Chapter 29. New Year Pig Slaughter
After a few days, You Jin's on and off illness was healed. In a blink of an eye, it was December 22th.
The six pigs raised by Yue Family this year had grown fat and strong under the careful care of You Jin sisters. Finally, the New Year was approaching and Yue Da Fu made an appointment with the butcher in the town to come to soak pigs today.
In the kitchen of Yue's house, You Jin and her sisters were busy boiling water. Outside the pigpen in the backyard, five/six young men were already standing there. The head among them was Butcher Huang. He often came to Cuifeng Village to kill pigs.
Butcher Huang held a sharp knife in his hand that was glinting with cold light. Standing in front of the pigsty with a hand on hip, he scanned the fat pigs that were to be slaughtered in the pigsty. His eyes were full of joy: "The pigs in Uncle Yue's house are really well raised! The smallest pig is almost two hundred jins!"
Yue Da Fu was also full of joy. Standing in front of the pigsty, he grinned: "They are all home-raised pigs. Whether they are fat or not, they're like this. Today, I will have to trouble old Brother Huang. After the pigs are killed, let's have a good drink!"
Pig-slaughter meals was a custom in Cuifeng Village. Two tables were set up on the day of killing pigs. One was to thank the people who came to help kill the pigs. The other was to invite some close-connection in the village to celebrate.
Today was Yue Da Fu's family's New Year pig slaughter. According to Yue Da Fu's face-saving temperament, the pig slaughter meal got to be bountiful. So early in the morning, You Jin sisters were ordered around by old Mrs. Chen. Chopping cabbage, slicing potatoes, etc. Every one of them were busy like a spinning top. Still, the sisters were beaming on their faces. After all, all year round there was just this one pig slaughter meal. Meaning, they can more or less consume meat.
A pigs shriek sounded from the backyard. It turned out that Butcher Huang stabbed the neck of one rope bound fat pig. Blood spurted out. A man who was standby on the side with a large wooden basin for the pig blood quickly stepped forward. The pig's blood went into the basin without a single drop missed.
Wan Niang deliberately combed her hair with osmanthus hair oil today and wore a big red cotton jacket. In addition, she was guarded by Yue Chang Lu since she entered Yue Family. Not a meal was missed. She was glowing and rosy. Despite her little daughter-in-law appearance, she openly followed Yue Chang Lu to the backyard and took the initiative to smile and greet the villagers that came to help.
When Yue Da Fu saw her come out, the smile on his face faded by a half. After this Wan Niang entered the gate of Yue's house, Old Second wasn't as disciplined as before. Two days back was clan patriarch's pig slaughter meal. His old face was almost completely lost after being told off by patriarch. Now Wan Niang came out to meet the guests dressed in fancy dress. Anyone with discernment knew what she was thinking.
Yue Da Fu first glared at Yue Chang Lu. The other party just shrank his neck as if he didn't see it. Instantly fury brew within Yue Da Fu. But seeing so many people in the backyard now waiting to watch the fun, he can't really act up. Then he spoke to Yue Chang Lu in a deep voice: "Right now, the pigs are getting killed. It's a mess. If you bump into something, it will be bad. Old Second quickly bring your wife back."
Taking the thoughtful eyes of those who came to help fall on Wan Niang and his father's displeased gaze, Yue Chang Lu could only agree. He took Wan Niang back to the west wing.
Everyone saw Wan Niang walking away with a big belly and eyed Yue Da Fu's gloomy face.
"I told you not to go. Look at you. You insist that you have never seen a pig slaughter but wanted to see it. Father isn't happy!" Yue Chang Lu's awe for Yue Da Fu has been deeply rooted in his bones. Plus Yue Da Fu was a little angry in front of so many people. So Yue Chang Lu was a little mad. He supported Wan Niang back to the room where the two of them were currently living in the west wing and said angrily while sitting on the kang.
Was it just Yue Chang Lu who was angry? Wan Niang was too. What afraid of bumping into something? They just find her shameful. Feel that she lost the face of their Yue Family when she came out!
Sitting on the edge of the kang, she was so angry that she grabbed her sleeves tightly. The sleeves that were neatly ironed instantly became wrinkled. Even the baby in her belly began to feel restless.
The two of them were each immersed in their anger for a while. Then Wan Niang leaned on Yue Chang Lu's side sobbing softly: "Second Elder Brother, do you also think that I have lost face of the Yue family when I go out? If so, I will take the child away and leave Yue Family. Whether we live or die, it got nothing to do with anyone.”
She took Yue Chang Lu’s hand and put it on her stomach to feel the child’s energetic movements: “My pitiful child, he lost his father when he's born... .."
Wan Niang's words sounded so sad and moving. On top of that, feeling the baby's movements under his hand, Yue Chang Lu's heart softened a little. He turned around and took delicate Wan Niang into his embrace. In a muffled voice, he spoke "What are you thinking? Everything it good, you talk about leaving again. Father was worried about the crowd and slippery ground. It would be terrible if you and the baby got hurt. That's why he told me to take you back in. Don't think weird thoughts."
Seeing Yue Chang Lu lower his head first and his attitude softened a lot, Wan Niang acted sensible and nodded: "I was thinking too much. It just I always feel that Father, Mother, and the few children don't like me very much. Second Elder Brother, you are the only one I can rely on in this family. You are Wan Niang's sky."
Wan Niang's words made Yue Chang Lu felt like he was physically and mentally surging with energy. His male ego was greatly satisfied. He soothingly patted her on the back: "Since Father and Mother are willing to let you in, it proves that they like you. Don't think too much about it. Once you give birth to our son, I will go and beg father to let you be the principal wife."
After Wan Niang heard this, her resentment calmed down a little. The hand on her stomach became gentler. As long as she give birth to a son, all difficulties would be resolved with ease.
***
You Jin and the others were naturally unaware of this event in the backyard. Every one of the sisters sniffed their frozen red noses while taking the sliced Chinese cabbage out of the cold water, draining it and putting it in the kitchen for later use.
The pig slaughtering in the backyard was quick. After a while, two large pots of coagulated pig blood were sent to the kitchen in the front yard. Today was an important day for Yue Family. It went without saying old Mrs. Chen had to keep an eye on everything. She would scold a few words if something goes wrong. Even Mrs. Chen who was in charge of the spoon had been scolded a few times: "Put less meat, you wasteful woman. Don't you feel bad when you pour so much meat in!"
Mrs. Chen pursed her lips and responded, "Mother, I know. You can rest assured!"
Today it was lively at home and people from the village come and go. She was already mother and being scolded like this by Mother, she was naturally a little uncomfortable.
Yue You Ting, who was also instructed to work today, moved a small bench and sat beside the stove, She carefully pulled up her clothes, for fear that her clothes would be soiled by the dirty things in the kitchen. Looking at You Yin who was swiping the water off her after scooping up the vegetables, she suddenly showed a contemptuous expression: "Sure enough, a lowly girl is a lowly girl."
However, You Yin and the others didn't hear her words. After all, they were too busy. How could they still pay heed to her?
The kitchen was busy and messy, while it was bustling outside. Yue Wen Wei, who was dressed like a ball, rushed in from outside: "Grandmother! Elder brothers is back!"
When old Mrs. Chen heard that her grandson who was studying in the county town had returned, the impatient expression on her face instantly turned into surprise: "Why are your elder brothers back at this time?"
After saying that, she hurriedly got up and went out to greet the pride of Yue Family.
Just when Mrs. Chen wanted to follow, she was pinned to the spot by old Mrs. Chen's gaze: "You do your job!"
Seeing old Mrs. Chen happily leave, Mrs. Chen expressed her unwillingness: "Not letting me see my own sons. What does this count as?”
Then she beckoned to Yue Wen Wei, who was greedily eyeing the pork in the pot: "Wen Wei, go and see why your elder brothers are back now."
Seeing that her son refused to move his feet, she glanced outside the kitchen. As there was no movement, she hurriedly scooped a piece of fatty pork with a big ladle: "Hurry up, go see your elder brothers after eating. Then come back and tell Mother!"
As soon as Yue Wen Wei saw the pork, he stretched out his hand to pick it up and stuffed it into his mouth without care of being scalded. After three bites, he finished the large piece of fatty meat. Only then he nodded contentedly and agreed to Mrs. Chen's request. He bolted out in a hurry.
Shortly later, Yue Wen Wei rushed in again like a headless fly: "Mother! Eldest Brother and Second Elder Brother are both back. They brought back two well-dressed gentlemen, saying they are classmates in the academy!"
"Gentlemen from the county!" When she heard that her sons came back and brought two classmates back, Mrs. Chen didn't ask why. Instead, she looked at Yue You Ting with bright eyes: "You Ting, go back and dress up. Then come out and meet the guests!"
Yue You Ting was blooming girl near her coming-of-age. When she heard her mother's words, she immediately blushed as she meekly looked at Mrs. Chen: "Mother!"
Mrs. Chen smiled happily: "You silly child. What's there to be shy about? Hurry back and dress up!" Gentlemen from county came to Cuifeng Village. This wasn't a common occurrence. If her daughter can catch this opportunity and get to know a few young masters from rich families, maybe one will take a fancy to her daughter? Then it would be possible to marry into a good family and be a young madam, no?
Seeing her smiling happily, Yue You Ting blushed and fidgetily went back to the east wing.
Yue Wen Wei didn't understand this. He just wanted to eat another piece of meat. After listened to the conversation between Mrs. Chen and his elder sister, he was confused: "Mother, what are you telling Elder Sister?"
The smile on Mrs. Chen's face disappeared. She reprimanded Yue Wen Wei, who was going to steal pork: "Go do what you should be doing. Don't always think of stealing bits. In a bit, your grnadmother will skin you once she sees!"
Yue Wen Wei was pushed out by his Mother. Seeing that he couldn't eat any more meat, he made a face at her before running off to somewhere unknown to play.
After shooting a displeased glare at her insensible third son, Mrs. Chen was in a good mood when she stir-fried the dishes in the big pot. Her mind was thinking about her daughter marrying to the county town to be a young madam. Then she could follow along and enjoy luxury. Her mood couldn't get any better. She didn't even notice You Bao, who was squatting in the corner without any sense of existence, listening in to their conversation.
After a few days, You Jin's on and off illness was healed. In a blink of an eye, it was December 22th.
The six pigs raised by Yue Family this year had grown fat and strong under the careful care of You Jin sisters. Finally, the New Year was approaching and Yue Da Fu made an appointment with the butcher in the town to come to soak pigs today.
In the kitchen of Yue's house, You Jin and her sisters were busy boiling water. Outside the pigpen in the backyard, five/six young men were already standing there. The head among them was Butcher Huang. He often came to Cuifeng Village to kill pigs.
Butcher Huang held a sharp knife in his hand that was glinting with cold light. Standing in front of the pigsty with a hand on hip, he scanned the fat pigs that were to be slaughtered in the pigsty. His eyes were full of joy: "The pigs in Uncle Yue's house are really well raised! The smallest pig is almost two hundred jins!"
Yue Da Fu was also full of joy. Standing in front of the pigsty, he grinned: "They are all home-raised pigs. Whether they are fat or not, they're like this. Today, I will have to trouble old Brother Huang. After the pigs are killed, let's have a good drink!"
Pig-slaughter meals was a custom in Cuifeng Village. Two tables were set up on the day of killing pigs. One was to thank the people who came to help kill the pigs. The other was to invite some close-connection in the village to celebrate.
Today was Yue Da Fu's family's New Year pig slaughter. According to Yue Da Fu's face-saving temperament, the pig slaughter meal got to be bountiful. So early in the morning, You Jin sisters were ordered around by old Mrs. Chen. Chopping cabbage, slicing potatoes, etc. Every one of them were busy like a spinning top. Still, the sisters were beaming on their faces. After all, all year round there was just this one pig slaughter meal. Meaning, they can more or less consume meat.
A pigs shriek sounded from the backyard. It turned out that Butcher Huang stabbed the neck of one rope bound fat pig. Blood spurted out. A man who was standby on the side with a large wooden basin for the pig blood quickly stepped forward. The pig's blood went into the basin without a single drop missed.
Wan Niang deliberately combed her hair with osmanthus hair oil today and wore a big red cotton jacket. In addition, she was guarded by Yue Chang Lu since she entered Yue Family. Not a meal was missed. She was glowing and rosy. Despite her little daughter-in-law appearance, she openly followed Yue Chang Lu to the backyard and took the initiative to smile and greet the villagers that came to help.
When Yue Da Fu saw her come out, the smile on his face faded by a half. After this Wan Niang entered the gate of Yue's house, Old Second wasn't as disciplined as before. Two days back was clan patriarch's pig slaughter meal. His old face was almost completely lost after being told off by patriarch. Now Wan Niang came out to meet the guests dressed in fancy dress. Anyone with discernment knew what she was thinking.
Yue Da Fu first glared at Yue Chang Lu. The other party just shrank his neck as if he didn't see it. Instantly fury brew within Yue Da Fu. But seeing so many people in the backyard now waiting to watch the fun, he can't really act up. Then he spoke to Yue Chang Lu in a deep voice: "Right now, the pigs are getting killed. It's a mess. If you bump into something, it will be bad. Old Second quickly bring your wife back."
Taking the thoughtful eyes of those who came to help fall on Wan Niang and his father's displeased gaze, Yue Chang Lu could only agree. He took Wan Niang back to the west wing.
Everyone saw Wan Niang walking away with a big belly and eyed Yue Da Fu's gloomy face.
"I told you not to go. Look at you. You insist that you have never seen a pig slaughter but wanted to see it. Father isn't happy!" Yue Chang Lu's awe for Yue Da Fu has been deeply rooted in his bones. Plus Yue Da Fu was a little angry in front of so many people. So Yue Chang Lu was a little mad. He supported Wan Niang back to the room where the two of them were currently living in the west wing and said angrily while sitting on the kang.
Was it just Yue Chang Lu who was angry? Wan Niang was too. What afraid of bumping into something? They just find her shameful. Feel that she lost the face of their Yue Family when she came out!
Sitting on the edge of the kang, she was so angry that she grabbed her sleeves tightly. The sleeves that were neatly ironed instantly became wrinkled. Even the baby in her belly began to feel restless.
The two of them were each immersed in their anger for a while. Then Wan Niang leaned on Yue Chang Lu's side sobbing softly: "Second Elder Brother, do you also think that I have lost face of the Yue family when I go out? If so, I will take the child away and leave Yue Family. Whether we live or die, it got nothing to do with anyone.”
She took Yue Chang Lu’s hand and put it on her stomach to feel the child’s energetic movements: “My pitiful child, he lost his father when he's born... .."
Wan Niang's words sounded so sad and moving. On top of that, feeling the baby's movements under his hand, Yue Chang Lu's heart softened a little. He turned around and took delicate Wan Niang into his embrace. In a muffled voice, he spoke "What are you thinking? Everything it good, you talk about leaving again. Father was worried about the crowd and slippery ground. It would be terrible if you and the baby got hurt. That's why he told me to take you back in. Don't think weird thoughts."
Seeing Yue Chang Lu lower his head first and his attitude softened a lot, Wan Niang acted sensible and nodded: "I was thinking too much. It just I always feel that Father, Mother, and the few children don't like me very much. Second Elder Brother, you are the only one I can rely on in this family. You are Wan Niang's sky."
Wan Niang's words made Yue Chang Lu felt like he was physically and mentally surging with energy. His male ego was greatly satisfied. He soothingly patted her on the back: "Since Father and Mother are willing to let you in, it proves that they like you. Don't think too much about it. Once you give birth to our son, I will go and beg father to let you be the principal wife."
After Wan Niang heard this, her resentment calmed down a little. The hand on her stomach became gentler. As long as she give birth to a son, all difficulties would be resolved with ease.
***
You Jin and the others were naturally unaware of this event in the backyard. Every one of the sisters sniffed their frozen red noses while taking the sliced Chinese cabbage out of the cold water, draining it and putting it in the kitchen for later use.
The pig slaughtering in the backyard was quick. After a while, two large pots of coagulated pig blood were sent to the kitchen in the front yard. Today was an important day for Yue Family. It went without saying old Mrs. Chen had to keep an eye on everything. She would scold a few words if something goes wrong. Even Mrs. Chen who was in charge of the spoon had been scolded a few times: "Put less meat, you wasteful woman. Don't you feel bad when you pour so much meat in!"
Mrs. Chen pursed her lips and responded, "Mother, I know. You can rest assured!"
Today it was lively at home and people from the village come and go. She was already mother and being scolded like this by Mother, she was naturally a little uncomfortable.
Yue You Ting, who was also instructed to work today, moved a small bench and sat beside the stove, She carefully pulled up her clothes, for fear that her clothes would be soiled by the dirty things in the kitchen. Looking at You Yin who was swiping the water off her after scooping up the vegetables, she suddenly showed a contemptuous expression: "Sure enough, a lowly girl is a lowly girl."
However, You Yin and the others didn't hear her words. After all, they were too busy. How could they still pay heed to her?
The kitchen was busy and messy, while it was bustling outside. Yue Wen Wei, who was dressed like a ball, rushed in from outside: "Grandmother! Elder brothers is back!"
When old Mrs. Chen heard that her grandson who was studying in the county town had returned, the impatient expression on her face instantly turned into surprise: "Why are your elder brothers back at this time?"
After saying that, she hurriedly got up and went out to greet the pride of Yue Family.
Just when Mrs. Chen wanted to follow, she was pinned to the spot by old Mrs. Chen's gaze: "You do your job!"
Seeing old Mrs. Chen happily leave, Mrs. Chen expressed her unwillingness: "Not letting me see my own sons. What does this count as?”
Then she beckoned to Yue Wen Wei, who was greedily eyeing the pork in the pot: "Wen Wei, go and see why your elder brothers are back now."
Seeing that her son refused to move his feet, she glanced outside the kitchen. As there was no movement, she hurriedly scooped a piece of fatty pork with a big ladle: "Hurry up, go see your elder brothers after eating. Then come back and tell Mother!"
As soon as Yue Wen Wei saw the pork, he stretched out his hand to pick it up and stuffed it into his mouth without care of being scalded. After three bites, he finished the large piece of fatty meat. Only then he nodded contentedly and agreed to Mrs. Chen's request. He bolted out in a hurry.
Shortly later, Yue Wen Wei rushed in again like a headless fly: "Mother! Eldest Brother and Second Elder Brother are both back. They brought back two well-dressed gentlemen, saying they are classmates in the academy!"
"Gentlemen from the county!" When she heard that her sons came back and brought two classmates back, Mrs. Chen didn't ask why. Instead, she looked at Yue You Ting with bright eyes: "You Ting, go back and dress up. Then come out and meet the guests!"
Yue You Ting was blooming girl near her coming-of-age. When she heard her mother's words, she immediately blushed as she meekly looked at Mrs. Chen: "Mother!"
Mrs. Chen smiled happily: "You silly child. What's there to be shy about? Hurry back and dress up!" Gentlemen from county came to Cuifeng Village. This wasn't a common occurrence. If her daughter can catch this opportunity and get to know a few young masters from rich families, maybe one will take a fancy to her daughter? Then it would be possible to marry into a good family and be a young madam, no?
Seeing her smiling happily, Yue You Ting blushed and fidgetily went back to the east wing.
Yue Wen Wei didn't understand this. He just wanted to eat another piece of meat. After listened to the conversation between Mrs. Chen and his elder sister, he was confused: "Mother, what are you telling Elder Sister?"
The smile on Mrs. Chen's face disappeared. She reprimanded Yue Wen Wei, who was going to steal pork: "Go do what you should be doing. Don't always think of stealing bits. In a bit, your grnadmother will skin you once she sees!"
Yue Wen Wei was pushed out by his Mother. Seeing that he couldn't eat any more meat, he made a face at her before running off to somewhere unknown to play.
After shooting a displeased glare at her insensible third son, Mrs. Chen was in a good mood when she stir-fried the dishes in the big pot. Her mind was thinking about her daughter marrying to the county town to be a young madam. Then she could follow along and enjoy luxury. Her mood couldn't get any better. She didn't even notice You Bao, who was squatting in the corner without any sense of existence, listening in to their conversation.
Thanks for the chapter 😀
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteIdeal progression at this point is Mrs Su and the girls leave before she gives birth to two boys (hehehehee) and then the new cow gives birth to another girl in the family .
ReplyDelete