Chapter 8

Chapter 8

In the morning, Jin Xiuzhu took the two children to the next door to return the clothes.

At the Wu family's place, Qian Yufeng was squatting and washing clothes. There was a well in the courtyard, so she didn't have to go out. She washed the clothes right there in the yard.

Jin Xiuzhu hadn't washed any clothes these past two days; it was always Jiang Mingchuan who would take a bucket and leave before dawn. All she had to do was hang them up after eating.

Seeing them come over, Qian Yufeng called inside for Daya, "Quickly bring a stool for your Aunt Jin to sit on."

Someone responded from inside, and then an eleven- or twelve-year-old girl came out with a stool and placed it in front of Jin Xiuzhu.

Qian Yufeng couldn't help but say, "I told you to get one, and you really just got one? There are also your brother and sister here. You should know to greet people when they arrive."

The girl mumbled a response and turned back into the house to fetch two smaller stools, placing them down before leaving.

Qian Yufeng looked at Jin Xiuzhu helplessly, "This child, I don't know whose traits she inherited, but her personality is getting more and more quiet as she grows older. It's like she can't be coaxed into saying anything."

Jin Xiuzhu pretended to give her a look, "You're just showing off. Such a pretty young lady, not as bad as you make her out to be. A well-behaved and gentle girl is much better, isn't it? Someone you'd like to see. Do you prefer those who are loud and slick-tongued?"

Qian Yufeng, upon hearing this, felt that it made sense. She smiled at Jin Xiuzhu, "Everything becomes an advantage in your mouth."

She then called into the house again, "Quickly bring out the quilts to air them out. Take advantage of the sun today."

But this time, her tone was much gentler.

Jin Xiuzhu also smiled, "I'm just telling the truth."

She sat down on the stool, with the two children sitting beside her. Fu Yanyan kept her head down. Jin Xiuzhu used to scold her in the same way, never expecting that she would praise others one day.

Jin Xiuzhu directly asked about the cotton, "Sister, did you ask about the cotton for me? I want to buy two more cotton quilts. The children are growing, and it's time to prepare separate rooms for them."

"I did ask. Yesterday afternoon, I went back to my parents' home. If you need some, let my mother buy it for you. There's also a place in the village where they make cotton quilts. That's where I bought my dowry quilts when I got married. Tell me how many pounds you need, and I'll go back again this afternoon."

"That would be great." Jin Xiuzhu wasn't very knowledgeable about these things, so she asked about the size of Qian Yufeng's quilts. In the end, she decided on a five-pound quilt and a six-pound quilt.

After settling this matter, Jin Xiuzhu showed a hint of hesitation on her face. Finally, she recounted what happened during dinner last night, "I don't know what's going on. Logically speaking, it's my first time here, and I don't even know her. Why does she seem to have a personal grudge against me? I dare only tell you this. Asking these questions is because I think Sister is kind-hearted. After all, I'll be living here from now on. I'm afraid I might have offended someone without realizing it."

Upon hearing this, Qian Yufeng's face lit up. She hadn't expected that last night had been so lively.

She wanted to spill everything to Jin Xiuzhu, but then she hesitated. If her mother-in-law found out, she would definitely scold her again.

Jin Xiuzhu noticed her hesitation and said with a smile, "No matter what you say, Sister, I will be grateful. Only then will I feel comfortable sharing more with you in the future."

These words were too powerful. Qian Yufeng immediately said in a mysterious tone, "You mustn't tell anyone that I told you this."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded vigorously.

"Only while my mother-in-law is not at home can I tell you. I know about that Liu Hongyue. She usually hangs around Wang Ling. Wang Ling works at the city textile factory and is a workshop director. Liu Hongyue wants to work there too."

"But what does this have to do with me?"

"It has nothing to do with you, but it does have something to do with your husband."

At this point, she looked at Jin Xiuzhu. Seeing that Jin Xiuzhu's expression was normal, she whispered, "Do you know about your husband seeing someone last year?"

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback, but then she vaguely remembered something. When Jiang Mingchuan went to Fu Jianguo's house for dinner, "Jin Xiuzhu" wasn't seated at the table. She had eavesdropped on the conversation between Fu Jianguo's mother and daughter in the kitchen. That's how she learned about her mother-in-law's intentions. At that time, her younger sister-in-law had mentioned that he had already seen someone. However, "Jin Xiuzhu's" mother-in-law had said, "He hasn't married yet, so what's there to worry about? Once you marry him, you'll become a city dweller too..."

Jin Xiuzhu guessed what had happened. It seemed that person had a connection with Wang Ling.

Sure enough, Qian Yufeng continued, "The person your husband saw last year was introduced by Wang Ling. She also worked at the textile factory and had a three- or four-year-old daughter, who was very beautiful."

After saying this, she regretted it a bit. She glanced at Jin Xiuzhu and held back the rest of her words, afraid that Jin Xiuzhu would feel uncomfortable. She quickly added, "Actually, you look quite good too. Your eyes are big and bright, making you look spirited."

Although Qian Yufeng thought that woman was nice, after spending these two days with Jin Xiuzhu, she felt closer to Jin Xiuzhu. Now, her heart leaned towards Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu could tell what Qian Yufeng was thinking from the way her eyes rolled. She felt a lump in her throat. This was the first time someone had praised her like this. It meant she wasn't considered good-looking, after all.

Fu Yanyan, sitting beside her, clenched her fists tightly. She hadn't expected to hear about that mother and daughter so soon.

"Sigh, the other party was also a pitiable person. Her husband died either last year or the year before. Her in-laws had a younger brother, and the whole family bullied them. Fortunately, she was capable and took over her husband's job, becoming a formal employee at the textile factory. She lived in the city with her daughter."

"Wang Ling is alright, just a little vain. Even if she's unhappy, she wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for you. That Liu Hongyue must be trying to curry favor with Wang Ling."

Qian Yufeng pursed her lips, "When she first came here, she looked down on me because I'm from the countryside. What's wrong with being from the countryside? I can go home whenever I want. Who wouldn't envy me?"

Jin Xiuzhu agreed, "That's true."

"By the way, how is the commander's wife?"

"You mean Fang Min? I don't know much. She doesn't get close to anyone."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. Last night, she had felt that Fang Min was easy to get along with.

After chatting for a while, Jin Xiuzhu took the two children back home.

On the way, she remained silent, occasionally lifting her rough hands to look at them, and then sighing deeply. Back in the day, her appearance was famous throughout the capital. She had once met Lin Weizhi, one of the Capital's Twin Beauties. Lin Weizhi's appearance didn't even compare to half of hers, but she was adored due to her noble background. One year during the Buddha Bathing Festival, both of them appeared in front of the wishing tree on Mount Wanfo Temple. Many young and handsome men mistook her for Lin Weizhi. Thinking about it now, it was rather laughable.

She hadn't looked in the mirror these past few days, so she had neglected her own appearance, almost forgetting how dark and ugly she looked now.

Finally, as if remembering something, she suddenly turned to He Yan behind her and said, "I remember seeing many plum blossoms yesterday on our way back. Go pick some for me. No, pick as many as you can."

He Yan looked at Jin Xiuzhu in confusion but still nodded, "Okay."

When Jin Xiuzhu returned home, she didn't continue sewing clothes. Instead, she ran to the kitchen and gathered everything she could use.

Back then, she knew that her most valuable asset was her appearance, so she took great care of it, using secret recipes for imperial concubines. By chance, she saved an old nanny who had committed a mistake in the mansion. The nanny's elder sister served in the palace. After the concubine she served was harmed during childbirth, the elder sister managed to escape the palace and sought refuge with her. Together, the sisters lived in a small house outside the palace walls. Later, they became Jin Xiuzhu's trusted assistants. The popular Yuji Balm, favored by noble ladies in the capital, was part of her business empire. She conducted her business discreetly. The Marquis only knew that she had invested in some properties outside, but he didn't realize how extensive her business was. If the Marquis Mansion hadn't been confiscated so quickly, Jin Xiuzhu might have already found a way to escape.

He Yan returned with Wu Xiaojun. They both carried arms full of plum blossoms. Wu Xiaojun had been playing with others but saw He Yan helping and joined in. He still remembered how delicious the food Jin Xiuzhu made was.

He Yan experienced for the first time what it felt like to be favored by Wu Xiaojun, and he was somewhat happy, working even harder as a result.

Jin Xiuzhu was also generous, saying that she would prepare them a good meal tomorrow.

Wu Xiaojun left, content.

Jin Xiuzhu then began to instruct He Yan to heat water for her, even pulling Fu Yanyan to pick plum blossoms, the three of them bustling about in the kitchen with great cheer.

When Jiang Mingchuan returned at noon, he found the house filled with a delicious aroma. Jin Xiuzhu and his daughter had cloths wrapped around their heads, their faces glistening with oil. He looked towards his son at the door, and He Yan explained dryly, "I'm not quite sure myself. Auntie said it's good for our hair."

He didn't dare mention that Auntie had used a lot of sesame oil and two eggs.

Jiang Mingchuan nodded.

In the afternoon, Jiang Mingchuan didn't go out. He told Jin Xiuzhu that the leadership had approved their union, mainly because Jin Xiuzhu had previously been a military wife, and her background could easily be verified. As for him, it was rare in the army to find someone unmarried at his age. The leadership was pleased to see them together.

"If you agree, we can get our marriage certificate tomorrow, and the day after, we can host a couple of tables at the canteen for the leadership and comrades. That will count as our wedding."

Jin Xiuzhu, thinking about the money they had, asked, "How should we go about it?"

"What do you mean?"

"How many people are there?"

"Twenty to thirty, but if you include their families, it's around fifty."

"Then let's prepare three tables. Have you decided on the dishes yet?"

"..."

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent. He didn't understand these things, assuming that a word with the head chef would suffice.

Jin Xiuzhu made the decision directly. "Order eight dishes per table. I don't have many meat coupons; can you help me get some more?"

Jiang Mingchuan looked at her. "Yes, anything else?"

"It would be best to finalize the menu with the head chef—half vegetable dishes, half mixed. After setting the schedule, notify those attending the banquet." She then asked, "Do the attendees bring gifts?"

"Yes, usually two to five yuan, or sometimes eggs."

"Then let's buy some melon seeds and sweets tomorrow. On the way out, everyone can grab a handful. We don't have much money, and He Yan needs to start school."

He Yan, listening nearby, couldn't help but look at Jin Xiuzhu.

He thought Auntie wouldn't care about such matters.

In truth, every time he saw Wu Xiaojun go to school, he felt envious.

Jiang Mingchuan hummed in agreement but still explained, "There's still half a year until he can start school."

Jin Xiuzhu disagreed. "We can send him to school early to adapt. It's better to start half a year earlier. He's already seven or eight years old."

In the Great Jing Dynasty, starting education at three was considered late.

Jiang Mingchuan didn't say anything, and Jin Xiuzhu added, "Regardless, his studies shouldn't be neglected."

Jiang Mingchuan gave her an extra glance, somewhat surprised—not only by how decisively she handled matters but also by her thoughts on this matter.

Jin Xiuzhu waved her hand. "Forget it, you don't need to worry about these things. I'll take care of them. You just focus on earning money to support the family."

This place was different from the Great Jing Dynasty. They couldn't start their own business to make money, which was why they were living such a tight life.

Jiang Mingchuan: "..."

The next day, the four of them went to the county to obtain their marriage certificate. First, they went to a photo studio to take pictures. Jin Xiuzhu, unfamiliar with this concept, couldn't help but curiously look around. When the photographer instructed her to sit down, she did so.

Sitting beside her, Jiang Mingchuan followed the instructions to move closer. As the flash lit up, Jin Xiuzhu closed her eyes in fright.

They took another picture.

Afterward, Jiang Mingchuan called over He Yan and Fu Yanyan, who were standing nearby, to take a family portrait.

In that moment when the image was captured, Fu Yanyan felt a sense of disorientation, as if she had traveled through time. She remembered this family photo from her previous life, though she couldn't recall exactly when it was taken. However, she always cherished this photograph, taking it out whenever she felt like giving up, finding hope in its presence.

Jiang Mingchuan paid an extra yuan for rush processing, and the photos were quickly developed.

This was the first time Jin Xiuzhu and He Yan had taken photos, and both curiously examined the images in their hands. Jin Xiuzhu, in particular, had never imagined something like this existed—a way to replicate a person's likeness onto paper, far more realistic than any painting.

However, it also made her appear much uglier.

Sitting next to Jiang Mingchuan, she looked like a large black dog.

At this moment, she acutely realized how unappealing she currently appeared, having previously been the one to criticize others.

Biting her lip, she decided to use the remaining half bottle of sesame oil when they returned home.

They arrived at the Civil Affairs Office rather late and had to wait in line outside for a bit.

Their family of four stood out, as most couples came alone. Especially noticeable was Jiang Mingchuan in his military uniform.

After obtaining their marriage certificate, Jiang Mingchuan took them to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative and the Meat Processing Plant, purchasing melon seeds, sweets, and meat as Jin Xiuzhu had suggested. The meat coupons were obtained by trading with friends, allowing them to buy only two pounds of meat and two pig trotters. Since there wasn't much meat on the trotters, they were cheaper.

Seeing this, Jin Xiuzhu mentioned, "Buy one more. This afternoon, I'll make Braised Pig's Trotter for you to eat."

Hearing this, He Yan and Fu Yanyan's mouths watered, and they both looked at Jiang Mingchuan.

Jiang Mingchuan hesitated; they didn't have enough meat coupons.

Jin Xiuzhu directly instructed the staff member, "Cut off a bit of the meat and exchange it for a pig's trotter."

Then she turned to Jiang Mingchuan and said, "With so many people tomorrow, the two kids won't get much to eat. There's no reason we should shortchange ourselves for others."

The man looked at Jin Xiuzhu, then at Jiang Mingchuan, and proceeded as Jin Xiuzhu had suggested.

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent until they were far enough away, then he said, "When we invite people over for dinner, we shouldn't be so calculating. These are our close colleagues and superiors after all."

Jin Xiuzhu used to enjoy dealing with such good-natured people who swallowed their losses, but she didn't like it when they were on her side. Still, she placated him with a good temper, "How could that be? There's plenty of meat here. We should also treat ourselves well, don't you think?"

Jiang Mingchuan looked at her suspiciously. "That's not what you said earlier."

She had mentioned something about not letting others benefit at their expense.

Jin Xiuzhu feigned ignorance. "You must have misheard me."

Jiang Mingchuan was always aware that she wasn't as innocent as she seemed on the surface. Wanting to correct her thinking, he couldn't help but continue, "The military is a large collective, and we're like family here..."

Jin Xiuzhu found this headache-inducing, and she snapped, "Then don't eat."

She wouldn't shortchange herself. With that, she strode off.

"..."

Jiang Mingchuan watched the rapidly retreating back, then turned to look at the two children beside him, rubbing his nose. "Why has her temper gotten so big?"

Wasn't she usually more reasonable?

Fu Yanyan blinked. Was this considered big? In her previous life, the two of them had even bigger tempers, and they could go without speaking to each other for one or two months after an argument.

In the evening, Jin Xiuzhu brought out the prepared Agate Pork Knuckle and placed it on the table. The dark red knuckle emitted an enticing aroma that made the two children drool. Even Fu Yanyan, with her adult soul, couldn't resist the temptation, swallowing hard.

Jin Xiuzhu divided the meat and broth among the two children and gave herself a portion as well, leaving some untouched on the plate.

Jiang Mingchuan only ate from his own bowl, never raising his head until he was almost finished.

The two children kept looking at him.

Jin Xiuzhu didn't indulge him and deliberately said, "If you don't eat it, I'll give it to the two kids."

Jiang Mingchuan mumbled, "Go ahead. I don't feel like eating it."

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help but laugh and cry at his response, placing the meat in his bowl. "There, eat. How old are you, sulking like this? You're always the one getting the short end of the stick."

After saying that, she got up to clear the dishes and went to the kitchen.

Once she left, Jiang Mingchuan raised his head and couldn't help but smile. He accidentally met the curious eyes of the two children and quickly suppressed his smile, stubbornly adding, "Your mom made me eat it."

He Yan nodded foolishly.

Only Fu Yanyan wanted to laugh, but mostly, she felt a pang in her heart. If things had been like this in her previous life, it would have been wonderful.