steamed and pressed into puree, then mixed with shredded carrots, egg white and various seasonings before they were also fried.
Fish balls were relatively difficult to make. After the fish were cleaned, removed the bones and scraped the fish flesh with a knife. Next, added appropriate amount of ginger, salt and water and beat it into puree with a rolling pin. Then, added egg white, stirred in the same direction with chopsticks, added a little flour according to the consistency, and kneaded the fish paste into balls. Afterwards, added water in the wok, put the fish balls in over a low heat, and then turned to high heat. When all the fish balls floated, they could be fished out, soaked in cold water, and drained.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie kept busy until dark. They made more than 100 of sweet potato balls, radish balls and vegetable balls, while fish balls were less, at about 80.
There were no beef and mutton in the village. Otherwise, they could make some beef balls and mutton balls.
Dinner was rice and hot pot. A dozen of each kind of food balls was served. Qin Mian and Lei Tie both liked fish balls the best.
Sweet potato balls were sweet and estimated to be more popular with women.
The emergence of several kinds of food balls had once again brought a crowd of people into Eating Savory Restaurant.
Time flew and in a blink of an eye, the twelfth lunar month ushered in.
The words "New Year" were mentioned more often. The villagers who had raised fat pigs for the New Year's festival lined up for Uncle Liao to slaughter them. Every few days in the village, one could hear the shrill cry of the pigs.
When it came to New Years pig slaughtering, one should mention the pig-slaughter meal. As the name suggested, one should invite people for a meal after slaughtering the New Years pig. One usually invited relatives and friends, as well as fellow villagers who they got along well.
The first pig-slaughter meal that Qin Mian and Lei Tie ate was Zhang Dashuan's and they did not expect to have another pig-slaughter meal after a day
Upon seeing Lei Xiangyi and an old man about 50 years old walking through the gate of the courtyard, Qin Mian was stunned for a moment before he remembered that the old man seemed to be Lei Tie's paternal uncle-in-law, Dong Daniu. They met at the time Wei Shi married in.
"Uncle-in-law, please come in." Lei Tie took a lukewarm attitude.
Qin Mian poured Dong Daniu a cup of hot tea.
After entering the door, Dong Daniu looked around slowly and very carefully, as if measuring the value of the items in the house. After a good while, he started to talk with a smile, "I won't drink tea as I still have to go to a few more houses. My family will slaughter pig tomorrow, so I'm here to invite you two to pig-slaughter meal. Tomorrow, come a bit earlier."
Qin Mian said: "We'll definitely go earlier. It's fine to just let third brother come to inform us, how could we have the cheek to let uncle-in-law even come in person?"
Dong Daniu cheerfully said: "When you had house warming, our family was occupied, so no one came over. Today, I just took this opportunity to have a look. Your aunt and I are relieved to see that you two are doing well." He did not mention about "splitting from the family", only "house warming".
Qin Mian smiled and remained silent. It matter not if one just casually listened to these words. As far as he knew, Dong Daniu had three sons in all. Even if there was something big happen to him, did he not even have time to send someone over to sit down for a while? Now he wanted to invite them to the pig-slaughter meal, it was strange no matter how one would think.
Dong Daniu seemed to have something else to do. He sat down for a while and left.
Lei Xiangyi deliberately slowed down a few steps and said in a low voice: "Uncle-in-law's youngest son has been in prison. You two should be careful at their house tomorrow."
Qin Mian was taken aback.
Lei Tie was also a bit shocked. He had been away for many years, so he really did not know the affairs of his relatives.
"Why did he go to prison?" Qin Mian promptly asked Lei Xiangyi.
Lei Xiangyi sighed. "It's said that uncle-in-law and aunt spoiled Cousin Wei too much. When he's young, he snuck around. When he's grown up, he even dared to steal cow. He was fined 10 silver taels and sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment. He only came back in the seventh lunar month. He's supposed to learn a lesson after a year in prison, but who knows he still doesn't learn well after he came out Anyway, be careful tomorrow."
For the peasants of Great Xia Dynasty, ploughing and harvesting were their lifeblood. Therefore, the sentence was heavy.
After Lei Xiangyi left, Qin Mian thought for a moment and said tentatively to Lei Tie: "How about you go by yourself tomorrow?"
Lei Tie fixedly looked at him and did not speak.
Qin Mian also felt that he lacked loyalty and corrected himself as he said: "Alright, go together."
Lei Tie said: "I won't let him bully you."
Qin Mian leaned against the armrest of the settee and looked at him, "Who is afraid of this? Anyway, I've learnt Kung Fu with you for so long and surely it doesn't mean that I can't beat him? I just don't think it's going to be any good tomorrow."
After breakfast the next day, Qin Mian and Lei Tie drove the ox cart to the old house to meet with the people in the old house. All the people of the old house were outside and Lei Xiangzhi happened to be on holiday this day, so he also went together. Because of the large number of people and that the Dongs village was a little far away, Lei Daqiang borrowed a donkey cart from a villager.
Qin Mian, Lei Tie, Lei Xiangren, Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi took the ox cart, while Lei Daqiang, Du Shi, Wei Shi, Qian Shi, Zhao Shi, Lei Chuntao and the three children took the donkey cart. The two families went to Dongs village in great procession.
It had not rain recently. Although the village road was a dirt road, it was easy to tread on. The donkey cart wandered for nearly an hour. After passing through the dirt road between two ponds, it entered a village surrounded by willows and locust trees. Lei Tie pulled up after it.
This was Dongs village.
Lei Daqiang's older sister Lei Xiaoyun and his older brother-in-law Dong Daniu went to the door to greet them with a young man about 20 years old.
Lei Xiangyi whispered to Qin Mian: "That's Cousin Wei."
Qin Mian looked at Dong Wei secretly. He was quite tall, slightly fat, and actually had a fair skin with a pair of small bean-like eyes that wasted on a pair of double eyelids. He whirled around and seemed dishonest at first glance.
"Third brother, Sister Du, Sister Wei, you are all here. Come on in." Lei Shi took Du Shi and Wei Shi's arms affectionately, and pointed to Qin Mian as she said to Dong Wei, "These are your Cousin Tie and Brother Mian. Why don't you greet them?"
Dong Wei looked at Qin Mian up and down with an almost unbridled look, and then glanced at Lei Tie. He smiled ambiguously and said in well-manner: "Cousin Tie, Brother Mian, please come inside."
First impressions were really important. Qin Mian did not like Dong Wei because he did not call him "cousin" in public. Dong Wei only greeted him and Lei Tie, but turned a blind eye to Lei Xiangren and the others, saying that he did not have a favorable impression on them. Even a three-year-old child would not believe him.
Note:
Also known as yellow rosewood; a precious wood because it is extremely stable, it does not deform, crack, or bend regardless of cold or heat, and has a certain degree of toughness, which can be used to make all kinds of special-shaped furniture.
064 The Meal at the Relatives House Is Not Delicious (2)
There were many people sitting in the house. Lei Dagang, his wife, two sons, eldest daughter-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters were all present. Almost all of them were in the house. There was also Lei Xiaofengs family. Lei Xiaofeng's husband's name was Wan Yangshu, their eldest daughter Wan Xiaoxiang was married, the only son Wan Yaozu married to Chen Shi, and the youngest daughter Wan Xiaorou was engaged and would marry in the fourth month of next lunar year. Lei Xiaoyun and Dong Daniu's eldest son Dong Ying, second son Dong Xiong, eldest daughter-in-law Wang Shi and second daughter-in-law Xiao Wang were entertaining the guests. Several little mischievous kids were running around the house, creating disturbance.
Lei Xiaoyun, Lei Dagang, Lei Daqiang and Lei Xiaofeng were siblings. It was only today that Qin Mian identified all the relatives of Lei Daqiang.
With so many people in the central room, it seemed crowded. But fortunately, the central room was big enough that otherwise, it really would not fit.
Lei Daqiang and Lei Dagang still had nothing to say between them. They said two polite words indifferently and greeted others respectively. After the exchange of greetings, everyone in the room could finally be seated.
A few gazes swept between Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian appeared to be unaware of it, sat quietly against the wall, folded his legs gracefully, and sipped a cup of hot tea from time to time.
Lei Tie, who had a poker face in the beginning, still had acted as if nothing had happened.
Not a while later, someone outside called out: "Come to catch pig!"
Several male guests got up to help or watch and the children also ran out to watch the bustling scene.
Qin Mian did not move, neither did Lei Tie.
Wei Shi said to Du Shi: "Sister, why don't we go to the kitchen to help."
Du Shi said scornfully: "No need to tell me, say it to the old man. How would he know you're diligent if you don't say it to him?"
Wei Shi was neither hurt nor angry, "Sister, are you angry with me? Strictly speaking, between you and me, you are closer to eldest sister, but it turns out I'm wrong. Since sister doesn't instruct, I dare not move."
Du Shi suddenly stood up. "Are you saying that I'm lazy?"
Wei Shi apologized: "Sister really misunderstood me. Well, I'll go out and have a look." With that, she departed.
Lei Tie suddenly spoke in low voice: "Du Shi is too weak."
Qin Mian understood what he meant Once Wei Shi completely suppressed Du Shi, Wei Shi might keep an eye on them both.
But he was not worried about this. He nudged his chin towards Lei Xiangzhi, who quietly frowned at Wei Shi's back. "Fifth brother won't let Du Shi suffer."
Among the Lei brothers, Du Shi loved Lei Xiangzhi the most and Lei Xiangzhi was also the most filial to Du Shi. It was impossible for Lei Xiangzhi to watch Du Shi be restrained by Wei Shi. Once Du Shi was guided by Lei Xiangzhi, her "combat effectiveness" would be comparable to that of Wei Shi's. Therefore, Du Shi's weakness was only temporary and her "struggle" with Wei Shi's would continue on.
Dong Wei came over, "What are Cousin Tie and Brother Mian talking about? It's boring to wait in the house. Shall I take you two out for a walk?"
Qin Mian looked at the courtyard. There were a lot of people crowded there. In the corner was the pigsty. Several big men gathered around to catch a pig. The pig of nearly 200 Jin was running around in the pigsty, incessantly whining. The sound was piercing to the ears. He nodded to Dong Wei casually.
They went out of the courtyard and walked along the village road.
In winter, everywhere in the village was a piece of withered land, thus there was no beautiful scenery. The three unintentionally went to a pond. Several withered and yellowed lotus stalks stood upright in the clear water, short and long, presenting loneliness. Occasionally, when a gust of wind blew, the water surface fluctuated slightly.
Dong Wei stopped and said with a smile, "Cousin Tie, I heard from my mother that you've opened a restaurant in the town. Presumably the business must be good."
Lei Tie said: "Satisfactory."
Dong Wei said: "Congratulations to Cousin Tie. I hope you can make a fortune. I heard there are five staffs in your shop?"
Lei Tie nodded.
Qin Mian thought that Dong Wei would ask them to arrange for him to go to the shop to help. However, Dong Wei just smiled and changed the subject, "There is a rock at the back of our village that rolled down from the mountain a few years ago. It's very strange in shape and quite famous close by. I'll take you two to see it."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie took a look at each other. They did not know what he was planning and followed after him.
After seeing the rock, the trio slowly went back. Dong Wei did not talk about the shop anymore, but only talked about some unimportant matters.
As soon as Lei Xiaoyun saw her youngest son, she tipped him with a wink.
Dong Wei sent Qin Mian and Lei Tie into the central room and went out again.
Lei Xiaoyun pulled him aside and asked quietly: "Did Lei Tie agree to let you work in the shop?"
Dong Wei hugged his chest and leaned lazily, "I didn't ask."
Lei Xiaoyun was taken aback and poked him with her finger, "You child, didn't I tell you"
Dong Wei interrupted her, "Mother, don't worry. I've a plan."
"What is your plan? If you can work in your Cousin Tie's shop, you can get at least 600~700 Wen a month." Lei Xiaoyun said unhappily and somewhat frustrated. As a matter of fact, she knew her son's virtue in her heart. He had taken a lot of bad habits from the prison that his whole person also changed a lot. When he first came back, she almost could not recognize him. But after all, he was a piece of meat that fell from her body. How could she not worry? The son of another family usually married at 16~17 years old. Her son was 19 years old and had been matched four to five times, but they all failed. What could he do if she did not think of a way?
Dong Wei quickly grasped her shoulder and comforted her in a low voice, "Mother, listen to me. Now the New Year is coming. How much money can I earn if I get to work in cousin's shop? Today's main thing is to get close to Cousin Tie and Brother Mian. If I drink a few more cups of wine with them at the dinner table, our relationship will naturally be closer. When it's New Year, we'll visit each other houses to pay the New Year's greetings. Isn't it a good time to mention it then? Even if they don't want to celebrate the New Year, it's not good to not give face to you as the aunt? What do you think?"
Lei Xiaoyun's eyes brightened. She slapped him on the shoulder and said happily: "You still have a mean. However, your youngest [maternal] aunt is also very interested in Lei Tie and his wife. Maybe we've the same plan. What if she snatched them first?"
Dong Wei hesitated: "It can't be? I heard Yaozu is a shop assistant in a tailor shop and holds a very important position. Is there really a need for him to change job?"
"It can't be said for sure." Lei Xiaoyun disapproved, "Can the business of a tailor shop be better than that of a restaurant?"
Dong Wei thought for a moment, "Mother, don't do anything for the time being. Let's keep an eye first."
In the central room, Lei Xiaofeng was talking to Lei Tie and Qin Mian as Lei Xiaoyun expected. Her words were very euphemistic, but what she meant was to ask Lei Tie and Qin Mian to arrange Wan Xiaorou's fianc to work in the restaurant.
Wan Xiaorou's fianc Zhang Cheng was an honest man with a simple family's population. Lei Xiaofeng was willing to marry her youngest daughter to him because of this. One of the bad things about Zhang Cheng was that his family's condition was so-so. That was why Lei Xiaofeng wanted to find him something else to do, so that Wan Xiaorou could be more relaxed after marrying.
Qin Mian told her honestly that all the employees in the shop had signed employment contracts. Once they broke the contract, they would have to pay a large sum of money as compensation. Moreover, the lease term of the small shop was only a year and would not be rented after that.
Lei Xiaofeng was very disappointed, but did not insist on it. She smiled at them and went out.
The pig had been slaughtered. Lei Xiaoyun was washing the ribs in the yard and upon seeing that she had a bad expression, she asked with concern: "Youngest sister, what's wrong?"
They were blood sisters. Lei Xiaofeng knew Lei Xiaoyun and could guess her mind. She did not hide it at once. "Eldest sister, I asked Lei Tie to find a job for Zhang Cheng, but was turned down…" Then, she proceeded to tell Lei Xiaoyun the original words spoken by Qin Mian.
Lei Xiaoyun's heart thumped. She suddenly stood up and forgot about Dong Wei's instructions for a moment.
"Youngest sister, I remember something. You help me wash these ribs first."
Lei Xiaoyun hurried into the house to find Lei Tie and Qin Mian.
"Tiezi, Tiezi's wife, you two come in. I want to talk to you about something."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie followed her into her and Dong Daniu's side room.
"What do aunt need us for?" Qin Mian asked.
Lei Xiaoyun gave them a handful of dried fruits and fried peanuts. "You're both smart people, so aunt won't beat around the bush. I want to ask you two to find job for your Cousin Wei. You must all have heard about Dong Wei's imprisonment, but in fact, it's not what people say. Dong Wei was framed…"
Qin Mian was noncommittal.
"He's an honest boy from childhood to adulthood. After he came out of prison, he's more sensible than before. But everyone thinks he's a bad boy. Thus, from his return to now, he hasn't found any job and a wife is far from it. Don't you think he's treated unjustly? Of the children in your generation, you two are the most promising, so aunt wants to ask you to help him." Lei Xiaoyun pleaded in a low voice. A caring mother's heart made one felt emotionally moved.
Qin Mian said with a wry smile: "Aunt makes things hard for us. If aunt had told us earlier, we'd be able to hire Cousin Wei to work for us, we'd most welcome. However, when we hired those staffs, all of them signed one year's contracts. If the period is not up but someone is driven away, we've to compensate 20 silver taels per person. We're a small business, how can we afford to pay?"
"The business in the restaurant is good. You can hire more people and arrange your own people in the shop, you'll be more reassured?" Lei Xiaoyun said again.
Qin Mian explained: "There are already five staffs in the shop, it's enough."
Lei Xiaoyun's face gradually turned cold. "After all that talking, you two just think my son came out of prison, you two look down on him and don't treat us as relatives."
Lei Tie said: "It's aunt who raised a problem for us."
Lei Xiaoyun stood up, composed her expression, and left without saying a word.
Qin Mian shrugged and took Lei Tie out.
After sitting in the central room for a while, the banquet started.
In addition to Lei Xiaoyun's relatives and Dong Daniu's relatives, there were also the villagers they were closed with. All together were four tables of guests; two tables in the central room and two tables in the courtyard.
"Xiaoyun, those two are your nephew and his male wife?" A middle-aged woman sitting next to Lei Xiaoyun pointed to Qin Mian and Lei Tie. She laughed with her mouth covered and her eyes tilted up. She did not feel uncomfortable to do this kind of action at an old age.
Lei Xiaoyun glanced at the other side and dully said: "Yes. Sister Zaohua, eat the dishes. "
Dong Wei frowned and looked at Lei Xiaoyun at the other table.What's going on? Why is mother's attitude like this?
"Two men as husband and wife; Xiaoyun, don't you feel uncomfortable looking at them?" The woman shook her head as she said, "You really… Why did you invite them?"
"Anyone coming is a guest." Lei Xiaoyun said with a smile, "They insist on being together. Although I'm their aunt, I'm still an outsider. What can I say?"
Lei Tie's expression sank. He pulled Qin Mian to his feet, went to Lei Xiaoyun, and said indifferently, "Aunt, it's your younger brother who forced us to get married. An eldest sister is like a mother. If you'd any opinion, why didn't you advise him then?"
Lei Xiaoyun's expression turned rigid.
There was an awkward silence in the courtyard.
Other people's eyes fell on Lei Daqiang's face like needles, turning his face blue.
"We've something else to do, leaving first." Lei Tie pulled Qin Mian and left directly.
Lei Dagang laughed and took a sip of wine leisurely. "Some people become more confused as they get older."
"Lei Dagang, what do you mean?" Lei Daqiang put the chopsticks on the table with a "pa" and asked loudly.
"Heh heh." Lei Dagang gave his grandson a piece of crisp and tender ribs and without lifting his eyes, "I didn't put a name. Anyone who is old and confused knew it himself. Simply by listening to the words of a village sorcerer, he forced his son to marry a man. Ah, it's true that people say,if there's a stepmother, there's a stepfather."
"You" Lei Daqiang could not bear it anymore and raised his fist.
"You want to hit me? Come at me if you can." Lei Dagang also stood up and said in disdain.
Lei Daqiang rushed over, "You're seeking death!"
The person at the side quickly stopped him, "Hey, all of you stop talking!"
The courtyard turned into a scene of chaos.
Note:
The act of misbehaving, insidious and treacherous
065 Henceforth, Celebrate the New Year Together (1)
Neither Qin Mian nor Lei Tie looked back as they drove away in the ox cart.
Qin Mian was sure that it was mostly what Lei Xiaoyun said to others that the woman would say those words.
Due to being rejected, Lei Xiaoyun wanted to take out the matter of him and Lei Tie, making them upset. As the saying went,even the emperor had three poor relatives. It was normal for these relatives to try to get along with them and ask for help. But once the goals could not be achieved, these relatives shot cold arrows behind their backs. These relatives were really detestable.
Lei Tie suddenly said: "Afterwards, no need to come."
"Of course." Qin Mian had no hesitation whatsoever and could not deny his heartache for Lei Tie. Without him, Lei Tie would be lonely now. If these so-called relatives really had feelings, Lei Tie would not have been forced to run away from home in the first place. Later, he would not have been forced to marry a man, let alone forced to leave the house with nothing Now, those people wanted to take advantage of such appellations as "Aunt" and "Uncle", but how could there be such a good thing in this world? Since they did not care about Lei Tie, why should he and Lei Tie care about them?
"Wronged you." Lei Tie said quietly.
It did not matter to Qin Mian, "Theyre just unimportant people to me [w]."
Lei Tie suddenly gripped his (QM) hand. "En, theyre just unimportant people to us [w men]."
There was one more word in the sentence. Qin Mian was taken aback and then smiled briskly, feeling a little nervous and joyful in his heart. This guy cared so much about him.
Upon seeing him smiled, Lei Tie also faintly smiled, "Wife, Im glad to have married you."
Qin Mian was flustered. He looked everywhere at the mountains and the trees but him. He pretended not to hear those.
Lei Tie no longer said anything, simply gripped his hand and raised the whip to speed up.
Afterwards, they would not be alone with the two of them as family.
After the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, it gradually became colder. The cold wind blew like the scrape of blades and whimpered like an angry beast. The water in the pond froze and it was not a problem for adults of more than 100 jin to walk on the ice surface. The water in the well was like ice that every time one fetched water, one had to smash the ice with the bucket first. The sun disappeared for a few days, which seemed that a heavy snow was coming.
As the New Year approached, there was a nursery rhyme singing: "23rd, sacrifice to Kitchen God; 24th, sweep the house; 25th, make tofu; 26th, stew meat; 27th, slaughter rooster; 28th, make dough; 29th, steam mantou; 30th, stay up all night and rejoice on the first day of the New Year."
On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, Qin Mian and Lei Tie went to the town to buy new clothes and New Years goods. Qin Mian was worried that if there really was a heavy snow, it would be unsafe for the staffs with families outside the town to walk home. He gave them a lot of year-end bonus and took annual leave. The business would resume operation on the sixth day of the first month.
Yue Dong was a loner and had no place to celebrate the New Year. At first, Qin Mian hesitated to take Yue Dong home. After being rejected by Lei Tie, he did not mention it again. To be honest, he did not want an outsider to celebrate the New Year with them. Anyway, Zheng Liu warmly invited Yue Dong to spend the New Year at his home and Yue Dong readily agreed.
After handling the matter of the shop, Qin Mian and Lei Tie drove the ox cart home and planned to stay at home without going out before the sixth day of the first month.
It snowed heavily the next day. Large flakes of snow fell like goose feathers, one after another. No more than a moment, a layer of white snow accumulated on the roof, on the branches, on the courtyard walls, and even on the bamboo pole for clothes drying. Soon, a thick layer was also spread on the ground, like a white carpet, spotlessly white.
This was the first snow after he came to another world. Qin Mian dressed like a bear and curiously ran out of the courtyard to look into the distance. The sky and the earth were a vast expanse of white, branches wrapped in snow, crystal clear just like carved out of jade, making the world even more prominently boundless. Snowflakes dissolved all the sounds of the world. When White Spot had enough in the mountain, it ran over joyously like a puppy while howling and leaving a trail of footprints on the snow.
Qin Mian was amused. He grabbed a handful of snow and threw at it.
With a twist of its body, White Spot skillfully avoided it, gave him a proud look, and continued to run happily.
Lei Tie stood quietly not far away and watched for a while before he said, "Go back."
"White Spot, lets go."
When they reached the entrance of the village, they heard cheerful laughter. The mischievous children in the village ran around in the snow, playing snowball fights. Even when they slipped, they were not afraid but giggled instead. They were carefree and without worries.
As soon as Qin Mian entered the room, he climbed on the heatable brick bed. After the twelfth lunar month ushered in, the heatable brick bed was never cold. [its always warm]
White Spot perceptively went to the side of heatable brick bed and lay on its stomach.
And of course, they ate on the heatable brick bed. Since the weather turned cold, they ate hot pot almost every day. Lei Tie had learned to cook hot pot beforehand. When the ingredients were cleaned, they could be eaten as soon as they were cooked in the pot. It was easy, satisfying and hot. Lei Tie was still the one to wash the dishes. Qin Mian hardly had to do anything. He assumed he would gain at least 3 Jin this winter.
24th, sweep the house. The two lived in a new house, so they were lazy and did not clean.
On the 25th, Lei Tie soaked half a bucket of soybeans and went to the tofu workshop in the village to make tofu. In the middle, he found time to come back and brought back a large bowl of soybean milk that tasted rich, mellow and delicious. Half a bucket of soybeans made over 50 Jin of tofu that appeared tender and tasty.
Qin Mian suddenly remembered the delicious fermented tofu. When he was very young, there was often an old man about 60 years old in his village who carried a shoulder pole to sell fermented tofu. The fermented tofu was said to be made by secret method. It was a small square piece with a bright red surface and tasted spicy and sweet-smelling. His grandmother would buy 5 pieces for 5 yuan every time. He particularly loved to eat it. A half a piece of fermented tofu could be eaten with a large bowl of rice.
At that time, he was young and ignorant. He asked the old man how he made the fermented tofu and why it was so sweet-smelling. The old man was also amused. It was probably because he was young, the old man really told him. Later, he told his grandmother the recipe. His grandmother was smart and successfully made the fermented tofu. Now he still remembered how to do it.
"Lei Tie, let's go to the kitchen to make fermented tofu [f r]." Qin Mian jumped off the heatable brick bed and bent down to wear shoes.
Lei Tie looked at him strangely. He was under the impression that his little wife would always be on the heatable brick bed all winter.
He put down his chess piece, "What is f r [fermented tofu]?"
Qin Mian said mysteriously: "It's delicious and goes well with rice."
"Not afraid of the cold?" Lei Tie asked.
"A charcoal brazier will do. Come on." Qin Mian could stand the cold for the sake of delicious food.
Qin Mian asked Lei Tie to wash two empty clay pots and wipe dry the inside. Seeing him holding the dishcloth and reaching into the cold water with his face unchanged, Qin Mian patted him on the shoulder with admiration, pretending to be comforting. "An able man is always busy. You've worked hard."
Lei Tie flicked his index finger and a few drops of clear water splashed on his face.
Qin Mian stared at him while shivering. The man was already doing things with his head bowed, as if nothing had happened. He picked up a cold porcelain plate and pressed it on Lei Tie's face when he was unprepared. When he clearly saw the man's face shivered, he burst into loud laughter.
White Spot, who was lying in the nest, opened its eyes, raised its head and swept a glance towards the kitchen. Then, it closed its eyes again and lay flat.
Qin Mian lighted the fire to make some chili oil and served it in a bowl. After the chili oil cooled down, he added pepper, Sichuan pepper, star anise, measured flour and appropriate amount of rice wine to make a stewed soup for later use.
Next, he asked Lei Tie to take some paddy straws and spread it in the basket. He put a piece of white paper on the basket. The white and tender tofu was cut into square pieces and placed on the paper with even spacing.
After a few days, when the tofu grew mold, Qin Mian sprinkled a layer of salt on the tofu.
Afterwards, he said to Lei Tie: "After about eight days of pickling, put the tofu into an earthen jar, pour in the brine soup, seal it with paper and mud like a wine jar, and it's done. Remind me eight days later."
Lei Tie nodded, "Come over to warm your hands."
"It's the 27th today." Qin Mian sat down by the charcoal brazier and arranged the tasks for the next few days, "Today make dough, stew meat and fry food balls. Tomorrow make steamed buns, dumplings and steam mantou."
Lei Tie said: "So many things? You say, I do."
Qin Mian chuckled, "It's New Year, so you've to be busy to get the feeling of New Year. Although we've a small family, we should be more ceremonious in order not to be looked down upon. There are still three days to go before New Year's Eve." This was the first year after he was reborn, the first year that Lei Tie returned home, and the first year he spent with Lei Tie. He must be well prepared.
Lei Tie remained silent. He tightly held Qin Mian's hands and placed them atop the charcoal brazier to warm together. His deep gaze fell on Qin Mian's face.
Qin Mian tried to pull out his hands, but he could not. Lei Tie's hands were as tight as clamp.
"I'm not leaving, why do you hold so tightly?" Qin Mian asked with a smile.
Lei Tie wanted to ask him if he would ever leave, but he did not ask. He warmed Qin Mian's hands before letting go.
Qin Mian got on his feet, "You make dough, I stew meat."
Lei Tie stood up and scooped out the flour.
Qin Mian boiled water, added seasoning, put the washed ribs, chicken, trotters and large pieces of pork into it, covered the pot, stewed over high heat, and put more large pieces of firewood into the hollow space of the stove. He did not need to worry about it for the time being. These cooked foods were prepared in advance and it could save time by working it out a little bit when entertaining the guests in the first month. At the same time, he could steam sweet potatoes in the pot.
Qin Mian moved a small square table by the charcoal brazier, chopped meat and cut lotus root. It was too cold and everything was ice-cold. His hands were numb with cold. He had to warm by the fire even when he was cutting a few ingredients.
After Lei Tie made the dough, he took the kitchen knife in Qin Mian's hand, cut the ingredients according to his instructions. Very soon, they made three bucket of stuffing which included pork paste, lotus root stuffing and fish paste. Then, they made a bucket of pork balls, a bucket of lotus balls, a bucket of fish balls, and a bucket of sweet potato balls. There was also a bucket of tofu dregs made from tofu. After mixing minced meat and flour, it could be made into tofu dregs balls. It also tasted very delicious. Lotus root balls, sweet potato balls and tofu dregs balls were fried, while pork balls and fish balls were boiled in water.
After the meat in the pot was cooked, Qin Mian sliced a whole chicken and cut a bowl of meat for White Spot. The two of them made do with lunch and continued to be busy in the afternoon.
The smell of fried food balls wafted in the kitchen. This was the taste of New Year.
Looking at the delicious food balls, Qin Mian felt a sense of accomplishment.
On the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, the dough was well prepared. Qin Mian and Lei Tie steamed two pots of mantou, a pot of meat steamed buns, wrapped a tray of dumplings, and fried a basket of dried hemp leaves, dough twists, sangza and dough sticks.
Lei Tie never knew that the New Year could be celebrated so sumptuously. Qin Mian prepared many foods that he had never seen before.
[TL: Me too, Lei Tie.]
Note:
The relatives and friends of the rich are not necessarily all rich
Steamed bun
It refers to the Go board and also means various chess by extension
literally means curtain
The other translation is cannabis leaves [owo]
Sangza [sanzi] is a deep-fried noodles in a twisted pyramid shape
Fried dough twists
066 Henceforth, Celebrate the New Year Together (2)
"How is it?" Qin Mian said with a look as if presenting treasure, "Are they all the things you haven't seen or eaten before?"
Lei Tie put his arm around his (QM) waist and whispered, "I'll never forget this."
Qin Mian did not like his expression of being immersed in memories. He waved a hand and said, "Don't think about the past. The more people dislike you, the more you've to live a hundred, thousand times better than them." He picked up a fried dough twist and put it into Lei Tie's mouth.
Lei Tie's two fingers held the fried dough twist and shook his head, "I didn't think of those people." He had long been indifferent to them. As long as there was his little wife, it was enough for him.
On the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, other villagers were still busy boiling, stir-frying, and deep-frying. Qin Mian and Lei Tie took White Spot to visit Zhang Dashuan and Wu Di's houses.
During the New Year's Day, the households in the village treated their guests with their own fried melon seeds, fried peanuts, and fried broad beans. People who were willing to spend money would buy fried food in the town, or buy some other snacks, dried fruits, and so on.
To save trouble, Qin Mian bought fried melon seeds, fried peanuts, and fried broad beans. That was why he and Lei Tie were so leisurely. Intentionally or unintentionally, the two did not pass by the old house.
In the morning on the 30th of the twelfth lunar month, Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, Lei Xiangzhi, and Lei Chuntao walked into the courtyard gate of Qin Mian's house in cotton-padded jackets, bringing along cold air.
The snow stopped two days ago and started to fall again in the middle of the night yesterday. The accumulated snow could drown up to the ankles. The four Leis walked such a short distance from the old house to Qin Mian's home, but a layer of snow soon fell on them that their heads looked like wearing a white velvet hat.
White Spot ran over and inspected them with a scrutinizing eye before walking away.
The three Lei brothers slapped the snow on their bodies and looked at each other with a wry smile. Supposedly, a house pet resembled its owner. White Spot did not like the people from the old house. It only had a little affection for Lei Chuntao.
"Go inside the bedroom and sit on the heatable brick bed." Qin Mian waved.
As soon as they entered the bedroom, the siblings felt faint warmth and looked around secretly. This was the first time they entered this room.
The bedroom was very spacious. On the left side of the door was a wardrobe and on the right side were a two-person settee and a tea table. There were two brown cushions on the settee. The heatable brick bed was opposite the wardrobe. There were four red bolsters with black stripes and a printed thin blanket casually lying on the heatable brick bed. In the middle of the bed was a small table. On the table were chessboards with no more than a dozen pieces that had just been dropped. There were two cups of hot tea across the chessboard, braving hot steam. On the wall above the bed was a landscape painting and on the right was a bookshelf with some books scattered, one of which was opened and put in the lattice. The room was very clean, but not neatly arranged. Even so, there was a sense of warmth and comfort in the middle of casualness.
"Sit on the bed." Qin Mian let Lei Tie greet them first. He turned around and went out again.
White Spot rubbed its feet on the mat on the floor, leaped up, and landed on the heatable brick bed. Then, it nestled in a corner.
Lei Xiangyi and the others hesitated for a moment before taking off their shoes and climbing up the heatable brick bed. The warmth under the buttocks made them felt so comfortable that they wanted to heave a sigh. Their frozen faces also softened down.
Although they were siblings, after all, between the sexes there should be a prudent reserve. Lei Chuntao did not take off her shoes. She sat on the edge of the heatable brick bed with her legs bent as she touched the warm quilt. She enviously said to Lei Xiangyi: "Brother, if our home makes this kind of heatable brick bed, we don't have to be scared of cold in winter."
Lei Xiangyi rubbed his face after warming his hands on the heatable brick bed, "Yes. When the villagers heard that eldest brother made such a heatable brick bed at home, they even disapproved of it. This winter, I'm afraid that eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law have the most comfortable living in the whole village."
Lei Xiangli shook his head. "At the beginning, father and I mentioned that we should also make a heatable brick bed, but unfortunately mother disagreed." They were very clear that Du Shi was reluctant to spend money.
Lei Xiangzhi pondered: "This kind of heatable brick bed is really practical. When the weather gets warm, I'll convince father and mother. They're getting old. When the heatable brick bed is built, they can have an easy time next winter."
Lei Tie did not join in their conversation and flipped through a book.
Lei Xiangyi and the others were used to his quiet nature and did not mind.
Qin Mian came in with a tray. Lei Tie looked up and put away the chessboard.
Qin Mian put four cups of hot tea on the small table and placed the tray directly on the heatable brick bed.
The four Leis were attracted by the plates of snacks in the tray; a plate of fried hemp leaves garnished with black sesame seeds, a plate of rounded small dough twists, a plate of crisp yellow and attractive sangzis, a plate of plump sweet guozis with visible sugar granules, and a plate of tofu dregs balls with six toothpicks stuck on them.
"What are these, eldest sister-in-law?" Lei Chuntao asked curiously.
Qin Mian took off his shoes and sat down next to Lei Tie. He rubbed his feet next to him to make it warmer. "These are the snacks that Lei Tie and I made together. They're fried hemp leaves, fried dough twist, sangzi and sweet guozi. Tofu dregs ball was originally made for cooking, but it tastes good. I like it very much. You can try them, too. But there's meat in it, you can't eat too much if it's cold." With that, he poked a tofu dregs ball with a bamboo stick and ate it. This kind of food ball was delicious and chewy.
Lei Tie said: "Eat less."
"I know, just eat two." Qin Mian smilingly said, "I still have to leave a space in my stomach to eat better food in the evening."
Lei Xiangzhi also poked a ball and said with a smile: "It seems that we've come to the right place today."
Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, and Lei Chuntao tasted every kind of snack, and they were full of praise.
Lei Xiangyi secretly lamented that although eldest brother married a male wife, his life was much better than them.
"How is the preparation on your side?" Qin Mian asked thoughtlessly.
Lei Xiangyi reached out and took a sangzi, which was crispy and aromatic. "In the middle of stewing the meat. Everything else is ready."
"Is there something for all of you to come here?" Qin Mian went to pick the tofu dregs ball again but was stopped by Lei Tie. He had to put down the toothpick and took a fried hemp leaf to eat.
Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, Lei Xiangzhi, and Lei Chuntao looked at each other. Lei Xiangyi took a look at Lei Tie, drank a sip of hot tea, and said hopelessly: "Father and mother asked you two to over to eat New Year's Eve dinner and celebrate New Year together."
Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie without comment.
Lei Tie said in a low voice: "My wife and I celebrate the New Year in our own home."
Lei Xiangyi and the others did not speak to persuade them but chatted about other topics.
Both Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi were good talkers. Qin Mian was also a glib and nimble talker. He had hundreds of years of knowledge than them. The conversation between them was very lively.
Later, even Lei Tie also occasionally put in a few words. Although he popped up with a few words, he was not being so quiet at last.
Unconsciously, the few plates of food had been completely eaten.
Lei Xiangyi and the others were a little embarrassed. Upon seeing that Qin Mian picked up the tray and was going to load food, they quickly got off the heatable brick bed.
"Don't be busy, eldest sister-in-law. It's almost noon. We should go back." Lei Chuntao said first.
Qin Mian paused and nodded, "Right. Today is New Year's Eve, it's inappropriate to make you stay for lunch. Wait a minute. I'll get some snacks that you can take home for the children."
Lei Xiangyi's heart felt warm. He hastily said: "Thank you, eldest sister-in-law."
Qin Mian found a small wooden bucket and put some of each kind of food into it, adding up to half of the bucket.
On the way back to the old house, Lei Chuntao could not help but take a tofu dregs ball to eat.
Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, and Lei Xiangzhi were unable to restrain their laughter.
Lei Chuntao was embarrassed and said in a low voice: "The tofu dregs ball is really delicious."
Lei Xiangzhi patted her on the head, "Don't worry, there's your share."
Lei Chuntao's face turned pink and promptly waved a hand, "How can I do that? Give Dabao, Erbao, and Xinxin to eat."
Lei Xiangyi also laughed, "What to be embarrassed about? In our eyes, you're also a child."
Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi both nodded with a smile.
Lei Chuntao's lips could not stop rising. She had a few good older brothers.
They stepped on the snow all the way through the door. When Du Shi and Wei Shi saw the bucket in Lei Xiangyi's hands, the look in their eyes changed.
"What are you carrying?" Lei Xiangren was eating melon seeds with his legs crossed. He spat the skin of the melon seeds all over the ground. When he saw them coming back, he went over and reached out a hand.
Lei Xiangyi went to the side to avoid him, "It's given by eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law for the three children to eat."
"Let me see what good things they are." Lei Xiangren approached again.
Lei Xiangyi handed the bucket to Lei Xiangzhi.
"What's wrong with looking? Are you afraid I'll eat it?" Lei Xiangren's tone towards Lei Xiangyi was bad, but he dared not snatch it from Lei Xiangzhi. Although this youngest brother was young, his appearance of fixedly looking at people without saying anything always made people had a guilty conscience.
Afraid of losing out, Zhao Shi called out: "Dabao, Erbao, come here quickly, there is delicious food."
Qian Shi had already come out of the house silently with Xinxin in her arms.
Wei Shi asked Lei Chuntao, "Why don't I see your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law?"
Lei Chuntao responded: "This year is their first year after they got married, it's more appropriate to celebrate the New Year by themselves."
Wei Shi said: "How can this be? It's too lonely for them to celebrate the New Year. Husband, why don't we go there in person?" She asked Lei Daqiang with a smile.
Without waiting for Lei Daqiang to open his mouth, Lei Xiangzhi smilingly said: "Father, little sister is right. This is the first year for eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law after they got married. Let's not bother them. You try the snacks made by eldest sister-in-law and eldest brother."
He gave one for each kind of snacks to Lei Daqiang, Lei Xiangren, Du Shi, Wei Shi, Zhao Shi, and Qian Shi. The rest was divided equally among Lei Dabao, Lei Erbao, and Lei Xinxin. Although the adults felt that these snacks were delicious, they were also embarrassed to compete with the children.
Lei Xiangren felt that the tofu dregs ball was delicious. After eating one, he still wished there was more. He murmured to Zhao Shi in a low voice, "Old Three and the others must have eaten a lot over there. If I knew it earlier, I'd have gone with them just now."
Zhao Shi also nodded, "If I knew, I'd also follow."
Lei Chuntao heard it and silently sneered.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie did not care who got what they gave. After lunch, they took a nap. When they woke up, they played chess for a while and begin to prepare for the New Year's Eve dinner.
After the rice was cooked, it was kept warm on the charcoal stove. The ribs, chicken, meat, trotters, and so on were cooked in advance. After Qin Mian's reprocessing, they were put into the pot to keep warm. Then, he made several dishes that needed to be cooked immediately.
Lei Tie was holding a bowl of sticky paste and a small bamboo brush, sticking the Door Gods and Spring Festival couplets.
Qin Mian ran out while the food in the pot was still cooking and began to admire it from the courtyard gate.
He saw that the couplets at the gate of the courtyard were: "Welcoming The Spring, Welcoming Happiness, Welcoming Riches And Honor"; "Receiving Wealth, Receiving Luck, Receiving Peace". The horizontal scroll was written with "Happy Spring Festival" and there was also a [door] push plate "Peace Wherever You Go".
"The couplets you selected are quite good." Qin Mian praised Lei Tie with a happy smile.
Lei Tie looked at him for a moment with profound meaning. There was an indistinguishable emotion in his dark eyes. He nodded slightly, "They're pretty good."
Qin Mian inexplicably looked at him for a few seconds and stepped into the door.
The side of the well was also pasted with "A Small Stream Flows Far". The Spring Festival couplets in the central room door were as followed: "Sweet-Tempered Family Increases All Kind Of Luck"; "The Peace Word Worth Thousands Of Gold"; and the horizontal scroll wrote "May All Go Well With You". The Spring Festival couplets in the kitchen were also appropriate: "Firewood, Rice, Oil, Salt, Soy Sauce, Vinegar And Tea"; "Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy, Salty And Spicy"; and the horizontal scroll was "All Tastes Of The World". Qin Mian also noticed that there were two additional red "" characters on the wall of the central room, opposite each other at a distance.
Then, he came to the door of their bedroom and saw the contents of the Spring Festival couplets. He could not help but pause and his heart trembled. He was shocked to see the spring couplets in the bedroom:
A harmonious union lasting a hundred years.
Till the seas dry up and the rocks decay, with one heart forever bound
The earth is wide and the sky is high, fly wing to wing
The characters' strokes were like swimming dragons, full of domineering and wanton. The font of these spring couplets was obviously different from the other spring couplets.
Qin Mian had a guess in his heart and stared at Lei Tie, who stood beside him.
Lei Tie was expressionless. His eyes scrutinized the spring couplets and nodded as to emphasize, "The couplets I chose are good."
Qin Mian: ""
Lei Tie turned his head and looked towards the kitchen, "The food is scorched."
Qin Mian looked at him in surprise, "Don't tell me that you wrote these couplets."
—–END OF VOLUME 1—–
Volume 2: Cannot Bear to Part from Each Other
Note:
Literal translation is sweet fruit. A small ball of dough that was fried in melted sugar
Paintings of Door Gods posted on the door during the Lunar New Year. As the guardian spirit of folk beliefs, people put their gods on the door to drive away evil spirits, guard the house and etc.
F = good fortune/happiness/luck
(idiom); two hearts beating as one; (of a couple) inseparable
Vigorous and lively calligraphy
067 Henceforth, Celebrate the New Year Together [3]
Lei Tie's ears were dyed with a layer of light red as he said like nothing was wrong: "It was written by others. I rewrote them when I saw his words were common."
Inwardly, Qin Mian felt both sweet and funny. He just thought that it was impossible for Lei Tie to write such straightforward sentences with his temperament. He was quite amused as he stared at Lei Tie's ear roots. The man who was as cold as a blade edge would blush in embarrassment.
"The food is scorched." Lei Tie pushed him to the kitchen.
Qin Mian looked at him with a smile before entering the kitchen.
Lei Tie took out the red lanternsthat he specially bought and hung them under the eaves of the courtyard gate. He went back to the central room and found scissors to cut wicks for four oil lamps. The room became brighter.
Entering the kitchen, he looked at Qin Mian's back, who focused on cooking. He picked up the charcoal brazier and placed it under the dining table. He moved the charcoals with tongs to make the fire more vigorous.
"Help serve the dishes." Qin Mian shouted, listening to the movement in the dining room.
They served the dishes onto the table. The whole central room was filled with rich aromas. In the middle of the table was a hot pot cooked in a charcoal stove. Meatballs, fish balls, lotus root balls, and tofu dregs balls broiled among the thin slices of meat and the emerald green leaves. Around the hot pot, there were more than a dozen of dishes, such as roasted red spareribs, "perfectly clean" tofu mixed with chopped shallot, "auspicious" chestnuts stewed chicken, "longevity" fried noodles, "surplus every year" two braised carps, "well-rounded" braised pork balls in brown sauce, "a hall of gold and jade" corns, green peas, and diced carrots, crispy shrimps with tea leaves, sliced beef in hot chili oil, flavored duck, and soy sauce marinated streaky pork with bright color and strong aroma, making people salivated.
Lei Tie's eyes twinkled. His wife's cooking was like an inexhaustible treasure. There were surprises almost every day.
Qin Mian cut a large bowl of meat for White Spot. Then, he arranged the tableware, wine cups, and wine jar, and looked at Lei Tie inquisitively, "Worship first?"
Lei Tie nodded. He brought the boiled pig's head in the kitchen to the altar, lit the thick incense joss sticks in two incense burners, knelt down, and reached out to Qin Mian, "Wife, come here."
Qin Mian hesitated for a moment, but still walked over and knelt down side by side with him. Since he could be reborn, who could say that there was no God in this world? He simply knelt and sought peace of mind.
Lei Tie lightly stroked his head, lit a stack of yellow paper, took out three incense joss sticks, and kowtowed three times. In his heart, he silently worshipped gods and deceased relatives, and then inserted the incense joss sticks on the pig's head. It was a simple but prudent sacrifice.
They looked at each other, stood up, and sat next to each other at the table.
"Let's eat," Qin Mian picked up his chopsticks and greedily looked at the delicious food on the table. "If you don't eat it, it'll be cold."
Lei Tie picked up the wine jar and filled two cups with wine. He handed a cup to Qin Mian and raised his cup with his eyes fixedly gazed at Qin Mian. His voice was flat and deep, "Wife, how about celebrating the New Year together henceforth?"
Qin Mian's heart was pounding, making his action of clipping the food stopped. He looked at Lei Tie for a long time and his eyes flickered with the fluctuation of his mood. He did not deny that he had taken this man to his heartand even relied on him in these short months of getting along almost day and night. For him, who thought that his sexual orientation was normal, it was unexpected, but he thought it was reasonable. Lei Tie was very tight-lipped and taciturn to the point that sometimes it made people anxious. But once he put a person in his heart, he treated the person so well that it was hard for the person to resist. This kind of well-treatment was not intended to please, but from the heart naturally and involuntary. It made people addicted to it. Since Lei Tie had protected him in front of Du Shi, roasted chicken drumsticks and corns for him, took him away from the old house, embraced him at night, and taught him martial arts and archery, his concern for Lei Tie grown day by day. There was even more than one occasion that appeared such that he felt it was a good idea to live with Lei Tie. However, could two men really last? He was eager to establish a close relationship with someone in this world so that he could feel that he really existed in this world. Could Lei Tie be this someone?
White Spot gnawed bones loudly, the soup in the hot pot kept gurgling, the fire of the stove was swaying dazedly, and the heat from the charcoal brazier was so warm, but Lei Ties heart was sinking gradually as if it was being drenched by ice and snow. It felt as though he was stabbed. The hand with the wine cup was taken back, his lips were tight, his eyes were drooping, and the black pupils abruptly dimmed.
Qin Mian had a full view of his expression and intense heartache suddenly erupted, pounding his chest with sullen pain. He hastily picked up his wine cup, causing the wine to sprinkle in half. When he clunked it against Lei Tie's cup, a pleasant and crisp sound was heard.
Lei Tie raised his eyes and met a pair of smiling clear eyes.
"It depends on your future performance."
The air of loneliness surrounded Lei Tie's body instantly dissipated and the pleasant surprise in his eyes was so strong that it seemed to overflow. He took up the wine cup and drank it in one gulp with a slight smile on the corners of his lips.
Qin Mian did not expect that he could have such a great influence on Lei Ties mood. He sighed secretly, but at the same time, sweetness swelled in his chest, causing his face to unconsciously display a bright smile.
"If you don't eat the food, itll be cold." After taking a sip of wine, Qin Mian picked up a piece of spareribs and put it into Lei Tie's bowl. It was very natural as if he had done it so many times.
Lei Tie clipped a chicken drumstick from the chicken stewed with chestnuts and put it into Qin Mian's bowl before he picked up the spareribs to eat. The heat rolling in his chest would not disperse for a long time. The wife's cooking was good. The spareribs were crisp and soft that with only a light bite, the meat could be easily separated from the bone.
"These dishes all have auspicious connotations, so every dish should be constant." Qin Mian gave him several dishes in proper sequence: tofu mixed with chopped scallop, chicken stewed with chestnuts, and braised pork balls in brown sauce.
Lei Tie imitated and helped him clipping up dishes, "You also eat."
Qin Mian deliberately ate only seven parts full at noon. At this time, he had a very good appetite. He loosened his belt and engrossed in eating. Noticing the scorching gaze falling on him, he raised his head helplessly, "What are you doing looking at me? Eat yours."
Lei Tie put down his cup, grabbed Qin Mians waist while his right hand pressed on Qin Mians left face. He bowed his head and his hot lips pressed against Qin Mians lips. His bright and deep eyes were opened, looking straight at Qin Mian, as if they could capture his soul.
Qin Mian's heartbeat slowed down a few beats. Nevertheless, he was not a pretentious person. He was only startled. Then, he leaned over and licked Lei Tie's lips curiously without the slightest plan. He even felt a spiral of agitation and anticipation at the bottom of his heart.
Lei Tie's black pupils darkened. He opened his lips and sucked in Qin Mians lips, deepening the kiss. The kiss was neither fast nor slow, but the temperature on the tip of his tongue was getting higher and the stirring force was getting stronger, as though he was trying to swallow Qin Mian's tongue.
Qin Mian raised his head and cooperated clumsily. He could feel that Lei Tie had no experience, and he was secretly happy. The duo groped around and learned within the practice, breathing gradually became more urgent. It was a good while before they separated.
Lei Tie was fully satisfied. He pecked at the corner of Qin Mians lip before letting him go. He dared not look at Qin Mian again as he said in a hoarse voice, "Eat."
Qin Mian glanced at the oil stains on the corners of Lei Ties lips but did not remind him. He laughed silently and scooped out meatballs and tofu dregs balls into his own bowl.
Looking at the wine cup, there was only half a cup of wine left in it. He picked up the wine jar to fill it up and toasted to Lei Tie. "Here, I'd like to propose a toast to you. I wish you'll have good health and may all go well with you this year!"
Lei Tie took a deep look at him and drank it all.
Qin Mian also finished in one gulp.
Lei Tie filled the two wine cups to the brim and raised them, "Toast for me and you. From hereafter, Ill make sure you are always smiling."
Qin Mian hooked his neck and took a hard suck on his face. Then, he clipped a large piece of meat from the fish's belly. After he proficiently picked out the bones from the meat, he enjoyed it with relish. All these dishes were delicious while eating it hot.
Lei Tie was a little stunned. He shook his head and no longer talked. He also sped up his eating action and helped Qin Mian pick up the dishes occasionally.
Both of them ate a large amount of food and it took nearly an hour before they put down their chopsticks. There were still a lot of dishes left. The food would not be easily spoiled in cold weather, so it could be eaten the next day.
"So full." Qin Mian sprawled on his chair, not wanting to move. He took a look at the sand clock on the cabinet. There were two hours before rat hour.
Lei Tie went into the bedroom to take a cloak and fastened it on Qin Mian. He pulled Qin Mian up and led him outside.
"Where to?" Qin Mian did not understand.
Lei Tie remained silent, leading him to walk back and forth on the snowfield without hurries. Qin Mian was worried for nothing; it was walking aroundah.
White Spot also followed them outside and looked at them inexplicably. As if it was disgusted with them for eating to the bursting point, it drilled back home through its exclusive hole in the wall.
Qin Mian stared at the hole in the wall speechlessly. They were being despised? Despised by a wolf?
After walking for a long time, Lei Tie stroked Qin Mians cold face and led him back to the house.
Qin Mian dragged the charcoal brazier to the edge of the settee and lay on the settee.
Lei Tie took the leftovers into the kitchen and wiped the table clean. He came out of the kitchen after he washed the dishes, "Go wash up."
Qin Mian entered the house after he brushed his teeth. Lei Tie had already poured the water for face wash and put the footbath basin aside. He also had taken two pairs of brand-new cotton slippers from the bedroom.
After the duo washed their faces, they poured hot water into the footbath basin.
Qin Mian took off his shoes and socks. He put his feet into the basin to soak, expelling the cold and improving blood circulation.
Lei Tie moved a chair and put it opposite of Qin Mian. He took off his shoes and socks and put his feet in the footbath basin.
Qin Mian's ears felt hot. He tried to keep his face from showing any signs.Already kissed, what's the big deal of taking a bath together?
Lei Tie's eyes flashed a smile and his two big feet stepped on Qin Mian's feet.
Qin Mian glared at him and moved his feet away, causing the water to slosh.
Lei Tie's feet did not chase after his, but his eyes did not move away from Qin Mians face.
Qin Mian was also looking at Lei Tie. This man was really good-looking. His handsome face was prominently angular like being carved by a blade. His forehead was broad, his eyebrows were thick, and his eye sockets were a little deep, making his black pupils more profound and bright. Under the tall bridge of his nose, his lips were also beautiful. The two thin lips made the rigidity on his face even stronger. Qin Mian was glad that Lei Tie had a scar on his face. Otherwise, he did not how many young girls would adore him.
Thinking so, he could not help laughing.
"What are you laughing at?" Lei Tie asked.
"Nothing." Of course, Qin Mian would not tell.
068 Into the First Lunar Month
The heat of the water gradually dissipated. Lei Tie handed a blue foot towel to Qin Mian and picked up his gray foot towel to wipe his feet.
After Qin Mian went to the latrine to piss, he washed his hands and came into the bedroom. He had asked Sister Zhang in advance about the various taboos on the first day of the first lunar month. On the first day of the first lunar month, he should avoid opening drawers and closets, so as not to let wealth and fortune slip away. He opened the wardrobe and picked out the new clothes, shoes, and socks that he and Lei Tie would wear the next day.
Lei Tie locked the doors and windows before coming in.
"Come, play chess." Qin Mian clapped his hands. They could not just sit there while staying up late on New Year's Eve. They had to find something to do to kill time.
Lei Tie took out the chessboard and set it up.
"You must let me put some pieces." Qin Mian's level of playing chess was average, thus he said unceremoniously.
Lei Tie nodded.
In the beginning, Qin Mian could still play very smoothly. After every filewas filled with pieces, he spent more and more time thinking. His sitting posture also changed from cross-legged to sitting diagonally, with the left arm resting on the short-legged table. His two legs stretched out with the two feet folded together, shaking. The appearance of his head down and frowning as he was thinking looked very charming.
Lei Tie's eyes glanced at his bare feet. He reached out to hold one and gently kneaded it.
Qin Mian raised his head and took a glance at the man. He tried to take back his feet but was unsuccessful and let the man had his way. Once again, he thought for a moment about dropping a piece.
Lei Tie thoughtlessly picked up a white chess piece and made a move. He looked back at Qin Mian's foot. There was no flaw on his white feet and the smooth nails glimmered smoothly under the light. His five-toe bones held up obvious protuberances. It was still too thin that he could not help pinching.
Qin Mian looked at the chessboard and acted if nothing happened, while his face was getting warmer.What's with pinching a smelly foot?
As the temperature in his palm rose, Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian and found out that he was uncomfortable. He leaned close across the short-legged table, lowered his head, and pecked Qin Mian on the cheek.
The atmosphere was too ambiguous. Qin Mian pushed his head aside and said with a deadpan face, "Play chess properly."
Lei Tie pinched his foot again and let go.
Qin Mian quickly retracted his feet.
It was a long night. Qin Mian could not endure it and yawn.
Lei Tie put the picked chess pieces back onto the chessboard. "Go to sleep."
Qin Mian shook his head, "Staying up with you." This was their first New Year's Eve. He did not want to leave a trace of regret.
Lei Tie moved the short-legged table away, put his arms around Qin Mian, and wrapped both of them with a quilt, "Sleep. I'll call you when its time."
"Alright." Qin Mian stroked his scarred cheek and drew his hand back into the quilt. He leaned against Lei Ties chest, closed his eyes, and fell asleep in a daze.
It was unknown how much time had passed when a cluster of firecrackers crackled outside.
White Spot, who was sleeping soundly, jumped up suddenly. It looked around alertly, shook its head, and lay down again.
Qin Mian opened his sleepy eyes and asked vaguely, "It's the right time of rat hour?"
"En." Lei Tie got up and wrapped him tightly in the quilt. "I'll set off firecrackers."
Qin Mian watched him go out. Soon, there was a deafening sound of firecrackers in the courtyard, crackling. It took a long time before it stopped. The village seemed to be awakened as bursts of firecrackers sounded one after another, from far or near. The regular sound of fireworks exploding from farther away could also be heard.
Qin Mian's sleepiness was blown away. He took off his thick clothes, yawned, crawled back to his old position, and covered himself with the quilt.
It took more than two momentsfor the village to regain its tranquillity.
Lei Tie blew out the light, undressed, climbed up the heatable brick bed, and fished out the person into his embrace.
Qin Mian groped for Lei Ties face in the dark, went closer, and kissed him on the lips, "Happy New Year."
After they talked about it, a lot of things were done naturally.
Lei Tie clasped Qin Mians nape and deepened the kiss, "Happy New Year."
"Good night." Qin Mian adjusted his sleeping posture and closed his eyes.
However, Lei Tie was not sleepy. He stroked his wife's back through his meager thin underclothes and sniffed at him. His wifes smell was more intense than ever before, infecting his bodys temperature to turn into fiery hot. With one hand, he pressed his wife's waist close, allowing them to stick to each other intimately, while the other hand could not help reaching to the fleshy part of the hips.
The palm of his hand was suddenly grabbed, and at the same time, it was pinched hard.
Qin Mian said languidly: "I'm only 15 years old."
Lei Tie's hand returned to Qin Mians waist. He sealed Qin Mians lips, sucking and kissing him fiercely. He difficultly gasped for breath a few times before gradually calmed down and patted Qin Mians back, "Sleep."
Qin Mian put his arm on Lei Ties waist, kept his body unmoving, and soon fell asleep.
It was a good sleep all night.
When they got up in the morning, they put on new clothes. Qin Mian also tied a red cloth strip around White Spots neck.
The leftovers were put inside the wok to heat up, and they went out together. The snow had stopped, but the accumulated snow had not melted at all. With every step of foot, it echoed with "zizi", and there were overlapping and disordered footprints everywhere. The wind was even more prominently gloomy and cold.
On the way, the villagers who were going to other villagers' homes to pay New Year's greetings, whether they were in good terms or not, all smiling and saying "Happy New Year" to each other.
A bloomingyoung girl hid behind her parents. Seeing Qin Mian from afar, she secretly blushed with her heart palpitated. Inadvertently, she met Lei Ties gaze as sharp as a blade, and hurriedly lowered her head.
In the old house of the Lei Family, the younger generations were kowtowing to the elders as they paid the New Years greeting. The happy laughter and cheerful voices were incessant.
Lei Daqiang, Du Shi, and Wei Shi were all sitting in the upper position. Lei Daqiang wore an olive-green cotton-padded jacket printed with the character "". Thanks to Wei Shi's care for him these days, his face was ruddy and his complexion was excellent. He looked four to five years younger than before. Du Shi wore a cloud bunon her head, a silver hairpin on the left, and a golden dangling ornament on the right. She also dressed in a new suit. Her red cotton-padded jacket matched with purple flowers slitskirt made her face looked very friendly. Wei Shi was the most eye-catching. She had a snake bunon her head decorated with dark-green and bluish-green tassels. In between raising her hands and stamping her feet, subsequently, the earrings embellished with precious stones clipped on her ears gently swayed. Her suit of light blue cheongsam perfectly outlined her beautiful waist matched with a bright redbeizi. Her whole person looked charming. From time to time, Lei Daqiang took a look at her.
After Qin Mian and Lei Tie entered the door, everyone's eyes involuntarily fell on them. They secretly sucked in a breath at the appearance of these two handsome men.
Lei Tie tied his hair with jasper hoops with his long black hair scattered behind his back. He wore a long indigo satin cotton-padded robe and a wide red belt to express the New Year's joy. On the outside, he was covered in a black coat with a lockstitch border of golden thread cloud patterns. The garment against his tall stature made him look majestic and extravagant. Although Qin Mian was young, his figure was tall. He wore a cloud brocadecotton-padded robe embroidered with white bamboo leaves. On his waist, there was also a red belt embellished with a bulging embroidered pouch. He wore a black cloak of thigh-length sewn with velvety white fox fur on the edge. His whole person looked out of the world.
As the son and the daughter-in-law, they kowtowed to Lei Daqiang, Du Shi, and Wei Shi.
"Father, mother, little mother, we wish you all Happy New Year."
Lei Daqiang was in a good mood, "Alright, alright, get up quickly."
Du Shi responded with an "en" in neither salty nor indifferent tone.
Wei Shi invited Qin Mian and Lei Tie to sit down and have tea, melon seeds, and fried peanuts.
The Lei brothers and sisters-in-law came over with three children to wish them Happy New Year.
The three mischievous kids knelt down on the ground, kowtowed, cheerfully grinned, and crisply yelled: "Happy New Year to Eldest Uncle and Eldest Auntie."
On the surface, Qin Mian was smiling but inside, his heart convulsed. He touched the heads of the three mischievous kids and put a red envelope for each of them in their pockets.
Zhao Shi secretly opened her two sons red envelopes and counted the money inside, which was 16 Wen. She put them away with a smile. The average people gave money to relatives' younger generation was 6 Wen. Qin Mian and Lei Tie had money to open a shop, which in Zhao Shis point of view, they were rich people. If they only gave 6 Wen, she would have something to say.
Qian Shi only secretly weighed Lei Xinxin's red envelope. Her pursed lips smiled as she put it away.
After sitting for a while, Qin Mian and Lei Tie got up and went to Lei Dagang's house.
Lei Dagang had opinions towards Lei Daqiang but held no prejudice against Lei Daqiang's children. His wife treated Qin Mian and Lei Tie very warmly.
Qin Mian gave each of their children a red envelope, which also contained 16 Wen.
After coming out of Lei Dagang's house, they went non-stop to other elders' and their peers' houses to pay New Year's greetings. The first place they went to was Li Zheng'shouse.
Qin Mian was eloquent and had a good time talking with Li Zheng. Li Zheng's wife also praised him and Lei Tie for their good looks.
After walking around the village, they returned home. They opened their gate/doorand put all kinds of snacks on the table, waiting for the village's peers and younger generations to visit their house for New Year. This was etiquette. As for whether people were willing to come or not, it could not be forced on them.
Before long, a few little turnip headsin new clothes came in with cheerful laugh. The few of them all wore a small redao, looking so happy. They were led by Xiao Hu and Gou Dan.
"Uncle Lei, Uncle Qin, Happy New Year!"
Lei Tie nodded lightly.
Qin Mian led them into the house with a smile and gave each of them a small red envelope, which contained 1 Wen. It was the custom of the village and only intended to be auspicious. He pointed to all kinds of snacks on the table, "See anything you like, grab it yourself."
The children's eyes lit up and started to drool. They ran to the table cheerfully, grabbed a handful of snacks, and stuffed them in their pockets. They did not even notice the small red envelopes in their pockets fell on the ground.
Qin Mian amusingly took them to pick up the red envelopes and put them back in their pockets.
Xiao Hu was the most polite kid. He shouted "thank you Uncle Qin" before he ran to grab the sweet guozis.
Every little kid had their pockets filled up before leaving contentedly.
The adults and children came to pay New Year's greetings one after another. Less than an hour later when no one came to visit, Qin Mian and Lei Tie had breakfast.
The lively first day of the New Year passed like this.
The second day of the first month was the day when a wife returned to her parent's home.
Early in the morning, the sound of packing up things and berating children to not dirtying their new clothes could be heard from several nearby households. Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian and was about to speak, but said nothing.
Qin Mian was puzzled for a long time before he reacted and said to Lei Tie with a severe expression: "I really don't remember my parents."
Lei Tie embraced Qin Mians waist, bowed his head, and kissed on his lips, "Today, Im going to pay New Year's greetings to my maternal grandparents. You stay at home. I'll take you when the snow melts."
Qin Mian was surprised, "Is your maternal grandfather still alive? It's the first time I've heard about it from you."
Lei Tie was silent for a moment. "My maternal grandparents are alive. My maternal grandfather, grandmother, and second uncle are very kind to me. When I ran away from home, they secretly gave me one silver tael, and two silver taels when we split from the family."
Qin Mian felt rather odd, "They didn't come to our house warming…"
Lei Tie said: "My maternal grandparents live with Eldest Uncle. Eldest Uncle didn't like me marrying a man and Second Aunt always felt that Im a burden to Second Uncle."
Qin Mian understood and stood up, "I'm going to prepareNew Year's gifts for grandpa, grandma, and Second Uncle."
He prepared generous New Years gifts for Lei Tie's maternal grandparents. Fish balls, meatballs, lotus root balls, and tofu dregs balls were wrapped in one paper bag. Fried dough twists, sangzasand fried hemp leaves were hard for the elderly, but they tasted good when cooked with other dishes so each was packed with some. Each of the pheasant and hare that Lei Tie hunted were also wrapped separately. Moreover, there were also two kinds of soft snacks. All of these things filled a basket to the brim.
The New Year's gifts to the second uncle were neither meager, which was a packet of hot pot seasoning, a bag of tofu dregs balls, and a pheasant.
All the way, Lei Tie watched Qin Mian wrapped them all with oiled paper, and his chest felt warm. "Two paternal aunts will come today. If they come in, you just entertain them and don't care about other things."
"Don't worry, I can't afford to lose." Qin Mian said, unconcerned. In this era, etiquette and reputation were highly valued, unless there was deep-seated hatred that could completely cut off the relationship between relatives. Otherwise, it was not good to speak out. Henceforth, they would not cut off contact with Lei Xiaoyun's family, but merely maintaining feelings on the outside would suffice.
Lei Tie drove the ox cart out. Qin Mian stayed at home alone, snacking on melon seeds while reading a book. He did not feel bored. At noon, he solved all the meals they had not finished on New Years Day. He did not treat himself badly at all.
Lei Tie hurriedly came back after lunch at his eldest uncle's home.
Note:
1] Cloud Bun
2] Snake Bun
3] Slit Skirt (Horse-faced Skirt)
069 Maternal Grandparents' Home
In the afternoon, Lei Xiangren brought Lei Dabao and Lei Erbao over, and invited Qin Mian and Lei Tie to go to the old house for dinner Lei Xiaoyun's family and Lei Xiaofeng's family had come. Lunch would be at Lei Dagang's, and dinner would be at Lei Daqiang's.
Lei Tie refused.
Lei Xiangren curled his lips and did not say anything. He helped Lei Dabao and Lei Erbao to put the fried dough twists and sweet guozis in the dishes into their pockets, while he grabbed two pieces of sangzas before leaving in a hurry with his two children.
On the third day of the first month, Lei Daqiang and Lei Dagang went to Lei Xiaoyun's house to pay New Year's greetings. Qin Mian stayed at home, while Lei Tie went with them. After the New Year's gifts were delivered, he did not stay for a meal and returned alone. Upon seeing Qin Mian sitting in front of the table with the dishes and tableware waiting for him, and White Spot also looking at the direction of the gate, Lei Tie's heart was extremely secured.
On the fourth day of the first month, the Lei Family went to Lei Xiaofeng's house to pay New Year's greetings. Lei Tie had lunch at Lei Xiaofeng's house. Lei Xiaoyun ranted and raved at Lei Tie, but he kept silent. Lei Xiaoyun could do nothing about it.
On the sixth day of the first month, Lei Tie reminded Qin Mian to add brine to the fermented tofu. Qin Mian sealed the earthen vessels after adding brine. He solemnly put the two earthen vessels in a corner of the kitchen and waited for a year to open.
On the seventh day of the first month, the Lei's kinsfolk made an appointment to visit Lei Tie's home. Lei Dagang's, Lei Daqiang's, and Lei Xiaofeng's families all came. Lei Xiaoyun's family did not come, nor did she send a New Year's gift. Qin Mian and Lei Tie did not care about it.
After the tenth day of the first month, the custom of receiving guests basically ended, and the villagers began to invite the people they were on friendly terms to dinner. Qin Mian and Lei Tie also ran around for a day to invite Li Zheng's family, Zhao Wenzhong's family (who had rented them a house), Zhang Dashuan's family, Grandpa Jiang and Wu Di to have dinner at home. The following day, Zhao Wenzhong, Zhang Dashuan, Grandpa Jiang, and Wu Di returned the hospitality. With these exchanges, the relationship between them had become closer. It was not strange to say that men's friendship came from the wine table.
The weather was getting warmer, yet it was still very cold in the house. However, standing under the sun for a while could get one's body burning hot.
On the twelfth day of the first month, the accumulated snow had completely melted, the warm sun hung high in the sky, and the ground was 80% dry. Lei Tie and Qin Mian prepared gifts and went to Deng's Village to visit Lei Tie's maternal grandparents.
Lei Tie drove the oxcart, while Qin Mian sat next to him eating melon seeds.
"Grandpa, grandma, and second uncle are very good people, don't worry." Lei Tie suddenly popped out a sentence.
Lei Tie did not mention his eldest uncle, eldest aunt, and second aunt. Qin Mian thought about it and knew what was going on. He put a melon seed kernel in his mouth, "Do you see me looking like I'm worried?" Also, he was not really 15 years old.
Lei Tie tightly held his hand and took a bite of his finger.
Upon seeing that they were almost there, Qin Mian wiped his mouth, took out a bamboo cup to rinse his mouth, fixed his clothes, and patted off the melon seed shells that had accidentally fallen on Lei Tie's clothes.
At the entrance of Deng's Village, an old couple about 60 years old stood under a tree while raising their heads and looking around, seemingly expecting something. The old man had grey hair and a grey beard and looked very spirited. The old lady had a head full of silver hair, rosy complexion, and slightly stout. These two old people were exactly Old Master Deng and Old Madam Deng.
Lei Tie saw them and said to Qin Mian, "That's grandpa and grandma."
Qin Mian was slightly moved, "They must be here every day to wait for you. Otherwise, it's impossible to know that we're coming today."
"They're really good people," said Lei Tie.
The old couple also saw them, and a happy smile appeared on their wrinkled faces. The old lady even beckoned them to her side. Qin Mian could not help remembering his grandparents.
"Grandpa, grandma." Lei Tie jumped out of the cart, nimbly knelt down, and kowtowed.
Qin Mian did not hesitate to kneel on his side, "Happy New Year to grandpa and grandma."
"It's fine, get up quickly. Don't dirty your clothes." Old Madam Deng lifted Qin Mian up and looked at him. Seeing that the child was clean and his eyes were bright, she immediately took a liking to him. She took out a red envelope from her sleeve pocket and put it into Qin Mian's hand. She said with a smile, "This is a little bit of grandma's regard. Keep it."
"Thank you, grandma!" Qin Mian had a way to get along with the oldies. He did not refuse and took it into his bosom pocket in easy-mannered. Then, he held the old lady's arm and raised his eyebrow at Lei Tie with a smile, "I have, but you don't. Quickly give a smile, maybe grandma will give you a red envelope."
Lei Tie looked at him helplessly and indulgently, still unable to smile.
Upon seeing that Qin Mian was teasing deliberately, the old lady laughingly said: "I won't give even if he smiles. He's an adult."
"I'll give grandma a smile." With that, Qin Mian smiled at the old lady.
The old lady was so happy that the wrinkles on her face deepened. "Alright, grandma will give you another red envelope."
Qin Mian took it with a grin and passed it to Lei Tie. "Here, don't be angry with me."
The old lady laughed even more happily.
The old man put his hands behind his back as he watched with cold detachment. He had not acknowledged Qin Mian.
Qin Mian did not care much about it. No one could make everyone like them.
At this time, White Spot jumped out of the cart, walked to Qin Mian, rubbed against his leg, and ran ahead.
Qin Mian quickly called it, "White Spot, don't run around."
White Spot looked back at him and ran back obediently.
The old man stared at White Spot. A spark flashed in his eyes and he asked Qin Mian, "Is this a wolf?"
Qin Mian was startled and said, "Grandpa doesn't have to worry. It's very clever and won't hurt people on its own initiative.
The old man nodded and his expression softened. He said to him (QM), "Let's go home."
Qin Mian was puzzled by his inconsistent attitude, but it was a good thing that the old man was willing to give him a good face. He supported the old lady to walk at the front and Lei Tie led the ox with the old man to walk at the rear.
When the old lady asked Qin Mian how old he was and where he was from, Qin Mian answered truthfully.
They went to Eldest Uncle Deng's house first. Eldest Uncle Deng and his wife had three children. The eldest and the second were both daughters, and both were married. The only son, Deng Quan, was also married with two children; a boy ] and a girl ]. Both happened to make up a "" character. Their names were Kunzai and Xiya.
When they paid New Year's greetings to Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt, Eldest Aunt appeared very warm, but Eldest Uncle looked very cold.
The two children came to kowtow to Qin Mian and Lei Tie. Qin Mian gave Kunzai a red envelope of 16 Wen and a small wooden sword and gave Xiya the same red envelope and a hair string. Lei Tie was careless. He failed to mention preparing gifts for the children before the New Year. The wooden sword was what Qin Mian asked him to make while he found the red hair string from the space. In fact, it was a shoelace from a pair of new shoes that he had not had time to wear. It was a mixture of blue, purple, red, and yellow threads. It was novel and unique, which could not be found in this era. The shoelaces were very long. Qin Mian had divided the two shoelaces into four parts. In any case, besides him, no one knew that they were shoelaces.
Xiya liked the "hair string" very much. She thanked him happily and urged her mother to tie it on her head into a bowknot. It looked very beautiful.
After moving the gifts out of the cart, Qin Mian and Lei Tie went to the second uncle's house.
Second Uncle Deng was kinder than Eldest Uncle Deng. While Second Aunt was polite to the point of alienation, she did not make things difficult for Qin Mian and Lei Tie. The couple had a daughter and two sons. The daughter was married; the eldest son Deng Zhong had a son and a daughter; the youngest son Deng Xiao had a son and two daughters. Qin Mian was impartial. The five children's gifts were the same as those of Kunzai and Xiya. The reaction of the three girls was almost the same as Xiyas. They happily tied the hair string to their hair.
Second Uncle Deng was a thoughtful man. As soon as he saw that the red envelopes and the gifts were given by Qin Mian, he guessed that Qin Mian was in charge of Lei Tie's household. He concluded that the two of them had a good relationship. He patted Lei Tie on the shoulder and said in a low voice, "No matter what is going on with you two, live well henceforth, and your mother can also be at ease in the Nether World."
Lei Tie said: "He is my wife." His tone was flat but firm.
Second Uncle Deng was stunned and sighed silently. He squeezed Lei Tie's shoulder hard, "You're an adult, and you've your own ideas. Second Uncle only wishes that everything goes well with you."
Qin Mian sat across them at the table, seemingly drinking tea, but actually was listening to them. He caught sight of a carrying pole and a small wooden rack in the corner. On the wooden rack hung wooden people, sewing kits, small embroidered pouches, and other small things. He asked, "Second Uncle, those are…"
Second Uncle chuckled, "Brother Tie didn't tell you? I'm a trader."
Qin Mian's heart skipped a beat. He took a look at Lei Tie and said to Second Uncle Deng, "Have you tasted the fried hemp leaves, fried dough twist, and sangza sent by Lei Tie last time?"
Second Uncle Deng nodded, "Yes, it tasted good. The children like them very much."
Qin Mian faintly smiled and said to Lei Tie: "We give the recipes of fried dough twist, sangza, fried hemp leaves, and sweet guozi to Second Uncle."
Second Uncle Deng was startled and hurriedly said, "There's no need to!"
Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian deeply, "Listen to you."
Second Uncle Deng still had something to say but Qin Mian interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "Second Uncle, don't refuse. We don't plan to make money with these snacks. At most, we usually make some for ourselves. These snacks are not complicated to make. They are very suitable to be sold from house to house. Plus, the production cost is not high. Although Second Uncle won't make a big fortune, you can still make a small profit relying on freshness."
"This…" Second Uncle Deng twisted his hands, still thinking he did not deserve it, "How about this: after earning money, I'll share it with you."
Qin Mian smiled, "Second Uncle had reached out a helping hand to Lei Tie. Lei Tie and I remember it in our hearts. Is Second Uncle unwilling to give us a chance to repay you?"
Lei Tie also said, "Second Uncle, don't refuse anymore. My wife always keeps his words, and I listen to him."
Second Uncle Deng laughed in spite of himself. These two children; Qin Mian returned the favor on behalf of Lei Tie, while Lei Tie praised Qin Mian in front of him.
Both did it for the other's sake.
Speaking of it, if he refused, he would be regarded as an outsider. Thus, Second Uncle Deng nodded, "In this case, Second Uncle shamelessly accepted."
Qin Mian described the process of the snacks in detail, and Second Uncle Deng attentively committed to memory.
After sitting there for a while, Qin Mian and Lei Tie returned to Eldest Uncle Deng's house. Lunch was arranged at Eldest Uncle Deng's house.
When Second Aunt learned that Qin Mian had given Second Uncle Deng a few recipes, she adopted a better impression of Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Lunch at the table was very peaceful, and there was nothing unpleasant about it.
After lunch, the old lady pulled Qin Mian and Lei Tie to chatter endlessly.
It turned out that in the first two years after the death of Lei Tie's biological mother, Deng Shi, Old Master Deng, Old Madam Deng, Eldest Uncle, and Second Uncle were very concerned about Lei Tie. They would visit him every two months and send him some self-made clothes, shoes, and socks. But with Lei Xiangren's birth and Du Shi's instigation, Lei Daqiang's heart was more inclined towards Du Shi. At the same time, something happened in the Deng Family Eldest Uncle Deng and Second Uncle Deng split up. Eldest Uncle Deng was the eldest son, so the old parents followed him. On one side were the son and grandchildren, while the other side was the only grandson. Eldest Aunt believed that the old lady was partial, and she made quite a lot of mocking words. Second Aunt was not bad, but she was very stingy. She could not bear to see Second Uncle thinking of Lei Tie, and they always fought at home because of Lei Tie. These three reasons led to the complete neglect of young Lei Tie, who ultimately ran away from home.
After saying so much, what the old lady meant was to hope that Qin Mian and Lei Tie would not hate them.
Lei Tie shook his head to mean that he did not.
Qin Mian also did not think of that to the Deng family. Lei Tie was forced to run away from home, and the main culprits were his own father Lei Daqiang and Du Shi. Despite the kinship, the Deng Family was the maternal grandparents' home. They were indeed not to blame.
Now, Lei Tie had grown up smoothly and had a small family. There was no need to worry about some small things in the past.
Dinner was at Second Uncle's house, and Second Aunt was very enthusiastic.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie knew that it had something to do with the recipes.
After dinner, the sun had set. The two went home bathed in the sunset glow.
Lei Tie had drunk wine a little too much and held Qin Mian's hand without letting go. Qin Mian worried that if he let the man drive the cart, the oxcart would run into the ditch, and so he drove the cart himself.
"Wife," Lei Tie leaned against Qin Mian's shoulder, and the puff of wine-smelling breath blew in his ear, "I always remember the day I left home…"
070 It's Good To Be A Landlord
Qin Mian held on his waist to prevent him from falling.
"I secretly went to see grandpa and grandma for the last time, but they found out and let little uncle catch up to give me a silver tael. Without this silver tael, perhaps Lei Tie would not have existed in this world. I took this one silver tael all the way north…"
Qin Mian turned his head and looked at his eyes carefully, "Are you sober?"
Lei Tie embraced him, "Very sober."
"You never mentioned that decade, and I thought you didn't want to tell me." Qin Mian looked at him with a faint smile. His heart was at ease.
"I won't hide anything from you." Lei Tie pinched his chin, pecked his lips lightly, and took over the ox's rope, "I don't know where to start before. In those days…"
Qin Mian listened carefully.
It was not until they reached home that Lei Tie's story finished. Qin Mian was still in shock. He forgot to get out of the cart and was carried down by Lei Tie, who led him into the house and sat him down on the settee.
He absolutely never thought that Lei Tie's ten years were so complicated, so hot-blooded, so wonderful, and so hard.
It was no wonder he never mentioned the past.
Standing at the door of the kitchen, Qin Mian watched Lei Tie sitting in front of the stove, making a fire to boil water. He walked over, squatted down, and hugged him. Knowing Lei Tie's past, he felt even more heartache for Lei Tie, while his heart felt closer to Lei Tie. At the same time, he felt a little uneasy. Lei Tie was frank with him, but he did not immediately want to tell Lei Tie about the space. It had nothing to do with trust, but rather due to caution.
"Actually, I've hidden something from you"
Lei Tie embraced his waist, slanted his head, and sealed lips. Then, he continued to watch the fire and his expression was as usual, "I know. I'll wait until the day you want to tell me."
Qin Mian was both relieved and disappointed. Lei Tie did not ask his secret which made him think that the man did not care about him. It was such a contradictory mood. However, they still had a long time and a good of many things did not actually have to be rush.
"When it's 15th of the eighth lunar month, you'll really teach me…" Qin Mian thought of the most important thing Lei Tie had said, and he could not control his excitement. His heartbeat sped up and his blood boiled.
Lei Tie nodded, "15th of the eighth month is the best time."
Qin Mian hugged the man's head and kissed him.
Lei Tie threw away the tongs in his hand, held Qin Mian's waist in both hands, and lifted him up. He put the person wholly into his arms and let him straddled on his thighs. Lips and tongues easily seized the initiative.
The wine smell in Lei Tie's mouth had not yet dispersed, filling Qin Mian's entire mouth. Qin Mian's body felt weak, his arms wound around Lei Tie's neck, and he responded with all his strength, not to be outdone. Because his body was inferior to Lei Tie, he was soon defeated. He could only rely on Lei Tie's arms to support his upper body.
"Just wait …" Lei Tie's lips spilled these muffled and husky words, and his tongue writhed more intensely as his right palm rubbed Qin Mian's nape and back through his cotton-padded robe.
Qin Mian forcefully pushed him away. His pair of eyes stared at Lei Tie as he slightly gasped, and somewhat helplessly said, "My butt hurts being roasted." In the first place, Lei Tie was close to the stove's hearth, and he was much closer to it being in Lei Tie's arms.
Lei Tie reached out his hand to feel it and it was really burning hot. He was stunned. Only a deep and happy laugh rolled out of his throat, "Hahaha…"
"What's so funny" Qin Mian looked at him and lost his mind. This man was really handsome. When he did not smile, he looked very hard to approach. When he laughed, starlight seemed to be able to fly out of his unshakable eyes, and the corners of his lips incited enigmatic curvatures, which made people unable to shift their gazes.
Lei Tie did not let Qin Mian go but shifted the wooden stump under his butt farther away from the stove while looking at his expression. Since his wife woke up from a coma, he had never shown any fear and disgust for the scar on his face. To be more precise, the scar on his face seemed non-existence in his wife's eyes.
The water had boiled. After finishing personal hygiene, Lei Tie led Qin Mian back to the bedroom, and then he squatted in the corner of the wall and broke away a brick on the wall with his hand.
"What are you doing?" Climbing the bed, Qin Mian threw off the sandals on his feet and asked in confusion
Lei Tie took out a flat brown wooden box from the crack of the brick and put the brick back in. He handed the wooden box to Qin Mian and motioned him to have a look.
Qin Mian opened the wooden box suspiciously. There was a stack of paper inside. After a glance, he stood up and said, "Silver banknotes? One, two, three Three sheets of 10,000 taels silver banknote, a sheet of 5,000 taels silver banknote, and five sheets of 1,000 taels silver banknote. A total of 50,000taels?"
Lei Tie nodded.
Qin Mian sneered, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and looked condescendingly at Lei Tie, "Since it's hidden so tightly, why give it to me?"
Lei Tie sat beside him and pulled him to sit down. He said in a low voice, "I didn't it to give you before because I was afraid you would run away."
The corner of Qin Mian's mouth twitched. He looked up and thought about it. If Lei Tie gave the money to him in the days when he had just transmigrated and was penniless, he might have taken the money. But he would not take it all away. He would have taken at least a thousand taels.
Qin Mian deliberately said, "Right now, I may also run aw"
His words had yet finished, his body suddenly felt heavyhe was firmly pressed on the bed by Lei Tie.
Lei Tie's left hand pressed his (QM) right wrist, while his right hand locked his (QM) left wrist. His dark eyes firmly fixed on him (QM) as he said in a deep voice, "No matter where you run, I'll find you."
Qin Mian chuckled, raised his left hand, and stroked Lei Tie's nape, "I'm joking. Since you don't like living in the town, we'll go to Li Zheng to buy more land tomorrow. Get up. I'll hide the money."
Lei Tie turned over and lay on the bed with his hands pillowed his head as he watched Qin Mian opening the wardrobe and then the secret chest inside with satisfaction on his face. In his (LT) deep and serene eyes, there was a trace of a doting smile.
Qin Mian did not feel relieved at all when he left such a large sum of money at home. He merely did it for show. Turning his back to Lei Tie, he put the wooden box into the (magical) space and locked the secret chest.
In the secret chest, apart from the 500 taels silver banknote from Lei Tie selling bear paws, there were two sheets of 100 taels silver banknote, which were the revenue of Eating Savory Restaurant.
With nothing to do, Qin Mian moved the cash box out onto the bed, and they counted the small sum of money together. Lei Tie also had the key to the cash box, but only Qin Mian had the key to the secret chest.
In the cash box, there was a silver ingot of 50 taels, which was prepared for an emergency, a silver ingot of 10 taels, four silver ingots of 5 taels, eight silver ingots of 1 tael, three strings of copper coins, and forty-five pieces of copper coins. The total of assets upfront was 91 taels and 45 Wen.
"How much land do we buy?" Qin Mian contentedly patted the money box. All the money in it was earned by them bit by bit, which made him feel a sense of achievement.
Lei Tie said, "You decide."
Qin Mian leaned on his pillow, thought for a moment, and said, "Buy 5 muof paddy field, 5 mu of farmland, and 10 mu of uncultivated land for planting vegetables and fruit trees." Since they would live in the countryside for the greater part of their lives, it was also good to be a happy landlord.
With a cheat, it would not be difficult to cultivate the land. It was just that he could not buy too much land at one time so as not to be so conspicuous.
Taking words into action, the next day, Qin Mian and Lei Tie come to Li Zheng's home with money and snacks.
Li Zheng was surprised to learn that they were going to buy lands, "Aren't you running a shop in the town? Why do you want to buy farmland?"
Qin Mian said in a high-sounding voice, "Uncle Li Zheng, between scholars, farmers, craftsmen, and merchants, merchants have the lowest status. We're originally farmers, and we dare not forget our roots."
Li Zheng nodded, "That's true. There're three families in our village who have come to me to sell their lands. There're a total of over 20 mu of paddy field and farmland. However, they're scattered; a piece here and a piece there. There's plenty of uncultivated land in the village."
Lei Tie said, "It's inconvenient to take care of it if it's not in a piece."
"No other way," Li Zheng took a sip of tea, "but you can exchange with other people's land."
Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian inquisitively.
Qin Mian thought for a moment, "Then, we only buy 15 mu of uncultivated land for the time being, and then buy paddy field and farmland after the wheat harvest."
"Sure." Li Zheng asked, "The land that is neither farmland nor residence in the village is basically uncultivated land. Where do you want to delimit this 15 mu of uncultivated land?"
Qin Mian asked, "Is it alright to delimit a square field next to our house in the direction of the grove?"
After Li Zheng thought about the condition of that piece of land, he frowned slightly, and said in a dilemma, "Won't it take up a part of the housing site…"
Qin Mian put a small gray pouch on the table, pushed it in Li Zheng's direction, and said with a smile, "Whether or not it's a housing site, is it not a matter of uncle's words? Besides, there're seven rows of housing in our village. Aside from the row where our house is located and the row in front of our house, there are other five rows. If a villager wants to buy a house site, he can choose in the other five rows of housing. What do you think? Plus, we don't want to take whatever advantage; we mainly consider that the land which can be connected with our home is convenient."
Li Zheng felt the pouch. It was a big ingot and from the size of it, it was probably a 5 taels silver ingot. He put it into his sleeve and said with a smile, "Alright, I'll let you have that piece of land."
"Many thanks, Uncle Li Zheng." Qin Mian said happily.
Li Zheng looked at Lei Tie with a smile and joked, "Tiezi, having such a wife, you won't suffer afterward. Haha…"
Lei Tie cupped his hands in obeisance and said, "Afterwards, we still have to ask Uncle Li Zheng to take care of us."
"Well said, well said." Li Zheng laughed happily. Lei Tie's wife was good at handling people. He had already brought two bags of expensive snacks and then again gave 5 taels of silver. Even if they had something to trouble him in the future, they would not slight him.
He opened a book and looked at it, "The price of uncultivated land is 1 tael and 200 Wen per mu. If you buy 15 mu of uncultivated land, it is 18 silver taels. In addition, the cost of handling the land deed is 50 Wen."
Qin Mian immediately took out a 10 taels silver ingot, a 5 taels silver ingot, three pieces of 1 tael silver ingots, and counted 50 copper coins.
Li Zheng received the money, stood up, and straightened his clothes. "Let's go. Now we'll go and delimit the land. After breakfast, I'll go to the county to handle the land deed for you."
"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Li Zheng."
Li Zheng took his two sons as helpers. They took the measuring tools to measure the land. Sticks were inserted around to mark the land with strings tied between the sticks.
After marking every corner, Qin Mian's house fell in the middle of the east boundary. If he wanted to expand the house in the future, it would be convenient to expand to the north, west, and south.
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