Chapter 51.1: Buns With Meat

After leaving the small courtyard of the Zeng family, Pear Blossom headed to Zhang Laowu’s house. The moment Zhang Laowu heard that Dagen had invited him for a drink, he agreed without hesitation.

Next, she went to the Qin family. Qin Dashan also immediately agreed. Just as she was about to leave, Qin Dabao hurriedly chased after her.”What happened to your face and neck?”

Pear Blossom chuckled twice and said, “I got scratched by a bear while hunting. Pretty impressive that I managed to escape, right?”

Qin Dabao was shocked. “Bears are deep in the mountains. What were you, a young girl, doing in a place like that?”

“Not many people can come back alive after encountering a bear. You were lucky this time, but you can’t count on being lucky every time.”

See? The same words, but when said by different people, they give off completely different feelings.

When Dong Yun nagged at her, she was filled with joy and willingly listened to the scolding. But when those same words came from Qin Dabao, Pear Blossom was unwilling to hear them. She crossed her arms and looked at the equally tall and lanky boy in front of her, saying, “Qin Dabao, just because you’re a few months older than me doesn’t mean you can lecture me. I’m someone who can outrun a wolf, not some delicate young lady from a secluded manor.”

Qin Dabao frowned at her words. “I’m not saying women should stay confined at home. I’m just saying what you’re doing is too dangerous. What if—”

“Stop, stop, stop!” Pear Blossom interrupted him impatiently. “Can’t you say something nice for once? Always talking about ‘what ifs’—can’t you wish me well instead? Alright, I’m leaving now. If you’re free tonight, bring your dad over to my house for dinner.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and ran off, leaving Qin Dabao standing dumbfounded under the eaves.

Mrs. Miao, the wife of Dashan, glanced at her son’s expression as if she wanted to say something but swallowed her words.

By evening, the sun had not yet fully set, but Zhang Laowu and Qin Dashan, along with Dabao, couldn’t wait to head to the eastern hillside. They had been busy in the fields for days and were eager to relax with some drinks. Word had spread that Dagen was hosting a dinner—likely because he’d caught something good while hunting. Otherwise, why the sudden invitation? They couldn’t contain their excitement before nightfall.

When they arrived at Pear Blossom’s house at the foot of the eastern hill, Dagen had just woken up from a day’s rest. Seeing the three of them, he quickly invited them into the main hall and told Xinghua to serve the dishes right away.

As soon as Zhang Laowu stepped into the yard, the aroma of meat made him salivate uncontrollably. Hearing Dagen say there were mountain delicacies on the menu, he eagerly asked, “Brother, what’s cooking? It smells so good! My nose is practically overwhelmed by the scent!”

Dashan swallowed hard and added, “It’s a good thing your house is at the edge of the village. If it were near us, the neighborhood kids would be crying with envy. No way your family could enjoy this alone!”

Dagen laughed heartily. “When have I ever kept food to myself? Didn’t I invite you all here?”

Mrs. Xiong, who hadn’t slept well the previous night, had taken a nap after handling the food in the afternoon. She now emerged, rubbing her eyes, upon hearing the men talking outside.

Zhang Laowu noticed Mrs. Xiong’s just-woke-up look and grew even more curious. “What were you all up to last night? Sleeping during the day like this?”

Dagen chuckled. “You’ll find out soon enough.”The bone broth, simmering since last night, had turned a milky white, with the meat cooked to tender perfection. Xinghua simply had to scoop out the meat and bones, cut them, and serve them on plates.

The steamed buns prepared in the morning were reheated, becoming soft and plump. The second steaming allowed the juices to soak into the dough, making them even more enticing.When Zhang Laowu and Dashan, along with Dabao, took their seats, the sight of steaming plates piled with meat left them stunned. This was a feast! Huge chunks of meat on every plate—one bite would be heavenly.

Dashan, barely able to contain his excitement, asked, “Did you hunt this late at night? What kind of meat is this? It looks incredible.”

Dagen smiled. “Don’t ask. Just eat.”The three exchanged glances and instantly understood. As long as there was meat, they didn’t care where it came from.

At that moment, Xinghua brought out a large bowl of steamed buns. The group couldn’t help but gulp. Dagen encouraged, “What are you waiting for? Dig in!”

No one held back anymore. Each grabbed a steaming bun and bit into it. The savory juices gushed out, making it impossible to stop eating. Even Dagen, who hadn’t had a chance to taste the bear meat since his return, was thoroughly enjoying himself now.

“Come on, eat the meat! Help yourselves. Once you’re full, we’ll have some drinks.”

Faced with such a feast, no one cared much about the wine. Their only regret was that their families couldn’t join them.

Dagen, sensing their thoughts, said, “Eat as much as you want. There’s plenty more in the kitchen. Xiufang already packed some for you to take home. It wasn’t convenient for Pear Blossom to deliver it during the day.”

Zhang Laowu was overjoyed. “Ah, Dagen, you’re so thoughtful! How can we ever repay you? You’re feeding us and sending us home with food—this is too much even for someone as thick-skinned as me.”

“Stop with the nonsense!”

Dagen teased. “Just eat!”

Soon, the pot of large bones was brought to the table. Dashan picked up a hefty bone and, examining its shape, couldn’t help but be startled—could this be the bone of a black bear? If so, Dagen’s family must have achieved something incredible. Even seasoned hunters would usually run at the sight of a black bear.

Since Dagen had separated from the Xiang family, his luck seemed to have taken a turn for the better. First, he built a new house, then helped establish a school in the village. His wealth and status had only grown, making him incomparable to his past self.

Dashan silently thanked his foresight. Thankfully, his family had ignored the villagers’ ridicule and maintained a good relationship with Dagen’s family. Otherwise, such a feast would never have come their way.

Dagen’s family was loyal and kind, always repaying kindness with kindness. This applied not only to Dashan’s family but also to Zhang Laowu and others—proving that good deeds reap good rewards.

Meanwhile, Qin Dabao was also eating heartily, his face glowing with satisfaction, but his eyes kept scanning the room for Pear Blossom. Not seeing her, he felt a twinge of disappointment. Fortunately, Daniu, sitting beside him, kept him company with conversation, easing his mood.

As for Pear Blossom, she was playing with Erniu at the back of the hill. Erniu was practicing his aim with her slingshot while she refrained from using the bow Zuo Qi had given her due to an arm injury from the previous day.

However, she didn’t idle around and began practicing her horse stance.

She thought to herself that in a couple of days, she would go to the city to train with Murong Jin, so she needed to strengthen her foundation. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing if she were to be easily taken down like last time.

She continued practicing until the last rays of sunlight disappeared, and the sky turned dark. Finally, she stopped and went to greet the others who were having dinner.

The three guests in the room noticed the scars on her face and neck. They quickly realized that the exquisite meal in front of them must have been her doing. They couldn’t help but grow more respectful of the young girl.

Pear Blossom turned to her mother and said, “Mother, I’ll be heading to Third Master’s drying yard later with Xinghua and Erniu.”

Mrs. Xiong, feeling full from dinner, hadn’t joined them at the table. Instead, she sat nearby, listening to the men chat and boast. Hearing her daughter’s plans, she quickly turned to Dagen and instructed him to take care of Zhang Laowu and Dashan’s family before getting up to accompany her daughter.

Zhang Laowu burped and said, “Sister-in-law, go ahead. We’ve been eating since the afternoon, and we’re full now. We’re about to head home anyway.”

Dagen waved his hand. “Go on; you don’t need to worry about us.”

Daniu, sitting with some of the uncles and elders, found their stories amusing and didn’t mind staying. But Qin Dabao, watching Pear Blossom’s retreating figure, couldn’t sit still. He tugged at Daniu’s arm, saying, “We’ve eaten enough, and this horse piss they call wine is terrible. All they’re doing now is spouting drunk nonsense. Why not head somewhere livelier?”

Daniu, unable to refuse, reluctantly followed Dabao, chasing after Pear Blossom and the others.

Earlier, Pear Blossom had promised Fubao to take her and Dong Yun to the drying yard. Reaching the fork in the road, she turned in their direction.

Fubao had been eagerly waiting and ran out the moment she heard the knocking at the door. She couldn’t reach the door latch, so she anxiously jumped up and down behind the door, calling Pear Blossom’s name.

When Dong Yun came to open the door, the little girl bolted outside, throwing herself into Pear Blossom’s arms.

Pear Blossom smiled and picked her up. “You’ve been waiting long, haven’t you?”

Fubao nodded enthusiastically, saying she had started waiting right after dinner.

Pear Blossom patted the small pigtails on Fubao’s head, then turned to Dong Yun. “Are you ready to go?”

Dong Yun, having finished her household chores, nodded. “Let’s go.”

Pear Blossom carried Fubao and led the way. After locking the door, Dong Yun followed. Pear Blossom turned her head and said, “The moon isn’t as bright tonight as it was a few days ago. If you can’t see the road clearly, you can use me as your crutch.”

Dong Yun chuckled and agreed but didn’t grab Pear Blossom’s clothes.When they reached the main road, Mrs. Xiong greeted Dong Yun and said, “The moon isn’t as bright tonight. It looks like it might rain in the next few days. How many acres of rice do you have left to harvest?”

Dong Yun replied, “Two acres. A few more days, and we should be done.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom interjected, “Mother, let me help Grandma Zeng with the harvest tomorrow. It’s better to finish quickly before the rain makes it harder to dry the rice.” Dong Yun, who had already received help from Pear Blossom’s family, felt too embarrassed to accept further assistance and quickly declined. “There’s no need. There’s not much left, and we’re already ahead of schedule compared to previous years.”

For Mrs. Xiong’s family, two acres of land weren’t much, especially since Dagen had previously said they’d help if the Zeng family hadn’t finished after their own harvest. Smiling, she said, “Alright, once we’re done with ours, we’ll come over to help finish yours. It’s always better to finish early.”

Dong Yun wanted to refuse again, but Pear Blossom ignored her protests and turned to her mother. “Mother, you don’t need to go. I’ll go alone. I can handle two acres in a day. You should rest at home.”

Mrs. Xiong, having worked hard for days, appreciated her daughter’s thoughtfulness. Pear Blossom, full of energy and with nothing else to do, saw this as a chance to help and grow closer to Dong Yun.

Dong Yun quickly waved her hands. “You don’t need to come. You’re still injured. Rest and recover. Didn’t you say you’d start working at the security bureau in a few days?”

Pear Blossom, unconcerned, replied, “This little injury is nothing. The medicine has already scabbed it over. It doesn’t hurt or itch. By tomorrow, I’ll be completely fine.”

Knowing her daughter’s capabilities, Mrs. Xiong said, “Do as you see fit.”Unable to argue further, Dong Yun compromised. “Fine, but do it the day after tomorrow. Take tomorrow to rest.”

Pear Blossom thought for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, the day after tomorrow it is. The day after that, I’ll head to the security bureau.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Dabao, who had caught up, overheard her plans and enthusiastically offered, “Sister-in-law Dong, I’ll come help harvest the rice the day after tomorrow—Daniu will come too. The three of us can do it together!”

Daniu, hearing this, was speechless. This guy always made decisions without consulting him, and it was getting out of hand.In the dim night, no one could see Dong Yun’s expression. They only heard her gentle reply. “There’s no need for so many people. My mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and I can manage the two acres ourselves.”

Mrs. Xiong chimed in, “Dabao, your family just finished harvesting, and there’s still plenty of work left, like drying the rice. Your parents will need your help. Be good and don’t crowd in. Pear Blossom alone can manage just fine. And not to brag, but this girl is truly capable.”

Hearing this, Qin Dabao had no choice but to agree reluctantly. After all, his family wasn’t related to the Zengs, and offering unsolicited help might make them uncomfortable.

Mrs. Xiong, being experienced, could see his thoughts clearly. She secretly hoped Pear Blossom would marry within the village. That way, she could see her daughter whenever she wanted. The Qin family was reliable, and they had helped her family before. If this match worked out, she’d be more than happy to support it.

Looking at Pear Blossom, who seemed completely indifferent, she was momentarily unsure of what to do and decided to observe for now.

At this moment, Pear Blossom teased Qin Dabao, “What’s going on with you? You’re usually not this diligent, yet here you are rushing over to help.”

Qin Dabao, feeling accused of being lazy, quickly defended himself, “When have I ever been lazy? These past few days, I’ve been helping your family mill rice and husk grain without a break!”

Pear Blossom thought about it and nodded, “It does seem like you’ve been a bit more diligent than before. Qin Dabao, have you turned over a new leaf?”

Qin Dabao muttered something in response, but Pear Blossom didn’t catch it and didn’t care. Holding Fubao, she walked ahead, thinking about helping the Zeng family harvest rice the day after tomorrow.

Beside her, Dong Yun remained silent, quietly walking along.

Soon, they arrived at the sunning field, where everyone found their respective groups and began chatting. Fubao slipped out of Pear Blossom’s arms, looking around for Dog (Goudan). However, Dog wasn’t there today, leaving the little fairy disappointed. Xinghua took her to join the other girls’ group instead.

Ever since Xinghua had a one-on-one verbal fight with Hehua and Taohua’s sisters, and after Pear Blossom and Dagen unmasked and confronted the third son of the Xiang family, the village girls looked at Xinghua with admiration and enjoyed playing with her. This popularity extended to Fubao, who became quite well-liked.

Fubao’s disappointment about Dog’s absence was soon overshadowed by the enthusiasm of her new playmates.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Xiong and Miao, Dagen’s wife, sat together, chatting about household matters. Dong Yun was pulled aside by a group of young wives, who shared gossip and secrets typical of young women. Dong Yun mostly listened, rarely speaking, though she couldn’t help but feel curious when the gossip got juicy, urging them to finish their stories. When the conversation veered into private bedroom matters, she would simply cover her mouth and chuckle.