Chapter 229
The cicadas’ shrill chirping filled the air, and the already sweltering heat became even more unbearable, grating on the nerves.
In the backyard, Lu Gu cranked the pulley to draw water, pouring it into the trough for the horse and mule so they could quench their thirst.
Even Guaizi was panting from the heat, sprawled in the shade, unwilling to move. Lu Gu carried half a bucket of water to pour into the dog’s bowl, and only then did Guaizi get up to drink.
After giving water to the livestock, he hauled another bucket to the front yard to wash his his light summer clothes. The cool water on his hands and arms brought some relief from the heat.
The persimmon tree in the yard was lush, and the cicadas’ incessant noise from the treetops grated on his nerves as he hung the laundry. Unable to stand it, he shook the tree a few times, then looked up and actually spotted where a cicada was hiding. He fetched a long bamboo pole and poked at it, sending the black cicada tumbling to the ground.
The black cicada fell to the ground, its transparent wings fluttering as it buzzed, trying to fly away—only for Guaizi, who had been lying in wait, to pounce and clamp his jaws around it.
"Ah!"
Hearing the cicada still chirping from Guaizi’s mouth, Lu Gu realized the dog hadn’t bitten it to death but was holding it playfully between his teeth.
"I thought you were eating it as a snack. What’s so fun about that? Next time we go back to the village, I’ll have Erqing take you up the mountain to catch some. We’ll fry up a whole batch for you." He set down the bamboo pole, laughing as he pried open Guaizai’s mouth.
Of course, when he said "fry," he meant without oil—dogs didn’t need that. In their hometown, some people ate cicada nymphs, and even the adult ones weren’t spared. These insects were everywhere in summer, though the shed skins could be sold to apothecaries. Most folks in their village just collected the molts.
As the dog’s jaws opened, the saliva-covered cicada dropped to the ground, still struggling with a faint buzz.
Guaizi crouched low, adopting a hunting stance. Seeing this, Lu Gu knew he was just playing and left him to it.
The heat was unbearable. A few days ago, he and Shen Xuanqing had sent Little Lingjun back to their hometown. Wei Lanxiang missed Lingjun terribly and had been talking about him nonstop.
Lingjun was older now, no longer a toddler who needed to be carried. Their countryside home was much more spacious than their townhouse, and there were oxen to ride and ducks to herd. Lingjun loved playing with his older brother there, so they let him stay.
Wiping the sweat from his face, Lu Gu thought for a moment before heading to the kitchen. From the water vat, he pulled out a watermelon that had been soaking all morning.
The watermelon was round and big, shipped in by riverboat. They didn’t grow many here, and Shen Xuanqing had bought it at the docks—expensive, but undeniably delicious.
Before soaking it, he had scrubbed the rind clean. Now, as he lifted it out, the skin felt cool to the touch.
He dried the watermelon, then placed it in a bamboo basket, hoisting the heavy load onto his back.
Shen Xuanqing was minding the butcher shop, where there were plenty of knives to clean and use for cutting the watermelon. Pleased with his plan, Lu Gu set off with the basket, calling for Guaizi to follow.
Ever since their return, Shen Xuanqing had grown increasingly wary of the unstable times. He insisted that even for a quick errand, Lu Gu should take the dog. Theirs was a hunting breed, far more capable than ordinary guard dogs—an extra layer of protection.
The midday sun was brutal, and few people walked under its scorching rays. Lu Gu wore a straw hat; otherwise, the glare would have made it impossible to keep his eyes open.
The butcher shop was just on the next street over. He quickened his pace, and Guaizi trotted alongside him.
When they arrived, Shen Xuanqing was sitting at the table, keeping accounts. By noon, customers were scarce—few customers braved the scorching heat unless they were farmers toiling in the fields.
"Why’d you come now? Don’t you fear heatstroke?" Shen Xuanqing looked up, set down his brush, and stood to help him with the basket.
Lu Gu smiled. "It’s so hot, I wanted watermelon. Since you weren’t home, I brought it here to share. Perfect for cooling off in this weather, don’t you think?"
Shen Xuanqing cleared the table, washed a seldom-used knife in the back, then returned to slice the watermelon.
The last time they had watermelon, Little Lingjun was still here. Even Guaizi recognized it as food—after tasting the red flesh, he’d gnawed on the crisp, juicy rind, just like the horse and mule.
Raising a child wasn’t easy. Now that Lingjun was back in the village, though the absence of his chatter felt strange, Lu Gu also felt a sense of relief. He held a slice of watermelon, taking big, sweet bites, the juice bursting in his mouth.
His cheeks bulged as he chewed, the sweetness making his eyes crinkle with joy. He grinned at Shen Xuanqing between bites.
Seeing his fulang so happy, Shen Xuanqing’s star-like eyes shone brightly.
They hadn’t even eaten lunch yet, but the two of them finished the entire watermelon, their bellies full.
In this heat, watermelon didn’t keep well—it would turn mushy and bland if left out.
When Shen Xuanqing bought the watermelon, Yang Xian had been the one to call him over. The Yang family had their own, so they didn’t need to share with Lao Yang and Yan Shi today.
Watermelon was a luxury, a rare treat. They ate every last bit, leaving almost no flesh on the rind. Two slices Lu Gu hadn’t even bitten into were given to Guaizi, who had been staring eagerly.
Guaizi devoured the watermelon with gusto—not just the red part, but even the white rind, leaving only the thinnest green skin. After two slices, he sat licking the juice from his muzzle.
"Let’s buy a couple more next time, send them home," Shen Xuanqing said as he wiped the table.
Lu Gu nodded. "We’ll visit in a few days. If Lingjun wants to come back, we’ll bring him. If he’d rather stay and play, Mother and Sister-in-law can watch him." He tossed the rinds into the basket to take back for the mule and horse.
The child was in their hometown, after all—not some far-off place. Besides, the foot of the mountain was cooler at night, and the child slept much more soundly there than in town. Though Lu Gu missed him, he wasn’t overly reluctant to let him stay.
Shen Xuanqing helped him shoulder the basket, smiling. "This place is cramped and too hot. You head back first. Not many people buy meat in this heat. I’ll close up in half an hour and come home for lunch. Just stir-fry something simple—we’re already full anyway."
"Alright, I’m off." Lu Gu grabbed his straw hat from the wall. There was no wind, so he didn’t bother tying the strings, just plopped it on his head and left.
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