Chapter 26 – Descending the Mountain

Chapter 26 - Descending the Mountain

Tao Hua had tasted wild pears before, as there was a wild pear tree behind Xinghua Village. The small and hard fruit had juice that was not only unsweet but also quite astringent. Apart from the most ravenous children, even Qian Gouzi wouldn't bother taking a bite; it wasn't exactly a delightful flavor.

The wild pear tree before them had thick branches and a robust trunk, indicating its great age. It was heavy with large, ripe pears that hung low, evoking a sense of abundant harvest.

Though they didn't know how it would taste now, just looking at it filled their hearts with joy.

Tao Hua was ecstatic. Her exhaustion vanished as she ran towards the tree, stretching to pluck two pears from a branch with a forceful tug. She handed one to Wei Dahu and held onto the other, wiping it roughly on her clothes before taking a bite.

With a crisp sound, the skin of the pear broke, revealing the snow-white flesh inside. Juice splashed against her teeth, the slightly cool liquid soothing her parched mouth. A fresh fruit aroma spread across her tongue, causing Tao Hua's eyes to shine brightly. Her gaze at Wei Dahu could only be described as tender and affectionate.

All the effort of waking up before dawn, enduring the strenuous climb up the mountain for hours, getting nervously jolted by unknown beasts, being bombarded by squirrels' chestnuts, frightened by snakes, and almost being embraced by her own man in the open air... everything was worth it when she looked at this bountiful wild pear tree!

With half a pear still in her hand, Tao Hua waved her arm, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, "Let's pick them all! Bring them home!"

In the depths of the mountains, the soil was fertile, and the fruit trees, having rooted themselves over time, thrived much like nobles nourished with costly delicacies, appearing vastly different from rough laborers who toiled daily in the fields. The nobles had delicate skin, while these men had calloused exteriors; a mere cut on their skin would hardly draw blood. There was no comparison between the two.

No wonder wild pears tasted inferior. Just look at the ground they grew in – it couldn't compare!

For Tao Hua, this was her first realization of disparity in birth. Not only among people but even among trees, there were hierarchies.

Overwhelmed with joy, she hastily devoured the pear in her hand, chewing even the core before spitting it out. Then, rolling up her sleeves, she prepared for a productive session.

Seeing this, Wei Dahu dashed her enthusiasm with a bucket of cold water. "Tao Hua, don't fill the basket too full. Descending the mountain is more challenging than climbing up. Be careful not to let the fruits drop and go to waste."

The smile froze on Tao Hua's face.

Wei Dahu laid a layer of leaves at the bottom of the basket to cushion the fruit and protect their skin. Seeing his wife's simple-mindedness, he cherished her deeply and chuckled. "Silly Tao Hua, even if I could carry a basket on my back and one in front, or even two baskets on me, it wouldn't make descending the mountain any easier. Even a blade of grass in the mountains is treasured by herbivores. We can't waste nature's gifts. We'll pick as many wild pears as we can carry down the mountain, so don't feel regretful or reluctant. If there are pear trees here, there will be wild grapes, peaches, persimmons... There's an abundance of food in the mountains. We mustn't waste or be greedy."

Thus, it was impossible to harvest everything. Some fruits had to be left for birds and other creatures, and pregnant animals were off-limits for hunting. During spring, hunting was prohibited altogether. They took from the forest, and in return, they were grateful and protective of it.

Upon hearing his words, Tao Hua didn't feel disappointed; instead, she was genuinely happy. With a hint of embarrassment, she whispered, "Back in the village, everyone scrambled for the treasures of the mountain, even fighting over firewood and wild vegetables. Whenever I saw food, I couldn't resist taking it home..."

She truly coveted this wild pear tree, and for a moment, she had genuinely considered picking every single fruit.

Those who have experienced hunger are less likely to show mercy. San Hua instinctively ignored the chattering birds on the branches. A person's character is shaped by their upbringing. Tao Hua wanted to take the unclaimed food home because she had been hungry before and had fought with villagers for resources. The more one lacks, the more they cling onto that very thing. However, she was reasonable and understood that Wei Dahu was right. No one would compete with her for this wild pear tree, allowing her to leisurely pick the fruit without fear of someone pushing her aside and snatching it away. Apart from the birds, she could freely harvest from the tree. For a farmer who spent most of their life working in the fields, harvest time was the most joyful occasion. Tao Hua felt the same way; the annual autumn harvest was her happiest days. Although harvesting rice was exhausting and required haste to avoid rain, the stored grain brought immense confidence, signifying no more hunger for a while. Picking these fruits was no different, especially since the wild pear tree grew naturally, giving her a sense of "free gain." This satisfaction was akin to finding a silver coin on the street, how could one not be happy? As Tao Hua picked one wild pear after another, her basket gradually filled up. She thought about how much San Hua loved fruits and decided to send more to her maternal uncle's house. Having sent to the eldest uncle, she couldn't neglect the second uncle's family... Then there was Mancang. It had probably been years since he last tasted a wild pear. These were large and sweet, he would surely love them! Zhou Village only had a small hill, without any wild pear trees or even tart fruits on its slopes. She wondered when he last had the chance to eat any fruit... As for her mother, Tao Hua hesitated. It wasn't that she was unwilling to share, how could she not give to her own mother? But as a married daughter, she had just returned home yesterday. How could she visit again so soon? The villagers might gossip if they saw her. Moreover, the Qian family had just had a dispute. Even though she wasn't the cause, witnessing the family affair as an outsider, the chef Qian might not want to see her for a while.

On an ordinary day, a married daughter visiting her parents' home frequently would not only invite gossip about her seeking handouts but also reflect poorly on the husband's family for not treating her well. Otherwise, why would she constantly return to her natal home?

Moreover, Tao Hua wasn't truly a member of the Qian family. After marrying, she was like a burdensome package they had shed. Apart from her mother and Dogzi, no one else would genuinely welcome her back. Now that her mother had fallen out with her two Qian family brothers and sisters-in-law, Tao Hua imagined she would be even more unwelcome.

Tao Hua knew her limits. The thought of not being able to bring fruits to her mother made her movements sluggish, and eventually, she stopped picking altogether, leaning against her basket to rest.

Glancing at the sky, she realized it was already late. Considering the pace of their journey up the mountain, they might have to descend in the moonlight.

During daylight, it was still manageable, but the deep forest at night was treacherous.

Anxiety welled up within Tao Hua as she looked towards the direction Wei Dahu had taken. Earlier, Wei Dahu, carrying his bow, said he was going to check the vicinity and wouldn't venture far. He instructed her to stay put and continue picking wild pears, promising to return shortly.

Yet, much time had passed, so where was he?

Perched on branches, birds with large, watchful eyes scanned their surroundings. Their sharp beaks pecked at the wild pears, occasionally chirping melodiously while spreading their wings contentedly.

Suddenly, the birds on the tree seemed startled by something, flapping their wings frantically and fleeing the branches, vanishing into the dense forest in moments.

Tao Hua heard footsteps and promptly stood up.

Wei Dahu carried his bow on his back and held two wild chickens, their wings clipped and feet bound, in his hand. Meeting Tao Hua's gaze, he chuckled as he tossed the birds into the basket on his back. Glancing at the half-filled basket of wild pears she had gathered, he said, "It's getting late. Let's pick a bit more and head down."

Tao Hua shook her head. "The descent is a long one. We won't be able to carry too much. Let's go back."

How could she ask her man to carry two baskets? Not only would it tire him, but with the baskets in front, it would be difficult for him to see the path. The way down was steeper than the way up. If he were to slip, losing the fruit would be the least of their worries; an injury would be far more troublesome.

Upon hearing this, Wei Dahu nodded. Disregarding her objections, he evenly distributed the wild pears from the small basket to the larger one. Then, shouldering the big basket and lifting the smaller one, he effortlessly hoisted them both, without Tao Hua even needing to crouch for support.

Earlier, he had mentioned catching some fresh fish to cook for his father, but given the time, it seemed unlikely now. As they passed by the stream, they didn't pause. Wei Dahu promised to catch fish another day, mentioning that with the wild chickens in the basket, they could have a similar meal.

The remainder of the journey was made against the fading light, with Wei Dahu leading Tao Hua on a shortcut. However, this shortcut was too challenging for Tao Hua; she almost tumbled down the slope. Eventually, Big Hu had to half-carry, half-guide her down the mountain.

After hurrying as much as they could, they finally descended the mountain by the time of Xi (9 PM).

The sky was now pitch black. Tao Hua entered the courtyard, removed the bamboo basket from her shoulders, and sat down under the eaves, her legs trembling. She didn't have the energy to move any further.

Old Wei hadn't gone to bed yet. Hearing the sounds in the yard, he shuffled out in his straw sandals, pushing open the door.

Tao Hua, exhausted to the point that her fingers trembled, called softly, "Father."

Old Wei nodded and came over for a closer look at the wild pears in the basket. A smile involuntarily spread across his face. "You picked them above the waterfall, right? The wild pears in that area are very sweet and juicy." With that said, he casually took a pear from the basket, wiped it on his clothes, and took a bite.

Noticing the nostalgic smile on his face, Tao Hua felt that all her hard work for the day was worth it. It was similar to cooking; when her family praised her culinary skills, no matter how exhausting the process, she would find it worthwhile. "Dad, is it sweet?"

Old Wei finished his apple in just a few bites. Upon hearing this, he nodded. "It still tastes the same, great! Thanks to you, Father, before Big Hu got married, he would run into the mountains every day and never come back with a single fruit for me."

Tao Hua's cheeks flushed slightly, and she felt an inexplicable sense of guilt. During noon, she and Big Hu had enjoyed grilled fish on the mountain. While descending, they hurried due to concerns about safety in the dark, forgetting their initial promise to catch fish for her father to cook at home. Now, they had nothing to show for it.

Wei Dahu, however, did not share her delicate sentiments. He simply carried two baskets of wild pears into the hall and then brought out a bowl and a basin of mixed grain and wild vegetable rice from the kitchen. Sitting under the eaves with Tao Hua, they dined facing the starry sky, enjoying their evening meal together.

With an empty stomach grumbling, the foodie's first priority after descending the mountain was to eat – no words were necessary.

Old Master Wei dragged a chair from the main room and sat in the courtyard, munching on a pear while watching his son and daughter-in-law engrossed in their meal.

The evening breeze caressed their faces, and the rustling of leaves created a serene ambiance, even though no one spoke; it was a moment of tranquil contentment.

"Author's Note"

Thank you all for your support. There are two more chapters to come (>3<)