My 1995 Small Farm.

Making clay statues of deities in rural temples is not difficult.

First, tie it up with straw, wheat straw, or thatch.

Combined with a wooden frame, they can be made into various poses, such as standing, sitting majestically, or with different expressions.

The idea is to first create a simple framework.

Then mix the mud well.

Use clay to slowly spread it on top, making a rough shape.

Once the shape is complete, use a shovel and trowel to carve the desired image of the deity or Buddha.

After the images of the gods and Buddhas are sculpted, the clay statues are allowed to dry and set before being painted.

After the painting is finished, swords and divine weapons are added, or cloaks, long robes, bamboo baskets, canes, red silk cloths and other items that conform to the image of gods and Buddhas.

That completes the task.

In general, the process of repairing temples and replacing statues is just like this, and it's not that difficult.

However, as a belief rooted in the local culture and environment, especially in rural areas, it is highly valued.

A ceremony needs to be presided over by some virtuous and respected people in the village.

Let's burn the old idols together and then consecrate the new ones.

The locals described the ceremony in a very simple way.

In short, we welcome the new gods and send the old gods to heaven.

This "going to heaven" doesn't refer to the Kitchen God going to heaven to report good news.

Instead, during the ceremony, they would offer incense and recite phrases like "achieving perfect merit."

Just like the local earth god this time.

After the worship and burning of the statues, the Earth God ascends to heaven and will be promoted to a different post next year.

This is the common people's wish, which is usually placed before the New Year as a good thing to celebrate together with several good things.

They believe that the coming year will bring favorable weather and smooth sailing in all aspects of life.

As for why changing the statues of gods is considered a good thing?
In short, if the local economy is bad, who has the money to replace the statues?
That must mean ordinary people have more money in their pockets.

Only then will they have the leisure to welcome the new god.

But.

To be honest, it's already the 26th of the twelfth lunar month this year, so it's a bit late to do this.

So Wang Laishun came looking for him.

Chen Ling had this question.

Wang Laishun laughed when he heard this: "What are you saying, kid? Do you think your uncle is stupid? He must have finished everything before calling you! If we were to start making those old-fashioned clay statues now, it would definitely be too late."

Putting aside the weather, whether it will be sunny or not, we need to know if we can dry the statue.

Let's say we've reached the final step of painting.

I won't even make it on New Year's Eve.

There will be no incense to burn on New Year's Eve.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, we can't make a grand offering to the Earth God.

"How can the new local earth god protect us then?"

Chen Ling was a little confused after hearing this, as he hadn't seen anything unusual when he left home that morning.

The statue is so big, it must be over two meters tall.

If it's prepared in advance, it will be seen eventually anyway.

"So? The idol was prepared in advance? Why didn't I see it?"

"Oh dear, it was just delivered. Like the stone statue of the Turtle King in the reservoir, this time the Earth God is also carved from stone."

Wang Laishun patted him on the shoulder: "You don't know about this. We offered you the position of village official, but you didn't want it. You also refused to be the Party Secretary. You said you found these trivial matters troublesome."

Then no one will tell you about these kinds of things.

This matter was discussed and arranged by the county leaders when Secretary Zhang came last time.

He asked me if there was anything I could help with.

Then I definitely have to mention something.

Wang Laishun has had a tough year as the village party secretary.

After his second son was severely beaten by Chen Ling, Chen Ling himself also took sides with his second son.

Afterwards, he was in the wrong and was put in an awkward position by Chen Ling, losing the prestige of the Party branch secretary.

There's a saying that goes, "In our country, the further down you go, the more complex the interpersonal relationships become, and the more petty thoughts people have."

City dwellers would find it laughable that a village party secretary has any authority.

But their ancestors lived in the same village.

Sometimes this thing does come in handy.

In the autumn, the newly arrived county head wanted to build a large screen wall, saying he would cut down the trees in front of the houses and take up some of the villagers' homesteads.

Didn't Wang Laishun get beaten up?
Afterwards, it was thanks to two professors from the village, along with Zheng Shaoqiu from Hong Kong and Taiwan, who agreed to add some other glory to the county and stop focusing on exploiting the old turtle, that the matter was finally resolved.

After this incident, Wang Laishun was afraid that he would be harassed by the villagers again.

He would ask the county for help with everything, such as repairing the local temple, replacing the statues of the gods, renovating the old stage for the next year, and upgrading the village school.

If you need to complain, then complain; if you need to ask for help, then swallow your pride and ask.

Anyway, he now understands that Chen Ling used to be foolish, but now he is still very upright and focuses on the issue, not the person.

I don't hold any resentment towards him.

So he let go, and he also confided in Chen Ling, explaining his family situation.

As long as Chen Ling doesn't mess with him.

He was afraid of nothing in the village.

Moreover, the county is not afraid.

The village has so many living ancestors, such as Chen Ling and Zhao Yubao.

If anything goes wrong, a single phone call can get you to the city or even the province.

He wasn't afraid of any overstepping of authority.

Therefore, the county attaches great importance to the various necessities of the village. They said they would send the statues of gods before the New Year, and they directly sent a vehicle to transport them over.

"Oh, I see. I was thinking of just scraping together a couple of dollars and not going, but it's all arranged now. Looks like I have no choice but to go."

Chen Ling sighed; he still had to make tofu that afternoon.

Wang Laishun's eyes lit up when he heard this: "Great idea! Our village's brigade will also be rebuilt and renovated next year. Fugui, you can put the money there."

"..."

Chen Ling was speechless for a moment: "What, the county is in charge of the land temple, but the county isn't going to take care of this small matter for the brigade?"

What business is it of his if the team is doing renovations?

He would rather spend more money when renovating the village school.

"I don't know if they'll take action or not; I haven't had a chance to bring it up yet."

Wang Laishun shook his head. He had made a lot of demands on the county, and the brigade's affairs needed to be handled slowly.

"But the family you mentioned said that we don't need to put up Ji Sheng's slogans in our village anymore, and we probably won't put up any other propaganda slogans either, so as to preserve the original character of our mountain village."

As they talked, they walked out the door and onto the dirt road.

The afternoon sun was warm and pleasant.

The weather this winter is indeed warm and dry.

If it weren't for the short daytime hours and the colder nights and mornings on the mountain...

Even with all the damage done by the villagers, it's difficult to suppress the vigorous growth of this year's wheat seedlings.

We passed the big slope to the north.

In the lush green wheat field, there were people, dogs, a tractor, and two donkey carts.

The statue of the local earth god that Wang Laishun mentioned was on the tractor.

However, at this time it was wrapped in red cloth and secured to the back of the tractor with rope.

At this time, it had been shortly after lunch.

The village children led the village dogs in frolicking in the wheat field.

Chen Ling's dogs were also among them.

"They're firing! Get out of the way!"

A salute is fired when the statue is unloaded from the tractor.

Some men blasted these little devils away.

Setting off a cannon would be disastrous.

In the clear sky, two airplanes, one from the east and one from the west, flew by together, leaving long trails of cloud.

The children were overjoyed.

They jumped and shouted.

"Airplane, airplane, come down quickly, wait until I'm on board before you start flying..."

"Planet, plane, stop for a second, take me to Beiji..."

"Uncle Fugui, look at the airplanes in the sky! When are you going to buy a plane?"

Seeing Chen Ling approaching, they all rushed over and shouted, "We'll buy it after the New Year! Uncle will build an airport for you at the old stage, then we can go to Beiji every day!"

Chen Ling laughed heartily and made up some nonsense.

"Okay, I knew it, Uncle Fugui, you're good."

"My grandpa said that Uncle Fugui is rich and will make a lot of money. He already has a car and will definitely be able to buy an airplane soon. My dad and my mom didn't believe it, but now Uncle Fugui has said he'll buy one next year."

"Then it's definitely the right choice; I'll definitely buy it next year."

The kids always believed Chen Ling's words without question, accepting whatever he said without question.

That was pure blind worship.

"Wealth and honor have arrived! You decide what to do today!"

"What arrangements can I possibly make? You're all so focused on welcoming the New Year gods, making decisions on a whim. Have you even prepared the necessary offerings? It's almost New Year's, so even if we don't have the three sacrificial animals, at least we should have steamed buns and pancakes made from grains."

Otherwise, how could the Earth God bless the harvest with abundant crops?

When Chen Ling arrived at the scene, he was even more speechless. The deer farm had just stopped operating, and the villagers hadn't even prepared anything for the New Year yet, and now the village was putting on this show.

The schedule is too tight.

"That's true. If Fugui wants to have a big celebration, then everything needs to be prepared."

Wang Laishun frowned and quickly said, "This is my fault; I didn't think it through."

He was also anxious.

They said they weren't afraid of anything.

But deep down, he was also somewhat afraid of being talked about by the villagers.

I want to get things done quickly.

Otherwise, in a couple more days, everyone will be even busier.

Going to the village to call for help will only get you more scolded.

Now that Chen Ling said that, Wang Laishun immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"I should have called Fugui over too."

His eyes swept over the villagers with a smile:
"Since you've said so, Fugui, we should certainly make it as lively as possible."

This year, everyone in our village has worked hard all year, and it's been so long since the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, so it's time to have a lively celebration.

Wang Laishun is a good talker.

He didn't serve as the village secretary for so many years for nothing.

Everyone agreed when they heard that.

"It's good to make it a lively affair. We're busy at home during the day, so we'll do it after dinner early in the evening. We'll try to replace the statues with new ones before New Year's Eve."

“That’s right. Let’s make this year more exciting. We can’t all wait for Fugui to do the work. We should also show our support this year.”

They made money this year, and now they speak with more confidence.

It still hurts to ask them to pay for it.

However, each household could still afford to provide the grains and other food offerings for the imperial court.

It mainly comes down to whether or not you put your heart into it.

Sometimes it really doesn't have much to do with money.

"That's perfect. I'm going to grind tofu this afternoon, so I'll take care of the fried tofu for the tribute."

Chen Ling spoke first, telling everyone that there was no need to repeat themselves.

"Let's all discuss what each family should do, and once we're all ready, we'll send the old Earth God to heaven."

As Chen Ling spoke, he pointed to the two men who were transporting the statue: "Now, let's cover the stone statue with a red cloth and put it here, so that the two craftsmen won't have to wait here idly."

“Listen to Fugui, arrange things in a more orderly manner to avoid chaos and wasting time. The statues of gods we used this year are so good, we can’t let them go to waste.”

"it is good."

"Yes."

A group of people responded, and then together they used logs to lift the stone statue and gently lower it down.

After placing the statue, Chen Ling gave the two men who delivered it two packs of cigarettes before sending them away.

Here, wherever conditions permit, every household grinds a large pot of tofu by the end of the year.

It can be fried into tofu puffs, tofu strips, tofu triangles, or tofu and finely chopped fresh meat into balls and fried into crispy fried meat. Then it can be stored in the granary and eaten every day during the New Year.

In previous years, it was rare to have the means to make a large pot of tofu.

This big pot is usually shared by two, or even three or four, companies.

This year, however, the conditions are right.

However, the weather was unusually warm during the Lunar New Year this year.

If you make too much, you won't be able to keep it.

No one else can refrigerate tofu in a small water tower for a short time like Chen Ling.

Therefore, it was perfectly reasonable for Chen Ling to be in charge of the tofu.

In rural areas at this time of year, everything moves at a very slow pace.

Making tofu, for example, requires spending an entire afternoon working on it.

Even if it's paid to have it made at a tofu shop in the county town.

Also like this.

Chen Ling thought that he wouldn't be able to rush back to herd the wild geese at dusk.

Because there are many young people getting married in the village this year, and most households have made money, people are buying fireworks and firecrackers by the basketful.

In the countryside, having more of this is considered a joyous occasion.

This resulted in children running around setting off firecrackers, while the younger ones were also looking for places to bombard the riverbank.

They blasted things in the water, dug holes by the water's edge and blasted them, big and small alike playing wildly together.

The wild geese had long been frightened away.

The red-crowned cranes in the mountain lake were so frightened that they dared not land near the village.

Not to mention the geese at home.

Chen Ling originally thought that geese have better night vision than ordinary birds and can fly and travel at night.

I want to try releasing them at dusk, letting Er Tuzi take them flying around the area.

Unexpectedly, everyone is having such a blast this year, even though it's almost Chinese New Year.

“Uncle Fugui, my family has some leftover cornmeal. My mother and grandmother made fried dumplings. Try them and see if they're good. They said they're going to use them as an offering to the new Earth God.”

That evening, while Chen Ling's family was steaming tofu, Liu Nier led a group of children over, each carrying a basket filled with food.

"Uncle Fugui, my family makes buckwheat black steamed buns."

"Uncle, my family makes a mixed grain bun."

……

"Goodness, you brought me so much, I can't possibly eat it all."

Chen Ling was completely bewildered. "Besides, these aren't meant for offerings, so why are they all being sent to me?"

"My grandpa said you should try it first. Didn't you say you liked cornbread the year before last?" Xiao Sen said innocently.

This left Chen Ling somewhat speechless.

That was when he had just returned to this era, and he still harbored some thoughts of reminiscing about the bitter past and appreciating the sweet present.

Actually, whole grains are good, but if you eat them for three days in a row, you'll get tired of them immediately.

It can make a person feel completely stuffed.

Nothing else, it's just too dry and scratches the throat.

Where can you find steamed buns made with wheat flour that taste better?
It has to be high-quality grain.

"Uncle was talking about the cornbread and steamed buns stuck in the pot. As for the plain steamed buns, I still prefer the vegetable steamed buns from spring."

Chen Ling tried to justify himself: "However, if you eat this stuff, how will you offer tribute in the future?"

Offerings to gods and Buddhas need to be new.

Once you've eaten it, it definitely can't be used anymore.

“My mom said it’s okay. We’ll weigh it again, and it’ll be fresh. As long as we don’t cook it again, the gods won’t blame us, and we can eat it.”

Liu Nier said, "My family learned to make this from your recipe, Uncle. You should try it."

"Alright, alright, then each of you put down two."

Chen Ling couldn't resist the children's enthusiasm: "Put it down and don't go yet. Wait until I start frying tofu, then each of you can take a few pieces home."

"Okay, hehe, Uncle, where did Rui Rui go? I haven't seen him all day."

The little kids knew that Uncle Fugui loved them, and in their joy, they suddenly remembered that they hadn't seen their little bear cub at home all day.

"He's in the county town, don't worry about him. We just caught those little weasels, and they're having a great time. I went to check on them when I came back, and he doesn't seem to miss home."

Anyway, if he wants to come back, someone will take him.

……

Chen Ling is carefree, but Wang Susu, as a mother, is not.

Even though there are two younger ones around, she just can't rest easy about Rui Rui, the eldest.

There's nothing we can do about it; even if the eldest is older, he's still not two years old.

While Chen Ling was frying the tofu, Wang Susu came into the kitchen seven or eight times, constantly muttering, "It's so dark, we should bring Rui Rui back," "The child is still too young, he's never slept outside before, what if he catches a cold at night?"...and so on. (End of Chapter)