Chapter 157

The aroma of pork rib soup filled the kitchen, the seaweed tender and flavorful. Emily Johnson picked up a piece of seaweed and savored it slowly.

"Eat more meat," Michael Stone said, placing another rib in her bowl. He always thought his wife showed little interest in meat, even though these ribs were all lean cuts.

Mary Stone, chewing thoughtfully, mused, "Those organ meats taste best braised with spices. Or stir-fried with a rich sauce..." She caught sight of her son serving his wife and sighed inwardly.

This daughter-in-law was as pretty as a flower, still glowing even after bearing two children. Now she carried herself with such grace, almost like a proper lady. No wonder her son treasured her so much.

Emily thought of the braised pork intestines and spicy beef slices she'd enjoyed in her past life and swallowed hard. Those were considered delicacies in the 21st century.

"Let’s have dinner together tonight, Mom and Dad. These things won’t keep long."

Mary calculated, "After dinner, we’ll need to render the lard."

In these times, every household stretched their oil supply thin. A year’s worth of cooking depended on the small ration of lard they received.

The two little boys happily slurped their seaweed soup over sweet potato rice, as if it were the finest meal.

After dinner, Emily and Michael cleared the dishes while Mary stoked the fire to render the lard.

"I heard the neighboring brigade pressed a good amount of oil this year..." Mary chattered.

Emily suddenly spoke up, "Mom, I bought some oil in town last time. Would you like to take some home?"

She turned and retrieved a glass bottle from beside the water jar under the dresser. Golden rapeseed oil shimmered inside.

Mary’s eyes widened. What a clever hiding spot!

"Can you buy things in town without ration coupons now?" she asked skeptically.

"Some things don’t require coupons anymore," Emily explained. "But industrial goods still do."

Michael was stunned. He’d been home every day and never noticed the hidden oil.

"Mom, just take a bottle with you."

Mary looked at her son and daughter-in-law and suddenly smiled. "You two really know how to manage a household."

Michael took over the task of rendering the lard, insisting Emily rest. Watching her son work, Mary felt both proud and a little wistful.

This silly boy—he doted on his wife so much.