Returning on a Snowy Night

Braving the howling, bone-piercing north wind and treading through the town's gradually flickering yellow lamps, Chen Yuan and his Second Uncle Chen Dajiang drove the horse cart, laden with a load of New Year's gifts, and finally returned to Iron Clothes Village.

The village seemed frozen solid by winter, utterly silent, broken only by the eerie wail of the gale scraping past eaves and bare treetops, and the faint glimmers of light seeping through each household's windows.

Toward the Chen family courtyard, a particularly thick plume of cooking smoke stubbornly rose, tracing faint lines against the gloomy night sky.

Pushing open the familiar wooden gate of the Chen home, a wave of warmth mixed with rich aromas of food and cozy heat rushed out, instantly sealing off all the bitter cold and harshness from outside.

The kitchen blazed with firelight. Mother Lin Sanniang, tied in an old apron, bustled about stirring a pot on the stove, her cheeks flushed from the steam.

Hearing the door, she instinctively turned her head. Seeing Chen Yuan and Chen Dajiang walk in side by side, her face immediately lit up with a delighted smile.

"Oh my, Yuan'er's back today of all days, and Dajiang's with you too! Quick, quick, come in and warm yourselves by the fire. This awful weather—you must be frozen stiff!"

As she spoke, she habitually wiped her hands on her apron, her gaze falling on the bundles they carried, especially the conspicuously heavy packages in Chen Yuan's hands. Her smile shifted to a mix of concern and gentle scolding.

"You child, coming home is fine, but why buy so many things? Wasting money again! The stipend from the martial arts school should be saved—you need it for training. The family doesn't lack food or clothes now..."

Just then, like a little butterfly drawn by the scent, a small figure in a floral jacket came pattering out from the inner room—it was Chen Xiaoli.

She spotted at once the most eye-catching package in her brother's hands, with a corner of bright red fabric peeking out. Her big, dark eyes sparkled like they were filled with stars, and she cheered as she dashed over to hug Chen Yuan's leg.

"Brother's back!" Then she eagerly scanned the packages with curiosity and anticipation.

The commotion inside also roused the others.

Chen Dahai and Chen Tie Mao pushed aside the thick cloth curtain from the main room and stepped out.

Chen Dahai wore a simple, surprised smile, while Chen Tie Mao stroked his beard, his eyes holding approval as he sized up his grandson, who was dressed in martial arts gear and seemed even more composed than the last time they met. He called out.

"Good to have you back, good to have you back. Haven't eaten yet? Perfect, let's all have a warm meal together."

Chen Yuan smiled in response and, together with his Second Uncle, set their bundles down on the table in the main hall.

He first picked up the package containing the brand-new, thick cotton-padded jacket, walked to the stove, and handed it to his mother, Lin Sanniang. "Mother, it's getting cold. I bought you and Grandma a new cotton jacket. Try it on and see if it fits and keeps you warm."

Lin Sanniang paused, then took the package, which felt thick and soft to the touch. Opening it, she found two brand-new, navy-blue cotton jackets stuffed with thick new cotton, with fine stitching and sturdy fabric, each paired with matching hand warmers.

Her eyes instantly grew hot. She stroked the jacket but still grumbled, "Wasting money again—I have jackets to wear... How much silver did this cost..."

Yet the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up.

"As long as it's warm to wear, it's not much money," Chen Yuan said with a smile. He then picked up the bundle containing the wool vest and insulated gloves, handing it to his father and grandfather.

"Grandfather, Father, these are for you two. Made of wool and animal hide—best for blocking wind and keeping warm."

Chen Dahai took the thick, soft vest, feeling the fine wool lining, and grinned from ear to ear, repeatedly saying it was great.

Chen Tie Mao accepted his share, carefully examining the craftsmanship and leather. A glint of approval flashed in his eyes as he nodded. "Brother Yuan has a thoughtful heart."

Then, when Chen Yuan pulled out the brass tobacco pipe, the old man couldn't take his eyes off it—this gift truly hit the mark.

Next, Chen Yuan picked up the brightest little cloak, crouched down, and waved at Xiaoli, who was staring eagerly.

The little girl immediately darted over like a joyful bird.

Chen Yuan helped her put on the brand-new, bright red cloak with a trim of snow-white fluff around the hood.

The cloak fit perfectly, and the vivid color made the little girl's cheeks look even rosier and more cheerful.

"Do you like it?" Chen Yuan tied the ribbons for her.

"I love it, I love it so much! Thank you, brother! It's so warm and so pretty!"

Xiaoli spun around in the main hall in delight, constantly touching the soft cloak, unable to get enough of it.

Finally, Chen Yuan took out the sturdy new cotton boots and said to his Second Aunt, who had come over from next door after hearing the noise.

"Second Aunt, these are for Xiao He. His feet grow fast—his old shoes must be pinching him. And Second Uncle's bundle has wool linings for you two."

Second Aunt looked at the boots, which were clearly warm and solid, and felt both grateful and a bit embarrassed. "Oh my, Brother Yuan, this... this is too much. You always spend on us..."

"We're all family," Chen Yuan said gently.

Just then, the half-grown boy Chen He also slipped in, drawn by the commotion. Seeing the new boots, his eyes lit up. He called out, "Brother Yuan," with a look of surprise, but then grew a little shy, scratching his head and grinning foolishly.

The flames in the charcoal brazier danced with soft crackles, casting an orange glow that made the whole main hall feel as warm as spring, a stark contrast to the howling wind and snow outside.

After the family's laughter and chatter died down, they all sat around the table.

At the center was a large pot of steaming fish stew, with tender white tofu and sweet cabbage simmering in a milky broth, fragrant and savory.

Alongside were golden scrambled eggs, glossy and salty steamed dried fish, and a few plates of homemade pickled vegetables. Though all were simple home-cooked dishes, the portions were generous, brimming with the taste of home.

The mingling scents of food and charcoal fire painted a picture of incomparable family warmth.

At the table, the atmosphere was especially lively. Chen Dajiang had finally fully recovered from the afternoon's thrilling clash.

He couldn't help but vividly recount how Chen Yuan had rescued the Fengyuan Trading Company from the thugs of the Jinsha Trading Company, how he had cowed the troublemakers.

He even embellished the part where Jin Mancang, the owner of Jinsha, personally came to apologize and offer compensation, telling it with great gusto.

He spoke with such excitement that he stood up to gesture, painting Chen Yuan as a heavenly warrior descending to earth and describing Jin Mancang's groveling terror in full detail.

The family listened, wide-eyed and gasping.

"...You should've seen it—that Jin Mancang was so scared he was sweating buckets, almost dropped to his knees. He insisted on shoving a big pouch of silver at me as an apology—I reckon it had to be at least this much!"

Chen Dajiang held up two fingers, gesturing excitedly.

"Brother Yuan just stood there, his expression not even changing, and said calmly, 'This matter ends here.' Jin Mancang acted like he'd received an imperial decree, thanking him profusely!"

"Tell me, isn't that impressive? Doesn't it feel satisfying?"

The family listened, stunned and gasping in amazement, their gazes once again snapping to Chen Yuan, brimming with indescribable excitement and pride.

Chen Yuan felt a bit embarrassed under the attention and smiled. "Second Uncle is exaggerating. They were just some bullies throwing their weight around. A little scare was enough to send them packing."

"Master Jin is a sensible man too—he knows the consequences of provoking a martial artist. It's good that everyone's safe and sound. Let's eat; the food's getting cold."

Though he downplayed it, his image in the family's hearts naturally grew taller and more dependable.

After the meal, the women cleared the dishes. Xiao Li, wearing her new cloak, sat contentedly on a small stool by the charcoal brazier, warming herself. She occasionally touched the soft fluff on her hat's brim, a happy smile blooming on her small face.

Seeing his family gathered together, the warmth and atmosphere just right, Chen Yuan cleared his throat and turned serious.

"Grandfather, Father..."

His gaze swept over each relative. "There are a few things I'd like to discuss with everyone."

The main hall fell silent. Everyone set down what they were doing and looked at him with puzzled eyes.