Braving the howling, bone-chilling northern wind and following the dim yellow lights gradually coming on throughout the town, Chen Yuan and his Second Uncle, Chen Dajiang, finally drove the horse cart back to Iron Clothes Village, a cartload of New Year gift bundles in tow.
The village seemed to have been frozen solid by winter, utterly silent save for the mournful howls of the fierce wind sweeping across the eaves and bare treetops, along with the faint glimmers of light shining through each household's windows.
In the direction of the Chen Family's little courtyard, a particularly thick plume of cooking smoke stubbornly rose into the air, sketching out a faint trace in the gloomy night sky.
When he pushed open the familiar wooden door of the Chen Family, a wave of heat carrying the rich fragrance of food and cozy warmth rushed over him, instantly shutting out all the bitter cold and biting wind outside.
The kitchen was brightly lit by the fire. His mother, Lin Sanniang, wore an old apron and was busy stir-frying the food in the wok beside the stove, the steam bringing a faint flush to her cheeks.
Hearing the door open, she instinctively turned her head. The moment she saw Chen Yuan and Chen Dajiang entering side by side, a delighted smile blossomed across her face.
"Oh my, Yuan'er actually came back today! Dajiang came back too? Quick, quick, quick, come in and warm yourselves by the fire. This dreadful weather must have left you half-frozen, hasn't it?"
As she spoke, she habitually wiped her hands on her apron. Her gaze fell on what the two men were carrying—especially the several large bundles in Chen Yuan's hands, which were clearly quite heavy—and her smile immediately turned into one of heartache and reproach.
"You child, coming home is one thing, but why did you buy so many things? You're wasting money again. You need to be frugal with the money the martial arts school gives you. You need it for your training. The family isn't lacking food or clothing now..."
At that moment, like a little butterfly drawn by the fragrance, a small figure in a flower-patterned padded jacket came fluttering out of the inner room with a patter of tiny footsteps. It was Chen Xiaoli.
At one glance, she spotted the most eye-catching bundle in her brother's hands, a corner of vivid red peeking out from it. Her large, dark eyes instantly shone as brightly as if they were filled with stars, and she cheered as she threw herself at Chen Yuan's leg.
"Brother's back!" she cried, then swept her gaze back and forth over the bundles, her face brimming with anticipation and curiosity.
The commotion inside the house also startled the others.
Chen Dahai and Chen Tie Mao lifted the thick cloth curtain and came out of the main room.
Chen Dahai wore a simple, delighted smile, while Chen Tie Mao stroked his beard, satisfaction in his eyes as he sized up his grandson in the martial arts school's fitted training clothes. He seemed to have grown steadier since their last meeting, and Chen Tie Mao called out, "Good that you're back, good that you're back. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Perfect timing—come sit down and have something hot."
Chen Yuan answered with a smile and, together with his Second Uncle, placed what they were carrying on the table in the main room.
He first picked up the bundle containing the brand-new thick padded jackets, walked over to the stove, and handed it to his mother, Lin Sanniang. "Mother, it's gotten cold. I bought new padded jackets for you and Grandmother. Try them on and see if they fit and whether they're warm."
Lin Sanniang froze for a moment. She took the bundle, which already felt thick and soft to the touch, and opened it. Inside were two brand-new navy padded jackets stuffed with thick, fresh cotton. The stitching was fine, the fabric sturdy, and matching hand warmers had been included as well.
Her eyes immediately grew hot. She stroked the padded jackets, yet still grumbled, "Wasting money again. I have a jacket to wear... How much silver must this have cost..."
But the corners of her mouth rose despite herself.
"As long as they keep you warm, that's enough. They didn't cost much." Chen Yuan smiled, then picked up the bundle containing woolen vests and thermal gloves and handed them to his father and grandfather.
"Grandfather, Father, these are for the two of you. They're made with wool and animal hide—the best things for keeping out the wind and cold."
Chen Dahai accepted the thick, soft vest and touched its fine wool lining, grinning from ear to ear as he repeatedly praised it.
Chen Tie Mao accepted his own share and carefully examined the workmanship and leather. A hint of approval flashed through his eyes, and he nodded. "Yuan'er, you've been thoughtful."
When Chen Yuan took out the brass tobacco pipe next, the old man's eyes immediately locked onto it. This gift had truly struck the bull's-eye of his heart.
Next, Chen Yuan picked up the brightest little cloak, squatted down, and beckoned to Xiaoli, who had been watching eagerly.
The little girl immediately flew over like a happy little bird.
Chen Yuan helped her put on the brand-new bright red cloak, whose hood was trimmed with a ring of snow-white fur.
The cloak fit perfectly. Its vivid color made the little girl's face look even rosier, radiating festive cheer.
"Do you like it?" Chen Yuan asked as he tied the strings for her.
"Like it? I love it! Thank you, Brother! It's so warm and pretty!"
Xiaoli happily spun around in circles in the main room, constantly touching the cloak's soft fabric as if she could never get enough of it.
Finally, Chen Yuan took out the sturdy new padded boots and spoke to his Second Aunt, who had come over from next door after hearing the commotion.
"Second Aunt, these are for Chen He. His feet are growing quickly, so his old shoes were probably getting tight. There's also a wool lining for the two of you in Second Uncle's bundle."
Looking at the new padded boots, which were obviously warm and sturdy, his Second Aunt felt both grateful and embarrassed. "Oh my, Yuan'er, this... this is too much. How can I accept it? You're always spending money on us..."
"We're family," Chen Yuan said gently.
At that moment, the half-grown boy Chen He also heard the commotion and squeezed his way inside. When he saw the new padded boots, his eyes lit up. He called out, "Brother Yuan," his face showing delight, though he also looked somewhat bashful and embarrassed. Scratching his head, he gave a foolish grin.
The flames in the charcoal brazier danced and crackled softly. Their orange-red glow bathed the entire main room in the warmth of spring, forming a stark contrast with the howling wind and snow outside.
After the family had laughed and fussed over one another, they sat down around the table.
At the center of the table sat a large basin of steaming fish stew, with tender white tofu and sweet, crisp cabbage simmering inside. The broth was milky white, its fresh fragrance filling the air.
There were also golden fried eggs, glossy and savory steamed dried fish, and several dishes of pickled vegetables from their own household. They were all ordinary home-cooked foods, but there was plenty of everything, and every dish was steeped in the flavor of home.
The fragrance of the food mingled with the scent of charcoal, forming an incomparably warm picture of family life.
At the dinner table, the atmosphere was especially lively. Chen Dajiang had finally recovered completely from the heart-stopping clash that afternoon.
Unable to hold himself back, he vividly recounted how Chen Yuan had rescued Fengyuan Trading Company from the Jinsha Trading Company's bully and cowed the petty villains into submission.
He even embellished the story of how Jin Mancang, the master of Jinsha Trading Company, had personally hurried over to apologize and make amends.
He spoke so excitedly that spittle flew, and at the most thrilling parts he even stood up and acted everything out with his hands. He described Chen Yuan as though a celestial god had descended to earth, while portraying Jin Mancang's humility and terror in the most vivid detail.
The whole family listened with stunned expressions, gasping again and again.
"...You didn't see it. Jin Mancang was sweating buckets from fright and nearly dropped to his knees. He insisted on stuffing a large bag of silver into my hands as an apology. I'd say it had to be at least this much!"
Chen Dajiang held up two fingers and gestured excitedly.
"Brother Yuan just stood there without even changing expression. He calmly said, 'Let this matter end here,' and Jin Mancang acted as if he'd received a sacred decree, thanking him profusely!"
"Tell me, was that impressive or not? Was it satisfying or not?"
The entire family listened with stunned expressions, gasping repeatedly. Their eyes once again focused unanimously on Chen Yuan, filled with indescribable excitement and pride.
Chen Yuan felt a little embarrassed under their gazes and smiled. "Second Uncle is exaggerating. They were just a bunch of ruffians who threw their weight around. Scare them a little, and they scatter."
"Master Jin is a sensible man as well. He knows the consequences of provoking a martial artist. As long as everyone is safe and sound, that's all that matters. Come on, eat—the food's almost cold."
Though he spoke as lightly as drifting clouds and flowing water, his image in his family's hearts had naturally grown even taller and more dependable.
After the meal, the womenfolk cleared away the bowls and chopsticks. Xiaoli sat blissfully on a little stool in her new cloak, warming herself beside the charcoal brazier. Every so often, she touched the soft fur on the hood, her little face glowing with happiness.
Seeing that his family was all present, the room filled with warmth and the atmosphere just right, Chen Yuan cleared his throat and turned serious.
"Grandfather, Father..."
His gaze swept over each of his relatives. "There are a few things I'd like to discuss with everyone."
The main room fell quiet. Everyone set aside what they were doing and looked at him in confusion.
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