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Wang Zhenguo’s wedding had concluded, and according to tradition, the new bride was supposed to prepare the first breakfast for her in-laws the next morning. However, Zhu Qiyu and the others had been waiting for quite some time, even after the sun had risen, and the new bride had yet to appear in the kitchen.
The Wang family had been eagerly anticipating Ma Fenqing’s culinary skills, but there had been no activity for half a day. Wang Mei, feeling restless, got up and headed towards Wang Zhenguo’s new room.
Huang Youcai quietly grabbed Wang Mei’s hand and whispered, “Are you crazy? No one should make a sound. Why are you making a fuss? Isn’t your mother still here? If we’re hungry, we’ll all be hungry together. Besides, don’t we have some sugar left? Go eat some with the kids. Don’t make a scene at this time. Let’s wait and see.”
In the past, Wang Mei’s temper would have flared, but she realized that her sister-in-law truly didn’t regard her in-laws highly and didn’t adhere to the customs of a daughter-in-law. However, after her husband’s reminder, she came to her senses. Her own man was indeed clever. Her sister-in-law’s family still held some influence, and they might need their help in the future. With this in mind, Wang Mei turned and went outside to use the outhouse.
Zhu Qiyu had intended to have her eldest daughter remind the couple, who were still sleeping, but things took an unexpected turn. Her eldest daughter didn’t want to offend anyone that day and sighed inwardly. “Zhi’er, go knock on your little brother’s window. It’s already late, and they’re still not up. Aren’t they afraid of being laughed at?” She then went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family.
Wang Zhi was reluctant to do this task, but since her mother had instructed her, she reluctantly made her way to the outside of the new room and tapped on the window. “Brother, it’s time to get up. We have guests coming to see the new sister-in-law today.”
The disturbance disrupted the couple’s sleep, and they grumbled in dissatisfaction. They slowly got up and dressed.
Ma Fenqing was aware of this tradition, but she was pregnant. Did her in-laws still expect her to cook? While combing her hair, she complained to her husband, “Zhenguo, look at what your sister is doing. I’m pregnant, and I already feel bloated. Why can’t they be more considerate?”
Wang Zhenguo, who was disturbed from his sleep, was also feeling quite dissatisfied. He huffed and said, “Don’t pay attention to her. She’s just a little girl who doesn’t understand anything. After we finish eating, we’ll come back and continue sleeping. We’ve been so busy these past few days, and I haven’t had enough sleep.”
Zhu Qiyu called her two daughters to help with cooking. Although she was discontented, breakfast had to be eaten, and there was a baby in the new bride’s belly.
Once the meal was ready, Wang Zhenguo and his wife finally appeared after freshening up. Wang Zhi looked at Ma Fenqing with displeasure. It was because of this woman that she was still hungry. However, thinking about the delicious food the new daughter-in-law would bring in the future, despite her dissatisfaction, she didn’t say anything. She just frowned and ate her meal. Each person at the table was lost in their own thoughts, silently eating.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhenhe’s family had finished breakfast. Each person was occupied with their own tasks. Wu Changyong and Zuo Zhanshan were taking Ming Army from the Hongqi Commune to participate in the county’s grand martial arts competition. Before leaving, they received blessings and encouragement from everyone at home.
After packing their belongings, they strode confidently to their battlefield to review the results of their training.
Wang Qian went out to collect scrap after lunch. She figured she might as well earn some extra money while she was free. While collecting scrap, she heard the loudspeaker from the mountain, which was used for political education and announcements. It was now the start of the spring conscription, urging the youth to actively enlist and support national defense.
This news didn’t have much impact on the Wang family, but it reminded Wang Qian of Zhang Weiguo. She wondered if her younger uncle would finally realize his wish this time.
After collecting the scrap iron, she checked her space and found that the soybeans she had previously planted had already formed pods. Judging by their maturity, they would be ready in a few days, based on the growth rate in the space.
She looked at the ripe corn cobs and couldn’t help but feel tempted by the aroma of roasted corn. However, she had no excuse to take them out now, so she could only endure the craving.
She plucked a cucumber from the vegetable patch and ate it while surveying her two-acre plot. She thought that even if she were laid off in the future, she wouldn’t have to worry about food with this land. The ginseng she had separated was growing well and had started to produce seeds. If it continued to grow like this, it would fetch a good price in the future. With these ginseng plants, she could ensure her parents’ well-being. She believed that the ginseng grown in her space would be superior to those grown outside, as her space was spiritual. The ethereal green light emitted from it was anything but ordinary.
After inspecting the area, Wang Qian was about to leave when she stumbled upon something she shouldn’t have seen. A couple was embracing and engaging in intimate activities. She didn’t know whether to think they were bold or too passionate. They dared to do such things in broad daylight in the woods, without fear of being seen. “Lian Sheng, when will our days get better?” The woman nestled in the man’s arms, her eyes somewhat hazy and her tone somewhat resentful.
The man lit a cigarette and blew smoke rings, his gaze fixed on an unknown spot. After a long pause, he spoke, “Xiuli, if your parents hadn’t thought our family was poor and couldn’t afford a dowry, you wouldn’t have to suffer like this today. We were a good match, but they separated us. Now, what can I do? I have a wife and children at home. Although I don’t have much affection for my wife, she has given me children and treated my parents well. I have no reason to divorce her. Let’s leave things as they are for now. If you meet someone suitable in the future, you should get married. It’s not easy for a woman to raise children alone. Even if I wanted to help you, my circumstances are there to consider. My family, young and old, all need to eat.”
The woman in his arms was unwilling to hear these words. She turned to face the man and said, “Lian Sheng, I won’t remarry. I’ll wait for you. When you get divorced one day, we can be together.”
The man could only smile helplessly and gently stroke the woman’s soft short hair. “Silly girl, when will you see the light? By the time we’re old and gray, do you think we’ll still have the same feelings? Forget it. I advise you to think about yourself. Even if I wanted a divorce, do you think my in-laws would agree? My father-in-law taught me the carpentry skills. People need to have a conscience. My in-laws have been very good to me. If I didn’t lack affection for my wife, I wouldn’t have done something to wrong her.
Xiuli, I’ll try not to see you in the future. You should think about your future. I’m leaving. You should go back soon and not let anyone see you. It’s not good for either of us.”
The man quickly left after getting dressed, leaving the young widow looking somewhat resentful as she watched him go. She could only walk away helplessly.
After they had both left, Wang Qian emerged from the space. She had listened to the emotional exchange and realized that these two had once been childhood sweethearts. It was a pity that the matchmaker hadn’t tied them together. They could only be like a pair of dewy lovebirds.
After leaving the scene, she quickly took the scrap iron to the supply and marketing cooperative to sell. She decided to bury what she had witnessed today deep in her heart. Some things couldn’t be spoken of lightly, especially in such a serious situation.
Unlike the modern era where mistresses were prevalent, no one dared to openly engage in such activities at this time. Even if done discreetly, there was still the fear of being discovered. If caught, the consequences could be severe. A woman’s reputation was crucial, and if tarnished, it would have a lasting impact. It wasn’t that the members of the cooperative weren’t sincere, but they were intolerant of certain behaviors. If a woman damaged someone else’s family, she would be treated like a pariah, and everyone would condemn her.
After delivering the scrap iron to Liu Bing and getting it weighed, she made a good amount of money today, totaling fifty-two cents. With the modest sum, she bought a few rolls of toilet paper for her mother and some loose face powder. Ever since Zhang Lan had started using it, her skin had become increasingly delicate.
As she was walking back after making her purchases, she spotted Wang Zhenguo and his new wife heading in her direction. Wang Qian quickly ducked behind the wall of a nearby house and overheard the two discussing finding some work for Wang Zhenguo at the supply and marketing cooperative.
She heard Wang Zhenguo ingratiatingly complimenting Ma Fenqing, “Wife, once you start working, there won’t be any issues. Have a word with your father to find some profitable work for me. At least I can earn more in the future, and your parents will benefit too. When I have money in the future, you can have whatever you want.”