Chapter 112: Open-Air Toilet

Chapter 112: Open-Air Toilet

The Winter Solstice, also known as the Sun South Solstice, Winter Festival, and Sub-Year, holds both natural and cultural significance. It is not only one of the 24 solar terms but also a traditional Chinese festival for ancestor worship. As one of the four major seasonal festivals, the Winter Solstice is regarded as a significant winter celebration. In ancient times, people considered it as important as the New Year.

The customs of the Winter Solstice vary across regions. In southern China, it is customary to worship ancestors and feast, while in the north, people traditionally eat dumplings. In Bobai County, the Winter Solstice is marked by making rice dumplings to honor ancestors.

These dumplings, known as "Poshuiguai" (Water-Splash Delights) or "Luoshuigou" (Savory Soaked Dumplings), are a distinctive delicacy in Bobai County.. Like dumplings in the north, almost any woman who has spent time in the kitchen can make them.

Last night, after the Zhang family discussed the future paths for Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin, Mrs. Zhang prepared glutinous rice and sticky rice, soaking them overnight. Early this morning, she ground them into flour using a stone mill.

The process of making the dumplings involved boiling part of the glutinous rice flour and sticky rice flour, kneading it into small pieces, and then cooking them in boiling water. These cooked pieces, called "cooked pieces," were then mixed with raw rice flour and cold water, kneaded until the dough no longer stuck to the hands.

Next came the filling. Like dumplings, the fillings varied depending on the family's financial situation or personal taste. The Zhang family's filling consisted of eggs, pork, and the indispensable garlic. The eggs were fried into an omelet, chopped, and mixed with stir-fried pork and garlic. Seasonings were added, and the mixture was stir-fried until evenly cooked.

With the filling ready, the family began wrapping the dumplings. Zhang Xiuping worked alongside her two sisters-in-law and her mother. Almost every household in New Dock Village was busy making glutinous rice dumplings.

As the four women worked, Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin returned from their trip to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to inquire about obtaining a business license.

Zhang Xiuping asked eagerly, "Big Brother, Second Brother, how did it go? Can you get the license to open a shop?"

Zhang Shouguo shook his head. "The staff at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau said the bureau leader went to the county a few days ago to attend the first session of the Seventh People's Congress. The meeting just ended yesterday, and the leader hasn't returned yet. We'll have to wait until he's back to find out if it's possible."

Zhang Xiuping nodded. "I see. When you take me back the day after tomorrow, you can go and ask again."

Zhang Shouguo agreed. "That's the only way."

Mrs. Zhang called out, "Now that everyone's back, let's start cooking."

The family's attention turned to the dumplings. Seeing the bamboo lids filled with white dumplings, everyone's mouths watered. These dumplings were a rare treat, usually made only for special occasions like the Winter Solstice or Guanyin's birthday.

Since the filling was already cooked, the dumplings only needed to be steamed or boiled. In less than ten minutes, the Zhang family sat down to eat. Each adult held a large bowl filled with at least five or six dumplings, while the children had smaller portions.

Zhang Xiuping ate five dumplings before setting her bowl down, feeling satisfied but not overly full.

"Xiuping, do you want more?" Mrs. Zhang asked.

"No, I'm full. You all eat," Zhang Xiuping replied.

Zhang Zhenfa, who often engaged in physical labor, had a hearty appetite. After finishing six dumplings, he served himself five more and continued eating. His sons, Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin, ate even more, consuming thirteen and fourteen dumplings respectively. Even the younger brothers, Zhang Shoujun and Zhang Shoushan, managed to eat ten each.

After the meal, Zhang Xiuping felt the need to use the toilet. However, the thought of the dirty, smelly pit made her stomach churn. During her three days at the Deng family's home, she had grown accustomed to using a clean, odorless bathroom. Returning to the filthy pit was unbearable.

After some thought, Zhang Xiuping decided to follow the men's example and use the open-air toilet in the mountains. However, she wouldn't dare to go alone and decided to bring her two younger sisters along.

An hour later, the three sisters stood atop a hill.

Zhang Xiuping and her sisters carefully scanned the area to ensure no one was around. Ou Guofang blushed and asked, "Sister Ping, do we really have to do this here?"

It was Zhang Xiuping's first time using an open-air toilet, and she too felt embarrassed. "Afang, don't you think the air here is fresher? It's much more comfortable than the pit. I really can't stand that smell anymore. I'm afraid I'll vomit if I have to use it again."

Ou Guohua added shyly, "Sister Ping is right. It's definitely more comfortable here than in the pit, but it's still embarrassing if someone sees us."

Zhang Xiuping's heart raced with nervousness. "It's true that it's unfamiliar, but as long as no one's around, there's nothing to be shy about. I'm really in a hurry now. I'll go over there, and you two find your own spots."

With that, Zhang Xiuping walked to a secluded patch of grass, used a stick to clear the area, and then began her first open-air toilet experience. Seeing their sister take the lead, the Ou sisters overcame their hesitation and found their own spots to relieve themselves.

A few minutes later, the three sisters regrouped, their faces flushed.

Zhang Xiuping asked, "A fang, A hua, how do you feel?"

Ou Guofang replied with a strange expression, "Very... exciting, and very comfortable!"

Ou Guohua added, somewhat embarrassed, "Sister Ping, if someone sees what we left behind, wouldn't that be embarassing?"

Zhang Xiuping blinked. "A hua, didn't you cover it with some branches and leaves?"

Realizing her oversight, Ou Guohua quickly broke off some branches and leaves to cover the evidence, then sighed in relief.

The three sisters exchanged glances, burst into laughter, and fled the scene.

(End of Chapter)