Chapter 227: The Most Beautiful Fireworks in Red Maple Village

Back home, Lin Heng turned on all the lights in the house and lit the fireplace.

Then he piled up a heap of charcoal and built a roaring fire, symbolizing a prosperous and thriving year ahead.

He used to think these customs were pointless and could be skipped. But later, he realized that life needs a sense of ritual. Without it, everything feels even more meaningless.

This is how life unfolds, slowly and steadily. To still love life after seeing its true nature—he only came to understand that as he got older.

“As the saying goes, fire on New Year’s Eve and lanterns on the Lantern Festival. Tonight is meant to be blazing bright.”

Once the fire was going strong, Lin Heng began telling Xiao Xia the story of the Nian Beast, a tale his own parents had told him when he was a child. Now, it was his turn to pass it on to his daughter.

After listening, Xiao Xia tilted her head and said, “Daddy, let’s go set off firecrackers to scare the Nian Beast away!”

“Sure, I’ll set off some fireworks for you.”

Lin Heng smiled and went inside to bring out a box of fireworks. It was already dark outside, the perfect time for a fireworks display.

He placed the fireworks just outside the courtyard gate, lit the fuse with a lighter, quickly shut the door, and ran back into the yard.

“Fireworks incoming!”

Lin Heng scooped Xiao Xia into his arms. With a loud boom, a firework shot into the sky and burst with a bang, blooming like a flower in the night.

These patterned fireworks were more expensive. Even the most basic ones weren’t cheap. Most villagers could only afford the kind that exploded with a loud bang but didn’t scatter into colorful patterns—commonly known as sky rockets.

So when Lin Heng’s beautiful fireworks lit up the sky, many villagers looked up to admire them.

“Look! So pretty!”

“Absolutely stunning!”

“Must be from Lin Heng’s house. Must be nice to have money.”

As exclamations rang out, most of the village looked up to enjoy the show. With no official fireworks display this year, everyone was counting on Lin Heng.

In the courtyard, Lin Heng held Xiao Xia in his arms, Xiulan leaned against him, and the three of them watched the dazzling fireworks together.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Lin Heng asked as they gazed at the sky.

“Beautiful!” Xiao Xia nodded vigorously.

Before long, the fireworks were finished, but Xiao Xia and Xiulan were still caught up in the moment.

“Want to see more?” Lin Heng asked with a smile. He still had seven big boxes of 49-shot fireworks in the house.

“Yes!” Xiao Xia said, pressing her cheek against his.

Xiulan nodded too—who wouldn’t want to see something so beautiful?

“Then let’s do it.”

Lin Heng went back inside and brought out another box. Soon, fireworks were soaring into the sky again, and the village children cheered. Xiao Xia was overjoyed.

After that box was done, Lin Heng didn’t light any more. Instead, he gave Xiao Xia a sparkler. Once it was lit, she ran happily around the courtyard waving it.

Lin Heng lit one for himself, and Xiulan lit two. They liked drawing circles in the air or simply watching the sparks burn down to nothing.

Back when they didn’t have fireworks, they’d light sticks and wave them around to create patterns in the air. But his mother would always scold him, warning that playing with fire would make him wet the bed.

He used to wonder why it was okay to play with fire on New Year’s Eve but not on other days. Later, he realized it was just an excuse to stop them from playing with fire.

Once their fireworks ended, other households began setting off firecrackers and sky rockets. The noise was deafening and the atmosphere lively.

Tired from playing, Xiao Xia went inside to chat with Jinbao. Lin Heng and Xiulan sat by the fire to warm themselves.

Knock knock knock!

“Second Uncle, dinner’s ready at our place. Come eat!”

It was almost 8 o’clock when the voice of his eldest nephew, Lin Wei, came from outside.

“Let’s go.”

Lin Heng didn’t hesitate. He took Xiao Xia and Xiulan with him. With Xiong Ba at home, all they had to do was lock the courtyard gate.

“This looks amazing!”

Lin Heng smiled as he looked at the spread on the table. Clearly, a lot of thought had gone into the meal.

“Nothing fancy. We just whipped it up quickly. I’ll go grab one more dish.” Liu Juan smiled and headed back into the kitchen.

“Wow, someone lit a bonfire in the village. It’s huge!”

Lin Heng had just sat down when Father Lin came in from outside.

“I was wondering about that glow in the sky—it’s a bonfire!” Mother Lin laughed.

Once everyone was seated and the drinks were poured, Lin Yue raised his glass and said, “Mom, Dad, little brother, Xiulan—let’s begin!”

They clinked glasses and started eating and chatting. On the table were deep-fried sweet potato balls made from sweet potatoes and glutinous rice flour—Xiao Xia loved them and kept eating one after another.

Lin Heng was more interested in the deep-fried stream rockfish. His sister-in-law had a knack for preserving food. This fish must have been caught in the summer and dried for storage.

During the New Year, just eating the dishes was enough to feel full. By the time they finished, it was already 9:30.

Stuffed and satisfied, they returned home. Tonight was for staying up late to welcome the new year, and with firecrackers going off everywhere, sleeping early wasn’t an option anyway.

The bedroom fireplace was blazing, and there was a brazier burning in the main hall.

Lin Heng and Xiulan brought in the wooden bathtub and heated water. The three of them took turns bathing—washing away the old year and welcoming the new one.

After the bath, with no TV to watch or radio to listen to, Lin Heng picked up a book and began reading to the two of them.

Now that they had electricity, he could’ve bought a black-and-white TV or a radio. Neither required internet, and the TV only needed a small satellite dish.

But he figured it could wait. Reading these books aloud was better than anything on TV. He planned to wait until around 1990 to get one.

“Daddy, I’m sleepy.”

It was past eleven, and Xiao Xia was starting to doze off, her voice soft and whiny.

“Just a little longer. Let’s play something else for a bit.”

Lin Heng thought for a moment. Midnight was almost here.

They played together until midnight. Then he tucked her into bed. No need for another bedtime story—she was asleep within moments.

“Let’s sleep too. We’ve got to go out early tomorrow for the first sunrise.”

Xiulan yawned, even though the firecrackers outside were still going strong.

“Alright.”

Lin Heng nodded, added more wood to the fireplace, and climbed into bed, wrapping his arms around Xiulan.

As midnight passed, the outside world quieted for a while. But they’d barely slept for three hours when the sound of firecrackers started again—someone trying to be the first to welcome the dawn.

They managed another hour of sleep. By 4 a.m., the firecracker noise was nonstop. Soon, they heard Father Lin and Mother Lin setting off theirs.

“Time to get up.”

Xiulan rolled into Lin Heng’s arms, patted his cheek, and smiled.

“Give me a kiss first.”

Lin Heng grinned and pulled her in for a long kiss.

Then they turned on the lights and got dressed. A new year called for new clothes, and they changed into fresh outfits from head to toe.

Lin Heng wore a black overcoat, brown trousers, and black boots.

Xiulan had on a white turtleneck sweater underneath a brown wool coat she’d never worn before, paired with black pants and mid-calf brown boots with fur trim.

After getting dressed and washed up, she sat in front of the mirror to apply eyeliner, foundation, and lipstick. When she turned around, Lin Heng was momentarily stunned—she looked breathtaking.

Her aura was especially graceful and composed, elegant and gentle. She didn’t look like a rural woman at all, but more like a beautiful, educated young lady.

Noticing Lin Heng staring, Xiulan leaned in playfully and asked, “So, do I look better with a high ponytail or with my hair down like this?”

Lin Heng glanced at her and said, “Let it down. I think your look today suits loose hair better. Worn down, it gives off a soft and elegant vibe. Tied up, it looks neat and capable. Depends on what kind of aura you want.”

“Then I’ll leave it down.”

Xiulan thought for a moment and replied. She had trimmed her hair a bit during their last trip to the city, so even when worn loose, it didn’t look messy.

“Either way, you look beautiful.” Lin Heng smiled and reached out to smooth a few stray strands of her hair.

After a brief pause, he suddenly bowed and said, “Happy New Year, my wife. Wishing you eternal youth, good health, and all the best in everything.”

“You sure have a sweet mouth. Here, a red envelope for you.”

Xiulan smiled gently and slipped a red envelope into Lin Heng’s pocket.

Then she clasped her hands together with a grin and said, “Happy New Year, my husband. Wishing you good health and a successful career.”

“You don’t even want to wish me to get more handsome?” Lin Heng held the red envelope and pretended to be upset.

Xiulan tilted her head and blinked playfully. “No need for that. If you get too handsome, others might start eyeing you. I prefer you to be mine and mine alone.”

As she spoke, she casually took the red envelope back from Lin Heng’s hand, then stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips, leaving a faint trace of lipstick.

“Alright, go pack more red envelopes. I’m going to get Xiao Xia dressed.”

She straightened his clothes as she spoke.

“Okay.”

Lin Heng licked his lips and went to prepare a bunch of red envelopes—some for the kids, some for the elders.

Xiao Xia was woken up and started crying groggily. She didn’t stop until Lin Heng told her she’d get a red envelope and could buy lots of candy.

“If you say ‘Happy New Year’ today, you’ll get a red envelope and can buy lots of sweets,” Xiulan said, gently stroking her little face.

Xiao Xia rubbed her nose and said with a sniffle, “Happy New Year~”

“Here, this one’s from Mommy. Say it to Daddy too, there’s more.” Xiulan handed her a red envelope with a full five yuan inside.

“Daddy, Happy New Year~” Xiao Xia turned to Lin Heng and said in her soft little voice.

“Happy New Year, my sweet girl. Wishing you a lifetime of health and happiness.”

Lin Heng handed her a big red envelope too.

Today, Xiao Xia was wearing a thick cotton coat in the Northeastern style, covered in large peony prints. She looked like a little lion.

By the time she got up and washed her face, it was already 5:30. The sky was still dark.

“Wow, what a heavy snowfall.” Lin Heng stepped outside and opened the door, stunned.

Though it was still before dawn, the world outside was blanketed in white, clear as day.

“It was just flurrying yesterday, but now it’s really snowing. That’s a good omen.”

Xiulan walked to the doorway with Xiao Xia and smiled.

“Yeah, a timely snow promises a good harvest. Let’s go open the heavens.”

Lin Heng nodded with a smile, went back inside, and brought out a square table to set up an offering to Heaven and Earth, facing the auspicious southeast direction for the day.

He opened the door, burned yellow paper, lit incense, and set off a string of 5,000 firecrackers and a box of 49-shot fireworks. This ritual was called “Opening the Wealth Gate.”

Once the three of them had finished bowing and offering their prayers, they were ready to head out.

First stop, of course, was his parents’ house. Though light snow was still falling, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

“Happy New Year, Grandpa and Grandma!”

Having just received her own red envelope, Xiao Xia had already mastered the art. She clasped her hands and bowed to the elders, asking for red envelopes like a pro.

“Happy New Year, Mom and Dad!”

Lin Heng and Xiulan greeted in unison.

“Thank you, my sweet granddaughter.”

“What a sweet little mouth.”

Mother Lin was overjoyed. She gave Xiao Xia a red envelope, and then handed one each to Lin Heng and Xiulan.

After receiving theirs, Lin Heng gave one to each of his parents in return and said with a smile, “These are for you, a little New Year’s respect.”

“Thank you, son.” Mother Lin accepted it cheerfully, not the least bit reserved.

Father Lin did the same. Red envelopes on the first day of the New Year were all about joy and celebration—of course they were meant to be accepted.

“Happy New Year, Brother and Sister-in-law! Wishing you good health and a love stronger than gold!”

Caiyun quickly chimed in from the side.

“Of course we’ve got one for you too.” Xiulan handed her a red envelope.

“Thank you, Sister-in-law. You’re the best. You’ll definitely stay young forever.” Caiyun grabbed Xiulan’s hand and beamed.

Just as she was basking in her joy, a soft little voice piped up beside her, “Happy New Year, Auntie!”

Caiyun patted her cheek and laughed. “Your auntie isn’t married yet, so I’m still a kid too. No red envelopes from me.”

Xiao Xia continued to bow. “Happy New Year, Auntie. Give me a red envelope~”

Caiyun had no choice. She turned and ran back to her room, and after a while, came out with a red envelope. “You win. This is the first red envelope I’ve ever given in my life. You better grow up healthy and smart.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Xiao Xia giggled and gave her a kiss.

“Happy New Year, Grandpa and Grandma! Wishing you good health and all the best!”

Before long, Lin Wei and Lin Tao came running in. They dropped to their knees and bowed, laughing as they asked for red envelopes.

After bowing to Father and Mother Lin, they turned to Lin Heng and Xiulan. “Happy New Year, Second Uncle and Second Aunt!”

“Here you go.” Their red envelopes had already been prepared.

After Father Lin, Mother Lin, Liu Juan, and Lin Yue exchanged red envelopes among themselves, Lin Heng said, “Alright, time to go pay our respects to Guanyin Laomu and pick up some fortune while we’re at it.”

Guanyin Laomu was, of course, a deity. Her temple stood on a mountain at the border between Red Maple Village and Shimen Village. It was an ancient shrine that had been there since Lin Heng was a child. Every year during the New Year, every household would go to burn incense and offer prayers.

“Yes, time to head out. It’s six o’clock,” Mother Lin nodded.

Everyone gathered their incense papers and firecrackers, then set out for the temple.

The sky was just beginning to lighten. They walked with flashlights in hand. The road was already filled with groups of people, all carrying incense and heading to worship Guanyin Laomu.

Lin Wei, Lin Tao, and the others took turns playing in the snow and setting off firecrackers. All the kids on the road were doing the same.

“Lin Xu’an, Happy New Year!”

“May the year treat you well!”

Along the way, Father Lin exchanged New Year greetings with others.

Lin Heng held Xiao Xia’s hand, while Xiulan and Caiyun linked arms. Everyone chatted and laughed as they walked. In the village, everyone knew each other, and greetings were exchanged with every passing face.

By the time they neared the temple, the sky had brightened considerably. The sun would probably rise soon, though with the snow, there’d be no sunrise to see today.

The temple of Guanyin Laomu was packed. Every year, not only the two villages, but even many people from Baima Village came up to offer incense.

The temple itself wasn’t grand. From afar, it looked like a small stone house perched on the mountaintop. The only striking feature was a six-sided incense burner beside it, ancient and solemn in style.

Lin Heng and the others waited a while before finally stepping into the temple. By then, daylight had fully broken, and the path was clearly visible.

The temple was tended by a sixty-year-old man from Shimen Village. Lin Heng and the others greeted him with a smile, then began lighting incense and burning offerings, paying their respects to Guanyin Laomu.

(End of Chapter)

— Translator’s Notes —

• Lantern Festival: The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, occurring on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is traditionally celebrated with lantern displays.

• Nian Beast: A mythical beast in Chinese folklore said to come out on New Year’s Eve to harm people and livestock. The traditions of using red decorations, firecrackers, and loud noises are said to have originated from scaring the Nian away.

• offering to Heaven and Earth: A traditional ritual performed on the first day of the Chinese New Year to pay respects to the gods of Heaven and Earth, praying for blessings and a prosperous year ahead.

• Opening the Wealth Door: A New Year’s custom where families open their doors at dawn, set off firecrackers, and make offerings to welcome wealth and good fortune into the home for the coming year.

• Guanyin Laomu: A reverent term for Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. ‘Laomu’ means ‘Old Mother,’ reflecting her role as a compassionate, maternal figure in Chinese folk religion.

• burning yellow paper: The practice of burning joss paper (or spirit money) as an offering to deities or ancestors. It is believed the smoke carries the offerings to the spiritual realm.