Chapter 372: Warm Heart
When they got home, they tied up the carriage and carried the things into the house.
Because there had been no fire or stove lit all day, everyone felt cold as soon as they entered the house.
Su Erya said, "If I don't light the stove, I'll feel cold."
On weekdays, we have a kang and a stove burning at home, so we feel warm as soon as we enter the house. We take off our coat and down jacket and feel very warm just wearing the sweater inside.
Wear a sweater and a down vest so that you won’t be delayed when working.
Otherwise, if I don’t wear a big down jacket outside, I will feel a little bloated when I work.
Su Xiuye said, "I'll heat the kang."
Su Xueyi naturally went to light the stove.
First, warm up the house.
Madam Meng went into the inner room, reached under the quilt, and said, "The kang is cold, and the firewood we burned this morning isn't very effective."
Before they went out in the morning, they burned firewood to make breakfast, which was equivalent to heating the kang.
If you only heat the kang without covering it with a quilt, the heat will easily dissipate.
Therefore, people usually cover the kang with a quilt after heating it to keep the heat on the kang.
Moreover, when going out in the morning, no one dared to leave firewood burning in the stove for fear of fire.
Even the stove is sealed, and I feel uneasy if there is no one at home with the fire burning in winter.
So burn it again when you come back.
Madam Meng placed Dabao and Erbao on the kang and said, "You two can play first. The kang will warm up soon. Don't take off your clothes."
Mrs. Meng was afraid that Dabao and Erbao would catch a cold, so she told them not to take off their coats.
In fact, it was winter after all. Although the carriage was covered with thick mats and curtains, and there was a charcoal fire burning in the middle, it was still drafty and a bit cold.
Mrs. Meng covered them with blankets.
The eldest and second baby were a little tired after playing for a whole day. They sat on the kang and felt a little sleepy.
Fortunately, Shen Yueyao bought some fried dough sticks and fish noodles in the county town. She just needed to heat them up and stir-fry a few dishes.
Shen Yueyao is also fast at cooking.
Just like that, everyone got busy in an instant.
Soon the stove was ablaze and the fire started in the oven.
After a while, the room became hot.
While Su Erya was making a fire, she put her hands on the stove to warm them.
"It's still warm at home. No wonder everyone says a heated kang is good and they're all grateful to Auntie San for it. If we didn't have a heated kang, we'd still be cold no matter how much we wore in winter."
"Many people out there don't know what a stove is. Our stove was designed by Aunt San and then built."
After her body warmed up, Su Erya couldn't help but sigh.
Thinking about the cold winters in the past, she felt that now was even better because she wouldn’t be cold.
I'm not afraid of snow, I can sit on the kang and do my work without being affected.
And the kettle was also designed by Aunt San and made by the blacksmith shop.
When the stove is burning, fill the kettle with water and place it on the stove. The water will boil while the stove is burning.
When you wake up in the morning, it is much more convenient to wash your face and mouth with water from the stove.
And the kettle is full in a short time and poured into the thermos.
The thermos at home was also designed by my third aunt. It really keeps warm. Water poured into it can stay warm for a whole day.
It's a magical feeling.
Anyway, you don’t have to boil hot water in winter.
Su Daya was washing vegetables by the stove and said, "Of course not. Without these, winter would be cold."
"And the snow boots that Aunt San made for us are so warm. I walked all day, even outside, and my feet didn't feel cold at all."
Madam Meng said, "I feel good wearing them too. I walked outside on a snowy day before and didn't slip. Your Third Aunt said that the soles of these shoes are non-slip."
In the past, they didn’t quite understand a lot of things I said.
Now that they have spoken and listened more to Shen Yueyao, they can also use some new words.
In the past, they made their own winter shoes and sewed their own soles.
After all, the soles of the shoes are not very thick, and they will get wet after walking outside on a snowy day.
But snow boots won't get soaked.
Su Erya said, "When I was in the embroidery workshop, I knew that many people wanted to order these snow boots, but we don't have enough people in the workshop, so some people can't buy them even if they want."
Su Daya added, "We saw it when we were shopping. There are now stalls selling shoes in the market. Some of the shoes are obviously made by people themselves, imitating snow boots. However, the style and thickness of the fleece inside are not as good as the snow boots that Auntie San gave us."
But even so, they saw that there were many people looking at snow boots at the stall, and many of them were buying them.
Anyway, these shoes are good to wear.
Su Daya felt that the soles of the shoes were a bit thick, and she felt a little taller when wearing them.
Shen Yueyao washed her hands and was cutting vegetables. Listening to the two of them discussing, she couldn't help but smile.
"It seems like you like snow boots."
Su Daya and Su Erya both nodded.
They really like this kind of shoes.
It is comfortable to wear and walk in.
Seeing that the stove was burning, Su Xiuye went to the yard to chop firewood.
Su Xueyi said, "Brother, it's cold outside. The firewood I chopped recently is enough."
Su Xiuye said, "Third brother, I can't be tired. This little bit of work is nothing to me. I'd get anxious if I had nothing to do. Why don't you let me chop wood? This way I can get some exercise and warm up quickly."
Su Xiuye does have a very good physique.
He had been in the military before and his health was severely damaged, but after coming back, his body’s nutrition was replenished and he now feels full of energy.
He didn't know if it was because he ate too well, but he felt that he had more strength than before, and it seemed that the kung fu he practiced had broken through the barriers.
For him, chopping wood is really an easy task.
Inside the house, Su Xueyi helped Shen Yueyao cook.
Shen Yueyao said: "It's okay, I can handle it, you go and rest for a while."
Normally, Su Xueyi would also be reading in the house at this time.
She knew how Su Xueyi liked reading.
But she would definitely be tired after a day of strolling around, so she didn't want Su Xueyi to be reading at this time.
She thought it would be better to take a break.
If everyone works together, cooking will be quicker.
Soon, the food was ready.
Su Xueyi called Su Xiuye back from the yard, and the family sat at the dining table to eat.
After eating, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.
The Chinese New Year was approaching, so Su Xueyi and Shen Yueyao asked Madam Meng and the others to live in the house.
This makes it convenient to prepare food and other things needed for the New Year.
In the middle of the night, it started snowing heavily.
The north wind is blowing.
But the quilt was warm, and they slept peacefully, not feeling anything at all.
When Su Xueyi woke up in the morning, she washed up and went to the yard to sweep the snow.
Mrs. Meng and Su Xiuye also got up early to sweep the snow.
Shen Yueyao started preparing breakfast.
After breakfast, everyone started preparing candy for the New Year.
Shen Yueyao said: "We can make lollipops, peanut candies, fruit gummies, colored candies, etc."
Shen Yueyao bought some candy wrappers specifically for wrapping candies, and just had to wrap them up after making them.
Mrs. Meng and the others had never heard of these statements.
"Can we finish this morning?"
They also have to make dumplings in the afternoon.
Shen Yueyao knew that people here also eat dumplings during the Little New Year.
After lunch at noon, we will prepare to make dumplings in the afternoon.
Shen Yueyao said: "Make two kinds of candies first, and then make some more tomorrow."
During the Chinese New Year, the purpose is to have fun.
And when everyone is greeting each other, children all like candy. If there are various kinds of candy on the plate and you give it to the children, they will also like it very much.
Of course, when making some soft candies, I also think that some elderly people have bad teeth and can only eat soft and sticky things.
It’s just right to eat gummy candies.
Su Daya and Su Erya really like the feeling of cooking together as a family.
It feels like they are not busy, but doing something interesting, which makes them feel full of anticipation.
In particular, you can eat a variety of candies.
They still remember that during the more than three years they had lived in the village, they would get a few pieces of candy during the Chinese New Year when they greeted each other, but they were reluctant to eat them on other days.
Although Su Daya had a bad temper in the past, she also liked Dabao and Erbao.
Even if he couldn't bear to eat the candy himself, he would secretly give it to his eldest and second child.
Therefore, Shen Yueyao also understood in her heart that Su Daya was actually kind-hearted, but she was just paranoid in the past. Fortunately, her temperament has changed now and her mind has become more open.
Shen Yueyao is also willing to teach them more things and likes to make delicious food for them.
She knew in her heart that after the spring, they would most likely move to the capital.
In the capital, you don't have to think about it to know that there are definitely a lot of rules. Many people have to live with masks on and can't do whatever they want like in the village.
There are probably strict requirements on words and deeds.
So this year when celebrating the New Year in the village, she wanted to let Daya and Erya enjoy this kind of happiness more.
Maybe in the future when they think of the memories of that time, they will feel warm and happy from the bottom of their hearts.
As for her eldest and second sons, she also wants them to have a happy childhood through reading.
The good life and memories of childhood have a great impact on a person's growth and temperament.
"We've made maltose before, so there's no need to teach you now. This morning we'll mainly make peanut candy and lollipops."
Anyway, she loved eating lollipops when she was a child, and she found it very interesting to play with lollipops and eat them at the same time.
She thought that children would probably like lollipops.
"I had the molds needed for making candies made in advance, so we'll be able to use them right away."
"By the way, the peanuts we prepared earlier have all turned into peanut crumbs, right?"
Madam Meng said, "Don't worry, everything is ready. I made some extra."
Shen Yueyao had said before that the peanuts needed to be fried, the skins removed, and then ground into peanut crumbs.
Mrs. Meng finished it, and then used a rolling pin to roll the roasted and peeled peanuts on the panel to make peanut crumbs.
After finishing it, she put it in a basin and waited for Shen Yueyao to use it before taking it out.
Shen Yueyao nodded, “This way, making peanut candy will be much easier.”
Shen Yueyao prepared the sugar she bought at the market.
Su Xueyi wanted to help light the fire, while Su Daya and Su Erya prepared to make malt sugar.
Add no water or oil to the pot, then put in sugar and start frying.
Stir-fry over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Then use low heat.
Shen Yueyao asked what kind of fire to use, whether it was high, medium or low, and Su Xueyi could control it well when she was burning the fire.
Even when she was sitting by the stove burning firewood, Su Xueyi exuded an elegant and refined aura, which was completely out of tune with the atmosphere here.
But Su Xueyi was willing to participate in this. Sometimes, when he was just burning firewood and watching Yao Niang concentrating on doing these things, he felt an indescribable sense of warmth.
This is probably what home feels like.
Dabao and Erbao were also helping Su Daya and Su Erya make malt sugar.
In fact, the two kids are just playing when they help, but they feel happy when doing things with their family.
Cook over low heat until the sugar has melted.
Then the syrup changed color.
Then prepare some water...
Just like that, after the pot is ready, pour the crushed peanuts into it.
The peanut crumbs are not too fine, so you can taste the peanuts when eating them.
After stir-frying, Shen Yueyao quickly smeared oil on the mold chopping board and poured the prepared peanut candy into it.
Then flatten it with a rolling pin.
Cut into pieces while hot.
In this way, the peanut candies are ready.
Shen Yueyao took out a portion for her family to eat, and wrapped the other portion in paper.
When wrapping, Madam Meng and Su Xiuye can help.
Shen Yue wanted to put some on a plate and let everyone have a taste.
Su Daya and Su Erya were surprised when they learned that their third aunt had made peanut candies.
"You're done so quickly?"
Shen Yueyao explained with a smile: "It is indeed quick to make this. It is also easy to store in the winter when the weather is cold. If it is in the summer, it will not be able to be stored at all and will melt. In the winter, there is no need to worry."
"Come and try it. It tastes better when it's hot."
None of them had ever eaten peanut candy.
Su Daya and Su Erya couldn't wait to pick it up.
But the two of them quickly handed it to Dabao and Erbao first.
"Come, brother, eat."
Dabao and Erbao happily took it in their hands and took a light bite.
Su Daya and Su Erya also started eating.
Su Erya smiled happily, eager to share the taste of the peanut candy, saying, "Aunt San, this peanut candy is sweet, crispy, and fragrant. It feels different from other candies I've eaten before. The malt candy I used to eat was a bit sticky, but this one is much crispier."
"tasty."
Su Daya ate one piece after another, and then she sighed: "It's still good to have Aunt San. I can eat candies of all flavors."
Madam Meng also smiled and nodded, "It's really good."
Su Xiuye and Su Xueyi don’t really eat sweets, but after eating this peanut candy, they both nodded and said it was delicious.
The eldest and second babies ate happily and wanted more after finishing a piece.
Shen Yueyao said: "I will make other candies later. You can't eat too much, otherwise your teeth will be damaged."
Shen Yueyao would control the two treasures' candy intake and would not let them eat too much.
And I have to eat at noon, I can't just eat too much sugar.
Next, Shen Yueyao made lollipops.
Of course, Shen Yueyao also prepared the molds for making lollipops in advance.
When the lollipops were made and taken out to show everyone, Dabao and Erbao's eyes lit up.
Even Madam Meng exclaimed, "This is the shape of a small animal!"
Su Erya said, "It looks just like a toy. I like it just by looking at it. I can't bear to eat it."
Su Erya found it very interesting to play with it in her hands.
Shen Yueyao said: "This kind of lollipop can be licked and eaten for a long time, and it is most effective for coaxing children."
Su Xueyi smiled and said, "Only you would think of this method."
Lollipops come in various colors and patterns, so children will naturally like them.
The eldest and second child took it and played with it, not wanting to eat it.
Shen Yueyao said: "These should also be wrapped in candy paper."
"Wrap it all up?"
Old Madam Meng didn't even know how to wrap it.
Shen Yueyao explained: "Just wrap the top, don't wrap the sticks underneath, that way it won't get dusty easily."
Shen Yueyao said, sat down on the chair next to her, and then took the paper and started wrapping it.
There is a stove next to it, so you don’t feel cold while doing things by the stove.
Let's work together to speed things up.
Madam Meng said, "I don't know how many people will come to pay New Year's greetings during the first month of this year. In previous years, it was mostly people from the village, but this time, I feel that many people from the workshop will come to pay New Year's greetings."
"I heard everyone talk about it before in the workshop."
Shen Yueyao said: "I have told everyone that people from other villages don't need to come over to pay New Year's greetings, so there is no need to prepare too much."
If you really prepare everyone in the workshop, it will be exhausting.
Now there are a lot more people in Liuhe Village alone.
In the past six months, there have been many marriages in Liuhe Village. Many young men have married, and many young girls have also gotten married.
It is true that the conditions in Liuhe Village are better now, and many people are willing to come and live in this village.
Some people even settled here specifically.
So there were suddenly more people in Liuhe Village, and it was more crowded and lively than before.
Many people, whose family conditions have improved, have also started to have multiple children.
The main reason is that conditions have improved and people are willing to have more children because they know they will not go hungry.
After wrapping it, Shen Yueyao took it outside and put it in a large vat.
Although their current house is big, there are also a lot of things in the yard.
Corn, bacon, and sausages were hung on the walls.
The ham sausages are all steamed and put away directly. As for the stuffed sausages, Shen Yueyao thinks they taste better after being air-dried outside.
Next is lunch.
After lunch, the family started making dumplings together in the afternoon.
Those who are kneading the dough ..., and those who are preparing the meat filling are preparing the meat filling.
Shen Yueyao prepared two kinds of fillings, one is cabbage and meat dumplings, the other is egg yolk and meat dumplings.
Fortunately, the whole family has no dietary restrictions and eats everything.
Not picky about food.
However, Mrs. Meng likes to eat food with egg yolk filling. She thinks egg yolk filling is delicious.
The main reason was that Shen Yueyao had made wontons with egg yolk and meat filling before, and Mrs. Meng said they were delicious after eating them.
So this time when making dumplings, she prepared dumplings with egg yolk and meat.
Shen Yueyao wanted to cut the vegetables, but Su Xueyi took the knife and said, "Let me do it!"
Afraid that Shen Yueyao would say something else, Su Xueyi said, “Yao Niang, I want to do something.”
Just watching Yao Niang working so hard and letting him rest and do nothing, Su Xueyi would feel guilty and even more distressed about Yao Niang.
If possible, Su Xueyi would like to do everything for Yao Niang.
"I'll chop the vegetables, but you'll have to season them."
Shen Yueyao smiled and nodded.
She knew that Su Xueyi was good at knife skills, and the things he cut were neat and good.
Just when everyone was busy, firecrackers were heard in the village.
"Someone is setting off firecrackers now."
"Not many people are setting off firecrackers this afternoon, but there will be more in the evening. However, this is the Little New Year, and when the Big New Year comes, every household likes to set off firecrackers."
Shen Yueyao was busy making dumplings and didn't feel anything.
But as soon as I heard the sound of firecrackers outside, the festive feeling came out.
She had an indescribable feeling in her heart.
The eldest and second child were so curious that they ran out to see.
Shen Yueyao held them back and said, "It's cold outside, you can't go out like this. Let's get busy first, and then we can go out and set off some firecrackers in the evening."
When they went to the county town, they also bought a lot of firecrackers.
It is also to liven up the New Year.
Mrs. Meng said that in the village, even if people were not well off, they would buy firecrackers during the New Year.
Many families buy at least two or three strings of firecrackers.
Shen Yueyao knew that everyone took the Chinese New Year very seriously.
For many people, working hard all year long is just for the New Year.
Dabao and Erbao were happy when they heard this.
"Set off firecrackers."
"Okay, let's set off firecrackers tonight after dinner."
After Su Xueyi finished cutting the vegetables and meat, Shen Yueyao prepared the pie.
Madam Meng has already kneaded the dough.
After everything was ready, they placed a large panel on the kang.
Then everyone got on the kang and started rolling out the dough to make dumplings around it.
Shen Yueyao felt that she couldn't do anything while sitting, so she stood aside.
"Aunt San, come up here. You're so tired."
Shen Yueyao shook her head and said, "It's not tiring. This little bit of work is nothing."
While everyone was talking, firecrackers were set off again in the village outside.
When firecrackers are set off, everyone has to speak loudly, otherwise it will be difficult to hear clearly.
Shen Yueyao looked outside, but she didn't know whose firecrackers were set off.
In the afternoon, people didn't set off firecrackers very frequently, but the sounds were heard continuously.
Shen Yueyao listened to the sound of firecrackers and felt the atmosphere even more.
She thought it was a really good feeling.
This made her look forward to the New Year even more.
There were sporadic sounds of firecrackers at the door.
When there is no sound of firecrackers, you can hear the laughter of some children.
Running around and making a lot of noise.
The snow from this morning hasn't melted yet.
Madam Meng said, "Children are so energetic that they don't even feel the cold. They are playing in the streets right now."
Su Daya said, "Everyone is happy when the New Year comes."
Yes, during the Chinese New Year, not only adults are happy, but children are even happier.
You can eat delicious food and wear new clothes.
It's easy to be content.
Su Daya used to be paranoid and rarely tried to experience the customs and culture of the village.
But after understanding a lot of things, thinking back to my childhood in the capital, I feel that the village is simpler.
Everyone's ideas are simple.
The eldest and second children were a little restless and wanted to go out and play.
Shen Yueyao looked at their expressions and said, "Xue Yi, why don't you take them out to play, but tell them to be careful with the firecrackers so they don't get hurt."
Su Xueyi nodded and said, "Okay."
As she spoke, Su Xueyi went to wash her hands, washed off the flour on them, and then took Dabao and Erbao out.
Dabao and Erbao laughed excitedly and ran to the door.
Shen Yueyao and Madam Meng continued to make dumplings.
Su Xiuye was fetching water in the yard.
There was not much water left in the tank, so he fetched some more.
Everyone was busy, listening to the sound of firecrackers and feeling the festive atmosphere. Even though the weather was cold, they didn't feel cold and their hearts were warm.
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