Chapter 23: First Arrival at the Qin Estate

Early in the morning, Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi, laden with various bags and packages, boarded a bus bound for Linshan County, Qin Ke’s hometown. After three hours of bumpy travel, the bus pulled over on the side of a highway atop a mountain ridge.

"Are we here?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

Pointing to a cluster of houses with red-tiled roofs on the opposite hillside, Qin Ke replied, "That village is Qinjiazhuang, where my home is."

As they stepped off the bus, they saw a tall girl running toward them. Upon seeing them, she called out eagerly, "Brother, you’re back!" She reached them in a moment.

"You must be Sister Xiaoqi, right?" the girl, her face glistening with sweat, asked Bian Xiaoqi happily.

"And you must be younger sister Qin Yan?" Bian Xiaoqi looked at her and replied with a smile.

"Qin Yan, this is your sister Xiaoqi. Xiaoqi, this is my sister, Qin Yan," Qin Ke introduced them.

Bian Xiaoqi took in Qin Yan’s appearance: her jet-black hair pulled back into a simple ponytail with a rubber band. She wore plain but impeccably clean, slightly worn clothes—a white, floral-patterned long-sleeved blouse, blue trousers, and flat cloth shoes. She was about the same height as Xiaoqi. Her large, clear eyes seemed bottomless, and two deep dimples appeared whenever she smiled. Perhaps due to frequent farm work, she appeared sturdier and more robust than Xiaoqi. Though her complexion was flushed from the sun, she couldn't hide the scholarly air and intelligence in her expression. Bian Xiaoqi took an immediate liking to her.

Qin Yan looked at Bian Xiaoqi—her long hair flowing over her shoulders, a white lace sun hat, white flat leather shoes, and a white dress that set off her tall, elegant frame. She stood gracefully before her. With her fair skin, delicate features, and refined temperament, she looked at Qin Yan with a warm, beaming smile. Qin Yan, too, took an instant liking to her. She took Xiaoqi’s hand and said happily, "Sister Xiaoqi, you are so beautiful—much prettier than what my brother said on the phone."

Bian Xiaoqi laughed. "Sister, you are very beautiful, too, and very clever." She turned to Qin Ke, who immediately added, "I called the village yesterday, so Qin Yan came to meet us today."

Qin Ke placed their luggage onto a wheelbarrow Qin Yan had brought. He tied the bags down with rope and pushed it toward the village.

As noon approached, the "autumn tiger"—the lingering summer heat—was in full force, and the sun overhead was scorching. Qin Yan opened a brand-new parasol to shade Bian Xiaoqi. Touched by Qin Yan’s thoughtfulness, Xiaoqi suggested they share the umbrella, and the two walked hand-in-hand behind Qin Ke. They had to traverse a long descent and then a long, gradual slope to reach Qinjiazhuang.

The narrow country path was quite smooth. The crops on either side of the road were growing wildly, already as tall as a person, making them feel as though they were walking through a green corridor. The lush, emerald cornfields were beginning to tassel, and whenever a breeze blew, the leaves rustled. A flock of sparrows chirped as they darted overhead, coming and going.

Taking in the rural scenery, so different from the landscape of the Shu region, Bian Xiaoqi asked, "Is this what books call the 'Green Gauze Tent'?"

Qin Yan replied, "Sister, we are in a typical hilly region here. The mountains aren't high, but the terrain isn't flat either. We’ve had extra rain this year, so the crops are thriving. You’re right; it does look like the 'Green Gauze Tent' of the great plains."

Bian Xiaoqi asked Qin Ke, who was walking ahead, "Great Poet Qin, now that you’re back in your hometown, shouldn't you compose a poem?"

Qin Ke laughed. "I was so exhausted by farming as a child that I studied desperately to get into university. Walking these familiar paths again, remembering the days I worked in the fields with my parents, I do feel a bit sentimental. Very well, in the presence of two talented women, I shall make a fool of myself—but you are not allowed to laugh."

As he walked, Qin Ke recited a poem to the tune of "Snow Plum Fragrance":

*Father works hard, from dawn to dusk in the village fields.*
*Praying through spring, autumn, and winter for timely wind and rain.*
*Millet fragrance brings smiles; golden wheat ears fulfill dreams.*
*Mother toils, managing day and night, never speaking of fatigue.*
*Qin Yan, my little sister, with jade face and starry eyes, spirit like orchid.*
*In the bloom of youth, reading and painting on paper.*
*Living up to her youth with diligence, climbing toward the top of the honor roll.*
*Willows by the door, magpies chirping, welcoming the beauty.*

Hearing the poem, Qin Yan shyly said to Bian Xiaoqi, "Sister, what kind of brother makes fun of his own sister like that?"

But hearing the deep affection for their parents and sister woven into Qin Ke's words, Bian Xiaoqi said happily, "It’s well-written—it’s beautiful."

Qin Yan chuckled, "I think my brother was talking about you, Sister Xiaoqi. Only you could be the beautiful girl in his poem."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "Sister, you are so clever and pretty; I am proud of you as well."

Qin Ke laughed, "If I say it is, then it is, even if it isn't."

***

The three of them chatted and laughed as they entered Qinjiazhuang. When they encountered neighbors they knew, both Qin Ke and Qin Yan greeted them warmly. Familiar neighbors, seeing Bian Xiaoqi, asked Qin Yan who she was. Qin Yan replied with a smile, "She is my sister-in-law." Bian Xiaoqi was overjoyed to see how much Qin Yan liked her. As the neighbors watched the three walk away, they remarked with envy, "Old Qin’s children are truly successful, and the daughter-in-law is so beautiful."

When Qin Yan opened the courtyard gate, a large, robust yellow dog came rushing toward them barking happily. Startled, Bian Xiaoqi instinctively leaned into Qin Ke.

Qin Yan immediately shouted, "Dahuang, stop!" The dog obeyed instantly, running to Qin Yan’s side, wagging its tail and begging for affection. Qin Yan crouched down to stroke its head and, pointing to Bian Xiaoqi, said softly, "Dahuang, this beautiful sister is my sister-in-law, and she is your master, too. Behave yourself and don’t scare her." The dog seemed to understand, looking up and making a "woo-woo" sound in response.

Bian Xiaoqi found it fascinating to watch Qin Yan talk to the dog. Dahuang looked at her gently, wagged its tail, and let out a few more "woo-woo" sounds, as if offering a friendly greeting.

Hearing the dog, Qin Ke’s parents came out from the house. Both were over fifty, not very tall, with graying hair and bronzed skin. Their backs were straight, and they seemed full of vitality.

Qin Ke introduced them: "Xiaoqi, these are my parents." Then, to his parents: "Mom, Dad, this is Bian Xiaoqi."

Bian Xiaoqi immediately turned to the elders with a smile. "Uncle Qin, Auntie, hello! I am Bian Xiaoqi."

Qin Father looked at her with a smile and nodded.

Qin Mother approached, beaming, and took Xiaoqi’s soft, delicate hand in her rough one. "Xiaoqi, welcome." She led her into the main room and invited her to sit on the *kang* (a heated brick bed).

Looking at the high *kang*, Bian Xiaoqi turned to Qin Ke. He understood immediately and said to his mother, "Mom, Xiaoqi isn't used to sitting on the *kang*. Let’s use a chair." He brought over a wooden stool, and Qin Yan covered it with a clean, coarse cloth cushion for her. Bian Xiaoqi sat down gracefully.

Because the *kang* was high and the stool was low, Qin Father and Mother sat cross-legged on the *kang*, forcing Bian Xiaoqi to look up at them. Qin Yan, sensing this was awkward, said with a smile, "Sister, why don't you sit on the edge of the *kang* like my brother? You don't need to take your shoes off; just let your legs dangle. Why don't you go to my room and change into some trousers? It will be more comfortable to sit that way."

Touched by Qin Yan’s thoughtfulness, Bian Xiaoqi followed her to her room and changed into blue casual sweatpants and a white T-shirt. Following Qin Ke’s example, she sat on the edge of the *kang* with her legs dangling naturally, feeling much more at ease.

Qin Yan busied herself, brewing tea in a white porcelain pot. She brought out five clean porcelain cups and placed a platter full of melon seeds and peanuts on the *kang*. She served her parents first, then poured tea for Xiaoqi and Qin Ke, urging Xiaoqi to eat. "Sister, these are all grown on our own land."

"Thank you, sister," Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile.

"Sister, we’re family now, don't be so polite. Just make yourself at home," Qin Yan replied.

As she ate, Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke. He understood her gaze, got up from the edge of the *kang*, and brought over their suitcases. He opened his, took out two bottles of liquor and some woolen fabric, and said, "Dad, Mom, these are gifts from Xiaoqi’s parents."

Qin Mother accepted the gifts happily. "Xiaoqi, we are just so happy that you were willing to come to our home. Your parents prepared such valuable gifts—we don't know what to say."

"Uncle, Auntie, they aren't anything too valuable, just a small token of my parents' affection. Please don't mind," Bian Xiaoqi said. She then opened her own large suitcase, took out the gifts she had bought in Xizhou, and said, "Auntie, Uncle, these are two cashmere sweaters I bought for you."

Qin Mother touched the thick, soft cashmere and was so happy she was lost for words.

Bian Xiaoqi then handed Qin Yan a skirt, denim jacket, jeans, and a sweater. "Sister, these are for you. I bought them based on my own size—we’re about the same height, so they should fit. I hope you like them."

Qin Yan looked at the pile of new clothes, touched the elegant skirt, and said emotionally, "Sister, you’ve spent so much money; I feel so embarrassed. Thank you, Sister. You have such great taste—I love them."

"You just said we were family," Bian Xiaoqi teased. "Why are you being so formal again?" Qin Yan blushed in embarrassment.

Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke, who brought over a laptop and a portable music player. Before he could speak, she told Qin Yan, "Sister, congratulations on getting into T University. This is a gift from your brother."

Qin Ke interrupted, "Qin Yan, Xiaoqi bought this with her own money. A laptop like this costs over ten thousand—I don't have that kind of money."

Qin Yan looked between them, unsure whom to believe.

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "Sister, let’s just say we bought it for you together."

Qin Yan was moved to tears. "Sister Xiaoqi, you are so good to me; I don't know what to say."

Bian Xiaoqi took her hand. "Sister, we are family. You really don't need to be formal with me. You are so outstanding that it’s only right for your brother and me to do something for you. T University isn't easy to get into; we are truly proud of you. A computer is nothing—you deserve it. I’ve already recorded the university’s *New Concept English* and *Follow Me* lessons on this player so you can practice your listening skills anytime. Just focus on your studies at university; don't worry about anything else."

Qin Yan wiped her tears. "Sister, please rest assured—and Brother, too. I will work twice as hard. For you, and even more so for myself."

Looking at Qin Yan’s bright eyes, Bian Xiaoqi laughed. "Sister, with your intelligence and emotional quotient, it would be unfair to the heavens if you didn't succeed. Who knows, maybe one day our friends will say, 'There go Qin Yan’s brother and sister-in-law'—we’ll be the ones basking in your glory."

Qin Yan laughed through her tears. "Sister, I wouldn't dare say that. In my eyes, you and my brother are the most outstanding people, and you will always be the brother and sister-in-law I respect."

Qin Ke, watching the two sisters, laughed. "Both of you talented ladies, stop being so modest. You’re both excellent, but even excellent people have to eat." He asked his mother, "Mom, what are we having for lunch?"

Seeing the harmonious relationship between them, Qin Mother was delighted. "According to our local tradition, you must have noodles when you arrive. Qin Yan, go to the garden and pick some green beans for the sauce, then roll out the noodles—I’ve already prepared the dough. Your father and I will make a few other dishes."

"What can I and Xiaoqi do?" Qin Ke asked.

"You two can go and rest," his mother said.

"I won't rest. I’ll go to the garden with my sister. You help Auntie with the cooking," Bian Xiaoqi told Qin Ke.

***

The house was a four-room structure, facing south, with a traditional "hard-mountain" roof covered in red tiles. Situated on a sunny slope on the west side of the village, it was built in the mid-1980s. It was a typical rural home of the Hedong hilly region. The south walls featured large wooden-framed glass windows and doors, while the north walls had smaller windows, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer while letting in plenty of light.

The rooms were connected by wooden doors. The main room, where they had tea, featured a large *kang* that occupied half the space. It was connected to the kitchen stove in the west room; the smoke from the stove traveled through flues under the *kang* and up the chimney, heating the bed while the food cooked. The *kang* was two meters wide and three meters long, covered with a new, brightly patterned synthetic leather mat. By day, it was the family’s dining area; by night, it was the parents' bedroom. Against the north wall stood a row of wooden cabinets topped with a 21-inch flat-screen TV.

The easternmost room was Qin Yan’s bedroom and study. It didn't have a *kang*; instead, a wooden bed sat by the south window, and a desk was placed against the east wall. A wardrobe stood in the northeast corner, and an old-fashioned sewing machine in the northwest.

Next to Qin Yan’s room was the living room, reserved for guests or holidays. It was furnished with two bamboo-wood sofas, a glass coffee table, and a large square table. A vase filled with fresh wildflowers, picked by Qin Yan, sat on the table.

The house was clean and tidy, with white-washed walls and cement floors.

The westernmost room was divided into two. The northern part was a small room with a small *kang*. The southern part was the kitchen, featuring a large cast-iron pot embedded in a terrazzo stove, used for boiling noodles, dumplings, or steaming buns. A terrazzo counter served as a workspace, and a liquid gas stove sat against the south wall for stir-frying. The walls were tiled in white.

This kitchen connected to a side room, which was divided into a storage room and a bathroom. The bathroom was tiled with white ceramic and equipped with solar-powered hot water.

The courtyard was 15 meters long and 8 meters wide, paved with red bricks for drainage. To the east, a row of chicken and duck coops stood empty as the animals were out foraging. A stone-tiled outhouse was in the southeast corner; Qin Father had meticulously cleaned and sanitized it, and Qin Yan had added floral water and menthol to keep it fresh.

The main gate was two meters wide, facing south. Outside, Qin Father had planted a pear tree and a chestnut tree. To the west of the house, where there were no other buildings, he had filled in the ground to create a small vegetable garden.

***

Qin Yan led Bian Xiaoqi to the vegetable garden to pick produce.

The garden was filled with rows of green beans, scallions, cucumbers, eggplants, chives, tomatoes, green peppers, radishes, carrots, and cilantro.

Seeing so many fresh vegetables, Bian Xiaoqi was thrilled. She learned to identify which ones were ripe, picking a cucumber, a purple eggplant, a red tomato, a green pepper, and a handful of beans. She walked back and forth in the garden, crouching and standing, startling butterflies into flight. Soon, the basket was full. Qin Yan pulled two scallions, and they headed back.

They washed the vegetables at the well. Bian Xiaoqi struggled with the hand pump until Qin Yan taught her the rhythm. When she finally succeeded, she tasted the icy, mineral-rich water, accidentally splashing her face and hair. Qin Yan laughed heartily.

Watching them from the kitchen, Qin Mother remarked, "Xiaoqi and Qin Yan are just like sisters."

"Xiaoqi has no airs at all," Qin Father added. "It’s a blessing for our family."

"I never imagined such a refined, talented girl would be so down-to-earth," Qin Ke said, smiling. "They’re hitting it off so well they don't even need me anymore."

After washing the vegetables, Qin Yan began rolling out the dough for noodles. Bian Xiaoqi was amazed by the large wooden board and the heavy rolling pin. She was skeptical that the hard dough could be rolled out, but Qin Yan explained that the hardness was essential for the noodles' texture.

Qin Yan rolled with strength, the dough thinning as she worked. She sprinkled flour, folded the dough, and rolled again. When Bian Xiaoqi tried, she made a mess, but with Qin Yan’s patient guidance, she eventually succeeded. However, the effort made her sweat, and she accidentally wiped flour onto her face.

When Qin Yan showed her the mirror, Bian Xiaoqi burst into laughter, her face resembling a Peking Opera mask. Qin Ke came over to wipe her clean, and the three of them laughed together.

Qin Yan cut the noodles with skilled precision. Bian Xiaoqi watched in awe. "Sister, you’re so good at everything—I really admire you."

"Sister, you’re clever, too," Qin Yan replied. "Practice makes perfect."

They finished by spreading the noodles on handmade sorghum-stalk mats. Bian Xiaoqi was fascinated by the craftsmanship involved.

Finally, they returned to the kitchen to prepare the garlic paste. Bian Xiaoqi, having never used a stone mortar and pestle, was eager to learn. She pounded the garlic with vigor, enjoying the "fireworks" of rural life.

"Why don't you and Brother just stay here?" Qin Yan teased.

Bian Xiaoqi shook her head with a smile, the warmth of the home filling her heart.