Chapter 1548

It was rare to get a good night's sleep, but the next day Ye Yaodong was still woken up early by noise.

Outside, the clamor of children, the hawker's cries, and the crackling of firecrackers never ceased—it was nearly the New Year, and the festive atmosphere was particularly heavy.

Ye Ye Xiaoxi was also calling him nonstop; he'd heard her voice even in the courtyard.

"Dad, Dad, get up! Mom's calling you to put up the Spring Festival couplets, hurry up…"

She called from outside, then came right to the bedside and tried to yank off his covers.

"Dad, get up already, you're so lazy, still not getting up? The sun's already shining on your butt."

Ye Yaodong pressed the edge of the blanket tightly and pulled his head deeper inside. "Stop yelling, I'll get up in a bit."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi tugged twice, had no luck, and ran out—but came back in shortly after.

"Dad, are you sure you're not getting up?"

Ye Yaodong impatiently stuck his head out, ready to scold her again, but felt something tapping his head.

He turned—and saw a loudspeaker.

His drowsiness vanished instantly; he sat up straight.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm waking you up. Brother told me to use the loudspeaker."

He snatched the loudspeaker from her hand. "Daring to be this mischievous? I'll beat your butt until it blooms."

"Hehe, I just came to tap you, to scare you—I didn't blow it! I'm not stupid; Brother only comes up with dumb ideas that get me beaten. Mom's calling you out to put up the couplets."

"Got it."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi snatched back the plastic loudspeaker she'd bought from Shanghai and ran off happily.

Even as Ye Yaodong got dressed, he could hear her blasting the loudspeaker outside—it was unbearable.

Lin Lin Xiuqing was already waiting with a bowl of paste. "Your daughter called for you half the morning and you still wouldn't get up."

He yawned. "Too tired. Slept too late yesterday. Didn't want to get up."

"After you eat, go back to sleep for a bit."

"With all these noisy brats—firecrackers going off, loudspeakers blaring—how am I supposed to sleep?"

"Who let you buy her a loudspeaker? Now she blows it every morning."

Lin Lin Xiuqing smeared paste on the back of the couplets, handed them to him, and waited until the paste spread evenly before he stuck them on the wall and above the door.

"The weather's nice this New Year. Last year it rained."

"Isn't that good?"

"It's great. Hope it stays this way until the fifth day. Otherwise, what if… pfft, no 'what if'—better weather means easier birthday celebrations. Listen to the weather forecast closely these two nights."

"Mm."

Only after putting up the couplets did Ye Yaodong go to wash up and eat.

Seeing the wolf dog sitting by the gate basking in the sun, he walked over, stroked its head, then pried open its jaws to check its teeth.

"Alright, over your tantrum?"

Lin Lin Xiuqing smiled at the door. "It lay listlessly on the ground for days, only started leaving the courtyard yesterday. Your daughter talked to it for days, and it ignored her—still ignores her."

The wolf dog stood, lightly licked his palm, then sat back down to bask in the sun.

The other wolf dog and the other local dogs wandered around, dodging the children's firecrackers.

They could've stayed far away, but they kept circling near Ye Chenghu and Ye Ye Chengyang—only darting aside when firecrackers went off, then returning to their sides.

"They've got quite the attitude."

"How long will they stay mad?"

"Are the chickens and ducks tied up in the courtyard meant to be slaughtered?"

"Yes. We were waiting for Dad to come and do it—he still hasn't arrived."

"I'll do it. Go boil some hot water first."

"While you're at it, catch two rabbits from the back hill. Fry them up for dinner tonight, and send a bowl to Big Brother, Second Brother, and Ye Huimei too."

"Alright. These rabbits weren't raised in vain—two breed a whole litter, we've already eaten our money's worth."

"Heh, if they weren't so easy to raise and if they weren't living things we could eat, we'd have slaughtered them long ago. Smell awful, breed like crazy, a whole new litter every month."

"Come spring, they'll breed even more."

"Keep raising and slaughtering as we go. I'm thinking—should we slaughter them all for the birthday feast? Just keep two."

Ye Yaodong flatly refused. "No. Keep them for ourselves. We've got chickens, ducks, fish, and meat already."

"Alright then."

"Ye Xiaojiu, Ye Xiaojiu, come catch rabbits, Ye Xiaojiu…"

"Why are you calling her?"

"Let her pick which one to eat."

"So fussy. She'll cry later—I'll just eat it. Why make her pick?"

"She needs to feel involved. Otherwise she'll say 'don't kill this one,' 'don't eat that,' and you'll just keep raising them forever?"

Ye Ye Xiaoxi sprinted back, breathless. "Dad, what? Catch rabbits? Are we going to the mountains?"

"Mountains? No. Go to the back gate and catch two for tonight's New Year's Eve dinner."

"Aww, you're killing my little rabbits again…"

"So you want to eat? If not, I'll catch them myself—you won't get any."

"Yes! I want to eat! I'll pick myself—but not my little white one!"

Ye Ye Xiaoxi skipped happily toward the back gate; Ye Yaodong followed with a sack.

"How come I don't see you sad or upset? You seem pretty happy."

"Ah? Is there?"

"Yes, drool is about to drip down."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi chuckled, "No way."

"How's your erhu going? Play one for me later?"

"No."

"Then play one to liven things up at the New Year's Eve dinner?"

"No."

"Then what did you learn?"

"I learned how to make a scene."

"..."

Ye Yaodong mimicked Lin Lin Xiuqing's usual manner, poking her forehead hard. "Since when did your tongue get so sharp, answering every question?"

"No way, it's clearly you asking and me answering."

Ye Ye Xiaoxi rubbed her sore forehead, spun around in front of a pile of wooden rabbit cages, and planned to pick the two ugliest ones.

"Just this gray one and this gray-white one, they're too ugly."

"So after eating these ugly ones, we eat the white ones?"

"After eating these ugly ones, then we eat little sister's Little Gray!"

"When do we eat yours?"

"Mine has to be kept to have babies, can't eat it."

"Sustainable development, right? Just eat its descendants?"

"Exactly." Ye Ye Xiaoxi nodded, unscrewed the bolt herself, opened the cage, and grabbed one.

Seeing such practiced movements, he felt she hadn't caught few; speaking of eating rabbits, he felt she was about to drool, nowhere near the crying fit from before.

Now the tears were flowing from her mouth.

After Ye Ye Xiaoxi caught the two rabbits and threw them into the sack, she tried to carry it herself; he helped her twist the sack mouth shut, then placed it on her back to carry back to the courtyard.

She was still curious and wanted to watch him kill the rabbit, but Ye Yaodong directly shooed her away to play, saying he had to kill a chicken first.

If she saw that, how could she eat? She'd be crying her eyes out again.

While he was plucking the neck feathers off the chicken, Ye Father slowly made his way over.

"Already killing? Want me to do it?"

"Then I'll give it to you; once the feathers are plucked, you slice it."

"Sure, did you come back last night?"

Ye Father picked up the cleaver, his gold ring on his hand glinting, and he wore another on the other hand.

Ye Yaodong teased, "Didn't I hear my mother took them away?"

Ye Father spoke in a bad mood, "Doing rough work and going to sea normally, fine if you don't let me wear them, but even resting at home during the New Year you won't let me wear them, damn her. Those little rascals can't keep a secret, just came back and blabbed it all out, then passed it around, everyone came asking for hush money, but none of their mouths got sealed."

"There are two more rabbits in the bag, kill them together later."

"Mm, the old lady's birthday is on the fifth, there'll be over sixty tables then; I was thinking of killing the rabbits, sheep, and big geese at home directly, adding two bowls."

"Kill the sheep, no time to fatten it; keep the rest for ourselves. Catching two chickens and two ducks per family is enough."

"That works too..."

The father and son discussed the birthday banquet together all morning without delaying their work.

The chickens, ducks, and two rabbits were all killed and plucked.

Lin Lin Xiuqing was preparing vegetables there all morning; hearing that Ye Mother was killing fish and making fish balls back in the hometown, the whole family of adults was very busy.

Every household was busy like this too, killing chickens and ducks at their doorsteps, preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner; only the children were carefree, with no worries at all, didn't need to help, just happily ran around playing wildly, waiting for the meal.

The New Year's Eve dinner was women's work; men only worked all morning, and after killing the poultry, there was nothing left to do, so they started forming groups; luckily the sun was bright today, perfect for playing cards while sunbathing.

However, by afternoon, they heard the Rat family had a fight.

They were sitting there playing cards, far away, not running around; originally they weren't too clear, but half-grown boys were just bored.

Ye Ye Chenghai and Ye Ye Chengjiang didn't want to play with their much younger brothers and sisters, so they slung arms around friends, wandered around aimlessly, happened to stumble upon it, and came back still buzzing with excitement after seeing the spectacle.

"Third Uncle, your friend's family is putting on a grand opera again, so lively, hmm, hmm, hmm..."

"Feels like we hear their opera every year, during the New Year..."

Ye Yaodong put down the cards in his hand and stopped playing, "Haven't been in touch much, what happened again?"

"We passed by halfway, saw a crowd gathered there, so we went to look; they were fighting, the woman cursed the man for being heartless..."

"I heard from the neighbors that his wife didn't trust him being away all year, and after they got their divorce certificate, they didn't get a marriage certificate again; his wife asked him to get a marriage certificate after the New Year."

"Then the man refused, saying they lived together for over ten years without a marriage certificate anyway; he also said he had no time and was leaving in a couple of days to make money."

"His wife asked him for money again, so he only gave 200 yuan; it seems the fight started then; we just heard them cursing each other, the woman cursing the man for being heartless, the man cursing the woman to be content, saying they were already divorced and he still let her live here."

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, instantly the man's face was scratched up, then the man slapped her, they started fighting, the woman even grabbed a cleaver; luckily the people around held them back, otherwise they would have fought to the death."

"They live together without a marriage certificate, does that count as a couple?"

"They're already divorced, why live together?"

Ye Ye Dasao said, "What do you two know? They've been together for over ten years, still in the same village; how can one divorce certificate separate them?"

Ye Ye Ersao chimed in, "Yes, what use is that certificate? The whole village knows they are a couple; they don't want to separate, a piece of paper can't split them, both families are in the village."

Ye Ye Chenghai said, "I heard the man made a lot of money; giving only 200 yuan is excessive; I heard he hasn't come back all year."

"The past couple of years were even more extreme; right after the first year of divorce, he made money and brought back a young, pretty one; who knew his divorced wife was still living there; then a fight broke out; later, three of them even slept in one bed; that's impressive." Ye Yaodong added a sentence.

"Holy crap," Ye Ye Chenghai was shocked, "Three people sleeping together, that awesome? Who sleeps in the middle?"

Ye Ye Dasao glared at him, "Why do kids ask so many questions?"

"Am I still a child? I'm already twenty. You keep telling me to get married every day, yet you call me a child. Then stop introducing women to me."

Ye Ye Chengjiang patted his shoulder. "Don't you know? I've heard all about it."

"I don't know. Maybe I was running wild somewhere back then."

Ye Yaodong asked, "What happened next? She even grabbed a kitchen knife, people pulled her apart, and then what?"

"Then she cried, cursing the man for having no conscience while sobbing. She said she managed the household and raised his children at home, yet he hadn't given a single penny all year, only knowing how to carouse outside and such."

"The neighbors around them advised her to be more open-minded and urged the man to be more family-oriented, sending some money home to support the children."

"Later, it seems under Secretary Chen's mediation, they agreed he would send five hundred yuan back annually for the children's living expenses. As for the marriage certificate, he wouldn't register it—that's what was said."

"Mother, is it okay for them not to have a marriage certificate?" Ye Ye Chenghai asked curiously.

"How would I know? Your father and I never had a marriage certificate either. It should be fine, right? The whole village knows they are a couple. It was probably just a minor squabble; things will settle down."

Ye Yaodong said, "It's different. If they haven't obtained a divorce certificate, it counts as a de facto marriage since they've lived together for many years; the law recognizes it. Many from the older generation didn't have marriage certificates; it's normal."

"But they have obtained a divorce certificate. This means their relationship has broken down, and this de facto marriage has ended. Continuing to live together won't be protected by law. Even if the man becomes extremely wealthy and has mountains of money, the woman won't get a share."

"Moreover, the man can register to marry another woman. The ex-wife continuing to cling to his home is useless; the new wife is the legal one."

Ye Ye Chengjiang: "Damn, that's a total disaster."

Ye Ye Chenghai: "Exactly. She stays home like an old servant, caring for the young and old, looking after the children, yet has no money. Meanwhile, the man marries another woman outside, legally, and can even have several more children."

The three sisters-in-law instantly felt a surge of crisis, staring intently at their respective husbands.

Even Ye's mother stared at Ye's father. "Good heavens, what kind of talk is that? Your father and I don't have a marriage certificate either. Does that mean he can find another woman outside, legally, and have several more children?"

Ye's father, feeling chilled by her stare, said, "Stop talking nonsense. Who is finding another woman outside? I'm already old; what children could I have?"

Ye Ye Dasao said to Ye Ye Yaopeng, "Let's go register for a marriage certificate tomorrow. It's not okay without one. What if you find another woman outside? What would I be at home?"

Ye Ye Ersao chimed in, "Yes, let's go register for a marriage certificate tomorrow. Don't think about abandoning your old, plain-faced wife once you get rich."

"What kind of talk is that? Are we that kind of people?"

"Exactly, don't jump to conclusions. That's their situation..."

Ye's father said, "Just a moment ago you were saying we're all from the same village, that a piece of paper can't constrain us, and now you're saying this."

Ye's mother scolded, "That's what you say, but what if he really has wandering thoughts? Having a certificate offers some insurance."

Ye Yaodong quickly explained, "You misunderstood. I said they have already obtained a divorce certificate, so they are formally separated. Even if they live together, it doesn't count as a de facto marriage and isn't protected."

"You haven't divorced, so you are a legal couple. The state recognizes your marital relationship."

Ye Ye Dasao hurriedly asked, "Then even without a certificate, the state recognizes us, right? If he registers with another woman, that would be illegal, correct?"

"No... no..." Ye Ye Yaopeng waved his hands hastily.

Ye Yaodong stated firmly, "Yes. You've lived together for so many years, you are a couple. If he registers with another woman, he commits bigamy and will be arrested."

Ye's father, Ye Ye Yaopeng, and Ye Ye Yaohua all felt nervous hearing this. Bigamy? Getting arrested? It felt like the accusation was aimed right at them, as if they had truly committed the crime.

They all felt somewhat wronged. How did this fire burn onto them? It had nothing to do with them at all.

Ye's mother said uneasily, "Then let's go get a certificate. Having one in hand makes me feel safer. Otherwise, if he really registers with someone else, having one at home and one outside would drive me to death."

The sisters-in-law, along with Aqing, nodded along.

Back then, every household lived this way. There were no marriage certificates; people just held a banquet to let everyone know, moved in, and the couple lived together.

Now hearing it was so complicated, that living together didn't make them a couple, the law didn't recognize it, and a certificate was needed, a sense of crisis instantly arose.

Ye Ye Chenghai reminded them, "Tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year. The marriage registration office won't be open."

"Then when will they be open?"

"How would I know? I don't live inside there. Wait a few days and go ask."

Ye's mother muttered, "We've lived together for most of our lives, yet we still have to get a certificate. What kind of thing is this?"

"Not getting a certificate is fine too..."

Ye Yaodong felt he had made trouble out of nothing. Why bring this up? Now he had to struggle to explain.

"No, that won't do. Nowadays, people getting married must get a marriage certificate to be legal. If your father and I don't have one, isn't that illegal? We've lived here for half our lives; that won't do. Others grow old, but their later years shouldn't be compromised. We must get a certificate. We must get one. I'd have to crawl over there to get one."

"Get it, get it, get it. If you say get it, we'll get it." Ye's father was too lazy to argue.

"Then after the birthday banquet, we'll go to the city to ask when they open."

Ye Ye Dasao said, "That woman seems quite pitiful. She was living a good life but went and got a divorce certificate. Now look, it's not legal. Living together doesn't count as a couple. If she marries again outside, she's still stuck, and she'll have to make room for the new wife."

Ye Ye Ersao: "Making room is one thing, but she won't get a single penny. She's just worn herself out getting old."

Lin Lin Xiuqing: "Fortunately, this came out now, so we know a marriage certificate is necessary, even if the man is unwilling to re-register. If we wait until we're fifty or sixty to discover we are the illegal one, while he has children outside who are already grown, that would be terrible. We'd get nothing and just wear ourselves to death."

"He's inhumane," Ye's mother cursed. "He's truly not a human being. They've been together for over ten years. Now that he has money, he should give at least a little to his wife and children."

"He won't get a certificate, won't give money. He wants to treat her like a free nanny. Why doesn't he take a look in the mirror to see if he's worthy?"

"He's ugly, but his dreams are beautiful. The red flag at home stands firm while colorful flags flutter outside, and it's all legal."

"Letting this man get rich is truly a case of heaven being blind. If he returns in ruin, let's see if he still has a wife to serve him..."

Ye's mother berated the man at length, spewing a string of curses.

"Don't associate with him. That kind of person is too wicked..."

"Stop nagging. We don't associate. You make too much of a fuss. I'm outside all year round, he's outside all year round. We haven't even met. Associate with him? No way."

Ye Ye Dasao: "If you ask me, she should find someone else to marry as soon as possible. Why hang herself on this crooked tree? She can still bear children. Find someone new; as long as she can bear children, someone will still want her."

Ye Ye Ersao: "Yes. Knowing this man has no conscience and won't register a certificate, why waste time here, wasting youth? While she's still in her thirties and can bear children, find someone new quickly. Maybe she could be like Widow Ma, find someone like Old Pei, have another son, and have money to spend..."

"Yes, all that money went to Widow Ma. Everyone says she's so lucky."

Several women carried a basin full of vegetables, picking through them while gossiping, spitting and talking with great excitement.

Mainly because it was gossip about other people's business, which was fun to listen to.

The men continued playing cards.

Ye Yaodong stood up and didn't leave again, slinging an arm around Ye Ye Chenghai's shoulders to chat.

"Good kid, next time I'll probably have to book you in advance—you only show up on New Year's Eve."

"Uncle, you're making me feel bad. It's me who needs to book to see you—you're like a divine dragon, head visible but tail hidden. I heard you came back over a week ago, and now I'm finally seeing you."

"Too busy. Found a girlfriend yet? How many do you go on dates with in a day?"

Ye Ye Chenghai pulled him farther away before saying: "I'll tell you, but don't tell my mom— the shipyard manager's daughter keeps 'accidentally' running into me, chatting with me and blushing the whole time. I think she likes me."

"Then why wait? Take her out shopping, to the movies, ice skating?"

"I'm thinking it over."

"What's there to think about?"

"I'm worried her family won't approve—I'm just a poor country boy."

"Poor? Wait—after the New Year, I'll have all our family's boats sent to your shipyard, and have your crew send a few masters over to inspect them."

"Huh?"

"That's how it's done!"

Some small boats were also old enough that they needed maintenance anyway.

The big boats were newer, but they could still be checked—after all, he planned to head into the deep sea next year, so early inspection would help.

There were no ship inspection certificates now, and big ships were rare; everyone relied on their own conscience to maintain and repair.

Laws and regulations were also incomplete, with no mandatory rules.

(End of Chapter)