In the morning, Jin Xiuzhu took the two children next door to return the clothes.

 

At the Wu family next door, Qian Yufeng was squatting on the ground, scrubbing clothes. Since there was a well in the courtyard, she couldn’t be bothered to go outside to wash and just did it in the yard.

 

Jin Xiuzhu hadn’t washed clothes these past few days; it was always Jiang Mingchuan who took the bucket out before dawn. She just needed to wash them and hang them up after meals.

 

Seeing them coming over, Qian Yufeng called out inside, “Quick, bring a stool for Aunt Jin to sit on.”

 

There was a response from inside the house, and then a girl of about eleven or twelve came out with a stool and placed it in front of Jin Xiuzhu.

 

After seeing this, Qian Yufeng couldn’t help but comment, “I told you to bring one, and you really brought one? What about your younger brother and sister? You don’t even think to call them.”

 

The girl mumbled in response and then went back inside to bring out two more small stools before leaving.

 

Qian Yufeng looked helpless as she turned to Jin Xiuzhu. “I don’t know who she takes after. The older she gets, the more reserved she becomes. You can’t get a word out of her.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu pretended to roll her eyes at her, “You’re just showing off. Such a pretty girl, nothing like what you described. Besides, it’s so nice when girls are obedient and sweet. It’s charming and endearing. Do you only like those bold and outspoken types?”

 

Upon hearing this, Qian Yufeng also thought it made sense and smiled at Jin Xiuzhu, “You’re making all her flaws sound like virtues.”

 

Then she shouted inside the house again, “Quick, bring out the quilts to air out while there’s sun today.”

 

But this time, her tone was much gentler.

 

Jin Xiuzhu also smiled, “I’m just speaking the truth.”

 

She sat down on the stool, with one big and one small child beside her. Fu Yanyan kept her head down. Jin Xiuzhu remembered being scolded like that before. She hadn’t expected herself to praise others in this way.

 

Jin Xiuzhu went straight to the topic of cotton, “Did you ask about the cotton for me? I want to buy two cotton quilts. The children are getting older, so we should prepare rooms for them.”

 

“I did. I went to my mother’s house yesterday afternoon. If you want some, I’ll have my mom buy some for you. They also make cotton quilts at the commune. The quilts I brought with me when I got married were all bought there. Let me know how many jin you need, and I’ll go back there this afternoon.”

 

“That would be great.” Jin Xiuzhu didn’t know much about this, so she asked about the size of the quilts at Qian Yufeng’s house and finally decided on one quilt weighing five jin and another weighing six jin.

 

After discussing this matter, Jin Xiuzhu showed a hint of hesitation on her face, and finally recounted in detail what happened during dinner last night.

 

“I don’t know what’s going on? Logically, it’s my first time coming here, and I don’t even know her, so why does she seem to have a grudge against me? I dare to talk to you about this because I feel that my sister-in-law is kind-hearted. After all, I’m going to settle down here in the future, and I’m afraid of offending someone.”

 

Upon hearing this, Qian Yufeng’s face lit up with interest. She hadn’t expected last night to be so eventful.

 

She wanted to spill everything to Jin Xiuzhu right away, but after some thought, she hesitated. If her mother-in-law found out, she would definitely scold her.

 

Jin Xiuzhu sensed her hesitation and smiled, “Whatever you say, Sister-in-law, I’m grateful. I’ll dare to talk to you about anything in the future.”

 

This statement was quite persuasive, and Qian Yufeng immediately said mysteriously, “Don’t say it was me who told you.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu nodded vigorously.

 

“I only dare to tell you this while my mother-in-law isn’t home. I know about that, Liu Hongyue. She always tries to get close to Wang Ling. Wang Ling works at the textile factory in the city as a workshop director, and she also wants to get in.”

 

“But what does that have to do with me?”

 

“It has nothing to do with you, but it has something to do with your man.”

 

Saying this, she looked at Jin Xiuzhu. Seeing that Jin Xiuzhu’s expression was normal, she asked in a low voice, “Do you know about your man’s matchmaking last year?”

 

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback for a moment, then vaguely remembered. Jiang Mingchuan went to Fu Jianguo’s house for dinner last year, and “Jin Xiuzhu” didn’t show up on the table. She overheard the conversation between Fu Jianguo’s mother and sister in the kitchen, learning that her mother-in-law harbored such thoughts.

 

At that time, her sister-in-law even said, “Hasn’t he already looked at someone?” But Jin Xiuzhu’s mother-in-law said, “He hasn’t married yet, what’s there to be afraid of? As long as you marry him, you’ll also be a city person in the future…”

 

Jin Xiuzhu almost guessed what was going on. It should be related to that person and Wang Ling.

 

Sure enough, Qian Yufeng continued, “The person your man was introduced to last year was introduced by Wang Ling. She also works at the textile factory and has a three or four-year-old daughter who looks beautiful.”

 

After saying this, she regretted it a bit. She looked at Jin Xiuzhu and suppressed the rest of her words, fearing that Jin Xiuzhu would feel uncomfortable hearing them. She quickly added, “Actually, you’re pretty good-looking too. Your eyes are big and bright, and you look lively.”

 

Although Qian Yufeng thought that woman was good, she felt closer to Jin Xiuzhu during these past few days. Her heart was leaning towards her now.

 

Seeing her hesitating, Jin Xiuzhu felt a little uneasy. It was the first time someone had praised her like this, but she knows she’s not good-looking right now.

 

Beside her, Fu Yanyan clenched her fists tightly. She didn’t expect to hear about that mother and daughter’s affair so soon.

 

“Ah, speaking of it, the other party is also a pitiful person. Her husband died last year or the year before, and her in-laws bully her and her daughter. Fortunately, she’s capable. She took over her husband’s job and became a formal employee of the textile factory, living in the city with her daughter.”

 

“Wang Ling is okay. She’s just face-conscious. Even if she’s unhappy, she won’t specifically make things difficult for you. Liu Hongyue must be wanting to impress Wang Ling.”

 

Qian Yufeng pursed her lips, “When she first came here, she looked down on me for being from the countryside. So what if I’m from the countryside? If I want to go home, I go home. Who wouldn’t envy me when they hear about it?”

 

Jin Xiuzhu nodded in agreement, “That’s true.”

 

“Oh, how about the political commissar’s wife?”

 

“You mean Fang Min? I’m not too sure. She’s not close to anyone.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. She felt that the woman was quite easy to get along with last night.

 

After chatting for a while, Jin Xiuzhu took the two children home.

 

They walked in silence along the way, occasionally lifting her rough hands to look at them, then sighing deeply. Back in the day, she was famous for her beauty throughout the capital city. She had seen Lin Weizhi, one of the Twin Beauties of the capital, who was not even half as beautiful as her, but just because of her good background, she was worshiped by everyone.

 

One time, during the Bathing Buddha Festival, both of them appeared in front of the Blessing Tree on the mountain of the Wanfo Temple. Many young and handsome men mistook her for Lin Weizhi, which was quite ridiculous.

 

These past few days, she hadn’t looked in the mirror, so she ignored her appearance. She almost forgot how dark and ugly she was now.

 

Finally, she seemed to remember something and suddenly turned to He Yan behind her, “I remember seeing many plum blossoms yesterday on the way back. Go and pick some for me. No, pick as many as you can.”

 

He Yan looked at Jin Xiuzhu with confusion on his face but nodded anyway. “Okay.”

 

When Jin Xiuzhu returned home, she didn’t bother with the clothes anymore. Instead, she went to the kitchen and packed up everything she could use.

 

Back in the day, she knew that her most valuable asset was her appearance, so she took great care to preserve it. She used secret formulas for skincare that were favored by concubines in the palace. It was also by chance that she saved an old maid who had made a mistake in the mansion.

 

The maid’s sister served in the palace, and when the concubine was in childbirth, she was harmed. To save her life, she later left the palace and sought refuge with her sister. The two sisters lived in a small house outside and later became Jin Xiuzhu’s trusted helpers.

 

The famous Yuji Cream, beloved by the noblewomen of the capital city, was under her name. She conducted these businesses very discreetly. Marquis Hou only knew that she had set up some businesses outside, but he didn’t know how big her business was. If the Hou Mansion hadn’t been raided too quickly, Jin Xiuzhu probably would have found a way to escape.

 

He Yan returned with Wu Xiaojun. The two of them carried arms full of plum blossoms. Wu Xiaojun had been playing with someone else initially, but when he saw He Yan, he actively joined in to help, he remembered that Jin Xiuzhu’s food was delicious.

 

It was the first time He Yan felt the feeling of being flattered by Wu Xiaojun, and he felt a little happy in his heart, working even harder.

 

Jin Xiuzhu was generous, promising to cook delicious food for them tomorrow.

 

Wu Xiaojun left contentedly.

 

Jin Xiuzhu then began directing He Yan to boil water for her, even pulling Fu Yanyan to come and pick plum blossoms. The family of three happily busied themselves in the kitchen.

 

When Jiang Mingchuan returned home at noon, he found the house filled with a delightful aroma. Jin Xiuzhu and her daughter both had their heads wrapped in cloth, their faces shining with oil.

 

He looked at his son standing at the door, and He Yan explained dryly, “I’m not really sure. Auntie said it’s good for the hair this way.”

 

He didn’t dare to mention that Auntie had used a lot of sesame oil and two eggs.

 

Jiang Mingchuan nodded.

 

In the afternoon, Jiang Mingchuan didn’t go out. He told Jin Xiuzhu that the leadership had approved it. Mainly because Jin Xiuzhu had previously been a military spouse, her background information was easily verified. And for him, being unmarried at his age was also rare in the military. The leaders were happy to see them together.

 

“If you agree, we’ll get the marriage certificate tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, we’ll arrange for a meal in the cafeteria and invite our comrades and leaders. We’ll consider it our wedding celebration.”

 

Thinking about the money in her hands, Jin Xiuzhu asked, “What’s the plan?”

 

“What?”

 

“How many people in total?”

 

“About twenty or thirty, with about fifty in total, including children and family members.”

 

“Then arrange for three tables. Have you decided on the dishes?”

 

“…”

 

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent. He didn’t understand these matters and thought that telling the kitchen chef would suffice.

 

Jin Xiuzhu made a decision directly, “Order eight dishes per table. I don’t have many meat coupons on hand. Can you arrange to get some meat coupons?”

 

Jiang Mingchuan looked at her. “Sure. Anything else?”

 

“It’s best to decide on the dishes with the kitchen chef. Half should be vegetables, and the other half should be a mix of meat and vegetables. After scheduling the time, inform the guests attending the banquet.” Then she asked, “Do the guests bring gifts?”

 

“Yes, usually two or five yuan, and some give eggs.”

 

“Then buy some melon seeds and candies tomorrow when you go out. Each person can take a handful when they leave. Our family doesn’t have much money, and He Yan should be going to school.”

 

He Yan, who was nearby, overheard and couldn’t help but look at Jin Xiuzhu.

 

He thought his aunt wouldn’t care about such matters.

 

In fact, every time he saw Wu Xiaojun go to school, he felt envious.

 

Jiang Mingchuan uttered an “okay,” but he still explained, “There’s still half a year before he starts school.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu disagreed, “He can be sent to school to adapt first. It’s better early than late, especially since he’s already seven or eight years old.”

 

In the Dajing Dynasty, starting education at three years old was considered late.

 

Jiang Mingchuan fell silent. Jin Xiuzhu added, “Anyway, his studies should not be delayed.”

 

Jiang Mingchuan glanced at her more than once, feeling somewhat surprised. He was surprised not only by her decisive handling of things but also by her thoughts.

 

Jin Xiuzhu waved her hand, “Forget it. You don’t need to worry about these matters. I’ll take care of them myself. You just focus on earning money to support the family.”

 

This place was different from the Dajing Dynasty. They couldn’t do business on their own to earn money, otherwise, they wouldn’t be living such a tight life.

 

Jiang Mingchuan: “…”

 

The next day, the family of four went to the county office to get their marriage certificate. They first went to the photo studio to take pictures. Jin Xiuzhu didn’t know what it was about and couldn’t help but look around curiously. When the people at the photo studio asked her to sit down, she complied.

 

Jiang Mingchuan sat beside her, and the two of them leaned in as instructed, closing their eyes in surprise when the light flashed.

 

They took another picture.

 

After finishing, Jiang Mingchuan called over He Yan and Fu Yanyan, who were standing nearby, and took a family portrait.

 

At the moment the picture was taken, Fu Yanyan felt like she had traveled through time. She remembered this family portrait. She didn’t remember when it was taken in her previous life, but she had always treasured this photo, taking it out to look at whenever she felt hopeless, feeling like there was still hope.

 

Jiang Mingchuan paid an extra yuan for express service, and the photos were quickly developed.

 

This was the first time Jin Xiuzhu and He Yan had taken photos, and both of them were curious, especially Jin Xiuzhu. She had never thought there was such a wonderful thing that could imprint people exactly onto paper, much more real than drawings.

 

However, it also made her look uglier.

 

Sitting next to Jiang Mingchuan, she felt like a big black dog.

 

At that moment, she keenly realized how ugly she was now, whereas before, she was the one who found fault with others.

 

She gritted her teeth and decided to go back and use up the remaining half bottle of sesame oil.

 

When they arrived at the Marriage Registration Office, it was quite late, and they had to wait in line at the entrance for a while.

 

The family of four stood out conspicuously; while others were mostly couples, they were the only family of four, especially with Jiang Mingchuan dressed in military uniform.

 

After getting the certificate, Jiang Mingchuan took them to the supply and marketing cooperative and the meat processing factory. According to Jin Xiuzhu’s instructions, he bought melon seeds, candies, and meat. They exchanged meat vouchers with friends — not much, just two pounds of elbow pockets and two pig trotters, which were cheaper because there wasn’t much meat on them.

 

Seeing this, Jin Xiuzhu suggested, “Buy one more trotter. I’ll cook braised trotters for you this afternoon.”

 

Upon hearing this, He Yan and Fu Yanyan’s mouths watered, and they looked at Jiang Mingchuan at the same time.

 

Jiang Mingchuan hesitated; the meat vouchers weren’t enough.

 

Jin Xiuzhu directly said to the staff, “Cut some meat off and exchange it for trotters.”

 

Then she turned to Jiang Mingchuan, “With so many people coming tomorrow, the two children won’t get to eat much. It’s not fair to sacrifice ourselves for others’ benefit.”

 

The staff member looked at Jin Xiuzhu, then at Jiang Mingchuan, and followed Jin Xiuzhu’s instructions.

 

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t say anything until they were far away. “We’re treating them to dinner. Why worry so much? Besides, they’re all good colleagues and leaders.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu used to enjoy dealing with this kind of person who suffered in silence, but if they were on the same side, she couldn’t quite like them. Still, she coaxed him, “How could that be? There’s already plenty of meat. We should treat ourselves well too, don’t you think?”

 

Jiang Mingchuan looked at her suspiciously. “That’s not what you said just now.”

 

He recalled her saying not to give others an advantage.

 

Jin Xiuzhu feigned innocence. “Then you must have misheard me.”

 

Jiang Mingchuan always knew she wasn’t as honest as she appeared. Wanting to correct her mindset, he couldn’t help but continue, “The military is a big collective. Here, we’re like one family…”

 

Jin Xiuzhu felt a headache coming on from listening to him. Annoyed, she cut him off, “Then don’t eat.”

 

She wouldn’t let herself be wronged. With that, she walked off briskly.

 

“…”

 

Jiang Mingchuan watched her quickly retreating figure and then turned to look at the two children beside him, rubbing his nose. “Why’s she so temperamental all of a sudden?”

 

Wasn’t she usually so reasonable?

 

Fu Yanyan blinked. Was this considered temperamental? In their past lives, both of you were even more temperamental. When you argued, you wouldn’t speak to each other for a month or two.

 

In the evening, Jin Xiuzhu served up the braised pork trotters she had prepared. The reddish-purple meat emitted a tempting aroma, making the two children drool. Even Fu Yanyan, who was more mature, couldn’t resist the allure of the fragrance, struggling to swallow her saliva.

 

Jin Xiuzhu divided the meat and broth for the two children and then served herself a portion, leaving a portion untouched in her plate.

 

Jiang Mingchuan kept his head down, eating only from his own bowl without looking up, even when he was almost finished.

 

The two children glanced at him frequently.

 

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t indulge him, teasing, “If you don’t eat, I’ll serve the meat to the two children instead.”

 

Jiang Mingchuan mumbled, “You serve. I don’t feel like eating.”

 

Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t help but smile teasingly, then put some meat into his bowl. She then placed some meat into his bowl. “Alright, eat. You’re all grown up, yet you’re sulking like this, always letting yourself get taken advantage of.”

 

After saying that, she got up to clear the dishes and went to the kitchen.

 

When everyone had left, Jiang Mingchuan finally looked up, a slight smile appearing on his lips. Inadvertently meeting the curious eyes of the two children, he quickly suppressed the smile and said stubbornly, “Your mom made me eat.”

 

He Yan stared blankly while nodding foolishly.

 

Only Fu Yanyan wanted to laugh upon hearing that, but mostly she felt a pang in her heart. If only they had been like this in the past life.