"Xiao Yuan, I really managed to eat it, and it didn’t make me feel sick at all!"
Aunt Liu makes incense the traditional way; although it’s not meant for eating, ingesting it doesn’t really do much. Hmm, especially with Run Sheng’s constitution, even if it has some effects, it’s practically negligible for him.
Run Sheng happily took a bite of the incense, then eagerly shoveled rice into his mouth, gleefully eating as if the incense stick was not incense at all, but a big leek perfect for complementing his meal.
Li Zhiyuan asked, "Brother Runsheng, want some sauce with that?"
"Sauce?" Run Sheng pondered for a moment, then vigorously nodded, "Yes, yes."
Aunt Liu stood up, went to the kitchen, and brought Run Sheng a bowl of salty sauce that was earlier served with congee, placing it on his small table.
Run Sheng dipped the big stick of incense into the sauce, took another bite, and enjoyed it so much that his eyebrows nearly flew upwards.
"Xiao Yuan, you’re amazing. This is so much tastier than waiting for the incense to burn out before eating."
Run Sheng seemed to have discovered a whole new world, eating with more gusto than ever.
Li Sanjiang downed a mouthful of white liquor, watching Run Sheng eat with such fervor he couldn’t help but laugh and curse:
"Damn it, I need to find a way to get you some authentic Northeastern soybean paste, that stuff makes everything taste good."
Li Zhiyuan took a sip of soup, looking towards Li Sanjiang, and asked, "Grandmaster, have you been to the Northeast?"
Li Sanjiang wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, sat with his legs apart, posing like a majestic eagle:
"Of course I have. Back in the day, I was conscripted into the military and sent straight to the Northeast. Later, it was thanks to my nimble legs that I ran all the way from the Northeast to Shanhaiguan."
Once Li Sanjiang started talking, it was hard for him to stop. He took another sip of liquor and continued:
"After crossing the pass, I planned to follow the railway southward back home. But before I got far, I was conscripted again; just one set of clothes pushed to the front lines to fight in the war.
But this time, I had experience. Taking advantage of the officer’s drunkenness, looking for a gap, I fled in the night with a group of soldiers.
By the time I nearly reached the Xuzhou region, home was in sight. Yet, I got caught again.
However, this time it was quick. The team I was with got scattered within three days. The platoon leader wanted to regroup us, but I stirred up trouble below, and no sooner had they nearly gotten it together than the entire platoon disbanded again.
Afterward, I became more cautious, not daring to follow the railway or main roads anymore. I took smaller paths where fewer people traveled to finally make it home.
Back at home, I couldn’t stay still, got conscripted again, but I had become skilled at slipping away. They would capture during the day, and I could slip back at night.
After that, though, once back home, I didn’t dare to wander thoughtlessly and had to hide until things calmed down."
Li Zhiyuan exclaimed, "Grandmaster, you’re truly incredible."
The Grandmaster had participated in all three major battles.
Although on the opposite side, he still continuously contributed to the frontline.
Li Sanjiang, touching his stubbly chin, humbly replied, "It was nothing, really, hehe."
By this time, Run Sheng had already eaten half a basin of rice, pausing for a brief rest. He chimed in:
"On my way here this morning, I ran into the folks setting up a movie screening. They said they’re showing a film tonight in the open space of the town center, called ’Scout Adventures on the Yangtze River.’
Xiao Yuan, are you going to watch it tonight?"
"Brother Runsheng, after we eat, we need to go to the Niu family in Shigang."
"No worries, no worries," Li Sanjiang waved off, "Just take care of that, and it should be quickly done. We should be able to make it back in time for the movie."
Li Zhiyuan looked at Alii sitting in front of him, knowing that she couldn’t handle being in a crowd of so many people:
"I’d better not go, I’ll stay home and read a book. Brother Runsheng and Grandmaster can go watch it."
At this moment, Liu Yumei suddenly spoke up, "Alii is going, even if we have to sit further away. She needs to see this movie."
Li Zhiyuan sensed a tremble in Liu Yumei’s voice. Turning to look, he found her eating her meal as normal, only with a hint of redness at the corners of her eyes.
This was the first time he had seen Liu Yumei lose her composure.
After the meal, Run Sheng wheeled out the household’s cart, on which Li Sanjiang and Li Zhiyuan sat.
Run Sheng pushed the cart steadily, with hardly any bumps felt, albeit the speed was somewhat slow.
"Marquis Runsheng, in the next few days, you should learn to ride a tricycle, those are faster."
"My lord, why don’t you buy a tractor? I should learn to drive that; it’s even faster."
"Do I look like a tractor to you?"
Run Sheng fell silent.
Li Sanjiang lit a cigarette and looked at Li Zhiyuan, asking, "Little Yuanhou, do you think our family should get a television?"
"If Grandmaster wants to watch it, then we can buy one."
"I’m asking what you think."
"Oh, I don’t have much time to watch TV."
With so many boxes of books waiting for him in the basement, where would he find the time to watch TV?
"You’re such a delicate child."
Li Sanjiang had wanted to get a TV to please his great-grandson, only to realize the kid didn’t seem very interested; aside from spending on his own purchases, he hardly even visited the local shop.
Meanwhile, Run Sheng pushing the cart was excited, "Buying a TV would be great, really great."
"Great my foot, push faster, do you still want to watch the movie tonight or not?"
When they reached the entrance of Niu Fu’s house, Li Sanjiang got off the cart earlier to straighten his clothes, then seriously took out his Peach Wood Sword and meticulously wiped it with a cloth.
After these preparations, he then entered the house of Niu Fu.
There to greet them were Niu Fu’s two sons and daughters-in-law. As soon as Li Sanjiang came in, they were very enthusiastic, offering tea and snacks.