Best Mom in the 60s
六零之穿成极品他妈
White-Robed Fairy
Translator: InkyDragon
Word count: 3,2k
Sorry for my absence; life happened all at once. 😛
Less than a month had passed, and the two thatched huts were already completed. Originally, Qian Ming Hua was going to help find bricks to cover the roof.
- “茅草房” (máocǎofáng) refers to a thatched hut, a traditional type of rural dwelling in China.
However, Qian Shu Lan intervened, recalling what her political teacher had told her in school: during the Great Steel Production Campaign, not only were farmers’ iron pots, ladles, and locks confiscated, but also the bricks from their houses were taken to build furnaces.
- (“大炼钢铁” (dà liàn gāngtiě) The Great Leap Forward (1958-1961) remains the largest episode of non-wartime mass killing in human history, and a clear example of the failures of socialism and economic central planning.
- Despite the harmful agricultural innovations, the weather was very favourable in 1958 and the harvest was also good. However, the amount of labour which was diverted to steel production and construction projects meant that much of the harvest was left to rot because it was not collected in some areas. As many as 45 million people died from diseases and famine resulting from Mao Zedong‘s failed attempt to convert small family farms to urbanised communes while simultaneously urging them into industrial production and away from agriculture.)
She didn’t want to go through the trouble of finding bricks only to have them taken away.
Qian Ming Hua saw that his aunt was adamant, so he could only give in.
On the day the house was completed, Qian Shu Lan not only prepared a sumptuous feast but also gave each of the strong labourers who came to help half a catty of sugar-coated fruits as a gift.
- “水果糖” (shuǐguǒ táng) refers to sugar-coated fruits, a type of traditional Chinese candy.
During a time when sugar was rationed, rural people were frugal and hesitant to waste money. Even at a relatively affordable price of one jiao per catty, they wouldn’t readily splurge on sugar-coated fruits.
However, Qian Shu Lan was determined to make her sugar-coated fruits a reality. She borrowed sugar rations from several neighbouring households, but she didn’t arrive empty-handed. As a token of appreciation, she offered each household two eggs in exchange for their sugar.
Some households had no children in school and therefore didn’t need stationery, so Qian Shu Lan would borrow their stationery rations and store them in her ring for later use. Her thrifty management had already yielded a substantial sum of 4,600 yuan.
All she was waiting for was the wheat to mature from Executor 153. Initially, she hadn’t considered posting a purchase notice in the market town, but she knew that trust was essential. Since Executor 153 had already assisted her with farming, it would be too costly to back out now. Moreover, Executor 153 had been kind to her, offering discounts on various medicines. Such a friend was worth cherishing.
The new house deserved a celebration, and the whole village was invited. Gifts of one or two jiao were customary, with closer kin like Qian Wei Han giving more – his two yuan being the most generous of all.
Wang Shou Zhi, the fifth son, became the designated accountant, while his brothers welcomed the guests. Daughters-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughters scurried about, washing dishes, serving food, and keeping teacups full.
Grandma Qian Shu Lan had laid down the law: no sneaky snacking! Anyone caught would face a dinner-less punishment. Even the mischievous Little Flower (Xiao-Lian) knew better than to test her grandmother’s seriousness.
To avoid temptation, a feast of meat dishes had been devoured the night before. A promise hung in the air – good behaviour and hard work would be rewarded with another delicious treat come evening. The children, their eyes gleaming with the prospect of another feast, readily agreed. Not a single crumb would be stolen today!
The second day arrived, bringing with it the tantalising aroma of stir-fried dishes. Despite the mouthwatering scents wafting through the air, the family remained strong, resisting the urge to sneak a taste.
Qian Shu Lan was aware that her family’s reputation, specifically her past behaviour, had portrayed a less-than-flattering image. Known for her sharp tongue and ability to silence even the most argumentative individuals, Qian Shu Lan had earned a reputation that kept most villagers steering clear. The only person who stood by her side was her brother, Qian Wei Han.
However, this village operated under an unspoken code. Celebrations, like the one at the Wang household, required attendance, even if it was just a formality. Villagers would appear, offer their congratulations, perhaps circle the new house, partake in the feast, and then depart with a pat on the back.
Initially, expectations for the Wang family’s feast were low. Memories of their previous banquet, held over a decade ago in their humble thatched hut, lingered. Eight meagre vegetarian dishes per table, each half the size of a normal serving, had left everyone feeling unsatisfied.
Today’s spread, however, was a revelation. It was a feast that made eyes widen and mouths water. Rumours had circulated about Qian Shu Lan’s newfound culinary generosity, with whispers of meat dishes gracing the family’s table every few days. The villagers initially dismissed these tales, assuming it was a ploy to garner help with the house construction. Yet, here they were, the house complete, and the generosity continued, leaving everyone pleasantly surprised.
Qian Shu Lan, oblivious to the village gossip, focused on her role as the head chef. Today’s feast held more significance than simply satisfying appetites; it was an opportunity to rewrite her narrative and rebuild her family’s standing within the community. She couldn’t afford any missteps.
The Wang family courtyard buzzed with activity. Two makeshift clay stoves, courtesy of Wang Shou Ren’s handiwork, stood proudly, each crowned with a borrowed iron pot. The crackling fires beneath them drew in a curious audience – the village children, their noses twitching at the delicious smells that filled the air.
Qian Shu Lan, the maestro behind this culinary symphony, was orchestrating a feast fit for a king. Four meat dishes, each promising a burst of savoury goodness, simmered alongside four refreshing cold dishes and eight vibrant vegetarian options.
Stewed pork belly mingled with potatoes (土豆炖腊肉) and green beans (腊肉炖豆角) in separate pots, while the aroma of homestyle yellow croaker fish (家常炖黄鱼) and minced pork with eggplant (肉沫茄子) danced on the breeze.
- Stewed pork belly mingled with potatoes (土豆炖腊肉)
- Stewed pork belly with green beans (腊肉炖豆角)
- homestyle yellow croaker fish (家常炖黄鱼)
- minced pork with eggplant (肉沫茄子)
Crisp cucumber salad (凉拌黄瓜), cold jelly salad (凉拌凉粉), shredded three delicacies salad (凉拌三丝), and celery salad (凉拌芹菜) offered a refreshing counterpoint to the richer dishes.
- Crisp cucumber salad (凉拌黄瓜)
- cold jelly salad (凉拌凉粉)
- shredded three delicacies salad (凉拌三丝)
- celery salad (凉拌芹菜)
A colorful medley of stir-fried mushrooms with bok choy(香菇菜心), shredded potatoes with green peppers (青椒土豆丝), stir-fried diced tofu (炒三丁), mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐), stir-fried green beans (炒豆角), stir-fried cucumber (炒黄瓜), stir-fried bean sprouts (炒豆芽), garlic chives with scrambled eggs (韭菜炒鸡蛋), and braised eggplant (红烧茄子) ensured there was something for everyone.
- stir-fried mushrooms with bok choy(香菇菜心)
- shredded potatoes with green peppers (青椒土豆丝)
- stir-fried diced tofu (炒三丁)
- mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐)
- stir-fried green beans (炒豆角)
- stir-fried cucumber (炒黄瓜)
- stir-fried bean sprouts (炒豆芽)
- garlic chives with scrambled eggs (韭菜炒鸡蛋)
- braised eggplant (红烧茄子)
Each dish, though simple and seasonal, spoke volumes of Qian Shu Lan’s thoughtfulness. Even the pancakes, a generous mix of corn and sorghum, were a testament to her desire to please.
As the feast drew to a close and guests moved to the courtyard, their eyes widened in surprise. Another table, laden with fresh dishes, awaited them. Warm greetings and compliments showered upon Qian Shu Lan, who beamed and joined in the conversation. The atmosphere crackled with newfound respect and camaraderie. Gone was the image of the stingy, sharp-tongued woman. In her place stood a generous host, quick to laugh and share a joke. The villagers’ perception of Qian Shu Lan had undergone a delicious transformation.
After the echoes of the banquet faded, the culinary delights still continued for the Wang and Qian families. True to her word, Qian Shu Lan presented a spread just as impressive as the one offered to their guests. There was no question of treating her own family with anything less than the best.
The children, weary from the day’s excitement, attacked their plates with gusto. The adults, engrossed in conversation at a separate table, paid them little mind, granting the youngsters a delightful sense of freedom.
Qian Shu Lan, ever the attentive host, kept Qian Wei Han’s plate full and encouraged her sons to take turns toasting their uncle. She knew her brother’s legendary ability to hold his liquor – the man could drink anyone under the table. And indeed, as the evening progressed, her sons succumbed to the effects of the celebratory drinks, while Qian Wei Han remained as clear-headed as ever.
Determined to see him at least a little tipsy, Qian Shu Lan took matters into her own hands. She poured his drinks, offering toasts to his health, longevity, and prosperity, even unearthing auspicious phrases to ensure good fortune. Her mind raced to come up with new and creative toasts, all met with a delighted grin from her brother. She had even splurged eight yuan on a bottle of Maotai, hoping its potent reputation would do the trick.
- (茅台酒 (Máotái jiǔ): Maotai liquor. Literally “Maotai liquor”. This refers to a type of distilled Chinese liquor produced in Maotai town in Guizhou province. It is renowned for its strong aroma, mellow taste, and long-lasting finish. Maotai is considered one of China’s national treasures and is often associated with special occasions, celebrations, and formal gatherings. It’s made from sorghum and other grains, undergoing a unique fermentation and distillation process, then aged in clay pots to enhance its flavour. Maotai liquor is highly valued and can be quite expensive, often regarded as a symbol of status and prestige in Chinese culture.)
Qian Wei Han, a connoisseur of fine liquor, already had a bottle of the prized Maotai tucked away. He and Qian Ming Hua would occasionally treat themselves to a few cups, savouring the exquisite taste. After a year of such indulgence, they still had half a bottle remaining. Today, they could finally drink to their heart’s content, and Qian Wei Han wasn’t about to refuse.
As the evening wound down, the other men, pleasantly inebriated, were escorted home by their wives. Zheng Kang helped Qian Shu Lan carry her brother, finally succumbing to the effects of the Maotai, back to the Qian household. Once they arrived, Zheng Kang quickly dropped the drunk uncle off and rushed back to his own home, where a feast of leftovers awaited him.
Qian Shu Lan settled her brother comfortably in bed and waited for the rest of the household to fall asleep. Under the cloak of midnight, she slipped out, leaving the main gate slightly ajar.
Back at home, she and her daughters-in-law tidied up the remnants of the day’s festivities before retiring for the night. But Qian Shu Lan’s night was far from over. At the stroke of midnight, she retrieved the beauty pill she had purchased for a hefty sum of 100 gold coins. Its effects were fleeting, lasting only an hour, making this a one-shot opportunity.
She donned a traditional ancient costume, an ethereal masterpiece acquired from 153. The pill had already worked its magic, restoring her youth and transforming her into a vision of delicate beauty. Her once greying hair now shone black and lustrous, and her figure had regained its pre-childbirth slenderness. With her long hair styled into a simple bun, reminiscent of actresses on television, she resembled a fairy from a forgotten tale. The petite beauty from the Jiangnan water town had been reborn.
- (江南 (Jiāngnán): Literally “South of the Yangtze River”. It refers to the region south of the Yangtze River in China, known for its picturesque scenery, rich cultural heritage, and prosperous economy. Jiangnan has been a source of inspiration for Chinese poets, artists, and writers for centuries, and it is often associated with beauty, elegance, and refinement.)
With a final glance in the mirror, Qian Shu Lan slipped out of the house, grateful that her family was sound asleep. She moved quickly, hoping to avoid any late-night encounters with villagers. But as fate would have it, just as she approached the Qian household courtyard, she noticed a figure emerging in the distance, seemingly staring in her direction.
Although the dim light obscured the person’s face, Qian Shu Lan recognized the height and build of her late husband’s younger brother, Wang Shou Quan. What was he doing out so late?
Their eyes met, and Wang Shou Quan froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. Was that… the White-Robed Fairy standing before him? He blinked, shook his head, but the vision remained. A girl, dressed in ancient attire, stood at the entrance of the Qian household.
He cautiously approached, but before he could reach her, the girl offered a faint smile and vanished into thin air. Wang Shou Quan stumbled, grasping at empty space, his heart pounding. He looked around, bewildered and alone. Had he seen a ghost? A shiver ran down his spine as he scrambled to his feet and dashed home, tripping over his own feet in his haste.
Qian Shu Lan, now safely inside the courtyard, chuckled to herself. Sleepwalking, perhaps? She gently pushed open the gate and then the door to her brother’s room. His sleeping position had dramatically changed since she last saw him. The quilt lay abandoned on the floor, and his head teetered precariously at the edge of the bed.
A mischievous smile played on her lips as she tapped his forehead. “Wake up, A’Cang, wake up quickly!”
- “阿” (Ā): This character is often used to create a sense of closeness or affection when attached to a name. It can suggest a familiar or beloved quality.
- “仓” (Cāng): This character represents a storehouse or barn, symbolising abundance or provision.
- When combined, “阿仓” (Ācāng) could be interpreted as “beloved abundance” or “cherished provision,” reflecting a wish for plentiful blessings and a life filled with prosperity and care.
Qian Wei Han stirred, feeling a dull ache throbbing in his head. A soft, familiar voice called to him, warm and comforting like their mother’s.
His heart leaped in his chest as he jolted awake.
A young woman stood beside his bed, dressed in flowing white robes and an ancient hairstyle. Her features were clear and bright, and there was a strange familiarity about her.
“Who are you?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep and confusion. Was he dreaming? Had a fairy visited him in his sleep?
“A’Cang, you’re finally awake,” the woman said, her voice warm and filled with affection.
The endearment, a relic from his childhood, stirred something deep within him. He blinked, trying to clear his blurry vision.
“You are…?” Only his little sister dared to call him by that name.
But his sister was well into her fifties, her hair streaked with grey, unlike this youthful figure before him.
“A’Cang, it’s me, your mother!” she said, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
The words sent a jolt through him. His mother? How could she appear so young? No, that wasn’t possible. His mother had passed away long ago. He studied her face, recognizing the resemblance to his sister. Time had blurred his memories of his mother, but he recalled a similarity between the two. Seeing this familiar face, he couldn’t help but believe.
Before he could speak, the woman’s eyes filled with tears as she gazed at him. “A’Cang, you’ve aged so much,” she sighed, her voice laced with sorrow.
He stared back, her words echoing in his mind. At fifty-four, wasn’t this the natural course of life? Yet, her youthful presence made him acutely aware of the years etched upon his face.
“I’ve become a deity in the underworld,” she continued, “and I’ve obtained these pills from the heavens. The white ones bring youth, the green ones grant longevity. You and your sister will each receive two.”
He longed to speak, to ask questions, but she raised a hand, silencing him. A small vial landed on his bed. “I’ve tended to your sister’s body. Her constitution is weak, so make sure she takes the longevity pills. If you ever need my help, have her light three incense sticks, and I will come.”
- ((阴 – yīn): Refers to the yin energy or the feminine aspect in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, associated with qualities like darkness, passivity, and coldness.)
“Mother, please stay a little longer,” Qian Wei Han pleaded, his voice thick with emotion. He couldn’t bear to see her go so soon.
“A’Cang, I cannot linger in the mortal realm. Take care of yourself and your sister,” she replied, her voice filled with love and concern.
As she spoke, her youthful visage began to fade, wrinkles etching themselves onto her face with each passing moment.
Panic seized Qian Wei Han. “Mother! Mother!” he cried out, his voice raw with desperation.
His throat tightened, his head pounded, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him. He wasn’t dreaming. He jolted awake, the image of his youthful mother replaced by his wrinkled sister, now lying unconscious on the floor beside his bed.
He scrambled to pull her onto the bed, his heart pounding with fear. He checked her breathing, sighing with relief when he felt the faint rise and fall of her chest. He shook her gently, calling her name, but she remained unresponsive.
Despair washed over him, but then his eyes fell upon a jade-white bottle nestled among the bedsheets, emitting a soft glow in the moonlight. He reached out, his fingers brushing against its icy surface. It was real. This was no dream.
He uncorked the bottle, pouring its contents into his palm. Four pills, the size of soybeans, rolled out – one white, three green. They shimmered like tiny crystals, radiating a soft light. These were no ordinary pills.
Understanding dawned on him, and his heart soared with hope. Were these pills truly rejuvenation pills? Longevity pills? Could they possess such miraculous powers?
Without hesitation, he picked up the white pill and swallowed it.
…
For the next half hour, a wave of warmth spread through Qian Wei Han’s body, followed by a surge of exhilaration. He reached out, his hand trembling, and touched his little brother, tears of joy and disbelief streaming down his cheeks.
Qian Shu Lan, who had been pretending to sleep all along, peeked open an eye to witness her brother’s overwhelming emotions. Her heart swelled with warmth. She knew how much he had longed for this moment, and seeing him finally experience it was truly heartwarming.
The word “ecstatic” hardly captured the feeling of finally achieving something you had yearned for relentlessly.
Qian Wei Han was bursting with excitement, eager to share the good news with his sister. But seeing her fast asleep, he couldn’t wake her no matter how hard he tried. He had no choice but to suppress his excitement and hold onto the medicine bottle in his hand.
The realisation that their mother had become a celestial being was almost too much to comprehend. And if the rejuvenation pill held such power, could the longevity pill be just as miraculous?
Driven by curiosity and newfound hope, he retrieved a green pill and swallowed it.
Within half an hour, a surge of vitality coursed through his veins. He felt rejuvenated, his body brimming with the vigour of his youth. Though his face remained weathered by time, it was as if he wore a new garment beneath the old, worn fabric – a renewed spirit within his ageing shell.
─── ❖ ── ☆ ── ❖ ───
( )………( )
(๑✪ᆺ✪๑)
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