The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 222: Congratulations

Except for Shen Lie and those who had previously handled household registrations or people like the Xu family who had connections in the city, such as Sang Luo, Zhou Ge, Mrs. Gan, and Mrs. Chen, who had been living outside the city for almost two months and were busy with the farming season, this was their first time coming into the city.

They had arrived early and rushed to the academy, not taking the time to look around, but now they wanted to explore.

However, after a tour around the streets of Shezhou, they realized that the morning’s quietness was not due to arriving too early but because most of the shops were actually closed and not yet open. It was unclear whether the shopkeepers were even alive.

Their options for shopping were limited, but fortunately, stores like pharmacies, grain shops, and salt shops were managed by the government and were still in business. Sang Luo bought some medicinal herbs for seasoning. Although she didn’t find everything she wanted, she managed to buy some star anise and cinnamon, which was a good result.

They then wandered around the East Market, which was even more deserted than the streets. There were some stalls, but not many, and they weren’t selling goods for money but were engaging in barter trade. Some people were trading mountain chicken eggs from their homes, asking for rice or other grains in exchange. Anything edible was accepted for trade.

In these times, who wouldn’t hold on tightly to their food? What use was money?

Having seen all there was to see, they decided it was time to leave the city and return to the village.

As they left the city gate, Mrs. Chen remarked quietly, “From what I saw in the city earlier, the big families with servants are still living well, but for ordinary wealthy families and small households, their situation is even worse than ours. It’s better if it’s not food and drink, but for those necessities, even with money, there’s nowhere to buy them. It’s not as good as us; we can grow and raise our own.”

Although they had only recently settled outside the city, they had been self-sufficient in the mountains for years, growing their own crops and raising chickens and sheep. They had plenty of mountain products and were better off than the city folks in Shezhou County, who had to buy expensive old rice and infested beans from grain shops.

Mrs. Chen had also visited the grain shop, where they only had some old rice and beans with bugs for sale. Even these were expensive and sold in limited quantities, requiring registration with household documents to purchase.

…

Returning to Daxing Village, passing the provincial academy exam was not a huge event, but celebrating at home was a must. Sang Luo invited the three Shen brothers for a family dinner in the evening to mark the small celebration.

Here’s the translation:

Of course, Xiao Jin didn’t refuse. The three brothers were eager to taste their sister-in-law’s cooking and gladly agreed.

That evening, there were two additional guests: Chen Dashan and Zhou Ge, whom Shen Lie had personally invited to the Chen family’s mountain. Given the deep bond formed in their youth, it was a special occasion.

Chen Dashan knew that his family had gone to the city early to check the results, and before his wife could even send a letter, Shen Lie had arrived first. When he heard that Shen Lie had indeed been accepted into the provincial academy, he slapped him on the arm with a smile, saying, “You’ve really done well!”

When Shen Lie invited him to dinner, with only his father and grandfather at home, Chen Dashan didn’t hold back and laughed, “I’ll definitely come for the meal. Do you still have that wine from your family? Such a good thing should be celebrated, and I want to have a bowl or two tonight.”

Shen Lie laughed. Over the years in the mountains, Sang Luo had secretly brewed several jars of wine every year. Especially after using up most of the salt and medicinal herbs, there were more empty jars available, making it more convenient. However, only Chen Dashan and his wife knew about their wine.

“We have it. Don’t just have half a bowl; you can have a whole bowl.”

He also invited Old Man Chen and Chen Youtian, but the father and son waved their hands, saying, “Just Chen Dashan will do. We won’t join the fun.”

If they all went, Shen Lie and his wife wouldn’t have room to invite others. The little bit of grain and beans they grew would need to last until the autumn harvest, so they were a bit shy to go.

Shen Lie smiled and told Chen Dashan, “Then come in the evening with my sister-in-law.”

Zhou Ge, who was of the same age as Sang Luo, had always been close to them in the mountains, so both he and his wife were invited. Chen Dashan, naturally, did not hold back and agreed with a smile.

…

To entertain guests, they needed to prepare some good food. Sang Luo, along with Shen Ning, soaked soybeans at home, made soy milk, tofu, and bean curd for the evening. Once that was done, she took out some konjac flour and asked Shen Ning to make some vegetarian tripe.

Shen Lie was also busy. He took a wooden bucket and a long stick and went out for over an hour, not knowing exactly where he went. Others had trouble finding mountain chickens and wild rabbits, but he must have gone farther, returning with two fish and three wild rabbits.

Passing by the Chen family, he gave Chen Xiaoya, who was at home, one of the wild rabbits and one fish, saying it was to add to their family’s meal. Chen Xiaoya happily thanked him and rushed back to tell her grandparents and parents.

Shen Lie brought the other fish and two rabbits back home. Sang Luo weighed the rabbits and asked, “Today’s meal is going to be special. How do you want them cooked? Fresh pot rabbit, red oil rabbit, fragrant pot rabbit, or cold rabbit?”

Before Shen Lie could answer, Shen Ning, who had been working on the vegetarian tripe, poked her head out from the kitchen window. Seeing the two large fat rabbits in her sister-in-law’s hands, which together weighed over ten pounds, Shen Ning’s eyes lit up: “Sister-in-law, cold rabbit! Cold rabbit! Big brother loves it the most!”

In the mountains, although rice was not always sufficient, especially in the last year when they had to eat bean rice occasionally, they had plenty of meat. They had bred up to sixty rabbits at the most, so they never lacked meat. Even though their sister-in-law’s cooking was good and varied, the best was still cold rabbit!

Shen Lie had been too busy these past two months to pay much attention to the house. Shen Ning hadn’t had cold rabbit for over two months. Moreover, she had seen her sister-in-law buying seasoning from the pharmacy today. Their seasoning had run out after the second year, and while some could be found in the mountains, others were not available. The cold rabbit without all the seasonings was still tasty but not as good.

Now that they had the seasoning, Shen Ning’s eyes sparkled.

“Alright.” Seeing her excited expression, Sang Luo agreed.

The allure of cold rabbit was undeniable, and no one could escape it. Even Shen Tie, who didn’t like spicy food, always ate it with enthusiasm.

Indeed, just as they thought of it, Shen Lie added, “Add more Chinese pepper. Let’s make both rabbits. Later, let’s build a rabbit house on the mountain and raise the rabbits ourselves?”

Such craving!

Sang Luo, smiling with her eyes almost squinting, said, “Alright. Xiao An and the three Xiao Jin brothers are already busy on the mountain. You should go too. Clear out the mountain for growing yam soon. In a couple of days, I’ll also plan the other mountain peak, see how to lay it out. Don’t worry about the rest; let’s build the chicken coop, rabbit house, and sheepfold before the new year. We’ll be ready for spring.”

Shen Lie and Shen An would be starting school on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month next year. Sang Luo was not soft on him when giving instructions.

Spring was the best time for rabbits to breed. If Shen Lie, Shen An, and the others went deeper into the mountains for a few days, they could bring back seven or eight litters a day. Not only could they eat it, but they could also sell it in the city. As for the sheepfold, the one at the foot of the mountain would only be temporary. The sheep in the valley would breed there, and the smaller ones would need to be brought back as there wouldn’t be enough space.

…

Cold rabbit, cold rabbit, it’s the best when eaten cold.

Sang Luo didn’t wait for the afternoon and started preparing immediately. Shen Ning hurriedly finished her work and came out to help her sister-in-law. Sang Luo never avoided Shen Ning when cooking and always explained the techniques carefully, so Shen Ning’s skill in making cold rabbit was quite good.

By mid-morning, the air around Shen’s house was filled with an incredibly tempting aroma of meat.

Those who were farther away could smell it faintly, but the five Shen brothers working on the mountain and Zhao Dalang and Zhao Silang, who were nearby, were nearly overwhelmed by the mouthwatering smell.

Chen Dashan’s mountain was not too far from Shen’s house. While working on his own mountain, Chen Dashan got distracted by the delicious smell and wandered over to Shen’s mountain. He nudged Shen Lie’s shoulder and asked, “Is it really lunchtime that you’re inviting guests?”

So fragrant! So fragrant!!

It must be lunchtime!!!

“No, it’s for the evening.” Shen Lie, trying not to laugh, replied, “A Luo is making cold rabbit. It’s perfect for tonight.”

“Ah!” Chen Dashan was dismayed, looking at Shen Lie. Couldn’t you change it to lunchtime? Celebrations could be at noon too.

Shen Lie didn’t want to mention it, but the cold rabbit made by Sang Luo seemed even more delicious cold than hot.

Seeing Chen Dashan’s eager look, Shen Lie couldn’t help but smile and said, “Alright, I’ll send you a bowl at noon.”

Chen Dashan was instantly rejuvenated. “Good brother! I won’t eat for nothing. I’ll help you chop wood for the whole day.”

Shen Jin, Shen Yin, and Shen Tie all laughed, happy to have an extra hand for the meal.

Cold rabbit made by their sister-in-law!

The three Shen brothers swallowed their saliva in unison.

The same rabbit prepared by themselves was completely different from the cold rabbit made by their sister-in-law and elder sister.

Cold rabbit, cold rabbit! Remembering the delicious rabbit meat they had before, Shen Yin and Shen Tie worked with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

…

On the Chen family side, Zhou Ge noticed that Chen Dashan had been gone for about fifteen minutes and glanced toward Shen’s mountain.

Mrs. Chen saw this and laughed, “A Luo must be making something delicious. No need to look; you can’t pull him back now. He’ll only leave after tasting a good dish at A Lie’s place. Let him work hard.”

The old lady had long been used to seeing her eldest grandson’s insatiable appetite.

Zhou Ge couldn’t help but laugh; indeed, her husband was capable of such things. She stopped looking over.

By noon, Sang Luo prepared the lunch and asked Shen Ning to call Shen Lie and the others down from the mountain. She instructed, “Don’t forget to invite Uncle Zhao and Uncle Zhao Silang as well.”

The Zhao family usually had two meals a day. Since Zhao Dalang and Zhao Silang received quite a good wage from Sang Luo, they had a bit more food, eating a small bread ball at noon to tide them over, with their evening meal brought by the young ones from home.

Normally, they ate only two meals a day, but during busy times or heavy work, like at Daxing Village, they would have three. Today, since Shen Lie, Shen An, and the others were working on the mountain and it was a celebration, Sang Luo decided to include a portion for the Zhao brothers.

When Shen Ning went up the mountain to call them, she found Chen Dashan there as well. The little girl, who had been raised by Sang Luo since she was nine, was adept at handling such situations and didn’t hesitate, inviting Chen Dashan too.

Chen Dashan grinned, showing his big white teeth. “I won’t eat with you. I have my own preparations at home, but your big brother promised to give me a small bowl of cold rabbit to take back. Ah Ning, please help me get a bowl later.”

Shen Ning laughed, knowing that Chen Dashan was also very fond of the cold rabbit. In fact, he liked almost everything Sang Luo made, so she smiled and replied, “Sure, I’ll get you extra, so that Grandpa, Grandma, and Xiaoya can all try it.”

Chen Dashan was delighted, and Zhao Dalang and Zhao Silang, knowing there would be meat at Shen’s house, refused to join. No matter how Shen Ning and Shen Lie persuaded them, they insisted on staying and working with their own dry rations.

Shen Lie had no choice but to let them be. After work, when Shen Ning served the rabbit meat to Chen Dashan, he told Sang Luo about it. Sang Luo simply took a plate, filled it with a small amount of rabbit meat, and added some vegetables. She handed it to Shen Lie and said, “Just tell Uncle Zhao and Uncle Zhao Silang that there’s a celebration at home and they shouldn’t refuse. They should just enjoy the festivity.”

…

A big meal to warm up the celebration at noon. Zhao brothers tasted the rabbit meat and each had three pieces. They didn’t want to eat more, wrapping the leftovers in their own vegetable leaves to take home for their family to try.

Naturally, Sang Luo didn’t know about this.

After lunch, Shen Lie and Shen An studied while the three Shen brothers went back to nap, a habit they had developed during their years in the mountains with their older brother and sister-in-law.

Sang Luo and Shen Ning also took a short nap. In the cold winter, and after a restless night, Sang Luo slept for about fifteen minutes before getting up. By the time she was up, Shen Lie and Shen An had already gone back to work on the mountain.

In the afternoon, Sang Luo made some fine rice milk and, by the time of the Shen hour, prepared to kill the chicken, gut the fish, and peel chestnuts. Zhou Ge came to help, but only with the chicken and fish and washing vegetables. Once finished, she left to prepare the evening meal at home.

This was because her grandmother had previously advised her that while Sang Luo could cook many things, many of them could be considered as main courses. So she specifically avoided those.

Sang Luo was used to it and smiled, telling her to come over with Chen Dashan for dinner at the hour of You.

Sang Luo and Shen Ning loved cooking, and with all the ingredients ready, they worked quickly. They started the fires in both stoves, and the Eight Immortals table in the kitchen soon had dish after dish served up.

Cold rabbit, cold vegetarian tripe, chestnut chicken, cured meat with garlic sprouts stir-fried with dried tofu, pickled vegetable stir-fry with chicken giblets, stir-fried yam slices, and raisin rice cakes.

The last dish, tofu stew with fish, was still simmering in the pot when Shen Lie and the others came back, noting the time. Chen Dashan, who had been working all afternoon, could hardly move his feet at the sight of the full table of dishes.

“Shen Lie, next time you better do even better on the exam and let your sister-in-law prepare another feast!”

Shen Tie, who was also too full to move, nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, big brother, second brother, do well in the exams.”

Not only was there cold rabbit, but there were also his favorite raisin rice cakes made by his sister-in-law.

Seeing Chen Dashan’s gaze fixed on the table of delicious food, Shen An couldn’t help but laugh and hit Shen Tie on the forehead. “Go wash your hands.”

Only then did Shen Tie pull his gaze away from the table, running to wash his hands, with Shen Jin and Shen Yin following closely behind.

When Shen Ning called Zhou Ge over, Shen Lie had already prepared the wine, filling a jar that could hold about two pounds. This time, there was also a portion for Sang Luo and Zhou Ge.

With nine people seated at the table, country folks didn’t mind squeezing in. Even the children could fit around the edges.

As the wine was poured and the children had their special jujube sugar water, just as they were about to start the meal, Xu Wenqing arrived in a hurry with someone.

“Master!” The voice came before the person did.

When Shen Lie heard Xu Wenqing’s voice, he stood up, ready to invite him in to join the meal. However, Xu Wenqing, standing at the doorway of the Shen family’s kitchen, glanced inside and gave Shen Lie a look. He stepped aside slightly and said, “Master, Lord Chu has arrived.”

As Xu Wenqing stepped aside, Chu Qichang’s smiling face appeared behind him. “Brother Shen, I’ve come to offer my congratulations!”

Shen Lie and Chen Dashan were both taken aback.

Shen Lie was puzzled. He had only passed the provincial exam, and even if he had, he was near the bottom of the list. Why would a court official like Chu Qichang come to congratulate him???

And also, “Brother Shen”???

Sang Luo glanced instinctively at the wine already poured into the bowls. She was troubled, wondering if there was still time to hide it.

Sensing the aroma of the wine in the air, it was clear that there was no time left…

As expected, Chu Qichang’s nose twitched, and he slightly leaned forward to glance at the table, which was obscured by Shen Lie and Chen Dashan’s figures.