Chapter 50: Talkative Third Aunt
Translator: Maggie_ Editor: Maggie_
Lian Fang Zhou had already notice Lian Ze's thoughts but didn't bring it out into the open. Now that Ah Jian said it like this and Lian Ze eagerly looked over at her, Lian Fang Zhou smiled as she spoke. "You want to learn, and Ah Jian is willing to teach, what else can I say? However, learning a martial art isn't an easy matter. It'll be very arduous."
"I'm not afraid. Thank you, Sister!" Filled with euphoria, Lian Ze thanked Lian Fang Zhou. He turned his head to look at Ah Jian with his sparkling bright eyes, which carried a hint of fawning.
Ah Jian laughed at him and nodded. So this matter was settled like that.
The three of them chopped at one spot, while Uncle Li and the others were much further away. So Uncle Li and the others didn't notice what's happening at their side since they weren't talking loud. If they looked over now, how odd would they think it is, seeing Lian Ze lost in joy.
"Such a big pheasant, so fat! Aiya, so lucky today!" As she commented, Mrs. Zhao was already back from picking up the pheasant.
Ah Jian's stone broke one of the pheasant's wings. It took Mrs. Zhao a lot of effort to catch the flopping bird in the grass patch.
At this moment, the pheasant in Mrs. Zhao's hand could only cry out tragically and continue flapping its wings as Mrs. Zhao held it up. She laughed: "It's really plump and big. Look at these legs; it's all meat, really thick! Haha, tonight we got good dishes! Such good luck! Didn't waste a trip!"
Everyone looked over and started joking. That pheasant was enormous, at least three jin (1.5kg). It quite rare for pheasant to grow this big.
Aunt Zhang gave her daughter-in-law a criticising stare and lectured: "Look at you, so delighted that you became muddlehead* ((literally: can't tell where north, west, south, east))! If it weren't for Ah Jian, how could you catch the pheasant? When we return, don't forget to give half to Fang Zhou!"
Immediately Mrs. Zhao's heart ached after hearing this. Mother-in-law was right, so she can't refute. Thinking in another way, treat it as doing them a favor. In the future, when Ah Jian catches pheasant, they might share some with her family.
In the end, Mrs. Zhao quickly agreed: "Mother-in-law is right. I had the same thought! Fang Zhou ah, you might as well wait for me to cook the pheasant and then bring over a bowl of it. It'll save some trouble! What do you think?"
Although Mrs. Zhao said this, in her heart she was already scheming: When the time comes, I have already chopped it into pieces. So even if I give them less, they won't notice... Naturally, I can't give them those meatless claws and wings. It'll be too obvious!
Why Lian Fang Zhou bother quibbling over every detail in these small matters? So she replied, "Alright, then I'll trouble Saozi!"
"It's no trouble at all!" Mrs. Zhao laughed in glee.
Seeing that the sun was going to set soon, everyone moved the chopped up wood to the side of the charcoal kiln. After tidying up, they made their way back.
On the way back, Lian Ze was very excited. He stuck to Ah Jian's side as he talked with him. Eyes were completely shining. Seeing this, Lian Fang Zhou secretly laughed and thought, 'Don't know how many days can he persist. It'll be good if he can really successfully learn a bit.'
Once they returned, Third Aunt had already cooked dinner and also boiled some washing water for them.
Seeing that they're back, she said: "You guys wash up and rest. I'll cook something, and we can eat! Che-er, come and help me with the fire!"
Lian Fang Zhou called out to stop Third Aunt. "If it not a difficult dish, then cook it in a while. Today we caught a pheasant. Zhao Sao-zi will cook it and bring us a bowl!"
"Pheasant?" Third Aunt's eyes immediately lit up and hurriedly to ask what happened.
Lian Ze was enthusiastic to answer as if praising Ah Jian also make his face glow. He earnestly recounted everything.
Lian Fang Zhou knew without guessing, how Third Aunt would react. She turned around to walk out to wash her hands and face.
Third Aunt had no interest in praising Ah Jian's skills.
As predicted, she just turned around and heard Third Aunt rapidly questioned. "So you're saying Ah Jian shot down a pheasant? Then why did you let Zhao Mei Zi take it? How clever of her! Just cook one bowl for use? Hmph, who knows whether the pot she gave us is bone or meat! No, it can't do, I must go over to her place!"
Originally Lian Fang Zhou wanted to stay out of this matter, but now she can't. She rushed to halt Third Aunt: "Don't go! What's the point of quibbling over every little detail? Whether it's more or less, it's alright! We still need to rely on Uncle Li and Brother San Ge on the charcoal!"
Third Aunt still couldn't accept it. She harrumphed as she glared at Lian Fang Zhou. "You're really generous. I'm afraid someone going to become more and more greedy. It was said that you were very fierce against the Hua Family's daughter-in-law. I believe that was most likely not real?"
As she spoke, she dragged Ah Jian over. "Ah Jian got a powerful body. From what I see, two of your Uncle Li and Brother San Ge added together still isn't enough to match up! What relying on them! Who would believe that!"
Lian Fang Zhou was speechless. Third Aunt is very talented in calculating gain and loss. Lian Fang Zhou could not refute these words.
"How could Hua Family's daughter-in-law compare with Aunt Zhang?" Lian Fang Zhou wrinkled her brows."I said can't go, then you can't go! How much did Aunt Zhang and Uncle Li help us?
Stifled with anger, Third Aunt simply sat down. " Fine then, you said can't go, then I won't go. You're the family head anyway! One matter is one matter, who would say it like you? So, if that Mrs. Zhao asks you for money, you will also give it to her? She said borrow, then what about returning it? If she doesn't return, could you ask for it back?
Lian Fang Zhou replied, "Isn't there still Aunt Zhang? I have my plans, so don't worry!"
Seeing the two of them started quarreling, Ah Jian hurried to intervene. "Third Aunt, listen to Fang Zhou. Isn't it just a pheasant? Next time I see one, I'll catch it!"
Initially, Third Aunt was just feeling indignant and grumbled a bit. She dare not disobey Lian Fang Zhou. Ah Jian's words made her sigh. "You're also helping her. You guys breathe out with the same nostril. What else can I say--- Could you hunt some rabbit?
"Sure!" Ah Jian nodded.
"Any other? Can you catch others?" Immediately Third Aunt was full of curiosity.
Ah Jian laughed and nodded after some giving it some thought. "As long as you can name it, wild goats, wild deer, roe deer, marmot, muntjac... I think I can!"
"Wonderfully! That's just perfect!" Third Aunt started cheering and ordered Ah Jian. "Next time hide it from the Li family, especially that insatiably greedy Mrs. Zhao!"
"Alright." Ah Jian agreed with a nod.
Lian Fang Qing and Lian Che heard Ah Jian talk that impressive; they couldn't help pester him with endless questions. Ah Jian was very patient with them. He answered each question one by one with a smile, making the two little guys exclaim in admiration.
Lian Fang Zhou had already walked away as if she didn't hear anything.
Not long later, Mrs. Zhao brought over a big bowl of soup of stewed mushroom and pheasant in a bamboo basket. And the top was covered with a lid.
Once the lid was uncovered, the aroma overflow. Lian Fang Qing took a deep breath in and her mouth watered. "Smells so good!"
When the authentic aroma floated out, no one could resist the temptation. Even Lian Fang Zhou couldn't help move her fingers toward the table. She gave her thanks with a grin.
Mrs. Zhao carefully placed the pheasant soup on the table and beamed. "Stewed mushroom and pheasant garnished with ginger slice and scallion. Will be very savory! It's split in half between us, two families. We didn't take any more than that!"
Comments (72)
MeiViv
God, Mrs Zhao is annoying....
Quinn_Freed
Mrs Zhao is annoying, but people are like that... It's more realistic to have a few ppl in the story rather than having mother Theresa's everywhere... Plus, since greedy people are easy to manipulate, our mc will definitely be able to use her to benefit the future in a way that surpasses 1/2 a pheasant and some loose change :D
Lex051
Third aunt too.
VIEW ALL COMMENTS
Rate this chapter
Vote with Power Stone
Chapter 51: Start the kiln
Translator: Maggie_ Editor: Maggie_
"Look what you're saying, Sao-zi! You're acting like a stranger!" Hearing these words, Lian Fang Zhou immediately felt bothered. She smiled, "It was hard on you Sao-zi. You should have left more for yourself!"
"It was no trouble, no trouble at all! It what I should do! Haha, us two families are very close. It should be like this; you help me, I help you, right?" Mrs. Zhao promptly laughed.
"That's right, it just like that!" Lian Fang Zhou chattered for a while longer before sending Mrs. Zhao out.
When she returned, Third Aunt continued jabbering. "It's actually a whole half! The thigh and the breast are there. Even the blood and organ! That Mrs. Zhao is smart, to think of the future!"
"Cook the dinner!" Lian Fang Zhou was very helpless. The Third Aunt right now has changed a lot but she still as unbearable as ever.
Third Aunt didn't care about Lian Fang Zhou not responding to her, she mumbled into the kitchen.
Lian Ze's mind was full of Ah Jian's martial art lesson. After dinner, he impatiently looked at Ah Jian.
Ah Jian didn't understand his meaning, instead, he only detected his nod and a slight smile.
Lian Fang Zhou watched with a secret smile. She suggested, "Ah Jian, after a few days, you should teach Ah Ze. For a specific day, you two should discuss it."
Lian Ze followed with, "How about tomorrow? Tomorrow is good!"
Ah Jian contemplated for a moment, then looked at Lian Fang Zhou. "I'll explain it to him first and make some preparation. In three we'll start?"
"I have no objection. You should do what you need! Take it step by step, don't injure your body!" Lian Fang Zhou replied.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out, definitely won't let Ah Ze get hurt!" Ah Jian grinned.
Lian Fang Zhou nodded with a smile.
Thrilled, Lian Ze rubbed his hands and promised, "Don't worry Sister, I'll be careful! Big Brother Ah Jian you can be more strict, I can take it..."
The next day, they were busy chopping for most of the day and had all the necessary wood cut up.
In the afternoon, Ah Jian, Lian Fang Zhou, and Lian Ze were responsible for cutting the wood that was brought over to the side of the kiln to one-meter length. After drying them for a few days, they can then load the kiln up and light it up.
After lighting it up, they need to burn a lot of firewood. Aunt Zhang's family is in charge of getting firewood.
Kiln fire is different to a stove fire. It needs long lasting thick firewood.
Fortunately, the mountain doesn't lack them, just need to spend effort.
So they were busy for another two days before they finally loaded the kiln and lit it.
A raging big fire burned in the kiln's oven. From the chimney, plumes of smoke emerged and get scattered by the wind and disappear into the air.
Looking at the continuously emerging and disappearing smoke, everyone was feeling nervous. Because in the end, it has a lot of connection to whether it succeeds or not.
Whether they have a comfortable and warm winter or a chilling wallet-tight winter depend on this.
As long as this one succeed, then they can dig out another three kiln at the side. When the time comes, with four kilns burning at the same time and burn five to six time, they don't have to worry this winter.
"Next the kiln needs to burn strong for the next days and nights. It can't be interrupted in the middle! How should we work this out? At night we need someone to keep watch to add wood anytime." Lian Fang Zhou explained.
Uncle Li proposed, "It's enough with San Ge and I taking turns. In the day let your Aunt Zhang and Mei Zi come. You siblings must be exhausted from the last few days. Go rest up!"
"How could that do? If this doesn't change, and by chance, you sleepily feed the fire. Then fire won't burn strong and all our effort is wasted!" Lian Fang Zhou rushed to point out.
Hearing this, Lian Ze followed up, "Sister, how about we do it like this? Ah Jian, Uncle Li, Brother San Ge and I take turns watching the night shift. In the day, you three and Third Aunt take turns.
Everyone considered it. They felt it was pretty good and had no objection and settle like that.
The first night was Ah Jian's and Lian Ze's turn. In Uncle Li's and others' eyes, Ah Jian was an expert. So they did not fight with them over it.
Ah Jian and Lian Ze took a blanket to wrap around with and went early in the evening to the fire. Lian Fang Zhou felt uneasy and went with them.
They didn't need to bring a blanket because with such a big fire burning in the kiln, it can't be cold in the evening.
Not only is it not cold, but because of the high temperature, they can't be near the kiln.
The three of them chose a spot that's convenient to watch the fire and also not too hot.
Lian Ze couldn't help start pestering Ah Jian with questions about learning martial arts.
Lian Fang Zhou laughed as she chided. "You ah! Don't rush, take it slowly! The future days are long, and there are still two days left. The fire still needs to be watched. Today I'm here, so it's fine. But if I weren't here in the future, you guys would be immersed in talking and mess things up! In every matter, you need to able to prioritize!"
Lian Ze heard his sister's words and deep understood that it was very possible and felt fearful.
As he was going to reply, Ah Jian grinned at Lian Fang Zhou. "Not to worry, I'll pay attention! I promise we won't mess things up. It's rare for him to have such an interest, may as well let him be."
Naturally, Lian Ze loves to, but he was still uneasy. Only when Ah Jian promise it's okay and Sister didn't say anything did he feel a ease.
Since Ah Jian said it like this, Lian Fang Zhou didn't object anymore. The more they chatted, the more enthusiastic. At the start, she found their conversation interesting, but later she was tired. She yawned a few times as her eyelid start to droop. Unconsciously she tucked up by the pile of firewood and fell asleep.
When Lian Fang Zhou woke up, it was in the middle of the night. The cold blue, cloudless sky had numerous thickly dotted stars, creating an astonishing sight as if was a fairyland. After looking at it for so long, she felt as if she forgot where she is.
"You're awake?" A warm, soft voice sounded out. Lian Fang Zhou slightly tilted her head. Ah Jian was shooting a smile at her.
She swept her gaze around and found Lian Ze who fell asleep at some unknown time.
Ah Jian whispered, "Let him sleep. He's exhausted from the last few days. Don't worry; the fire is still strong!"
Lian Fang Zhou couldn't help laugh and whisper back, "It should you who is tired! I'll keep watch for a while and you nap as well."
"No need, I'm not tired" Ah Jian shook his head.
Lian Fang Zhou continued. "How can you not be tired? Even if you aren't tired, you still need to rest. These days you worked harder than us!"
After pausing, she lightly sighed. "It's all thanks to you, or else..."
Ah Jian laughed. "You guys took me in. I'm just doing what can. I'm not tired at all. Don't worry; if I need to rest, I'll let you know. "
Seeing that he persist in not resting, she could only leave it be. He pondered for a moment. "In that case, then let's talk! What do you think of Ah Ze- Is his physique suitable for learning martial arts?"
"I don't see anything wrong. Since he has the heart and can succeed in learning, then it's good!" Ah Jian glanced over. He paused before continuing. "I can see that he is learning this for you, right? He wants to protect you and also his younger siblings."
Lian Fang Zhou lightly breathed out. "Actually, it's enough that has that heart. Hmph, it's not going to be easy for those who want to bully me!"
Don't know if Ah Jian didn't understand what she said or if he is pretending not to follow; he nodded in agreement: "With me here, you don't have nothing to worry about! Other matters, I don't understand but at least get robbed, or something won't happen."
Lian Fang Zhou burst out laughing. "What you said is pleasing to hear! I think that one day you'll have to leave!"
"You, you're thinking of kicking me again!" Straight away, Ah Jian became agitated.
Again? Lian Fang Zhou felt speechless on the inside. Isn't it just not agreeing to him staying at the start? Thus becoming a bad guy forever?
"That's not it," Lian Fang Zhou quietly said. " You have your own family and own relative. One day you'll remember everything. When you remember, you'll naturally want to leave. Don't even need me to push you out."
Comments (94)
AnukSedRal
He will remember. And then he will leave to bring his whole family to take the bride away :-)
Jeanscout
Haha MC seems like AJ is insecure. He wont leave you and probably is glad you've little kids to care for or you might leave him 😂 at most he will dissappear for a bit to bring the dowry.
Khem
Even if he remembers, I doubt he would abandon this family. He would just take them with him 😊 Thanks for the chapter
VIEW ALL COMMENTS
Rate this chapter
Vote with Power Stone
Chapter 52: Mrs. Zhao's scheme
Translator: Maggie_ Editor: Maggie_
After a pause, she gave a slight nod. "That's right. While I'm at it, I must tell you something. You can rest at ease as you help us do work now. When the time comes for you to leave, I will prepare sufficient traveling fund for you!"
His own family? His relatives?
Hearing these words, he looked up to the sky, which was filled with numerous dotted stars, as if his memory was deep within the starry sky. But he couldn't find it no matter how much he searches.
"Actually, since I lost my memory, there hasn't been one day without thinking of this problem. But no matter how much I think, even til my head hurts, I still can't make anything out. So I already gave up thinking. When I can remember, then I will remember. It's useless to think about it anymore!" Ah Jian sighed with melancholy.
It would be a lie to say he doesn't think of his past.
Lian Fang Zhou nodded with a smile. "Thinking like is right! Take things as they come. I believe Heaven will favor the good! One day you'll remember everything!"
"Then I'll take your word for it!" Ah Jian smiled. Suddenly he frowned again and exhaled out. "Even though I can't remember anything, but when I have time to settle down, my heart feels empty and anxious, as if there's an urgent matter waiting for me to do...But no matter how much I try, I can't remember what it is. I could only feel more and more uneasy."
Lian Fang Zhou quickly comforted him. "Can't remember who you are, what's your past was like or whether you have any worried family member. Of course, you'll feel uneasy! For the time being, you don't have to worry. Wait till we go to the county town, spend some money and rely on a few out of town roadside tea shed to keep an eye out. Maybe there's a chance that one your family come here to search!"
Ah Jian's eyes lit up and ecstatically exclaimed. "Great! It's a wonderful idea. It's just that... you'll have to spend money!
Lian Fang Zhou chuckled. "You're too honest and down to earth. Just with your strength alone, we already benefit a lot from you staying at our place."
They became merrier as they chatted.
Not long later, it gradually became brighter. In the early morning in the autumn mountains, everywhere was covered in thick fog accompanied with gusts of wind. If there weren't for burning kiln, who knows how cold it can be.
Lian Ze has already woke up for a while. The three of them kept on burning as they talked, waiting for Aunt Zhang and her daughter-in-law to switch shift.
The sun gradually rose up, and the thick fog cleared up. Aunt Zhang and her daughter-in-law rushed over after they had breakfast.
Mrs. Zhao had a bamboo basket hanging from her elbow. Inside were a pot of soup and three set of tableware.
Because Aunt Zhang was worried about the cold weather, she especially had it brought over for the three of them to warm up their body before they left the mountain.
Lian Fang Zhou and the other two gave their thanks and drank the soup. They gave some simple instructions to the Aunt Zhang and Mrs. Zhao before carrying the empty basket down the mountain.
After drinking a hot soup and walked down the mountain road, their exhaustion faded away, and they no longer felt tired when they reached home.
After they washed up and had breakfast, Lian Fang Zhou went to look around the vegetable patch.
In the southwest, the lowest temperature was at most four to five degree in the winter. Usually, it's around eight to nine degree. Winter is the perfect growth time for every type of green leafy vegetable and cabbage. At this time, you can already see big, glossy green leaves.
She pulled some weeds and transplant some seedlings in the vegetable patch. Only when it was around noon, did she feel drowsy and went to nap.
Lian Ze couldn't wait for anymore. That very afternoon, under Ah Jian's teaching he practiced horse stance and strengthened the basic skills. Lian Fang Qing found it fun, so she also giggled as she learned at the side. When Lian Che saw his brother frowned a bit, he pulled her away.
Lian Fang Zhou understood his intention and seeing that he doesn't feel tired, she let him be.
After two more days, they can finally seal the kiln.
The charcoal kiln would be weighed down by the soil when the fire is extinguished. Everyone looked at each other. Their heart was apprehensive.
Because when burning the kiln, you can at least see what's happening. But now it's sealed, whatever changes inside can't be seen!
Since they can't see, naturally they would be more anxious.
"This, can it succeed right?"Li San Ge couldn't help nervously asked Ah Jian.
"There should be no problem! Just waiting for the charcoal to char. Three to four days should be enough." Lian Fang Zhou calmly answered, even though she felt a bit worried at heart.
"Ok!" Li San Ge felt at ease after she laid out the plan. He treated it as Lian Fang Zhou had asked Ah Jian before, and did not overthink of it when she answered his question.
"This, do we still need to guard it?" Uncle Li meticulously asked
Guard it? There's no fire, and there's also no place for shelter. What if they got sick from keeping watch deep in the mountain during the night?
Let's not mention that they can't afford to become sick; there's also the fact that medical treatment standards at this age are very doubtful.
Lian Fang Zhou rushed to say, "This matter, only we know and here is deep in the mountain. I think we don't need to? It was cold here. Wouldn't it be troublesome if we caught a cold?"
"You're right! If we caught the chill, then we'll have to spend money on medicine!" Mrs. Zhao quickly followed up. She left her unspoken words to stay in her stomach. 'By chance, we weren't successful in making charcoal, not only would we not earn money but also make a loss from grabbing the medicine. It wouldn't be worth it!'
Uncle Li, Aunt Zhang and the others felt what Lian Fang Zhou said was reasonable, so they agreed. They settled on waiting four days and then come back here to look.
In angst, they passed four days. That day in the afternoon, they came together to open the kiln.
When Ah Jian and Li San Ge carefully dug out the top of the kiln, many pairs of eye swept over at the same time to look, both worried as well as hopeful.
Finally, they dug out an opening and afterheat come pouring out. At that moment, everyone's heart stopped a beat. Then they all happened to cheer at the same time.
They have never felt that black could look so great. Those upright pieces in the middle of the kiln are successfully made charcoal!
"Success! Success! Aiya, mother, it succeeded!" Mrs. Zhao was so delighted that her eyes glowed and her mouth nearly reached her ears.
In her eyes, those dark charcoal are shiny white silver.
"That's right! That's right! Haha, this is wonderful!" Aunt Zhang was also a little bit excited.
Lian Fang Zhou was overjoyed as well, and at the same time, her heart relaxed. This winter, they should be pretty well off.
"Tomorrow we should make a trip to town and check out the market information. " Uncle Li suggested to Lian Fang Zhou.
Naturally, Lian Fang Zhou agreed. If the market condition is right, then they'll dig out another three-four kiln and burn all in one go.
At the side, she examined the freshly made charcoal and pointed out. "The time it took us to open the kiln is a bit long. A lot of this side's charcoal is burnt. Hm, seems like sealing for three days is enough for next time."
Naturally, it's great being able to save one day. Uncle Li felt uncertain and asked Ah Jian if it was like that.
Needless to say, Ah Jian nodded and said. "That's right."
The amount of charcoal made is estimated to be over a thousand jin. The whole Li family and Ah Jian carried it all back in one go. All of it was piled in Uncle Li's courtyard, waiting to sold in town the next day after they borrowed Wang family's cart.
Seeing the charcoal piled into a mini mountain in their courtyard, Mrs. Zhao felt content like a blooming flower. The more she looked, the more delighted she is.
Suddenly she was struck by an idea. She pulled Li San Ge to the side to quietly discuss. "Making charcoal isn't that hard! Didn't we learn it in one go? It's fine this time. How about next time each family makes their own? That way when doing the account, it wouldn't be troublesome to split. What do you think?"
Once Li San Ge heard these words, he knew what Mrs. Zhao was thinking. 'She thinks that the fact Lian Fang Zhou and Lian Ze are kids and can't help out much, their own family were at a disadvantage!'