Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Night had fallen, and the laughter and chatter in the east courtyard had long since faded away, leaving only the kerosene lamp in the kitchen still burning, casting Wang Xiulan's busy figure onto the window paper. The dishes and chopsticks had been washed clean, and the pots and stoves had been wiped spotless, but the air still seemed to retain the enticing aroma of beef soup, mixed with the smell of cooking, lingering for a long time.

Wei Chen helped his mother put the last stool back in its place. Looking at his mother's slightly tired but still satisfied smile, he considered how to start the conversation.

"Mom, sit down and rest for a while, have some water." Wei Chen poured a bowl of hot water and handed it to her.

Wang Xiulan took the bowl, sat down at the table, and let out a soft sigh: "This meal today was really satisfying. Grandma Li and Aunt Liu probably haven't had so much good food in a long time. Look how much Little Stone and Little Grass are eating..." As she spoke, her eyes were full of affection and a hint of barely perceptible sadness.

"Yes, as long as everyone is happy." Wei Chen sat down opposite his mother, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rough tabletop. After a moment of silence, he looked up into his mother's eyes and slowly said, "Mom, there's something I need to tell you. The factory... has assigned me a task; I have to go on a long business trip."

"A business trip?" Wang Xiulan paused slightly, her smile fading and replaced by concern. "Where are you going? How long will you be gone? Is it dangerous?" A series of questions came out of her mouth, filled with a mother's instinctive worry.

"Don't worry, it's not dangerous," Wei Chen quickly reassured him, a relaxed smile on his face. He then delivered the prepared explanation, "It's about procurement. As you know, there's a shortage of supplies everywhere right now. The factory needs to maintain production, and we also need to find ways to support the workers. The procurement department is short-staffed and can't handle the workload. Deputy Factory Director Li knows I have connections and know some people, so he asked me to help out by going to the northern provinces to see if there's any chance to procure some unplanned supplies."

He deliberately obscured the true purpose of the "hunting," only saying it was for "purchasing." In those days, it was not uncommon for people to use the guise of "purchasing" to obtain supplies through various channels. Wang Xiulan often heard her son mention where a certain purchasing agent from the factory had gone and what scarce goods he had brought back. Although she was skeptical, it was still an acceptable explanation.

"North? That's so far?" Wang Xiulan frowned even more. "It must take quite a few days to travel there and back, right? How long will it take?"

"Well... this trip is quite far, it might take... about a month." Wei Chen tried to give a longer timeframe to allow for possible delays and also to avoid his mother being anxious about his return in the short term. "The factory knows the journey is long and the task is heavy, so they approved a month's leave for me to arrange things flexibly and not rush back."

"A month..." Wang Xiulan murmured repeatedly, her hand holding the bowl tightening slightly. Her son had never been away from her side for so long, and to such a far place. In these times of scarcity and unrest, would he be safe on the road? Would he be able to get used to the food and lodging? What if...? Countless worries flooded her mind, making her face turn pale.

Wei Chen noticed his mother's worry, reached out and held her slightly cold and rough hand, and said gently, "Mom, don't worry. The factory has already issued a letter of introduction, and travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed. I'll be careful on the road, and when we arrive, we'll stay in a guesthouse and avoid dangerous places. Purchasing, frankly speaking, is about building connections and asking around; whether it works out or not depends on luck, so there's no rush. Your son is clever; it's not like this is the first time I've gone out on business."

He paused, noticing his mother's expression soften slightly, and continued, "Besides, I plan to take this opportunity to go back to my hometown to see my grandparents and uncles. It's been almost half a year since I last came back, and I've been missing them terribly. I'll bring them some things and let them know I'm safe. After I get back from my hometown, I'll head directly north from there, which is on the way."

Hearing that her son was going back to his hometown to visit his grandparents, Wang Xiulan's eyes lit up, and her worries lessened somewhat. In the years she had been married into the Wei family, her in-laws had treated her well, especially her mother-in-law, who had been a great help after she became a widow. Although Wei Chen's father had passed away early, they had relied entirely on the help of his father-in-law, his uncles, and his other uncles. However, life had become increasingly difficult in the last two years, and since she had moved to Beijing with her son, she hadn't been able to go back as often. She was sure the old folks would be happy that her son was going back to visit.

"We should go back and visit." Wang Xiulan nodded, her tone softening considerably. "Your grandparents are getting old, and these days...sigh, I wonder how they're doing. Your uncle's family also has a heavy burden." Thinking that her hometown might be facing similar difficulties, her brows furrowed again.

"Mom, don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Wei Chen patted his mother's hand. "I'll take good care of myself and try my best to see if there's anything I can do to help back home. You should also take good care of yourself at home. When I'm not around, lock the door and get some rest early at night. I've prepared enough food and put it in the usual place, so don't be stingy, eat when you're hungry. If you need anything, go talk to Grandma Li and Aunt Liu; they're both very kind people."

"I know, I know," Wang Xiulan nodded repeatedly, then turned around and instructed her son, "You have to be very careful when you're out there! Don't be reckless, don't get into arguments, don't flaunt your money, and don't walk alone at night... Keep your letters of introduction, money, and food coupons close to your body..." She kept nagging and instructing him, wishing she could cram every possible precaution into her son's mind.

Wei Chen listened patiently, nodding in agreement from time to time. He knew that only in this way could his mother feel a little at ease.

That night, Wang Xiulan barely slept. Her son was going on a long trip, and as a mother, she couldn't help but worry. Before dawn, she quietly got out of bed, lit the kerosene lamp, and began rummaging through drawers and cupboards to pack her son's luggage.

A thick cotton-padded coat is a must; it's colder up north than in Beijing. Two sets of clean, patched but meticulously washed undergarments are also essential. Several pairs of socks are needed in case they wear out. A pair of new cloth shoes with thick soles, which she worked late into the night to make recently; the soles are tightly stitched and durable. A military water bottle, a chipped enamel mug, a pair of chopsticks…

She also found a worn blue cloth bundle, which had been used by Wei Chen's father years ago. She gently stroked the worn edges of the bundle, her eyes reddening slightly, but she quickly rallied and began stuffing things inside.

She made two pairs of thick cotton shoes for her parents-in-law back home. The soles were made from old cloth and hemp rope that she had saved up for a long time, and they were sewn tightly. The uppers were stuffed with new cotton, making them warm. She had made them a long time ago but had never had a chance to send them back.

She took out a bulging little cloth bag containing a little bit of flour and a small packet of sugar that she had saved up. "I'll use this little bit of flour to make some porridge for your grandparents, and the sugar... can be mixed with water to help them replenish their energy," she murmured to herself, stuffing the bag into her cotton shoes and carefully wrapping it with old newspapers.

When Wei Chen got up, he saw that his mother had already packed a large bundle neatly and placed it on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed). Next to it was a smaller cloth bag containing a few cornbread buns and a few boiled eggs—clearly for him to eat on his journey.

"Mom, why are you up so early?" Wei Chen felt a warmth in his heart, but also a pang of heartache.

"I couldn't sleep, so I got up." Wang Xiulan rubbed her slightly sore eyes and pushed the bundle in front of her son. "I've packed everything for you. See if you need anything? I've also prepared some food for the journey. Take it with you, in case you can't find anything to eat on the way..."

"Mom, you don't need to bring so much food. The factory gave us food coupons and subsidies, so we won't go hungry on the road." Wei Chen opened the bundle and saw that it was packed full, even including a sewing kit and a small roll of gauze. His heart ached even more. He picked up the two pairs of cotton shoes carefully wrapped in old newspapers and asked, "Are these for Grandpa and Grandma?"

"Yes," Wang Xiulan nodded, "Your grandfather's legs aren't good, and he's afraid of the cold in winter. Your grandmother's back isn't good either... Sigh, I don't know if they'll fit." Her tone was filled with longing and worry.

Wei Chen put down the cotton shoes, took his mother's hand, and said earnestly, "Mom, I'll take the cotton shoes; it's a token of your kindness. But you really don't need the food." He lowered his voice, "Have you forgotten? I have connections. This time when I go back, I've prepared everything for Grandpa and Grandma, better than this, and... more suitable. You should keep this little bit of fine grain for yourself and Xiao Ran at home. While I'm away, you two need to eat better, otherwise I won't feel at ease outside."

Wang Xiulan paused, looking at her son's resolute eyes. Remembering his mysterious yet always timely "abilities," she finally nodded slowly. Yes, her son had his own connections and plans; her own little bit of knowledge might only cause trouble. "Then...then you must take good care of your grandparents for your father and me, see if they need anything..." She choked up, unable to continue.

"Don't worry, I understand." Wei Chen solemnly replied.

After a simple breakfast, it was just getting light. Wei Chen tied the large bundle he had packed to the back of his bicycle and hung the small cloth bag his mother had prepared on the handlebars. Wang Xiulan and Wei Ran accompanied him all the way to the gate of the courtyard.

"Brother, come back soon!" Wei Ran tugged at her brother's clothes, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Okay, listen to Mom at home and study hard." Wei Chen ruffled his sister's hair.

"Chen'er, be careful on the road! When you get there, send a message home if you have the chance..." Wang Xiulan repeatedly urged, her voice choked with emotion.

"Mom, I know. You should go back inside, it's cold outside." Wei Chen got on his bicycle, turned back and waved to his mother and sister. "Go back now! Wait for me to come back!"

The wheels creaked and groaned as they rolled over the cobblestones. Wei Chen's figure gradually blurred in the morning mist, eventually disappearing around the corner of the alley. Wang Xiulan stood at the door, motionless for a long time, until her daughter gently tugged at her sleeve. Only then did she come to her senses, turn around, and enter the courtyard. Her figure looked particularly lonely in the cool morning light.