Chapter 228 Things that cannot be changed even after rebirth
Lin Heng prays to God mainly for peace and health, and does not care about other things. He does not pray for wealth at all.
It was already daybreak when the yellow paper was burned. Some women in the village were waiting and chatting on the side. Apart from greeting each other on the new year, they were just complimenting each other, saying things like "your shoes are beautiful" and "her dress looks nice".
But when Xiulan came over, these people felt a little embarrassed to flatter her because there was such a huge difference.
An unfamiliar woman from Shimen Village asked quietly, "Is this the educated youth from the city? She is dressed so beautifully."
"She's not from the city. She's Lin Heng's wife from Hongfeng Village. She's the one who bought the stone in your village. The young man in black next to her is her." Someone pointed at Lin Heng who was wearing black not far away.
"Hey, this guy is quite handsome, no wonder his wife is so beautiful too."
"How come he is so rich at such a young age?"
"They make money from hunting and stockpiling Coriolus versicolor, and they even opened purchasing stations and shops. It's really frustrating to compare yourself with others."
“No wonder…”
“I’m so envious.”
"Look at his parents. The clothes they wear are obviously made of very good material and the style is also very new..."
As the women chattered, the people around them couldn't help but cast envious looks. But Lin Heng and the others didn't notice these because of the noisy voices. He was busy burning paper and going home.
However, Jin Yan, Li Caifeng, Liu Lan and others who were close to them heard it clearly and felt mixed emotions.
Half a year ago, they were still mocking Chen Xiulan for not being able to afford new clothes. Now, when she compares herself with others, it's like Granny Liu to Wang Xifeng, the difference is too big.
"After the burning, let's go over there and wait for our parents."
Xiulan finished burning the yellow paper and walked over and said.
"good."
Lin Heng nodded, holding Xiaoxia and Xiulan and walked to a platform not far away to wait for others. His parents were still asking for a talisman, which was slow.
After waiting for a while, the sky was completely bright. There was light snow falling from the sky. Looking up, the whole mountain and field were covered with white snow. It was a thousand miles of ice and snow, which was a beautiful sight.
The trees on the mountain seemed to be blooming white flowers, except for the Slate River not far below which had not yet frozen. The gurgling river water was like a ribbon, and the clear sound was like the ice and snow goddess singing softly.
Xiaoxia stretched out her little hands to catch the snowflakes, Xiulan breathed out white air and looked into the distance, the snowflakes fell on her waist-length black hair, adding a touch of coolness to her.
Noticing that people were staring at her from time to time, Xiulan turned around to look at the scenery below the mountain, and whispered, "I should have known not to wear something so pretty. It's so uncomfortable to be stared at."
Lin Heng smiled and said, "Maybe he is looking at me. After all, I am also very handsome."
Xiulan looked at him and said nothing, but her meaning was self-evident.
"Okay, okay, let's go home."
Not long after, Lin's father and his group came out and looked at Lin Heng and the other two.
"good."
The three nodded and walked back along the rugged mountain road.
Soon we came down the mountain and arrived at the road.
"Everyone, pick up some money and take it home." Father Lin said, and picked up an acorn stick.
Picking up firewood means picking up wealth, and everyone has to pick up a piece of firewood and bring it home when they go out on New Year’s Day.
"It's still far from the house, there's no rush." Lin Heng spread his hands. It would be uncomfortable to hold the cold firewood in such a cold day.
"That's right." Lin Wei and others quickly echoed Lin Heng.
Mother Lin looked at Lin Heng and asked, "Are you going to pay New Year's greetings to your uncles this morning?"
Lin Heng looked at the sky and said, "Go ahead. It's not snowing that much anyway. I think it's no problem."
"Then let's go. You have to go anyway and you can't escape." Lin Yue also nodded.
Mother Lin nodded and agreed: "Then I'll make some dumplings for you and then we can go."
No one had any objection to this and everyone walked back quickly.
On the way back, there were groups of people everywhere, some going back and some going up.
When they were almost home, everyone picked up a piece of firewood. After taking it home, everyone's hair and shoulders were snow-white, as if they had aged in an instant.
It’s a pity that Lin Heng doesn’t have a mobile phone. Xiulan, with her hair covered with snow, has a different temperament.
"It's so cold, luckily there's a fireplace at home."
Xiulan went into the house and first wiped the snow off her head with a towel, then wiped Lin Heng and Xiaoxia, and then they gathered in front of the fireplace to warm their hands and feet.
It was almost warm now, so the two went to feed all the animals and pets in the house. They couldn't let them go hungry on New Year's Day.
Today, dogs and cats only eat meat, nothing else.
After feeding them, Lin Heng and Xiulan packed up their things and gave each of his uncles a bottle of Sanliangye and a box of biscuits, and gave his grandmother a bag of milk powder and a box of biscuits.
"It's time to eat, brother."
As soon as the two of them finished cleaning up, Caiyun pushed open the door and came in.
"good."
After agreeing, several people hurried over.
When they came over, Lin's mother had already scooped out the dumplings and poured vinegar soup on them. All they had to do was eat them.
"tasty."
Lin Heng tried one, which was a dumpling stuffed with pork and green onions. The dumpling stuffing was chopped purely by hand and had a very granular texture. It tasted very fragrant.
"I put a coin in there, and whoever gets it will get a red envelope."
Mother Lin said while everyone was eating dumplings.
Upon hearing this, Lin Wei and the other children became excited. These were red envelopes, and they ate the dumplings with big mouthfuls.
"I ate it, I ate it!"
After a while, Lin Tao ran to his mother-in-law cheering, the coin in his hand still stained with saliva.
"Here you go, study hard this year."
Mother Lin took out a banknote from her pocket and handed it to him.
"I want a red envelope too~"
Xiaoxia tilted her head and spoke coquettishly in a low voice.
"We'll still have some when we eat dumplings tonight."
Lin Heng touched her head and comforted her with a smile.
He had finished eating and was feeding his daughter with chopsticks.
"Let's go."
After eating dumplings, everyone set off for the homes of Lin Heng’s third uncle and eldest uncle.
Lin Heng went back to get the gift, locked the door and set off. He did not bring Xiongba with him to the mountain and left him at home to guard the door.
They walked in the front, with his eldest brother in the middle and his parents at the end.
To get to his uncle's house, he had to climb two and a half mountains. His house was in the direction of Shuijinggou. In normal weather, it only took about 30 to 40 minutes to get there, but it was snowing today so it would probably take an hour.
“Ga ga ga!”
"What a big pheasant."
Just as they climbed over the mountain northwest of the house, suddenly a huge pheasant flew up, flapped its wings a few times in the air, and disappeared into the vast forest.
"It snowed and there was nothing to eat on the mountain, so the pheasants flew down the mountain."
Lin Heng sighed and continued forward holding Xiaoxia.
The heavy snow was a good time for hunting, but he didn't want to go up the mountain at all because it was too cold.
Going up and down the mountain, everyone was sweating, not only not feeling cold but also hot. The amount of exercise was too great, and only their hands and feet were a little cold.
The path in the mountains is not difficult to walk on, and when you stop to rest you will always be shocked by the snow scene.
"Oh, Lin Wei, you are in trouble. Let me tell you!"
"Aunt, I was wrong, I was really wrong!"
Laughter from Caiyun and others was heard from behind. Lin Wei admitted that he was not paying attention and kicked the tree and ran away, and then snow fell on his head.
Caiyun was not satisfied with teasing him, so she started to secretly tease his grandparents.
After a while, he was caught by Caiyun and given a severe lesson. Several people spanked him on the buttocks.
Bang! Lin Heng also kicked a tree, watching the snow fall with satisfaction. He used to play like this, but now he only kicked empty trees where no one was.
"Great!" Xiaoxia clapped her hands and cheered.
Xiulan shook her head slightly and smiled, "Just like a child."
"I have even younger ones, believe it or not." Lin Heng raised his cold hands and chuckled.
"No, no, no, I was wrong, husband."
Seeing Lin Heng's outstretched claws, Xiulan begged for mercy repeatedly, and then took advantage of Lin Heng's inattention to throw a small snowball into his neck and turned and ran away.
Lin Heng was caught off guard by Bing and shuddered involuntarily, then chased after Xiulan, leaving Xiaoxia behind.
"Okay, I must let the Big White Rabbit taste the taste of snow today." Lin Heng said as he chased.
Xiulan knew she was no match for Lin Heng, so she began to beg for mercy: "Husband, I was wrong. I really don't dare to do it again."
"No, I have to get the ice back." There was no way Lin Heng would let her go so easily.
"Look, Xiaoxia fell down." Xiulan suddenly said seriously.
When Lin Heng looked back, he felt a snowball hit his lower back. He looked at Xiulan again, only to see her running away with a sly smile.
"You're miserable, wife."
Lin Heng gave her a fierce look, then turned back to pick up Xiaoxia and get her things. He really didn't dare to leave her alone.
They picked up their things and continued to move forward. Xiulan walked far ahead, begging for mercy from time to time, but Lin Heng just smiled and said nothing, and even instigated Xiaoxia to beat her.
Soon, a house came into view. It was made of loess and its black tiles were covered with snow. Some of them had melted due to the hot smoke, revealing their original appearance.
Behind the house is a large green bamboo forest. In front of the house are terraced fields planted with wheat and rapeseed. When it snows, the scene looks like a fairyland, which is beautiful beyond words.
At this time, Lin Wei and others who had been behind also rushed over. Lin Heng's two uncles also came out of the house when they heard the sound. Although they were several hundred meters apart, Lin Heng could clearly feel the happiness of the two.
Xiulan was waiting for Lin Heng in the bay on this side of the house. She knew that it would be too late for Lin Heng to take revenge now that she had to go meet the adults.
"I'll hold Xiaoxia."
She came over and took Xiaoxia, smiling and winking.
Lin Heng naturally wouldn't play with her now. He straightened his clothes and walked over with her.
"Happy New Year, uncle and third uncle."
Lin Heng looked at the familiar house and the familiar people greeted him with a smile.
Xiulan followed Lin Heng in wishing a happy new year and called Xiaoxia. Xiaoxia glanced at the two of them and said in a baby voice, "Happy new year, uncle and uncle three."
"Everything is fine, Xiaoxia, Happy New Year. Come inside quickly, you may be freezing."
Lin Heng's uncle Lu Honghai smiled and patted Lin Heng on the shoulder and said.
"It's okay, it's not cold even when walking." Lin Heng said with a smile.
"Didn't your parents come?" asked my third uncle Lu Honggang curiously.
"They are all here. They are probably still behind."
Lin Heng responded with a smile, walked into the house, put the things down and said, "These two identical ones are for you two, Uncle and Uncle Three, and the one with milk powder is for my grandmother."
"You come to your uncle's house and bring gifts. This is the same as the one in your own home." The uncle blamed him. It was obvious that the thing Lin Heng brought was not cheap. He was happy in his heart that his love for this nephew since childhood was not in vain.
"It's because they are our elders that they took it. It will be difficult for you to walk down the mountain." Lin Heng said with a smile. His two uncles were very good to him. They even carved wooden swords for him when he was a child, which made him popular in the village for several months.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Third Uncle Lu Honggang poured honey water for the three of them and said, "You came at the right time. We shot a muntjac a few days ago. We will have something delicious today."
"That's great." Lin Heng said with a smile. He remembered that his two uncles were like this when he was a child. Once they caught prey, they would ask their family to come up for a meal.
"By the way, Uncle San, where is my grandma?"
Lin Heng took a sip of water and asked again.
Lu Honggang pointed to the back and said, "She is warming herself by the fire in the back room. I gave her some Ganoderma lucidum that I picked up and made her drink some water. She has been feeling much better recently."
"Then I'll go over and take a look."
Lin Heng nodded and stood up. Xiulan held Xiaoxia and the three of them went to another furnace room at the back.
Lin Heng walked into the house and saw his grandmother, who was thin and thin. She was wearing an indigo cotton jacket full of patches. Her eye sockets were sunken and her face was full of wrinkles. She lowered her head and warmed herself by the fire. When she saw Lin Heng and the other two, she was stunned and seemed not to recognize them.
"Happy New Year, grandma. I am your grandson Hengwa." Lin Heng said loudly in his ear.
After a few seconds, a smile appeared on the old woman's face, and she reached out to grab Lin Heng's arm: "Heng baby, Happy New Year, you are here to see me, your grandma, okay, okay."
She was trembling all over, but extremely happy. The old lady was already 76 years old, which was an extremely long life in this era.
"Yes, we are here to wish you a happy new year. This is your granddaughter-in-law Xiulan, and this is your great-granddaughter Xiaoxia."
Lin Heng pointed at Xiulan and Xiaoxia and introduced them, saying that his grandmother had only met them once and he guessed she had forgotten them.
"Happy New Year, grandma." Xiulan smiled and whispered in her ear.
Xiaoxia also said under Lin Heng's instruction: "Happy New Year, great-grandma!"
The old man paused for a full eight or nine seconds before he smiled and nodded: "Okay, everything is fine, Xiaoxia has grown up so much. The last time I saw her, she couldn't speak yet. Time flies."
What surprised Lin Heng Xiulan was that the old man actually remembered Xiaoxia. It was incredible.
"Xiaoxia is so fair and pretty. She looks like my granddaughter-in-law." The old man touched Xiaoxia's cheek, then pulled Xiulan and said with a smile.
Xiulan smiled sweetly, and Xiaoxia looked at the strange old man with her big eyes curiously, as if she didn't quite understand this kind of aging and this face full of wrinkles.
Lin Heng helped her grandmother sit down, and she asked tremblingly: "Wait, your parents didn't come? I've been missing your mother for a long time, and I brewed a jar of thick wine for her."
"Here we go, we'll be there in a moment."
Lin Heng answered quickly, and looking at his grandmother's expression, he felt more and more moved and helpless.
She was touched that her grandmother was still so good to her and her mother even in this state. But she was helpless that she could only watch the old lady grow old and die, and could not do anything to change anything.
Her grandmother had a hard life. She was bullied by her grandfather all her life. He would beat her up when she drank, and would insult and beat her at will. She was able to raise six children, including her mother, uncle, and siblings, because she worked like an ox all her life.
After Grandpa Lin Heng passed away, she was finally able to live a good life for a few days, but she was soon plagued by illness. The injuries accumulated from working like an ox when she was young finally broke out.
Many people in the village said that she was a coward, and Lin Heng thought so at first. Later, after seeing more and thinking more, he realized that it was not that his grandmother was a coward, but that she met a bad person.
She was a person as gentle and kind as water. Even when beaten and scolded by her husband, she never took her anger out on her children. She always had a kind love for her children and grandchildren, and would save the good things for her grandchildren even if she didn't eat them herself.
Seeing the old man's appearance, Lin Heng felt mixed emotions. Facing these things, he found that even if he was reborn, he would have no way to deal with them.
(End of this chapter)
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