Chapter 77

Chapter 77

When Jin Xiuzhu returned home, it was still early. She took out a pen and paper to draw and asked if Li Yun liked reading. There were a few books in the house.

Li Yun nodded. Yesterday, while chatting with Jin Xiuzhu, she mentioned that she used to be a teacher at an elementary school but resigned when she followed her husband here.

She didn't read much, but she could get into it.

Jin Xiuzhu had brought novels written by Fang Min. When they moved, these books and drawing tools were packed first and protected well. Later, Fang Min sent two more books, which Jin Xiuzhu had almost worn out from frequent reading.

Li Yun wasn't much of a talker, so she picked up a book and started reading. Jin Xiuzhu quietly drew beside her, and Li Yun didn't ask any questions.

In the quiet living room, only the occasional sound of pages turning could be heard.

Around eleven o'clock, Jin Xiuzhu put down her pen and took Li Yun to the kitchen to cook.

Seeing Li Yun's calm demeanor, she smiled and said, "All three children will come back for lunch today, so we need to prepare more food. I'm not very good at cooking; my eldest son Xiaoyan is the best cook in the family. He can make anything."

Li Yun looked surprised. "How old is he?"

"Sixteen. He started school late but is very mature and has helped with household chores since he was young."

Li Yun nodded enviously. "That's great."

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at her belly and curiously asked, "Is this your first pregnancy?"

Hearing this, Li Yun paused while picking vegetables.

Jin Xiuzhu quickly added, "I just asked out of curiosity. If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. Let's talk about something else."

Li Yun lowered her eyelashes and spoke in a slightly dejected tone, "There's nothing to hide. This is my third pregnancy. The previous two didn't last."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her carefully.

Li Yun sighed bitterly. "My health isn't good, making it hard to conceive and even harder to carry a pregnancy to term. I don't know how this one will turn out."

Jin Xiuzhu pursed her lips. "Have you seen a doctor?"

"I have. The doctor said I have a weak constitution and shouldn't overexert myself. My family thinks I'm getting older and should have a child soon. They suggested I quit my job and follow my husband here, so I did."

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. In her opinion, work was far more important than relying on a man. Women who could support themselves didn't need to depend on men. Even great leaders said women could hold up half the sky.

After some thought, she couldn't help but ask, "The woman standing outside your house earlier, who was she?"

Li Yun fell silent for a moment before saying, "She's the sister of my husband's friend. They once considered each other, but she later married someone else because my husband's family was too poor. Now she's divorced and came back."

Jin Xiuzhu raised an eyebrow slightly.

Li Yun laughed bitterly. "I only found out after coming here that she's been living nearby for half a year. My husband arranged for her to stay in a nearby village. If I hadn't discovered it accidentally, he probably wouldn't have told me. He claims there's nothing between them, but I don't know what to believe."

She took a deep breath and touched her belly. "If this child hadn't come along, I could have gone home and divorced him. Now that I'm pregnant, leaving is difficult. Staying doesn't feel right either. He wants me to stay in the city and take care of myself. This child is hard-won, and the doctor said another miscarriage might mean never having children."

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't resist feeling her pulse.

Li Yun was taken aback, looking at her wrist and then at Jin Xiuzhu questioningly.

Jin Xiuzhu felt her pulse for a moment and explained, "I know some herbal medicine. Your pulse indicates a weak constitution, but it's not hopeless. With proper care, you can still have children. The difficulty in conceiving and retaining pregnancies might also be due to the man."

Li Yun looked at her in surprise, asking softly, "Really?"

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Yes, I helped a friend with similar issues, and now she's healthy and pregnant again."

Li Yun felt a mix of emotions—joy and complexity. She desperately wanted a child.

But years of miscarriages had left her fearful. She stayed for the sake of this pregnancy.

Otherwise, she would have left long ago.

Li Yun asked uncertainly, "Can this child be saved?"

"After lunch, I'll give you a prescription to stabilize the pregnancy. Follow it strictly, and the fetus will be safe. If you can't, you might have to wait for the next chance."

Li Yun's face lit up, and she nodded seriously. "I will definitely follow the prescription."

Jin Xiuzhu hummed in agreement and added, "Keeping a positive mindset is also crucial. Constant worry and stress are bad for fetal development."

Li Yun understood Jin Xiuzhu's implication and laughed bitterly. "But I can't help but worry. I truly regret marrying him. If I had known about all this trouble, I wouldn't have agreed."

Her eyes welled up. "He clearly likes someone else, so why did he marry me? Without him, I could have lived well. Why must their affairs involve me?"

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "This situation is indeed troublesome. That woman, divorced and seeking your husband, and he accommodates her nearby. Even if nothing is happening, it looks suspicious. It's an insult to you."

Even in this era, where monogamy is the law, keeping a mistress is shameful. She wondered what Li Yun's husband was thinking.

Considering Li Yun's current health, she added, "Your priority now is to take care of yourself. Other matters can wait. If possible, try to have your husband send that woman away. Discuss the rest privately. If you decide to separate, handle the woman first."

Li Yun listened to Jin Xiuzhu's words, reflecting on her thoughts. From anger to numbness, she had decided to divorce after this pregnancy.

She hadn't planned to share these feelings, as her family believed her marriage was fortunate. They would only tell her to endure. Her in-laws regretted introducing her, blaming her for not having children.

"That woman approached me once, asking me to let them be together. It wasn't an accidental discovery; she wanted me to know. Divorce might be better."

Jin Xiuzhu's views differed from those of her time. She never took men seriously. If faced with such a situation, she would choose what benefited her most.

She continued, "If your husband wants a divorce, fight for financial support. If he doesn't, have him send that woman away or decide together. Either way, it's your choice. But I think he cares for you, given that he placed you here. The woman might be desperate, trying to unsettle you to create an opportunity."

Li Yun looked up at her.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "For the sake of your child, bear with it temporarily. Treat your husband like a boss who pays your salary. Work frustrations are common, but as long as you're paid, it's okay. When you can't tolerate it anymore, leave. But first, find a better job."

Li Yun heard this for the first time and had to admit that Jin Xiuzhu's words instantly made her feel enlightened.

She used to be an elementary school teacher, often frustrated by students and colleagues, but no matter what she thought inside, she always maintained a cordial demeanor when interacting with others, after all, she needed to earn money to support herself.

If she were to view her husband as a colleague or superior, her mindset would indeed change. There would be no need to quarrel with him, especially since she currently has no job. Once the child is older, she could find work again and then consider divorce.

Li Yun's expression softened, "Regardless of whether he has done anything to wrong me, the fact that he arranged for someone in the village already speaks volumes. But you're right; everything else is secondary. I should focus on giving birth to the child first. When the child grows up, I'll look for a job and consider divorce then."

She was a determined person who never changed her mind once she made a decision. Just like this time, she said she wanted to leave and wouldn't stay in the military compound even if it meant death.

Divorce was inevitable. Since those two clearly liked each other, she had no interest in getting involved.

As for Jin Xiuzhu's claim that the man still had feelings for her, she didn't believe it. His actions were merely for the sake of the child in her womb.

Jin Xiuzhu let her be, "It's already very good that you can understand this much."

Li Yun smiled, her face relaxing a bit.

Jin Xiuzhu placed the washed vegetables into the pan to stir-fry, "After lunch, I'll write you a prescription. In the afternoon, after you wake up from your nap, I'll accompany you to the Chinese Medical Hospital to get the herbs and cook them. My family used to serve in the imperial medical bureau, specializing in treating women in the palace."

Hearing this, Li Yun felt relieved. It made sense that she had a family tradition, which must mean she was quite skilled.

Compared to men, she cared more about the child in her womb and was glad she had knocked on the door yesterday.

At noon, Jin Xiuzhu cooked four dishes. When the three children returned, they greeted everyone one by one. Watching the lively children, Li Yun's mood improved significantly, and she ate an extra bowl of rice.

She didn't go back at noon. He Yan secretly climbed onto the wall and saw that the woman next door hadn't left yet. Jin Xiuzhu kept Li Yun around to take a nap with her.

In the afternoon, around three or four o'clock, when it wasn't so hot outside, the two went out to get the herbs. By then, there was no one at the neighbor's door anymore.

Li Yun sneered and said to Jin Xiuzhu, "Do you believe that my husband will come over tonight?"

Jin Xiuzhu patted her hand.

Li Yun followed her to the Chinese Medical Hospital. After getting the herbs, they bought a medicine pot from the supply store.

Jin Xiuzhu also went next door to teach her how to cook the herbs and advised her on dietary restrictions, telling her not to eat cold foods.

Li Yun nodded repeatedly and then sent Jin Xiuzhu off at the door.

Sure enough, just as Li Yun predicted, during dinner, they heard arguing from next door.

Jiang Mingchuan was home and frowned, pausing his chopsticks to listen.

He Yan and the others also heard it and asked Jin Xiuzhu, "Mom, should we go check?"

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head calmly, "No need. Let's eat our own meal."

He Yan couldn't help but say, "Mom, weren't you playing nicely with her today?"

Jiang Mingchuan looked at Jin Xiuzhu, "Didn't you say you wouldn't interfere? Why did you start playing with her again?"

Jin Xiuzhu gave him a sharp glance, "She came looking for me. Should I have chased her away? She seemed nice, so we chatted a bit."

"Only met a few times and you think she's nice?"

Jin Xiuzhu ignored him. If he couldn't see it, she certainly could.

She wasn't bragging; she could spot people's true intentions easily. Those who passed her scrutiny were usually decent individuals.

Seeing Jiang Mingchuan unconvinced, Jin Xiuzhu recounted what Li Yun had told her today, concluding, "I was right, wasn't I? If there weren't any issues, why would she only ask me to talk to her wife without explaining what happened? If I had directly gone to comfort her, she might have been even angrier, potentially harming the fetus. We wouldn't have gained anything."

Jiang Mingchuan frowned, agreeing that Jin Xiuzhu had a point. He hadn't considered this angle before, never imagining such complications.

He Yan was angry, "That Tan guy is too unreasonable. He's married, yet still has ties with another woman. No matter how pitiful that woman is, she should go to her family instead of relying on him. I'd be furious too."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at Jiang Mingchuan, "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you sympathizing with that Tan guy?"

Jiang Mingchuan felt wronged, "What am I sympathizing with?"

Jin Xiuzhu scoffed, "Back then, Zhao Yun didn't stop bothering you."

Jiang Mingchuan didn't expect her to still remember, "But it stopped, didn't it?"

She even went upstairs in front of me, flirting with Yang Yao, who isn't any better. I heard his new wife is much younger than him, acting like a child.

Wu Erzhu told me that woman looked somewhat like Jin Xiuzhu but was uglier, which disgusted me. I didn't dare tell Jin Xiuzhu, fearing she'd still remember Yang Yao.

Jin Xiuzhu sarcastically remarked, "I caused a scene. Without me, who knows what might have happened? Li Yun is foolish for not causing trouble. If it were me, I'd show them."

Jiang Mingchuan sighed, "I didn't say or do anything. How did I become part of this?"

Jin Xiuzhu ignored him.

Fu Yanyan secretly glanced at Jiang Mingchuan, thinking he wasn't wronged at all.

In her previous life, Jiang Dad wasn't much different from that Camp Commander Tan. Because he felt guilty towards Zhao Yun, he always helped her whenever she approached him, financially and otherwise. The more angry Yang Yao got, the more Zhao Yun sought him out, leading to constant arguments with "Jin Xiuzhu," making their home a mess.

Listening to the arguments next door, Fu Yanyan recalled scenes from her past life, feeling a pang of sadness.

Jiang Mingchuan sighed, "I'll ask Xiao Tan tomorrow."

Jin Xiuzhu calmly replied, "What's the point? Such a man is beneath my notice. A man who can't even take care of his family has no future."

Her tone was full of disdain.

Jiang Mingchuan knew Jin Xiuzhu was upset and didn't dare provoke her, so he quietly agreed and continued eating.

He Yan chimed in, "I'll never do something like that. I'll treat whoever I marry well and won't fool around. Only fickle men do such things."

Jin Xiuzhu's expression softened when she heard this. She nodded at her son and said, "Good, we still have good men in our family."

He Yan smiled brightly.

Jiang Mingchuan looked at him without any expression, feeling that his son was implying something about him.

He Yan met his father's gaze and deliberately blinked.

Jiang Mingchuan: "..."

Fu Yanyan saw this scene and couldn't help but smile.

The next day, Li Yun from next door came to visit Jin Xiuzhu again. However, she only came to borrow some books because she felt lonely at home and preferred having company.

She didn't speak much and sat quietly reading while Jin Xiuzhu painted. They did not mention the argument from last night, so Jin Xiuzhu didn't bring it up either.

However, she wasn't very interested in these books. After finishing two of them, she couldn't resist asking Jin Xiuzhu who had taught her medical skills and whether she could teach her as well.

Doing nothing at home every day was quite boring, so she wanted to find something to do.

Jin Xiuzhu hadn't expected her interest in these things. She herself had only learned partially, and teaching someone else might be challenging.

But Li Yun trusted her, "It's fine; as long as you're willing to teach me, I just want to find something to do."

After thinking for a moment, Jin Xiuzhu suddenly became serious and said, "I can teach you, but you must become my disciple. I don't pass on these skills lightly. Originally, I only intended them for family use, but if you really want to learn, I will teach you seriously. It would then have a different meaning. If you want to learn, you must learn properly. I don't want to waste time."

Li Yun was taken aback. She hadn't expected Jin Xiuzhu to say such things, but she wasn't indecisive. Learning a skill meant becoming a disciple, right?

So she asked, "How do I become your disciple?"

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "In ancient times, becoming a disciple was very strict and required many preparations and money. We'll simplify it. Prepare a kilogram of rice and a kilogram of meat tomorrow. But let me warn you, if I become your teacher, I will be very strict."

She had also learned medicine by becoming a disciple.

Li Yun didn't hesitate after hearing this and simply agreed.

Jin Xiuzhu wrote out a list of books for her to prepare and told her they would start with the basics the next day.

Li Yun left with the book list and bought half of the books that afternoon. The other half wasn't available in the department store, so she planned to write to friends to get them.

The next morning, Li Yun went to the street where vegetables were sold, bought a kilogram of meat, and added some seafood, putting everything in her basket before heading to Jin Xiuzhu's house.

She followed Jin Xiuzhu's instructions without question.

When Li Yun handed Jin Xiuzhu a cup of tea, Jin Xiuzhu took a sip, then dipped her fingers in water and touched Li Yun's forehead, explaining some rules.

Li Yun touched her forehead, feeling inexplicably calm, as if she had found a place of belonging.

Jin Xiuzhu was a strict teacher. After the ceremony, she started the lesson immediately, taking out the books Li Yun had bought and explaining each sentence.

Her explanations were broad and often led to far-reaching discussions. Li Yun was lost but Jin Xiuzhu insisted she listen carefully.

Li Yun had been smart in school, but even so, learning was still challenging. After the morning session, she spent the afternoon reviewing and memorizing, striving to know the books backward and forward.

Though difficult, Li Yun persevered.

Perhaps due to the difficulty of learning, Li Yun no longer dwelled on the troubles at home.

When her husband returned, he found that Li Yun no longer paid attention to him. Seeing him, her emotions barely stirred, and she only said, "We're running out of money. When will you get paid?"

He glanced at the books and notebooks spread across the table but didn't ask further, saying, "This month will be delayed until the twenty-fifth."

Li Yun responded, "Okay, then come back on the twenty-fifth."

She then continued studying, ignoring him completely.

"..."

Commander Tan watched for a while, noticing that she didn't look at him once. He thought for a moment, then went to the kitchen to take a bath.

That night, lying in bed, he waited a long time, but she didn't return to the room. In the morning, she lay facing away from him, maintaining a distance.

He lowered his eyes, dressed, and left.

With a disciple, Jin Xiuzhu's life became more fulfilling. Soon, it was January.

At the beginning of January, the children hadn't yet finished school, so Jin Xiuzhu traveled alone to the capital. She first went to the train station in S City, where she met Bai Jingzhi, and they traveled together to the capital.

On the tenth, after arriving, they cleaned the house. Jin Xiuzhu had previously contacted Zhong Xue, who had collected all the items sent earlier—quilts, candies, cookies, and more, filling the living room.

Zhong Xue's parents knew they were arriving that day and came over to help clean. They then began preparing for the pre-wedding banquet scheduled for the twenty-eighth. Although the plan was set, some details needed finalizing, like the venue and gifts.

Zhong Xue's parents offered to help book a state-run restaurant.

Jin Xiuzhu was immensely grateful. When Zhong Xue left, she mentioned that the alcohol was reserved and would be brought over the next day.

They kept busy until the twenty-sixth, when Jiang Mingchuan arrived with the three children. The four of them looked weary, especially the youngest daughter, who clung tightly to her father's neck, her eyes red as if she had been crying.