In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Yang Shanshan was still immersed in the ultimate sweetness brought by the milk candy, her little face filled with a dreamy happy smile. She would look at her brother for a while, and then carefully pick out another candy from her palm, carefully examining the beautiful candy wrapper.

As her excitement subsided, the old lady's joy was gradually replaced by a calm composure born of experience.

She glanced at the pile of precious grain and meat on the ground, then at her daughter-in-law and grandson, lowered her voice, and spoke solemnly:
“Guangming, Yufen, today’s event is an incredible stroke of luck for our family, it’s like our ancestors’ graves are emitting auspicious smoke. However, there’s something I have to say beforehand.”

The old lady's gaze swept over the two of them, her expression very serious: "This matter of finding a rare bezoar is too extraordinary. If it gets out, it will inevitably arouse envy and even bring unnecessary trouble."

What I mean is, this is something we family should keep to ourselves. That's it. Don't mention it to anyone else, including your two uncles.

She paused, then continued her analysis: "Everyone in the village knows our family's situation. Guangming's father is a high-ranking officer in the army and frequently sends money home; that's obvious. The villagers all know that our Yang family isn't short of money; we just lack ration coupons to buy good things."

After that, our family lived a little more comfortably, eating better food and wearing new clothes. When others asked, we would say that we used money sent back by his father, or that Guangming had saved up his allowance in college and had to ask a classmate for help to buy these scarce items.

Having this reason to block it is perfectly reasonable. Even if others are envious, they can't say anything, and they certainly won't speculate.

Upon hearing this, Yang Guangming secretly praised his grandmother for being so thoughtful and considerate.

He never intended to publicize the matter of the bezoar; he understood the principle of not flaunting wealth better than anyone. His grandmother's advice suited him perfectly, saving him a lot of arguing.

"Grandma, don't worry, I understand." Yang Guangming nodded immediately, his tone serious. "I won't tell anyone about this. If anyone asks in the future, just do as you said."

Tian Yufen quickly chimed in, "Mother, you're right. This matter must be kept secret. If anyone asks in the future, I'll just say that his father sent money and Guangming asked a classmate to buy it. I promise I won't let it slip."

Seeing that her son and daughter-in-law had taken her words to heart, Qin Lanying breathed a sigh of relief and smiled again: "It's good that you understand. Even if our family's life gets better in the future, we must live steadily and not get carried away."

"Mother, Grandma," Yang Guangming said, seeing that the time was right. "Now that we have these resources, and it's getting late, shouldn't we invite my eldest and second uncles over for a drink and a proper meal?"

He paused, his tone filled with heartfelt respect and gratitude: "I was away for half a year, and my family was very fortunate to have my two uncles helping me out."

It's only right and proper that I visit them as soon as I get back. And since we're not short of food right now, inviting them over is a small token of my appreciation.

Upon hearing this, Tian Yufen's smile deepened, and her eyes revealed her gratitude towards her brothers.

She has been married into the Yang family for twenty years, raising two children on her own, taking care of her elderly mother-in-law, and managing the household inside and out. If it weren't for her family being in the same village, and her two brothers, Tian Yulin and Tian Yuzhu, often helping her openly and secretly, she really doesn't know if she could have managed to keep going.

This bond between family members is more precious than anything else.

Now that her son has made something of himself and received such a great blessing, Tian Yufen's first thought was to repay her uncles. She felt sweeter than if she had drunk honey.

“Yes, we should definitely invite them over!” Tian Yufen nodded immediately. “Your two uncles haven’t spoiled you for nothing! I’ll go right now…”

She was about to walk out when her grandmother, Qin Lanying, stopped her.

"What are you busy with? Let Guangming go!" The old lady's face lit up with a smile, her wrinkles crinkling together. She took her grandson's hand and said decisively, "It would be more solemn for Guangming to go! You hurry up and tidy up the house, and prepare the dishes for dinner."

As the old woman spoke, she glanced at the mountain of grain and meat piled up in the corner, her eyes gleaming, and instructed:
"My dear grandson, take some things to your two uncles! Don't be stingy, pick out the good and practical stuff! Your uncles are also struggling financially, let them benefit from your generosity and taste this rare treat!"

Yang Guangming smiled and nodded: "Grandma, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He walked to the corner, squatted down, and began taking things out of the open bags and oil paper packages.

He was meticulous and knew that even if it was his own uncle, he couldn't act too shockingly.

Gifts should be given, but they should be given appropriately, so that they show sincerity and affection without causing unnecessary suspicion or trouble.

He prepared identical items for his two uncles: a pound of braised beef, its aroma wafting through the air; a pound of glistening, reddish-brown pig's head meat; a pound of marbled cured pork; a pound of sausages exuding a smoky and sweet wine aroma; a pound of whole milk powder, which looked high-end; a pound of snow-white, thin noodles; and a pound of pale yellow dried bean curd sticks.

One pound of each item, just the right amount, but a wide variety, each one a rare find these days, even with money.

The two items were packed separately and carried in my hand; they felt quite heavy.

"Go quickly and come back soon. I'll start preparing the food and drinks now," Tian Yufen instructed, watching her son's tall and upright figure disappear through the courtyard gate, her heart filled with pride and peace of mind.

Grandma Qin Lanying had already started rolling up her sleeves and said to her daughter-in-law, "Yufen, let's get moving! Tonight's dinner has to be decent, something that shows Guangming's ambition and success, so his two uncles can also have a good meal."

Tian Yufen nodded emphatically, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law smiled at each other. The heaviness and repression of the past few years seemed to be greatly relieved by this sudden and immense joy.

In the courtyard, the last rays of the setting sun painted the lush green vegetable leaves with golden light, and everything was full of hope.

Carrying two heavy gifts, Yang Ming left home and walked along the dirt road he remembered towards his uncle Tian Yulin's house.

Yangzhuang is a small village, mostly inhabited by people with the surnames Yang and Tian, ​​who are related by marriage. Tian Yufen's family home is located at the east end of the village, only a dozen or so houses away from Yang Guangming's home, just a short walk away.

As the summer heat subsides slightly in the evening, the village begins to come alive.

People who had been working in the fields gradually finished their work and went home, carrying hoes and pulling manure carts, greeting each other, their rough local accents echoing in the air.

Smoke began to rise from the chimneys of every household, and the air was filled with the aroma of burning firewood.

Several teenagers, shirtless, chased and played on the dirt road, kicking up clouds of dust.

Everyone stopped in their tracks, staring at Yang Guangming with his large and small bags.

Those who recognized him timidly called out "Uncle Guangming," and Yang Guangming smiled and nodded in response, casually taking out a few pieces of hard candy from his pocket and giving them to the children, which made the children cheer and their previous restraint immediately disappeared.

He first went to his maternal uncle Tian Yulin's house.

Tian Yulin's house is a typical northern farmhouse, with adobe walls and three main rooms, also made of adobe, with straw on the roof. It looks much simpler than Yang Guangming's brick and tile house.

The courtyard gate was wide open, and Yang Guangming walked straight in.

In the courtyard, Auntie was squatting by the kitchen door picking wild vegetables, while several children played nearby. Uncle Tian Yulin sat on a small stool in the yard, mending a worn-out farm tool by the last bit of daylight.

Tian Yulin is thirty-seven years old this year. He is a typical farmer, tall and strong. Years of exposure to the wind and sun have made his skin dark and his face is covered with deep wrinkles that are not commensurate with his age.

He was a man of few words, honest and simple in nature, and possessed boundless strength, making him an excellent farmer.

"Uncle, Aunt," Yang Guangming called out from the courtyard gate.

Tian Yulin looked up at the sound, saw his nephew, paused for a moment, then smiled with delight, put down his work and stood up: "Guangming? Why are you back? On summer vacation?"

My aunt quickly stood up, wiped her hands on her apron, and smiled broadly: "It's Guangming! Come in quickly, come in quickly! When did you get home?"

"Auntie, I just arrived this afternoon." Yang Guangming walked over with a smile and handed a gift to his aunt. "I brought some things back from school. Please have a taste."

The aunt looked at the heavy object wrapped tightly in brown paper and hesitated to take it, glancing at her husband with a puzzled expression.

Tian Yulin also saw the package, frowned, and said in a reproachful tone, "You child, you're back, why bring all this stuff! You're just a student, how much money could you possibly have? You're just wasting money! Take it back and keep it for your grandma and Shanshan!"

His concern was genuine, carrying the simplicity and persistence unique to farmers.

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and insisted on putting the things into his aunt's hands, explaining, "Uncle, please don't be so polite with me. I brought some nice things back this time. We already have them at home, but this is especially for you and Aunt. If you don't accept them, it would be like you're treating me like an outsider."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "I have a few classmates whose elders are leaders in important organizations. Knowing my family's difficulties, they provided me with some inside connections. Before I left, I bought some grain and meat that didn't require ration coupons, although the price was a bit high. My family doesn't need these things now, so please accept them without worry."

"Grain and meat without coupons?" Tian Yulin and his wife were both taken aback. They looked at each other, their faces full of disbelief.

These days, are there still good things you can buy without ration coupons? And it's grain and meat, no less? How powerful must that be?
Tian Yulin was about to ask more questions when Yang Guangming spoke up first, "Uncle, please accept these things. I came here firstly to see you and Auntie, and secondly to invite you and Second Uncle to our house for dinner and drinks tonight. My mother and grandmother are busy preparing." Hearing that his eldest sister's family was inviting him to dinner, Tian Yulin instinctively wanted to decline. Every household was short of food; going to someone else's house for a meal would only add to their burden.

But when he saw his nephew's sincere and determined eyes, and thought of what he had just said about "grain and meat without coupons," and the heavy gift in his hand, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He had a vague feeling that his nephew seemed different this time around.

"Okay... alright then." Tian Yulin nodded. "You sit down for a bit while I tidy up."

"No, Uncle," Yang Guangming said, "I still need to go to my second uncle's house to deliver the things and invite him over. You can come over as soon as you're ready. See you at home."

“Okay, then go quickly. Your second uncle should have just finished work and be home by now,” Tian Yulin said.

Yang Guangming greeted his aunt again, then turned and left his uncle's house, heading towards his second uncle Tian Yuzhu's house.

Tian Yuzhu's house is not far from his elder brother's house. The yard is a bit more spacious, and the house is also made of adobe, but it is more tidy.

When Yang Guangming walked into the courtyard, his second uncle, Tian Yuzhu, was sitting under the jujube tree, drinking water from an old enamel mug.

Tian Yuzhu is thirty-five years old this year. He is shorter and thinner than his older brother, Tian Yulin, but his eyes reveal a shrewdness and competence that his older brother lacks.

He attended a private school for a few years when he was young, so in this rural area where illiteracy was common, he was considered a cultured person.

He was quick-witted and more methodical in his dealings with people than the average farmer. He joined the Party not long after liberation, and a couple of years ago, after the old village Party secretary passed away due to illness, he was promoted by the commune to take over the position of Party secretary of Yangzhuang Village.

"Second Uncle," Yang Guangming called out with a smile.

Upon seeing his nephew, Tian Yuzhu immediately smiled, put down his teacup, and stood up: "Guangming? You're back from your holiday! When did you get home? Come and sit down!"

His series of questions revealed his kindness and concern.

"I just got home this afternoon, Second Uncle." Yang Guangming walked over and placed another gift on the stone table next to him. "I brought some things back with me this time. Please don't mind them, Second Aunt."

Tian Yuzhu's gaze swept over the package, and his eyes flickered slightly.

He didn't immediately decline, but instead pulled Yang Guangming down to sit, asking casually, "Guangming, how's school? Are you keeping up with your studies? Capital University, that's the top university, only the best of the best can get in, the pressure must be immense, right?"

"It's alright, Second Uncle, I can keep up." Yang Guangming answered modestly, "The teachers are all very capable, and the students are all very hardworking, so the atmosphere is great."

Tian Yuzhu nodded, seemingly casually changing the subject: "Was the journey back smooth this time? Everything is tense now, and I heard that the supplies on the trains are also tighter than before."

Yang Guangming knew that his second uncle was subtly probing, probably because he was worried about the origin of these things, so he went along with him and said, "It is quite crowded, but I'm fine. I bought tickets in advance and have a seat. I also prepared some food and drinks myself, so I didn't suffer too much."

Before his second uncle could continue questioning him, Yang Guangming took the initiative to explain how he had used his classmates' connections to buy some scarce goods to improve his family's living conditions.

Tian Yuzhu was a sensible man. He didn't completely believe it, but he didn't investigate further. As long as the money came from legitimate sources and his sister's family could live a good life, he was happy.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Yang Guangming said, "My mother is preparing dinner at home and specially asked me to invite you and my uncle over for a meal and some drinks. It's a small token of my appreciation as your nephew."

Tian Yuzhu stopped refusing and stood up, saying, "Wait for me a moment, I'll pack up and leave right away."

When Tian Yulin arrived, Tian Yuzhu had also tidied up, and the three of them went out together.

As soon as they stepped into Yang Guangming's courtyard, a rich and enticing aroma of meat and food wafted over them, causing the two brothers, who had been working all day and were starving, to swallow hard in unison.

This aroma is so rich! So fragrant! It's a rich, savory aroma that they would never even dare to dream of in their daily lives!

The kerosene lamps were already lit in the main room, casting a dim and warm light throughout.

The old, octagonal table was wiped clean, and several dishes were already laid out on it.
A large plate of thinly sliced, evenly cut, and temptingly colored braised beef; a large plate of trembling pig's head meat mixed with minced garlic; a plate of halved salted duck eggs oozing red oil; and a plate of bright green, crisp cucumber salad drizzled with soy sauce and vinegar.

The sheer quantity and appearance of these four cold dishes were enough to leave Tian Yulin and Tian Yuzhu speechless, their Adam's apples bobbing uncontrollably.

This...this is even more lavish than Chinese New Year!
"Uncle, Uncle, you're here! Come in and sit down!" Tian Yufen came out of the kitchen carrying two plates of freshly cooked hot dishes, her face flushed with busyness and a genuine smile.

One dish is stir-fried cured pork with green peppers. The slices of cured pork, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, are stir-fried until they curl slightly, and the oil seeps out, soaking the bright green peppers, creating an irresistible aroma.

The other dish was stir-fried green beans with cured pork. The green beans were bright green, and the cured pork was savory and fragrant. It looked delicious and made you want to eat more rice.

"Oh my, big sister, this is too much of a waste!" Tian Yulin looked at the table full of "hard dishes," rubbing his hands together, feeling both happy and distressed, thinking that his big sister's family must have gone to great lengths for this banquet.

Tian Yuzhu was equally impressed when he saw the six dishes.

"Uncle, Uncle, sit down, please sit down!" Yang Guangming came out of the west room with a bowl, chopsticks, and a bottle of liquor, and greeted his two uncles.

The liquor is a local, ordinary sorghum liquor, packaged in a transparent glass bottle; it's the only bottle of liquor in the house.

Yang Guangming has some serious business to discuss with his two uncles today, so he doesn't think it's necessary to go out and buy more wine.

In this era of food and drink scarcity, three people sharing a bottle of wine, while not extravagant, is certainly not considered a slight; it is a reasonable form of hospitality.

"Mom, Grandma, the food is almost ready. Please join us at the table." Yang Guangming called out to his mother and grandmother, who were still busy in the kitchen, after setting out the bowls and chopsticks.

In the kitchen, Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying were making dumplings with Yang Shanshan.

The plump, white dumplings are neatly arranged on the bamboo steamer, resembling ingots.

Hearing her son's call, Tian Yufen poked her head out, her hands still covered in flour, and said with a smile, "You three can drink first. Our dumplings will be ready soon. We'll put them on the table as soon as we finish making them. There's no rush."

Grandma Qin Lanying chimed in, "That's right, Guangming, you should drink and chat with your uncles first. We women aren't in a hurry."

This is an old custom that has been passed down in rural areas for many years.

When guests come to a house, women generally do not sit at the table to eat with them.

Firstly, the food served to guests is rare and precious, and if there are many people eating, there might not be enough, making the host seem stingy and inadequate in their hospitality.

Secondly, there are traditional customs and beliefs. When men drink, talk, chat, or even discuss serious matters together, they always feel uncomfortable and restrained when women are around.

However, Tian Yulin and Tian Yuzhu are maternal uncles, family members, so there's no need to be too formal about these formalities.

Tian Yufen and Qin Lanying weren't just being polite; they genuinely wanted to finish making the dumplings first so the men could eat and drink in peace. Once they were done, they would naturally join the meal.

Yang Guangming understood his mother and grandmother's thoughts, and knew that his uncles wouldn't mind, so he didn't press the matter further and said with a smile, "Alright, hurry up and come over as soon as you're done making the dumplings."

He returned to the table and filled the glasses in front of his two uncles and himself.

The clear liquor poured into the glass exudes the unique mellow aroma of grain brewing. Although it is not top-grade, it has created a wonderful atmosphere in this time and place, accompanied by the fragrance of a table full of delicacies.

"Uncle, Second Uncle," Yang Guangming raised his glass with a solemn expression, "I would like to toast you both."

Tian Yulin and Tian Yuzhu also raised their glasses.

The braised beef, pig's head meat, and stir-fried vegetables with cured meat on the table exuded an enticing sheen and aroma.

From the other side of the main room, the sounds of busy work came from the kitchen, interspersed with Yang Shanshan's excited voice. (End of Chapter)