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Chapter 26.1
Jiang Nian’s face turned red all of a sudden.
She struggled a bit with the ankle that Lu Yu was holding, burying her head in the pillow. Her muffled voice came out from the pillow, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I must have rolled over in my sleep. I didn’t know I’d bump into you…”
The small foot struggled a few times in Lu Yu’s hand. The woman’s skin was delicate and warm.
But that warmth was like countless strands of vines, piercing into Lu Yu’s fingers. Spreading through his blood vessels to his entire body. His steady breathing suddenly became a bit erratic, as if a fierce beast was hiding inside him. Ready to break free at any moment.
Lu Yu swallowed a few times, looking at Jiang Nian’s half-propped arm by the bed.
Fair and slender, fitting into his palm.
Just like the ankle he was holding at the moment.
Lu Yu’s fingertips pressed on Jiang Nian’s ankle bone, and a faint trace of blood appeared in his dark eyes. He restrained the sudden, bad urge to grip the jade-like foot in his hand, and almost instantly let go, turning over to face the bed, his low voice hoarse, “It’s late, go to sleep.”
Jiang Nian retracted her foot and buried herself in the quilt, rolling to the edge of the bed near the window, patting her chest in fear.
She was completely at a loss.
She had a bad sleeping habit. Who knew she would roll to the edge of the bed and accidentally touch Lu Yu’s… that part…
After this farce, not only did Jiang Nian hardly sleep all night, but Lu Yu also stayed awake.
At dawn, Lu Yu got up. He folded his bedding, looked at Jiang Nian, who was still buried in the quilt, and thought of the inappropriate thoughts he had for her last night. He then packed his things into a large cloth bag and went out.
After washing up outside, Lu Yu left the guesthouse. He rubbed his face with both hands and looked back at the second-floor window of the guesthouse.
The sudden evil thought last night kept him awake. This morning, looking at the barely light sky, he felt like a beast for having thoughts about his brother’s wife.
She was his sister-in-law, someone he should respect.
After Lu Yu left, Jiang Nian climbed out of the quilt. She glanced at the tightly closed door, breathed a sigh of relief, got up quickly, dressed, and went outside to wash up. Just as she finished tidying herself, Lu Yu came back from outside with a few meat buns bought from a state-run restaurant.
Jiang Nian sat on the edge of the bed, took a small bite of the meat bun, and looked at Lu Yu secretly. He was standing by the table, pouring water into a cup from a thermos. She swallowed the meat bun, coughed lightly, feeling the need to explain to Lu Yu, so he wouldn’t misunderstand her as an unruly woman.
“About last night…”
“Have some water.”
Lu Yu handed the cup to Jiang Nian and spoke first, cutting her off, “What happened last night is in the past. I know you didn’t mean it, and I didn’t take it to heart.”
Jiang Nian sighed in relief.
That’s good.
She took the cup and drank a few sips. After finishing breakfast, Lu Yu packed up their things and left the guesthouse with Jiang Nian.
Jiang Nian thought for a moment and decided to tell Lu Yu about what Sister Feng had said. After speaking, she added in a low voice, “I want to visit the state-run embroidery workshop.”
Lu Yu replied, “I’ll take you there.”
Jiang Nian smiled, “Okay.”
Lu Yu glanced at Jiang Nian’s bright eyes and quickly looked away, lightly coughing before leading her to the state-run embroidery workshop.
The state-run embroidery workshop wasn’t big, an old-style building with a sign outside that read “State-run Embroidery Workshop.” Lu Yu waited outside while Jiang Nian walked in. The inside was lit, with framed embroidery paintings on the walls.
On the left was a red lacquer wooden counter, behind which sat a woman with half of her hair down, wearing a polka-dot top and trousers. She was holding a needle and thread, stitching a pattern.
Hearing footsteps, the woman looked up.
Seeing a woman who, though not dressed fashionably, didn’t look like a country person, with her hair tied back and a few bangs scattered on her forehead, looking fair and pretty, the woman thought she was there to buy embroidery patterns. She put down her work and walked over to ask, “Are you here to buy embroidery patterns?”
Jiang Nian shook her head lightly, “My neighbor said that last time when she was at the hospital with her child, the director of the state-run embroidery workshop saw the embroidery pattern on my child’s school bag and asked my neighbor to tell me to come to the workshop if I was interested.”
“Oh, I see. So, it’s you.”
The woman looked Jiang Nian up and down and smiled, “Sister Ge has been talking about you since she got out of the hospital. We all thought… we thought you were an older master. I didn’t expect you to be so young and skilled.”
After a sigh, she added, “You came at a bad time. Sister Ge went to another place yesterday to take care of her daughter, who just had a baby a few days ago. She probably won’t be back for a month. Can you come again at the end of next month?”
Jiang Nian felt a bit disappointed but smiled, “I’ll come back next month then.”
“Oh, wait. Why don’t you leave your address? Sister Ge asked us to get your address if you came when she wasn’t here so she can find you when she gets back.”
Jiang Nian turned around and saw the woman smiling warmly. She pursed her lips and gave her Lu Yu’s address.
The woman was stunned for a moment and then smiled, “So you’re a soldier’s family.”
She glanced at Lu Yu standing outside the shop, holding several bags. Even so, he stood straight, his profile sharp and defined, a rather handsome man.
The woman said, “Your husband is really good-looking.”
Jiang Nian: …
She thought for a moment and explained, “I’m his sister-in-law.”
The woman: ???
After leaving the state-run embroidery workshop, Jiang Nian and Lu Yu headed straight to the bus station. Many people were also returning from the city to the county today, but luckily there was an empty seat. Jiang Nian sat down while Lu Yu put the bags away, standing beside her to shield her from the crowd boarding the bus.
Jiang Nian noticed that since they left the embroidery workshop, Lu Yu hadn’t asked her a single question.
He maintained a proper distance, not interfering with her personal matters but not ignoring them either.
Jiang Nian looked up at Lu Yu and proactively said, “The owner wasn’t there. The woman said she’ll be back in a month.”
Lu Yu, gazing out the window, heard Jiang Nian’s voice and, surprised that she initiated the conversation, lowered his eyes, “It’s okay.”
The two simple words inexplicably reassured Jiang Nian.
When they arrived home, it was lunchtime. Lu Yu carried the bags, and as they passed by, military wives and aunts stared. Their gazes were full of contemplation as they looked at Jiang Nian walking behind.
They thought this woman was truly lucky to have such a considerate brother-in-law.
Feng Mei’s family was eating in the yard. Hearing footsteps and voices outside, she turned her head and saw Lu Yu and Jiang Nian. She immediately got up to greet them, but Commander Song knocked on her bowl with his chopsticks, glaring at her, “They just got back, don’t bother them. Sit down and eat!”
Feng Mei huffed in displeasure, biting into her corn pancake.
Song Xiangdong and Song Xianghong also turned to look outside curiously, but Commander Song scolded them too. After that, he asked Feng Mei, “By the way, how is Lu Zhijun?”
Feng Mei snorted, “Can’t you go see for yourself?”
Commander Song’s eyes widened in anger, “Hey, you tigress, are you picking a fight with me?”
Feng Mei took a sip of porridge, glancing at Commander Song over the rim of her bowl, and muttered, “The doctor said he needs to stay in the hospital for ten days for observation.”
Song Xiangdong glanced cautiously at Commander Song, afraid of being scolded.
Commander Song noticed Song Xiangdong’s nervousness and smiled, “What are you afraid of? I’m not scolding you.”
He looked outside again and, seeing no one around, added in a low voice, “If anyone bullies you, fight back. You’re my son, you should stand your ground!”
He would only say this in front of family, never in public.
Song Xiangdong nodded, “I understand, Dad.”
Song Xianghong echoed, “I understand too.”
Back at the next door courtyard, Lu Yu placed the items on the wooden table, “Sister-in-law, you sort all the things. I’ll go and make lunch.”
Jiang Nian replied, “Okay.”
They had bought quite a lot. She folded the clothes Lu Yu bought for her and put them in the wardrobe, arranged the fabric, planning to take Lu Yu’s measurements in the coming days to make some clothes for him.
After organizing everything, Jiang Nian swept the courtyard and tended to the vegetable garden.
Tomorrow was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tonight, she planned to make moon cakes and pastries. She had bought glutinous rice in the city and intended to make red sugar sticky rice cakes and glutinous rice balls.
After all, this was her first festival here.
Lu Yu made noodles for lunch. After eating, he went to their private plot to tend to the vegetable garden. Jiang Nian washed the dishes and then began to prepare the dough.
“Jiang Nian.”
From a distance, Feng Mei’s voice called. Jiang Nian turned and saw Feng Mei walking into the kitchen, “How did it go?”
Jiang Nian was confused, “How did what go?”
Feng Mei rubbed the needle against her head, “The embroidery workshop thing. That’s a good money-making opportunity.”
Jiang Nian kneaded the dough and smiled, “I was unlucky. The director’s daughter just had a baby, and she went to take care of her. She’ll probably be back at the end of next month.”
Feng Mei clicked her tongue in disappointment, “Isn’t it just a month? We’ll wait.”
She sat on a stool at the kitchen door, stitching the shoe sole and chatting with Jiang Nian intermittently. Suddenly, she remembered something, “Do you know who’s coming?”
Jiang Nian, steaming the glutinous rice, asked, “Who’s coming?”
Feng Mei replied, “Captain Lu’s mother is coming. He applied to have her stay at the family quarters because Lu Zhijun injured his leg and Zheng Hong couldn’t manage to take care of him alone.”
She chuckled gleefully.
From her laughter, Jiang Nian inferred that Zheng Hong’s mother-in-law was not an easy person to deal with.
In the book, Zheng Hong’s mother-in-law never appeared, so Jiang Nian had no idea what kind of person she was.
Feng Mei smirked, “When Captain Lu married Zheng Hong, I saw her mother-in-law. That woman looked tough. If she comes, Zheng Hong’s hard days are ahead.”
Jiang Nian smiled slightly. Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are natural adversaries, and Captain Lu would likely have a tough time caught in the middle.
The glutinous rice was ready. Jiang Nian put it in an enamel basin and used a rolling pin to mix it. Feng Mei, curious, asked, “What are you making?”
Jiang Nian replied, “Red sugar sticky rice cakes and glutinous rice cakes. I’ll make some for you to try.”
Feng Mei, having never heard of these treats, got excited and went to the well to wash her hands. Rolling up her sleeves, she said to Jiang Nian, “Step aside, let me do it. I have the strength.”
Jiang Nian’s arms and hands were indeed tired, so she didn’t refuse Feng Mei’s offer and went to do other tasks.
After stirring for a while, Feng Mei asked, “How does it look now?”
Jiang Nian, cracking walnuts, stood up and took a look, smiling, “Sister Feng, you’re really efficient. It’s done already.”
Feng Mei was easily pleased by compliments. Whenever someone praised her, she would find work everywhere and want to do everything. So, she kept asking Jiang Nian how to make this or that. After everything was done, she sat by the stove again, saying, “I’ll keep the fire going for you.”
The dough needed more time to rise, so Jiang Nian started making red sugar sticky rice cakes and glutinous rice cakes. She had cracked walnuts earlier and made some walnut crisps. The red sugar bought last time was enough for this round.
The sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and Feng Mei sniffed vigorously, “My goodness, this smells wonderful.”
Jiang Nian said, “It tastes even better. The glutinous rice is soft, with a blend of its natural fragrance and the sweetness of the red sugar.”
She described several ways to enjoy it, making Feng Mei swallow her saliva.
Once the red sugar sticky rice cakes, glutinous rice cakes, and walnut crisps were ready, Jiang Nian plated some and handed them to Feng Mei, “Take these home for the kids and Commander Song to try. Thanks to your help, I would have been busy until evening if I were alone.”
She praised Feng Mei again.
Feng Mei laughed, “It’s nothing, I have plenty of energy.”
Taking the plate, she said, “I’ll head back now.”
Jiang Nian nodded, “Okay.”
Shortly after Feng Mei left, Xu Yan came in with a basket. The sweet smell greeted her as she entered, “What delicious food are you making?”
Jiang Nian was kneading dough to make mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. She looked at Xu Yan, “Making mooncakes for tomorrow.”
She pointed to the counter where there were plates of red sugar sticky rice cakes, glutinous rice cakes, and walnut crisps, “I saved some for you, take them home for the kids to try.”
Xu Yan happily walked over, took a piece of glutinous rice cake, and was amazed by the delicious taste, “Jiang Nian, how did you make this? It’s so good!”
She had never tasted such food before.
Xu Yan uncovered her basket, took out two pounds of pork, and placed it on the cutting board. Jiang Nian was surprised, “Why are you giving me pork?”
Xu Yan couldn’t help but laugh, whispering, “I managed to get some money from Liu Qiang using your advice. It really worked.”
She had been using the tactics Jiang Nian taught her, sweet-talking Liu Qiang, and it paid off. Liu Qiang gave her fifty yuan, saying it was the family’s savings for the first half of the year.
She shared this with Jiang Nian and said, “You’ve helped me so much. I haven’t done anything for you. Here’s some pork for you to eat.”
She leaned in closer, whispering, “Don’t tell Deputy Commander Lu. Liu Qiang is one of his soldiers. They might be in cahoots.”
Jiang Nian suppressed a smile.
She realized Xu Yan no longer trusted any man, so she nodded, “I promise not to say anything.”
She put the meat away and turned to Xu Yan, “This is just the beginning. Keep using this method to control Liu Qiang. Make sure he gives you his salary every month. Once you control the finances, you’ll have the confidence to make any decision in the future.”
Jiang Nian paused, “For instance, divorce.”
“Divorce?”
Xu Yan was stunned, her mouth agape in disbelief, “I’ve never heard of getting divorced after marriage. If I divorced Liu Qiang, where would I go? If I went back to my parents’ house, my mother would scold me to death, and the villagers would gossip.”
The thought of it sent shivers down her spine.
She initially only wanted Liu Qiang to stop associating with Zheng Hong and to get back the money he lent to her. She never considered divorce.
Jiang Nian knew it was too early to talk about this. According to the original story, they would divorce in a few months, but the plot had changed, and Xu Yan wouldn’t follow the same path.
Jiang Nian said, “Don’t think about that now. Focus on gaining control of the finances.”
Xu Yan, lost in thought, nodded, “Okay.”
As dusk fell, Jiang Nian turned on the kitchen light.
After Xu Yan left, she shaped the risen dough into mooncakes, brushed them with oil, and placed them in the steamer. With some dough left, she decided to make pork noodles. Kneading the dough made her arms and wrists ache again.
Jiang Nian shook her arms, just about to continue kneading when a shadow loomed over her. Before she could turn around, Lu Yu’s deep voice came from behind, “Let me knead the dough.”
He rolled up his sleeves and took the dough from Jiang Nian, “I went around to the private plot this afternoon and went back to the team, so I came back a bit late.”
Jiang Nian realized he was explaining his late return.
She gently shook her head, “It’s okay.”
Lu Yu glanced at the red enamel basin on the pot lid, half-filled with water, steam rising from both sides, “Are you steaming buns?”
Jiang Nian replied, “No, I’m making mooncakes.”
She then took out a plate of red sugar sticky rice cakes from the cupboard and handed one to Lu Yu, “I also made these. Try one.”
Lu Yu paused, looking at the sticky rice cake near his mouth. The hand holding it was snow-white and delicate, so pale that the veins were visible.
Realizing what she had done, Jiang Nian felt a bit embarrassed. She used to feed her parents like this at home and now did the same with Lu Yu out of habit. Hesitating whether to withdraw her hand, Lu Yu bent down and took a bite of the sticky rice cake.
“It’s delicious.”
Lu Yu focused on the dough, a hint of red creeping up his ears where Jiang Nian couldn’t see.
Jiang Nian collected her thoughts and after a moment of hesitation, managed to say, “If you like it, have some more.”
A hint of a smile appeared in Lu Yu’s eyes as he finished kneading the dough. “What are you making with this dough?”
Jiang Nian replied, “Hand-pulled noodles.”
She then grabbed a rolling pin to roll out the noodles. This was something Lu Yu had no experience with, so he went to the cabinet to get some vegetables. He noticed a piece of meat in the back and raised his eyebrows slightly before taking it out to cut into strips. Looking at Jiang Nian working hard, he asked, “Sister-in-law, who gave you this meat?”
Jiang Nian: …
His observation skills were too sharp.
She pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and whispered, “A female comrade.”
Fearing Lu Yu might ask further, she quickly added, “You know her. Don’t worry, the meat is safe.”
Lu Yu: …
He finished cutting the meat and vegetables, putting the meat back in the cabinet. As he turned around, he saw Jiang Nian quickly lowering her head. His lips pressed into a thin line, knowing she was hiding something but chose not to press further.
If he guessed correctly, Xu Yan probably gave the meat. But why she gave it was a mystery to him.
When the mooncakes were done, Lu Yu arranged them to cool. Jiang Nian, wearing an apron, cooked the vegetables, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. Lu Yu looked at the mooncakes and then at the sticky rice cakes and walnut crisps on the counter, carrying the food to the table in the courtyard. By the time he returned, Jiang Nian had finished cooking. She added water to the pot and, once it boiled, put the noodles in.
Lu Yu asked, “Sister-in-law, where did you learn to make these pastries?”
Jiang Nian felt alarm bells ringing. Unlike Feng Mei and Xu Yan, Lu Yu wasn’t easily deceived. She quickly thought through everyone she knew in the village and finally remembered an old professor who once lived in the cowshed. The original Jiang Nian had seen him once and, out of pity, secretly gave him two corn pancakes.
She explained, “I saw an elderly man living in a cowshed in the countryside. Feeling sorry for him, I gave him some corn pancakes a few times. While he ate, he told me stories about the city and the food there.”
Jiang Nian continued, tugging at her clothes nervously, “I felt comfortable talking to him, so I would secretly bring him corn pancakes and listen to his stories about the city. He said his wife loved making pastries, so I remembered his words. I never had the chance to try making them at home, but here, I decided to give it a go.”
In this era, many intellectuals were persecuted, and it would take another eight years before they were rehabilitated.
Reborn Lu Yu understood this well. He was surprised Jiang Nian had managed to connect with an old professor, given how isolated she was in her hometown.
After dinner, Lu Yu heated water for Jiang Nian and brought it to her room. “Sister-in-law, there’s a movie tomorrow night at the regiment at eight. Bring a stool with you.”
Jiang Nian’s eyes lit up. “Okay.”
She had never seen a movie from this era, though her mother had told her about village movie nights when they were young, where everyone brought their stools and rushed to get a good spot.
Seeing the excitement in Jiang Nian’s eyes, Lu Yu couldn’t help but smile a bit.
The next morning, Lu Yu had to go to the regiment despite it being the Mid-Autumn Festival. As soon as the bugle call sounded, Jiang Nian got up. When she went out, Lu Yu had already made breakfast and was dressed in his military uniform, ready to leave.
Seeing her, he said, “Sister-in-law, I’m leaving now.”
Jiang Nian replied, “Wait a moment.”
She ran to the kitchen, packed some mooncakes in a cloth bag, and handed it to Lu Yu. “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Take these to share with Zhu Jun and the others.”
Lu Yu accepted the bag. “Sister-in-law, I’m planning to invite Feng Mei’s family, Xu Yan’s family, and Zhu Jun for lunch. I didn’t get a chance to thank them last time.”
Jiang Nian agreed, “Alright, I’ll start preparing.”
Lu Yu said, “I’ll come back early to help.”
Lu Yu must have informed Xu Yan and Feng Mei, as they both arrived shortly after he left. They busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing the Mid-Autumn Festival lunch. Feng Mei, with her loud voice, and Xu Yan, who occasionally joined in, filled the kitchen with their chatter.
Jiang Nian quietly listened, responding now and then.
The conversation shifted to Xu Yan’s situation, and Feng Mei, curious, asked, “Did Liu Qiang really give you his salary to manage?”
Xu Yan added more firewood to the stove and nodded. “Yes.”
Smiling, she touched her clothes. “I went to the supply and marketing cooperative yesterday and got some fabric. I’m planning to make myself a nice outfit.”
Jiang Nian was right, a woman should treat herself well. Especially Xu Yan, who deserved to compensate for the grievances suffered with Liu Qiang. She had become adept at using sweet talk, and when Liu Qiang handed over his salary, she felt quite pleased.
Feng Mei noticed Xu Yan’s complexion had improved and, remembering their previous conversation, felt a twinge of envy. She recalled Xu Yan’s initial coldness towards Captain Liu, then her gradual change.
She had wanted to try Xu Yan’s method but got busy with her family’s fields and then forgot about it after spending a few days cooking for her husband, Old Song.
Thinking about how Old Song often scolded her, Feng Mei resolved to learn from Xu Yan.
With fewer people than last time, they prepared two tables for lunch.
Lu Yu returned early and saw Feng Mei and Xu Yan in the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and fetched water from the well. At lunchtime, everyone gathered…
Commander Song and Captain Liu arrived together, with Zhu Jun following later.
From the kitchen, Jiang Nian heard Commander Song’s voice: “Lu Yu, your sister-in-law’s mooncakes are so delicious. You’re a lucky guy.”
Captain Liu laughed, “Deputy Commander Lu, your sister-in-law is a great cook. The food smells wonderful.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Xu Yan, who was bringing dishes to the table. “Xu Yan, get some chopsticks for Commander Song and Deputy Commander Lu.”
Xu Yan looked at Liu Qiang, pursed her lips, and turned to fetch the chopsticks.
With all the dishes on the table, Lu Yu stayed in the kitchen, waiting for Jiang Nian to finish her tasks before they both joined the others. The women and men sat at separate tables. Commander Song sat with his children, Song Xiangdong and Song Xianghong, while Liu Jianye and Liu Jianwu joined Xu Yan at another table.
Halfway through the meal, Song Xianghong declared he was full. Commander Song called out, “Meizi, take the boy. He’s done eating.”
No response.
Jiang Nian blinked, glancing at Feng Mei beside her, who was eating without acknowledging Commander Song’s call.
Xu Yan also glanced at Feng Mei, puzzled. She seemed fine earlier, why ignore Commander Song now?
Commander Song, thinking she hadn’t heard, repeated, “Meizi, take the boy. He’s done.”
The dining area fell silent except for Lu Yu and Zhu Jun’s conversation.
Commander Song: …
Sensing something was wrong, Song Xiangdong stood up and took his brother. “Dad, I’m full too. I’ll take my brother to play with Jianye and Jianwu.”
Lu Yu and Zhu Jun exchanged looks with Commander Song, then glanced at Feng Mei at the other table. Liu Qiang seemed equally confused. Commander Song’s good mood dissapeared, his face darkened with a frown.
Xu Yan nudged Feng Mei, whispering, “Sister Feng, Commander Song is calling you.”
Feng Mei took a piece of tofu. “I heard him.”
Xu Yan: …
Jiang Nian: …
Though Feng Mei’s voice was soft, the close tables and quiet courtyard ensured everyone heard her clearly. Commander Song’s temper flared. He threw his chopsticks heavily on the table and roared with a fierce face, “Hey, you stubborn woman, did I offend you? Why are you giving me attitude?”
His voice carried the authority of a commander, startling not just Feng Mei but also Jiang Nian and Xu Yan.
Seeing Jiang Nian’s slight tremble, Lu Yu interjected, “Commander Song, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s discuss this tomorrow.”
Though feeling embarrassed by his wife’s public defiance, Commander Song refrained from saying anything. He grunted and resumed his meal, discussing regiment matters with Lu Yu and Zhu Jun.
Jiang Nian, still shaken, glanced at Feng Mei, who exhaled deeply and smiled sheepishly at her and Xu Yan.
Jiang Nian: …
Xu Yan: …
They were genuinely puzzled by Feng Mei’s behavior.
After the meal, Feng Mei and Xu Yan helped Jiang Nian with the dishes. Lu Yu and the others returned to the regiment. Xu Yan quickly asked, ” Sister Feng, what was that about?”
Feng Mei poured the dishwater into an enamel basin, saying, “Nothing, I just didn’t feel like talking to him.”
She was too embarrassed to admit she was mimicking Xu Yan, fearing their ridicule.
Jiang Nian noticed but chose not to say anything, smiling lightly.
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Ayalee[Translator]
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