Chapter 21 Generosity

Chapter 21 Generosity

Mother Tang took out some dried ginger and garlic, saying, "This is from the Rich Peasant."

Because Tang Yuan had left him a few pieces of meat and more than half a bowl of meat broth, the Rich Peasant was very grateful. He gave it to his grandson and then quietly brought over some ginger and garlic as a return gift at noon.

The snake meat left for Tang Zhonghe was delivered by Mother Tang, who had sent a message for Tang Zhonghe's mother to come and collect it.

Tang Zhonghe's mother was also very happy and returned with two palm-sized cornmeal cakes, knowing that Tang Yuan's family lacked food.

After cleaning the fish, she made incisions on the large fish and rubbed both the large and small fish with salt to marinate them for a while.

She heated a small amount of soybean oil and sautéed the scallions, ginger, and garlic.

Since there was only a little oil, the fish would easily stick to the pan, so she rolled the fish in corn flour before frying to help it hold its shape and prevent the skin from breaking.

After a simple fry, she added water to boil the fish and steamed the cornmeal mixed with elm flowers.

The fish wasn't big, so it cooked quickly once the pot came to a boil, and the elm flower meal also cooked fast.

Fortunately, the livestock yard was far enough from other houses, and the smell mixed with animal manure wasn't too noticeable; otherwise, the scent of frying fish would have been overwhelming.

She let the elm flower meal steam for another two minutes, then took it out, scooped out the fish, and ladled out most of the fish broth. She then tossed in freshly washed tender wild vegetables to blanch them.

Tang Yuan consoled herself that she must eat more bitter wild vegetables in spring to clear heat and fire.

Tonight, there was plenty of fish—a full earthenware pot. She ensured there was enough for herself and Mother Tang, and Dad Tang wanted to send his share to Grandma Tang.

These were the fish his daughter had caught despite being ill, and he felt guilty eating them.

It was most valuable to honor the elderly.

However, he didn't say he would send half, fearing it might upset his daughter. Instead, he waited obediently, ready to take whatever portion she gave him.

Tang Yuan served a larger piece of fish for Grandma Tang and a few smaller ones, ensuring they were not overly stewed to retain their shape.

She also served bowls for Tang Zhonghe and the Rich Peasant, giving Tang Zhonghe a bit more.

Dad Tang initially wanted to suggest adding an extra piece for Grandma Tang but held back when he saw the portions for others.

Tang Yuan glanced at him and served another larger bowl.

These were the chipped bowls left by the Rich Peasant; their family didn't have this many.

Dad Tang: "Daughter, who else are you giving these to?"

Tang Yuan: "Dad, of course, it's for Seventh Uncle."

Dad Tang casually replied, "No need. Your Seventh Uncle is the team leader and doesn't accept things."

Tang Yuan: "These fish are from the Fish Immortal. How can I not let Seventh Uncle taste them?"

Her father was truly honest, thinking only close relatives or those who must be given something should receive it, disregarding optional gifts.

If you don't give anything to Seventh Uncle, he won't get angry, nor will he make things difficult for you, but he'll feel something. What about Seventh Aunt?

Wouldn't they have any opinions?

They promised to gather wood for our new house.

Dad Tang was the type who believed in doing right and working hard without needing to curry favor with the team leader.

It would be embarrassing and shameful to flatter the team leader, making him feel like he was lacking in integrity.

Mother Tang also said, "Seventh Uncle will organize people to build our house next year."

Dad Tang exclaimed, "Isn't that his job?"

As the team leader, he oversees the team's resources and approves what each household needs.

Tang Yuan: "..."

Indeed, it's his duty, but whether it takes three to five years or just one is entirely up to him.

One shouldn't neglect expressing gratitude just because someone does their job well.

Moreover, sharing a bit of good food as a token of appreciation isn't bribery or flattery, and there's no need to feel guilty.

Tang Yuan asked her father to deliver to the old house and her mother to Seventh Uncle and the Rich Peasant's home.

Her mother was honest but not overly straightforward, ensuring she wouldn't offend anyone while giving the gifts.

Her father, however, sometimes offended people by bluntly refusing their thanks, saying, "Don't waste your time on me; I don't care about such things," fearing that saying something nice would make him appear insincere.

Fortunately, his honesty and diligence were well-known in the village, so people didn't mind.

If they were new to a place, such behavior could cause trouble.

Ever since coming here, Tang Yuan had been correcting her parents' tendency to offend people while helping them, preferring silence over harsh words.

Silence might make them seem uncommunicative, but harsh words would make them disliked.

To ease her father's mind, Tang Yuan also served a large bowl of elm flower meal for Grandma Tang.

It contained mostly elm flowers and not much grain, but the quantity was substantial.

Dad Tang instantly became happy, feeling that his daughter was closer to Grandma Tang, which alleviated his discomfort about giving more fish to outsiders than to his own mother.

The family followed Tang Yuan's arrangements to distribute the gifts.

Tang Yuan personally delivered it to Tang Zhonghe.

Without his help, she wouldn't have been able to divide the household so smoothly.

Mother Tang went to deliver some to Seventh Uncle and, on her way, also dropped off some for the Rich Peasant.

It was dark outside now, making it hard to see but also avoiding the awkwardness of being seen. As long as they were careful not to break the bowls, everything would be fine.

Dad Tang carried a large bowl eagerly to deliver fish to the old house. The courtyard gate was open, so he called out to Grandma and Big Brother before entering.

Over here, they had already finished eating. Uncle Tang wasn't home; he had the habit of going to chat with the team leader and other captains after dinner about work arrangements and who performed well or poorly.

Auntie was talking to Grandma Tang, causing the elderly lady to look very annoyed.

Dad Tang walked from the dark night into the dimly lit main room, just in time to hear Auntie saying that Yuan'er wasn't crazy anymore and could be a good match for Wu'er.

He immediately felt heartbroken and suddenly regretted coming.

When Auntie turned around and saw him, she let out a startled cry, patting her chest and complaining, "Second Uncle, why didn't you call out when you came in?"

Dad Tang, feeling awkward, replied, "I did call out."

He placed the two large bowls on the dining table and said, "Mother."

Before Grandma Tang could speak, Auntie's eyes lit up, "Second Brother, where did you get the fish? Second Brother, I'm not criticizing you, but how come your life has improved so much since the division? Stewing meat today, fish tomorrow? Why wasn't it like this before? Were you hiding your skills?"

Dad Tang blushed, "No, Yuan Yuan caught them."

"What?" Auntie nearly popped her eyes out, "Yuan'er caught them?" She immediately looked at Grandma Tang, "Mother, I told you, she's perfectly fine! There's nothing wrong with her!"

Dad Tang, worried about his daughter, stammered, "Yuan Yuan said a fish spirit taught her how to weave baskets and gave her the fish."

A fish spirit? Where did a fish spirit come from? Yesterday it was a snake demon, today a fish spirit—his daughter must be having another episode.

Although she wasn't shouting or hurting herself and could still talk and cook normally, seeing things others couldn't see was what Zhonghe called hallucinations.

Grandma Tang also realized this.

But Auntie didn't believe it. She said, "Yuan'er never knew how to catch fish by weaving baskets. Someone must have helped her. It must have been that Feng Chen boy. Did he give it to her?" She looked at Dad Tang, "Brother, you can't be secretive after dividing the household. When did you get so close to the Feng family?"

Her tone was accusatory, as if interrogating Dad Tang.

Dad Tang became even more embarrassed, "No, no, we're not close. Maybe Yuan Yuan just ran into him while digging for wild vegetables."

Auntie raised her voice, "Ha, I knew it!"

She felt proud that she was right, "The fish must have been given by that Feng Chen boy. He's such a miser; how could he be so generous? Is he bullying our Yuan'er? Second Brother, listen to me, don't be naive and let someone trick your daughter away."

She instinctively thought Feng Chen wanted to trick Tang Yuan into marrying him. Why else would he suddenly be so kind?

Dad Tang waved his hands, "No, Yuan Yuan said they just ran into each other while digging for wild vegetables and came down the mountain together."

Seeing his eldest sister-in-law's persistent attitude, Grandma Tang got annoyed, "Enough, you're meddling too much."

From the looks of it, the girl just happened to run into Feng Chen, not because they were close.

She called Houtu over to eat the fish and took a bowl to serve the fish and elm leaf meal.

Elder Sister-in-Law brought her child over to greet Dad Tang, "Second Uncle, I just put Niu'er to sleep. Her father ate and left, I'll call him back."

Dad Tang hurriedly said, "No need, no need. I'll go back and eat."

He glanced at his mother, who was staring at the bowl of fish, swallowing hard but not reaching for any.

He knew there wasn't much food, and his mother wouldn't eat it. He brought it here, but it wouldn't reach her mouth.

Of course, he cared about his nephews and grandnephew, and he was happy they could eat it, but... he felt sad that his mother didn't get to taste it.

"Mother, you should eat too. This is Yuan Yuan's offering to you."

Auntie said, "Leave it for your brother and the two nephews. Mother doesn't like these things; they're too fishy and have bones." She then told Elder Sister-in-Law, "Huzu should eat less. These small fish have many bones and aren't very tasty. Children can easily choke on them."

With that, Elder Sister-in-Law put down her chopsticks.

Houtu was a child, and it was rare for the family to have fish, especially wild fish that tasted sweet and tender. Once he started eating, he naturally wanted more.

Grandma Tang smiled kindly, "Huzu, eat. This is Second Grandpa's gift for you. Isn't Second Grandpa nice?"

Houtu said in a soft voice, "Second Grandpa is nice!"

Auntie's face darkened instantly.

Dad Tang happily patted Houtu's head, "Eat."

He held the bowl and bid farewell to his mother and sisters-in-law, "Mother, I'm leaving. It's dark outside, so you can stay seated."

Grandma Tang still got up and sent him to the middle of the courtyard, watching him disappear into the darkness. She felt uneasy.

Back in the house, Auntie was putting fish into another bowl to save for her husband and children.

Xiang'er had been spending more time with the educated youth recently, often going there to play, claiming she was learning to read from Song Youth. Sometimes she even brought back a couple of candies.

She noticed that Song Youth seemed to like Xiang'er. If Xiang'er could marry Song Youth, it would be perfect.

Although educated youth were sent to the countryside, some could return to the city with a little help from their families and find jobs.

Xiang'er said Song Youth's family had good conditions, and he would definitely return to the city. She felt hopeful.

If her daughter could move to the city, it would be a great opportunity, and she could help her two brothers too.

Things weren't enough, so naturally they would prioritize their own children. Grandchildren were their grandchildren, but they were the children of their daughter-in-law. How could they be as close as their own children?

Didn't you see how much the old lady doted on her youngest son?

Although she didn't see the old lady sending oil to the second household, she knew about it!

After the division of the household, she checked everything in the house every day. It was obvious that there was less oil in the jar!

Could she not tell if the fish had been fried with oil?

She didn't make a fuss yet because she still needed something from them. She would save it up and bring it all up later if things didn't go her way.

Dad Tang returned home with a heavy heart, and Mother Tang was waiting for him at the crossroads.

She asked, "I've already come back after delivering to the two distant households. Why are you so slow?"

Dad Tang: "I talked with Mother. I noticed she's getting older."

Mother Tang said, "It's dark at night; you might have misjudged. Besides, who doesn't get old? We're getting older too, which is why our daughter has grown so big."

Dad Tang felt a bit better, "That's true."

But his mind kept replaying the image of his mother sitting there, swallowing saliva but unwilling to take even one bite.

Moreover, his sister-in-law always thought about Yuan Yuan, which annoyed him greatly.

Exchanging brides was absolutely out of the question.

However, he couldn't directly refuse his sister-in-law since she was part of his family. He always considered their needs first and couldn't bring himself to say no when they asked for something.

Forget it. Since his sister-in-law hasn't brought it up directly, he could find an excuse if she did.

Or, as his mother suggested, he could just say they wanted to find a son-in-law for Yuan Yuan to support her in her old age, preferably before his sister-in-law mentioned anything. This way, his sister-in-law wouldn't feel comfortable bringing it up, and he could avoid the awkwardness of refusing her.

He would talk to his brother about it, and once his brother knew, his sister-in-law would know too.

With this plan in mind, Dad Tang felt less troubled.

"Dad, Mother, why are you only coming back now? I'm hungry!"

They responded and quickened their pace, "Why didn't you eat first if you were hungry?"

The three of them went home together for dinner.

The originally piping hot fish was now perfectly edible.

Though lacking in seasonings, the wild fish was naturally tender and delicious, without any muddy taste. The flesh was white as jade and melted in the mouth.

Tang Yuan ate with a smile, "Dad, isn't it good?"

Dad Tang nodded repeatedly, "It's good."

Tang Yuan: "I'll catch more tomorrow. There's enough in that little river to last us a few days."

Dad Tang and Mother Tang were still worried about their daughter's safety and asked her repeatedly how she went there, where she was, and whether it was dangerous.

Tang Yuan didn't want them to worry, so she said it wasn't dangerous at all and made up a story about meeting people from other villages who were also catching fish, though they used nets and caught more than she did.

Hearing this, Dad Tang and Mother Tang finally relaxed, but still reminded their daughter not to go to dangerous places and to stick to the safer areas where everyone collected wild vegetables.

Tang Yuan naturally agreed.

After eating her fill and having a bowl of delicious fish soup, she let out a contented burp.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Tang Yuan: "Dad, Mother, I invited Feng Chen over to teach him basket weaving."

Saying this, she got up to greet him in the courtyard.

Feng Chen brought a wild chicken, a wild rabbit, and five pounds of cornmeal as tuition.

Actually, he planned to give just one chicken since Tang Yuan only wanted one, and he had already observed the key points by closely watching her basket weaving and believed he could figure it out on his own after a few days.

But his grandmother insisted he bring more tuition, saying a man should be generous and not stingy.

He wasn't stingy at all, right?

Food was precious.

However, resources were abundant here, and hunting was easy for him, so... giving more didn't matter, especially since his grandmother liked her.

Having a relative who genuinely cared for him was rare, and he cherished his grandmother deeply.

Feeling generous, Tang Yuan exclaimed, "Wow, you're so generous!"

Then she realized it sounded inappropriate, as if she was implying he was usually stingy.

She quickly added, "The fish basket is quite simple; one chicken is enough..."

The wild rabbit smelled delicious, and she couldn't bear to return it.

Cornmeal was also good; braised rabbit meat with corn cakes around the pot would be perfect.

Mmm...

Since Feng Chen had brought them, he wouldn't take them back. "My grandmother said the rabbit is to thank you for helping her argue and for your bravery."

Tang Yuan's eyes widened. Helping say a few fair words comes with a thank-you gift?

Grandma Feng is open-minded!

She has vision!

Next time you have an argument, remember to include me!

After a brief refusal, seeing that Feng Chen insisted, she happily accepted it.

Having accepted the gift, she also said some nice words.

"Since you put it that way, I’ll accept it. We just separated households and don’t have much food. Actually, if we weren’t short on food, I would teach you for free."

The knowledge in her head could be taught for free; asking for payment was purely because they were too poor.

Feng Chen found her straightforwardness quite pleasant. Some people in the village liked to beat around the bush, saying they didn’t want something but then complaining about getting too little.

He preferred someone who was simple and straightforward, easy to communicate with.

Dad Tang and Mother Tang were surprised that their daughter had suddenly gotten so close to Feng Chen.

Their daughter rarely met Feng Chen before, and when they did, they hardly spoke. How did they suddenly become so friendly?

However, they wouldn’t ask too many questions in front of Feng Chen, wanting to maintain their daughter’s dignity and help entertain him.

Dad Tang went to feed the livestock, while Mother Tang helped prepare materials for weaving fish baskets.

They usually collected useful materials during their workdays, as they needed them for repairing baskets and cages, building vegetable trellises, and other tasks.

Tang Yuan taught verbally, while Feng Chen followed along with his hands.

One instructed, and the other executed, working together quite well.

Feng Chen was strong and quick-witted, learning very fast.

Before long, he had woven a decent fish basket.

Seeing that he learned quickly, Tang Yuan decided to teach him a few more techniques.

Feng Chen was a good student, grasping concepts quickly and applying them creatively.

He even wove a chicken coop for Tang Yuan that could hold two chickens.

The wild rabbit he brought was already prepared, but the wild chicken was still alive, which they could keep for a few days.

It was getting late, so Feng Chen got up to leave.

Dad Tang insisted on escorting him out, not wanting his daughter to do it in the dark.

After leaving, Feng Chen thanked Dad Tang again, said “no need to see me off,” and walked away briskly.

Dad Tang shivered at the politeness; country folks usually spoke in a rustic manner and rarely used formal language.

Words like thank you, please, sorry, and you’re welcome were considered overly polite.

In the countryside, such formalities were seen as pretentious, and anyone using them would be mocked.

Not only did Feng Chen say thank you, but he also said no need to see me off.

The boy from the Feng family really has changed, almost like a different person.

Though he wasn’t working yet, watching him weave the fish basket showed he was capable and efficient, like someone doing real work.

Going to the city really does make a difference. Even if he didn’t do much there, he gained experience and learned new things.

With these thoughts, he turned back inside, closing the door behind him.

In the darkness outside, his sister-in-law clenched her teeth in anger.

You second son, I just told you to be careful with that Feng boy, not to let him take advantage of Yuan’er. And here you are inviting him in, acting all cozy.

Do you think you can be in-laws?