Chapter 177: The Announcement

Xu Yang went to report to the army first and chatted with his comrades for a bit before heading to his father-in-law’s house.

Just as he was about to enter, he saw Chen Yanling coming out, holding a child and carrying a bag of things.

Xu Yang smiled and asked, “Second sister-in-law, are you heading back?”

“I’m going home to cook for your second brother. Brother-in-law, go on in. There’s good news!” Chen Yanling said as she walked out.

Xu Yang, feeling a bit puzzled, walked into the house and saw his father-in-law sitting there reading the newspaper, while his mother-in-law and wife were engaged in conversation.

He called out, “Mom and Dad!” Upon seeing him, Li Na’s father smiled and said, “Xu Yang is back! Come over and sit down.”

Li Na’s mother smiled and said, “Xu Yang, Xiao Na is pregnant.”

He was thrilled and asked, “Really?”

Li Na nodded with a smile.

If they were at his own home, Xu Yang would have jumped for joy, but with his father-in-law and mother-in-law watching, he felt it would be inappropriate to act so exuberantly.

After they had dinner, they prepared to head back. Li Na’s mother hesitated for a moment before suggesting, “Why don’t you two move over here to live? I can help you with cooking.”

Li Na immediately objected, “Mom, that’s not necessary! We’re quite comfortable where we are, and besides, we both know how to cook, so we won’t go hungry.”

After saying that, Li Na noticed her mother was about to insist further, so she quickly took Xu Yang’s hand and left.

When Xu Ning received his letter, it was already half a month later, along with a remittance slip for ten yuan.

Xu Yang had mentioned that Li Na wanted him to send twenty yuan each month, but he refused, insisting on continuing to send only ten yuan as before. He told her that if they needed more money, she should send him a telegram.

During their last visit, Xu Ning had already told Xu Yang to stop sending money, but he hadn’t listened.

With no other choice, Xu Ning decided to set the money aside for now and would give it to them later.

Being pregnant was a good situation; by the time the college entrance exams resumed, the baby would be several months old, so it wouldn’t hinder Li Na’s studies.

In the evening, when Mother Xu came over, she brought the letter to show her. Upon reading it, her eyes immediately turned red with emotion.

Choking back tears, she said, “You and your brother are both married now, and life is treating you well. Xiao An has started working, and Xiao Mo is in school.

With this, my heart feels a bit lighter. I always felt guilty about how my status caused you to suffer.”

Xu Ning quickly put down Tangtang and comforted her, saying, “Mom, you can’t blame yourself for this! Don’t worry! Our family will get better and better from now on.”

After a moment’s thought, he shared the things he had discussed with Xu Yang.

Her mother looked shocked and asked, “Xiao Ning, is this really true?”

“It was Xiaotang who wrote to me, suggesting that I take the time to read more. I’m not sure if that’s what he meant,” Xu Ning replied.

Mother Xu murmured to herself, “It’s been nearly ten years. If this continues, our country’s knowledge will become increasingly scarce. No matter how much we develop, there will be limits. It can’t go on like this; it must be true.”

She sat in deep thought for a long time, and Xu Ning didn’t disturb her.

Suddenly, Her mother stood up and said, “Xiao Ning, I’m going to the cattle shed to talk to your father.”

Xu Ning nodded, understanding that she wanted a few elders to know, hoping to give them something to look forward to during these bleak times.

About an hour later, Xu Ning’s father and mother, along with Uncle Lu and Aunt Lu, arrived.

Once the group arrived, they noticed that Tangtang had already fallen asleep, and it dawned on them that it was quite late.

Xu Ning repeated what he had just discussed with his mother, and they began analyzing the current situation together. The more they talked, the more excited they became, with Xu An listening intently.

Feeling quite tired, Xu Ning decided to head to bed while the others continued their discussion.

After that day, the spirits of the elders lifted considerably.

Xu An had also officially become a worker at the machinery factory. Now, he earned over thirty yuan each month, along with various other benefits.

Niu Niu and Pi Pi were becoming more stable on their feet, and Tangtang could now walk a few steps on her own.

All three children had hearty appetites, needing at least three eggs each day, along with vegetable porridge, meat porridge, and steamed buns.

Xu Ning often sneaked some fruits from their storage to feed them as well.

The eggs were purchased from the village, and Aunt Dashuan and Aunt Si saved eggs for them. Once they had ten, they would either bring them over or Xu An would go to collect them.

Watching the several children sleeping soundly on the kang, Xu Ning felt particularly content with their current life.