Chapter 36: Strolling Through the Grand Market

The arrival of the twelfth lunar month always brought with it the faint scent of the coming New Year. In well-off production brigades, the men would gather at dawn to slaughter pigs. The elders, masters of the trade, would sharpen their knives with rhythmic vigor, while the younger, stronger men wrestled the hogs into submission. As for the children, their task was to tend the fires and boil the water.

The "New Year pig" was less of a simple chore and more of a spiritual anchor—a tether for the final days of the year. The thought of it alone was enough to make one’s mouth water: fresh, steaming blood sausages; hazel mushrooms stewed with tender, free-range chicken; translucent glass noodles soaked in the rich, savory broth of fermented cabbage and pork; and eggplant wedges, cut into chunks and braised until they absorbed the deep, succulent flavor of catfish. But the true centerpiece was always the dumplings, filled with pork cracklings—a single bite would release a burst of savory oil. In an era of scarcity, these dishes represented the highest form of hospitality a common household could offer.

Upon his return, Zhang Tiejun noticed that Qiao Family Village was also imbued with a festive spirit. Dozens of large red lanterns hung high, and even the village archway had been scrubbed until it gleamed, accented by red silk ribbons that added a touch of jubilation. After a heavy snowfall, chubby snowmen appeared along the village paths, and the industrious women and sturdy men had already begun tidying their courtyards.

"Mother, my brother is back," Zhang Xiaohua said, her voice listless.

Though life at home was hard, returning was Zhang Tiejun’s greatest joy. A son does not despise his mother for her plainness, just as a dog does not shun a poor home. No matter how difficult his life was outside, the small, low wooden bed at home remained the one place that could truly hold his heart.

"Freshly steamed cornbread. Eat it while it’s hot." His mother, not one to express her feelings with words, knew only that a full belly would keep her son from suffering.

"You eat, Mother. I just ate," Zhang Tiejun replied, pulling several cans of beef from his pack. "Keep these tucked away. Save them for a special dish when the New Year arrives."

A housewife like Mother Zhang had never seen canned goods before. She held the tin, turning it over in her hands. "Are these even edible?"

"It’s canned beef. It’s full of large chunks of meat, and it tastes great. Shall I open one for you to try?"

As Zhang Tiejun reached for the pull-tab, his mother quickly stopped him. "I’m already full. Don’t waste it. I’ll put these away carefully so we don’t have any trouble later."

Watching his mother walk away, Zhang Tiejun turned his attention to his younger sister. Unlike usual, Xiaohua’s reaction to his return was not one of excitement; she lay slumped on the windowsill, silent and despondent.

"What’s wrong, my little sister? Why the long face? Has someone been bullying you?" Zhang Tiejun asked, leaning in cautiously.

The sensible Xiaohua only shook her head, but Tiejun knew her stubbornness well.

"A lot of people from the village went to the commune a few days ago," Mother Zhang interjected, revealing the truth in a single sentence. "They said there’s a temple fair."

Zhang Tiejun caught on immediately. "Is that all? I thought it was something serious. Come on, I’ll take you."

"Really?!" Xiaohua jumped off the heated brick bed, her eyes lighting up. "Brother, you promised! You can't take it back."

Tiejun reached out and gave her nose a playful flick. "It’s just a temple fair. Why would I lie about something like that? You really underestimate your brother."

"So, when are we going?" she pressed.

"Xiaohua, your brother just came down from the mountains. Don't pester him; let him get some rest," their mother cautioned.

Xiaohua’s face fell instantly, the spark of enthusiasm fading as quickly as it had appeared.

Noticing her disappointment, Tiejun quickly stepped in. "It’s fine, Mother. I’m not tired at all. A trip to the fair will be a nice change of pace. We’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

Seeing the joy return to his sister’s face, Tiejun felt a sense of quiet satisfaction. In the end, whether one is poor or rich, life is defined by just a handful of such moments.

On the fourteenth day of the lunar month, before the sky had even begun to pale, Tiejun was shaken awake by Xiaohua.

"Brother! Brother! Get up, or we’ll be late!" she whispered.

"What time is it? The sun hasn't even risen yet," Tiejun muttered, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"The fair starts at six. If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss it," she pleaded, tugging his arm. "Brother, I want to eat deep-fried rice cakes."

Unable to resist her coaxing, Tiejun finally crawled out of his warm bedding. The journey from Qiao Family Village to the commune was over thirty miles of rugged mountain paths. Without motorized transport, the only way to get there was by donkey cart.

Tiejun ate a quick meal—leftover cornmeal porridge, charred cornbread, and scallions dipped in bean paste. Feeling satisfied, he couldn't help but tease Xiaohua, who was leaning against the doorway: "Even if we leave now, it’ll take at least two hours to get to the commune. Aren't you hungry?"

"I’m not hungry. As long as you buy me those fried cakes, I can go all day without eating," she promised earnestly.

"Look at you, my ambitious little sister," Tiejun laughed.

"Tiejun, I’ve brought the donkey cart over. Do you want me to harness it for you?"

Hearing the voice outside, Tiejun set down his chopsticks and ran out. Xiaohua watched with curiosity; she recognized the old man as the only member of the brigade who raised a donkey. He was Li Siping, who had married into a family in Qiao Family Village years ago.

"Thank you, Brother Li," Tiejun said, producing two pieces of cured meat and pressing them into Li's hands. "The New Year is almost here, and things are busy at home, so I won't be able to visit. Please, take this as a small token of my appreciation."

Li Siping glanced around to ensure no one was watching before tucking the meat into his coat with a grin. "With the New Year approaching, everyone wants to go out and buy supplies. I turned away several families just to save this for you."

"I’ll remember that, Brother Li," Tiejun replied. "Don't worry, the next time I head up the mountain, I’ll be sure to find something good for you."

Li Siping beamed. "That’s it, brother! I’m counting on you. From now on, whenever you need the cart, just come find me."

After Li left, Xiaohua asked curiously, "Brother, why did he let you use his cart? He’s the stingiest man in the village. None of us like dealing with him."

"Just because you don't like him doesn't mean he isn't a good person," Tiejun said as he harnessed the donkey. "Everyone has their own temperaments and desires. Whether or not someone is easy to get along with depends entirely on how you treat them."