Chapter 38 Share the Pork

Wild boars were dangerous; an attack could be serious.  These educated youths were assigned by higher authorities.  Any accident would reflect poorly on Li Changping.  Jiang Li, seeing his tension, said, “Captain, we’re fine.”

 Li Changping was relieved.  Jiang Li continued, “Captain, not only are we fine, but we killed three boars. They’re at the foot of the mountain. Please arrange for someone to handle them.” Li Changping’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Jiang Zhiqing, what did you say? You killed three boars?” “Yes, Captain. Please arrange for the team to share the meat.” Li Changping found it hard to believe but knew she wasn’t joking.

 He was thrilled.  It had been a long time since the team had meat. The last time was during the New Year.  It had been six months; they were craving meat, especially during the busy farming season.  Meat would be a treat and boost their energy.

  Li Changping immediately called the team to carry the boars down and distribute the meat. The team’s reaction was similar—shock followed by excitement.

 They cheered. “Great! We’re having meat!” “We’re lucky! The new educated youths killed boars!” “Let’s help get the boars ready and eat!

” Everyone was happy. Li Changping and the team arrived at the foot of the mountain and saw the three boars.  They would have plenty of meat. Each family would get several jin, more than during the New Year.  Wild boar wasn’t as good as domestic pork, but it was still meat.  Many were still in disbelief until they saw the boars.

 “The new educated youths are amazing! Their skills are incredible!” “Our best hunters avoid wild boars, yet they killed three!” “Mu Zhiqing and Bai Zhiqing look strong and capable. It’s not surprising they killed boars.”

“They seem the most capable.  Their skills are impressive.  Any girl who marries them will be lucky!” Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong felt their faces burn.  The villagers misunderstood; Jiang Li had killed the boars.

 They clarified, “You’re mistaken. Jiang Zhiqing killed them alone.”  An older woman said, “Mu Zhiqing, Bai Zhiqing, don’t lie. Jiang Zhiqing is small; she couldn’t kill boars.  You’re not believable!” Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong were speechless. It was unbelievable. If they hadn’t seen it, they wouldn’t believe it either.

 Since their clarification was useless, they gave up.  They benefited from Jiang Li’s actions.  The villagers would remember her kindness. Li Changping arranged for the boars to be carried to a clear area, then called more people to process them.

  Everyone worked quickly, eager for the meat.  The boars were large, yielding a lot of meat. Li Changping asked Jiang Li, Mu Jingxun, and Bai Ziyong, “Jiang Zhiqing, Mu Zhiqing, Bai Zhiqing, you made the biggest contribution. You can request your share. How much and which parts do you want?” Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong looked at Jiang Li.

 They would follow her lead. They knew Jiang Li deserved most of the credit.  Jiang Li said, “Captain, I want two jin of pork fat, two jin of pork, half a pig’s head, two spare ribs, and two large intestines.

”  Li Changping thought she was considerate, taking only a small amount.  The pig’s head, ribs, and intestines were parts the villagers usually didn’t want.