Chapter 69: The Small Holiday

Oh and before you start, I have to explain the t.i.tle. So ‘小年' literally translates to small day, but its less confusing to call it a small holiday instead. It's the day a week before the ‘big holiday', aka Chinese New Years (CNY). I have no idea what it was until my dad explained to me, but basically its a small celebration prior to CNY that depends on where in china you live.

"Cousin?" Yang Keyi called to his younger cousin, Lu Wan'er, who suddenly became immersed in melancholy.

"Oh, older cousin, I'm fine." Lu Wan'er woke from her daze and suppressed the hate in her eyes before biting her bottom lip and turning to her older male cousin. "I'm fine, I just thought I saw someone."

Humph, as one of the richest ladies in this city, to humbly lower her head for a man of inferior status and still receive the same rejection… Not only that, but to bear such insults from him, how could she live with such humiliation?!

With such a thought, hate flashed quickly through the eyes of Lu Wan'er. If she couldn't get with him, how can she allow other women to? Lin Si Yao is hers! How could Su Shuilian be his match?

She continued to watch the couple who were displaying their affection in the corner of the restaurant. Her fury grew as every second pa.s.sed; she was about to explode in anger.

Her poor chopsticks suffered as she snapped it in two.

"Younger cousin?" Yang Keyi heard the sound and looked up in astonishment. "Is there something bothering younger cousin?" He looked in the direction where Lu Wan'er was glaring at. With her younger cousin's serious gaze, there must be something bothering her.

"Shut your mouth! Focus on eating!" Yang Keyi's sudden question soured Lu Wan'er's mood even more. She was bitter and angry as she glared at him.

Yang Keyi was puzzled by her action, but judging from her current mood he knew it was not a good time to inquire.

This glamorous cousin of his, according to his mother, was his bride-to-be. This low-key trip taken from his home city was done with the sole purpose of their families to discuss their marriage. If all goes well, then next year on the first day of spring he will be welcoming this cousin into their household as his bride.

However, had he been misled? Where was the former grace and elegance? All he could see now was her fierce glare.

Currently, Lu Wan'er was also very annoyed.

Yang Keyi was decent, but he is kinda inflexible. However, marrying him would be a win. The Yang Family was famous in Fengtai City. The city was a bit far from home; with a carriage, it would take seven to eight days. However, if she were to marry him then her life would be inexhaustible in wealth and glory.

After calming her mood, Lu Wan'er once again reverted back to her graceful self. With a charming smile, she said, "Cousin, I'm sorry, I was not myself just now. I was just… ai nevermind, it's hard to explain… If elder cousin does not mind, after we finish the meal, I will slowly explain, ok?"

After all, Lu Wan'er had mingled in the poetry club for a while. With three points (3/10) truth and seven points (7/10) falsehood, she was able to end the subject without a problem.

Of course she did not dare tell Yang Keyi the truth of her liking another man.

Unfortunately for Su Shuilian, she (LW) spent no effort in pus.h.i.+ng the blame on her.

She had even thought about hiring the 'Thundering Winds Gang' to take care of Su Shuilian. Just because Lu Wan'er did not want to take her life didn't mean she would not spare any effort into making her life miserable.

As for Lin Si Yao, Lu Wan'er was no idiot. With his skills in martial arts, how could the Wind Thunder Organization be his opponent.  

For the embarra.s.sment and indignation she had suffered for the first time in her life from Lin Si Yao, she would never forgive him.

That day, after she was dragged away by the large dog of Lin Si Yao's, she told no one of the matter after returning home, not even to her own father.

For one reason: because Lin Si Yao will realise sooner or later what he is missing out on. He will apologize and beg for her forgiveness.

With that thought, she had managed to convince Hua An to allow her to stay for a few more days at their house in Fan Hua Town. She stayed until Lu House's madam – Lu Wan'er's mother, Lu Qiaoying – had sent someone to come pick her up. The people that were sent by her mother had informed Lu Wan'er that a distant aunt and an older cousin of three years were visiting from Fengtai City. Only then did she leave Hua House, albeit reluctantly.

It was just she did not expect to meet him again so soon! However, this 'meeting' at Wu Qin Restaurant after half a month, and to witness such a scene… How could she swallow such grievance?!

Seeing Lu Wan'er (and co.) walk out of Wu Qin restaurant right ahead of them, Lin Si Yao's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint.  

He had long felt her hate-filled gaze from time to time while he and Shuilian were eating.

From his previous occupation, it was easy to pick up hostility from others. He would not allow Lu Wan'er to hurt Su Shuilian in any way. Otherwise, humph! She was just a rich young miss. If a rich person were to suddenly become missing from the city, there would be many happier people!

“Wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, red bean, sesame, sugar, cooking wine, and salt……… Is there anything missing from that?” Su Shuilian counted the items she had just gotten. These ingredients were going to be used to make steamed and soup dumplings.

"This should be all of it." Lin Si Yao looked at the cotton bag before looking up at Su Shuilian who seemed a bit tired from walking. "Tired? Let's go home. If you remember anything we forgot, we can come back later." With his method of travel, it only take an hour to go back into the city anyways.

"That works." Su Shuilian nodded her head. She currently did not think there was anything that urgently needed to be bought.

"Oh, we need to go back to Wu Qin Restaurant to purchase a roasted duck to go." She remembered the gluttonous Dabao and wolves.

"Ok." Lin Si Yao lightly glanced at Su Shuilain. He was slightly sour seeing how well she treated the wolves and Tian Dabao.

The 24th day of the twelfth lunar month was the day everyone of Fan Hua Town was sending their thanks to Zaoshen (the G.o.d of the kitchen).

Tian Dabao's long awaited break had finally begun.

Although it was a break, he still had to run to Xiufeng and back. After, he had to complete one hour of Xuantian sword practice before he was able to play. He would then go to the yard by the temple and show off to the other kids. Fortunately, although he was mentally handicapped, when playing with the other children, Tian Dabao knew not to go overboard. Maybe it was thanks to being trained by Lin Si Yao for half a year that his personality calmed down.

It was no wonder Aunt Tian had started to suspect that the clot in his brain had dissipated. From what she had noticed, his recent actions were the same as a normal twelve year old. Well, other then those times where it seemed like he had no face nor shame.

Therefore, Tian House started to treat Lin Si Yao with even more respect. Whenever they got good food, they would always send Dabao or Aunt Tian herself would bring it over to share with Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao.

Even the other households started to look at Lin Si Yao with twinkles in their eyes. How could they not? What the doctors could not figure out, Lin Si Yao was able to, and in just half a year! Not only that, Dabao had become so much healthier! He was no longer the sick boy, and in winter all he needed to wear was two light layers, maybe a small jacket, and he could go out with no problem!

As a result, some of the other farmers were thinking of sending their sons to be taught by Lin Si Yao. Although they may not become experts, at least in the future they will remain healthy and physically strong, that was definitely worth it!

Lin Si Yao naturally refused. Who were they kidding, do they think he was opening a dojo? Tian Dabao alone was a lot of trouble. He was not going to give himself more trouble by taking in even more children disciples.

If not for insuring Su Shuilain and their future children's safety, he would have not considered taking in a disciple.  

He had no such weird hobbies. To take in a new disciple every time a suitable child was encountered…with more than 20 children calling him master at the age of twenty three, just the thought of that gave him gooseb.u.mps. Lin Si Yao shook away the thought as he headed towards the south yard.

Aftering chasing out Tian Dabao who had finished his daily exercise, but refused to leave, sticking to Su Shuilian, Lin Si Yao started to clean the house: every floor and corner.

Su Shuilian filled a bucket with clean water, as she started to wipe the furniture and ornaments in the house.

After two months of use, the blanket covers, pillowcase and bed sheets as well as all of the cus.h.i.+ons and cus.h.i.+on covers in the main hall, west wing, and kitchen were placed with newly made ones. On the bed, the pillow and blanket covers had peonies embroidered with a single purple thread along with doubled threaded gold and silver thread. The bed sheet was plain white. As for the cus.h.i.+ons and cus.h.i.+on covers, they were lined with a baby blue base satin and silver embroidery.

Looking at the newly decorated house and the clean yard, Su Shuilian curved her lips in satisfaction.

"A Yao, take a rest before continuing…" Su Shuilian brewed some of the Black Tartary Buckwheat tea (Soba Cha) that Aunt Tian had gifted them a few days ago. She poured him and herself a cup before calling out to Lin Si Yao who was able to go continue work in the kitchen.

"Ok…" Lin Si Yao came into the room and took a sip of the Black Tartary Buckwheat tea, "good tea!" He praised it sincerely.

"Mhm, Aunt Tian had told me her family had planted a few Black Tartary Buckwheat last year. They harvested about twenty five kilograms so they gave some to the neighbors."

"A Yao, can we also plant some too, the next year?" Su Shuilian squatted down, occasionally taking small sips of the Black Tartary Buckwheat tea. The tea warmed her spleen and stomach, it made her feel very comfortable and content.

"Ok…" Lin Si Yao smiled and nodded. If she liked it, there was nothing he wouldn't do.

After taking the small tea break, the two went into the kitchen to prepare the snacks and fruits as tribute for Zaoshen.

The dough used to make the dumplings and the five-treasure biscuits was ready.

Lin Si Yao started to form the dough of the 99 mini dumplings one by one. And to the eager to help Su Shuilian, who had stuffing in her hands, he gave a her nose a light squeeze. Seeing that white flour on her nose, his smile turned into a hearty laugh.

Su Shuilian was puzzled at his reactions. She turned back to look at her reflection in the clear water, only then did she find out about his mischief. At his rare laugh, she dipped her hands into the flour, hoping to smear his face with it too.

The pair laughed for a while when suddenly Lin Si Yao pulled her in for a kiss. Su Shuilian s.h.i.+ed away as soon as he loosened his grip on her waist.

Su Shuilian started to make the dumplings from the shaped dough that she had grabbed from Lin Si Yao. They had made three different fillings: minced meat, minced cabbage with minced meat, and mixed vegetables with mushroom stuffing.

She had made dumplings with Lin Si Yao twice before. Although they were still not aesthetically pleasing, there were no longer cracks in the dough.

Lin Si Yao watched her finish a few dumplings and couldn't help but pinch her nose again. Seeing her pout and turn away from him in protest, he smiled. He went back into molding the dough for the five-treasure biscuits.

With that, the small holiday slowly past as the two continued to prepare the snacks for the kitchen G.o.d.

Chapter 70: Pa.s.sion in the Winter

After paying respect to the kitchen G.o.d on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao began to prepare for their first New Year together in Fan Hua Town.

The year's first heavy snowfall had also begun. In just a span of two hours, Fan Hua Town had been covered in a thick blanket of snow. However, there was no sign of the snow stopping.

Fortunately, Lin Si Yao was taught by Tian Dafu and the other villagers to place a water/snow-proof canopy on top of the vegetables growing in the garden. Though it was called a canopy, it was just a oil-lined cloth held up by a few wooden poles. But at least it was able to prevent too much damage from the snow to the plants.

Of course, for the budding Cymbidium kanran (a cold-growing species of orchid), Lin Si Yao had carefully separated each plant and placed some into the clay pots in each room of the house, to celebrate the winter season.

There was no cover placed for the golden wintersweet tree that was brought from Das.h.i.+ Mountain and planted in the most northern part of the yard. The more it snowed, the more flowers bloomed. Su Shuilian had carefully cut a few twigs that had bloomed and placed them into the white and blue imitation-porcelain vases of the bedroom and study room table. The fragrance of the flower filled the rooms, creating a peaceful atmosphere.  

As for the wolves' house, to avoid it being covered and frozen in snow, Lin Si Yao had moved it next to the south hall entrance. This way, if the weather was good, Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue could still lay on their house and bask in the sun. And once it turns too cold or dark, they can then enter the south hall and enjoy the warmth as they have already started to grow attached to the warmth of the white tiger mat.

Xiao Xue's companion, the wolf king had not appeared since visiting that last time.

As for Xiao Chun, he had left from time to time to return with all sorts of game. There were frozen hares, fainted pheasant, and there was even a time where he brought home a bleeding deer.

Although Lin Si Yao had already learned the reason, he turned a blind eye to the matter, and gave Xiao Chun credit for all of it. And with the game, he would cook it into a tonic and gave it to the pregnant Xiao Xue.

After the small holiday, Dabao left with Aunt Tian to visit her side of the family to pay respects to their ancestors. It was just that the snowfall had gotten much heavier and it was expected that he would not make it home until right before the beginning of the big holiday (Chinese New Year).  

As for Aunt Lao, she had taken a trip to visit them right before the start of the heavy snow. She had brought Lao Yongqiang who had carried a basket of nian gao (New Year cake) as a New Year's gift.

And so, the afternoon after they had paid their tribute to the kitchen G.o.d, Su Shuilian and Li Si Yao went to visit Aunt Lao and Aunt Tian's house to give them New Year gifts.

They gave each house a bag of s.h.i.+take mushrooms, a variety of edible tree fungus, a pheasant, and six carps.

The Tian House gave their gift to them that same day: a big bag of soybeans, 5 kilograms of wheat flour, and a plate of b.u.t.ter sesame biscuit that was meant for the kitchen G.o.d.

The Lao House all enjoy eating water milled nian gao. So for the past few days, they had been waiting in line to use the mill in the mill house of Wen house. This year, they had milled a total of 90 kilograms. They had notified Su Shuilian earlier to not go to make water milled nian gao this year. So as soon as they had finished, the Lao family had brought a large basket of the nian gao to their house, a total of 25 kilograms of it. It was enough for the two to enjoy until the end of spring.

As soon as the snow had started to fall, Su Shuilian sat, and began sewing a pair of moccasins for Lin Si Yao while sitting on the warm Kang. That's right, it was the dear skin taken from the dear bought back home by Xiao Chun. It was skinned, cleaned, dried, and sewed tightly on top of a plain pair of cotton shoes.

It wasn't until today, the 27th, that it was completely finished.

Though it was not that aesthetically pleasing, as it was hard to wrap the skin around the shoe, it was impossible to hide the rough edges of the skin into the inner side.

However, it was a comfortable fit. After Lin Si Yao put it on, he went to the north yard and netted two fish out of the water tank to make smoked fish. After bringing the fish into the kitchen, he headed towards the southern garden and lifted the canopy up to pick some cabbage and sweet potato. Then he walked towards the hen and rabbit hutch that was near the garden to pad more straw on top of the roof. Lin Si Yao fed the animals before taking the freshly laid eggs from the nest.

Once he was by the main hall entrance, Lin Si Yao shook the snow stuck on his shoes, took the bamboo hat and coat off. Only then did he make his way into the main hall.

"How is it? Did it get damp?" Su Shuilian grabbed a dry cotton cloth and helped him wipe off the snow that was stuck on his outer s.h.i.+rt.

"No." Lin Si Yao smiled as he watched her frett around him. Seeing that she did not quite believe him, Lin Si Yao sat on the Kang and took off his shoes, gestured for her to take a closer look. "Not wet right?" He said smugly.

"Maybe it was not long enough?" Su Shuilian said, not convinced that the effect of the dear skin wrapped around the cotton boots would be this effective.

When Lin Si Yao heard, he couldn't help but laugh, "On this cold and snowy day, you still want me to wear this and trek, to where exactly?"

"This… this isn't my intention" When she heard his reply, Su Shuilian instantly blushed and frantically waved her hands.

Her shy face that contrasted against her green b.u.t.ton-up dress provoked a moment of emotion in Lin Si Yao.

"Hey… A Yao" Su Shuilian's words of protest which had yet to come out was suddenly swallowed by his lips.

"A.. A… Yao…. it's still early now…" In other words, it was still daytime. She was engulfed in his fiery embrace. It took a long time before they broke their kiss and only then did she manage to express her reason in between catching her breath.

"Doesn't matter." Lin Si Yao replied in a rough mutter. At the same time, with one hand, he pushed the table on the Kang to the side. With the other hand, he lifted Su Shuilian onto the Kang and teased her.

Su Shuilian's shocked face turned white when she realised he wanted to 'eat' her in the main hall.

"A Yao…" She initially wanted to stop him from acting so bold and daring, however, Su Shuilian realised the words that formed from her mouth sounded like a delicate cry.

"It's fine, be obedient." Lin Si Yao knew the reason why she was nervous. Without turning his head, with a wave of his hand, both the North and South gates were closed with 'clank' sound.

"Are you okay now?" Lin Si Yao smiled as he looked down at Su Shuilian who was trembling from nervousness. A burst of endearment arose from the bottom of his heart, "Shuilian, I am your husband. There was no need for 'honor and honesty' between a husband and wife." He was ready to enlighten her.

"But…" Su Shuilian shyly blinked. She knew deep inside that he was right. But the way she was brought up since young, made it hard for her to easily let go.

"Does that mean you don't truly accept me as your husband?" Lin Si Yao acted pitiful as he sorrowfully muttered. He was prepared to move her with affection.

He kissed his way down; from her smooth forehead, to her exquisitely curved eyebrows, to her small, yet straight nose, then to her white and tender ears, and finally to her small, plump red lips. He lingered there, without any intention of withdrawing as he waited for her reply.  

"Of course not, how can you say that about me?" Su Shuilian anxiously refuted his accusation, completely oblivious to his small movements.

"Then what is your reason?" Lin Si Yao parted from her lips and asked.

"Nm." Su Shuilian could not help but let out a moan. It was only then did she realise that Lin Si Yao had somehow taken off both their outerwear without her realising. He had pushed her inners.h.i.+rt up to her chest and moved his hand up her skirt. Oh heavens. Su Shuilian was embarra.s.sed to death.

"Shuilian…. My wife…." Lin Si Yao said in husky voice. He lowered his head towards her plump white **. And in midst of her blind calls, he entered her tight and seductive body.

Outside the house, it was a cold snow storm, but in the house, it was a flowering spring.

Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue were outside on top of their wooden house by the south hall. From time to time, their ears would perk up as they listened to the strange **** sounds and movements coming out from the inner room. At other times, they would just wag their tails as they watched the cold, white flowers fall from the sky.

In their minds they thought: Owner, don't forget to make dinner. Xiao Xue is pregnant and it would not be good to skip meals.

—

The year's first heavy snow started during the small holiday, and didn't stop until the third day, on the morning of the 28th.

The winter sun was bright after the heavy snow.

Lin Si Yao came out of the house that morning to sweep the snow out of both the north and south yard.

As for the road outside their courtyard gate, because of the thick layer of snow, no villagers were would make their way to the most west side of the village. And so, the town and the surrounding fields were all connected by a thick blanket of snow.

With the items for welcoming back the G.o.ds ready and food enough to last until the start of the next year, Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao collectively decided there was also no need for them to go out of their house.

As for Xiao Chun, who would usually leave towards the entrance of Das.h.i.+ Mountain to meet up with the wolf king. Because of the heavy snow, Xiao Chun thought the wolf king may not have enough rations to eat, so taking a few pheasant drum sticks in his mouth, Xiao Chun made his way to the entrance of Das.h.i.+ Mountain.

When he came back, the poultry meat in his mouth was replaced with a cherry-red round fruit.

Lin Si Yao took the orange sized fruit from Xiao Chun. He lifted his sword-like brow, internally surprised. This couldn't be the legendary Sacred Pearl Fruit, right?!

According to the legend, the Sacred Pearl Fruit takes ten years to bud, ten years to bloom, and another ten years to mature. And it could only be found during the cold winter season.

There were many things that the Sacred Pearl Fruit could be used for.

It was sought after because people who practice martial art could boost their inner force by thirty years!

And if ordinary people were to eat it, well there were definite benefits: they would gain a prolonged and illness free life. Men will double their strength and women will double their charms. Of course this was only from what he had heard from the legend.

Lin Si Yao smiled and shook his head as he threw the fruit into Xiao Xue's food bowl. Since it was a gift from the wolf king to his companion, then he would not reap the benefits. What's more, he was almost at the pinnacle, this fruit was not of much use to him. As for Su Shuilian, he would like to try it on her, but not now. Since there was a baby in Xiao Xue's stomach, she needed a lot of nutrients to nurture it.