Chapter 10

Lin Hui had another motive for ingratiating herself with Zhou Changhuai.

She didn’t dare set her sights on Zhou Changhuai himself.

But surely his army camp had plenty of unmarried officers. She just wanted to ask Zhou Changhuai to introduce her to someone.

The problem was, he wouldn’t even give her a chance to talk, so she never got to bring it up.

On the way back to the Lingtou Brigade, Lin Hui kept racking her brain, trying to figure out how to get another chance to speak with him.

But when they returned, Zhou Changhuai and Wen Jiao went straight to the Zhou house carrying their purchases, leaving Lin Hui sulking in frustration.

At the Zhou house…

Shen Qiujü and her eldest son and daughter-in-law were plucking a wild pheasant—one that Zhou Changgui had caught in the mountains that afternoon.

While pulling out feathers, Shen Qiujü said to her son and daughter-in-law, “When the second boy and Xiao Jiao get back, remember to ask when they’re planning to register their marriage. This can’t be delayed—we have to strike while the iron is hot. There are plenty of single men in the village eyeing Xiao Jiao.”

Zhou Changgui said, “Don’t worry, Mom. You know Xiao Jiao’s temperament. If she’s agreed to marry Second Brother, she’s already thought it through—she won’t change her mind. I trust her.”

Shen Qiujü gave him a sharp smack on the back. “That’s only because Xiao Jiao doesn’t know about your brother’s condition. If she knew he’d been ill, do you really think she’d still marry him?”

Tian Baoxia interrupted, “Mom, didn’t Second Brother say his illness is already cured?”

Shen Qiujü snorted. “And you just take his word for it? Men care about their pride. And whether it’s truly cured—you have to test that to know. I say we can wait on registering the marriage certificate, but we must hold the wedding banquet first and send them into the bridal chamber.”

“That way we’ll see if Second Brother’s really recovered. I’m not expecting a houseful of grandchildren—if they’re happy together, I’ll be content. At least I can face your late father in peace.”

Tian Baoxia sighed. “True… that sort of thing matters a lot for a couple. Especially when Xiao Jiao’s such a beautiful girl—we can’t expect her to live like a widow. That’d be too unfair.”

“Exactly,” Shen Qiujü agreed. “So here’s my plan—hold the wedding feast and the bridal-chamber night first. If Second Brother can’t… perform, we won’t stop Xiao Jiao from leaving. But if he’s fine, then they can go register properly.”

Zhou Changgui nodded in approval. “Makes sense. Have the banquet and bridal night first. But we’d better hurry—Second Brother said his leave is short, and he has to return in just a few days.”

Tian Baoxia said, “Then let’s do it tomorrow. We’ll ask First Uncle and Second Uncle to help. We’ll buy whatever we can find and maybe hunt some wild game. Tomorrow afternoon we can invite the villagers for a feast.”

“Good, let’s do that. When they get back, we’ll ask for their opinion.” Shen Qiujü was still talking when her five-year-old twin grandchildren came running into the courtyard, cheering.

The boy, Zhou Zhiyong, shouted excitedly, “Grandma! Dad! Mom! Second Uncle and Second Aunt are back! They brought lots of stuff! Second Aunt said she bought us candy and biscuits!”

Little Zhou Xiaojü shoved her brother aside. “Grandma, Second Aunt said they also bought flour and meat so you can make dumplings tonight! Grandma, I’ll help you cut the chives!”

“Alright, you and Zhiyong go cut chives in the backyard,” Shen Qiujü said.

The twins dashed off happily—one grabbed the basket, the other a sickle.

Zhou Changhuai walked in carrying the wedding gifts from the educated youths in one hand and flour and meat in the other. Wen Jiao followed with bags of candy, biscuits, and brown sugar.

Shen Qiujü hurried to her feet, wiping her hands on her apron to take the load from Wen Jiao. “Did you eat lunch? Did you really go to the county Revolutionary Committee? Did you find the right person?”

Wen Jiao smiled. “We did. The director himself came out to greet us and even invited us to lunch in their canteen. The food was amazing—I had several pieces of braised pork and braised fish.”

Zhou Changgui exclaimed, “The director sounds like a good man.”

Wen Jiao glanced at Zhou Changhuai. “It’s all thanks to Brother Zhou’s connections.”

Zhou Changhuai explained, “The director visited our home with some higher-ups four years ago, when I was back recovering from an injury.”

Shen Qiujü nodded. “Ah yes, I remember a whole crowd coming back then—I didn’t know who was who. Good thing he knows you; I was worried they might make things difficult. So, did you explain everything to him? What did he say?”

Zhou Changhuai replied, “He took it very seriously. He promised to give us a satisfactory answer and said he’d work on improving conditions for the educated youths too.”

“Good,” Shen Qiujü said. “If the leadership is on your side, let them handle it. But what about you two? Changhuai, what’s your plan? Tell us now.”

Zhou Changhuai set his bundles on the big wooden table in the courtyard, pulled out a chair for Wen Jiao to sit and rest, then sat down himself.

Tian Baoxia jumped up. “I’ll pour you some tea—this is the tea Changhuai brought back.”

“Thank you, Sister-in-law,” Zhou Changhuai said, gesturing for his mother to sit down as well. Only then did he continue: “Mom, Big Brother, I don’t have much time on leave. So here’s what I’m thinking: I’ll take Xiao Jiao with me the day after tomorrow.”

“When we get to Nanya City, I’ll register our marriage once my marriage report is approved. In the meantime, I’ll prepare our home—buy a big bed, since I’ve only got a single bed right now, plus a wardrobe and whatever else Xiao Jiao wants to pick out.”

Shen Qiujü nodded. “Yes, that’s how it should be. A home should feel like a home. Spend what needs spending. The money you sent back—I’ve been saving all of it for you two to take.”

“Mom, that’s for you, not for me,” Zhou Changhuai objected. “I’ve saved enough on my own.”

“No way,” Shen Qiujü said firmly. “That’s the money I set aside for your wedding. Besides the furniture, you must give Xiao Jiao her proper bride price—don’t short her a single cent. And what about the bicycle, sewing machine, and watch? Are you buying them there too?”

Wen Jiao quickly said, “Auntie, forget the sewing machine. I wouldn’t know how to use it.”

“Then buy something else,” Shen Qiujü replied. “Young people these days like radios—get her a good one.”

“Mom, I’ll take care of all that once we’re in Nanya,” Zhou Changhuai reassured her. “No need for you to worry.”

Tian Baoxia came out with two cups of tea and set them on the table. “Xiao Jiao, drink some water—you must be exhausted.”

“Thanks, Sister-in-law. I’m fine,” Wen Jiao said cheerfully. “The tractor ride was fun. Brother Zhou even took me shopping at the department store. Where are Zhiyong and Xiaojü? Let’s call them out to share the candy and biscuits—Brother Zhou bought plenty. He also bought brown sugar for you and Auntie.”

“Even though I paid, it was Xiao Jiao’s idea,” Zhou Changhuai added. “I didn’t even think of it—she’s very thoughtful. Mom, let’s make dumplings tonight. We bought three jin of flour and one jin of meat—enough for plenty.”

“Perfect,” Shen Qiujü said. “Zhiyong and Xiaojü are already cutting chives.”

Zhou Changgui nudged his mother. “Mom, they’re leaving the day after tomorrow. Should we go ahead with what we just discussed and do it tomorrow night? If so, I’ll find First Uncle and Second Uncle right now.”

“Time’s short—we have to get everything ready, buy what we can, send out word.”