Chapter 4: Grandma Su’s Dowry

The most astonishing piece lay at the bottom of the chest, a painting signed by Qi Baishi.

Momo’s heart skipped a beat. She had only ever seen such works hanging in museums. Given Grandma Su’s family background, there was no doubt this was authentic.

“Grandma,” Momo whispered, eyes wide, “these things… every single one is priceless.”

Grandma Su chuckled.
“Only our Momo has such good eyes. Not like those rough old men.

“A lot of treasures were donated to the country back when times were hard. What you see here is only a small part of what was left. But these,” she patted the chest, “these are the true gems.

“See this phoenix coronet? It belonged to Empress Ma, the founding empress of the Ming Dynasty. Genuine. And every pearl on it is an Eastern pearl.”

Momo leaned closer, breath caught in awe. This one piece alone was a national treasure. Even the museum versions she had seen before could not compare. This trip through time wasn’t wasted after all… to witness so many wonders with her own eyes.

Grandma Su’s gaze softened.
“Momo, take good care of these. One day, you’ll be able to bring them out in the open.”

Outwardly, the family had claimed they had donated all of Grandma Su’s dowry. But a woman as shrewd as she was would never have left her descendants with nothing.

“Yes, Grandma. I’ll protect them carefully.”

After Momo placed everything safely into her space, her grandparents finally looked relieved. If these treasures were lost or discovered, it would have been a tragedy. Now, with them hidden, the family only needed to focus on ration tickets and money.

The household sorted through the pile of tickets, grain coupons, and industrial coupons that could be kept, but cloth, soap, and milk powder coupons had to be spent quickly. Foreign exchange certificates were trickier; they were only valid in special Friendship Stores. Better to use them now than risk them going to waste.

“Put what we’ll carry into this box,” Grandma instructed. “The rest, your mother and Second Aunt, will spend today.”

Soon after, Mother Su and Second Aunt packed up and, with Father Su driving, headed out to purchase supplies.

Meanwhile, Second Uncle slipped quietly into the black market. He returned with twenty jin of rice and twenty jin of flour.

“I wanted to buy more,” he admitted, “but I was afraid Momo wouldn’t be able to carry it all. Prices have gone up again, seven mao five per jin. But no matter how expensive, people still buy. Without ration tickets, the supply stores sell you nothing.”

Back at the house, only Grandpa, Grandma, and Momo remained. The three of them worked together to pack. Most items would go into her space, but they prepared a few bulky parcels as camouflage.

“Take these mirrors, cosmetics, and clothes,” Grandma urged. “Even if you think you won’t need them, you’ll understand once you’re there. Army bases are in remote areas. Travel is inconvenient. Winters last half the year, and when the snow falls, you’ll barely leave the house.”

Both elders had seen the northern snows during the war. Beautiful, yes, blanketed in white like a fairy tale, but also harsh and unforgiving.

Thankfully, Momo had plenty of clothes. Each year, she received several new sets, and her old ones were still in good condition. Cotton coats were the most valuable of all cotton tickets were hard to get. She packed both old and new, enough for several winters.

“Grandpa, Grandma,” Momo reported, “my room’s almost cleared. Just the bedding and the clothes I’m wearing now are left.”

“Good. Once your parents return, we’ll finish up.”

By four in the afternoon, the rest of the family returned, their arms full.

“I bought twenty jin of rice and twenty jin of flour,” Second Uncle reported. “But prices are ridiculous now. I wanted more, but with everything else, it’ll be too much for Momo to carry.”

Father Su waved it off.
“It’s fine. Momo will only carry the valuables, plus the rice and flour. The rest we’ll send by post.”

But everyone knew postal delivery was unreliable. It was slow, and sacks of grain could disappear on the way with no hope of finding them again.

Second Aunt chimed in with a smile.
“Your mother and I used the foreign exchange certificates to buy a camera. It’ll serve as part of your dowry, portable and respectable. Watches you already have, no need for more.”

Indeed, Momo’s dressing table already held four watches.

Mother Su added, “We also bought fabric, soap, and some milk powder. Milk powder is hard to find, but you’re used to having a glass of milk every evening. Malted milk we skipped, supply stores should have that.”

“Alright,” Grandma said, satisfied. “That’s enough. The flour, rice, camera, and milk powder stay with Momo. The rest, soap, fabric, and bedding, we’ll post together.”

At her word, the family sprang into action. In the Su household, Grandma was the true commander. Everyone listened to her.

By the next morning, the soft sleeper ticket was ready. The train ride to Heilongjiang would take three days. Thankfully, it was July. Summer would make the journey easier.

Mother Su went out early to mail the packages. If anyone asked, she would simply say the parcels were for her sons in the army. Every few months, they sent things, so no one would question it.

Still, until Momo arrived safely in the north, secrecy was vital. Who knew what schemes might be whispered behind their backs?

Grandma’s voice trembled just slightly as she gave her final reminder:
“Momo, once you’re there, be careful. The people may be simple and kind, but the world outside is still chaotic.”

Father Su added sternly, “On the train, don’t leave your compartment except for the toilet. And when you do, ask the attendant to go with you. Don’t take risks.”

“I’ve already arranged it,” he continued. “The train conductor is one of my former soldiers. Don’t be shy about asking for help.”

Regret flickered in his eyes. If only we had taught her more self-defense when she was younger. Now three clumsy moves are all she knows… is that enough?

Momo smiled reassuringly.
“Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, don’t worry. Once I’m on the train, I’ll stay put except for the bathroom, and I’ll have the staff go with me. After I meet Big Brother, I’ll call to let you know.”

“Good,” Grandpa said gruffly. “Take care of yourself there. Don’t think too much about us. We’ll manage here. When we can, we’ll write to let you know we’re safe. And you tell Tingjie and Tinghao not to worry about the family. They should focus on their duties.”

“I understand,” Momo nodded. “Don’t worry. I know medicine. Maybe I can even find work there. Isn’t it said that military families can get positions arranged?”

And that much was true. The original Su Momo had studied medicine since childhood, taught by her mother, who was an excellent surgeon. Ten years of learning had given her real skills. Revealing that she knew medicine was nothing to be afraid of.