As Jin Xiuzhu stepped into the room, her footsteps halted. She followed the sound and looked up, meeting the gaze of a middle-aged woman with short hair. The woman had a round face, thin eyebrows, and many fine lines around her eyes when she smiled.

 

She didn’t look at Jin Xiuzhu but turned to the woman next to her and asked, “I didn’t make a mistake, did I? Last time, Qian Yufeng wore this outfit, saying it was made by her mother-in-law, and showed off for a long time.”

 

The living room wasn’t large, with a square table in the middle. Several men were gathered around drinking tea, while women sat at the doorway chatting, holding melon seeds and casually throwing the shells on the ground, making it messy and inconvenient to walk.

 

The woman being questioned had a long, thin face. She smiled awkwardly upon hearing the question and, seeing everyone looking at her, she quickly said, “I’m not very sure.”

 

She hated it inwardly, and didn’t want to offend anyone.

 

Liu Hongyue acted as if she hadn’t heard and pretended to look surprised, “How could it be? You were there that day too.”

 

Her expression was extremely exaggerated.

 

Just as Jin Xiuzhu was about to speak, Jiang Mingchuan, who had been walking behind her, suddenly stepped forward, shielding her with his whole body. Liu Hongyue was about to say something else, but seeing this scene, she felt a little uneasy. She had only dared to do this after hearing some gossip.

 

Sitting some distance away from Liu Hongyue, a woman greeted Jiang Mingchuan, “Captain Jiang is here too. Is this the little sister? Come in quickly, it’s cold outside.”

 

The men sitting around the table heard the commotion and gradually stood up.

 

“You’ve just arrived now?”

 

“Did the little sister come too? Come in and have some hot water.”

 

“Two children, right? Not bad, not bad.”

 

The atmosphere in the living room instantly became lively.

 

Jiang Mingchuan took the initiative to put his arm around Jin Xiuzhu’s waist and greeted the people, “We were delayed on the way.”

 

Then he introduced Jin Xiuzhu and Fu Yanyan, “This is Jin Xiuzhu, and this is my daughter, Yanyan.”

 

Then he began to introduce the others, “This is Captain Wu, this is Captain Yang…”

 

Jin Xiuzhu and Fu Yanyan took turns calling people.

 

Wang Ling, who was busy in the kitchen, ran out to see. As she wiped her hands on her apron, she warmly said, “Finally, you’re here. Just wait a moment; two more dishes will be ready soon. What’s the matter with Lao Yan? He went out a while ago and still hasn’t come back?”

 

Jiang Mingchuan introduced Jin Xiuzhu again.

 

“This is the Battalion Commander’s wife; you can call her Sister-in-law. This is Jin Xiuzhu, my wife.”

 

When Wang Ling heard the word “wife,” her extended hand paused for a moment, but she still warmly said, “Hello, hello, nice to meet you. It’s my first time meeting you, sorry for the poor reception.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu noticed but didn’t show any strangeness on her face. She switched the basket on her right wrist to her left hand, reached out, and shook hands, a smile on her face. “Hello.”

 

Wang Ling noticed the basket in her hand and smiled a bit more.

 

With so many people coming over today, Jin Xiuzhu was the first one to bring something. Even though she had some grievances against this couple in her heart, her mood had improved a bit.

 

“Come on in and have a rest. We’ll have dinner as soon as Lao Yan comes back. I’ll go back to the kitchen. You guys chat first, make yourselves at home.”

 

With that, she hurried back to the kitchen.

 

Jiang Mingchuan continued to introduce Jin Xiuzhu. He introduced everyone once, except for the round-faced woman who spoke first. Finally, he greeted the wife of Political Commissar Zhu, Fang Min, “It’s her first time here, and she’s not very familiar. Please take care of her, Sister-in-law.”

 

The woman was the one who initially invited them in. She was quite young, but her manner made people feel comfortable, and she smiled gently, “Don’t worry, I won’t let her feel uncomfortable.”

 

Only then did Jiang Mingchuan walk over to the group of men. Before leaving, he brought a stool for Jin Xiuzhu and asked her to sit next to Fang Min.

 

It was the first time Jin Xiuzhu had been cared for like this, without needing to handle it herself. She remembered the days in the Marquis’ mansion when she could only endure the bullying silently.

 

Later, when she gained power, she also learned to bully others with power, selling them if necessary, and sending them to temples, ensuring they had no chance to retaliate.

 

Across from her was the round-faced woman who had just mocked her. The woman’s expression was a bit ugly now, probably because she resented Jiang Mingchuan’s deliberate disregard.

 

This experience of being supported and protected made Jin Xiuzhu feel very good, but she wasn’t exactly a saint either. With a constrained expression, she looked at the other party and explained, “My man before was also a soldier, but he sacrificed himself in the first half of last year. I gave birth to a daughter, but we weren’t treated well at my in-laws’. If Captain Jiang hadn’t come specially to visit us, my daughter and I wouldn’t have known what our future would be like…”

 

As she spoke, she lowered her head, wiped her slightly red eyes with her sleeve, and choked out, “Captain Jiang said he would take care of me and my child in the future. I didn’t ask for anything, I just took my child and followed him. These clothes are indeed Mrs. Wu’s.

 

I was afraid that if I came here to eat wearing shabby clothes, I would embarrass Captain Jiang. So, I made some food to take over to Mrs. Wu’s house, saying I wanted to borrow her clothes to wear for one night and would return them tomorrow. Mrs. Wu is a good person. When she saw that the child didn’t have any clothes to wear, she deliberately found a good outfit and put it on the child.”

 

With tears streaming down her face like beads, she praised Jiang Mingchuan, Qian Yufeng, and herself in just a few sentences. Even if she was poor, she hadn’t borrowed things for nothing.

 

In contrast, it became even more apparent that the other party seemed unreasonable and petty.

 

The two children stood behind Jin Xiuzhu. He Yan was still young and couldn’t hide his thoughts. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu crying pitifully, he immediately glared at Liu Hongyue opposite him with a hostile look.

 

Only Fu Yanyan widened her eyes in surprise, looking at Liu Hongyue being surrounded by other people’s hostile gazes on the opposite side, then at Jin Xiuzhu. Suddenly, she felt that the woman in front of her seemed a bit unfamiliar because, in her memory, Jin Xiuzhu had never shown any weakness.

 

Fang Min sighed and patted Jin Xiuzhu’s back. “It’s okay, it’s okay. The good days are still ahead, right? Captain Jiang is a good person, and the two children are also obedient. Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

 

“Yeah, what’s wrong with borrowing clothes to wear? All of my child’s clothes were given by relatives. Which family is so well-off?”

 

“Don’t worry. Next time, borrow my clothes. Whoever dares to gossip, I’ll shut her mouth.”

 

This remark made Jin Xiuzhu chuckle. Seeing her laugh, everyone became lively again and started chatting. However, the conversation revolved around Jin Xiuzhu. Liu Hongyue tried to interject a few times, but no one agreed with her. Especially a few people beside her, whether intentionally or unintentionally, gradually moved their chairs closer to Jin Xiuzhu, making her expression even more unpleasant.

 

However, the topic didn’t last long. Soon, Captain Yan and Political Commissar Zhu came back. Several women stood up, and because there were quite a few people, Commander Yan simply went out and borrowed another table from the next door and brought it back.

 

The women were divided into two groups, some sweeping the floor, some going to the kitchen to help with the dishes. Jin Xiuzhu was afraid of breaking the food and attracting attention, so she only moved chairs outside. As she moved, she ended up standing next to Jiang Mingchuan.

 

Jiang Mingchuan heard what Jin Xiuzhu had just said. Although he was somewhat moved, he also knew that she was very calculating. However, he couldn’t bring himself to be angry. He even felt a hint of envy in his heart. In the past, when he encountered such a situation, he would only silently endure without complaint.

 

At dinner, the men sat at one table, and the women and children sat at another.

 

The child didn’t sit at the table, instead holding a bowl while standing on the side. If they wanted to eat something, they would tell their mother. Some lively children even ran to their father’s table, pointing at what they wanted to eat.

 

Jin Xiuzhu lifted Fu Yanyan onto her lap. Fu Yanyan scooped food for herself with a spoon. While eating, she remembered what Jin Xiuzhu had taught her last night: chew slowly and keep your back straight. Subconsciously, she followed these instructions. He Yan did the same. He obediently stood beside them, eating whatever Jin Xiuzhu served. The two children were quiet and well-behaved, in stark contrast to the other children nearby, who were clamoring for meat.

 

He Yan was okay with it; neither of them were his real family, so it was natural to feel restrained in public. But for such a young girl to be so obedient and sensible was indeed quite unexpected to the observant people present.

 

Fang Min, who was sitting beside Jin Xiuzhu, turned her head several times. She felt that the mother and daughter’s manner of eating was very elegant and refined, which made people feel comfortable. Although she didn’t have children yet, if she were to have one, she hoped they would be as well-behaved.

 

After finishing their meal, the people in the room chatted for a while longer. When Wang Ling finished washing the dishes and came out, people began to leave one by one.

 

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan stayed behind. When most people had left, they bid farewell as well. Jin Xiuzhu pretended to have just remembered something and picked up a basket from the corner.

 

She then smiled as she took out some plates from it. “This is our first time meeting, and I wasn’t sure what to bring. We don’t have anything special at home, so I made some food myself. I hope you don’t mind.”

 

She lifted the cover, revealing neatly stacked bean cakes inside the plates. They were a beautiful golden color, looking very enticing under the soft light.

 

Both Wang Ling and Captain Yan showed a hint of surprise on their faces. They had lived for most of their lives but had never seen such food.

 

Captain Yan spoke without hesitation, “This looks like good stuff. Take it home and enjoy it yourselves.”

 

The child standing behind him stretched out his head. When he heard this, he tugged on his father’s clothes. “Dad.”

 

He wanted him to take back his words, but seeing his father ignore him, he looked at his mother.

 

Captain Yan felt a bit embarrassed.

 

Wang Ling didn’t want to embarrass her husband, so she had to go along with it. “Yeah, take it home and enjoy it. We still have food at home. Inviting you here for dinner is just to get to know each other. We’re all one family in the military, so there’s no need for such formalities.”

 

“Sister-in-law is being polite. This is also a token of appreciation from me and Captain Jiang for taking care of us. We are grateful to you and Captain Yan for looking after us. It’s nothing valuable, just something we made ourselves without spending any money. If you don’t want it, it would make me a little sad.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu said this, and Wang Ling couldn’t say anything else. She had to smile and go to the kitchen to get a plate to transfer the food.

 

As they saw the guests off, Wang Ling’s smile never faded. When she and Captain Yan turned around, they saw their son’s mouth already stuffed full, mumbling with food in his mouth, “”It’s so delicious, Mom, come and eat too.”

 

Wang Ling gave him a criticizing glance. “You’re all grown up, but you’re still not as sensible as other kids.”

 

She had also noticed during dinner that the two children from Captain Jiang’s family were more sensible than one another.

 

Yan Xing snorted disapprovingly a couple of times, expressing his discontent.

 

Taking a piece of food, Captain Yan couldn’t help but say, “Let’s not talk about our son. What about you? I clearly only invited the Jiang family, so why did you call others too?”

 

Wang Ling felt a bit guilty and found an excuse for herself. “I just wanted it to be lively with more people.”

 

But Yan Xing directly pierced through her intentions. “That’s not it. You clearly told Aunt Qin and Aunt Liu that you wanted to see what kind of person Jiang Mingchuan liked. ‘He doesn’t even like Miss Zhao. Is he marrying a heavenly immortal?’ You invited so many people, and you think people won’t know your true intentions.”

 

Her son repeated word-for-word what she had said before, leaving Wang Ling speechless. She couldn’t keep up her facade and glared at him angrily. “Have you finished with your homework? Huh?”

 

Yan Xing pouted.

 

Captain Yan’s expression darkened. He said impatiently, “You! They wanted to make you something delicious, and you were plotting against them. Jiang Mingchuan has only just met Zhao Yun, and they haven’t even begun anything. Besides, it’s their own business. What right do you have to interfere? Are you only happy if they lose face? Jiang Mingchuan’s parents were heroes in the war, and Jin Xiuzhu’s husband was also a martyr. Even if Zhao Yun is great, does that justify you playing tricks on them?”

 

Wang Ling was rendered speechless by his words. She hadn’t thought so much. She was just upset that a couple she had finally set her sights on had been intercepted suddenly. And with someone instigating her, she joined in the mischief.

 

Actually, her impression of Jin Xiuzhu tonight was still good. She wasn’t talkative and had good manners. But now that she was being scolded by her husband, she felt embarrassed.

 

“Before, you said Jiang Mingchuan and Zhao Yun were a good match. Why blame me now? I haven’t done anything wrong. Everyone seemed happy eating. Why are you scolding me? I’ve been busy in the kitchen all day, have you helped at all? After dinner, I didn’t see you helping to clean up. How dare you criticize me?”

 

“…”

 

While the two were arguing, Yan Xing had nearly finished eating the bean cakes. With only two pieces left, he hurriedly ran back to his room.

 

*****

 

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan hurried back home to wash up. Jin Xiuzhu finished washing first and sat on the bed, sorting out the fabric she had bought during the day. She had bought a sewing kit when she bought the fabric today. She measured with her hand while cutting with scissors quickly and steadily.

 

Jiang Mingchuan came out after showering, and he saw her bowing her head, carefully sketching something. The soft candlelight illuminated her face, giving her a gentle appearance.

 

Jin Xiuzhu measured her daughter’s arms and quickly tucked her hands under the quilt, patting her little face gently. “Go to sleep.”

 

The little girl looked at her intently, her eyes suddenly moistening. Afraid of being seen, she quickly closed her eyes.

 

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t notice. Holding needle and thread, she quickly sewed a rough outline. The style was similar to those she had seen in the department store today. After finishing her daughter’s, she began outlining He Yan’s. She planned to sketch out a design first, then ask Qian Yufeng to buy cotton tomorrow to make them.

 

He Yan obediently stretched out his hand for her to measure.

 

Jiang Mingchuan dried his hair and sat on the bed. Jin Xiuzhu glanced at him, thought for a moment, and said in a gentle voice, “Thank you for tonight. When I heard those words as soon as I entered the door, I really didn’t know what to do. But when you stood in front of me and protected me, I felt reassured. No one has ever been so kind to me.”

 

Jiang Mingchuan was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected her to remember such a small thing. For a moment, he didn’t know how to react.

 

But it felt like a hot current had been injected into his heart, making him feel warm all over.

 

No one had ever said such things to him before.

 

Jin Xiuzhu continued with a smile, “Let’s not talk about the past. From now on, I’ll treat you as my real man. Let’s live a good life together. No one should look down on us. What do you say?”

 

After finishing, she looked at him with bright eyes, with a hint of admiration and affection in them.

 

She had always known that men loved to be treated like heroes. If you put him on a pedestal and gave him adoring looks, no man could resist it.

 

Sure enough, even the usually calm Jiang Mingchuan couldn’t handle it. He had originally planned to live with Jin Xiuzhu with mutual respect. Jin Xiuzhu was the wife of his comrade, he could marry her, but he couldn’t do disrespectful things. But now, hearing these words, his heart suddenly wavered. After just a few days of getting along, he gradually began to feel a sense of home.

 

Whether it was because her voice was so pleasant or because the candlelight in the room was too dim, he inexplicably nodded.

 

Jin Xiuzhu smiled.

 

Jiang Mingchuan was a little afraid to look at her. He quickly lay down and closed his eyes, his mind in turmoil.

 

Having achieved her goal, Jin Xiuzhu blew out the nearby kerosene lamp and lay down to sleep.

 

A good night’s sleep.

 

The next morning, when Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan got up, Jin Xiuzhu and Fu Yanyan skillfully turned over and continued sleeping.

 

Father and son looked at their backs, paused for a moment, and finally didn’t say anything. They lowered their footsteps and quietly went out.

 

 

Author’s Note:

Jin Xiuzhu: Men are so easy to coax.
Fu Yanyan: I’ve learned another trick.
He Yan: Auntie worked so hard. She stayed up late last night to make clothes for us.
Jiang Mingchuan: I can’t shake the feeling that something is off.