Chapter 96: Extra Chapter Three

Chapter 96: Extra Chapter Three

In the following days, Jin Xiuzhu made new clothes for the entire family and thoroughly cleaned the house, throwing away everything that wasn't needed. Especially in the children's rooms, there were piles of miscellaneous items. Jin Xiuzhu didn't know why she had kept them, so she threw them all out.

While Jin Xiuzhu was cleaning, the two children ran up and down to help throw things away, working up a sweat.

Despite the hard work, they were very happy, feeling that the whole house became brighter and cleaner.

When Jin Xiuzhu was tidying up He Yan's room, she found his test papers, none of which had passing grades. She held the papers for a long time, while He Yan stood nervously beside her.

It was 1976, but He Yan was only in the first year of junior high. This place was very different from what she knew; He Yan started school much later here and his grades were much worse. The He Yan she knew had never failed a test and always ranked in the top five in the school.

But the child in front of her had abysmal grades.

She couldn't understand why the same person and place could be so different. It was the same with Qian Yufeng's family, Jiang Mingchuan, and the two children. Jiang Mingchuan should have been promoted and moved south by now, yet he was still here, and Wu Erzhu hadn't retired either. Everything had changed.

Jin Xiuzhu was puzzled but still wanted to make changes. She looked at the silent He Yan and suddenly said, "Next semester you'll be in the second year of junior high, right? If you can get into high school, I'll buy you a watch."

He Yan looked up in surprise at Jin Xiuzhu. Jin Xiuzhu had never cared about his grades before; instead, she was particularly strict with Fu Yanyan, scolding her if her scores dropped even a little and comparing her to Tang Ying next door.

So even though Jin Xiuzhu seemed to favor him, he didn't take it seriously because he knew it was just on the surface.

He couldn't help but ask, "Really?"

Jin Xiuzhu took out all the test papers and laid them on the table, showing scores in the teens and twenties. "If you can get into high school, I'll buy you one."

He Yan looked at his scores, finding it difficult but also tempted by the idea of having a watch. Even Wu Xiaojun didn't have a watch, yet Jin Xiuzhu was willing to buy one for him.

After thinking for a moment, he finally decided the watch was worth it, but then asked, "Will Uncle agree?"

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "He will agree."

He Yan nodded, remembering how Jin Xiuzhu's words were always followed by his father's agreement these days. "I'll definitely get into high school, so don't go back on your word."

"Okay."

Jin Xiuzhu agreed and turned to her daughter, "The same goes for you. If you get into high school, Mom will buy you a watch too."

In the past, Fu Yanyan wouldn't have believed this, but now things were different. She realized her mother was keeping her promises—buying an electric fan when she said she would, making clothes for her, and now promising a watch. Fu Yanyan felt happy; unlike He Yan, her grades were good, and getting into high school was almost guaranteed, so it was as if her mother had promised her a watch.

Fu Yanyan nodded slightly.

He Yan didn't feel jealous since Jin Xiuzhu had also promised him.

Perhaps it was the allure of the watch or the desire to prove himself, but He Yan started studying that day. Although it was hard to focus at first, he still tried to control his urge to play.

When Jiang Mingchuan came home that evening, he noticed not only that the house was brighter and cleaner, but also that something was different about the two children.

Later that night, he finally understood what was different: his son was actually studying at the desk.

Jiang Mingchuan had always shared a room with his son. Now, the room was free of clutter, leaving only the bed, wardrobe, and desk, all neatly arranged.

Lying in bed, he watched his son's thin back and couldn't help asking, "Did you clean the room?"

He Yan yawned and shook his head. "She did it. Said we don't need all that stuff, and it was just taking up space."

Jiang Mingchuan understood and felt a slight strangeness in his heart.

He Yan didn't mention Jin Xiuzhu's promise to buy him a watch if he got into high school, fearing his father might disagree. He decided to focus on getting into high school first.

Jiang Mingchuan simply said, "Okay," and closed his eyes to sleep.

While the two children studied at home, Jin Xiuzhu also started busying herself. She no longer had a close relationship with Wang Ling or Qian Yufeng, and she wasn't familiar with Fang Min either.

Although she felt a bit disappointed, she quickly accepted the situation and focused on finding a job to earn money. She chose the safest approach—drawing and sending her work to newspapers. For several days, she drew continuously and then selected a few pieces to send to the newspapers she had previously worked with.

Jin Xiuzhu also knew that wuxia novels would become popular in the coming decades. Back then, Yang Chaoying and the other kids were obsessed with them, and she even wrote some herself, sharing them with Fu Yanyan. While Fu Yanyan didn't read them, Jin Xiuzhu enjoyed them immensely. Later, Fu Yanyan discovered this and teased her, buying her a few popular novels.

Jin Xiuzhu then realized what true wuxia novels were like and found them captivating. After finishing them, she felt inspired to write her own, but at the time, she was too busy with commissions and investments to find the time.

Now, however, she could start writing. She had written articles before, though she couldn't match Fang Min's critical style. But for ancient-themed novels without hidden critiques, she felt confident she could give it a try.

With that thought, Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter's pen and notebook and began writing. The three of them huddled around the dining table, engrossed in their work, with the electric fan blowing cool air nearby, creating a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

Occasionally, the children would look up and see their mother and sibling working hard, prompting them to continue their own tasks.

Jiang Mingchuan returned home early every day, whereas before he would stay late even after finishing his work. Now, he left as soon as his tasks were done.

There was no arguing at home, and delicious meals awaited him upon arrival. The children were well-behaved, and the house was spotless—just as he had imagined.

After dinner one evening, He Yan suddenly asked Jin Xiuzhu, "Auntie, aren't you and Uncle married? Why don't you sleep in the same room?"

Jin Xiuzhu blinked, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Mingchuan was washing dishes in the kitchen.

He Yan said unhappily, "Uncle snores too loudly at night, affecting my studies."

With only a year left until high school exams, his uncle's snoring was really disruptive.

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "Go talk to your uncle; I can't decide."

He Yan frowned, thinking about his watch, and then went to the kitchen to speak with Jiang Mingchuan.

That night, Jiang Mingchuan brought his pillow to the large room where Jin Xiuzhu slept.

Jin Xiuzhu ignored him and continued sleeping.

Jiang Mingchuan glanced at her and awkwardly said, "The child said I was disturbing him. We might have to share a room."

Jin Xiuzhu hummed in acknowledgment.

Jiang Mingchuan put down the pillow and gently lay down, careful not to touch anyone. He moved closer to the edge of the bed.

Feeling the awkward atmosphere, he suddenly said, "The police in the city have found that Yang Yingxiong boarded a train south. However, there's a chance he might have stopped along the way."

Jin Xiuzhu's brows relaxed slightly. The south was better; in a year or two, conditions would be much looser. If Yang Yingxiong worked hard, he could support himself. Perhaps leaving here was the best thing for him.

Jin Xiuzhu seemed to remember something and suddenly asked, "How is your sister doing now?"

Jiang Mingchuan didn't understand why she was asking this but still replied, "She's only been working for a few years at a newspaper. Everything else is fine, just a bit busy."

"Which newspaper?"

"I'm not sure. Her adoptive parents didn't say, only that she's very busy and has lost weight."

At this point, Jiang Mingchuan's tone became more helpless.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. "Have you never met her?"

Jiang Mingchuan: "I saw her once a few years ago. After that, we were both busy and haven't seen each other since. But I send money every month."

Jin Xiuzhu: "For now, stop sending money. If possible, we should go see your sister."

Jiang Mingchuan looked at Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu spoke directly. "Your sister is working now and can earn her own living. The money you send only serves to comfort yourself and won't benefit her. If she really needs money, we can save up and give it all to her. Otherwise, she might not even know about the money."

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, "Also, don't send money to your adoptive parents. They have good jobs and don't need the money. It's better to save it for the children and buy them some good food. They're so skinny."

Jiang Mingchuan wanted to say that he gave half his salary to her every month, but she refused to buy meat for the children.

"Let's go back to the capital during the New Year."

Jiang Mingchuan didn't understand why Jin Xiuzhu suddenly mentioned these things, but it was the first time she had suggested going to see his sister. Previously, when he wanted to visit, she had stopped him, fearing he would give money again.

Jin Xiuzhu was worried about Bai Jingzhi and said, "If possible, take some time off soon, and let's go as a family. We can also see how your sister lives."

Surprise them, so Bai Jingzhi's adoptive parents can't prepare.

Jiang Mingchuan was surprised. "Go soon?"

"Yes."

Perhaps sensing Jiang Mingchuan's confusion, Jin Xiuzhu explained, "Something doesn't feel right. If your sister's adoptive parents were good people, they wouldn't cut off all contact, especially since your sister can now earn money. Why would they still ask for your money? Their financial situation shouldn't be that dire. Your mother wouldn't have given the child to such poor people unless something happened, or perhaps there's something wrong with her adoptive parents."

Jiang Mingchuan hadn't thought deeply about these issues, or perhaps he had noticed something amiss but didn't want to think ill of others. He hoped his sister was doing well and always believed what her adoptive parents said.

Now that Jin Xiuzhu pointed out these details, he felt a tightening in his heart.

Jin Xiuzhu reminded him, "Still, take some time off."

After a moment of silence, Jiang Mingchuan softly agreed. He had never used his vacation days before, so he could take time off.

On the tenth day of August, the family of four set out.

The two children were excited about their first long trip. He Yan, who had become close to Jin Xiuzhu, said to her, "You've used a lot of my pens recently. You promised to return them."

"I will, I promise. I'll buy you a bunch of pens later."

"And notebooks."

"Sure."

He Yan was delighted. "What is s city like? Is it fun?"

"I'll take you around when we get there."

Fu Yanyan watched Jin Xiuzhu and He Yan chatting happily and felt a bit envious. But then she remembered that her mother was fair; whatever He Yan had, she had too, so she felt no imbalance.

Her mother said she loved her the most because she was her biological daughter, which made her special.

The family of five took a train to s city. Upon arrival, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan found a guesthouse near Bai Jingzhi's adoptive parents' residence. Since it was already past three in the afternoon, they decided not to rush into anything and instead took the children to the department store. They bought notebooks and pens for the children, as well as fabric, shoes, and snacks.

Jin Xiuzhu also bought a new outfit for Bai Jingzhi, remembering her size. Sometimes, their clothes could be worn interchangeably.

By the time they finished shopping, it was already five o'clock. They had dinner at a state-owned hotel and then returned to the guesthouse to rest.

That night, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan discussed their plan. They decided not to go directly to the house but to first talk to neighbors nearby to gather information.

Even Jin Xiuzhu, thinking that Bai Jingzhi's worst-case scenario was being exploited by her adoptive parents, earning money to support the family while living a miserable life herself, was shocked when the neighbors said they hadn't seen her for years. One neighbor whispered that Liu Jingzhi had been sent to the countryside, saying her parents favored the younger sibling, who had taken her job at the newspaper, forcing her to go to the countryside. No one had seen her for years.

The neighbor sighed, "That poor child. Her sister threatened her with a knife to force her agreement. Their family's life has improved, but the older one is suffering in the countryside."

Jiang Mingchuan's face turned pale.

Jin Xiuzhu calmly asked, "Do you know where she went to the countryside?"

"Not sure. It was a big commotion back then, and I heard about it from next door. Many people have moved away since then, and no one talks about it anymore. If you hadn't asked, I would have forgotten."

Jin Xiuzhu thanked the neighbor and explained the situation. The neighbor was stunned to learn that Liu Jingzhi was their real sister and that the neighbors were just adoptive parents who had been taking money from her brother and sending her to the countryside. The neighbor became angry. "I didn't expect them to be so shameless. Find her quickly. Life in the countryside is tough. That poor child must be suffering."

Jin Xiuzhu agreed and led Jiang Mingchuan away.

As they left, the family of four encountered Bai Jingzhi's adoptive parents coming out to wash dishes. They didn't recognize each other. The adoptive parents looked honest and smiled at them innocently.

Neither Jin Xiuzhu nor Jiang Mingchuan smiled. The children understood the situation and couldn't help but feel disgusted by the couple.

The family of four turned and left.

After they were gone, Song Xiaoru whispered, "Who were those people?"

Liu Qin replied, "Forget it. They don’t seem like ordinary folks."

Song Xiaoru frowned, "That man looked somewhat familiar."

Liu Qin said, "You must have been mistaken; we’ve never met them."

After the family of four went downstairs, Jin Xiuzhu asked Jiang Mingchuan, "What should we do next?"

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment, "We should report it to the police."

Jin Xiuzhu actually had the same idea and suggested, "When we report it, we’ll say that my sister-in-law was kidnapped. Your mother was taking her back to the capital when she was stolen on the way. Now we’ve found her here, but she’s been sent to the countryside."

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head, "No need. Let’s just tell the truth."

Every one of them is good.

The family of four went to the police station to report the matter.

Initially, the police thought it was about adoption and job replacement, but later they discovered that the siblings were descendants of martyrs, which changed the significance of the case. The authorities took it very seriously and immediately led a team to Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive parents’ home, with Jin Xiuzhu and the others following.

The subsequent events went smoothly. The police brought the couple directly to the station, and the commotion drew out the neighbors. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu and the others, their eyes lit up.

After the crowd dispersed, they eagerly recounted the situation, "Those are Jingzhi’s real brother and sister-in-law. They came looking for her. Do you remember Jingzhi? Such a good child, ruined by this family."

"Oh, didn’t Jingzhi get married?"

"What marriage? It was a lie. They tricked the child into going to the countryside and replaced her with their own daughter at the newspaper office."

"That’s disgusting. They definitely should have reported it."

The police acted swiftly and obtained Liu Jingzhi’s address from the couple within half a day. They looked at Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan and said, "We will call to verify the details. Logically, as a university graduate, Liu Jingzhi should have been assigned a job and shouldn’t have been sent to the countryside. We can contact the local Production Team to bring her back."

Jiang Mingchuan nodded, "Thank you."

A young officer sighed, "Liu Jingzhi’s situation is special. We need to understand more. We’ve already dispatched someone to Liu Aihua’s place to see if we can learn anything else."

Jin Xiuzhu suddenly said, "Comrade Officer, my mother-in-law’s family is quite wealthy. When they entrusted their daughter to this couple, they would have arranged everything, ensuring they wouldn’t lack for material comforts. Yet, they live in such shabby conditions, seeming poor. There might be some hidden secrets."

The officer frowned, recognizing an important clue, "Good, noted."

Knowing their sister’s address, the family of four left. On the way, they discussed their plan. Jiang Mingchuan went to buy train tickets, while Jin Xiuzhu took the children back to the guesthouse.

Jiang Mingchuan bought tickets for the six o'clock train the next morning. That night, the family of four had no appetite and only bought a few steamed buns for sustenance. Returning to the guesthouse, they encountered the young officer from earlier. He hesitated before saying, "Your sister seems to have married. After being sent to the countryside, she was seen bathing and was forced to marry. She’s reportedly living poorly, often beaten."

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan clenched his fists tightly, trembling with anger.

He never imagined his beloved sister lived such a life.

Jin Xiuzhu felt heartbroken but managed to ask for more details, though the officer couldn’t provide much more information.

The next morning, the family of four set out to find their sister.

Even though they had prepared themselves for the worst, seeing her in person still filled Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu with intense hatred for Liu Qin’s family.

Especially Jin Xiuzhu, who knew how beautiful Bai Jingzhi was—fair-skinned and lovely, her smile once evoking deep affection. But now, she saw a haggard and frail woman, so young yet with wrinkles and even white hair.

She carried a child in her arms and another on her back, with visible bruises on her exposed arms and neck.

Jin Xiuzhu’s eyes welled up with tears, and Jiang Mingchuan clenched his fists, delivering a fierce beating to the man.

No one dared to stop him. The man probably never expected Bai Jingzhi to have any family. He knew she had been forced to go to the countryside by her own sister, leaving her without anyone to care for her.

Eventually, Jin Xiuzhu stopped Jiang Mingchuan. If she hadn’t intervened, the man might have died. Looking at the barely breathing man on the ground and the wailing family members, she said, "Why cry? Isn’t this how you usually treat my sister? Rest assured, none of you will escape."

The officers and the Production Team leaders arrived together. Jin Xiuzhu remained calm and spoke politely to them. Seeing her reasonableness, the leaders scolded the man’s family and arranged for a cart to take them away.

Bai Jingzhi, holding her child, walked away with Jin Xiuzhu, showing no hesitation.

However, upon reaching the county, Jin Xiuzhu said at the police station, "My sister was sent to build the countryside, where she was seen bathing and no one cared. In this day and age, she was forced to marry and no one intervened. She faced daily abuse from her husband’s family, and no one helped. I ask you, what do these Production Team leaders do? This must be addressed. My husband is a soldier, and his parents sacrificed for the country. If you cannot handle this fairly, we will keep reporting it higher up."

The officer understood Jin Xiuzhu’s anger and assured her, "Rest assured, we will investigate thoroughly and give you an explanation."

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu’s expression softened.

But Bai Jingzhi, holding her child, burst into tears, covering her face.

Jin Xiuzhu comforted her, gently patting her back, "Don’t cry, don’t cry. We’re here for you. No one will ever hurt you again."

Bai Jingzhi cried harder, like a child finally finding solace after enduring immense suffering.