ABPUBALC - Chapter 24

 Chapter 24: Mountain Crabs

“Is it alright to set it up here?” Lin Xing asked.

Due to the unexpected encounter with Lin Qing, Gu Qiming had returned much later than Lin Zheng. The three were bustling around the yard, with Lin Xing helping them build a fire pit in the courtyard.

Lin Zheng and his partner were patching up the fire pit with mud, while Lin Xing was sharpening bamboo strips to construct a frame above it.

As they worked, Gu Qiming set down his things and approached curiously. “What are you building?”

Without pausing his work, Lin Zheng glanced at him and replied, “A fire pit.”

“A fire pit?”

“It’s for warming up in winter. You can also skewer meat on bamboo sticks and roast it over the fire. It’s even more useful than a stove.”

Gu Qiming nodded, then, feeling awkward just standing there, asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“We’re almost done here. Just wash your hands and wait for dinner,” Lin Yun said, filling in the last gap. “Xing Xing, you can finish up over there too.”

Lin Zheng had caught two wild ducks today, so Lin Yun suggested making Eight Treasure Duck[e/n: Eight treasure duck is a festive Chinese dish featuring a deboned duck generously stuffed with eight auspicious ingredients: glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, lotus seeds, dried scallops, Chinese ham, chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and ginkgo nuts. This luxurious bird is then cooked until meltingly tender.] for dinner. That’s when they remembered to rebuild the fire pit with fresh mud. With the pit finished, Lin Yun hurriedly pulled Lin Zheng to the kitchen to prepare the meal, leaving Gu Qiming and Lin Xing alone in the courtyard.

With their hosts busy cooking inside, Gu Qiming and Lin Xing felt uncomfortable just sitting idle. Lin Xing suggested going to the stream to catch some mountain crabs.

It was dark outside, and Lin Yun worried, “It’s so late, you can’t see the path clearly. Can’t you go tomorrow morning instead?”

“The moon is so bright tonight, we’ll be able to see just fine,” Lin Xing assured him. “Besides,” he added, pointing at Gu Qiming, “with Brother Gu here, nothing bad will happen.”

Lin Yun sighed inwardly. His little brother was growing up and becoming harder to control.

He waved them off, allowing them to go but cautioning Lin Xing not to stay out too long.

The autumn stream was teeming with mountain crabs. Unlike the crabs sold in town, these were smaller with less meat. Even the largest was no bigger than half of Lin Xing’s palm, but they made up for it with their exquisite taste.

Gu Qiming carried a small basket at his waist, bending down to search beneath the rocks. He placed the caught crabs directly into the basket, which he had lined with grass to prevent them from fighting.

The crabs were plentiful; two or three could be found under a single rock. Gu Qiming moved the rocks, while Lin Xing dug in the mud behind him.

Mountain crabs could be found not only under rocks but also buried in the silt.

Occasional gusts of wind rustled the leaves, accompanying the gentle gurgle of the stream, giving the mountains an eerie atmosphere.

After a while, concerned about the cold from standing in the water at night, Gu Qiming glanced down at their nearly full basket and asked Lin Xing if he wanted to head back.

Lin Xing, still enthusiastic about digging, looked up with a smile. “It’s fine, let’s dig a bit more. It’s rare that we get to do this.”

His arms were covered in mud, and he had accidentally smeared some on his face, leaving it dirty.

Gu Qiming reached out to wipe the dirt off Lin Xing’s face, only to leave another prominent streak on the man’s cheek.

Gu Qiming: …

He had forgotten his own hands were dirty too.

“Pfft...” Gu Qiming stifled a laugh, his shoulders shaking as he saw Lin Xing’s face getting messier.

He whispered to Lin Xing, “Now you really look like a little tabby cat.”

Confused, Lin Xing asked, “What little tabby cat?”

“You, silly. Your face is all dirty, just like a little tabby cat.”

Realizing his face was covered in mud, Lin Xing didn’t bother arguing further, not wanting to give Gu Qiming more reasons to tease him. Instead, he urged, “Come on, let’s catch a few more and head back.”

They had been out for about half an hour. Lin Xing checked the basket and saw it was nearly half full.

“Alright, but remember to wash your face before we go back.”

They caught a few more crabs, then shook the water from their sleeves and prepared to return.

The mountain stream water was clean enough to drink. Lin Xing quickly cupped some water and hastily washed his face by the stream.

The two returned at the perfect moment, just as Lin Zheng and his spouse were taking the duck from the pit.

“You’ve come back right on time,” Lin Yun remarked. “I just took the duck out as you walked in.”

Lin Xing grinned. “We smelled it and came running.”

“Alright then, let’s eat first. Later tonight, I’ll pound some crab for you to take back down the mountain tomorrow.”

Lin Yun’s pounded crab was renowned, even better than Lin Xing’s. He had no objections.

They sat around the fire pit as Lin Zheng carved the duck.

Eight Treasure Duck was a luxury in town. This was a wild duck Lin Zheng had caught; they wouldn’t normally keep such birds in the yard, let alone use them for cooking.

Their version wasn’t entirely traditional. The duck was stuffed with glutinous rice, minced meat, and seasonal vegetables. The rice had been steamed beforehand.

Lin Zheng sliced the duck down the middle. The skin was golden-brown and crispy, releasing a burst of fragrant juices. The aroma of the rice immediately filled the air.

“Try it quickly, it’s been roasting for ages,” Lin Yun urged, distributing bowls and chopsticks.

The four sat around the fire pit and dug in.

Gu Qiming took a large bite of the rice. The blend of rice and meat flavors was incredibly satisfying.

The meal included some greens to cut through the richness. The duck meat was delicious, similar to the roast duck he’d had before, but more tender – likely due to its freshness.

The two ducks were quickly devoured by the four of them. Lin Zheng and Gu Qiming each had hearty appetites, and they even went for second helpings of glutinous rice before feeling truly full.

After clearing the dishes, the hunters of the day rinsed them in the kitchen while Lin Xing and Lin Yun processed the mountain crabs in the moonlit courtyard.

Since Lin Xing was leaving early the next morning, Lin Yun planned to pound the crabs that night.

“Be careful these next few days,” Gu Qiming said quietly to Lin Zheng while their spouses were outside. “I saw some thieves coming up the mountain to poach our traps today.”

“You both live in the mountains, so remind Lin Yun to be cautious too.”

“I caught one and gave him a sound beating, but I don’t know if he has accomplices or if they’ll come back. It’s best to be wary in case of retaliation.”

Lin Zheng nodded, asking softly, “Do you know who it was?”

Gu Qiming confirmed, “Lin Qing, from Lin Xing’s family.”

Ah, him. Lin Zheng remembered the man. He used to frequent the west side of the village because of Lin Yun, and knew Lin Qing wasn’t a good person.

He glanced at Lin Xing in the courtyard and asked, “Did you tell Lin Xing?”

“No,” Gu Qiming shook his head. “Telling him would only make him worry. Just be careful, that’s all.”

After all, it’s hard to guard against villains.

“What are you two whispering about?” Lin Yun asked, entering with the cleaned crabs and catching them talking quietly in the kitchen.

“Why aren’t you outside? We still need to fry the crabs,” he added, glaring at Lin Zheng.

Lin Zheng replied expressionlessly, “I was about to start the fire.”

Sensing the tension, Gu Qiming quickly left the kitchen, his hands still wet.

“What’s going on with those two? Something seems off,” Lin Xing mused, peeling persimmons in the courtyard. He offered a slice to Gu Qiming. “Is it sweet?”

Gu Qiming nodded. “Very sweet.”

“Isn’t it? I’ll take some back tomorrow to make dried persimmons. Those will be tasty too.”

Gu Qiming suddenly realized, “Don’t change the subject. Why did Lin Yun look angry?”

Lin Xing thought to himself, “Of course he’s angry.”

Aloud, he mumbled, “I accidentally let something slip...”

“What?”

“Nothing! Just mentioned some old stuff.”

Lin Xing linked arms with Gu Qiming, changing the subject. “Let’s go prepare our room. Lin Yun already aired out the bedding. We’re staying the night, after all.”

Seeing Lin Xing’s reluctance to elaborate, Gu Qiming suppressed his curiosity and allowed himself to be led away to prepare the room.

The mountain cabin had only two rooms fit for sleeping, with small beds hastily constructed from wooden planks.

Lin Xing made the bed meticulously, adding an extra blanket for warmth. The mountain nights were much colder than in the village.

Gu Qiming, leaning on the table and watching the flickering candle, asked, “Aren’t we supposed to help pound the crabs?”

“No need. Lin Yun is an expert at it. It won’t take him long.”

It was already late when Lin Zheng and Lin Yun finished their tasks. They briefly bid goodnight to Gu Qiming and Lin Xing before retiring.

Meanwhile, Lin Xing was massaging Gu Qiming’s shoulders.

Knowing they’d spend the night on the mountain, Lin Xing had brought a ceramic bottle of medicinal wine.

“It’s much better now. After one more application tomorrow night when you’re back, the marks should be almost gone.”

Gu Qiming’s strong constitution, combined with Lin Xing’s massages and the medicinal wine, had nearly erased the rope marks on his shoulders in just two days.

“It’s fine. I don’t think we even need to apply more. It’ll heal on its own.”

The bed was small, forcing Gu Qiming to hold his spouse tightly against him as they slept.

Not that he minded.

*

Early the next morning, they tidied up the bedding and rose with the sun.

Lin Yun packed the pounded crab he’d prepared the night before into a jar for Lin Xing to take.

This pounded crab was a mountain delicacy. The crabs were fried until crispy, then crushed in a stone mortar. Salt, chili, and garlic were added, then hot oil was poured over the mixture.

Lin Yun had made almost half a jar last night. Since he and Lin Zheng lived in the mountains and could make it anytime, he gave it all to Lin Xing.

Standing at the door, he told Lin Xing, “Be careful on your way. I’ll come down the mountain to visit when I have time.”

Lin Xing was reluctant to part, not knowing when they’d meet again. He felt lonely being the only one down in the village.

Despite his reluctance to part, Lin Xing knew he had to return. The dogs, chickens, and ducks at home needed feeding, and the food he’d prepared yesterday was likely gone by now. With livestock to care for, he couldn’t be away for long.

They walked side by side down the mountain, Gu Qiming carrying the jar in one hand while supporting Lin Xing’s basket with the other.

Lin Xing had packed quite a load – over half a basket of soapberries and plenty of wild persimmons. Concerned about Gu Qiming’s injured shoulder, he adamantly refused to let him carry the load.

Unable to argue with his spouse’s worried face, Gu Qiming compromised by supporting the basket from behind to lighten the burden.

As they neared the foot of the mountain, Gu Qiming cupped Lin Xing’s face and planted a kiss on his lips. “When you get home, don’t rush to work. Take a nap first,” he advised.

“If I’m not back by dusk, don’t wait up. I didn’t catch anything yesterday, so if today’s hunt goes well, I’ll return. If not, I’ll stay another night.”

Lin Xing nodded. “Be careful. Don’t sleep alone in the mountains at night. Remember to stay with Lin Zheng and Lin Yun.”

“Alright. Remember to eat properly.”

Lin Xing stood still, watching until Gu Qiming disappeared from view before turning back.

“Awuuu, awu-woof!”

As soon as he pushed open the door, Big Yellow and Little Yellow began tugging at his pant legs.

He smiled at the two pups. “Alright, alright. I’ll feed you now.”

He’d filled their bowls to the brim before leaving yesterday, fearing they might get too hungry. But he’d underestimated their appetites – the bowls were licked clean!

He soaked some dried steamed buns in water for the dogs, then went to the backyard to feed the chickens and ducks. After opening the gate to let the ducks into the water, Lin Xing sat down to sort through his basket.

The wild persimmons were quite dirty, so he washed them thoroughly before starting to peel them. He tossed some persimmon flesh to the dogs, who devoured it even faster than the soaked buns – clearly not picky eaters.

He added firewood to the stove to heat water. After peeling, he briefly scalded the persimmons in boiling water before fishing them out. This method ensured the dried persimmons would have a firm skin that wouldn’t easily rot.

After scalding, he strung the persimmons on grass ropes and hung them under the eaves. In time, they would be ready to eat.

Making dried persimmons was no easy task. By the time he finished, the sun had already moved into the southern sky.

--------------------

 <Prev><TOC><Next>

------------------------