Chapter 62

As twilight washed over the mountains like spilled ink, the scent of pickled cabbage and fish soup drifted from the educated youth dormitory. The large iron pot bubbled away, the snow-white fish soaking up the tangy, savory broth. Everyone sat around the long wooden table, dipping grain buns into the rich soup. The sound of clinking bowls and satisfied sighs filled the room. They were all very pleased with the meal; the pickled cabbage fish soup and grain buns had left them feeling full and content. Once dinner was finished, the group returned to their rooms to fetch kettles of hot water and soak their feet, hoping to ease their exhaustion. In this era, there was no evening entertainment to speak of, and after a long day of manual labor, everyone turned in early. As night fully descended, kerosene lamps were lit to illuminate the rooms.