Chapter 59

Chapter 59

The three men of the Feng family had spent the whole morning warming themselves at someone else's house. At noon, they sauntered back for lunch. As soon as they entered the door, they caught the aroma of vegetable oil mingled with meat, which instantly stirred up their cravings and made their mouths water. They quickened their pace toward the house, already impatient for today's meal.

Zhang Ling brought out a large basin of sweet potato soup with dumplings. A few slices of cured meat floated on the surface, and a layer of oil shimmered on top, looking quite appetizing. Zhao Yuee took the big iron ladle and first served a scoop to each of the three men in the family, with one slice of cured meat per bowl. At times like this, Old Mrs. Feng always felt triumphant, as if the entire Feng family was under her control and had to obey her commands.

When it came to the two daughters-in-law and Feng Jinlian and her sister, they only got a few big pieces of sweet potato, with very few dumplings. The old lady never bothered to hide her favoritism; she firmly believed that girls were just a waste of money, even though she herself was a woman.

The morning matchmaker's visit still lingered in everyone's minds. Feng Xia ate in her room—a big basin of deep-fried meatballs, crispy on the outside, firm and flavorful, bursting with meaty goodness. At Feng Xia's insistence, Zhang Ling scooped out a bowl and placed it in a bamboo tube in the backyard, just like when Feng Xia first caught game. Zhang Ling had long known that this girl had a sense of fairness; treat her well, and she would repay you a thousandfold.

Feng Xia finished the entire basin of meatballs. Outside, the Feng family had also finished eating. Feng Aiguo was picking his teeth with a bamboo skewer, while Li Meihua dawdled with her chopsticks, taking her time. Zhang Ling didn't indulge her; she just sat and waited. If Li Meihua didn't clear the dishes, Zhang Ling wouldn't move either. Finally, Old Mrs. Feng shot Li Meihua a glare, and only then did Li Meihua reluctantly get up and slowly begin clearing the table.

It was at this moment that Feng Xia came out. She sat in the redwood chair by the offering table, exuding an air of effortless elegance. Her voice was cold and sharp: "Sister Jinlian and Sister Jingui are still young, not yet of marriageable age. When they do marry, it will be according to their wishes. The Chairman said we must not oppress women; the feudal idea of blind marriages is unacceptable. Whether they find partners in the village or I introduce them from the military base, it will depend entirely on their own wishes. Do you all understand?"

These words stunned everyone present, including Zhang Ling. What did Little Xia just say? Find partners for Jinlian and Jingui in the military base? This was something Zhang Ling had never even dared to imagine. Soldiers were highly sought after these days—they had a steady allowance, and being a soldier was an honorable and dignified profession. Having a soldier as a son-in-law would make others look up to you. Zhang Ling was nearly overwhelmed by the surprise.

The Feng family stared wide-eyed at Feng Xia, as if in disbelief. Even Li Meihua cast a resentful, jealous glance at Zhang Ling. It was truly a case of "when one person succeeds, everyone around them benefits."

Old Mrs. Feng, shaky and careful, asked, "Little Xia, are you serious about finding soldiers for your two sisters in the military base?"

Feng Xia nodded. "Yes, if they're willing. But not now—at least until they're eighteen. That's the regulation in the military district."

"Oh, my dear niece, I really thank you! Our Feng Xia is so amazing. I thank you on behalf of Jinlian and Jingui." Zhang Ling was on the verge of tears of joy, her eyes red and glistening with tears. This woman, who had suffered all her life, only wished for her daughters to have a good future and a stable life. Zhang Ling had thought of this path before, but Feng Xia had already helped them so much; it wouldn't be right to ask for more.

Feng Jinlian and Feng Jingui were standing outside the door, having heard every word Feng Xia said. They didn't know what they felt—joy, excitement, confusion—all mixed together. It was as if the kite that had been held tightly in the Feng family's hands had suddenly broken free. The vast sky both thrilled and frightened them. Could they really decide their own marriages? The two young girls leaned on each other, silently weeping. Over ten years of bitterness poured out.

Inside, Feng Xia spoke again: "Don't spread this around. If I hear any rumors outside, you know me. If I'm unhappy, nobody's going to be happy."

As she finished speaking, she cast a sweeping glance. The Feng family members were as quiet as mice, their heads buried in their chests, not daring to speak. Li Meihua's hands trembled as she cleared the dishes. She had been thinking of going out to show off, but now she didn't even dare to think about it. She looked at her rough hands, recalling the strange green hand from before, and couldn't help but shudder.

"If any more matchmakers come, tell them the girls are too young and won't consider marriage for now—at least until they turn eighteen in two years."

Her lazy voice rang out, but her considerations were thorough. While Zhang Ling was moved, Li Meihua's jealousy almost burst out and consumed her entirely. Why? Why was this happening? Da Chun was her own sister! Why hadn't Feng Xia considered her sister like this? Li Meihua gripped the plate so hard her knuckles turned white, revealing her inner turmoil.

Ah, people can't be talked about. Speak of the devil, and he appears.

There was a noise at the door, and someone entered the courtyard. Feng Chun also had the day off from the supply cooperative. She was carrying a few packages and had come home for the New Year.

As soon as she entered, she saw Feng Xia sitting there. Feng Xia's small, fair face was exquisite, wrapped in a thick military coat. Her jet-black hair was tousled, but it only made her more striking—an astonishing beauty.

Feng Chun had dressed up specially to return to the village; returning home in glory. She wore a pink padded jacket, braided two pigtails. Over the past year, she had grown fairer and looked more like a city dweller. Unfortunately, her features hadn't inherited her parents' essence—she was somewhat plain and couldn't quite carry off the new clothes.

Feng Chun was jealous, no doubt about it—jealous of Feng Xia's effortless beauty. A girl not yet thirteen, every move she made was poetic and natural. Why? Why did she have to come back? Why did this little girl have to wake up? Why!

Feng Xia gave her a lazy once-over and then looked away. Old Mrs. Feng, however, greeted Feng Chun warmly, fussing over her, taking the packages she carried, and even pouring her a cup of hot water. Zhao Yuee's eyes greedily locked onto the packages; Feng Chun was always generous, bringing something to honor the old lady when she returned. That's why Old Mrs. Feng valued her eldest granddaughter most among the grandchildren and feared her second granddaughter, Feng Xia, the most.

Feng Chun felt the cautious attention of the Feng family. They flattered her and waited on her hand and foot. She was every bit as good as Feng Xia. She shot a quick, dismissive glance toward Feng Xia's seat—only to find it empty.

Where the hell had she gone?!

Outside, Feng Jinbao's little hands were red. Under Feng Xia's guidance, he had already rolled two big snowballs and was well on his way to making a snowman.