In the 1970s private trade was not permitted. To facilitate exchange among farmers however the commune organized periodic market fairs. These were collective trading events and were fully authorized.
On market day villagers from nearby hamlets would carry baskets of goods they had gathered throughout the year to sell or barter for whatever they needed. Others came simply to stroll and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Entertainment was scarce in those days and market day was one of the few occasions for gathering together and having fun. People looked forward to it with great enthusiasm. Even townspeople sometimes traveled out specially to attend.
“Shushu wants to go to the market!” Shushu announced the moment she heard there was to be a fair.
“The village chief will come for you presently,” Sister Ke told her. The Niu family would be busy selling tofu and feared they might not be able to keep a proper eye on her amidst the crowd. They had therefore arranged for the village chief to collect her early.
Scarcely had the words been spoken when barking was heard outside. Shushu went to the gate and found the village chief’s large yellow dog waiting for her.
“Has Doggie come for Shushu?”
“Woof.” The dog nodded as though he had understood perfectly.
“Wait just a moment.” Shushu ran back inside to fetch her little cloth pouch. She bade farewell to Grandmother Chen and Sister Ke before hurrying back out.
“Wait Shushu.” Sister Ke caught up with her, reached into her pocket and pressed five fen into her pouch. “This is for you. Buy yourself something nice to eat at the market.”
“Thank you. Goodbye!” Shushu waved obediently and trotted away beside the dog.
“May Shushu ride upon your back?” Halfway to the village chief’s home, growing tired, Shushu looked up at the dog hopefully. The dog obediently lowered his body for her. In the end however, Shushu could not bring herself to climb aboard. He was a sturdy country dog yet of only medium size. He might pull a cart but could never safely carry her weight. Shushu compared their sizes and understood this well. She feared she might hurt him.
“Never mind. Shushu shall walk.” She could manage on her own! She had taken scarcely half a dozen steps when a pair of large hands lifted her gently from behind.
“Why is Shushu walking all alone?” A familiar voice spoke. Shushu craned her neck and looked up. It was Xiang Haisong.
“Uncle Haisong.” Shushu recognized him and relaxed. “Shushu is going to Grandfather Chief’s house.”
“And what does Shushu intend to do there?” Xiang Haisong asked as he strode steadily in the direction of the village chief’s home.
“Go to the market.”
“Shall I take you instead? I could carry you there easily. Come with me.”
“No thank you. Shushu must go with Grandfather.”
“Why not? I shall buy you sweet things to eat and a pretty cloth doll. Would you like that?” He teased her gently, amused by her firm refusal.
“No! No!” Shushu shook her head and squirmed to be set down.
“Very well. Very well.” Xiang Haisong steadied her carefully. “I shall take you to Grandfather Chief’s house. Do not wriggle so. If I were to drop you every person in the village would come running to beat me all the way back home.”
It was not merely the villagers who watched him with suspicion. The yellow dog walked close beside them, his gaze fixed intently upon Xiang Haisong, alert and ready to spring should any harm befall the child. Xiang Haisong delivered her safely if only to avoid being bitten.
The village chief was not at home. Work in the fields continued through the morning hours and the market would not begin until afternoon. The village chief was still overseeing the fields.
His younger daughter who had married only the previous month was at home however busily preparing goods to take to market. She had intended to send the dog to collect Shushu once her work was done so that they might eat together before departing. Instead the dog had heard mention of the child and had trotted off eagerly to fetch her himself.
“Shushu has arrived!” Chen Cuiying set down her work in surprise and lifted the child into her arms. “I meant to come and collect you myself.”
“Doggie brought Shushu.” Shushu pointed to the yellow dog who circled happily at their feet wagging his tail and panting.
“Silly dog.” Chen Cuiying chided him fondly. Then looking up and seeing Xiang Haisong she greeted him politely. They were scarcely acquainted and after a brief exchange Xiang Haisong prepared to depart. Before leaving he slipped a ten-cent note into Shushu’s pouch. “Buy something you like. Goodbye Shushu.” He took her small hand and waved it gently then turned and left with a smile.
“Goodbye.” Shushu called out after him in her soft voice.
“Would Shushu like to sit and look at picture books?” Chen Cuiying carried her inside, placed her upon a small stool and handed her an illustrated storybook. “I shall finish preparing our things and then we shall play together.”
“Very well.” Shushu accepted the book and sat quietly. She was still too young to read the words but the bright colourful pictures were fascinating enough. Chen Cuiying returned to her work reassured. The village chief’s household had gathered a basket of eggs and several wooden articles crafted by Chen Zhenxing all intended for sale. The eggs were easily packed but the wooden pieces were heavy and irregular. They must be stacked carefully upon a handcart and secured with rope lest they jostle loose along the way.
At noon the village chief returned early. Knowing everyone’s thoughts were already upon the market he had released them from work early granting the entire village a half-day holiday. His praises were sung far and wide.
“Cuiying bring two catties of fine wheat flour,” the village chief instructed his daughter. “There is a vendor making sponge cakes at the market today. It is far more economical than purchasing from the supply and marketing cooperative. Have several catties made up for us and bring some home with you when you return.” He then placed a portion of mushroom and cured meat into Shushu’s bowl.
“And sugar?” Chen Cuiying asked. “Sponge cake is scarcely enjoyable without sugar.”
“We have little sugar remaining. Purchase it at the supply and marketing cooperative on your way,” he replied. Salt and refined sugar could not be sold privately at the market. One must obtain them from state shops. Cane sugar made at home from malt was the one exception.
“Has Shushu had enough?” The village chief asked, noticing her pause.
“Belly full.” Shushu replied. Every few moments someone had placed more food into her bowl. She was so small and there was simply so much to eat.
“Then let us walk about a little and aid digestion.” The village chief’s wife shot a reproachful look at the menfolk especially her husband for overfeeding the child. The village chief smiled sheepishly, took Shushu’s bowl and finished what remained himself.
After the meal the family loaded their cart and set out. Shushu walked beside her grandmother for some twenty minutes until her discomfort had passed. Then she was lifted into arms and carried the remainder of the way. The market lay near the Hongyang Commune.
The journey alone took two hours. They would spend the afternoon there and likely return by twilight. Fortunately many villagers traveled together along the road for safety. The procession was large indeed. Those who seldom traveled and knew not the way simply fell in behind the village chief and followed. He in turn walked at the head turning often to ensure no one had fallen behind or strayed upon the uneven path. The roads remained rough earthen tracks unlike the smooth paved roads Shushu would one day help build for them.
Grandmother tied Shushu to herself with a length of cloth across her chest. It made carrying easier and ensured she would not wander. Upon reaching the market the cloth was retied loosely about Shushu’s waist, the other end held firmly in Grandmother’s hand so she might not become lost.
This was Shushu’s very first journey beyond the village. Everything was new and wonderful. She looked this way and that with wide curious eyes. When villagers teased her playfully she gave as good as she got answering back with wit and wisdom that set everyone laughing.
By the time they arrived the market was already bustling. Both sides of the roadway were lined with stalls displaying every manner of goods. Some vendors waited quietly while others called out their wares. Most were produce of the land eggs vegetables handwoven baskets and carrying hampers all laid out in abundance. Shushu’s eyes grew wide taking in everything.
“So many people.” She had never seen such crowds. The lanes were packed shoulder to shoulder. Shushu, who was ordinarily bold and outgoing, shrank back. She clutched her grandmother’s clothing tightly, afraid to let go.
Grandmother Zou comforted her gently. “Fear not little one. Grandmother is here.” Shushu buried her face against her grandmother’s chest, too timid to look upon the sea of faces. Seeing her fear the villagers of Fengyang moved protectively about her forming a gentle circle so that she stood surrounded by familiar faces. Reassured, Shushu lifted her head once more and peered out cautiously upon the market.
“What is that?” she asked, pointing to something that caught her eye.
“That is sugar painting,” Grandmother explained. “It is artwork made of molten sugar and may be eaten. Presently Grandmother shall buy one for you.”
“No.” Shushu patted her little pouch. “Shushu shall be bought.” She had been given coins along the way and her pouch was pleasantly heavy. She had enough money of her own.