On New Year’s Eve, every household was bustling with joy, pasting couplets and making dumplings.

People of all ages were cheerful.

Children were reminded to mind their manners, and adults refrained from scolding them.

Everywhere one went, there were smiles and words of blessing, creating an atmosphere of festive cheer.

In the village, the brigade arranged for people to write couplets, which families could exchange for work points or goods.

Even the poorest households adorned their doors with red couplets, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Those mourning a recent loss refrained from pasting couplets or used blue and white ones instead.

Cheng Ruhai approached Cheng Yunzhi and Cheng Rushan, asking, “Dad, brothers, should we paste couplets at home?”

Traditionally, celebrating the rehabilitation of their family was cause for joy, especially since the deceased had been gone for so many years, and the mourning period had long passed.

However, Cheng Ruhai wanted to confirm their sincerity by seeking their father’s opinion.

Cheng Yunzhi replied, “We can remember our ancestors in our hearts during the ceremony; it doesn’t have to disrupt our normal activities. Let’s paste them.”

With his eldest son showing a changed attitude, and the whole family able to celebrate harmoniously, Cheng Yunzhi felt joyous, reminiscent of the times when he and his eldest brother were younger.

After lunch, Cheng Yunzhi and Cheng Rushan brought out this year’s newly prepared ancestral tablets.

Each one bore the names of their ancestors, meticulously written by Cheng Yunzhi with Wensheng’s help.

Wensheng was tasked with hanging the ancestral tablets, offering incense, and preparing a large bowl of dry rice with various adornments like apricot branches, copper coins, and red cloth strips.

Additionally, they prepared the offerings, following customs with over a dozen bowls and plates filled with fish, meat, eggs, and pastries.

Of course, this level of preparation was for those who were well-off and adhered to traditions.

Less fortunate families might only offer a few pastries with plain water, but the sentiment remained sincere.

In earlier years, there was a strong push against feudal customs and the “Four Olds,” coupled with material shortages that made life difficult.

As a result, traditional practices like ancestor worship and offerings were mostly abandoned.

During the Cultural Movement, life was simpler: families hung portraits of great leaders on their walls, and every morning they read from the Little Red Book and reported in the evenings.

They then gathered for a big dinner, marking the start of a new era of revolutionary years.

In rural areas, the enforcement of these rules varied.

Initially strict, they later relaxed.

People would sometimes report to their leaders, including details about ancestor worship, to show they had permission to carry out these rituals.

As long as it wasn’t too excessive, the custom of making offerings and worshipping ancestors persisted in every household.

Families would set up altars, women would cook and make dumplings, and men would take their sons to the ancestral graves.

The process involved offering new papers, adding fresh soil, offering wine, and setting off firecrackers.

They invited their ancestors to come home and enjoy the offerings for the New Year.

Cheng Ruhai took his two sons to the graves and brought noodles, meat, and vegetables for the New Year celebrations.

He asked Liu Honghua to bring bowls and help make dumplings and cook.

Since they wanted to celebrate together, they needed to take action.

Although Liu Honghua wasn’t thrilled and found it burdensome, Cheng Ruhai was determined, and she reluctantly agreed to cooperate.

After all, in the village, everyone celebrated the New Year together, and she didn’t want to stand out.

When the men left, she noticed that Yan Runzhi and Jiang Lin had prepared lots of meat, fish, vegetables, and various fillings like radish, spinach tofu, and cabbage.

Compared to her own house, which only had meat and cabbage, she quickly kept quiet.

Yan Runzhi glanced at her and called her “Mother” quickly, but Liu Honghua felt awkward inside.

Yan Runzhi responded indifferently, “I’m handling the offerings. You go knead the dough and roll out the wrappers. We’ll cook and drink after dark.”

Liu Honghua wondered what to cook. Wasn’t it just about making dumplings to eat?

This year seemed promising.

There was extra meat and noodles, and every family could make dumplings for their New Year’s Eve dinner.

In previous years, they relied on coarse grains and sweet potatoes to make ends meet.

Liu Honghua never expected Jiang Lin’s family not only made dumplings but also cooked other dishes.

It was her first time experiencing the extravagance of a landlord’s family.

Who else could afford such luxury besides landlords?

They even wanted more than just dumplings—they wanted cooked dishes!

Liu Honghua felt overwhelmed by everything around her.

On the offering table were not just fish, meat, tofu, and eggs for the dumplings, but also apples, dates, and more.

She knew Cheng Ruhai was capable, but she hadn’t expected such grandeur—every kind of food was laid out.

Even the landlords in her maternal village didn’t do this.

At that moment, Yan Runzhi was cutting meat while Jiang Lin was picking vegetables, preparing the offerings.

Seeing Jiang Lin peel potatoes with such skill, using a porcelain shard to remove just the skin while preserving the flesh, Liu Honghua couldn’t help but sneer.

She felt inadequate compared to these household skills.

She was fortunate that her husband and mother-in-law pampered her; otherwise, in another family, she would have been scolded long ago.

Standing there with nothing to say and nothing to do, feeling out of place, she finally said, “Younger sister, why don’t you go and help with the dumplings? I’ll help with cooking.”

Jiang Lin glanced at her but remained silent.

Feeling Jiang Lin’s disapproving gaze, Liu Honghua panicked, thinking Jiang Lin was unhappy with her.

She quickly changed her tone, “You’ve been busy for days and must be tired. Take a break, and I’ll take over.”

Jiang Lin replied coolly, “Sit.”

Liu Honghua quickly grabbed a small stool and sat opposite Jiang Lin, intending to help her peel potatoes.

Jiang Lin said, “I have a few things I want to make clear to you.”

Liu Honghua felt guarded but quickly smiled.

Before coming, she had been reluctant, but seeing so much food made her realize her family wouldn’t lose out.

Of course, it would be even better if they didn’t have to bring anything from their own home.

“Younger sister, whatever you have to say, just say it,” Liu Honghua replied amiably, hiding her true feelings.

Jiang Lin continued, “There’s no deep-seated hatred or affection between us.”

Liu Honghua started to sweat nervously. “Younger sister, why are you saying this? We’re sisters-in-law, family. If I’ve made mistakes in the past, in the future…”

“In the future, whether there’s genuine sentiment remains to be seen,” Jiang Lin interrupted, “Currently, I have no feelings towards you. The reason I allowed you to come here is out of respect for Father. As you can see, Father is getting old and has suffered a lot on the farm.”

Liu Honghua nodded hurriedly. “Yes, yes, you’re right, younger sister.”

“I don’t care if you genuinely acknowledge your mistakes or if you’re just trying to please Father,” Jiang Lin looked her in the eye and said calmly, “If we continue like this, we’ll turn this charade into reality.”

Sometimes, acting for too long can make it real.

If you can’t hold out, then I’m sorry.

Liu Honghua’s heart skipped a beat.

She immediately understood that Jiang Lin saw through her and the men’s intentions?

Of course, they were sincere!

They were terrified of Cheng Rushan and envied their younger brother’s good life, hoping to benefit from it.

No matter how stubborn or unreasonable she acted, the only way left was to admit mistakes, apologize, and reconcile.

They could only hope, for their father’s sake, that both families would make peace and remain as one family.

They didn’t want villagers gossiping about them being freeloaders.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Lin saw through her intentions clearly, making Liu Honghua break out in cold sweat.

She quickly explained, “Younger sister, please don’t misunderstand. Father was sincere. The night our parents passed away, he cried all night at home. Since then, he’s been thinking every day about how to earn forgiveness from our siblings. It’s not an act, it’s genuine. I… I am sincere too. I’m not lying to you.”

Seeing Liu Honghua’s pale face in fear, Jiang Lin softened her tone, “Alright, just remember what I said. Act well, don’t mess it up. Make Father happy. If Father’s happy, we’re happy. I’ll be more forgiving and won’t bring up old grudges.”

“Younger sister, I promise, I promise!” Liu Honghua quickly stood up to pledge her loyalty, almost shouting slogans.

Jiang Lin stopped her, telling her to calm down and do what needed to be done.

Liu Honghua hurriedly helped peel potatoes, working swiftly, then went to fetch water and wash vegetables.

Jiang Lin prepared lukewarm water for her.

Liu Honghua said, “No need, why use warm water? It’s a waste. Don’t we need firewood to heat water?”

Jiang Lin replied calmly, “We have a stove burning all the time, so we always have hot water. It’s a waste not to use it.”

Liu Honghua felt envious and subdued. Before, when she and Jiang Lin lived together, she felt superior because Jiang Lin wasn’t as capable.

But now, with Jiang Lin running a brick factory and Cheng Ruhai making money from transportation and bringing things home, their family lived prosperously.

Liu Honghua couldn’t help but envy them.

Seeing Liu Honghua’s change in attitude, Jiang Lin said nothing more.

No matter how stubborn or unreasonable she acted, the only way left was to admit mistakes, apologize, and seek reconciliation.

They could only hope, for their father’s sake, that both families would make peace and remain as one family, avoiding gossip from the villagers about them taking advantage.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Lin saw through her intentions clearly, making Liu Honghua break out in a cold sweat.

She quickly explained, “Younger sister, please don’t misunderstand. Father was sincere. The night our parents passed away, he cried all night at home. Since then, he’s been thinking every day about how to earn forgiveness from our siblings. It’s not an act, it’s genuine. I… I am sincere too. I’m not lying to you.”

Seeing Liu Honghua’s scared expression, Jiang Lin softened her tone. “Alright, just remember what I said. Act well, don’t mess it up. Make Father happy. If Father’s happy, we’re happy. I’ll be more forgiving and won’t bring up old grudges.”

“Younger sister, I promise, I promise!” Liu Honghua quickly stood up to pledge her loyalty, almost shouting slogans.

Jiang Lin stopped her, telling her to calm down and do what needed to be done.

Liu Honghua hurriedly helped peel potatoes with skill and fetched water to wash vegetables.

Jiang Lin prepared lukewarm water for her.

Liu Honghua said, “No need, why use warm water? It’s a waste. Don’t we need firewood to heat water?”

Jiang Lin replied calmly, “We have a stove burning all the time, so we always have hot water. It’s a waste not to use it.”

Liu Honghua felt envious and subdued. Before, when she and Jiang Lin lived together, she felt superior because Jiang Lin wasn’t as capable.

But now, with Jiang Lin running a brick factory and Cheng Rushan making money from transportation and bringing things home, their family lived prosperously.

Liu Honghua couldn’t help but envy them.

Seeing Liu Honghua’s change in attitude, Jiang Lin said nothing more.

The reason she invited the eldest son’s family to celebrate the New Year together was purely to appease Cheng Yuzhi.

Since Cheng Ruhai showed signs of remorse and Father was pleased, she saw no reason to object.

As for herself, she wouldn’t have many chances to interact with the eldest son’s wife.

After the New Year, she would be busy with the brick kiln factory and embroidery shop, preparing for exams.

Even if she didn’t pass, with the reform and opening up, she planned to develop her career in the city.

She would only return to the village on holidays and festivals.

She continued to roll out dumpling wrappers.

Watching Jiang Lin handle the dough, her hands were even whiter than the dough itself, while hers were rough and cracked.

Feeling inferior, she hurriedly said, “Sister, I’ve washed my hands.”

Jiang Lin didn’t mind. “Your wrappers are quite round.”

Feeling encouraged by Jiang Lin’s compliment, Liu Honghua tried to make her wrappers even neater.

Jiang Lin didn’t just fold the dumplings with one hand holding and the other pinching like them.

She squeezed the filling with both thumbs and forefingers.

Liu Honghua was amazed to see Jiang Lin’s technique.

So, that’s how you make dumplings?

Confident in her wrapping skills, Jiang Lin continued to make dumplings.

Daobao, Xiaobao, and Wensheng returned home after visiting the graves.

Dabao saw Liu Honghua and stopped, staring at her. “Auntie, are you still going to feed me bad food?”

Liu Honghua’s face turned red with embarrassment, wishing she could disappear. “No, of course not, in the past… it was all… Auntie…”

She broke out in a cold sweat, almost wanting to flee.

But then Yan Runzhi intervened, “Your Auntie knows she was wrong.”

Xiaobao nodded, “Mom says good children admit mistakes and change. If you change, we won’t hold it against you.”

Since Auntie said they could come over for New Year’s with Grandpa, the two boys stopped caring.

They ran into the house to find Jiang Lin making dumplings.

Xiaobao: “Jiang Lin, your dumplings are looking even better.”

Daobao: “But why is the filling showing? Grandma said if they leak like this, they’ll fall apart in the water!”

Jiang Lin: “If you want to see Mom’s progress, I think they look better than before. Quick, praise me!”

They laughed and teased each other like three children.

Wensheng washed his hands and came in, feeling the coolness on his hands. “Mom, I’ll help you roll out the dough.”

Wensheng rolled out the dough quickly and neatly, making each one as thin as possible, which pleased Jiang Lin.

He rolled while others wrapped.

Dabao and Xiaobao joined in, using the dough to make sweet dumplings for themselves.

They pinched some brown sugar mixed with flour into the dumplings.

Xiaobao even secretly added a couple of sugar-coated beans, making a mark on the dumpling shaped like a bunny head to see how it tasted when cooked.

Watching Jiang Lin and the kids so relaxed and intimate, ignoring the rules between adults and children, was something she had never seen in other families.

Honghua couldn’t help but envy them.

Soon, the men returned from the graves and set everything up according to custom.

This was the first proper ancestral worship ceremony for the Cheng family in many years, with both brothers present.

Cheng Yuzhi was very happy, smiling all day.

During the visit to the graves, he specifically chatted with his Dad and his older brother about family and prosperity.