Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The next day, Jiang Mingchuan returned with a large stack of newspapers. Jin Xiuzhu asked the two children to help her copy down the addresses of the newspaper offices. She folded the drawings she had made and placed them in envelopes, two drawings per envelope—one pencil sketch and one ink brush drawing.

Each drawing was different, as she feared that the people at these newspaper offices might know each other and discover the similarities if they were identical.

Fu Yanyan sifted through the newspapers, handing over the addresses to He Yan, who copied them onto paper.

In the end, they gathered addresses for eleven newspaper offices. Adding Fang Min's recommendation, it totaled twelve. Jin Xiuzhu placed her best drawings into the envelopes addressed to the larger newspapers, sealing them and affixing stamps.

The following morning, Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter to the entrance of the military compound, where there was a mailbox. The postal workers would often come to deliver mail and take any outgoing letters, which could be arranged by simply informing the young comrade on duty at the gate.

Jin Xiuzhu left the twelve letters and money on the table in the guardroom beside the entrance before bidding farewell and leaving.

On their way back, they stopped by the military compound's supply store to buy groceries.

Following behind, Fu Yanyan couldn't resist asking, "I heard what Auntie Qian said yesterday."

She mentioned that Jin Xiuzhu's job was reported by Liu Hongyue.

In Fu Yanyan's memory, such events didn't occur in her previous life. It seemed that the "Jin Xiuzhu" from her past life didn't have anything that would make Liu Hongyue jealous.

Despite her confusion, Fu Yanyan didn't want to delve too deeply into why this world's Jin Xiuzhu knew so much—how to cook delicious meals, embroider, draw, and write...

Fu Yanyan chose not to ponder further. In her heart, this world and the previous one were separate, and "Jin Xiuzhu" was considered two different people. Perhaps this Jin Xiuzhu secretly learned from skilled elders in the village when she was young, considering her diligence and hard work.

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu realized that the child was thinking too much and was worried about harboring resentment. She explained, "Don't worry, I have everything under control."

Fu Yanyan looked at her without speaking.

Misinterpreting her silence as doubt, Jin Xiuzhu responded defensively, "Your mother isn't one to take things lying down. I won't let her bully me, but rushing to confront her wouldn't solve anything. People like her will always find ways to argue, potentially making us look foolish. Patience is key; opportunities favor those who wait."

In the past, Jin Xiuzhu might have run to Liu Hongyue's doorstep, sobbing and begging for mercy to gain sympathy. But now, she wasn't a concubine in the Marquis Mansion anymore. She was Jiang Mingchuan's wife, and her actions reflected on him and their family's reputation.

If others found out, they would surely gossip. Some might even think she was afraid. She wouldn't engage in something so counterproductive.

Fu Yanyan nodded, not fully understanding the opportunity Jin Xiuzhu referred to.

In the days that followed, Jin Xiuzhu focused on painting at home, diligently noting down new newspaper office addresses and persistently sending her drawings.

With He Yan off to school, the house became quieter. However, he soon returned, excitedly announcing that he had made a new friend.

His new friend's surname was Wei. "His parents went far away for work, so his grandmother brought him here to live. He has already completed first grade back home and started second grade here. We're now desk partners. He doesn't talk much and spends most of his time reading, more than Mom and my sister do."

Without giving it much thought, Jin Xiuzhu praised him, "Xiaoyan is quite capable, making a new friend so quickly."

He Yan continued happily, "He's very handsome, with fair skin, and he talks about things I've never heard of."

Then, turning to Jiang Mingchuan, he asked, "Dad, what's a rocket? And what's a space station? Does our country have one?"

Jiang Mingchuan replied, "We have rockets, but we don't have a space station yet. However, we will eventually. It's built in space, but I'm not entirely sure about the specifics."

He Yan responded with an "oh," then pouted, "There really is such a thing. I thought he was joking. He called me stupid, so I told him I was the dumbest in the family and dared him to say it to my sister."

"..."

Fu Yanyan looked at him expressionlessly, wondering what this had to do with her.

Amused, Jin Xiuzhu suggested, "Bring your friend over to play sometime. Mom will make you some delicious treats."

He Yan exclaimed happily, "Okay."

This was the first friend he had actively sought out.

It was unclear whether Jin Xiuzhu's encouragement played a role, but He Yan brought his new friend home over the weekend.

He Yan had given advance notice, so Jin Xiuzhu had Jiang Mingchuan go out early in the morning to buy ingredients. She prepared some dripping-sweet abalone and ice-crisp pastries in the kitchen.

When the guest arrived, the little boy greeted everyone politely, "Uncle, Auntie, Sister."

He also carried a bag of pears.

Jin Xiuzhu set down the plate of pastries, saying, "Hello, little comrade. Please come in and sit down. You didn't have to bring fruit, how kind of you."

She then instructed He Yan, who was changing his shoes, "Take your friend to wash up. It's time for snacks."

He Yan's face lit up with a wide smile, proudly telling his friend, "My mom's pastries are delicious. You should try them."

To avoid making his friend uncomfortable, Jiang Mingchuan left after breakfast, claiming he had plans to go fishing and would return later to cook fish for them.

Jin Xiuzhu retrieved the ice-crisp pastries from the kitchen, preparing three bowls. She had informed Chef Zhang the previous night to help her get some milk and ice, which she picked up that morning.

She then fetched some malted milk powder to mix drinks for the children.

Wei Ningqing, seeing Jin Xiuzhu's hospitality, politely declined, "Auntie, no need to mix drinks. We won't be able to finish them."

"It's fine. If there's any left, I'll drink it."

Jin Xiuzhu took the malted milk powder canister to the kitchen, leaving the children in the living room. He Yan ate the ice-crisp pastries with his head bowed, while Wei Ningqing looked around, finally resting his gaze on Fu Yanyan.

He then asked He Yan, "Is this the sister you mentioned?"

Feeling a bit uneasy, He Yan still puffed out his chest and raised his head, saying, "Don't underestimate her because she's small. She's very smart."

Yesterday, when he invited Wei Ningqing to play at their home, Wei Ningqing initially declined. He Yan then teased, "Are you afraid of being overshadowed by my sister?"

That's when Wei Ningqing agreed to come.

Fu Yanyan couldn't be bothered to pay attention to He Yan, looking at the two of them as if they were idiots. If they believed what He Yan said, they couldn't be that smart either?

After Jin Xiuzhu prepared their malted milk drinks, she let them play on their own while she went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

He Yan took his new friend to his room and ran to the kitchen to ask Jin Xiuzhu if he could show Wei Ningqing her paintings. After Jin Xiuzhu agreed, He Yan fetched some of Jin Xiuzhu's paintings from the main room to show off. "My mom painted all these. My mom knows so many things. She can even write poetry, and Aunt Fang next door always compliments her writing."

"Let me tell you, my mom never went to school; she learned everything in literacy classes. If she had gone to school, she would have definitely become a college student. Look, this is embroidery done by my mom. Isn't it beautiful?"

Fu Yanyan sat at the table, slowly scooping up her malted milk drink. The iced dessert was cold, and Jin Xiuzhu didn't let her eat too much.

She quietly listened as He Yan blabbered about their family affairs. Fortunately, he wasn't too foolish and didn't mention that Jin Xiuzhu had sent her painting drafts to the newspaper.

Wei Ningqing's usually stoic face became serious as he carefully examined the paintings and the embroidery in He Yan's hands. His small brows were tightly furrowed before he said, "Your mom is very impressive."

He Yan was delighted. "Of course."

For lunch, Jin Xiuzhu prepared a table full of delicious dishes: braised pig's feet, sweet and sour spareribs, stir-fried vegetables, stir-fried vermicelli, and tofu soup.

The children ate until they were full. After lunch, they played for a while longer before Wei Ningqing had to go home for his nap. Jin Xiuzhu asked He Yan to see him downstairs.

After they left, Fu Yanyan reported to Jin Xiuzhu, "He Yan told him everything about our family."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "It's fine. That child clearly comes from a good family and seems upright. He wouldn't have ill intentions."

Fu Yanyan frowned, feeling that something about him seemed familiar.

Then, she suddenly remembered. Wasn't this the man who had been hugging Tang Ying in the hospital in her previous life?

Although he looked young now, she wouldn't mistake those similar features.

A meaningful smile appeared on the corner of her lips. It was quite interesting that the two had become friends in this life.

When He Yan returned, he still wore a smile. While Jin Xiuzhu was tidying up in the kitchen, Fu Yanyan couldn't help but ask, "How did you become such good friends with him?"

Actually, she wanted to say, "I don't think you're that close."

He Yan proudly replied, "He ignores everyone else when they talk to him, but he responds when I speak to him."

Fu Yanyan looked at him in surprise. "What did you say?"

"I said, 'You're two years younger than me, so call me big brother. This way, you'll have an extra little sister. Isn't that great?'"

"…"

He Yan continued, "He told me to stop talking because I was being loud. But he did respond, right?"

"…"

Fu Yanyan listened expressionlessly and finally turned away, leaving him with her back.

She realized she had been the fool, actually expecting him to say something impressive.

He Yan remained immersed in his happiness. His parents' warm hospitality towards his friend made him feel loved and incredibly happy.

---

Wei Ningqing returned home with a bag of pastries.

He didn't live in the residential building but headed towards the old houses near the main gate. Previously, there had been a canteen and residential buildings here, but they were later demolished, leaving only a few standalone courtyards.

Wei Ningqing walked to the one in the middle and pushed open the courtyard gate. He saw his grandmother tending to the flowers in the yard. Upon seeing him return, she looked up and smiled kindly. "Back already? Did you have fun?"

Wei Ningqing nodded. "Yes, Auntie gave me some pastries she made."

However, his face showed no emotion.

Mrs. Chen smiled helplessly, put down her shovel, and washed her hands with water from a bucket nearby. "What did you have for lunch? How are Xiaoyan's family?"

"We had pig's feet, spareribs, vermicelli, vegetables, and tofu. Auntie also made iced desserts and malted milk drinks. He Yan showed me the paintings his mother did…"

Wei Ningqing recounted his experience at He Yan's house.

Though his tone was flat, Mrs. Chen could sense the warmth and sincerity of He Yan's family towards him. She imagined it must be a loving household, or they wouldn't have gone through so much effort to prepare everything.

Mr. and Mrs. Jiang didn't know who Xiaoyan's family was, but Mrs. Chen knew that He Yan was Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu's child. Because of this, she encouraged her grandson to spend more time with He Yan. She didn't know much about Jiang Mingchuan, only hearing about him once or twice from her husband. However, she knew more about Jin Xiuzhu. Since the start of the literacy classes, Jin Xiuzhu had never missed a session. Even when she was sick with a high fever, she still came to class, taking diligent notes and always sitting in the front row.

Seeing her dedication to learning, Mrs. Chen changed her teaching approach and gradually introduced more advanced content.

Initially, she only planned to teach basic arithmetic.

He Yan's little sister was also well-behaved, never crying during class and sitting quietly on her mother's lap. Mrs. Chen even felt that the little girl might be learning better than most of the military wives in the class.

With such a wonderful family, He Yan couldn't be that bad.

Indeed, her grandson's words confirmed that her judgment was correct.

Her grandson had endured so much at such a young age. She and her husband didn't know how long they had left, but they hoped to protect him for as long as possible.

"He Yan is a good boy, and his family is great. You should spend more time with him."

Wei Ningqing knew his grandmother had his best interests at heart and obediently replied, "Mm."

Mrs. Chen gently patted his head, her eyes filled with concern.

---

Recently, Jin Xiuzhu had been a bit anxious. It had been nearly a month since she sent out nearly ten letters, yet she hadn't received any replies.

Although she told herself to stay calm—nothing happened overnight, and there must be areas where her paintings needed improvement—it was hard not to worry.

Thus, she began to paint even more diligently, borrowing several books and carefully studying the styles and characteristics of the illustrations within them.

Seeing her work so hard, the whole family dared not disturb her. Jiang Mingchuan, who had initially been skeptical, gradually started to help her gather information about publishing houses—such as what kind of articles they preferred or what their tastes were—and then used this information to advise her on what kind of paintings she should create.

Amidst these complex emotions, Jin Xiuzhu received her first reply from a publishing house.

Fang Min brought the letter for her. At that time, Jin Xiuzhu was at home sewing clothes for He Yan. No one knew what kind of stool He Yan sat on, but his pants always ended up with holes in the seat. In the past, Jin Xiuzhu would use thread of the same color to mend the pants so that the repairs weren't noticeable. Now, however, she had learned to take shortcuts and simply patched the holes with scraps of cloth, creating large patches of different colors on either side.

Many children dressed like this, after all.

When Fang Min arrived and saw He Yan's patched pants, she couldn't help being surprised.

Jin Xiuzhu warmly invited her to sit down and got up to pour her some tea. Fang Min told her not to trouble herself, "I just came by to deliver your mail. When I went to submit manuscripts earlier, I saw that you had received a letter, so I picked it up for you."

She handed over the envelope.

Jin Xiuzhu didn't immediately understand. Her first thought was that someone from her hometown was asking her for money. However, she quickly realized that the people back home wouldn't know where she was now.

She took the envelope in confusion and only froze when she saw that the recipient was "Red Plum Hermit."

Fang Min had matters to attend to at home and didn't stay long. After she left, Jin Xiuzhu was still dazed.

It was Fu Yanyan who calmly took the letter from her hand and opened it.

Jin Xiuzhu clenched her fists and watched nervously from the side.

Fu Yanyan pulled out the paper inside the envelope. Halfway through, several paper bills fell out.

Mother and daughter's eyes lit up simultaneously. They put aside the letter and counted the money first—it added up to two dollars.

Feeling her heart calm down a bit after touching the money, Jin Xiuzhu opened the letter. It was written by the editor-in-chief, stating that they liked Jin Xiuzhu's paintings very much. They had decided to use the two paintings she sent, and the two dollars were her payment. Furthermore, they hoped to establish a long-term cooperation with her... There was a lot of other text, and attached was a contract for cooperation.

Jin Xiuzhu wished she could write back and send the letter immediately, but Fu Yanyan stopped her, saying calmly, "Don't rush. Perhaps there will be replies from other publishing houses. Let's wait a bit longer."

Jin Xiuzhu had been carried away by excitement and immediately nodded upon hearing this. "That makes sense. That makes sense. Let's wait a bit longer."

However, she couldn't hide the smile on her face. She never expected that one day, she, a lowly concubine with no social standing, would be able to earn money through painting. If she told others, no one would believe it.

Even Fu Yanyan was somewhat moved. After all, when Jin Xiuzhu first mentioned that she wanted to submit manuscripts, no one took her seriously. Yet, she managed to do it, burying herself in painting every day. Her fingers holding the brush had even deformed, yet she merely massaged them and continued. In just over a month, the house was filled with hundreds of paintings.

Fu Yanyan felt that with her diligent nature, Jin Xiuzhu could succeed in anything she tried.

As Fu Yanyan predicted, letters from other publishing houses soon arrived, including one from a well-known national publishing house.

They didn't beat around the bush. Besides expressing their desire to cooperate, they also sent a book, explaining that it was going to be re-published and needed some illustrations. Seeing that Jin Xiuzhu was good at ink paintings, they asked if she could create scenes with ancient Chinese characteristics using an ink brush. They offered generous terms for the project.

Jin Xiuzhu flipped through the book and found that it was a collection of ancient essays. She now understood a bit about this place. There had been many dynasties here in the past, such as the Great Jing Dynasty. People referred to those times collectively as the feudal era. Currently, it was the new era, where the people were masters of their own destiny.

Several of the essays described scenes she had experienced herself. She felt that it would be too easy and estimated that she could finish everything in two or three days.

Jin Xiuzhu's first payment was fifteen dollars. She hadn't forgotten about Liu Hongyue's report.

Qian Yufeng had informed her about this matter. The military wife happened to be at the government office that day and heard Liu Hongyue reporting to someone.

With ten dollars in hand, Jin Xiuzhu went to the supply cooperative and bought a bag of flour, red sugar, and jujubes. Then, she returned home and made a large pot of jujube paste cakes.

Cutting the jujube paste cakes into small squares, she placed them all in a basket and, accompanied by her daughter, confidently headed to the building where Liu Hongyue lived.

Starting from the first floor, Jin Xiuzhu began knocking on doors and distributing the jujube paste cakes. Whenever someone opened the door, she asked, "Excuse me, does Liu Hongyue live upstairs?"

Although the women opening the doors were somewhat puzzled, they nodded. "Yes, why do you ask?"

"That's great. These jujube paste cakes are for you. I used to work in the canteen, but later, my job was reported and I couldn't continue. Now, I write articles for publishing houses. This is the food I made with my first salary from the publishing house. I just want to tell someone that capable people can make a living anywhere with their skills. These jujube paste cakes are still warm. I hope you enjoy them."

"…"

In the bewildered gaze of the residents, she knocked on the neighbor's door and repeated the same words.

By the time Jin Xiuzhu reached the upper floors, the neighbors exchanged glances and saw a spark in each other's eyes.

Jin Xiuzhu delivered the cakes to every household in the building before returning to the third floor and knocking on Liu Hongyue's door.

Liu Hongyue opened the door and was taken aback to see Jin Xiuzhu. She frowned and asked rudely, "What do you want?"

Looking at her, Jin Xiuzhu's expression turned cold as she said calmly, "Liu Hongyue, when I first came to the military camp, you embarrassed me. Later, you even had your son incite others to bully my child. I didn't want to make a fuss, but my tolerance doesn't mean I'm easy to bully. Even a clay Buddha has its temper. I came here today to tell you that I, Jin Xiuzhu, have many talents. Without working in the canteen, I can still earn money by writing articles for publishing houses. Meanwhile, you can only envy me and resort to underhanded tactics behind my back."

As she spoke, she deliberately raised her voice. She had intentionally left out the part about painting for the publishing house, fearing that she might be targeted again.

"I warn you, this is the last time. There won't be a third incident. If something like this happens again, I'll hold you responsible."

After saying this, she left with her daughter.

Seeing many people standing at the top and bottom of the stairs, Liu Hongyue's face alternated between red and white as she shouted loudly, "What nonsense are you talking about? What canteen job? Don't slander innocent people."

Pretending not to understand.

Jin Xiuzhu sneered and turned back. "Whether you did it or not, you know it in your heart, and I know it in mine. You dare to do it but don't dare to admit it. That's all you're capable of. I suggest you stop calling yourself Liu Hongyue and change your name to Liu Yanhong instead."

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't provide evidence, but with just these words, it was enough to pin the blame on Liu Hongyue.

Behind her, Liu Hongyue angrily yelled, "Jin Xiuzhu, if you have the guts, say it clearly. Otherwise, I'll report it to the leadership..."

Ignoring her, Jin Xiuzhu left with her daughter.

The women gathered at the staircase made way for her. These were the downstairs residents whom Jin Xiuzhu had given cakes to earlier.

Looking at Jin Xiuzhu and Liu Hongyue, their gazes were filled with curiosity and excitement. From Jin Xiuzhu's words when she knocked on doors, they guessed that she was the military wife who used to work in the canteen. They had heard that she was specially recommended by Chief Zhang. Initially, they had been secretly jealous, wondering how talented she could be. But after tasting the cakes she gave them, which were fragrant and soft, they realized that they had never eaten anything so delicious before. It was much better than the biscuits sold at the supply cooperative. No wonder she was the only one allowed to work in the canteen.

They weren't fools. With Jin Xiuzhu's actions, even a fool could guess that Liu Hongyue had reported her and caused her to lose her job. Now, she had earned money by writing articles for publishing houses and deliberately came to mock and warn Liu Hongyue. Liu Hongyue had truly lost face.

A few people huddled together, whispering. Liu Hongyue wanted to curse; seeing her neighbors pointing and gossiping about her as they went up and down the stairs, she was both angry and anxious. She snapped, "What are you staring at? You believe anything you hear, don't you?"

She then turned and slammed the door shut with force.

Seeing this, someone curled their lip and spat, "I hate those who do nasty things behind others' backs."

"Doing nasty things won't help. That person is very capable."

"How ridiculous. She found an even better job."

Some were so eager that they immediately left, rushing to share the news with their close friends.

Before half a day had passed, Qian Yufeng arrived in high spirits, asking Jin Xiuzhu about what happened that morning.

When Jin Xiuzhu admitted it, Qian Yufeng immediately raised her thumb in admiration, "You're amazing."

It was more exciting than a physical confrontation. As a result, even when she heard that Jin Xiuzhu made money working for a newspaper, she couldn't bring herself to feel jealous, instead feeling a sense of relief.

Jin Xiuzhu raised her eyebrows triumphantly. Even if Liu Hongyue reported the matter to the higher-ups, she wasn't afraid. She never explicitly said that Liu Hongyue was the one who reported it; everyone had guessed that on their own. She just gave some food to others as a gesture of happiness about her earnings, except for Liu Hongyue. If Liu Hongyue felt upset, it was only because she was being petty.

Not only did Qian Yufeng hear about this, but when Jiang Mingchuan returned in the evening, he also knew about it. He sat on a stool, occasionally glancing up at Jin Xiuzhu.

Annoyed by his gaze, Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help but mimic Qian Yufeng's curse, "Spit it out already."

Sighing, Jiang Mingchuan shook his head, "Forget it."

There was nothing much to say anyway. The incident had already occurred, and now not only did the leaders know, but the soldiers below them had also spread the word, one telling ten, and ten telling a hundred. They didn't know Jin Xiuzhu's name, referring to her as Jiang Mingchuan's wife, which led to everyone giving him extra attention whenever he walked by.

Jin Xiuzhu rolled her eyes, "Isn't it because you don't care enough? If you cared, I wouldn't have had to take matters into my own hands."

No matter how many mistakes there were, she hadn't made any.

Sighing, Jiang Mingchuan rubbed his face, feeling a sense of frustration. How could this be blamed on him? He had done everything he could.

"You didn't consult me before doing this."

Jin Xiuzhu snorted, "I didn't want to burden you since you were tired. My kindness was thrown back in my face."

Jiang Mingchuan: "…"

He couldn't argue with her.

That night, Liu Hongyue's husband brought their child over to apologize.