Chapter Three: Stewed Meat

The entire slab of pale pork slowly melted under the heat of the iron pot, releasing gentle wisps of steam. As the prepared catfish was dropped in, a sizzling sound erupted—hot oil enveloping the fish, unleashing a mouthwatering aroma that instantly filled the air. In mere seconds, the once translucent flesh turned a golden brown.

“Smells so good!” Zhang Xiaohua greedily inhaled the savory scent, then suddenly asked with curiosity, “Brother, since when did you learn to cook?”

Zhang Tiejun paused for a moment, then replied softly, “I saw others doing it.”

Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t dwell on the matter; her eyes remained fixed intently on the fish in the pot.

As the old saying goes: catfish stewed with eggplant—enough to tantalize even the most stoic elder.

With just a simple seasoning of salt, a pot of richly flavored fish broth quietly emerged from the stove, enough to stir the appetite of any hungry soul.

Under the dim, yellowish light, the family of three gathered around the wooden table, silently staring at the rare and precious meat and vegetables before them.

At that time, simply filling one’s stomach was a luxury, let alone enjoying two dishes containing meat.

“Mom, brother, can we eat now?” Zhang Xiaohua asked eagerly.

“Go ahead,” came the affirmative reply.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Zhang Xiaohua abandoned any semblance of modesty and reached out to grab a piece of fish.

“Eat slowly, eat slowly,” Zhang Tiejun smiled gently as he picked up a piece of fish and placed it into their mother’s bowl. “Mom, you should eat some too.”

Their mother shook her head, her voice filled with both affection and concern. “Tiejun, are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m fine, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ll make more tomorrow. I’ll also trade for some grain seeds and such. It’s not good to live on just these things. Come spring, I’ll clear a small patch of wasteland behind the house for a vegetable garden. You won’t have to worry about hunger anymore.”

“But all the land that can be planted is controlled by the commune. Where will we get the land?” their mother asked, worry creasing her face.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already thought it through,” Zhang Tiejun said reassuringly.

Though land control was strict now, Zhang Tiejun was certain no one would venture deep into the mountains. He planned to cultivate a piece in a mountain hollow—he had already scouted the exact spot.

But their mother’s face remained troubled, as if recalling the hardships their father once endured. “Tiejun, maybe you shouldn’t go yet. I’ll see if there’s any work for me tomorrow.”

Zhang Tiejun smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t go deep into the mountains. From now on, you can rest at home. Once I earn some money, I’ll send Xiaomei to school. She’ll find a good family in the future.”

“Can I really go to school?” Zhang Xiaohua’s joy was so great that she even paused mid-bite.

“Of course!” Zhang Tiejun declared confidently. “My little sister is so smart; she’ll definitely become an intellectual one day.”

Having not eaten meat in a long time, Zhang Xiaohua’s eyes rolled back in delight as she ate, while Zhang Tiejun, noticing their mother’s relieved expression, seized the moment to ask, “Mom, do you know where we can buy a gun?”

Their mother’s relaxation vanished instantly, replaced by sharp tension. “What do you want that for?”

Sensing his mother’s worry, Zhang Tiejun quickly added, “Nothing really, just asking. Since you don’t know, I won’t bring it up.”

Their mother hesitated briefly before explaining, “There are quite a few places with guns—the commune’s forest protection team, the militia squad of our team, and a few old hunters.”

“Alright, I got it. You eat the meat, Mom,” Zhang Tiejun said with a smile.

Having just arrived in this era, he knew better than to rush things.

During the biting winter months, a humble thatched hut like theirs was bitterly cold. It required a great deal of firewood to keep warm; otherwise, the cold wind would seep through every crack. Though their mother had done her best to block the gaps, the effect was limited.

In just three to five days, the harshest cold would arrive—it was urgent to find a solution.

To survive in this era, every aspect of life—from food and clothing to shelter and transportation—was essential.

Zhang Xiaohua, of course, hadn’t given such matters a second thought. After eating her fill, she sprawled across the bed to digest.

It had to be said, for such a young girl, her appetite was astonishing; she nearly finished every last drop of the soup and dishes.

Their mother, with her coarse ceramic bowl, picked out a few pieces of meat and handed them to Zhang Tiejun, while she herself only sipped some broth.

Without hesitation, Zhang Tiejun passed some of the meat from his bowl back to their mother.

“You’re a hardworking child. Running around the mountains is tough work; you can’t afford to go hungry.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I know my own body well,” he replied.

Their mother looked at her son, who was acting unusually calm, and felt something was amiss. She knew her son well. Though Zhang Tiejun was fundamentally good-natured, this drastic change seemed suspicious. In the past, he would never have behaved like this. She had asked a few questions earlier, but it was clear she was no match for Zhang Xiaohua’s guile.

Just as the warmth between them filled the room, the sound of footsteps approached from outside.

Zhang Tiejun was momentarily stunned, then grew suspicious. Their thatched hut was tucked away in the far corner of Qiao’s shop, and with the village’s ostracism, no friend would come at this hour.

Before he could make sense of it, the wooden door was kicked open.

“Oh wow, life’s really treating you well, huh? You even have meat to eat?” Qiao Dafang sneered mockingly as he entered, his gaze fixed greedily on the few remaining pieces of fish on the table.

“Qiao Dafang, what are you doing in my house?” Zhang Xiaohua said, clearly disliking the man whose face was covered with pockmarks.

“What am I doing here?” Qiao Dafang snorted coldly. “Of course, I’m here because I discovered your family’s dirty little secret!”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Zhang Xiaohua retorted, displeased.

“You still dare to deny it? Then tell me—what exactly are you eating?” Qiao Dafang pointed at the fish on the table. “According to the team’s regulations, all food must be handed over to the team for unified preparation. But your family secretly ate on your own! You are betraying the organization, betraying the masses! You must face the judgment of the people.”

“Cut the nonsense. We’re bona fide poor peasants, pure and true! You can’t scare me!” Zhang Xiaohua said fearlessly.

“Pure and true? I think you’re just disobedient! Guards, take them away!” Qiao Dafang said coldly.

He then reached out to grab the fish on the table, but unexpectedly his hand was firmly caught.

Zhang Tiejun would not give Qiao Dafang any face. “Who told you to touch that?”

Qiao Dafang didn’t get angry; instead, he smiled slyly at Zhang Tiejun. “What’s the matter? Don’t like being disciplined? If you have a problem, why don’t you come with me to the team office and ask everyone? Why does your family get special treatment?”