flstandardbreds Chapter 112 Worshiping Father
Chapter 112 Worshiping Father
Time is like a slowly flowing stream in winter, silently taking away the traces of time, but leaving a deep mark on every important node.
On the day of Little New Year, as the sky barely broke into a pale sky, Li Xiaoxiao quietly climbed out of her warm bed, fearing to disturb her family who were still soundly asleep. Outside the window, there was complete silence, with only the occasional crowing of roosters and the faint barking of dogs in the distance, reminding everyone that a new day had begun.
She dressed neatly, put on a thick cotton coat, tiptoed to the kitchen, and began to prepare breakfast for the day.
For Li Xiaoxiao's family, Xiaonian (Little New Year) is more than just a holiday; it's a place of emotional sustenance, a solace for the hard work of the past year and a beautiful anticipation for the future. Li Xiaoxiao remembers that in modern times, her father was always the first to rise at this time each year, busy arranging ancestral worship. His piety and reverence instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of family heritage from a young age.
Today was no exception. Bai went to the town yesterday to buy incense, oil, and paper money, preparing to worship Li Shan on the day of the Little New Year.
In the kitchen, Li Xiaoxiao skillfully lit a fire and boiled water, then took out the glutinous rice, red dates, lotus seeds and other ingredients that had been prepared in the cupboard and began to make eight-treasure rice.
Every grain of glutinous rice was carefully selected, and every red date was plump and bright red. She stirred them attentively, as if this could incorporate her longing for her father into the mixture, allowing this sweetness to travel through time and space and be conveyed to her father far away in heaven.
As the sun gradually rose higher, the rest of the family woke up one after another. When the mother walked into the kitchen and saw Li Xiaoxiao busy at work, her eyes couldn't help but turn red.
She gently patted Li Xiaoxiao's shoulder, silently conveying her support and comfort. Li Xiaoxiao turned around and gave her mother a warm smile, which showed both strength and infinite hope for the future.
After breakfast, the whole family started to get busy, cleaning the house, pasting Spring Festival couplets, and hanging lanterns. Every task was full of ritual.
Li Xiaoxiao, along with her younger brother and sister, hung up the lanterns they had bought in town the day before. Whenever the wind blew, the lanterns swayed gently, like their father silently guarding their home from afar.
After lunch, Bai took Miss Li and her two brothers and sisters to the small hill opposite, braving the sun and cold wind. Along the way, even Li Fang and Li Linlin were silent.
"Mom, I miss Dad," Li Linlin said softly.
Bai touched Li Linlin's head and said softly, "Daddy is watching us from heaven. I believe he misses us as much as we miss him."
Climbing the hill, Mrs. Bai led a few people to Li Shan's grave. "Master, time flies! Another year has already passed without us noticing. Mrs. Bai and I have lit incense and brought the children to visit you. Are you doing well over there? Don't worry, we are doing well. Xiaoxiao has found her home and will be getting married after the New Year. I really can't bear to let her go..." Mrs. Bai gently stroked Li Shan's tombstone with her hand, mumbling to herself, as if she had a lot to say.
After a while of nagging, Bai led Li Xiaoxiao and her brother to kneel and kowtow. Li Xiaoxiao gazed at her father's name on the tombstone, her eyes filled with longing. She silently recounted the details of her life, assuring her father that everything was fine at home.
After the memorial service, the family slowly descended the mountain. Despite their heavy hearts, they knew life had to go on. Li Xiaoxiao looked up at the sky and vowed to herself to give her family a better life.
She held the hands of Bai and her younger brothers and sisters tightly, as if she had gained infinite strength. The New Year was approaching, and this family would also usher in a new beginning.
After returning home, Li Xiaoxiao went to her uncle's house to play with Bai Shao. Since her grandmother's family moved to Lijia Village, Li Xiaoxiao often stayed with Bai Shao. They were of similar age, and Bai Shao was a cheerful person, so Li Xiaoxiao also liked to stay with her.
"Cousin, what are you doing?" Li Xiaoxiao's voice jokingly sounded outside Bai Shao's door. "Cousin, come and see!" Bai Shao excitedly waved at Li Xiaoxiao.
Li Xiaoxiao walked into the room and saw Bai Shao fiddling with some colorful silk threads.
"Wow, what beautiful silk thread! What are you going to do with it?" Li Xiaoxiao asked curiously.
"I want to embroider a handkerchief for my mother and grandmother as a New Year's gift." Bai Shao smiled brightly.
"What a coincidence! I was just thinking of making some new clothes for my mother and my younger brothers and sisters!" Li Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up.
Then, the two girls began to discuss their plans with great interest, laughing happily from time to time.
Outside the window, the winter sun shines on them, warm and bright.
As night fell, Li Xiaoxiao returned home. She found Bai in the kitchen, and Li Linlin squatting in front of the stove, helping to light the fire, her face flushed red from the flames.
Li Xiaoxiao walked in. "Mom, what are we eating tonight?" Li Xiaoxiao asked curiously.
"Sister, mom said we should eat dumplings tonight." Li Linlin on the side answered first.
Li Xiaoxiao smiled and said, "Mom, isn't there a plate of oil residue in the cupboard? We use that to make dumplings. It tastes the best."
Mrs. Bai smiled and nodded, agreeing to Li Xiaoxiao's suggestion. So, Li Xiaoxiao took out the plate of oil residue and chopped it up, soaked some vermicelli and chopped it up, added the chopped eggs, salt and oil, and mixed them together.
The three of them sat together and began making dumplings. Li Xiaoxiao expertly rolled out the dough, while Bai and Li Linlin filled it with fillings. Everyone chatted and laughed, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
After a while, the dumplings were cooked. The steaming hot dumplings were served on the table. Li Linlin went to the room and called Li Fang, who was still studying, out. The family sat together and enjoyed this simple but delicious dinner.
After dinner, Li Xiaoxiao helped Bai clean up the dishes. Li Fang lit a bonfire in the main room, and everyone sat around it. The firelight illuminated every smiling face and also illuminated everyone's heart.
They chatted, and Li Xiaoxiao sang some popular modern songs for them. They occasionally recalled the little things when their father was alive. Those warm and slightly sad memories, at this moment, turned into motivation to move forward.
The night of the Little New Year is always extra long and warm.
As the night deepened, the fire gradually died down, and the family members gradually returned to their rooms to rest. Li Xiaoxiao lay in bed, recalling every detail of her life since coming here, her heart filled with gratitude for life.