PCJ – Chapter 144 The Wolf is Coming

“Jiaohua, take this red envelope,” Zhang Manyin said as he stuffed the envelope into Zhang Jiaohua’s pocket.

Zhang Jiaohua quickly took it out. “Grandpa, Mom said we shouldn’t accept red envelopes from our own family.”

“Jiaohua, you have to take this gift. It’s not just a red envelope; it’s a token of gratitude. If you don’t accept it, the gods will be displeased,” Zhang Manyin insisted, not letting his grandson refuse the envelope.

Ma Donghua chuckled, “Jiaohua, since Grandpa is giving it to you, just accept it. We’re so happy you care about us. Here, take some peanuts and sunflower seeds too.”

After Zhang Jiaohua went around Meizi’ao delivering protective talismans to various homes, he headed to his grandparents’ house to install a few talismans. He placed them in the main hall, rooms, and the pigsty.

Ma Donghua filled a tinplate tray with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and wrapped candies, and walked over to Zhang Jiaohua, stuffing his pockets full. She even tried to put more in his pants pockets.

Zhang Jiaohua quickly waved his hand, “Grandma, my pants pockets are torn.” He turned them inside out, revealing holes in both pockets.

Ma Donghua laughed heartily, “Ask your mom to patch them up when you get home, or little sparrows might fly out.”

Zhang Manyin also laughed heartily.

“Jiaohua, where are you going now?” Zhang Manyin asked, seeing Zhang Jiaohua heading in a different direction from home.

“Mom asked me to deliver a few talismans to Uncle’s house too,” Zhang Jiaohua replied with a smile.

“Wait a moment, it’s getting dark. I’ll walk you over,” Zhang Manyin said quickly.

Zhang Manyin had another reason for going. He was worried that his eldest son’s wife might be too stingy and wouldn’t give Zhang Jiaohua anything for installing the talismans. Normally, it wouldn’t matter, but this was different. If they didn’t show gratitude, the gods might be offended, and the talismans wouldn’t be effective.

Zhang Jiaohua called back from afar, “No need, it’s still bright out, and the wolves won’t come this early.”

Zhang Manyin smiled, “This child.” He muttered to himself but still headed towards his eldest son’s house.

Since receiving wild boar meat from Zhang Youping’s house, Hu Xiaoqing’s attitude towards Zhang Jiaohua had completely changed. She greeted him warmly when she saw him coming, “Jiaohua, what are you doing out so late? It’s not safe; you should head home soon.”

“I know. Mom asked me to bring you some talismans for protection,” Zhang Jiaohua said, taking the talismans out of his pocket. He nearly spilled the sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Fortunately, the snacks didn’t get dirty in the snow. With Hu Xiaoqing’s help, they quickly picked them all up.

“Wow, Jiaohua, where did you get so many treats?” Zhang Yuanbao asked, his eyes widening as he came outside and saw the scene.

Zhang Manyin, who had just arrived, quickly said, “Jiaohua went to the old house to install talismans, and your grandmother gave him some snacks. I was worried about him being out alone at this hour, but it turns out he was thinking of you and came to deliver talismans.”

Zhang Manyin thought to himself: Luckily, I arrived in time. If Jiaohua had said it himself, his aunt might have thought we favored him too much.

Zhang Jiaohua generously said, “Brother Yuanbao, let’s share.”

He gave half of his snacks to Zhang Yuanbao. After the previous incidents, Zhang Jiaohua had grown fond of his cousin, who, despite being spoiled, was quite loyal.

“See how considerate Jiaohua is, sharing his treats with his brother,” Hu Xiaoqing remarked, any previous resentment gone.

“Yuanbao, if you want more, go with Jiaohua to Grandma’s. You’ll both be well-fed,” Zhang Manyin laughed.

Zhang Jiaohua was busy setting up the talismans, following the proper rituals, while Zhang Yuanbao watched curiously. Hu Xiaoqing wanted to get some more snacks for Jiaohua, as it was customary to offer something to visitors during the New Year.

“Xiaoqing, let me tell you something,” Zhang Manyin called out to his daughter-in-law.

“What is it, Father? Come inside and sit while I get some peanuts and sunflower seeds,” Hu Xiaoqing said.

“Don’t worry about that. I want to talk to you about something important. When you request talismans, you need to show some gratitude. This isn’t like other favors where you can skip it. The gods will be offended if you don’t show respect, and the talismans won’t work. I was worried you might not know this, so I came to tell you,” Zhang Manyin explained.

“Of course I know that, Father. I’m not ignorant of these customs. I’m Jiaohua’s aunt; I’d never let him go unrewarded. See, I already prepared a red envelope with ten yuan and some change. I’m not new to this,” Hu Xiaoqing said, pulling out a red envelope.

“How did you prepare so early?” Zhang Manyin asked, surprised at her foresight.

“I went to the brother in-law’s house earlier and asked Qiaoye if Jiaohua could bring us some talismans. She said he had already left, so I prepared the envelope then,” Hu Xiaoqing explained proudly.

Zhang Jiaohua returned home with two more red envelopes. Liu Qiaoye didn’t say much about him accepting them from his grandfather and aunt.

The atmosphere on the night of the 28th was different from usual. By eight o’clock, the village was eerily silent. The air was thick with anticipation.

Normally, this time of night, the village would be filled with the sounds of dogs barking, but tonight, there was not a single bark.

Zuan Shanbao were restless, watching the outside with his fur standing on end, growling softly.

The chickens and ducks were huddled in their coops, shivering together in silence.

Zhang Youping and Liu Qiaoye looked worried as they secured every door in the house with wooden bars and reinforced them with stakes. Some doors had already been nailed shut, leaving only the main entrance and the kitchen door accessible.

Zhang Jiaohua seemed unconcerned about the potential danger of the night.

“Awooo…”

On the mountainside opposite, a large wolf stood on a boulder, howling at the sky.

Wolves emerged from every dark corner, all moving toward the same destination…