Chapter 37
◎Su Juesheng is Going to Join the Army◎
Thinking of making scallion oil noodles for the children during the summer vacation, Yu Juanfang specially went to the meat stall at the village entrance to buy a few catties of pork lard, planning to render it during her lunch break from work.
After washing the pork lard, she put it in a large pot, added some water, and then started the fire. A sizzling sound came from the pot, and the originally solid pork lard became cloudy. Yu Juanfang stuffed two more large pieces of firewood into the stove.
The water in the pot evaporated quickly under the heat of the fire. As the water became less and less, the temperature of the pork lard gradually rose. Suddenly, with a few crackles, a few drops of oil splattered out of the pot. One of the hot drops of oil happened to land on the back of Yu Juanfang’s hand. She quickly withdrew her hand and sucked in a sharp breath. “Hiss—”
When Tangtang returned from outside with a bamboo basket, she heard a series of popping sounds from the kitchen. The exploding pork lard was constantly splattering onto the stove, the walls, and the floor. Yu Juanfang was half-bent over, hiding behind the door.
Hearing the commotion, Tangtang went over. “Mom, did you get burned?”
“Just a little on my hand.” Yu Juanfang frowned, looking at the blazing fire in the stove. If it continued to burn like this, the pot might be burned through. “I don’t know what’s wrong with the pork lard today. It’s never exploded like this before when I’ve rendered it. No, I have to take out the firewood.”
The pot lid was right next to the stove, but in this situation, with the oil popping in the pot, no one dared to go in and get it.
As they were talking, the exploding oil splattered towards them again. Yu Juanfang quickly protected Tangtang and moved further away. “Be careful.”
The kitchen was already a mess from the exploding pork oil. There wasn’t a clean spot in sight.
“Mom, let me put out the fire.”
Yu Juanfang was taken aback for a moment, then she saw that Tangtang had already run back to her room, put on a long-sleeved jacket and gloves, and even wrapped her head with a towel, leaving only her eyes exposed.
After being fully armed, Tangtang walked into the kitchen, squatted in front of the stove, and pulled out the burning firewood.
“Mom, you should step back a bit. After I’ve dealt with the firewood, you can continue with the oil.”
Yu Juanfang thought of her small figure shielding her just now, and for some reason, her eyes felt warm.
She sighed, a little gratified and a little happy. “Tangtang knows how to protect her mother now. I really didn’t raise this big daughter for nothing.”
Dinner was scallion oil noodles. She used the rendered pork oil to fry the scallions until they were golden brown and crispy, then added two spoonfuls of fresh soy sauce bought from the supply and marketing cooperative and a small spoonful of white sugar. The noodles were hand-pulled thin noodles, which were refreshing and soft to eat. Yu Juanfang also added a fried egg to Tangtang’s bowl.
Tangtang took a bite of the noodles. The thin noodles were smooth and chewy, with the mellow aroma of pork oil. The fragrance of the scallions spread on her tongue. The savory taste of the soy sauce and the slight sweetness of the white sugar added a rich flavor. It was so delicious that she wanted to swallow her tongue along with it.
…
Although Wani’s parents had agreed to let her continue on to high school, after the weather improved, Wani still insisted on going to the mountains every day to dig for medicinal herbs. She knew that it was already very difficult for her family to support her studies, and if she dug more medicinal herbs to sell, she could also reduce some of the family’s burden.
Wani had already received her admission letter from the county high school. She was using a floral bedsheet to tie up her cotton quilt and mattress. As for some miscellaneous daily necessities, she packed them in a sack.
She looked at the words “Yuanlin County High School,” a hint of loneliness still in her eyes. “It would be even better if I could go to a secondary school.”
“Do you remember a text we learned in the fourth grade of primary school?” Su Juexiao asked.
“Hmm?”
“There was an old man who lived on the border…” Su Juexiao closed the book in his hand. “A blessing in disguise. Although you didn’t get into a secondary school, going to high school is not a bad thing. Maybe there will be a way out when the time comes.”
Hearing his comfort, a smile couldn’t help but appear on Wani’s lips, sweeping away the loneliness on her face. “You’re right. No matter what, I can continue my studies. Whether it’s high school or a secondary school, I will study hard. As long as I can study, there is a chance to change my destiny.”
…
In September, Tangtang became a junior high school student and was promoted to the first year of junior high at Hongqi Commune Middle School.
Her second brother, Su Juexiao, and her cousin, Wani, were also successfully promoted to the first year of high school at Yuanlin Middle School.
After the first semester, their family had a great happy event. Tangtang’s big brother, Su Juesheng, was going to join the army.
Originally, Su Huimin and Yu Juanfang were mentally prepared for their eldest son to graduate and return to Yuhuai Village to be a farmer. It was said that high school students were not being recruited this year, but an armed conflict suddenly broke out in the north, and the situation became tense. To strengthen the national defense, the country decided to increase the number of recruits and also relaxed the restrictions on recruiting high school students.
Su Juesheng’s physical fitness was excellent, and he performed outstandingly in all the assessments, successfully passing the selection.
After the news spread in Yuhuai Village, the Su family’s courtyard suddenly became lively.
Tangtang and Juesheng were very excited to hear this news and specially took a leave of absence to go to the county town with their family to see Juesheng off.
This was Tangtang’s first time in the county town. The sun cast a large shadow on the stone-paved road through the branches and leaves of the elm trees. Locust trees were also planted on both sides of the road. March and April were the season when the locust trees were in full bloom, with white and pink flowers adorning the branches. The air was filled with a rich fragrance. The pedestrians on the street were bustling and hurried.
It was her first time in such a big place. In Tangtang’s heart, the status of the county town was no less than that of the international metropolises written about in books. Everything was new and bright. There were high schools, various government offices, department stores, retail departments, restaurants, hospitals, and a library. According to her brother, Su Juesheng, even if a person read for ten years, they wouldn’t be able to finish all the books inside!
Tangtang had also heard that a few dozen li away from the county town, there was a large military unit stationed there!
In another two or three years, after she graduated from junior high, she would also be able to come here to study.
The news of Su Juesheng being selected to join the army came suddenly. Yu Juanfang didn’t have time to prepare much. She prepared a few pairs of soft shoe insoles, a new hand-knitted sweater, and some dried meat and pancakes.
Su Juesheng had already changed into his new military uniform, his hair was cut into a crew cut, and a large red flower was pinned to his chest. Although his appearance hadn’t changed, his temperament seemed much more mature.
Su Juesheng patted Su Juexiao’s shoulder with a serious tone. “Juexiao, your personality has always been more stable than mine. In the future, I’ll have to rely on you to take care of things at home.”
Su Juexiao nodded. “Don’t worry.”
The family talked for a long time at the county’s armed forces department. At noon, Su Huimin was about to take the family to the state-run canteen to eat, but Zhou Shunian suddenly rushed over and said he wanted to invite them to his home as guests and also to give Juesheng a farewell.
“This…” Su Huimin and his wife looked at each other. They both knew that Zhou Shunian’s father was the head of the county, a very important figure. It was too much of a social climb for a family like theirs to associate with them.
“Uncle and Auntie, my parents learned that I was staying at your house during the agricultural learning and have been telling me to find an opportunity to invite you to our home to treat you well. It’s a rare occasion that your whole family is in the city today, so please don’t refuse.”
In the end, it was Su Juesheng who made the decision. “Dad, Mom, since it’s the kind intention of Shunian’s family, let’s not refuse.”
Since their eldest son had said so, Su Huimin and his wife also nodded in agreement. Su Huimin straightened his somewhat wrinkled clothes. Yu Juanfang tidied her somewhat messy hair and then looked at the coarse cloth clothes on her body. If she had known, she would have worn the new set of clothes she had made.
Tangtang’s family followed Zhou Shunian into the gate of the county party committee compound. The gatekeeper even greeted Zhou Shunian. There was also a square and an auditorium for activities here. The first impression upon entering was one of seriousness and solemnity. But as they went further in and saw the households, a lively atmosphere gradually emerged. It was lunchtime, and the aroma of food wafted from many of the houses, along with the sound of pots and pans clattering.
The Zhou family’s detached house was built on a hillside. It didn’t have the elegant atmosphere that one would expect from the home of a high-ranking official. If Zhou Shunian hadn’t personally led them here, they would have thought it was just an ordinary, well-off family in the countryside. There was a hall for eating and entertaining guests, four rooms, chickens and ducks were raised in the courtyard, a black Forever brand bicycle was parked at the entrance, a vegetable patch was cultivated at the base of the courtyard wall, and buckets, ladles, and other miscellaneous items were piled up. A bougainvillea was planted in the corner.
“Mom,” Zhou Shunian called out to a woman.
She had little to do with Tangtang’s image of a director’s wife. Standing before them was a very typical rural woman, wearing a set of coarse cloth clothes, with an apron tied around her waist. Her hands were covered with calluses, and her hair was combed into a single bun at the back of her head. She looked to be in her forties or fifties. Perhaps because of poor health, her face was a little sallow, and her limbs and body were thin.
“I’ve prepared a small gift. It’s nothing much. Please don’t mind.” Su Huimin handed over a basket of fruit. Yu Juanfang had made a detour to a shop to buy it just now.
They couldn’t very well come empty-handed.
Wang Chunlan seemed even more reserved than Su Huimin. “Oh my, you’re too kind. It’s fine to just come. Why bring fruit? Come in and sit, come in and sit!”
Wang Chunlan led their family into the dining hall. A full table of dishes had already been prepared, with both meat and vegetables, looking and smelling delicious. Wine glasses were also set out.
Although her first impression of Wang Chunlan was very surprising, Tangtang quickly grew to like Auntie Wang from the bottom of her heart. Not only did she have the image of a rural woman, but she was also very simple, hardworking, and enthusiastic. She was much more straightforward than her eldest aunt, Zhang Guixiang, with no twists and turns. Her words and actions were very direct and simple.
“This fish was still alive and kicking when it went into the pot. I guarantee it’s fresh and tender. Hurry up and try it!”
The fish was steamed. A layer of shredded ginger was spread on top of the white and tender sea bass, and a spoonful of soy sauce was drizzled over it. Then, hot oil was poured over it to release the fragrance. Steaming fish required precise timing. If the timing was not enough, the fish would be raw. If it was overcooked, it would lose its freshness. But this fish was steamed very deliciously. The white and tender fish meat melted in the mouth with a light touch.
“Hurry up and try this chicken soup. It’s been stewed for a full three hours. All the oil has been skimmed off. It’s the best for nourishing the body.” As she spoke, Wang Chunlan directly served Tangtang a large bowl, giving her the chicken leg. “Little girl, drink more chicken soup. You look so thin. You must not starve yourself at school.”
The chicken soup was cooked until it was delicious and flavorful. The chicken leg was fragrant and tender to eat, so delicious that one wanted to swallow their tongue along with it.
“If you like it, eat more. Come again whenever you want to eat. Auntie will make it for you.”
Tangtang nodded seriously. This meal was truly satisfying.
“Don’t be a stranger with me. We farmers are all about being practical. A good host is one who provides enough food!”
Halfway through the meal, remembering something, Wang Chunlan went into the next room and brought out a cloth bundle. Inside were several pairs of multi-layered cloth shoes. “I was afraid I would forget later. I know Juesheng is going to join the army. I rushed to make these overnight. I don’t know if they’ll fit. A young man in the army wears out his shoes quickly. I’ve added two or three extra layers to the soles of these shoes to make them more durable!”
In the countryside, the best way to show gratitude was to give a pair of cloth shoes.
Tangtang’s family had not expected to receive such a warm reception. Their eyes grew warm, and their hearts were filled with warmth and gratitude.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhou Shunian took the initiative to raise his wine glass. “Juesheng is my good friend. I’m very happy that he’s going to join the army. To celebrate this happy event, let’s have a toast!”
After this meal, Zhou Shunian and Tangtang’s family went to the station to see Su Juesheng off, watching as Juesheng got on the bus to the military base.