Chapter 50.3

When Qin Qingman returned home, she found that Wei Ling had already washed both his and Chuchu’s clothes. The two were by the fire, with Chuchu leaning against Wei Ling’s knee, eagerly listening to him tell a story.

Wei Ling wasn’t exactly a natural storyteller. Ever since he had come to this time, he had focused on his work and daily life, with little to recount by way of stories.

Faced with Chuchu’s wide, curious eyes, he thought for a moment and began spinning a tale based on his battlefield experiences from his past life.

Chuchu, unaware that this was a true account, listened with rapt attention, entirely absorbed in the story, especially fascinated by and in awe of the general in the tale.

Just as the cozy, quiet moment unfolded between the two, Qin Qingman returned. Wei Ling’s sharp hearing caught the sound of her footsteps as soon as she entered the yard, prompting him to stand up.

As soon as Wei Ling stood up, Chuchu guessed that Qin Qingman had returned.

He rushed to the window and, spotting Qin Qingman’s figure, excitedly waved his hands at her as she entered the courtyard.

“Be careful, don’t slip!”

Wei Ling saw Chuchu bouncing on the stool and quickly went over to lift him up.

Then, he saw Qin Qingman coming home.

Qin Qingman had been out for about half an hour. She had walked there, spent time at Zheng Ankang’s house warming up by the fire, and had not felt cold, though the roads were difficult to navigate. While the snow had been cleared, there was still ice on the ground, making it slow going.

Fortunately, no one had been inconsiderate enough to pour water outside their doors, or she would have surely slipped.

As soon as Qin Qingman entered the yard, she saw Wei Ling and Chuchu through the window of the hall. Seeing the two men, the closest people in her life, she smiled and waved at Wei Ling.

She was back to ask Wei Ling for help in lifting the wardrobe and to bring some wild boar meat. She wasn’t planning to go into the hall, as she would soon be leaving again.

When Wei Ling and Chuchu saw her waving, they immediately knew she had something for them to do.

Wei Ling patted Chuchu’s head and said, “You stay inside. I’ll go see what’s up.”

“Brother-in-law, I want to go too.”

Chuchu asked for permission.

“No.” Wei Ling replied sternly, when needed, he was very strict. “You just took a bath, and your pores are open. If you go out now, you might catch a cold.”

Chuchu looked up at Wei Ling, then muttered, “Brother-in-law, you also took a bath.”

It was his way of saying, “Don’t tease me, Eldest Brother, we’re both the same.”

Wei Ling almost burst out laughing at the child’s cleverness but patiently explained, “Brother-in-law isn’t like you. I’m a soldier. I train all year round, even in this freezing, snowy weather. When we train, we’re often bare-chested.”

He glanced at Chuchu, who was noticeably shorter than other kids his age.

Chuchu immediately slumped, then wriggled out of Wei Ling’s arms and dropped to the floor.

Brother-in-law is so mean! He didn’t like Brother-in-law anymore.

Wei Ling saw Chuchu sitting by the stove with his back turned, warming himself, and he knew he had upset the boy. He didn’t try to explain, just smiled and prepared to leave.

“Jie… Brother-in-law, wear more clothes, don’t catch a cold.”

Just then, the child’s voice softly drifted from the stove.

“Okay, I know.” Wei Ling said, seeing that even when Chuchu was upset, he still remembered to worry about him. He wrapped himself in his coat, walked over, and ruffled the boy’s hair. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a piece of candy and handed it to Chuchu.

The candy had been bought at the county Supply and Marketing Cooperative. Chuchu was about to turn six, an age where children begin losing their baby teeth. Qin Qingman was concerned about the effect too much candy would have on Chuchu’s teeth, so she had been controlling his intake.

Children always crave sweet things, and the more it’s restricted, the more they desire it.

Now, Wei Ling was trying to make it up to Chuchu with a little treat.

“Brother-in-law!” As soon as Chuchu received the candy, his little face lit up with a big smile. He turned to look at Wei Ling, his eyes sparkling with joy.

In that moment, Wei Ling was no longer the disliked “Brother-in-law” in the child’s eyes. Instead, he had regained his place as the beloved “Brother-in-law.”

“Finish your meal and brush your teeth, and don’t let your sister see.” Wei Ling reminded Chuchu seriously.

In reality, the candy had been passed to Chuchu by Qin Qingman through his hand. A person his age didn’t really need candy. More importantly, he didn’t like sweet food, nor did he care for candy, something Qin Qingman knew very well.

“Brother-in-law, you’re the best. I’ll definitely brush my teeth.” Chuchu happily hugged Wei Ling, then watched him leave the living room.

He even stood on the bench under the window to watch Qin Qingman leave, just to make sure.

Of course, eating candy secretly was something he could only do when his sister wasn’t home.

Qin Qingman had no idea about the little drama between Wei Ling and Chuchu. As soon as she came back, she went straight to the kitchen, grabbed a willow basket, and started scraping off the snow that had accumulated by the water well.

The wild boar meat at her home was all frozen underneath, so it needed to be scraped off to take it away.

The pieces of wild boar meat Wei Ling had cut were neither too big nor too small, and were quite even. Each piece weighed about three pounds, which was convenient for thawing and use later.

Qin Qingman picked out seven pieces of meat from around the shoulder and placed them into the willow basket.

The meat from this area was tender, soft, and perfect for elderly people with weaker teeth. It was known as “plum meat.”

When Wei Ling went outside, he saw Qin Qingman picking up the meat and quickly rushed over to help her.

Before Wei Ling could ask, Qin Qingman explained the situation with the Zheng family and began discussing the matter of sending meat with him.

The reason their family had meat to eat was thanks to Wei Ling, so of course, they needed to discuss it with the head of the family.

After hearing Qin Qingman’s explanation and thoughts, Wei Ling replied, “Wife, you don’t need to ask me about these small matters in the future. I’ll take care of the outside, and you take care of the inside. You’re the head of the household. If you think it’s right, then go ahead and do it. I support you.”

“Ah Ling, you’re so good.” Qin Qingman genuinely felt Wei Ling’s open-mindedness and generosity.

Not all men can so easily allow their wife to take charge of the household, and not every man can generously give away meat that’s within his grasp.

Food is rare, meat is rare, cloth is rare—this is the shortcoming of the times they live in.

With Wei Ling’s help, Qin Qingman worked more efficiently. Just before they left the house, they glanced at the living room.

Chuchu’s little face was pressed entirely against the window glass.

It was so pressed that it had deformed.

Qin Qingman couldn’t help but laugh, and she quietly asked Wei Ling, “Did you give Chuchu candy?”

“Yes, I gave him one.”

Wei Ling, in a good mood, took his wife’s hand. The two of them, carrying the willow basket, set off for the Zheng family.

“Luckily, we clean our windows every day. Otherwise, with Chuchu rubbing his face against the glass like that, I’d worry the glass would be cleaner than his face.” Qin Qingman joked about the child, now that he wasn’t around.

“The glass is cold. Next time, let’s tell Chuchu not to rub his face on it.” Wei Ling casually responded.

Qin Qingman immediately bent over in laughter.

Inside, Chuchu watched as Qin Qingman and Wei Ling left. As soon as they were gone, he quickly jumped away from the window, happily used his handkerchief to wipe his face, then wiped his hands. After finishing all of that, he took the candy out from his pocket.

Da Bai Rabbit Milk Candy!

The candy his brother-in-law had given him was Da Bai Rabbit Milk Candy, the best-tasting candy.

The rich milky scent teased the child through the wrapper, and on the paper, the Da Bai Rabbit sat obediently.

“Hehe—” Chuchu laughed so widely his teeth showed as he began unwrapping the candy.

The wrapper opened to reveal a cylindrical piece of candy, its surface still wrapped in a layer of paper as thin as a cicada’s wing.

Chuchu stuck out his tongue and licked the paper.

As he licked, some of the paper went into his mouth. He didn’t need to chew, and the paper dissolved into his saliva, carrying a fragrant, sweet, and glutinous flavor.

This thin paper was not really paper; it was made of glutinous rice, which the human body could fully absorb. It was edible paper.

“It’s really delicious.” Chuchu exclaimed, then stuffed the whole candy into his mouth.

He didn’t want to throw away the candy wrapper either. With his little hands, he carefully smoothed it out and placed it alongside the yellow paper from the box.

These were all things worth keeping, so he made sure to store them properly.

Thinking this way, Chuchu took out the candy wrappers from the yellow paper and counted them. There were five wrappers, which meant he had eaten five pieces of Da Bai Rabbit Milk Candy.

Chewing on the rich, milky candy, Chuchu pressed the wrappers and the yellow paper back under the box before returning to the living room.

He didn’t really know what Qin Qingman and Wei Ling were up to, but he knew that as long as the house was here, his sister and brother-in-law would come back.

With Wei Ling holding her hand, Qin Qingman walked a little faster on the way, reaching the Zheng family’s house in less time than last time.

The Zheng family, the three of them, took Qin Qingman very seriously.

Zheng Ankang and Shan Wazi specifically chose the best-made wardrobe and carefully inspected it, making sure there wasn’t a single snag. To ensure they didn’t miss anything with just their eyes, the grandfather and grandson used their hands to feel over every corner of the wardrobe, inspecting it slowly, bit by bit.

After several rounds of checking, they finally felt at ease.

It seemed their craftsmanship hadn’t declined and was just as good as it had been years ago.

While waiting for Qin Qingman, Zheng Ankang asked Shan Wazi to take a clean towel and continue wiping down the wardrobe.

This wardrobe was a finished product, already painted.

However, it wasn’t painted with the strong-smelling paint that would come later, but with clear lacquer—a plant-based varnish that had no color and no strong odor. A wardrobe coated with clear lacquer kept the natural wood color.

It was a very environmentally friendly, natural hue.

When Qin Qingman and Wei Ling entered the Zheng family’s yard again, Shan Wazi came out to greet them on behalf of his grandfather.

His grandfather, who was getting older and had trouble walking, had started to take on more responsibility and act as the head of the household now that he was nearly an adult.

“Qingman Auntie, Auntie… Uncle.” Shan Wazi greeted Qin Qingman naturally since he had already called her that once, but when it came to addressing Wei Ling, he hesitated.

He wasn’t sure how to address Wei Ling.

But, thinking that since he called Qin Qingman Auntie, the head of the household should be called Uncle, he stuttered slightly before calling him Uncle.

Wei Ling nodded gently at Shan Wazi, silently accepting the boy’s address.

In their village, that’s just how things were. Many families were related, perhaps by three generations or maybe even through five branches of kinship, but everyone lived in the same village, and each household followed the tradition of addressing people by their generation.

Shan Wazi calling Wei Ling “Uncle” was still quite normal. Even elderly people in their sixties or seventies would address Qin Qingman as “Aunt” or “Auntie.”

Even little children like Chuchu had nieces and nephews.

“Ah Ling, this is Uncle Ankang.” Qin Qingman said, looking at Zheng Ankang, who was standing at the door watching them. She then introduced him to Wei Ling.

As younger people, they should first greet Zheng Ankang.

“Uncle Ankang.” Wei Ling greeted, following Qin Qingman’s example, while handing the small willow basket he was carrying to Shan Wazi, who was following them.

Shan Wazi casually took the basket, only to find it a bit heavier than expected.

He guessed it might be more than twenty pounds of meat.

“Ah Ling, right? Come, come in with Qingman, it’s cold outside.” Zheng Ankang invited Qin Qingman and Wei Ling into the house.

“Qingman is here.” Zheng Ankang’s wife, who had been inside the hall, heard the sound from the yard and came out to greet them.

“Ah Ling, this is Auntie, call her Auntie.” Qin Qingman introduced Zheng Ankang’s wife to Wei Ling.

“Auntie, hello.”

Wei Ling followed Qin Qingman’s lead and greeted the woman.

“Auntie, this is Ah Ling, the head of my household.” Qin Qingman introduced Wei Ling to Zheng Ankang’s wife, doing so in the local manner.

“Ah Ling looks like a handsome young man. He’s really a perfect match for our Qingman.”

Although Zheng Ankang’s wife had poor eyesight, she could still clearly see Wei Ling up close, and her face lit up with praise.

Her words were a compliment to both Qin Qingman and Wei Ling, and the couple was in a great mood.

People, of course, always enjoy hearing flattering words.

“Uncle, let Ah Ling help Shan Wazi carry the wardrobe. You don’t need to worry about it.” Qin Qingman said, being considerate of Zheng Ankang’s difficulty in walking. She didn’t want him to accompany them or go outside.

“Alright, let Shan Wazi and Ah Ling carry it.”

Zheng Ankang nodded in approval, satisfied with Wei Ling’s physique. The wardrobe was empty, so with two tall and strong men carrying it, it wouldn’t be a problem. If needed, they could even disassemble it and take it apart to reassemble later.

“Uncle, Auntie, we’re leaving now.”

Qin Qingman, holding one corner of the wardrobe, left the Zheng family house with Wei Ling.

“Girl, don’t worry. I’ll make your furniture with the best materials.” Zheng Ankang solemnly promised Qin Qingman.

Having received a favor, he felt the need to show his sincerity.

“Thank you, Uncle. There’s no rush, take your time.” Qin Qingman said, worried that the elderly man might overexert himself and harm his health.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

Zheng Ankang smiled, revealing his gums where a few teeth were missing.

“Dear, we’re making dumplings with sauerkraut and pork filling today.” Zheng Ankang said, picking up the willow basket at his feet and heading into the living room. The basket contained the meat that Qin Qingman and Wei Ling had just brought.

“Ah, meat! We’re having meat today!”

Zheng Ankang’s wife also smiled, her face wrinkled with joy.

The elderly couple in the Zheng family were happily making dumplings at home, waiting for Shan Wazi to return. Meanwhile, Shan Wazi was carrying the wardrobe with Wei Ling on their way to the Qin family.

The wardrobe wasn’t large, just two doors, but it was quite heavy.

Zheng Ankang was honest and dependable, and the materials he used were just as sturdy, so even a two-door wardrobe turned out a little heavy. Fortunately, it was Wei Ling and Shan Wazi who were carrying it. If it had been anyone else, they might not have been able to lift it.

“Uncle, you’re so strong.”

Shan Wazi wasn’t a naturally quiet person, but he didn’t like talking to unfamiliar people. However, since Wei Ling and Qin Qingman had helped his family, he was willing to talk with them.

“You’re pretty strong yourself.”

Wei Ling was quite impressed with Shan Wazi, as it was rare to meet a young person with such strength.

“Grandpa and Grandma aren’t in good health, so I help out more. That’s how I got so strong.” Shan Wazi said, clearly fond of Wei Ling and eager to engage in conversation.

“How old are you this year?”

Wei Ling had genuinely taken an interest in Shan Wazi.

Although the army didn’t recruit many new members, if someone had real ability, they would still be accepted.

Shan Wazi didn’t know what Wei Ling’s plans were, so he honestly answered, “Uncle, I’ll be sixteen when the new year comes.”

Wei Ling looked at Shan Wazi’s youthful face with a hint of regret and then said, “Take good care of your elders, and work on strengthening your body. When you turn seventeen, I’ll have you join the army.” Special recruitment could still happen a year in advance.

Shan Wazi was stunned, not expecting such a big opportunity to land in his lap. He stood there, both surprised and happy, not knowing how to express himself.

Qin Qingman immediately noticed Shan Wazi’s awkwardness and smiled, saying, “Shan Wazi, your uncle isn’t saying this because of your Grandpa, but because you are a natural fit for the army.”

“Th-thank you, Uncle, thank you, Auntie Qingman.” Shan Wazi replied, snapping out of his daze after hearing Qin Qingman’s words. He quickly got back to carrying the wardrobe.

He had briefly wondered if Wei Ling’s words were just out of respect for Grandpa, but after hearing Qin Qingman, he realized he had overthought it.

“Shan Wazi, joining the army isn’t something just anyone can do. If you don’t have the ability, our army won’t accept you.” Wei Ling added, clearing up any lingering doubts in Shan Wazi’s mind.

A few minutes later, Shan Wazi placed the wardrobe in the west room of the Qin house, exactly where Qin Qingman had asked him to.

Just like his Grandpa, Shan Wazi was honest and meticulous in his work. After setting the wardrobe down, he checked it several times, making sure it was stable and unscathed before smiling innocently at Qin Qingman and Wei Ling.

“Shan Wazi, stay and have a meal before you go.” Qin Qingman said, noticing that sweat had formed on Shan Wazi’s forehead.

“Auntie Qingman, Grandpa and Grandma are waiting for me at home. I can’t stay for dinner.” Shan Wazi quickly refused, shaking his hands in embarrassment.

They had already taken so much from Auntie Qingman’s family, and he didn’t want to impose by staying for a meal. He also knew his own appetite well.

Seeing that Shan Wazi genuinely didn’t want to stay, Qin Qingman grabbed a handful of candy and stuffed it into his arms.

When Shan Wazi faced the handful of candies, he froze, never having seen so many candies before. He didn’t dare to accept them.

“Shan Wazi, take them. These are the wedding candies from me and your uncle. Take them back to Grandpa and Grandma to let them taste.” Qin Qingman stopped Shan Wazi from returning the candies.

Hearing Qin Qingman’s words, Shan Wazi didn’t dare to refuse.

“Thank you, I’ll take them. Shan Wazi should go now, it’s almost time for lunch.” Qin Qingman urged Shan Wazi out the door.

Shan Wazi bowed deeply to Qin Qingman and Wei Ling before running off.

He ran, smiling, and by the time he reached home, tears were rolling down his cheeks.

The elderly couple in the Zheng family were shocked to see Shan Wazi’s face covered in tears and hurriedly asked what had happened.

Shan Wazi pulled the candies from his chest and handed them to his Grandpa and Grandma.

“These candies are from your Auntie Qingman?” Zheng Ankang’s wife guessed the cause as soon as she saw the candies.

“Yes.” Shan Wazi nodded.

Zheng Ankang scolded his grandson, “You silly child, if someone gives you something, just accept it. Later, we’ll think of a way to repay them. But why are you crying? How are we supposed to explain this? Really, what a disappointment.”

“Grandpa, Uncle said I should take good care of you both, work on strengthening my body, and that in two years, he’ll recruit me into the army.” Shan Wazi shared his greatest joy with his family.

Zheng Ankang and his wife were stunned, and his wife even dropped the precious candy she was holding onto the ground.

“Dear, did I hear that right?” His wife clutched Zheng Ankang’s hand tightly.

“Grandma, you heard correctly. Uncle said it himself. He thinks I’m strong and that I’m suitable for the army.” Shan Wazi cried once again.

Tears of overwhelming joy.

“Qin Qingman and her husband are not only our Zheng family’s benefactors but also our great patrons.” Zheng Ankang understood how difficult it was to enter the army these days. Since the liberation, the country had undergone major military reductions, and now, those who could join the army were no ordinary people.

“From now on, our Shan Wazi will have enough to eat.” Zheng Ankang’s wife hugged her grandson and began crying.

Her grandson had a big appetite, and as they grew older and found it harder to earn labor points, they had been worried about him. They had never expected that a new hope would emerge, and now, the Zheng family had a future to look forward to.

From this day forward, the Zheng family’s entire outlook began to change.

At the Qin household, after Shan Wazi left, Qin Qingman started preparing lunch. She had made dough in the morning, and soon, steamed buns would be ready to go with yesterday’s cast-iron fish stew, just the right meal.

“Wife, are you upset that I didn’t discuss this with you first? Did I cause you trouble?” Wei Ling asked as he followed Qin Qingman around.

“Are you worried that the Qin family might covet the army spot?” Qin Qingman asked calmly, looking at Wei Ling.

“Yes, helping outsiders without helping family members—they might cause trouble for you.” Wei Ling expressed concern for his wife.

“What’s the difference between outsiders and insiders? Whether I accept them or not is another matter.” Qin Qingman said confidently, giving Wei Ling a reassuring glance. When she saw that Chuchu wasn’t paying attention to them, she took the opportunity to gently kiss her husband’s lips.

It was sweet.