Chapter 51

Chapter 51

The first day of class was for book distribution. Many of the books had been used by previous students and were old and worn out. However, the first-graders were still excited, whispering to each other even before they got to know one another.

The teacher called for quiet several times from the podium, then began calling out names from a list, asking those who heard their names to respond with a "here."

When it came to Fu Yanyan's turn, the teacher looked at her a bit longer and asked, "How old are you?"

Fu Yanyan spoke clearly, "Five years old."

The teacher hummed in acknowledgment, not saying much more, knowing that children this age usually stayed back for a year.

Looking at the student's attire, she guessed that she must be a child from the military camp. Children from the camp were easy to recognize from village children, even if some were dressed in ragged clothes. They weren't skin and bones, and their eyes sparkled with a certain liveliness.

Thinking about this, the teacher felt rather helpless. Although these children sat in the same classroom now, their future paths would differ greatly.

Like the child she taught previously, when bullied by an older kid, his father went to confront the bully's family. If it were a village child, their parents would rarely intervene in such matters.

Fu Yanyan didn't know what the teacher was thinking. When she sat down, she noticed many people looking at her.

She wore a dress Jin Xiuzhu made for her today: a short-sleeved blue top and long pants, without any patches. The fabric wasn't eye-catching but was comfortable and breathable, keeping her cool.

Fortunately, it was soon Tang Ying's turn. Tang Ying was even more eye-catching, wearing a military-green skirt, white shoes, and two braids tied with red ribbons.

After the teacher called her name, Tang Ying stood up and said, "Teacher, I can't see from here."

The teacher glanced at her, then surveyed the classroom, instructing her to switch seats with the boy behind Fu Yanyan.

Hearing this, Fu Yanyan stiffened slightly but quickly relaxed.

Regardless, things were different this time around compared to her past life.

After four classes in the morning, Fu Yanyan remained seated. Once Tang Ying and others had left, she suddenly asked, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Fu Yanyan turned her head and calmly replied, "My brother said he'd find me."

Tang Ying hummed in response.

Just as she finished speaking, three taller figures entered the doorway. He Yan called Fu Yanyan over, each of them carrying lunch boxes.

Fu Yanyan walked out.

At the door, He Yan started explaining, "How was class? The teacher found me during the morning break; I didn't have time to come over."

"It was fine."

"Is there anything you're not used to?"

"It was fine."

"Are you hungry?"

"It was fine."

He Yan was speechless. "You always say 'it's fine.' Can't you use another word?"

"It's okay."

"Hahaha"

Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong chuckled at their exchange, finding He Yan and his sister quite amusing.

Tang Ying and the others walked away before daring to look back, hearing their conversation. She bit her lip, then took out the lunch her mother prepared for her in the morning.

She had initially thought about swapping meals with Fu Yanyan since her mother cooked delicious food.

Now that Fu Yanyan was eating with someone else, she wouldn't share her meal. Hmph. She didn't want to be friends with her.

He Yan led his sister to their secret lunch spot, a gentle slope behind the school building, surrounded by trees and grass, with a breeze making it pleasantly cool.

Unwrapping the cloth, they took out two enamel bowls, one for each sibling, and rubbed their spoons on their clothes. He Yan started eating his bowl.

Fu Yanyan pretended not to notice and ate hers.

Wei Ningqing and Yang Yingxiong sat nearby. Yang Yingxiong had made his own breakfast, which consisted of pickles and vegetables. Wei Ningqing and He Yan shared some of their food with him while eating.

Yang Yingxiong seemed accustomed to this and also offered some of his pickles to them.

Fu Yanyan noticed and extended her bowl.

Yang Yingxiong hesitated, then smiled and scooped two spoonfuls into her bowl.

Seeing this, He Yan grumbled, "You sure don't like to lose, do you?"

Yang Yingxiong, however, was delighted, feeling that his sister didn't mind sharing with him.

After lunch, He Yan led his sister to a nearby river to wash the enamel bowls and spoons. Then they returned to their lunch spot and lay down on the grass for a nap.

Seeing how carefree the three of them were, Fu Yanyan was somewhat speechless. Eventually, she grew drowsy and lay down next to He Yan for a nap as well.

After school, the siblings returned home.

Jin Xiuzhu and Fang Min were already preparing dinner. As soon as He Yan put down his schoolbag, he went to help in the kitchen, shooing Jin Xiuzhu and Fang Min out. Inside, he chattered away.

Jin Xiuzhu chimed in occasionally.

Once her son finished talking, Jin Xiuzhu asked her daughter how her first day of school was.

Fu Yanyan's response was much shorter: "It's alright."

Then, feeling that she had spoken too little, she added, "This morning, the teacher moved Tang Ying to sit behind me."

Jin Xiuzhu took a moment to recall who Tang Ying was, then nodded. "That's fine. You just focus on your class and don't worry about others."

"But if anyone bullies you, remember to come back and tell us."

Fu Yanyan nodded.

When Jiang Mingchuan returned home after cooking, he asked his daughter similar questions.

Fu Yanyan patiently repeated her answers.

He Yan, however, was getting tired of hearing the same thing. "Relax. My sister is doing great at school. When I was in school, why didn't you guys care so much?"

Jiang Mingchuan lightly knocked him on the head. "How can it be the same? How old is your sister?"

He Yan grunted.

Fang Min watched this exchange with a smile, thinking how close this family was. If she didn't know better, she would assume they were all blood relatives.

During dinner, Jin Xiuzhu asked Fang Min, "Did Elder Sister Zhu mention when she'll return?"

"Fang Min replied, "Elder Sister said she'll come back a few days before my due date. Zai Min is now recuperating at home, and the children aren't fully recovered yet. The Political Commissar said if he can't make it back, he'll find someone to take care of me."

Primarily, neither side of their families had any elders around. Previously, the Political Commissar had encouraged her to write more letters to her family, but now, seeing how unimportant she was to them, he no longer mentioned it. Instead, he promised to figure something out.

Fang Min wasn't sure what he could do, especially since his own family had even fewer options, as they were completely estranged.

Jin Xiuzhu was also concerned about this, which is why she asked. "Your belly is quite large now. I've heard that some women go into labor early."

After some thought, she suggested, "Why not talk to Qian Yufeng when she returns next time?"

Fang Min looked at her in confusion.

"Her family lives nearby. You could ask her to find you a reliable woman. Pay her, and have her help you for one or two months. If anyone asks, say she's a relative."

Back at the Marquis Mansion, concubines would hire midwives and wet nurses months before giving birth.

Moreover, during their visit to the capital for the New Year, the Zhang family had an extended family member caring for Old Man Zhang.

After hearing this, Fang Min looked hesitant. "Would that be inappropriate?"

It felt like having servants from feudal times.

"I heard you have an aunt?"

"That's not really an aunt. She's a relative from my sister's biological parents' side, helping to look after the children. My parents are busy and couldn't assist my sister."

At this point, Fang Min's expression turned somber.

When her sister was pregnant, she didn't need to worry about such things; her parents had everything arranged.

Jin Xiuzhu said calmly, "This is a last resort, so we need to find someone reliable."

However, she couldn't guarantee anything. "I'm just suggesting it. It's up to you."

Fang Min nodded, planning to discuss this with the Political Commissar later.

After everyone left, Jiang Mingchuan asked Jin Xiuzhu, "Do you want me to find someone for you?"

Jin Xiuzhu touched her belly and shook her head. "I don't need it. There's no room in our house, and when you're not around, the kids can help me."

Unlike Fang Min, who knew nothing, the Political Commissar was sometimes busier than Jiang Mingchuan, leaving her without support.

Jiang Mingchuan nodded.

It seemed Fang Min took Jin Xiuzhu's words to heart, as a few days later, the Political Commissar brought home a simple, middle-aged woman, introducing her as his cousin from his hometown.

Only Jin Xiuzhu knew that this woman was found by Qian Yufeng, who specifically sought her out to explain. "I didn't want to get involved at first, but I guessed it was your idea, so I agreed."

After all, if this situation escalated, it could cause significant trouble.

"I didn't dare to find someone from my hometown, fearing they'd spread rumors. Instead, I chose Old Zhang's sister, who used to work as a temporary worker at a shoe factory. The factory hasn't been doing well in recent years, and she's been unemployed for half a year, living with Old Zhang. I inquired about her beforehand and learned that she's diligent and trustworthy."

Jin Xiuzhu asked curiously, "Why does she live with Old Zhang?"

"When she was young, her husband beat her, even causing her to lose a pregnancy. Later, Old Zhang couldn't stand it and took her in. She's been living with him ever since and doesn't want to marry again."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "What's her personality like?"

"According to Old Zhang, she's very good. They've lived together for years without any conflicts. His children like her, and she gets along well with his wife. I visited their home and confirmed that she's indeed a good person before recommending her to the Political Commissar."

"That's good."

Feeling reassured, Jin Xiuzhu thanked Qian Yufeng.

Qian Yufeng left happily with gifts in hand, including some nice items given to her by the Political Commissar when he visited her.

Since starting work, Qian Yufeng felt increasingly accomplished, even being sought out by the Political Commissar for help.

Back home, Qian Yufeng immediately hid her gifts in her room.

Seeing this, Old Wu pursed her lips, inwardly scolding her for being petty.

However, she didn't dare criticize her openly, fearing that Qian Yufeng might stay in the city and not return.

The children ran home for lunch. After eating, Qian Yufeng didn't wash the dishes; instead, Old Wu took them to the kitchen. Daya tried to help but was led away by Qian Yufeng into the room.

Wu Xiaojun saw it and pouted unhappily. Ever since his mother could earn money, she favored his sister and ignored him.

Daya followed Qian Yufeng into the room, where Qian Yufeng took out the snacks Jin Xiuzhu had given her. "Mom will go back in the afternoon. Keep these for yourself."

Daya softly acknowledged but didn't feel that her mother was favoring her. She knew better than anyone that her mother was currently feuding with her brother and deliberately showing it to him.

Still, she was content with her current life. At least she no longer worried about not being able to continue her studies, and there would always be a share of food for her. She asked, "Will Mom come back next week?"

Qian Yufeng began packing her things. "I don't know; it depends on the situation."

She actually didn't want to return, as there wasn't much to do at home. It was better to chat with others in the dormitory.

After saying this, she seemed to think of something and turned around. "If you miss me, you can come find me in the city."

Hearing this, Daya's eyes lit up, and she cautiously asked, "Can I?"

"What's wrong with that?"

Now that Qian Yufeng could earn money, she spoke with more confidence. "Come over Saturday morning. I'll take you around the city, stay with me in the dormitory overnight, and return Sunday."

The more she thought about it, the better it sounded. "Do you know how to get to the city? First, take a boat to the county, then buy a ticket to the city from the harbor. I'll meet you at noon. Just leave around seven or eight in the morning."

Daya bit her lip, filled with anticipation.

When Qian Yufeng left and her brother came to snatch the snacks from her, she didn't feel sad.

---

Old Zhang's sister was called Zhang Qiulai. To avoid suspicion, Fang Min called her cousin, and Jin Xiuzhu followed suit.

She was very honest. Hearing them call her cousin, she nervously wrung her hands, unsure how to respond.

She was almost the opposite of Zhu Ying, quiet and unassuming. Upon arrival, she buried herself in work, unable to rest even when told to sit down. After a short while, she would sneak off to clean the kitchen, keeping the house spotless.

She didn't like to loiter around Fang Min and retreated to her small room when there was nothing to do, ensuring no disruption to Fang Min's work.

Fang Min secretly told Jin Xiuzhu, "I discussed it with the Political Commissar. If she does well, we might keep her after the baby is born. My sister can't stay here forever, but I do need help."

"How about calculating her salary based on factory workers? What do you think?"

Initially, she had been concerned about others finding out, but this cousin proved far more discreet than expected, making her worry unnecessary.

With an extra person at home, things had become much easier for her.

Jin Xiuzhu shared what she learned from Qian Yufeng. "Keep her then. Although her brother and sister-in-law are good to her, living without work must be hard on her. The pay you offer isn't low, which is good for her."

She added, "Think about Qian. Every time she sees me, she says having a job changed her outlook."

Hearing this, Fang Min felt reassured, fearing Jin Xiuzhu might disapprove of her actions.

Jin Xiuzhu knew Fang Min's gentle nature and intentionally went to the kitchen to speak with her. "They're both very busy. Fang Min mentioned if you do well, they might keep you permanently."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiulai's eyes brightened, and she gratefully said, "Thank you, Ms. Jin."

"Why thank me? However, the condition is diligence and no ulterior motives. I know you're good. Qian told me your brother is a good man and vouched for you, saying you're honest."

Zhang Qiulai nodded repeatedly. "I won't have any ulterior motives."

She didn't fully understand what ulterior motives meant, only thinking about keeping the house clean, preparing meals, and washing dishes. She had done these tasks for over a decade. Whether at her brother's or here, she earned money, more than when she worked as a temporary worker in a factory. She was very satisfied, especially because she wouldn't burden her brother and sister-in-law anymore.

Jin Xiuzhu affirmed this and continued, "If someone offers you money to secretly stash something under the bed in the study, don't do it. Someone encountered this before, and the family ended up in jail after being reported. Even the aunt was arrested as an insider."

Zhang Qiulai paled and shook her head vigorously. "I definitely won't."

Jin Xiuzhu softened her expression and gently said, "That's good. I'm just warning you. Here, trust only the Political Commissar and his wife and our family. If anything happens to them, you won't fare well either."

Zhang Qiulai nodded earnestly. "Okay, I'll remember that."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled at her. "Don't be afraid. I'm just giving you a heads-up. Be cautious when someone approaches you. Work hard here, and the Political Commissar and his wife won't mistreat you. You're still young, so saving money isn't bad. Once you've saved enough, buy a house. Do you think your nephews won't be filial when you're old?"

Hearing this, Zhang Qiulai felt warm inside, envisioning her future life.

Leaving the kitchen, Fang Min accompanied Jin Xiuzhu to the door and quietly asked, "What did you tell her?"

Jin Xiuzhu didn't hide it and recounted their conversation.

Fang Min nodded. "You think of everything."

Recalling Jin Xiuzhu's words about Zhong Xue's parents being schemed against by Captain Jiang's younger brother during the New Year, she realized some precautions were necessary.

Jin Xiuzhu comforted her with a smile. "I intentionally said that to discourage her from going out too much. Sometimes, being cautious is good. Even if I hadn't said anything, she wouldn't dare do those things. Don't worry about that."

Relieved, Fang Min trusted Jin Xiuzhu's judgment. "Good."

Back home, Jin Xiuzhu found the two children diligently doing homework in the living room. They had returned earlier after dinner, and now her sister was also starting her homework.

That evening, neither Jiang Mingchuan nor Political Commissar Zhu was home. In recent days, the Political Commissar had been returning early, likely concerned about Fang Min being alone.

With someone at home now, he stayed out later.

As for Jiang Mingchuan, although his health hadn't fully recovered, he was pulled into official duties every day, with increasing responsibilities.

Jin Xiuzhu sat beside the children with a book, urging them to sleep at eight o'clock.

After freshening up, she entered the bedroom, waiting for Jiang Mingchuan to return. Seeing she hadn't slept yet, he quickly washed up and joined her.

Lying together, Jin Xiuzhu asked when the school would be ready. The village school was too far away, requiring them to wake up very early, which was manageable in summer but too taxing on the children in winter.

Unlike the previous Marquis Mansion, where initial education took place within the estate and later years were spent residing in the academy.

Jiang Mingchuan wasn't too sure either. "I'll ask tomorrow."

Xiu Zhu hummed in agreement. "It should have been fixed long ago."

Jiang Mingchuan explained, "It rained heavily earlier, and we were all busy with disaster relief. Later, there was no money. It should be fixed by the end of this year."

Xiu Zhu replied, "Alright then."

Jiang Mingchuan patted her back. "Sleep. I'll make you noodle soup with eggs for breakfast tomorrow."

Xiu Zhu grumbled, "Noodles every day. All you know how to do is cook noodles."

"How about fried rice with eggs?"

"Is that all you can think of besides noodles?"

"I can also make lard-fried rice."

"Forget it. Let's just have noodles."

Xiu Zhu turned over and ignored him, reminiscing about crystal dumplings, chicken and mushroom noodles, and milk cakes she used to love.

Jiang Mingchuan touched his nose, straightened the corner of her quilt from behind, and closed his eyes.

He didn't know how long he had slept when a sudden knock on the door came. "Captain Jiang—Ms. Jin—"

Jiang Mingchuan reacted quickly, sitting up alertly at the sound of the knocking and hurriedly putting on his clothes before going out.

Xiu Zhu rubbed her eyes and got up as well.

When they reached the door, the two children opened it groggily to see what was happening.

In the living room, Jiang Mingchuan had already opened the door and was taken aback upon seeing Zhang Qiulai's anxious and frightened face. He asked, "What happened?"

He recognized Zhang Qiulai, knowing that she was introduced to the Political Commissar by Sister Qian and now took care of Fang Min.

Zhang Qiulai waved her hands frantically. "She's going into labor, she's going into labor…"

"What do you mean 'going into labor'?"

Xiu Zhu, holding her belly, walked over quickly. Hearing this, she scolded, "You fool, it's Fang Min who's going into labor."

Zhang Qiulai nodded hastily. "Yes, yes."

Jiang Mingchuan panicked. "Where's Political Commissar Zhu?"

Zhang Qiulai was close to tears. "He's not home. Someone called him out just now."

That was why she was so scared. She was new here and didn't know who else to turn to, which was why she came to seek help from next door.

The hospital was far away, and since she had never given birth herself, she had no idea what to do.

Jiang Mingchuan furrowed his brows.

The door next door was open, and they could hear Fang Min's painful moans.

The two children also came over, their faces showing concern.

Xiu Zhu calmly asked, "When did the pain start?"

"Just...just now."

"It shouldn't be urgent yet; it won't happen that quickly."

Xiu Zhu then turned to Jiang Mingchuan. "Take Fang Min to the county hospital now. Old Sun usually sleeps on the boat, and his hearing isn't great, so call out to him a few times."

Then she instructed Zhang Qiulai, "Pack the things the baby will need and bring a flashlight. Go with Mingchuan."

Perhaps infected by Xiu Zhu's calmness, Zhang Qiulai nodded hurriedly and rushed back home to pack.

Xiu Zhu and Jiang Mingchuan returned to their room first. Jiang Mingchuan quickly put on his clothes while Xiu Zhu took out some money and tickets, stuffing them into his pocket. "Be careful on the way, and don't drop Fang Min."

Jiang Mingchuan nodded solemnly. "Okay."

Xiu Zhu then sent He Yan to find Political Commissar Zhu.

Knowing the urgency of the situation, He Yan immediately ran out.

Xiu Zhu and Jiang Mingchuan went next door one after the other. Fang Min was clutching her stomach in pain on the bed, biting her lip tightly.

Xiu Zhu hurried over and comforted her gently. "Don't be afraid. Mingchuan is taking you to the hospital now. I've already sent He Yan to fetch Political Commissar Zhu, and he'll be there soon. Hang in there. We'll go to the hospital first, and everything will be fine once we get there."

Fang Min grabbed Xiu Zhu's hand tightly and tried her best to say okay.

Xiu Zhu told Jiang Mingchuan to lift Fang Min up.

Jiang Mingchuan glanced at her, then approached and took the thin blanket beside the bed, wrapping Fang Min in it and lifting her up. Despite his leg pain, he carried her and turned to leave.

Fortunately, during this period, Xiu Zhu had been applying some smelly ointment to his leg, so although it still hurt, he could walk. Reaching the riverside shouldn't be a problem.

Zhang Qiulai, carrying a large bag in one hand and a flashlight in the other, followed Jiang Mingchuan quickly.

After they left, Xiu Zhu closed Fang Min's door and took her daughter back home.

Fu Yanyan looked up the stairs worriedly and asked softly, "Auntie Fang Min will be alright, right?"

Xiu Zhu assured her confidently. "She'll be fine."

Fu Yanyan felt much relieved. In her previous life, the two families hadn't interacted much, so she didn't remember much about Fang Min's situation.

She didn't dare to think too much about how many hardships Fang Min would have endured in her previous life if Zhang Qiulai and Commissioner Zhu hadn't been by her side, nor Jiang Dad and Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu told her daughter to go back to bed first, and that she would take the next day off to accompany her to visit Fang Min at the hospital.

Fu Yanyan obediently returned to her room.

Jin Xiuzhu waited in the living room for a while, only closing the door after He Yan came back.

He Yan, panting, said, "Uncle Zhu was writing something in his office. I told him, and he rushed toward the main gate in a panic. He must be on his way to the hospital."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, "Good. Go to sleep quickly. You'll help your sister take the day off tomorrow; I'm taking her to the county to see."

He Yan agreed and turned to walk to his own room. When he reached the doorway, he turned back and shyly whispered, "Mom, I want to go to the county too."

Jin Xiuzhu gave him a disapproving look, knowing he just wanted to skip school, but still said, "Fine. Remember to have Yang Yingxiong take the day off for both you and your sister tomorrow."

He Yan, having received permission, happily jumped.

Jin Xiuzhu: "Go to sleep."

"Okay."