My 1995 Small Farm.

Chapter 435 Relatives
In previous years, the Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated simply, consisting of making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and visiting relatives.

Because we will soon be busy with the wheat harvest.

Even when many girls come back, it's just to visit their parents' home and see if they need any help.

I wanted to go to the temple fair and participate in the dragon boat races, but I simply didn't have the time or the inclination.

This year has been great.

The dragon boat races were arranged by the county government, so the village didn't have to worry about it.

Moreover, the harvest is good this year, so there's no need to rush the wheat harvest.

With every household making money this year, they feel more confident and proud when entertaining relatives.

So the villagers' enthusiasm soared, making this year's Dragon Boat Festival a grand affair.

Everyone cleaned up the village thoroughly, just like it was Chinese New Year.

People started coming over on the second day of May.

These are two groups of reporters who came before. They said they heard about tomb raiders bringing explosives into the mountains and came to investigate. But the villagers all know that these young people just know there's something to do here for the Dragon Boat Festival this year and are taking the opportunity to come and have some fun.

They're experts at running the whole process: staying and eating at villagers' homes, inviting people out for fun.

Not only them, but also many people who had visited the village before arrived one after another two days in advance.

For example, Li Min, the female leader in charge of flood control.

There was also Yu Bangjin, who had come to buy a dog.

Needless to say, this group of people were recruited by Sun Yanhong.

There were also guests brought by Tian Hongli. They felt threatened by Sun Yanhong and rushed over in order to get closer to Chen Ling.

There are also all sorts of other people; I know many, but I don't know even more.

The scale of the tourists has truly exceeded everyone's expectations.

The villagers didn't care about anything else; they were overjoyed at the sight, thinking they could make money again.

The county leaders were both happy and worried. The road wasn't even finished yet, and so many people had come. There were many cars stuck in traffic in the county, and they had to send people to the villages to bring them over, which earned them a lot of scolding.

Chen Ling hadn't expected so many people to come so suddenly.

Aside from the arrest of those tomb-raiding thieves, nothing much has happened in the village lately.

I don't know how I heard about it, but I just came here.

Anyway, no matter which group it was, they all had to visit the farm and have some fun. Unfortunately, Chen Ling's family members came to celebrate the festival, so they weren't even allowed to stay overnight, let alone stay for a meal. They didn't even offer to entertain them.

So they sold the wine.

He then called over Wang Jusheng, Chen Jiang, and a few others, and sent them to pick watermelons in the melon field in Laohewan.

This year, Wang Jusheng and his family planted watermelons on the riverbank.

Now there's no need to worry about selling them.

The two families of the eldest and second brothers-in-law also arrived early.

I've been staying at Chenling Farm for the past two days, and I've seen everything that's happening in the village and at the farm.

I was initially shocked, but later I became completely numb to it.

The two also talked privately about how their parents wrote two letters a month, and Zhenzhen also wrote letters. They hadn't heard anything about their brother-in-law making any big moves. How come he's built such a big business on the farm in just six months?

They had heard a little about the matter of alcohol.

But they couldn't understand why they would be paid so much money for staying at the farm for just a few days.

The two families did some private calculations and became increasingly alarmed. Even Wang Qingwen couldn't help but approach Chen Ling and persuade him: "Lingzi, your farm is making so much money now, don't let us hold you back. Isn't it the same if we stay in the village? Let those guests stay if they want. They're paying for it anyway, it's not like we're entertaining them for free. And who knows if we'll have that opportunity again in the future."

Chen Ling laughed upon hearing this: "Brother, what are you saying? It's not easy for our family to spend the holiday together, so we should have a good reunion. We can make money anytime, so what's a few days?"

He then asked him to sit down and poured him a cup of tea: "Don't overthink it. Susu has been missing you all for a long time, and Zhenzhen and her parents have missed you too. Just stay here and have fun during your holiday. Big brother, think about it... It's too noisy when outsiders stay here. It affects our family's conversation and meals. It's better if no one comes."

My father-in-law's family are all upright and kind-hearted. Although my brother-in-law is strict, he is mostly concerned about his family.

Seeing Chen Ling's completely indifferent expression, he didn't know what to say.

Even at the dinner table, he was still frowning, deep in thought.

Seeing their eldest son acting this way, Wang Cunye and his wife couldn't help but laugh. They were used to their son-in-law's way of doing things and had long since given up on trying to persuade him.

These past two days, Chen Ling has approached them, saying that their second son is working too hard running his own business, and asking them to discuss with their second son whether he should find him some work.

Even though the two elders had long regarded him as half a son, they felt greatly comforted upon hearing their son-in-law's words.

I'll ask him when the time comes and tell him not to worry about it.

……

As evening falls, a gentle breeze blows and weary birds return to their nests.

The farm is very cool.

But my two little nephews have been having a blast these past two days. They've been following Wang Cunye around herding sheep with Rui Rui and running around with Wang Zhenzhen. They won't come back until they're all sweaty from playing.

The sun was about to set. After we got back, Rui Rui and I were playing with some frogs in the yard.

Chen Ling had soaked two watermelons by the spring in the afternoon, and now he brought one over, cut it open, and prepared it for everyone to cool off.

"You guys, stop playing around, wash your hands and come eat some watermelon. Look at you, all sweaty."

"Rui Rui, stop running around. Get two slices of watermelon for your uncles."

"Oh dear, Lingzi, why are you always ordering the child around? He's still so young."

He said it, but when he saw his little nephew bringing him a watermelon, his mouth still broke into a wide grin.

"Okay, okay, Rui Rui is such a good girl, so smart and sensible. Come with your uncle this time, your uncle will take you to school, okay?"

"Yes, you're so smart, you should start school early. You're much better than your dad. Your second uncle's family also has horses. Those horses can climb mountains, and they can take you riding in the mountains every day."

"Haha, big brother, second brother, your nephew may be young, but he knows a lot. Look how fast he runs... Rui Rui, don't forget your aunts too."

"Ugh, um~"

The little thing was munching on a small piece of watermelon, its bottom bare, waving its little bird around, running around busily.

After eating the watermelon, we rested in the yard for a while, enjoying the cool air, and waited for dinner.

The water tower was already piled high with mutton and beef.

They were just waiting for those two families to arrive. Once they came, Chen Ling was sure to find all sorts of ways to manipulate them.

However, the Wang Qingwen family doesn't like to eat anything else; they just love to eat rice from the same pot.

Whether it's beef, lamb, pork, or fish, I feel that eating together as a family creates a festive atmosphere and is very satisfying.

Another one is barbecue.

This is fine, but it's too much of a waste of alcohol to drink in the summer, and it also takes too much time.

So today I stewed a big pot of mutton, something quick and easy.

Eat meat with rice, and then pour the meat broth over the rice. It tastes delicious!

The whole family had already finished catching up, and today they were just talking about the busy farming season in a few days, like harvesting wheat and picking peaches in the orchard.

They also mentioned that Chen Ling's apricots were being sold way too early.

Normally, when the wheat ripens and the apricots turn yellow, his produce was sold out half a month ago.

Wang Cunye chuckled and said to his two sons, "Not only do the apricots my son-in-law grows sell early, but they also make more money than other families."

They've already sold for almost 20,000 yuan.

Their pride and arrogance almost made the Wang brothers choke on their food.

They all complained about his father, saying that he treated Chen Ling, his son-in-law, better than his own son, and that his son-in-law should take care of him in his old age.

Wang Cunye said there was no problem.

Upon hearing this, Gao Xiulan tapped him with her chopsticks, saying that he wasn't ashamed to do this in front of his son and daughter-in-law.

This made everyone burst into laughter.

They ate and chatted at the same time.

People are eating at the table, while the dog waits on the ground.

After the person finished gnawing on the meat off the bone, they casually tossed the bone on the ground. At that moment, the dog next to the table snatched the bone and started gnawing on it.

Lights were on outside the kitchen in the farm's backyard.

Chen Ling's family was eating a steaming hot pot, surrounded by a large group of dogs. In addition to Chen Ling's dogs, there was also the little yellow dog that Wang Qingzhong had brought, as well as the lynx Zhao Dahai's dog, which was also staying there.

They're all just waiting for someone to throw bones at them.

However, with Rui Rui, Xiao Dong, and the other two little guys blocking their way, they could only wait anxiously.

Rui Rui was quite well-behaved today. Although it was a family dinner, there weren't many formalities. He didn't sit at the table, but sat with his two older cousins ​​at a small table with his own little bowl. Every now and then, he would tilt his head back and tug at Chen Ling or Wang Susu's clothes, and then the two of them would put food in his bowl. He would then grab the food with his hands and eat it, his little face covered in oil.

The same goes for Tongtong and Xiaodong.

They were just as well-behaved.

There were so many fun things to do at my aunt and uncle's house, lots of delicious food, and my little brother was so cute. They were so happy and content, and they kept letting out childlike, cheerful laughter. They didn't have any other requests.

The family was happily eating their meal. There were many tourists outside, and while it was lively and bustling, it didn't concern them as the villagers were busy making money.

Throughout the year, family members can only get together a few times. No matter how much money you make, you can't abandon your family.

……

The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival.

When the wheat turns slightly yellow, the girl visits her mother.

The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival.

Sprinkle white sugar on the rice dumplings.

On the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, after breakfast, Gao Xiulan and her daughter Wang Susu took out the reed leaves that had been soaked in spring water for two days and placed them on the table for later use. The reed leaves, each with water droplets, were lush and green.

There were also some symmetrical and beautiful lotus leaves picked by Chen Ling, which exuded a fragrant aroma.

Next, wash the glutinous rice, candied dates, and red dates, drain them, and put them in a bowl.

Today, the opera troupe came and put on a grand performance at the old stage in the east of the village.

Wang Cunye had Zhao Yubao and a few other old guys call him away to watch the opera.

Wang Zhenzhen and the others also wanted to go and have fun.

Because there are food stalls, toy stalls, and various other vendors around the stage, its appeal to young children is self-evident.

"Zhenzhen, you two shouldn't go out to play today. There are too many people outside, and they might kidnap you. Your father will be too busy listening to the opera to keep an eye on you."

"It's okay, we'll bring the dog, no one will dare."

"That won't work either. If you're going, Rui Rui is going too."

"Okay, Mother, let's go get you some hay."

“We don’t need hay this year. You guys should come over and help us wrap zongzi, or you can ask your brother-in-law and two older brothers to start the fire.”

Gao Xiulan glanced at her youngest daughter and saw that her eyes were darting around, so she knew that her mind was already wandering outside. She then gave a heavy snort.

Seeing this, Wang Qingzhong chuckled and tugged at his sister's hair: "Haha, ask your brother-in-law to start the fire. There's a water tower here this year, and Mom has already said we won't be making straw-infused rice dumplings anymore."

Wang Qingwen laughed too. His serious expression showed his concern for his younger sister. He said, "If you're worried about the heat in the kitchen, then come with us to wrap zongzi. Anyway, you're not allowed to go out and run around."

"Wrapping zongzi is so hard to learn, we can't do it."

"It's alright. This year, you can use lotus leaves to wrap them. Lotus leaves are simple; just fold them like ingots, similar to making dumplings."

Wang Zhenzhen had no choice but to pout and reluctantly lead a group of little children, carrying small stools, to come and help.

After a while, Wang Qingzhong's son, Xiao Dong, hesitated for a long time before swallowing hard and whispering, "Grandma, how about you make two more alkaline rice dumplings? I want to eat the rice dumplings you make."

"Okay, if Xiao Dong wants to eat, we'll pack a few more for you at the end."

Gao Xiulan said with a smile.

There's nothing special about grass alkali water rice dumplings. They're made by burning dry grass stalks or other wood ash, filtering it through a cloth to make grass alkali water, and then pouring it into glutinous rice to make rice dumplings.

Because it's hot during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Zongzi wrapped this way can be stored for a longer time than regular zongzi.

Like cured meat, if hung in a cool, well-ventilated place, it can be preserved for ten days to half a month without spoiling.

This year, the farm's water tower can be used as a refrigerator, so there's no need to wrap it like this.

However, the alkaline water rice dumplings have a very unique flavor.

Some people really enjoy eating it.

Xiao Dong has been eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) like this since he was little. His grandma and maternal grandma's families always had them. He got used to it and couldn't help but ask for more.

“Your uncle said he’s going to make a lot of meat dumplings this year. The meat is already marinated. You little glutton, if you eat too many meat dumplings and can’t eat the alkaline rice dumplings, Grandma will settle the score with you.”

Tongtong and Xiaodong grinned and said no, their uncle cooks meat for them every day, so they're not that hungry anymore.

Afterwards, the whole family started wrapping zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Chen Ling chopped firewood and came over to wrap them with everyone.

"Brother-in-law, look how pretty the rice dumplings I wrapped in lotus leaves are! I'm going to make a mark; this is Wang Zhenzhen's brand rice dumpling."

“I also need to make a mark; this one is a 'All-in' card.”

"I want one too, this one is Xiaodong brand."

"Wow, we can set up a stall and sell zongzi now!"

Seeing this, Rui Rui wanted to join in the fun, but he had no idea how to wrap zongzi. He couldn't even wrap those crooked zongzi made of lotus leaves. So, with a bewildered look on his face, he stood up, ran to Chen Ling and the other two, pointed at Wang Zhenzhen and the other two, and said, "Daddy, Mommy, zongzi..."

"Okay, okay, don't rush. Here, Dad will give you this. This is Rui Rui's brand of zongzi."

"Mom, this is for you too."

The young couple smiled and pinched his little cheeks, then each wrapped a small rice dumpling and gave it to him.

He immediately became happy, grabbed one in each hand, held them high, and ran around in front of Wang Zhenzhen and the other two.

Show off to them.

After they looked over, she immediately covered her face with her little hands and hid behind her back, giggling at them.

I was teasing them on purpose.

Wang Zhenzhen immediately pretended to be angry, put down the lotus leaf in her hand, rushed over and shouted: "You naughty Rui Rui, you've been this bad since you were little, I'll beat you up."

One chased and the other ran. Before long, Xiao Dong and the other joined in, shouting "Stinky Rui Rui!" as they chased after him. The little baby ran and shouted.

Finally, exhausted from running, he hid under Chen Ling's chair like a little puppy, tilting his head and grinning at the outside.

"Okay, stop fooling around, take a break, have some water..."

Wang Susu brought over a kettle. "Xiao Dong, you guys come over too. The honey from the wild bees your uncle raises is especially good. This honey water is delicious."

The four little children immediately obediently came over and lined up, waiting to drink water.

I took a breath and finished the honey water.

Chen Ling handed her son a ball of thin rope used for sewing shoe soles: "Rui Rui, go and give it to your aunt, and your two older brothers can help you hold the rope and tie the rice dumplings up tightly."

The little one's eyes lit up when he saw the rope, and he looked up at him: "Daddy, Sparrow?"

"Yes, just like tying up sparrows, go ahead."

The whole family happily wrapped the zongzi together.

Gao Xiulan and her two daughters-in-law placed two or three straw rings at the bottom of the large iron pot. Chen Ling burned some wood ash outside and made some lye water. When he came in, he was a little puzzled and asked, "What's wrong, Mother? Why are you putting these here?"

"Add this, and the rice dumplings won't stick to the bottom when cooking, and they won't burn."

As Gao Xiulan answered, she and her two daughters-in-law began arranging zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) into the pot.

After the three of them arranged the rice dumplings, they poured in enough water to cover them, put the lid on the pot, and said, "Start the fire and cook the rice dumplings. I'll go and wrap a few more with alkaline water, enough for the little ones!"

Chen Ling responded and started the fire.

As more firewood was added, the flames in the stove leaped rapidly, and the fire grew stronger.

After a while, the pot started to pop and sizzle, and the aroma of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) filled the kitchen with the rising steam, drifting out through the window.

On the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, day and night, almost every household was like this, and the whole village was enveloped in the fragrant aroma of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

(End of this chapter)