Chapter 14 (Part 2): The Ugly Ger’s Farming Story

“That’s Sichuan peppercorn powder! It helps reduce the fishy smell!” Xu Qing explained. He had already ground the Sichuan peppercorns picked from the mountain into powder, making it convenient to use. After adding an appropriate amount of Sichuan peppercorn powder, Xu Qing sprinkled some of the spices he bought last time with Xie Ama, which resembled chili but wasn’t spicy—more of a numbing sensation.

“Sichuan peppercorn? What’s that?” Xie Ama had never heard of it before.

“It’s a seasoning. I planted a Sichuan peppercorn tree, so next year, we can see if there are any saplings. You can also plant some for convenience.”

“Alright! Oh, you’re using so much oil!” Xie Ama saw the amount of oil in the pot, which could last his family for three days, and felt a pang of heartache.

“Haha, well, I like using plenty of oil!” Xu Qing chuckled, causing Xie Ama to roll his eyes. Who doesn’t like using plenty of oil? “But you should save some for later. We have to be mindful of the long term when it comes to living our lives.”

“Alright, Xie Ama, make the fire smaller for me. I’m going to add water!”

As Xu Qing poured enough water into the pot, he also added a few drops of spiritual spring water. Xie Ama had a difficult early life and suffered from lingering health issues. This was an opportunity to help them improve his health. Moreover, the fish had also been soaked in spiritual spring water before, so it was enough.

Once the water boiled, Xu Qing put the fish head into the pot first because it takes longer to cook.

Gradually, a fragrance spread through the air, captivating Xie Ama. “It smells so good! Brother Qing, you’re really talented!”

Xu Qing didn’t modestly reject the compliment. “Of course! Everything I make tastes delicious!” He lacked some seasoning, but the advantage lay in the natural and fresh ingredients, coupled with the spiritual spring water, making the flavor naturally exquisite.

As the time for eating grew near, Xu Qing used three large bowls to scoop out all the fish from the pot.

Xu Qing handed a pair of chopsticks to Xie Ama. “Here, have a taste!”

Xie Ama didn’t hesitate and directly picked up a piece of fish that seemed to have few bones. He carefully took a bite and exclaimed, “Mmm! It’s delicious, really delicious! It tastes better than pork, so tender!” Xie Ama’s eyes were gleaming as he spat out the fish bones. This was meat! This was food!

“I told you, didn’t I? You eat first, and I’ll cook the rice.” Xu Qing, eager to prove the deliciousness of the fish to Xie Ama, had forgotten about cooking the rice. The fishy smell in the pot was strong, and it needed a good wash.

“What are you cooking rice for? I have rice at home! Just as I came to find you, Uncle Xie had just finished cooking it! It must be ready by now. Let’s bring it over!” Xie Ama was overjoyed and stopped Xu Qing from thinking about cooking. He hurried back home.

“In that case, I won’t hold back. It’s perfect timing to have Uncle Xie join us for dinner!”

“I know, I know!” Xie Ama replied from a distance.

As Xie Ama left, Xu Qing turned around and saw the fish innards he were about to throw away near the well. “Looks like I’ll have to get a dog or a cat!” Otherwise, it would be a waste.

Before Xie Ama and Uncle Xie arrived, Xu Qing washed the pot several times to ensure there was no fishy smell. Then he poured in water, heating it up for the evening bath, and used the hot water from before to clean his hands.

Not long after, Uncle Xie arrived with a wooden basin in hand, following Xie Ama. “Haha, your Ama told me that Brother Qing made some delicious thorny fish. Today, I shamelessly brought my own meal!”

“Enough with the nonsense, come in quickly, Uncle Xie, Xie Ama! The fish will taste bad if it gets cold!”

With happiness on one side, Xu Qing enjoyed the delicious fish, while on the other side, Li Changfeng’s family meeting was anything but peaceful!

“Do you know that this won’t benefit you in any way?”

As soon as Old man Li returned home, Li Ama pulled him aside to talk about Li Changfeng’s desire to seperate. Old man Li was not as calm as Li Ama, and Eldest Li and his wife were also surprised. Li Laosan was pleasantly surprised throughout, while Li Wangshi kept his head down, expressionless.

“I know,” Li Changfeng said, staring at Old man Li.

Old man Li took a drag of his dry cigarette, his face weathered with the marks of time showing some distress. “Our Li family has never split apart like this before!”

Li Changfeng remained silent, his narrow eyes filled with determination.

“Third son, what do you think?” Old man Li called out to Li Laosan without even looking at him.

Li Laosan patted the dirt and dust off his body. “Let’s split, it’s already a mess!”

Li Wangshi remained silent, and the eyes of Eldest Li’s wife flickered.

Although Eldest Li was the eldest, he was kind-hearted and honest. He still couldn’t understand why his second brother wanted to split up the family.

“A mess? You were the one who caused this mess!!” Old man Li grabbed the stool he was sitting on and threw it directly at Li Laosan. Li Laosan hurriedly dodged, narrowly avoiding being hit!

“Father!” Li Laosan couldn’t believe that his father would lay hands on him!

“Father! Let’s talk it out calmly!” Eldest Li held back Old man Li and tried to persuade him, while Li Changfeng remained silent. He had already made up his mind to split the family so he could enter the Xu family door as soon as possible!

This was the first time Eldest Li’s wife had seen his father-in-law angry, and he felt a bit scared. He glanced at the constantly lowered head of Li Wangshi and felt uneasy. If it weren’t for third brother’s wife, this family wouldn’t have ended up in such a situation!

Li Xiao’er and Li Ama sat in the main room, while the obedient children stood quietly on the side, listening to the commotion outside. When Old man Li used the stool to attack Li Laosan, Li Xiao’er wanted to go but was grabbed by Li Ama and not allowed to go outside. “You, an unmarried ger, don’t get involved in such matters!”

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