Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Once Bai Jingzhi left, Jiang Mingchuan also became busy, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. The children hadn't seen him for several days.

He Yan was in the second semester of second grade. Due to his good grades at the end of last semester, he was made class monitor this year. He woke up very early every day to lead his classmates in reading lessons at school. At home, he didn't rest either, acting as a little teacher to his sister and insisting she call him Teacher He.

His sister ignored him and called him "dog shit."

This infuriated He Yan enough to complain to his mother, but Jin Xiuzhu didn't pay much attention to him, being busy making money from her paintings.

He Yan could only sigh and seek out his two friends to satisfy his desire to perform.

Jin Xiuzhu had been quite busy recently, receiving several collaboration invitations with varying fees. She didn't place too much importance on the payment. Compared to the fees, she valued whether these books would become famous in the future. She had thought it through clearly: if people didn't like what she wrote, she could become famous through her paintings and eventually become a renowned painter, which would be considered a success.

Just like the poem her son recited, something about "the peach blossom stream runs deep a thousand feet, yet it doesn't match Wang Lun's affection for me." She heard from Fang Min that Li Bai was a very famous poet in history, referred to by later generations as the Poetic Immortal. Just hearing his title, one could tell how remarkable he was. As for Wang Lun, he didn't leave behind any works, but he managed to leave a mark in history because he moved Li Bai with many gifts, which Li Bai then wrote about in his poetry.

Jin Xiuzhu thought that she could do something similar. Perhaps many years later, when people flipped through those works, they would mention that the illustrations were drawn by her.

With these thoughts in mind, Jin Xiuzhu became hopeful and, after careful selection, accepted most of the collaboration invitations.

She first completed the simpler illustrations and set them aside, leaving the more challenging ones to work on gradually.

While Jin Xiuzhu painted, Fu Yanyan would flip through the books or articles sent by the publishing house. Some of these articles were ones she had studied during her schooling. Now they were sent over for Jin Xiuzhu to illustrate, and each time Fu Yanyan saw them, she felt a sense of temporal dislocation.

She never imagined that one day, Jin Xiuzhu would participate in her future studies and life in such a manner.

Initially, when Fu Yanyan read the books, she would deliberately circle many words and then ask Jin Xiuzhu or Jiang Mingchuan about them all at once. Over time, the number of circled words decreased until now, when she held a book, neither Jin Xiuzhu nor Jiang Mingchuan found anything odd. They simply assumed she was exceptionally intelligent and learned to read at an early age.

After finishing the last illustration for an article, Jin Xiuzhu carefully dried it, folded it, and placed it into an envelope. She also put the previous collaboration invitation letter inside, wrote a few words, and sealed the envelope.

She then gathered the illustrations she had completed over the past couple of days. Seeing that it was still early, she decided to take her daughter to mail them at the entrance of the military compound.

On their way, Jin Xiuzhu told her daughter, "When we receive the payment for these illustrations, we'll buy some fabric and make new clothes for everyone in the family."

The weather was getting warmer, and the children's clothes from last year wouldn't fit anymore, especially He Yan, who had grown considerably taller this year.

Holding Jin Xiuzhu's hand, Fu Yanyan obediently nodded. "I also want a schoolbag."

She would start school in the second half of the year and wanted a flower-embroidered schoolbag just like He Yan's.

Jin Xiuzhu asked, puzzled, "Didn't I already buy one for you?"

In S Province, seeing that city children had them, she specially bought new schoolbags for both children. He Yan had been carrying his every day, showing how much he liked it.

"I want one with embroidery."

"Then I'll embroider some bamboo on yours. Bamboo has a good meaning, symbolizing growth and progress."

"Okay."

Fu Yanyan was satisfied.

Upon arriving at the entrance, Jin Xiuzhu paid the fee and then looked for her mail at the mailbox. Not only did she find two letters addressed to her, but she also saw a package for Fang Min. Without thinking much about it, she took Fang Min's package along with hers and signed her name on the register.

Back home, Jin Xiuzhu first delivered Fang Min's package to her neighbor.

Fang Min invited her in, and Jin Xiuzhu entered with her daughter. Fang Min glanced at the sender's name on the package but didn't rush to open it. Instead, she went to pour water for Jin Xiuzhu and the child.

Jin Xiuzhu sat down and opened her envelopes. One contained payment for her illustrations, while the other was sent from the capital.

Fu Yanyan tiptoed to peek and saw that the sender's name on Jin Xiuzhu's letter was Zhong Xue. Surprised, she looked up at Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu noticed and was taken aback, not expecting a letter from Zhong Xue.

Sitting across from Jin Xiuzhu, Fang Min saw her strange expression and couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?"

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head. "I don't know yet. Let me check."

She opened the letter, which began with Zhong Xue's greetings, followed by heartfelt expressions of gratitude towards Jin Xiuzhu and her husband. Thanks to their protection, Zhong Xue had come to understand many things. She realized that she couldn't rely on them forever and needed to stand up for herself.

So after they left, she didn't immediately confront the Pan family. Instead, she slowly gathered information. In doing so, she not only discovered evidence of Pan Shenglin's bribery but also found out about his and Pan Jun's illicit activities outside. Especially concerning Pan Jun, who had a child with a female worker at the factory, a fact known to the entire family except for her. Even more chilling was the suspicion that her parents' accident might have been related to Pan Shenglin and Pan Jun.

As Jin Xiuzhu read, she noticed that some of the words on the paper were blurred, as if wetted by tears.

In the following lines, Zhong Xue wrote that she took the collected evidence directly to the Zhang family. Knowing that Old Master Zhang was fair, he asked her if she was afraid. If not, she should report the father and son under her real name, and he would support her.

Thus, Zhong Xue went ahead. That same evening, Pan Shenglin and his son didn't return home. Tao Qianyun, upon hearing about their arrest, tried to run away but was caught by the police. She also went to the police station and confronted the father and son.

Evidence of Pan Shenglin's corruption and bribery was confirmed, and his behavior was deemed extremely reprehensible. Pan Jun, on the other hand, had misused company funds amounting to hundreds of thousands using his position.

The reason her parents were harmed was that they initially refused to facilitate connections for Pan Shenglin. Afraid that they might discover something, Pan Shenglin had his son hide the evidence of his bribery in a book in their study.

Ironically, Zhong Xue found the evidence of their crimes in a book in Pan Shenglin's study.

In the letter, Zhong Xue mentioned discovering an old letter. The sender seemed to be Jiang Mingchuan's mother, but it wasn't addressed to Pan Shenglin, rather to someone named Li Yan Zhi. In the letter, she entrusted her son to his care, sensing that something bad was going to happen to her. The letter was taken away, and she couldn't keep it, but she informed Old Master Zhang about it. He would likely handle the matter...

The letter was long, and Zhong Xue wrote extensively. She seemed to have found a rare outlet to vent and share her experiences. The letter contained her struggles during this period, her determination to resist, her fear and excitement upon discovering the evidence, and so on.

After reading the letter, Jin Xiuzhu remained silent for a long time. Fang Min, sitting beside her, didn't disturb her. Knowing that Fang Min was curious, Jin Xiuzhu passed the letter to her.

Fang Min hesitated before taking it. She read quickly, not fully understanding the specifics, but from the words and phrases in the letter, she could feel the magnitude of what the writer had accomplished. She was somewhat stunned, unable to imagine the courage it must have taken.

Looking up at Jin Xiuzhu, Jin Xiuzhu recounted what had happened to Zhong Xue.

Fang Min, upon hearing about Jin Xiuzhu's warning to Zhong Xue before leaving, couldn't help but ask, "How did you realize it?"

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "I heard from Mingchuan that Zhong Xue's parents were upright people and couldn't have done such things. So, I guessed it must have been related to Pan Jun."

She didn't want to directly say that many people, when faced with problems, instinctively exclude those close to them, believing they know them best and trust them. But she didn't think that way. When faced with problems, her first reaction was to suspect betrayal from those around her, a mindset shaped by her experiences in the Marquis Mansion.

Fang Min nodded. "Indeed, one would be suspicious."

Then she sighed, "One should still be kinder in life."

"Isn't that the truth."

Jin Xiuzhu carefully put away the letter, preparing to leave it for Jiang Mingchuan to read when he returned in the evening. "This is good. They finally got what was coming to them."

Fang Min hummed in agreement and opened her own package. On top was a letter, and below were some nutritional supplements, including canned fruit and malted milk powder.

Fang Min didn’t seem surprised by its contents. She picked up the envelope and read the letter, which contained only two short lines. Jin Xiuzhu glanced at it and saw the words, "Take good care of your health, and have a child soon. We're all well in the capital, no need to worry about us."

Seeing Fang Min's lack of enthusiasm, Jin Xiuzhu didn't press further.

When leaving, Fang Min gave Jin Xiuzhu a can of malted milk powder and two cans of fruit. Jin Xiuzhu refused, but Fang Min insisted, pushing them into her arms. "I don't like these. Give them to the children."

She said this with a calm expression.

Jin Xiuzhu accepted them; she did enjoy these treats.

In the afternoon, Jin Xiuzhu stayed home to paint and draw. Since Jiang Mingchuan had been returning late these days, Jin Xiuzhu waited until six o'clock to start cooking dinner.

That evening, she prepared three dishes and a soup. When Jiang Mingchuan came home, Jin Xiuzhu had just started cooking the rice. Jiang Mingchuan was drenched, and Jin Xiuzhu, accustomed to this, went to find him clothes for a bath.

After Jiang Mingchuan finished his bath, Jin Xiuzhu showed him the letter she received today.

Jiang Mingchuan didn't think much of it at first. He only realized something was off after reading the beginning of the letter, then he read the rest in silence.

He didn’t speak, and neither did Jin Xiuzhu.

Finally, Jiang Mingchuan spoke up, "Tonight, I'll write a letter back. There are some things I want to clarify."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "Yes, we should get clarity on this. As I've said, your mother seems like a wise and thoughtful person. If she arranged everything for your sister, there’s no way she wouldn’t consider you. I suspect that Pan Shenglin found that letter back then and used it to adopt you."

Jiang Mingchuan hummed in agreement. The night his mother handed over the property deed, she told him that he might have to live with a friend of hers from then on. So when Pan Shenglin came looking for him and said he was a friend of his parents, Jiang Mingchuan followed him.

Jin Xiuzhu patted his hand. "Let's eat first."

Jiang Mingchuan got up to serve the dishes.

Jin Xiuzhu called the three children doing their homework in the room to come out for dinner.

He Yan led the way, while Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong followed behind.

These three children were all considerate. He Yan and Wei Ningqing knew that Yang Yingxiong didn’t have meals when he went home, so they took turns inviting him to their homes for dinner. To avoid making Yang Yingxiong feel awkward, both He Yan and Wei Ningqing accompanied him.

Neither Jin Xiuzhu nor Grandma Wei said anything. Every time Yang Yingxiong and Wei Ningqing came over, Jin Xiuzhu would intentionally prepare an extra dish and cook more rice.

Now that Jiang Mingchuan no longer needed to send money to support his aunt and uncle, their household finances had improved significantly.

It wasn't that Jin Xiuzhu was generous; she simply felt that Yang Yingxiong was a steady and promising child. She liked ambitious and smart children.

If it were Wu Xiaojun, she definitely wouldn’t like him. Although she had grown closer to Qian Yufeng, she didn’t have a good impression of that child.

Sometimes, human relationships were strange. She didn’t like Yang Yingxiong’s parents, but she felt close to and cared for Yang Yingxiong.

During dinner, He Yan suddenly said, "Mom, I won’t carry this schoolbag tomorrow."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at him curiously. "Why? Don’t you like the bag?"

He Yan shook his head, looking gloomy. "No."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong. Wei Ningqing explained, "Many classmates play with the toy on his bag and even fight over who gets to carry it."

Jin Xiuzhu hadn’t expected that to be the reason. "Then you can carry your old schoolbag tomorrow."

Her son could carry whichever bag he wanted; she felt she could decide on such a minor matter.

He Yan responded with an "Oh."

After dinner, when Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong had left, He Yan suddenly ran to Jin Xiuzhu and said, "Mom, do you not love me anymore? In the past, when something like this happened, you would comfort me."

Hearing this, Fu Yanyan, who was nearby, turned around to look.

He Yan noticed and added unhappily, "Mom only loves my sister."

Fu Yanyan was speechless, not understanding what was going on with him again.

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback, wondering if she had neglected her son recently. Putting down her pen, she thought for a moment and asked, "Let me ask you this: What would I do if you were sick?"

He Yan didn’t think much about it and replied directly, "You’d take me to the hospital."

"And what would I do if someone bullied you? How would I react?"

"You’d go with Dad to confront the bully."

"Exactly."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and asked, "So, do you think I still love you?"

He Yan scratched his head. He didn’t need to think about the questions his mother asked; he already knew what she would do. With this reminder, it seemed his mother still loved him.

His face flushed slightly. "Mom, I’m sorry. I heard that Yang Yingxiong’s stepmother is pregnant, and I became scared."

Scared that once Mom had a baby, she wouldn’t love him anymore.

Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t help being surprised. "Zhao Yun is pregnant?"

He Yan obediently nodded.

Fu Yanyan was also taken aback for a moment before carefully recalling. It seemed that in her previous life, Zhao Yun didn't get pregnant this quickly.

Jin Xiuzhu felt somewhat unwilling. When Jiang Mingchuan came out, she gave him a resentful look.

Jiang Mingchuan was puzzled and asked what had happened?

He Yan shook his head guiltily, afraid that his father would laugh at him if he knew.

Only Fu Yanyan, unafraid of trouble, said, "Mom wants a baby."

Jiang Mingchuan's scalp tingled, regretting asking that question.

That night, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan lay in bed. Jin Xiuzhu was thinking about how to tell him about Zhao Yun's pregnancy, wanting to make him worry a bit and take the matter more seriously.

But just as she was about to speak, she heard soft snoring from beside her,

annoying her so much that she furrowed her brows and kicked him hard. The man's body was hard, but it hurt her foot instead.

Jiang Mingchuan didn't wake up. Instead, he subconsciously reached out to adjust the blanket for her before rolling over to sleep.

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't vent her anger and muttered under her breath, "Useless."

The only response she received was Jiang Mingchuan's snoring. Finally, annoyed, she turned over to sleep.

---

After Jin Xiuzhu finished the illustrations for the novel commission, the weather gradually became warmer. Jin Xiuzhu took off her thick cotton coat and put on a new, lighter jacket.

Many military wives could be seen at their plots of land, busy weeding and preparing the soil for planting vegetables for the year.

A few days ago, when Jiang Mingchuan returned home early, he also turned over their plot of land and discussed with Jin Xiuzhu planting some sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Mainly because Jin Xiuzhu loved sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Jin Xiuzhu didn't know how to plant vegetables and was too lazy to do so. She now considered herself a cultured person and even asked Jiang Mingchuan to buy her glasses.

She saw that cultured people usually wore glasses, and she wanted them too.

Jiang Mingchuan knew her peculiar habits and simply made her a wooden frame. Jin Xiuzhu grumbled but accepted it.

As for the plot of land, Jiang Mingchuan had no choice but to work on it himself with his son. After dinner, they turned the soil and planted some random seeds, then watered them.

When they got home, mother and daughter were writing and drawing in the living room. Especially Jin Xiuzhu, who wore the glasses frame Jiang Mingchuan made for her on her nose. It seemed a bit large, and she had to adjust it frequently.

Jiang Mingchuan chuckled. "Painter Jin, I'm back."

Jin Xiuzhu looked up at him irritably. "Keep your voice down; don't disturb my creation."

"Sure."

Jiang Mingchuan went to heat water for a bath.

Just as Jiang Mingchuan entered the kitchen, there was a knock on the door.

He Yan ran to open it and exclaimed upon seeing the visitor, "Aunt Wang!"

Jin Xiuzhu knew it was Wang Ling and hurried to greet her.

Wang Ling's voice followed, "Is your mom home?"

He Yan replied loudly, "Yes."

Then he turned around and called, "Mom—"

Jin Xiuzhu smacked his head lightly. "She's right behind you."

Wang Ling laughed. "Your son has a loud voice."

She held a black bundle and, upon seeing Jin Xiuzhu, handed it over cheerfully. "Open it and see."

Jin Xiuzhu chuckled. "What is it? So mysterious."

She opened it, and the two children crowded around. Inside, the silk fabric shimmered with a lustrous sheen under the light.

She couldn't help being slightly surprised. "Does your factory produce such fine fabrics?"

Wang Ling hummed proudly before taking a seat.

He Yan cautiously reached out to touch it. "It's so beautiful and smooth."

Wang Ling smiled. "It's yours. Thank you for bringing me good fortune."

Jin Xiuzhu also smiled. "You're making me confused. I haven't done anything."

Wang Ling explained, "Remember when I told you that if I became a high-ranking official, I'd have you design patterns for our factory?"

Jin Xiuzhu understood immediately. "Promoted? Congratulations! Should I call you Director Wang now?"

Wang Ling chuckled, knowing Jin Xiuzhu was smart enough to figure out what had happened with just a hint.

She waved her hand. "I'm still in the county. I was just lucky. The higher-ups are implementing major reforms, and since I have no connections and follow orders, they appointed me as the director of the county textile factory. I wasn't sure at first, so I didn't dare to tell you. Then, after officially assuming the position, I was too busy to mention it. Today, the factory workers found a batch of good thread. Look, isn't it nice? I want you to help us design beautiful patterns to print on these fabrics. You'll be paid like a regular employee."

Jin Xiuzhu touched the fabric in her hand. It was indeed of good quality, not inferior to what she used to wear.

This was a batch of blue fabric. She said, "It depends on what you plan to make with it. There are different techniques for scarves and clothes."

Wang Ling hesitated. "Both."

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at Wang Ling, guessing that she probably hadn't planned anything. She calculated in her mind and showed a conflicted expression on her face.

Wang Ling could tell and asked uncertainly, "What's wrong? Is the cloth not good? Speak your mind; I'm fine with it."

Jin Xiuzhu paused before saying tactfully, "Some words might be hard to hear, but considering how Sister-in-Law特意 came over to share this good news with me and asked me to design patterns for the factory—it shows that you truly consider me one of your own. I should also treat you as such."

"Of course, speak your mind. I won't be upset."

"Sister-in-Law, in my opinion, you becoming the factory director is based on your abilities. You're talented and have ideas, truly capable of doing practical work. Your ideas are all great, and I agree with them, but everything happened too quickly. Your appointment as the factory director was likely not just due to promotion from above but also support from below. I don't know their motives, but I think that having plans right after becoming the director might not align everyone's hearts. As an old saying goes, 'Haste makes waste.'"

"In my opinion, we should take a step back. Once those who are unhappy show themselves, replace the disobedient ones first. Make an example out of them to suppress any ulterior motives before proceeding. Perhaps the results will be better. What do you think?"

"Of course, I'm just offering a suggestion. I read these things in books. In wars, leaders establish authority first, then proceed once the soldiers obey. I'm not very knowledgeable about it."

Wang Ling didn't respond at first. After calming down, she felt a chill run down her spine.

She had been genuinely elated these past few days. Everyone congratulated her, and she got caught up in the excitement, only thinking about achieving success to prove herself worthy of her position based on her abilities.

Hearing Jin Xiuzhu's words now, her mind suddenly cleared, and her expression changed. She tightly grabbed Jin Xiuzhu's hand. "Thank goodness you reminded me."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "You just have too much ambition. Normally, you wouldn't need reminding."

Wang Ling nodded vigorously. "That's true, but thanks to your words, I'll keep a lower profile recently."

Jin Xiuzhu said, "I won't return this fine cloth then. I'll think about the pattern and show it to you when it's done."

Wang Ling couldn't sit still anymore and waved her hands. "No need to return it. I'll head back now and think about how to handle things."

In fact, her husband had advised her not to rush a few days ago, but his words weren't as pleasant as Jin Xiuzhu's, so she didn't listen and even argued with him.

Now, she only wanted to go back and ask Old Yan for advice.

After seeing Wang Ling off, He Yan didn't fully understand what his mother had said. Instead, his daughter asked, "Mom, aren't you afraid Aunt Wang will get angry?"

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "No, ties bound by interests are both the loosest and tightest."

Just like how Wang Ling grew closer to Zhao Yun initially and chose Jin Xiuzhu now. It wasn't just because Wang Ling found issues with Zhao Yun but also because Jin Xiuzhu had more value to Wang Ling.

Jin Xiuzhu's decision to remind Wang Ling wasn't just out of kindness but also to earn more money. If Wang Ling continued her hasty actions, she would be taken down soon.

Fu Yanyan didn't comment.

Jiang Mingchuan came out of the kitchen. He had heard their conversation and couldn't help but give Jin Xiuzhu an extra glance, realizing his wife was smarter and calmer than he thought.

---

The next morning, Fang Min suddenly knocked on the door.

Jin Xiuzhu sensed something was off and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Why is your face so pale?"

Fang Min frowned. "I'm feeling unwell and want you to accompany me to the health station."

Upon hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu immediately said, "Wait a moment. I'll change my shoes."

She turned around to change her shoes and then told her children eating breakfast, "Yanyan, come with me. Xiaoyan, go to school after finishing your meal and remember to close the door."

He Yan obediently replied, "Okay."

Fu Yanyan slid off her chair, holding an unfinished steamed bun.

Jin Xiuzhu took the keys and supported Fang Min down the stairs, with Fu Yanyan following behind.

They carefully made their way to the health station. After the doctor carefully inquired about Fang Min's condition, they suddenly asked, "How long has it been since your last period?"

Fang Min answered, "Over a month, I guess. My cycle isn't regular."

The doctor thought for a moment and said seriously, "My facilities here are too rudimentary to conduct a proper examination. I suggest you visit the county hospital. You might be pregnant."

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu and Fang Min looked at each other in surprise before both looking at her stomach.

Pregnant?