Chapter 13: Distribution of Grain

The grain was being distributed! The excitement rivaled that of New Year’s celebrations.

In the countryside, there were only two days each year that everyone looked forward to the most: the distribution of grain after the summer and autumn harvests. These days determined what a family would have to eat for the entire year; how could they not be thrilled?

Even the educated youths wore delighted expressions.

Before long, a long queue formed at the threshing ground.

Tang Banxia sent Wen Mubai to stand in line. The grain being distributed this time was for the work points earned from last summer until the end of the year—it had nothing to do with her. Besides, Tang Banxia glanced at the line of women in the queue. Well, some advantages were meant to be used.

Sure enough, as soon as Tang Banxia arrived home, Wen Mubai followed right after.

“That’s it?” Tang Banxia looked in disbelief at the basket he was carrying.

So this was all his half-year’s work points could get—a single basket of sweet potatoes? And he wasn’t the least bit ashamed?

Wen Mubai shamelessly added, “I know you like roasted sweet potatoes, so I chose all sweet potatoes.”

Tang Banxia replied, “Isn’t it just that you couldn’t exchange them for anything else?”

Wen Mubai decided to ignore this subject. “Banxia, shall we have meat today?”

Tang Banxia was speechless.

Was this man sent by the heavens to punish her?

“Go, fill the vat with water, split the firewood, and wash the clothes. Otherwise… hmph!”

If she wasn't comfortable, Wen Mubai could forget about being happy.

Wen Mubai stiffened, opened his mouth to complain, but Tang Banxia’s cold voice cut in, “If you shed a single tear, there’ll be no meat.”

He closed his mouth sheepishly.

Head drooping, he went off to fetch water.

Tang Banxia snorted, washed her hands, and began to prepare the meat.

She took one jin of pork belly from the seven jin of meat, cut the rest into strips, salted them with Sichuan peppercorns, placed them in a basket, and hung it from the rafters to cure until the next day.

Then she took the reserved pork, diced it, put a pot of water on to boil, and added scallions, ginger, and garlic to blanch the meat. Once the scum was removed and the meat rinsed, she set it aside.

Next, she heated oil, caramelized some sugar, stir-fried the blanched meat to render excess fat, then set it aside. Finally, she added boiling water, covered the pot, and let it simmer.

While the meat stewed, she quickly baked a few thin pancakes and boiled some eggs.

Twenty minutes later, the aroma of braised pork wafted through the air. She lifted the lid, added the boiled eggs, withdrew some firewood to lower the heat, and left it to simmer for another fifteen minutes.

Just then, Wen Mubai returned, carrying water. “It smells amazing! Sis, you’re such a great cook.”

Tang Banxia was immune to his flattery. “The vat isn’t full yet. Go fetch more.”

“Oh,” Wen Mubai replied.

Only when Wen Mubai had finally filled the vat, panting, did Tang Banxia relent, “Alright, come eat.”

Wen Mubai was on the verge of tears—he hurried to wash his hands and serve the meat.

Tang Banxia took two pieces of meat, chopped them up, sliced a chili pepper, and laid everything flat on a pancake before rolling it up to eat. Eating meat plain was too greasy for her—she preferred it this way.

Wen Mubai watched her but made no comment. He, on the other hand, preferred eating big chunks of meat.

By the end of the meal, Wen Mubai was stuffed. “Comrade Tang, your food is delicious.” He felt like he’d struck gold.

Seeing his satisfied, handsome face, Tang Banxia’s anger melted away. “Next time we get meat coupons, we’ll do this again.”

In her past life, she never imagined she’d one day eat a meal of braised pork and feel so utterly content.

Indeed, people’s desires changed with their circumstances.

In her previous life, all she wanted was to get rich; now, all she wanted was an easier life, and her craving for money had faded considerably.

Of course, that was only if she had enough to get by.

As things stood, the original owner’s family had enough savings to support her for the next few years.

“I have meat coupons,” Wen Mubai said sweetly. He ran to his room, rummaged around, and brought out a few meat coupons. “Look, Sis, I have some. Let’s go buy more meat.” His face was all smiles, eager to please.

Tang Banxia was genuinely surprised. After living together so long, it was the first time this kid had taken the initiative to give her something.

She accepted them without fuss, tucked them into her pocket, and said, “Alright, we’ll go in a few days.”

“Okay,” Wen Mubai replied, looking utterly naive and sincere.

Tang Banxia didn’t call him out, only said gently, “Go wash the dishes.”

“Okay.”

Watching his cheerful back, Tang Banxia couldn't help but chuckle softly.

This guy did have a conscience, after all.

Outside, the threshing ground was still bustling. There was no work in the afternoon.

Tang Banxia took a nap, and when she woke, Wen Mubai was nowhere to be seen.

She paid it no mind, washed her face, simmered a pot of mung bean and mint soup, and tended the two rows of vegetables in the yard.

Then she dug out the fabric and cotton she’d traded for last time, along with the clothes that Liu Liyun had ruined, preparing to make some sturdy padded jackets to send to her parents.

She wondered how her father and mother were doing now.

She could guess things weren’t great, and she ought to do what she could.

Recalling her parents’ appearances from the original owner’s memories, she quickly cut out two sets of jacket linings.

Using scraps, she pieced together two outer layers, laid the cotton between, and sewed them together with swift, practiced stitches. In just two hours, a brightly colored, vintage-style padded jacket was finished.

Tang Banxia admired the jacket lying on the bed, stroking her chin. “Not bad.”

It was perfectly unobtrusive—just what someone sent down from the city should wear.

The best buns aren’t always the most pleated; as long as they’re warm, that’s what matters.

Seeing that there was still daylight, she made another jacket for her father, smoothed them both out on the kang, placed a board on top, and weighed them down to set their shape.

While she was busy, Wen Mubai came home. Seeing her occupied, he didn’t disturb her and quietly went to cook.

By the time Tang Banxia finished, a hot meal of potato stew in meat broth and baked cornbread awaited her.

Tang Banxia nodded approvingly. “Very nice.”

Wen Mubai beamed, attentively handing her a cornbread cake. “Sis, have some.”

Tang Banxia really did like his face. As she took the cake, she hooked a finger into his palm. “Xiaobai, you’re so considerate.”

Wen Mubai’s face flushed bright red, and he said coyly, “Sister~”

Tang Banxia laughed, bold and unrestrained. “I made you a gift. See if you like it later.”

Wen Mubai lowered his head shyly. “Okay.”

Just for her cooking, he was willing to go along with anything.

They ate with such affection their eyes seemed to grow strings between them.

After the meal, Wen Mubai went to wash the dishes, but Tang Banxia stopped him. “Check out your gift first.”

“Okay, as you say, Sis.”

Tang Banxia took his hand and led him into the room, showing him the items laid out on the bed. “Do you like them?”

Looking at the deep blue short-sleeved shirt and long trousers on the bed, Wen Mubai’s eyes flickered with emotion. After a pause, he nodded firmly. “I like them.”

“I’m glad you do.” Tang Banxia smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Put them on and show your sister.”

“Alright.”

Next, Tang Banxia openly admired the sight of him undressing.

Wen Mubai was on the slender side; clothes made him look frail, but stripped down, the muscles on his chest and abdomen drew the eye.

Male beauty truly was captivating!

Her throat felt parched. She licked her lips and stepped forward to run her hands over his body. “Come, let your sister help you.”

Wen Mubai shivered, replying softly, “Okay.”

Tang Banxia picked up the shirt, rolled it up, and helped Wen Mubai put it on, smoothing it over his body. Her hands brushed his chest and abs, sending shivers through him.

“Sit down, let your sister help you with the trousers,” she said, pressing him to sit.

Wen Mubai’s cheeks were flushed, his eyes glimmering with tears. “Banxia~”

Tang Banxia pushed him down gently. “Be good.”

She dressed him with care. “Not bad—Xiaobai, you look great.”

Wen Mubai stood, pulled Tang Banxia into his arms, and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Soon, the air in the room was charged with heat, punctuated only by the sound of their kisses. “Thank you, Sis,” he murmured. It was the first time anyone had made clothes for him.

Tang Banxia pulled back, lips just parted, gazing at him. “Xiaobai, you don’t seem very sincere.”

“Well then, how should I show my sincerity, Sis?”

“What do you think?”

Wen Mubai chuckled low, took her hand and guided it lower…

“Can he do it?”

“Xiaobai, you’re so clever…”

In the end, Tang Banxia personally removed every piece of clothing she had just helped him put on…