“Father, I told you time and again to drink less, drink less. Why won’t you listen?”

Zhou Xiaonan let out a derisive snort. Though he hadn’t frozen to death, he was now completely immobilized—let’s see how he’d try to sell him now.

Old Zhou lay in bed, his fingers trembling. He glared at Zhou Xiaonan standing before him, his eyes bulging so much they seemed ready to pop out. He grunted and mumbled for a long while but couldn’t get a single word out.

“You drove my mother away. Once she was gone, you started beating me. Whenever there was any money in the house, you’d take it to drink, gamble, and chase after mistresses. Have you ever cared about my life or death? But I’m a dutiful son. Haven’t you always counted on your ‘good son’ to take care of you in your old age? From now on, let him serve you well.”

Old Zhou trembled even more violently, but couldn’t utter a single word. Zhou Xiaonan walked out of the dim room. The sun had already risen, casting a golden glow over the snow. This year would be a good one.

Zhou Xiaonan went back to his own room. It was the New Year, after all—he didn’t want that old scoundrel to ruin his mood. Zhou Xiaonan chuckled softly, but as he laughed, he began to cry.

From now on, no one would ever beat or bully him again, and no one would ever sell him off. He still had several hundred taels of silver in his possession—enough to live comfortably for the rest of his days. He would find his mother and bring him back. Then he would rent a courtyard in town, and the two of them would live together.

Zhou Xiaonan thought back to last night. His father, Old Zhou, had surely taken the Sun family’s money and gone out drinking again, only to stagger back and collapse in the courtyard.

Just the night before, thugs had broken into their home and nearly abducted him. Zhou Xiaonan always slept with a knife on his person. Although it was New Year’s Eve, he had eaten his meal and gone to bed early, and the slightest sound in the courtyard had startled him awake.

Gripping his knife, Zhou Xiaonan cautiously opened the door and saw his father, Old Zhou, lying on the ground, struggling. “Help me up, help me up!” He reeked of alcohol, and Zhou Xiaonan frowned in disgust. The sound of firecrackers in the village grew louder and louder—the New Year had arrived.

Old Zhou was still thrashing about in the courtyard. Zhou Xiaonan recalled how, over the years, he’d been beaten until his body was covered in bruises, and how his mother had often been beaten until her head bled. With trembling hands, Zhou Xiaonan removed the door bolt and swung it viciously at Old Zhou’s leg.

Zhou Laogua let out a scream and went still. The firecrackers in the village continued to boom, drowning out the sound, so no one heard. Terrified, Zhou Xiaonan hurried back inside and slammed the door shut.

He didn’t sleep a wink all night, hiding under the covers and trembling. It was so cold; his father was bound to freeze to death. But what if he didn’t? What if he told the villagers that Zhou Xiaonan had broken his leg?

No, no, his father was just drunk. If he didn’t freeze to death, he’d just say he slipped and fell in the yard during the snowstorm.

If he did freeze to death, that would be best. Then he could ask Zhou Da to help bury that filthy old man, and he’d finally have some peace.

But when he finally made it through the night and found Old Zhou still breathing, he waited until dawn broke. Only then, with the man lying half-dead in a snowdrift, did Zhou Xiaonan run off to the Zhou household to call for help.

The news that Old Zhou had caught a cold spread like wildfire throughout Dayangshu Village on the first day of the New Year.

On the second day of the New Year, the fulangs and the wives returned to their maternal homes. By custom, Shen Linchuan should have made a trip to Xinghua Village as well, but on that day, his eldest brother’s family was visiting his sister-in-law’s parents’ home.

Since Zhou Da was the elder here, when the Shen family of four went to town to buy New Year’s supplies just before the holiday, they made a point of telling Shen Linchuan and his wife not to go anywhere—they would come over on the third day of the New Year.

Zhou Da’s family had few relatives. Zhou Ning’s little father had passed away early, and his biological parents were also long gone. He had only one uncle, with whom he had lost contact long ago. On the second day of the New Year, the family of three gathered around a charcoal brazier, drinking tea and eating dried fruits.

Early on the second day of the New Year, Hu Caiyun dressed up and took Zhou Fang to visit her maternal family. Zhou Er and Zhou Youcheng didn’t go; Zhou Youcheng complained that his maternal grandparents’ home was too far away and too poor—in this bitter cold, a trip there wouldn’t even guarantee a decent meal.

As Hu Caiyun was leaving, Zhou Er specifically reminded him once more, “Tell Fang’s uncle to lend us a few taels of silver—we can’t let Youcheng miss his imperial exams in the spring.”

“I know, I know. As if I’d forget.”

Hu Caiyun took two bags of pastries with her as she headed to her parents’ home. Her family was actually doing quite well, but her brother had no trade and could only rely on farming to support the household. With so many children, they often didn’t have enough to eat.

Zhou Fang wasn’t too keen on going either. She grumbled all the way there, “Mother, you should have taken my brother instead. Grandma and Grandpa like Zhou Youcheng.”

Zhou Fang rolled her eyes. Her maternal grandparents doted on Zhou Youcheng, a scholar who had passed the Tongsheng exam. Both families were counting on her brother to bring honor to the family.

“All right, all right. Your brother is about to pass the Xiucai exam; he’s studying hard at home.”

It took them over an hour to reach Hu Caiyun’s parents’ home. As soon as she arrived, her nephews swarmed around her. “Auntie, did you bring any meat?” 

“Your eldest aunt brought you some pastries; go ahead and have some.”

Hu Caiyun’s mother grumbled, “Why didn’t you bring any meat again? Your brother-in-law’s family is in the butcher business—how could they possibly run out of meat to eat?”

“Mother, haven’t I told you before? The eldest son’s household is now under the thumb of a son-in-law who moved in with them. How could they possibly let us just take meat whenever we please?”

Before Shen Linchuan had arrived, Hu Caiyun would often go to Zhou Da’s place to get meat, and even her parents’ home would frequently have meat to eat. Hu Caiyun’s parents were delighted, and the villagers envied her for marrying so well—her husband’s brother was a butcher, so even her parents’ home never lacked meat.

This year, however, Hu Caiyun couldn’t bring any meat. In past years, during festivals, she would always go to Zhou Da’s house to pick up a hanger of meat as a New Year’s gift. This year, that was gone. Since she was reluctant to spend the silver, she had simply wrapped up two packages of mediocre pastries to bring over.

Even Hu Caiyun’s younger brother couldn’t help but complain, “That Zhou Da isn’t some pushover—he’s strong as an ox. How could he possibly let some scholar hold him hostage? You must have offended his family, which is why our whole household is left without any meat to eat.”

“How dare you speak to me like that? It’s not my fault! Go take it up with Shen Linchuan!”

Hu Caiyun was furious. She hadn’t even had a chance to eat yet, and already she’d swallowed a bellyful of anger. Whenever she’d come home before, her hands had never been empty of meat; the whole family had always fawned over her. Now that the meat was gone, their faces had turned on her.

“Youcheng is going to the county seat next year to take the Xiucai examination.”

The moment Zhou Youcheng’s name was mentioned, Hu Caiyun’s parents and brothers broke into smiles again. “Youcheng is a promising young man.” 

“That’s right. With that scholar serving as his tutor, next year—no, this year—he’s sure to pass the Xiucai exam.”

Once Zhou Youcheng passes the Xiucai exam, they’ll be the talk of the village—even the village head will have to show them some respect.

Taking advantage of the fact that everyone was talking about Zhou Youcheng, Hu Caiyun spoke up, “Father and Mother, I’d like to borrow five taels of silver. Youcheng’s trip to the county seat will take at least half a month, and his travel funds won’t be enough.”

Hu Caiyun’s brother’s face darkened. “Your eldest brother is a butcher—he’s not short on silver. Why don’t you go ask him for a loan?”

“I’ve already told you—we can’t even get a single piece of meat from his family these days. How could they possibly lend us any silver? The eldest son’s family doesn’t even support Youcheng anymore; they’re only supporting their own son-in-law!”

The room fell silent. Even without mentioning the silver, Hu Caiyun was furious. “When Youcheng passes the Xiucai exam, who in the village would dare to bully the Hu family? It’s only five taels of silver—I’ll have it delivered by the end of the year!”

“The Hu family may have many children,” she said, “but I refuse to believe that none of them has a little stashed away!”

Hu Caiyun’s brother gave an awkward laugh. “Caiyun, look—we’ve got several of your nephews at home, all at that age where they’re eating their parents out of house and home. Where would we have any extra silver?”

Zhou Fang sat in the sun, picking at her nails. “Mother, I’m hungry. When are we eating? I’m exhausted from walking all the way here.” Hu Caiyun’s parents hurriedly replied, “We’ll make dinner right away, we’ll make dinner right away.”

Everyone in the house hurried into the main hall. Hu Caiyun, furious, shoved Zhou Fang aside. “Eat, eat, eat—all you ever think about is eating. Who asked you to butt in?”

“Why did you push me?!” Zhou Fang snapped back. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s you! Back in the summer when you were working, you and Father could’ve easily earned two taels of silver. Now you’re blaming me!”

Hu Caiyun glared at her. “It’s all because your uncle’s family won’t give us any money anymore. Otherwise, would I have to come to my parents’ house to borrow?”

“Well, you have only yourself to blame. Who told you to keep going on and on about Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning? You didn’t really have it in mind to eat your uncle’s family out of house and home, did you?”

“You little brat, what are you saying!”

Zhou Fang rolled her eyes. “You and Dad really have some nerve. Anyway, the silver we got from Uncle’s family wasn’t spent on me—you two were only thinking about Zhou Youcheng. I’m the only one thinking about myself!”

“You little brat! Once your brother passes the imperial exams, you’ll benefit from it too. Do you really want to marry some peasant?”

“Well then, let him go ahead and take the exam. If he doesn’t pass this year, I won’t marry either. If I have to wait another two or three years, I’ll end up an old maid.” 

“You—you! What kind of talk is that for a young lady? Have some shame!”

Zhou Fang couldn’t care less. She was stubborn—why should Zhou Youcheng have something she didn’t? She just knew that sooner or later, she’d have to get married anyway.

What she despised most was her mother scrounging for handouts from her uncle. If they had that silver, wouldn’t it be better to buy her a couple more pretty dresses?

Zhou Fang’s eyes darted about. It would be better to curry favor with her paternal uncle than with her maternal uncle. Her paternal uncle’s family was wealthy, and Ning-ger was the manager there during the summer. Zhou Youcheng had also mentioned that the mosquito coil and cooling ointment business was likely run by her paternal uncle’s family.

Plus, she’d heard from villagers that her uncle’s household used charcoal for heating. Who in the countryside used charcoal? People were too stingy to even burn firewood—after all, it was painstakingly gathered from the mountains. They must be rich.

She hadn’t paid her New Year’s respects to her uncle yet this year. Once she got back, she’d go do that. In past years, she’d always come away with twenty or thirty copper coins. Thinking about it this way, Zhou Fang felt even more that her uncle’s family was the best—her uncle was so generous!

After eating a meal of braised pork ribs with Chinese cabbage at her uncle’s house, Zhou Fang felt even more that her uncle’s family was stingy. What kind of family wouldn’t even bother to stir-fry a single dish for the New Year?

Hu Caiyun was furious as well. Not only had she failed to borrow any money, but she’d also been looked down upon simply because her New Year’s gift was meager. On the way home, she couldn’t help but complain to Zhou Fang about all she’d done for the Hu family over the years—only to end up unable to borrow a single silver coin.

Zhou Fang couldn’t be bothered to listen; she felt even more strongly that her parents and Zhou Youcheng were clueless about how to live off others. If they’d been a bit nicer to her uncle’s family, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.

Shen Linchuan had made a Go set at home and was playing with Zhou Ning by the brazier. Relying on his previous experience, he’d nearly picked all of Zhou Ning’s pieces off the board. “Oh, you’re going to run out of pieces again.”

Zhou Ning wasn’t annoyed; he felt around for the pebbles and played slowly. Shen Linchuan was thoroughly enjoying himself, but he was also afraid his Fulang might be upset that he hadn’t picked off his pieces, so he secretly let him win. Zhou Ning’s eyes lit up for a moment. “Shen Linchuan, I’m going to pick off your pieces now.”

“Oh, I see. You’re a quick learner.”

With nothing to do that afternoon, the two played in the courtyard, basking in the sun while playing with the stones. The snow had melted, leaving the ground slightly damp. In the vegetable garden, some of the tender grass hidden in the snowdrifts had already poked its head out. Since New Year’s Eve had passed, the sun had grown warmer day by day; now, the sheepskin jacket was no longer needed.

Dahuang wagged his tail lazily as he basked in the sun. A dozen or so chickens in the coop clucked softly, and the mule chewed quietly on some dry grass.

Zhou Da wasn’t home at the moment; he’d gone out for a stroll. A bonfire had been lit at the village entrance, and quite a few people were warming themselves by it. Zhou Da was there, watching others roll the dice.

“Zhou Da, why haven’t I seen Linchuan and his wife around today? Shouldn’t they be visiting his parents’ home on the second day of the New Year?”

“Well, Linchuan’s older brother said that from now on, during the New Year, his family will come over here. He said their parents back there have long since passed away, and since I’m the grandfather of those two little ones, it’s only right they come over here to pay their respects to an elder like me.”

Zhou Da chuckled as he spoke; Shen Linchuan’s brother and sister-in-law were so respectful toward him as the elder, and it made him feel quite pleased.

The man who asked him this was an older Fulang. In the entire Dayangshu Village, Shen Linchuan was the only son-in-law who had married into the family. The man had been hoping to see some drama unfold, but instead, he ended up being shown a lesson.

“Well, according to custom, your son-in-law should also visit his in-laws’ home on the second day of the New Year. It wouldn’t be proper for him not to go.”

“But Linchuan’s brother and sister-in-law have to go back to their family’s home, too. Who’s going to be here on the second day? We don’t have that many rules in our family—as long as everyone’s happy, that’s all that matters.” 

“Zhou Da’s right. As long as life goes smoothly, that’s what counts. Rules are rigid, but people are flexible.” Someone chimed in.

Zhou Da was in a great mood. He watched the others roll the dice with a cheerful smile, not realizing that the Fulang had just been trying to make fun of him.

It was already late afternoon. The women and their Fulang were returning one by one, carrying baskets. Those who had brought back good things would stop to chat for a bit, casually showing off the treats they’d brought from their mothers’ homes.

Hu Caiyun and her daughter had also returned. Hu Caiyun’s basket was empty, containing nothing at all. Zhou Fang, the young girl, spotted the tall figure of Zhou Da in the crowd.

Just as she was about to run off, Hu Caiyun grabbed her arm. “Where are you going? There aren’t any young men or women there—who are you going to talk to?”

“Uncle is over there. I’m going to wish him a Happy New Year.”

Hu Caiyun held her back, refusing to let her go. “What New Year’s greetings? Your uncle won’t even pay for Youcheng’s schooling—it’s clear his family has money!” Zhou Fang broke free from her mother’s grip and ran over. “Uncle!”

When Zhou Da saw it was Zhou Fang, the smile on his face didn’t fade. He had always been lenient with the young boy and girl; the feud between the two families had nothing to do with Zhou Fang.

“Fang’er, you’re back from your maternal grandparents’ house.”

“Yes.” Zhou Fang curtsied. “Happy New Year, Uncle. I wish you good health.”

“Ah, very good, very good.” Zhou Da replied with a beaming smile, pulling a small silver ingot from his sleeve. “Why didn’t you come on the first day of the New Year? I’ve been saving this New Year’s money.”

Zhou Fang’s eyes lit up. Her uncle was so generous—he’d just handed her two taels of silver!

After all, she’d spent over a month rolling mosquito coils this summer and had barely earned a little over one tael. Her uncle, on the other hand, had handed her two taels of silver right off the bat. Her uncle was the best; her other uncle’s family wouldn’t even lend her five taels.

Zhou Fang smiled even more brightly. “Uncle, I went out to play on the first day of the month. I was afraid you might hold a grudge against our family, so I didn’t go.” 

“How could that be? It’s none of your business.”

“Well then, Uncle, I’m going home to rest. I’m exhausted from the long walk.” 

“Go on, go on. Come find your Ning-ger to play with when you have time.”

“Okay!”

Zhou Fang was overjoyed to receive two taels of silver, and Hu Caiyun quickly followed her. “Your uncle gave you some New Year’s money. I’ll save it for you and give it to you when you grow up.”

Zhou Fang tucked the money into her bosom and refused to hand it over, nor would she say how much silver she’d received.

“I won’t give it to you. I’m already seventeen this year—how could I not have grown yet?”

Zhou Fang knew exactly what was going on. If she gave this silver to her mother, her mother would surely spend it on Zhou Youcheng—so she wouldn’t give it. If she’d known her uncle would give her so much New Year’s money this year, she would have gone to pay her respects on New Year’s Eve, not just on the first day of the month!

The festivities lasted until the fifteenth, marking the end of the New Year celebrations. The three members of the Zhou family then went back to their respective routines: Zhou Da was busy collecting and slaughtering pigs, Zhou Ning went to the morning market to sell pork cuts, and Shen Linchuan’s studies became more intense—the county-level examinations were scheduled for mid-March, and they would have to set off for Kaiping County as soon as March arrived.

They lived hundreds of kilometers from the county seat; even by mule cart, the journey took three days. Most students would head there early—partly to avoid homesickness, and partly to ensure they could secure lodging.

Day by day, the weather grew warmer. The ice and snow had long since melted; the branches of the weeping willows by the roadside had softened, having absorbed plenty of moisture and now waiting to sprout. In the schoolyard, patches of pale yellow forsythia—the harbingers of spring—bloomed in abundance, yet no one had the heart to admire them; everyone had buried themselves in their studies, hoping to pass the examination and become a student of the academy in one fell swoop.

Even during his days off, Shen Linchuan didn’t rest; as soon as he got home, he opened his books and studied diligently.

Zhou Da had just brought in a pig and was butchering it outside. Zhou Ning was helping tend the fire and scrape the bristles off the pig. Hearing the commotion, Shen Linchuan came out. “Father, let me help hold the pig.”

“No need, no need. The Xiucai exams are coming up soon. Go study. We don’t need you here—Ning-ger and I can handle this.” 

“It’s fine, Father. I’ve been studying all day, and my body’s getting stiff. I might as well get up and stretch my legs.”

“Alright, then just help me scrape the pig’s hair off.” 

“Sure.”

Zhou Da, a butcher for many years, worked with swift, precise strokes. In no time, he had deboned and prepared the pig. With a piece of cowhide as a cushion, he flung half a side of pork over his shoulder.

“Ouch!”

Zhou Da stumbled and nearly fell, scrambling to steady himself by grabbing the nearby workbench. Zhou Ning was startled. “Father!” Shen Linchuan, who was standing close by, quickly caught the half-side of pork and flung it onto the workbench with a strong toss.

Zhou Da clutched his waist and frowned. “I strained it—I’ve pulled a muscle.” Zhou Ning supported Zhou Da. “Father, let me help you inside to rest.”

Zhou Da waved his hand. “It’s nothing, nothing. Just a slight strain. I’ll take this pork back to the courtyard first.”

“Father, Ning-ger, and I can handle this. You go inside and rest. I’ll go call Doctor Zhang to take a look.” 

“Ah, farmers aren’t that delicate. It’s nothing—I just exerted myself a bit too hard.”

Zhou Da didn’t think it was a big deal. He was only in his early forties; though he wasn’t as strong as he used to be, he wasn’t old yet. It was just a slight strain—no need to make such a fuss over it.

Zhou Ning grew impatient. “Father, I’ll just take the meat out to the yard. Come on.”

Zhou Da insisted it was nothing, but Zhou Ning, growing anxious, bent down to support his father on his shoulders. Zhou Da groaned, “Put me down, put me down! People will see and laugh at us.”

Shen Linchuan also hurried off to fetch Doctor Zhang, and the two returned shortly.

When they arrived, Zhou Da was sitting by the bed, holding his waist. “I told you it was nothing, nothing at all, but these two kids insisted on calling you over to take a look.”

“It takes a hundred days to heal a sprain or fracture. If it’s not serious, Linchuan and Ning-ger would feel much better, wouldn’t they?”

Doctor Zhang offered a few words of reassurance. “Take off your jacket so I can have a look.”

Fearing his father might strain his back while moving, Shen Linchuan helped pull Zhou Da’s thin, padded jacket off. Doctor Zhang felt the area with his hand. “Oh, you’ve twisted your back. This isn’t just a minor strain. If we don’t treat it today, it’ll definitely be swollen by tomorrow morning.”

Zhou Da brushed it off. “It can’t be that serious. I’ll be fine after resting for a day or two.”

“You shouldn’t say that. You’ve been hauling heavy pigs day in and day out—you’ve worked hard these past twenty years. Don’t take your health for granted. If you end up with chronic health issues in your old age, that won’t do at all.”

“It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine. I’m used to it.”

“I’ll give you a few acupuncture needles and apply some medicated plasters. You’ll need to stay in bed and rest for three days. You can’t lift heavy things for at least ten days to a fortnight.”

As soon as Zhou Da heard he’d have to rest in bed, he jerked his head up. “It can’t be as bad as you’re making it out to be, Doctor Zhang. I just feel a slight pulling sensation.” 

“Are you the doctor, or am I the doctor? Linchuan’s Ning-ger really looked out for your father. Just rest for a few days.”

Zhou Ning nodded repeatedly. “I know, I know.”

Doctor Zhang finished the acupuncture treatment. “All done. Stay in bed and don’t get up. I’ll go home and prepare some medicinal ointment for you. I’ll have Yi-ger bring it over in a bit.” 

“But what about my pig? If I don’t sell it in the next couple of days, it’ll go bad.”

Zhou Da was still thinking about his pig; he figured he’d sell it first and then take a couple of days off.

“Father, tomorrow I’ll take a couple of days off from work. Don’t worry about the family business.”

“Alright then. You’re about to take the Xiucai exam soon—how can I let this interfere with your studies now?”

“Father, these two days won’t make a difference. You’re talking about me taking the Xiucai exam, but if you don’t recover from your injury, how will you take Ning-ger and me to the county seat?”

As soon as Zhou Da heard this, he quickly lay back down. “Right, right, I’d forgotten all about that. I just didn’t think it was a big deal, and I didn’t want to miss your studies on purpose.”

“Father, we’re all family.”

“Right, right, right. Look at me—I’m such a fool.”

Shen Linchuan paid the consultation fee and saw Doctor Zhang out. “Doctor Zhang, when you were taking my father’s pulse just now, was there anything wrong with him?”

“Nothing to worry about. It’s just that he’s getting on in years, and slaughtering pigs is hard physical labor. He’s still relatively young now, but if he keeps doing this for another three or five years, his body will inevitably start to show signs of wear and tear.”

“I understand. Thank you, Doctor Zhang.”