Chapter 18: Guarding the House
The next day, the surrounding villages, centered on Thatchfield Village, buzzed with activity due to the community gathering. Children flocked to Bai Gong's place to watch the adults slaughter pigs and cook pork. The aroma of meat wafted through the air, and even though the children couldn't eat it yet, just smelling it was enough to satisfy them.
Bai Gong's place was less than a hundred meters from Deng Shirong's home, so his family didn't rush over early like those who lived farther away. Instead, they arrived at just the right time.
When the time came, Deng Yunzhen and her sister Deng Yunzhu brought basins, bowls, and incense paper to Bai Gong's place. By then, the cooked community meat had been placed on the table, and community porridge was simmering in four large iron pots. The tantalizing aroma of meat filled the air, making the children's mouths water.
"Ah Zhu, go burn the incense paper, and I'll set up the basin," Deng Yunzhen instructed.
"Okay!" Deng Yunzhu replied.
Less than ten minutes after Deng Yunzhen placed the bowls, someone announced, "It's time to distribute the porridge!"
Everyone gathered around. The person in charge of distributing the porridge first transferred it from the iron pots into buckets, then used a ladle to scoop a full portion into each bowl. Those who received their share took their bowls and left.
When it was Deng Yunzhen's turn, she reminded them, "This is for two shares of the community."
The people around her widened their eyes in surprise. Two shares of the community? This was unheard of. Many who had only prepared half a share felt a pang of envy. The gap between them and Deng Shirong's family seemed vast.
At that moment, many who had always lived frugally secretly decided to prepare a full share next time, even if it meant buying on credit.
Deng Yunzhen, unaware of the stir her words caused, carried the porridge home with her sister. After adding a pinch of salt, they called their father and eldest brother to enjoy the hot porridge.
…
In the afternoon, when it was time to collect the community meat, Deng Yunzhen and her sister once again drew everyone's attention. The two portions of meat piled together were an enviable sight.
For dinner, the family enjoyed stir-fried pork. Deng Shirong's children felt that their quality of life had improved dramatically in recent days. Even during the Chinese New Year in previous years, the food hadn't been as good.
Deng Yunhua patted his full stomach and said with a grin, "When Second Brother comes back the day after tomorrow, I'll have to tell him about the food we've been having. Otherwise, he'll get too cocky with the two dollars Dad gave him!"
Deng Yunsong nodded in agreement. "Good idea. Let's make sure he knows what he's missing."
Little did they know, their second brother had the same idea and was planning to boast about the braised pork he'd been eating at school.
…
On the 22nd day of the fifth lunar month, the Double Prosperity Market Day arrived. It was also an important day for Guan Yongying to visit Deng Changfu's home—a tradition equivalent to an engagement. Both families took this occasion very seriously.
Deng Changfu's family invited their relatives, the production team's leaders, and close friends, totaling over twenty people. Guan Yongying's family brought her aunt, uncle, siblings, and others, making nearly ten guests.
Guan Yongying's parents didn't attend, as it was customary for the girl's parents not to visit the boy's home during this event.
With so many guests, plus Deng Shirong as the matchmaker and Deng Changfu's family, four tables were set up to accommodate everyone. This was considered generous, as most families only set up two or three tables.
Before the meal, Deng Shirong led Guan Yongying's family on a tour of Deng Changfu's home, with a special focus on his room. In those days, most homes were sparsely furnished, often with just a bed and perhaps a bamboo pole for hanging clothes.
Deng Changfu's room was simple, but his parents had moved their own wardrobe and table into his room to impress the guests. Seeing this, Guan Yongying's family was pleased.
However, Guan Yongying's aunt, Aunt Guan, pulled Deng Shirong aside and whispered, "Uncle Jiu, these furnishings aren't just for show, are they?"
Deng Shirong understood her concern. Some families would move furniture around to impress guests but take it back after the event. He assured her, "No, these are for Changfu's wedding. The room will stay exactly like this after the wedding."
Aunt Guan nodded in relief. "That's good."
She then remarked, "The room is nice, but they have many siblings, and this room is already crowded. When they have children, there won't be enough space."
Guan Yongying blushed at her aunt's comment.
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "By the time they have children, it'll be several years from now. Society is changing fast. Our brigade will soon divide the land, and everyone's living conditions will improve. They might even have a new house by then."
Aunt Guan smiled. "You're right. No need to worry so far ahead."
(End of Chapter)