Chapter 228: Some Things Can’t Be Changed, Even After Rebirth

Lin Heng prayed mostly for peace and good health. He didn’t care much about anything else, and certainly never prayed for wealth.

By the time they were burning the yellow paper offerings, daylight had already broken. A few women from the village stood nearby, chatting as they waited. Aside from the usual New Year greetings, it was mostly mutual flattery—complimenting each other’s shoes or how nice someone’s clothes looked.

But when Xiulan arrived, the women suddenly felt awkward about continuing their praise. The difference between them was just too stark.

A woman from Shimen Village who didn’t recognize her whispered, “Is she a city girl? She’s dressed so beautifully.”

“She’s not from the city. She’s Lin Heng’s wife from Red Maple Village. He’s the one who bought stone from your village. That young man in black over there is him,” someone explained, pointing to Lin Heng not far away.

“Oh wow, that young man is quite handsome too. No wonder his wife is so pretty.”

“He’s so young—how is he already so wealthy?”

“He made money hunting and stockpiling Sanghuang mushrooms. He even opened a procurement station and a store. Comparing people just makes you feel miserable.”

“No wonder…”

“So envious.”

“Look at his parents too. Their clothes are clearly made of good fabric and the styles are all so new…”

As the women gossiped, those around them couldn’t help but glance over with envy. But with all the chatter, Lin Heng and the others didn’t notice. He was busy burning the offerings and getting ready to head home.

However, those standing nearby—Jin Yan, Li Caifeng, Liu Lan—heard every word loud and clear, and their feelings were complicated.

Just half a year ago, they had been mocking Chen Xiulan, openly or behind her back, for not being able to afford new clothes. Now, compared to her, they felt like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden—completely out of their depth.

“We’re done burning. Let’s go wait for Mom and Dad over there,” Xiulan said after finishing the paper offerings.

“Alright.”

Lin Heng nodded, carrying Xiao Xia in his arms as he walked with Xiulan to a nearby platform to wait for the others. His parents were still waiting for protective charms, which took a bit longer.

After a while, the sky was fully bright, and light snow began to fall. Looking out, the mountains were blanketed in white. It was a breathtaking sight—thousands of miles of frozen land, snow drifting as far as the eye could see.

The trees on the mountain looked like they were blooming with white flowers, and only the Shiban River down below remained unfrozen. The flowing water was like a silver ribbon, its crisp sound like the soft singing of a snow goddess.

Xiao Xia reached out her little hands to catch the snowflakes. Xiulan exhaled warm breath as she gazed into the distance. Snowflakes landed on her waist-length black hair, adding a touch of icy elegance to her beauty.

Noticing people occasionally staring at her, Xiulan turned to face the mountain view and muttered, “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have dressed so nicely. It’s uncomfortable being stared at.”

Lin Heng chuckled. “Maybe they’re looking at me. I’m pretty good-looking too, you know.”

Xiulan glanced at him without saying a word, but her expression said it all.

“Alright, let’s head home,” said Father Lin as he and the others finally came out and saw the three of them waiting.

“Okay.”

The three nodded and began making their way down the winding mountain path.

Before long, they reached the main road.

“Everyone pick up some ‘wealth’ to take home,” Father Lin said, picking up a stick from an oak tree.

Picking up firewood symbolized picking up wealth. On the first day of the New Year, everyone had to bring a stick back home.

“We’re still far from home, no rush,” Lin Heng said, spreading his hands. In this freezing weather, carrying a cold stick wasn’t exactly pleasant.

“Exactly,” Lin Wei and the others quickly chimed in.

Mother Lin looked at Lin Heng and asked, “Are we still going to visit your uncles this morning?”

Lin Heng looked up at the sky. “Let’s go. The snow’s not that heavy—it should be fine.”

“Then let’s go. We have to anyway, no getting out of it,” Lin Yue agreed.

Mother Lin nodded. “Alright, I’ll cook some dumplings when we get back, then we’ll head out.”

No one objected, and they picked up the pace on the way home.

On the road back, they passed groups of people—some heading home, others going up the mountain.

By the time they reached home, everyone had picked up a stick. Their hair and shoulders were dusted white with snow, making them look as if they’d aged in an instant.

Lin Heng regretted not having a camera. Xiulan, with snow covering her hair, had a unique kind of beauty.

“It’s freezing. Good thing we’ve got the fireplace going,” Xiulan said as she rushed inside, grabbed a towel to wipe the snow off her head, then helped dry off Lin Heng and Xiao Xia. After that, they all gathered around the fireplace to warm their hands and feet.

Once they were warm, the couple went to feed the livestock and pets. On the first day of the New Year, they couldn’t let them go hungry.

The dogs and cats got an all-meat meal today—no scraps or leftovers.

After feeding the animals, Lin Heng and Xiulan packed up gifts: a bottle of Sanliang Liquor and a box of biscuits for each of his uncles, and a pack of milk powder plus a box of biscuits for his grandmother.

“Lunch is ready, Second Brother,” said Caiyun as she pushed the door open just as they finished packing.

“Coming.”

They all headed over quickly.

Mother Lin had already scooped out the dumplings and poured vinegar soup over them. All they had to do was eat.

“These are delicious,” Lin Heng said after trying one. The filling was pork and green onion, hand-chopped for a chunky texture that made each bite flavorful and satisfying.

“I put a coin in one. Whoever finds it gets a red envelope,” Mother Lin announced as everyone started eating.

The kids, especially Lin Wei and the others, got excited at the mention of a red envelope and began gobbling down dumplings.

“I got it! I got it, Grandma!” Lin Tao shouted a moment later, running over to his grandma with a coin still wet from his mouth.

“Here you go. Study hard this year,” Mother Lin said, pulling a bill from her pocket and handing it to him.

“I want a red envelope too~” Xiao Xia said softly, tilting her head and pouting.

“We’ll have more dumplings tonight. You’ll get your chance,” Lin Heng said, patting her head with a smile.

He had already finished eating and was now feeding his daughter with chopsticks.

“Alright, let’s head out,” someone said.

After finishing lunch, they all set off to visit Lin Heng’s uncles.

Lin Heng grabbed the gifts, locked the door, and they were on their way. He didn’t take Xiong Ba with him this time, leaving the dog at home to guard the house.

Lin Heng and Xiulan led the way, followed by his Elder Brother, with their parents bringing up the rear.

To get to his uncles’ homes, they had to cross two and a half mountains. Their homes were in the Shuijinggou area. In normal weather, it would take thirty to forty minutes to get there, but with today’s snow, it would probably take an hour.

“Gaa-gaa-gaa!”

“What a huge pheasant!”

Just as they crested the hill northwest of their house, a massive pheasant suddenly took flight, flapping its wings a few times before vanishing into the snowy forest.

“With all this snow, there’s nothing to eat up here. Even the pheasants are heading downhill,” Lin Heng remarked, holding Xiao Xia as they continued forward.

The heavy snow made it a perfect day for hunting, but Lin Heng had no desire to go up the mountain. It was just too cold.

After climbing up and down the hills, everyone was sweating despite the cold. The exertion was intense, though their hands and feet remained chilly.

The mountain paths weren’t difficult to walk, and every time they stopped to rest, they were awestruck by the snowy scenery.

“Ah! Lin Wei, you’re in trouble now, I’m telling you!”

“Auntie, I’m sorry! I really am!”

Laughter rang out from behind as Caiyun and the others teased Lin Wei, who had kicked a tree and sent a pile of snow tumbling onto someone’s head.

After Caiyun finished teasing him, she still wasn’t satisfied and sneaked off to mess with his grandparents too.

Before long, she was caught by Caiyun and given a proper scolding. Each of them got a smack on the butt.

Bang!

Lin Heng kicked a tree, watching the snow fall with a look of pure contentment. He used to play like this too, though now he only kicked trees that no one was near.

“Nice one!” Xiao Xia clapped her hands and cheered.

Xiulan shook her head slightly and said with a smile, “Just like a kid.”

“I can act even more childish, you wanna see?” Lin Heng grinned, holding up his cold hands.

“No no no, I was wrong, hubby!”

Seeing Lin Heng’s “demonic claws” reaching toward her, Xiulan quickly begged for mercy. Then, taking advantage of his momentary distraction, she slipped a small snowball down the back of his neck and darted away.

Caught off guard by the icy shock, Lin Heng shivered and immediately took off after her, leaving Xiao Xia behind.

“Oh, you’re in for it now. Today, I’m gonna make the Big White Rabbit taste some snow too!” Lin Heng shouted as he chased her.

Knowing she was no match for Lin Heng, Xiulan started pleading, “I’m sorry, hubby! I really won’t do it again!”

“Nope, I need to return the favor with some ice of my own.” Lin Heng wasn’t about to let her off so easily.

“Look! Xiao Xia fell down!” Xiulan suddenly said with a serious tone.

Lin Heng turned to look, and just then, a snowball smacked him right in the lower back. When he looked back at Xiulan, she was already far away, flashing a mischievous grin as she ran.

“You’re dead meat, wife.”

Lin Heng shot her a fierce glare, then turned back to pick up Xiao Xia and their things. He couldn’t just leave her unattended.

With everything in hand, they continued on. Xiulan walked far ahead, calling out for mercy now and then. Lin Heng only smiled without answering, even egging Xiao Xia on to throw snowballs at her.

Before long, a house came into view. Built from yellow earth with black ceramic tiles now blanketed in snow, part of the roof had melted from the rising heat inside, revealing its original color.

Behind the house stretched a lush green bamboo grove. In front, terraced fields were planted with wheat and rapeseed. With snow falling over the scene, it looked like a celestial abode—breathtakingly beautiful.

Just then, Lin Wei and the others caught up from behind. Lin Heng’s two uncles, hearing the commotion, came out of the house. Though they were still a few hundred meters away, Lin Heng could clearly sense their joy.

Xiulan waited for Lin Heng in the bend near the house. She knew they were about to meet the elders, so Lin Heng wouldn’t have time to get his revenge.

“I’ll carry Xiao Xia.”

She walked over, took Xiao Xia in her arms, and gave Lin Heng a playful wink.

Naturally, Lin Heng didn’t mess around at that moment. He straightened his clothes and walked over with her.

“Happy New Year, Eldest Uncle, Third Uncle.”

Looking at the familiar house and familiar faces, Lin Heng greeted them with a smile.

Xiulan followed suit, wishing them a happy new year and prompting Xiao Xia. Xiao Xia glanced at the two men and said in her soft baby voice, “Happy New Year, Eldest Granduncle, Third Granduncle.”

“Ah, good, good! Happy New Year, Xiao Xia. Come on in, you must be freezing.”

Lin Heng’s eldest uncle, Lu Honghai, smiled and patted Lin Heng on the shoulder.

“We’re fine, walking keeps us warm,” Lin Heng replied with a smile.

“Your parents didn’t come?” Third Uncle Lu Honggang asked curiously.

“They’re here too, probably still on the way.”

Lin Heng smiled as he responded. After entering the house and putting down their things, he added, “These two identical ones are for you, Eldest Uncle and Third Uncle. The one with the formula is for Grandma.”

“You’re bringing gifts to your uncles’ house? It’s your own home too,” Eldest Uncle said with mock reproach. But seeing what Lin Heng brought—clearly not cheap—he felt a warm joy inside. All the love he’d shown his nephew over the years hadn’t been in vain.

“That’s exactly why I brought them—because you’re family. And it’s not easy for you to come down the mountain,” Lin Heng replied with a grin. His uncles had always treated him well. When he was a kid, they even carved him a wooden sword, which made him the envy of the village for months.

After a few pleasantries, Third Uncle Lu Honggang poured honey water for the three of them and said, “You came at the right time. A few days ago, we hunted a muntjac. We’re in for a feast today.”

“That’s great to hear.” Lin Heng smiled. He remembered that when he was little, his uncles would always invite the family over for a meal whenever they caught game.

“By the way, Third Uncle, where’s Grandma?”

Lin Heng took a sip of water and asked.

“She’s in the back room by the fire. I made her some lingzhi tea with the mushrooms I found. Her health has been much better lately,” Lu Honggang said, pointing toward the back.

“I’ll go check on her.”

Lin Heng nodded and stood up. Xiulan carried Xiao Xia, and the three of them headed to the other room with the stove.

As soon as Lin Heng entered, he saw his frail grandmother. She wore a patched indigo cotton jacket. Her eyes were sunken, her face deeply wrinkled, and she sat hunched by the fire. When she saw the three of them, she paused, seemingly not recognizing them.

“Happy New Year, Grandma. It’s me, your grandson Hengwa,” Lin Heng said loudly by her ear.

A few seconds passed before a smile slowly spread across the old woman’s face. She reached out and grabbed Lin Heng’s arm. “Hengwa! Happy New Year! You came to see your grandma—good, good!”

She trembled all over, but her joy was unmistakable. At seventy-six, she was considered very long-lived for this era.

“Yes, we came to wish you a happy new year. This is your granddaughter-in-law, Xiulan, and this is your great-granddaughter, Xiao Xia.”

Lin Heng pointed to Xiulan and Xiao Xia as he introduced them. His grandmother had only met them once, and he figured she probably didn’t remember.

“Happy New Year, Grandma,” Xiulan said with a smile, leaning close to her ear.

Under Lin Heng’s guidance, Xiao Xia also said, “Happy New Year, Great-Grandma!”

The old woman took a full eight or nine seconds before she smiled and nodded. “Good, good! Xiao Xia’s grown so big already. Last time I saw her, she couldn’t even talk. Time really flies.”

What surprised Lin Heng and Xiulan was that the old woman actually remembered Xiao Xia. It was incredible.

“She’s so fair and pretty, just like my granddaughter-in-law,” the old woman said, touching Xiao Xia’s cheek and then pulling Xiulan closer with a smile.

Xiulan blushed sweetly at the compliment, while Xiao Xia stared wide-eyed at the unfamiliar old woman, seemingly puzzled by her aged appearance and the wrinkles covering her face.

Lin Heng helped his grandmother sit down again. She trembled as she asked, “Hengwa, your mom and dad didn’t come? I’ve missed your mom so much. I even brewed a jar of thick rice wine for her.”

“They’re coming, they’ll be here soon,” Lin Heng quickly replied. Looking at his grandmother, he felt a surge of emotion and helplessness.

He was moved because, even in her condition, she still cared so deeply for him and his mother. But he also felt powerless—he could only watch her age and decline, unable to change anything.

His grandmother had lived a hard life, bullied by his grandfather for decades. Whenever he drank, he’d beat and curse her. Yet she managed to raise six children, including Lin Heng’s mother and uncles, by working like an ox her whole life.

It wasn’t until after his grandfather passed that she finally got a few years of peace. But not long after, illness struck. The injuries and strain from her younger years finally caught up with her.

Many in the village called her weak. Lin Heng used to think so too. But after gaining more life experience and perspective, he realized she wasn’t weak—she had just married a terrible man.

She was gentle and kind, like water. Even when beaten and scolded by her husband, she never took it out on her children. She always showed love and care to her children and grandchildren, saving the best for them and never keeping anything for herself.

Seeing her like this, Lin Heng felt a storm of emotions. In the face of such things, he realized that even being reborn couldn’t change everything.

(End of Chapter)

— Translator’s Notes —

• Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden: A reference to a character from the classic Chinese novel ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ (also known as ‘The Story of the Stone’). Granny Liu is a simple country woman who visits the luxurious Jia family mansion, feeling overwhelmed and out of place. The phrase is used to describe someone from a humble background being astonished by luxury and sophistication.

• pick up some ‘wealth’: Refers to the Chinese New Year tradition of picking up firewood (柴 cái) because the word sounds similar to ‘wealth’ (财 cái). Bringing firewood home on New Year’s Day symbolizes bringing wealth and prosperity into the household for the coming year.

• red envelope: A red envelope (红包 hóngbāo) is a monetary gift given during holidays or special occasions, most commonly during Chinese New Year. The red color symbolizes good luck and is meant to ward off evil spirits.

• lingzhi tea: Lingzhi (灵芝), also known as reishi mushroom, is a fungus highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to promote longevity, boost the immune system, and have various health benefits. Drinking it as tea is a common way to consume it.