Chapter 24: The Joyful Farmstead

In less than an hour, Mother Qin had finished preparing the dishes and the meat sauce for the noodles. As the noodles had to be cooked and served immediately, the family gathered on the heated brick bed, or *kang*, once the water in the large pot began to boil, seating themselves around the dinner table.

Father and Mother Qin sat at one end of the *kang*. Bian Xiaoqi sat beside Mother Qin, with Qin Yan on the other side, while Qin Ke sat on the edge of the *kang* next to his father, making it easier for him to serve the others.

People from Linshan have sat on *kang* beds since birth, so the young and old alike are accustomed to sitting cross-legged. Having never sat on one before, Bian Xiaoqi did not know how to cross her legs, so Qin Yan taught her. With her excellent dance training, she mastered the posture immediately, looking just like a local.

Six fragrant dishes and a soup were set on the table: chicken stewed with mushrooms, steamed pork ribs, eggplant stir-fried with eggs, shredded pork with green peppers, pork ears with cucumber and garlic sauce, tofu with scallions, and tomato egg soup.

Mother Qin busily piled chicken and ribs into Bian Xiaoqi’s bowl. "Xiaoqi," she said, "the rooster is one we raised ourselves; my husband slaughtered it this morning. The eggs are from our own hens, and the pork and ribs are from a pig slaughtered by the villagers this morning. You and Qin Yan picked the vegetables yourselves, so everything is very fresh."

Completely relaxed, Bian Xiaoqi ate and remarked, "Auntie, the food is truly delicious—so fresh and fragrant."

Seeing how heartily she ate, Mother Qin was delighted, watching her with a kind and beaming smile.

Noticing how fond her mother was of Bian Xiaoqi, Qin Yan teased, "Mom, you only have eyes for serving Sister Xiaoqi—what about me?"

Mother Qin replied, "Xiaoqi is a guest in our home for the first time, so of course I must look after her first. I’ve taken care of you plenty in the past. From now on, I’ll have to dote on Xiaoqi even more; you’ll have plenty of reasons to be jealous!" Her comment made everyone laugh.

Qin Ke brought out a bottle of white liquor produced in Linshan County to share with his father, while Qin Yan brought a bottle of red wine for herself, her mother, and Bian Xiaoqi.

Once the glasses were filled, Qin Ke turned to his father. "Dad, would you like to say a few words?"

Father Qin looked at the three young people, clearly moved. "Xiaoqi has traveled a long way to visit us, and your mother and I are very happy. Seeing that Xiaoqi has no airs at all, and that the three of you get along like siblings, makes us even happier. I hope you will support one another and both become useful people." As he spoke in the Linshan dialect, Qin Yan immediately translated for Bian Xiaoqi.

"Dad, Mom, don't worry," Qin Ke said. "We will work hard."

"Dad," Qin Yan added, "I will be sure to learn from Sister Xiaoqi and my brother."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Uncle, Auntie, you have raised such an outstanding brother and sister; you are the truly useful ones. We should be the ones learning from you."

Qin Ke turned to his mother. "Mom, you should say a few words too."

Mother Qin laughed, "What would I know how to say? I don’t drink, and I haven't read as many books as you all. Xiaoqi coming to our home is like a phoenix flying into a straw nest. I just hope you don’t feel like an outsider—treat this as your own home and come often. If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell your auntie. Also, if Qin Ke ever treats you poorly, you tell me, and I’ll straighten him out!"

Bian Xiaoqi laughed happily. "Sister, no need to translate; I understood everything Auntie said. Qin Ke, I’ve kept every word your mother said in mind." The family was amused again by her playfulness.

Qin Ke raised his glass. "Mom, Dad, you have worked so hard for so many years to put us through school. Thank you for raising us. We will work twice as hard at our studies and careers to create a better life. You are both over fifty now; please don't push yourselves so hard and take care of your health. When you are well, Qin Yan and I can work away from home with peace of mind. As for Xiaoqi, I will take responsibility for her for the rest of my life—you can rest easy."

Qin Yan continued, "Mom, Dad, my brother has already said everything I wanted to say to you. I hope you stay healthy to see us get married and establish our own lives. Sister Xiaoqi, Brother, I will never forget the help you have given me. I sincerely wish you two a lifetime of harmony."

Bian Xiaoqi said, "Uncle, Auntie, I am so happy to have come here with Qin Ke to meet you and Qin Yan. I have felt the warmth and affection of a family—whether in the countryside or the city, this bond is essential and vital. I also understand now why you were able to raise such excellent university students; it is your kindness, diligence, and optimism that have influenced them, both directly and indirectly. I believe we are all capable young people, and our future will only get better. I want to consider myself a part of this family, so Qin Ke and I have decided to cover the full cost of Qin Yan’s four years of university to relieve her of any worries so she can focus on her studies. Qin Ke and I are headed to Beijing for work soon, and I am so happy thinking that the three of us will be able to see each other often."

Hearing these heartfelt words, Mother Qin was moved to tears. "Xiaoqi, you are so sensible; I am so happy. Our Qin family is truly lucky to have met such a wonderful girl. Come, I don't drink, but I will finish this glass for you." She drank the red wine in one gulp.

Qin Yan was also moved to tears. "Sister Xiaoqi, meeting you is my brother's blessing and my own honor. I am so happy to have such a loving sister."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "Sister, let us all work hard. To our bright future, cheers!"

Qin Ke was moved by her sincerity and generosity. He hadn't expected her to hit it off with his family so instantly the moment she stepped through the door. He said affectionately, "Thank you, Xiaoqi." Then he turned to his father, "Dad, let’s have a drink." Though not a man of many words, Father Qin was deeply touched and clinked glasses with his son.

Bian Xiaoqi set down her chopsticks. "Uncle, Auntie, I can't eat any more; I need to save room for the hand-pulled noodles." When Mother Qin and Qin Yan stood up to prepare them, she stopped them. "Auntie, Sister, don't move. Qin Ke will pull the noodles; he did the least amount of work today."

The fine mung bean sprouts, mixed with diced meat, egg, and dried shrimp, smelled savory, and the noodles were chewy and firm. As she ate, Bian Xiaoqi smiled at Qin Yan, "Whoever marries you, sister, will be a very lucky man."

Qin Yan laughed, "Sister, if you like it, I'll make it for you often."

***

After the meal, Qin Ke insisted on washing the dishes.

Qin Yan, who had not had much exposure to computers at school, led Bian Xiaoqi into her room, turned on the new laptop, and asked for a lesson. Bian Xiaoqi explained the components of the laptop, how to set an IP address, and how to check the system configuration, all of which Qin Yan grasped quickly. She then taught her the basics of Microsoft Office software. After an hour of careful instruction, Qin Yan understood the essentials and began using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Bian Xiaoqi shared several tips, encouraging her that with time and practice, she would surely become an expert.

Once he finished in the kitchen, Qin Ke joined them. He gave Qin Yan a reading list: *Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective*, *The C Programming Language*, *Understanding the Linux Kernel*, and *Data Structures*. He told her that as a computer science major, mastering these four core subjects would make her a programming expert and ensure she would have no trouble finding a good job. He advised her to self-study these if she had time alongside her university foundation courses.

"Brother, I've noted them down," Qin Yan said.

Bian Xiaoqi added, "Sister, English is also crucial. You must master listening, speaking, reading, and writing; don't end up with 'dumb English' like in middle school. I believe your reading and writing are fine, but the key is listening and speaking. During university, aim to pass the TOEFL and postgraduate English proficiency tests. It will verify your skills and prepare you for a potential future abroad. Once you have a clear goal, act on it without hesitation. University life can be as easy or as hard as you make it; it all comes down to your attitude."

Qin Yan nodded. "Sister Xiaoqi, I will remember your words. I will work hard."

Bian Xiaoqi took a stack of money from her bag. "Sister, you are about to report to university. Here is five thousand yuan. Don't be too frugal at school; take care of your health and eat well. Your brother and I will transfer money to you regularly."

Qin Yan looked at Qin Ke, who smiled and said, "Just listen to your sister."

Qin Yan took the money with both hands, choking up and unable to speak.

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "Sister, you look a bit like Lin Daiyu today."

Qin Yan burst into laughter through her tears, hugging Bian Xiaoqi’s arm and resting her head on her shoulder. "Sister, you are beautiful, but your heart is even more beautiful."

Bian Xiaoqi laughed, "Yes, sister, I love hearing that."

Noticing the sewing machine in the corner, Bian Xiaoqi asked curiously, "Sister, can you sew clothes?" Qin Yan replied, "I can, and I can even cut patterns." Bian Xiaoqi said, "I don't know how to use a sewing machine. Come, teach me." Qin Yan brought over two scraps of fabric and demonstrated.

It was a foot-pedal sewing machine. Qin Yan placed her feet on the pedal, positioned the fabric under the presser foot, held the front of the cloth with her left hand, and turned the wheel on the side with her right to start the mechanism. As she pedaled rhythmically, the machine’s needle moved up and down, and she guided the fabric through.

Bian Xiaoqi tried to follow. At first, her hand and foot coordination was off, causing the machine to reverse, but under Qin Yan's guidance, she quickly mastered the rhythm, and the fabric fed through smoothly.

Qin Ke watched from the side, remarking, "Smart people show their intelligence in everything they do."

"Sister Xiaoqi is so quick to learn," Qin Yan added sincerely.

Hearing their praise, Bian Xiaoqi pedaled even more smoothly. "The woolen fabric my mom gave to Auntie won't need to go to a tailor shop now," she laughed.

"Sister," Qin Yan replied, "I only dare to work with basic fabrics. I wouldn't dare touch high-end wool; Mom is better at cutting and sewing than I am—she’ll have to handle that herself."

***

Curious about the countryside, Bian Xiaoqi wanted to take a walk. The three of them set out after lunch.

Qin Family Village had over five hundred households and a history of five hundred years. The newer brick houses like the Qin family's were on the outskirts, while the center was filled with old, weathered homes. Some were decades old, others over a century, with small courtyards, narrow alleys, and low-slung stone walls, documenting the village's history.

Qin Ke mentioned that his family’s old home was among them, where the four of them lived until he finished primary school. Only after the Reform and Opening-up did his parents' hard work allow them to build their current house.

Stepping into the overgrown courtyard of their old home, they saw the crumbling walls and sagging roof.

"Qin Ke," Bian Xiaoqi mused, imagining their past hardships, "is this living condition one of the reasons you studied so hard?"

"I think so," Qin Ke replied. "I couldn't change the environment, so I changed myself."

"Sister," Qin Yan said, "I was too young to remember living here."

"Sister," Bian Xiaoqi asked, "is your academic success due to your brother's influence?"

"Yes," Qin Yan replied. "In school, my teachers were always proud of my brother and told me to learn from him."

Bian Xiaoqi said, "Now that we have changed our lives, we will live in the city and have a big house. We will bring Uncle and Auntie to the city to enjoy life. It’s not a dream; I think it can happen within ten years."

"Sister, I believe it," Qin Yan said.

On a slope in the south of the village stood a few rows of different architecture—sturdy blue brick walls, thick stone foundations, and black-tiled roofs with intricate wooden lattice windows.

Seeing Bian Xiaoqi’s confusion, Qin Ke explained, "Our village was known for three things: many landlords, many wealthy families, and many scholars. When Chinese people got money, they bought land and built houses. After Liberation, these houses were divided among the poor peasants. Because of history, the descendants of these landlords couldn't attend school or get jobs. My 'Eighth Granduncle,' for instance—he had six children, and none could marry. After the reforms, the family moved to Xinjiang to join relatives, and I heard they finally got married there."

Bian Xiaoqi was stunned by the history. "What about your ancestors?"

"My ancestors weren't landlords; they were considered rich peasants," Qin Ke said. "My grandfather sold most of the land before Liberation, so we were classified as middle peasants and avoided the worst of the political movements. He was quite farsighted."

"Fortune or misfortune—it was never really in their own hands," Bian Xiaoqi sighed.

"Our generation is lucky," Qin Ke said. "We caught a good era and can decide our own fate. We must seize the opportunity, for ourselves and for the next generation."

Near the east of the village was a large, flat open space where old houses had been cleared.

"Sister," Qin Yan said, "this is where they show outdoor movies."

"I’ve only ever seen movies in theaters," Bian Xiaoqi said. "I wonder what an outdoor movie feels like."

"They say there's one tomorrow night," Qin Yan laughed. "Let's come see it."

"When I was a kid," Qin Ke added, "without TVs, the whole village felt like it was having a festival when the film crew arrived. Tomorrow, I'll take you to experience a bit of my childhood."

"Sister," Qin Yan pointed out, "this is also the market square. Tomorrow should be a market day."

"What is a market day?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"It’s like a free market in the city," Qin Ke explained. "To facilitate trade, the government designates specific villages for markets on a rotating schedule based on the lunar calendar."

"So, in the city, the market is fixed, but here, the location rotates?"

"Exactly," Qin Yan said. "Tomorrow is our turn, though it usually ends by the afternoon."

"Then we shall experience the rural market atmosphere tomorrow," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

On the way home, they passed a large red-tiled building with a sign that read "Built in 1962."

"This is the village hall," Qin Ke explained. "They used to stage model operas here during my childhood."

"You had theater talent in the village?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

Qin Ke chuckled, "We had people who could play the *erhu*, and some educated youths sent down to the countryside were very talented. It was lively. I loved playing here as a kid. During the Lunar New Year, they would perform things like *The Red Detachment of Women* or *The Red Lantern*. Later, the educated youths returned to the city, and it fell silent. Now it's just a paradise for sparrows."

"Your village is fascinating," Bian Xiaoqi said. "It's nothing like what I imagined a village would be. This trip was worth it."

"Xiaoqi," Qin Ke teased, "you're like an educated youth returning to the countryside to be re-educated by the poor and lower-middle peasants."

"I'm a volunteer," she laughed, "unlike those who were forced to come."

***

Back home, Mother Qin was picking leeks.

"Auntie," Bian Xiaoqi said, "we ate so well at noon, I'm still full."

"We'll have something light for dinner," Mother Qin smiled. "We aren't in a hurry. How about leek pockets and millet porridge?"

"I love that, Auntie. Can I help?"

"No need, I can manage. Since it's still early, why don't you go to our orchard and pick some apples?"

Qin Ke grabbed a basket, and the three headed out. Their dog, Dahuang, stood nearby. Qin Yan called out, "Dahuang, let's go!" But the dog didn't move, its eyes fixed on Bian Xiaoqi. Qin Yan laughed, "Sister, he's waiting for your permission." Bian Xiaoqi smiled at the dog, "Dahuang, let's go." The dog immediately bounded to her side, wagging its tail. She patted its head, and it happily nuzzled her. "He's so human," she said.

They walked a mile, crossed a ditch, and reached a hillside orchard.

"Sister, is all this ours?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Only two acres," Qin Yan laughed. "If it were all ours, Dad couldn't handle it alone."

Father Qin was inspecting the apples, the branches heavy with fruit. "Uncle, is this a bumper harvest?"

"The rain was good this year," Father Qin smiled. "It's a good harvest."

Touching a large, red apple, Bian Xiaoqi said, "Apples of this quality cost several yuan a catty in Xizhou. The income this year must be good?"

"Not much more than last year," Father Qin replied. "When everyone has a good harvest, the market price drops. The high prices in cities are mostly profit for the middlemen. Here, we get little over a yuan a catty. After fertilizer and labor, there's not much left. In bad years, we lose money. So, a bumper harvest doesn't always mean wealth."

"Farmers work so hard for so little," Bian Xiaoqi said. "That’s why moving to the city for work is so important."

"You're right, Xiaoqi," Father Qin said. "Qin Ke and Qin Yan getting out through their studies is what makes your aunt and me the happiest. All our hard work was worth it."

Seeing the three of them picking the slightly bruised apples to eat, leaving the best ones for sale, Father Qin felt a warmth in his heart.