Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Snowflakes fell heavily, day after day, and now it was already around the 20th of the twelfth lunar month. In a few days, it would be the New Year. Even for families that were not well-off, they would still manage to get some New Year goods. In the village, those who were relatively well-off would fry some meatballs, and those who weren’t would fry some shredded radish balls for good luck. After a year of hardship, people needed something to look forward to.

Feng Xia gave Zhang Ling five yuan. Zhang Ling initially didn’t want to take it, but Feng Xia smiled at her and said she wanted some meat. The little money Zhang Ling had saved really wasn’t enough for Feng Xia’s appetite. Blushing, she took the money and went to the eastern part of the village where they were slaughtering the New Year’s pig and managed to trade for three pounds of meat, along with a jug of vegetable oil. Although cash transactions were banned back then, bartering was allowed. She was quick-witted and sneakily got it done, returning with a large piece of meat and a bottle of oil.

Seeing the portions of meat and oil, Feng Xia figured that the five yuan had been spent down to the last cent, and Zhang Ling might even have added some of her own money. But she said nothing. She simply picked up an idle bamboo chair from home, lounged lazily under the eaves, and watched the snow fall, feeling a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in ages.

Beside her was a stool with a cup of hot water sweetened with sugar, smelling sweet, and a plate of special pastries brought back from Shanxi Province. She was really indulging herself.

Feng Jinbao stood nearby, sniffing eagerly at the sweet aroma. He occasionally chewed on a piece of steamed corn bun (wotou) in his hand, looking at Feng Xia with complete admiration, his eyes sparkling. It was clear that Zhang Ling and his two sisters had raised him well—he adored Feng Xia and stuck to her like a little puppy.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate banged loudly, and a raspy yet loud old woman’s voice came through. Zhang Ling was frying meatballs and didn’t hear it, but Feng Jinlian and Feng Jingui did. Their faces fell immediately. They quickly hid Feng Xia’s pastries and teacup, bringing them inside, and pulled Feng Xia and Feng Jinbao back into the room before unwillingly went to open the door.

Feng Xia’s eyes flickered. She grabbed a piece of qianshi cake (a sweet fox-nut cake) for Feng Jinbao and asked, “Who is that?”

Feng Jinbao’s eyes went straight to the cake. Back then, pastries were all made with real ingredients. This white qianshi cake had honey and brown sugar mixed in, smelled sweet; he couldn’t imagine how delicious it must be! He licked it carefully, then heard Feng Xia’s question and said angrily:

“It’s Zhou Dazui, the one who lives next to the Village Party Secretary’s house. Sister, you don’t know, but this woman has a big mouth, so everyone calls her Zhou Dazui.”

Feng Jinbao glanced at Feng Xia. Seeing her looking at him with a smile, he relaxed. Usually, if he said “Zhou Dazui,” his mother would pinch his ear. But now, with Feng Xia’s lenient attitude, he got bolder and acted out how awful Zhou Dazui was.

“She came to arrange marriages for eldest sister and second sister. Mom said they’re still young, and if anyone should get married first, it’s Dachun. Zhou Dazui went to see Second Sister-in-law about it once, but got chased out with a beating. Second Sister-in-law said Dachun won’t find a partner in the village and told her not to be a toad wishing for swan meat. Then Zhou Dazui left in a huff.”

Feng Jinbao waved his arms and legs around, trying to mimic Li Meihua’s fiery temper. He was pretty good at it, and Feng Xia laughed, rewarding him with another piece of qianshi cake (a sweet fox-nut cake).

Encouraged, Feng Jinbao continued, “Then Zhou Dazui set her sights on eldest sister and second sister. She keeps pestering Mom, saying she has great matches for them. Mom won’t agree, but she keeps bothering her. A few days ago, she came every day. The snow and cold gave us a few days off, but now she’s back again.”

Feng Jinbao was furious. His sisters’ marriages were none of Zhou Dazui’s business. And every time she came, her beady eyes seemed to strip a layer of skin off people. It was hateful.

The noise outside grew louder. Feng Xia heard Old Mrs. Feng’s voice, sounding delighted by Zhou Dazui’s arrival. Zhang Ling was annoyed by Zhou Dazui but couldn’t ignore her. She handed the frying work to the Jinlian sisters and sat beside them, listening to Zhou Dazui brag about the young men on her side. Her tone was condescending, as if she had “you’re lucky to be considered” written all over her face.

Feng Xia became interested. She pulled her military coat tighter, opened the door, and headed to the main hall. Old Mrs. Feng, when she saw Feng Xia, was like a mouse seeing a cat—without even noticing that the men had all scurried away, she clutched her head, cried out, and darted back to her room. Zhou Dazui was dumbfounded; everything had been fine just a moment ago.

Feng Xia smiled sweetly, her voice clear and sweet, looking like a soft, adorable young girl. Her face was fair and luminous with a faint pink blush, as if carved from jade.

Zhou Dazui looked at Feng Xia, her face crinkling into a smile like a blooming old chrysanthemum. She immediately tried to take Feng Xia’s hand, but Zhang Ling subtly blocked her. Zhou Dazui’s voice turned syrupy as she praised, “This must be your Feng Xia, right? She looks like a little child attendant by Guanyin. I’d say, the military district really nurtures people. Such a beautiful girl—you can’t find a second one in all the villages around here.”

Feng Xia just leaned back lazily in her chair, listening to the praise with a smile, not saying much. But Feng Jinbao stood guard behind her, watching Zhou Dazui warily.

After a string of compliments, Zhou Dazui turned back to her original purpose: “Oh, I knew your Feng family has good fortune. Every girl you raise is better than the last. But the boys I have are no slouches either. Look at this one, very close to our Daba Village. This young man knows how to live frugally and takes good care of his wife. Your girl would be well-off marrying him.”

Feng Xia: “‘Knows how to live frugally’—you mean he has no money, right? Pinching every penny is what living frugally means. Would my Sister Jinlian and Sister Jingui have to live on husks and wild greens if they marry him?”

Zhou Dazui forced an awkward smile, unwilling to get angry at Feng Xia. After all, this involved someone from the military district—she knew which side was more important.

Zhou Dazui used her smile to cover the awkwardness, then continued pulling Zhang Ling aside: “Then there’s this one from Wangjiatun. His family is well-off, and he’s about 5'7". He’s just a bit taller than our Jinlian. They’d look wonderful together.”

Feng Xia: “About 5'7"? I’d say he’s barely 5'3". If his family is so well-off, why does he need a matchmaker? Has he been in jail or something? Or is he the type who beats his wife?”

Zhou Dazui’s heart skipped a beat. That damned girl had hit the nail on the head. This guy had a gambling problem. His family was rich enough to indulge him, but no woman wanted to marry a gambler, so they came to Zhou Dazui.

Zhou Dazui’s eyelids twitched. She felt this matchmaking session was going to be a disaster. She forced herself to be patient and said to Zhang Ling, “There’s one more good one. You know Zhang the Butcher from Shibali Lane? His family slaughters pigs, so they’re well-off. His son looks lucky and is obedient and respectful to his parents. This is a real lucky nest!”

Feng Xia sneered: “‘Looks lucky’—you mean he’s fat as a pig, right? ‘Obedient and respectful’—probably only listens to his mother. What would my sister do there? Be tormented by the old hag? If it’s such a lucky nest, why don’t you marry your own granddaughter into it? She’s fifteen this year, right? We’re not so lucky. Keep it for your granddaughter to enjoy. Eldest Sister-in-law, show our guest out. Our house is too small for such a big shot.”

As soon as she said that, Zhang Ling actually stood up to see her out. Zhou Dazui was furious. She pointed at Feng Xia, her chest heaving, unable to speak. She stormed out cursing, but as soon as she stepped out, she fell flat on her face, knocking out a front tooth. Clutching her mouth, she staggered away, groaning in pain.

Feng Jinlian and Feng Jingui hid behind the door posts, covering their mouths to stifle their laughter. Their eyes shone like black pearls as they looked at Feng Xia.