The Sweet Litte Fulang (SLF)

Chapter 88 - New Year's Preparations

The days passed quickly, and the twelfth lunar month was already upon them.

On the fifth day of the month, Lu Gu soaked the beans the night before in preparation for the Five Bean Festival. Today, they would eat five-bean porridge made from red beans, soybeans, firewood beans, black beans, and mung beans, mixed with yellow rice and peanuts to make a hearty porridge.

The twelfth lunar month is often the best time to enjoy the snow, but such leisurely activities are mostly reserved for the wealthy. For farmers, the priority is ensuring they have enough food to get through winter.

Early in the morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Lu Gu was already in the kitchen boiling water. Once the water was ready, he and Shen Xuanqing used it to wash and set up a steamer to warm the pancakes for breakfast.

With nothing urgent to do, Shen Xuanqing stepped into the spacious courtyard, where the cold air turned his breath into puffs of white mist. Feeling invigorated, he began practicing boxing.

He'd learned this routine from Old Yang, who had also taught him a set of sword techniques. As the saying goes, "Only the wealthy have the luxury to pursue martial arts." Whether it was boxing or practicing with a sword, the physical exertion increased one's appetite, making it hard to feel full on rice or noodles.

Shen Xuanqing hadn't practiced in a while. His punches, though steady, still felt slightly sluggish after the long break.

Hearing the sound of movement outside, Lu Gu peeked through the kitchen window and saw Shen Xuanqing practicing martial arts in the cold morning air. He was surprised but then thought it made sense. He had seen Shen Xuanqing's skill with a bow and arrow before and had already suspected he was no ordinary man—he truly knew martial arts.

Shen Xuanqing finished his session, withdrawing his energy and relaxing his stance. He glanced toward the kitchen and noticed Lu Gu standing in the doorway, watching him. A rare smile softened his expressionless face.

"Boxing is good for staying fit," Shen Xuanqing said, a playful glint in his eye. "How about I teach you? It'll warm you up if you practice a few moves in the morning."

Lu Gu hadn't expected to be roped into practice just from watching for a moment. Before he could protest, Shen Xuanqing, clearly too idle, grabbed him by the hand and dragged him into the courtyard to teach him some basic moves.

"No, no, like this," Shen Xuanqing said, gently adjusting Lu Gu's fist. His much larger hand wrapped around Lu Gu's smaller one as he smiled with amusement.

Lu Gu's punches were soft, and his feet wobbled with every step—martial arts were clearly not his strong suit, and he was well past the best age to start. Still, Shen Xuanqing thought that if Lu Gu practiced a little, it might at least improve his health.

Just then, Wei Lanxiang stepped out of the house and spotted the two of them boxing in the yard. "What are you teaching him this for?" she scolded, frowning. "Why are two decent boys out here practicing boxing like rough street fighters?"

Shen Xuanqing straightened and replied, "Mother, boxing keeps you healthy. If you don't move, you get cold. There's no harm in practicing—it's good for the body."

Wei Lanxiang still didn't approve. "Always with your reasoning," she grumbled, glaring at her son. "You always have an answer for everything."

Lu Gu lowered his head, feeling uneasy. He understood Wei Lanxiang's concerns. Reading and studying were considered respectable activities for a husband and quiet and serious work. No one in the village would expect a husband to learn boxing or swordplay—unruly boys did those things. People might gossip behind their backs if they found out.