WRS – Chapter 43

Fortunately, Qian Yufeng did not disappoint Jin Xiuzhu. That evening, Jin Xiuzhu saw her at the literacy class. Papers and pens were spread out on the table, and she was diligently taking notes. The teacher on the podium taught each word carefully. At first, she felt a little shy about reading aloud, but seeing everyone else reading, she quietly followed along. After repeating it a few times, she began to feel more at ease.

However, she only managed to stay attentive for one class. During the second class, she started to fidget, nodding off. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu next to her concentrating, she gave herself a hard slap on the face and forced herself to open her eyes wide, staring at the blackboard.

Perhaps it was because she finally saw hope for changing her life. She wanted to seize it properly.

On the way home that day, Qian Yufeng thought about a lot of things. From childhood until now, she had never had anything that truly belonged to her, neither from her husband’s family nor her own. Everything good always went to her brother, or was reserved for her husband and two children.

Jin Xiuzhu had said she would keep an eye out for a job for her. She could hardly believe it—it was something she had never imagined would happen to her.

She knew her own limitations. She had once been jealous of Jin Xiuzhu, but as she saw more people succeed, that feeling faded. She told herself she didn’t have that kind of luck.

The road home that day felt the longest she had ever walked. She cried and laughed like a madwoman, holding her eldest daughter’s hand tightly, saying over and over: “Mom will be able to earn money too. I’ll keep sending you to school. You can study as long as you want…”

The more she said these words, the heavier her heart felt. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her daughter—it was that she had never had the means. If she had money, she would gladly spend it on her daughter.

During this time, Qian Yufeng followed Jin Xiuzhu’s advice and attended literacy classes. She had to admit, the classes were somewhat useful. She began to feel her days were more fulfilling. Previously, staying at home meant either cooking or sleeping, or chatting idly with someone out of boredom. Every time her mother-in-law frowned at her, she felt guilty. Now it was different. Whenever she had free time, she would pick up her notebook full of scribbles and read. Even if her mother-in-law said something, she didn’t care—she felt she was doing something meaningful.

The only thing was that Jin Xiuzhu never gave a clear answer about the job, nor told her when it would be arranged. Thinking perhaps her learning wasn’t sufficient, she studied characters even more diligently.

By early April, when everyone switched to thin jackets and shirts, Wang Ling approached Jin Xiuzhu again and spoke about her factory.

Perhaps after a month or two of reflection, she seemed steadier, her words calmer.

Holding several pieces of scrap fabric, she happily showed them to Jin Xiuzhu, explaining: “Thanks to your advice before, I talked to Old Yan. Since we’ve already sent someone to source the threads, we continued looking. As for the rest, we left it for now. The old employees at the factory probably thought I wasn’t capable. After a quiet period, they began forming factions. As you suggested, I replaced the few troublemakers directly and held two consecutive meetings. Once the factory stabilized, I promoted those who deserved it and dismissed the others. Now, even the old-timers dare not act up—they obediently do their work.”

Wang Ling spoke simply, but Jin Xiuzhu sensed the turbulence behind it. For Wang Ling to develop the factory, she needed a workforce that would follow her. Naturally, some people’s interests had to be affected. A power transition without bloodshed was impossible.

Seeing Wang Ling’s slightly haggard appearance, Jin Xiuzhu got up and made her a bowl of malted milk. At home, the malted milk had always been gifts from their neighbor Fang Min. Jin Xiuzhu had initially thought it was courtesy, but later realized Fang Min seemed to prefer plain water over it.

Jiang Mingchuan and his daughter didn’t like it either; only she and He Yan drank it.

Wang Ling drank without any pretension, holding the bowl and sipping slowly. Her own home had malted milk, but she never drank it, reserving it for her son.

While Wang Ling drank, Jin Xiuzhu examined the fabrics, sorting the good ones together and setting aside the poorer quality ones.

Wang Ling gave her a thumbs-up. “Good eye.”

Then she frowned. “I want to send these high-quality fabrics to the big city—they sell for higher prices there. It’s a shame I have no connections. I don’t want to send them to city textile factories—they lack the skill, and they’d get cheated in the end.”

She had previously worked at city textile factories and knew their situation thoroughly; otherwise, the provincial government wouldn’t have sent someone to supervise.

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. “These fabrics are indeed good. I’ve been to department stores in the capital and S City. Fabrics like these can sell for dozens per bolt, and many people compete to buy them.”

Wang Ling’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. “Good fabrics like these can definitely be marketed properly. If supplied to major department stores in big cities, your factory could earn substantial profits.”

Hearing this, Wang Ling felt more confident.

She continued, “As for these lower-quality fabrics, they will remain our main products for the next few years. Look at them—do you have any ideas? I still want you to design patterns for our factory. I’ve visited many textile factories recently, and honestly, I don’t like their designs—they’re all big floral prints, which start to feel tacky after a while.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded and agreed immediately. “Of course. Since you trust me, I won’t let you down. I’ll draw more patterns for you, and you can choose later.”

Wang Ling’s eyes sparkled with a smile. “That’s wonderful. Don’t worry—the pay won’t be less than it should be.”

Jin Xiuzhu smiled too. “The pay doesn’t matter. The most important thing is being able to help you.”

She paused, showing a hesitant expression.

Wang Ling, pleased by her words, said, “If there’s anything, just say it. Don’t be polite with me.”

Jin Xiuzhu sighed and recounted what had happened at Qian Yufeng’s home, then said helplessly: “She probably sees that I’m now working at the newspaper and has the right mindset, but honestly, talent matters. Look at you—you’ve been an employee for years without standing out, but within months as factory manager, you’ve shown your ability. Your talent lies in management. I, on the other hand, studied literacy diligently, wrote hundreds of articles, yet the newspaper didn’t approve a single one. But a random drawing of mine was praised by Fang Min for its spirit.”

Wang Ling nodded in agreement.

“I see she’s studying hard but making little progress—she can recognize a few characters at most. I doubt further effort would yield much. So I was thinking, since you’re now the factory manager, could you arrange for her to work temporarily in the canteen?”

“I realize this request may be difficult. If I open this door for her, many other military wives might come to you. These are tough times. This is entirely my personal wish. When I first arrived, I knew no one. Qian Yufeng helped me a lot, and I’ve always remembered her kindness. That’s why I dared to ask you. If it’s impossible, that’s fine—I’ll find another way.”

Wang Ling fell silent for a moment. Jin Xiuzhu had presented everything—the good and the bad—leaving her no words for refusal.

If she had brought up the canteen arrangement first, she might have hesitated. But Jin Xiuzhu praised her first, hitting the right spot, saying her talent was in managing people. She liked hearing that.

Then Jin Xiuzhu explained her concern, but Wang Ling respected her for it. Seeing Jin Xiuzhu treat Qian Yufeng so well, their future relationship could only improve.

People are selfish—even Wang Ling. She no longer associated with Zhao Yun because she disliked her behavior. Being close to Jin Xiuzhu was partly due to their men’s connections, partly because Jin Xiuzhu was pleasant to her. Once she realized Jin Xiuzhu was genuinely good, she interacted more.

After weighing the pros and cons, Wang Ling decided to give Qian Yufeng a chance, though she spoke tactfully: “I’m agreeing only for your sake. You know, I just became the factory manager. Any small mistake can be magnified. Assigning someone to the canteen, whether in the factory or among military wives, could cause trouble. But I’m a woman too, and I understand our struggles. I want her to do well, and I especially want you to succeed.”

Actually, handling things at the factory wasn’t a problem. At that time, she could just say that this was a family member of the painter Qian Yufeng had worked so hard to find, and if they didn’t arrange a job, she wouldn’t come. If they were capable, they could paint as well. The only concern was that other military wives might find out, so she added, “Don’t tell anyone else.”

Jin Xiuzhu felt a little touched. “Don’t worry, only the few of us know about this.”

Wang Ling nodded. “Anyway, if anyone finds out, I’ll pull you out as a scapegoat.”

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “Alright, alright, I’ll have Qian Yufeng come to see you later.”

Wang Ling responded with a hum. “Wait until I make the arrangements. I’ll notify you in a couple of days.”

“Okay, really sorry to trouble you, sister-in-law.”

In fact, Jin Xiuzhu had already thought of a way to connect Wang Ling with that batch of fine fabrics. But if she mentioned it now, it would offset the favor owed from Qian Yufeng’s matter, which wasn’t very worthwhile. Most people might think arranging for Qian Yufeng to get into the cafeteria was a huge favor, but Jin Xiuzhu had once been in a higher position herself and knew that such matters were really just a matter of a single word. No matter how hesitant Wang Ling appeared, it was merely to make sure she remembered the favor.

She also understood Wang Ling’s mindset perfectly and deliberately said that she remembered Qian Yufeng’s kindness back then, which was why she brought this up. With that, Wang Ling naturally wanted Jin Xiuzhu to remember her kindness too.

Of course, the most crucial point was her value to Wang Ling.

After seeing Wang Ling off, Jin Xiuzhu washed the bowls and then made herself a bowl of malted milk. She sipped it slowly while looking over the fabrics.

Fu Yanyan sat nearby and reminded her, “Mom, you could ask Aunt Zhong Xue for help.”

The last time, Aunt Zhong Xue replied that her parents had returned to the capital and had resumed their previous positions. Zhong Xue used to work in an office but resigned after becoming pregnant and having children. Now, the Zhang family had arranged for her to work in a department store, apparently in a management role. The letter didn’t go into specifics, but she was certainly more familiar with the work than they were.

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at her daughter with satisfaction. “No rush, let’s ask clearly first.”

Fu Yanyan nodded, thinking that Jin Xiuzhu was being cautious and didn’t want to disappoint Aunt Wang if things didn’t work out, so she didn’t say anything further.

That evening, Jiang Mingchuan returned home carrying a large bag of goods.

The two children unpacked it and found lots of dried goods—half of it was dried beef and lamb, and the other half was small white lumps and flour in bags. Jiang Mingchuan said it was some kind of cheese and milk powder.

Jin Xiuzhu curiously asked, “Who sent it? How do you eat it?”

“It was sent by my comrade. The milk powder can be mixed with water to drink—it’s fragrant. The lumps are eaten directly.”

Jin Xiuzhu curiously picked up a cheese lump to taste. Just as she put it in her mouth, she frowned. The two children looked up at her in curiosity. Jin Xiuzhu said, “It has a very unique flavor.”

Jiang Mingchuan laughed. “Some people aren’t used to it.”

“How do you eat the dried meat?”

“He said to cook it a bit.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, thinking his comrade was quite kind to send so many things. “Tomorrow, you should buy some to send back too.”

“Okay.”

During dinner, Jiang Mingchuan said, “In a while, Qi Min will be leaving. His job has already been arranged—it seems he’ll work at the local police station. I didn’t ask for details.”

Jin Xiuzhu looked up at him. “Will you retire eventually?”

“It depends on the situation.”

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t fully understand and simply said, “Going back home is fine too.”

Jiang Mingchuan’s hometown was in the capital, which had many department stores. Jin Xiuzhu thought it was better than here.

He said nothing. In fact, he didn’t want to return. Recently, his foster mother secretly wrote to him, asking him to help Pan Shenglin and Pan Jun. But since they had committed crimes, he wouldn’t help. Later, Tao Qianyun wrote to scold him. According to Zhong Xue, Tao Qianyun hadn’t been involved but had reported many things about the father and son out of fear. They had been sent back home in poor condition.

The only regret was that Li Yanzhi had died several years ago, leaving no children.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t tell Jin Xiuzhu these things—some things were better left unknown to her.

That night, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan lay in bed. Jiang Mingchuan, unusually free these days, wanted to think about other things. He reached out to pull her close, but as soon as his hand touched her, Jin Xiuzhu slapped it away.

He was stunned and looked at her in surprise. “What’s wrong?”

Jin Xiuzhu explained kindly, “You don’t understand, let’s be a bit restrained for now.”

Jiang Mingchuan was both amused and annoyed. Not long ago, she had been clinging to him constantly, and now she wanted him to restrain himself.

Jin Xiuzhu understood his thoughts and didn’t explain further. She couldn’t tell him she had secretly asked Fang Min and learned that there was little going on between her and the political commissar—they probably couldn’t conceive because it happened too frequently.

Seeing her reluctance, Jiang Mingchuan said, “At least a hug, then?”

This time, Jin Xiuzhu agreed and snuggled up to him. Jiang Mingchuan wrapped his arms around her.

However, when she heard a faint snore above, Jin Xiuzhu quickly turned over and pushed him away, fearing she might crush her belly.

Compared to men, she still preferred children.

——

The next day, Jin Xiuzhu went to the Wu household and specifically called Qian Yufeng out.

Qian Yufeng thought Jin Xiuzhu wanted her to check on the private plot of land, assuming something had gone wrong there, so she even brought a hoe from home.

As they walked, Jin Xiuzhu told her about Wang Ling’s arrangement. Excited, Qian Yufeng threw down her hoe and grabbed Jin Xiuzhu’s hand. “Re…really?”

She could hardly speak.

Jin Xiuzhu held her hand back. “Unless something unexpected happens, it’s almost certain. Sister-in-law Wang said she’d arrange it first. I’m giving you a heads-up in advance, just to remind you to at least show your gratitude. We should have the right attitude.”

Qian Yufeng nodded repeatedly. “Of course, I understand.”

She couldn’t let people help for nothing. It wasn’t just Wang Ling—Jin Xiuzhu also owed her thanks. She wasn’t stingy.

“Then what should I buy? I don’t have much money on me.”

She wasn’t like Jin Xiuzhu, who could make all sorts of pastries. Thinking of this made her a little worried. “I’m only so-so at cooking. What if they dislike me?”

“It won’t be that bad. They’re not asking you to be a cook. At most, you’ll just help out a bit. Be diligent with your hands, don’t speak much once you’re there, and just listen when others talk.”

“I get that. I won’t dare speak recklessly when I don’t know anyone. But what if they talk about me behind my back?”

“If you really don’t know what to buy, just buy some meat to send over. But no one can see it. I’ve already promised sister-in-law that, and besides the few of us, no one else can know—especially your little Jun. If anyone asks later, just say your maternal family found you some work, or that you’re going home to help out.”

Qian Yufeng nodded repeatedly. “I definitely won’t say anything. That child has been spoiled by us; he’s still sulking. I’m not being biased now. Everything is shared equally with his sister, and even his grandmother doesn’t complain.”

Before, when she scolded the children, their grandmother would stop her, but now she no longer did.

Since the last incident when the child ran away from home, Erzhu had severely beaten him with a stick, forcing him to stay in bed for a week. Although she felt sorry for him, her thoughts were now mostly on her studies, and she paid less attention to her son.

She had come to terms with it. She no longer expected her son to support her in old age. She felt she could study hard, earn more money, and when she got old, anyone who wanted to care for her could have her money.

Of course, she didn’t dare tell anyone about this risky mindset, afraid of being ridiculed.

She asked again, “Then is buying two pounds of meat okay?”

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her with some annoyance.

Qian Yufeng, feeling sympathetic to the meat, said, “I’ll buy ten pounds. I’ll buy ten pounds.”

Jin Xiuzhu finally hummed in agreement. “Gifts should always be valuable. Go discuss it properly with your mother-in-law; she understands better than you.”

In matters of social etiquette, Grandma Wu was indeed more perceptive.

Qian Yufeng nodded quickly. “Okay, okay, okay.”

Then, she anxiously added, “If there’s any problem with your family’s land, I’ll take care of it first.”

Seeing how worried she looked, Jin Xiuzhu said, “No problem. I just wanted to talk to you about this. You go back and handle your own business. I have things to do too. Remember, don’t tell anyone about this.”

Qian Yufeng nodded vigorously and promised, “Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone.”

She then hurriedly turned to go home, but after a few steps, she remembered she had left Jin Xiuzhu behind. She quickly turned back. “I’ll leave first.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, signaling her to take it slow.

Qian Yufeng laughed out loud, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t help smiling either and said to her daughter beside her, “I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but it feels like Aunt Qian has really come alive now.”

Fu Yanyan watched Qian Yufeng’s happy figure run farther and farther away and wanted to say it wasn’t an illusion—Aunt Qian was indeed different. Perhaps Jin Xiuzhu didn’t notice deeply, but Fu Yanyan remembered that in her previous life, Aunt Qian spent all her thoughts on trivial matters, always watching others, taking advantage of even the slightest benefit.

But now, she often gave them vegetables, attended literacy classes at night, could recognize many characters, and even suggested sending ten pounds of meat to someone.

She might still be a little stingy and a bit gossipy, but she was also generous, grateful, and striving to improve…

The next evening, Wang Ling came again, holding two pounds of meat. As soon as she entered, she pointed at Jin Xiuzhu with mock annoyance. “I already said I’d handle it, but you still don’t trust me. You even had someone carry such a huge basket of meat here! What if someone saw it? How could they eat so much meat?”

Although she spoke this way, the smile on her face was impossible to hide.

Jin Xiuzhu also smiled. “She really sent it. When she asked me what to send, I said, ‘Sister-in-law, you like meat, so send meat.’”

Wang Ling, laughing and scolding, pretended to pinch her. “You silly girl, always giving random ideas.”

Jin Xiuzhu dodged to the side. “Sending meat is good. Sister-in-law has been busy lately; she should eat more meat to nourish herself. You helped her so much, so why not let her buy some nice meat to honor you? I’d be happy to have it.”

Wang Ling placed the meat on the table. “I don’t want to argue with you. Don’t worry, the cafeteria job is sorted. Even if she hadn’t come to me, I would’ve come to you. I already told her she starts next week. The temporary worker’s pay is twenty a month, but if she works well, we’ll try to make her permanent next year.”

Jin Xiuzhu quickly complimented her. “Director Wang is really thoughtful. Once she says it’s arranged, it’s arranged. Qian Yufeng met you and got lucky.”

Wang Ling glared. “Stop flattering me. Where are the drawings?”

“Here, here,” Jin Xiuzhu said, then went to the room to fetch them, bringing out over a dozen sheets.

Wang Ling took them, and her eyes lit up. She glanced at Jin Xiuzhu, then sat down and examined each one carefully. The more she looked, the more delighted she was. “These are so beautiful.”

The patterns were colorful, with flowers that had charm she couldn’t describe—just beautiful. Besides flowers, there were lifelike small animals, auspicious clouds, cross patterns… everything imaginable, nothing Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t draw.

She liked every sheet, mentally imagining how they would look printed on fabric.

Jin Xiuzhu, a bit embarrassed, sipped some water. Most of the designs were not her own ideas but copied from clothes she had worn at the Hou Mansion.

She could easily draw hundreds of different designs if needed—she had been making dozens of outfits every season, choosing from the trendiest patterns from embroidery workers’ albums.

After looking through them, Wang Ling stuffed all the sheets into her pocket. “Alright, think of more patterns later. I’ll take these now. Once the fabric is ready, I’ll show you again.”

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. “These patterns are best for silk; ordinary fabric might not make them stand out.”

Wang Ling agreed. Having worked in a textile factory for so many years, she had an eye for these things.

After Wang Ling left, Jiang Mingchuan finally spoke, asking Jin Xiuzhu what had happened, sensing it had something to do with Qian Yufeng.

Jin Xiuzhu told him everything about Qian Yufeng. Jiang Mingchuan frowned. “This little Jun, who did he learn that from? How could he run away from home?”

He Yan also heard and reminded her father, “He learned it from Yang Yingxiong.”

Jiang Mingchuan recalled the incident last year when Yang Yingxiong didn’t return home at night, but that was because his family treated him poorly.

But Wu Xiaojun ran away over a backpack.

His frown deepened. “Erzhu should have monitored him. Children shouldn’t be taught this way.”

Jin Xiuzhu agreed. Teaching a child properly isn’t just the mother’s responsibility; Wu Erzhu was also negligent.

She didn’t fully understand the local rules. Here, men seemed to only need to earn money for the family, doing nothing else. But in the Dajing Dynasty, men earned money too but never neglected child-rearing. Wealthy families hired teachers for children around age three, and parents would supervise learning. Poor families taught children personally. Only the poorest children were neglected entirely.

Yet here, regardless of wealth, children were largely left to themselves. If something went wrong, the mother was blamed—even though many women couldn’t read a single character, how could they teach such moral lessons?

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but say, “You’re no better. I’ve never seen you manage the kids.”

Jiang Mingchuan rubbed his nose. “I’m busy.”

He felt Jin Xiuzhu underestimated their children. Even if their children weren’t outstanding, they were still better than Wu Xiaojun.

Jin Xiuzhu huffed. “Being busy isn’t an excuse. From now on, take some time every day to accompany the two kids, whether reading or playing.”

He nodded. One good thing about him was that he listened when things made sense. So at night, while Jin Xiuzhu painted, Jiang Mingchuan exercised with the two children. He did push-ups with his daughter sitting on his back and his son copying him. He Yan could only manage a few before collapsing, being mocked alternately by the father and daughter.

Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t help but smile.

By mid-April, Jin Xiuzhu suddenly noticed her period hadn’t come, giving her a jolt. But at this stage, the pulse was light, so she wasn’t sure and waited a few more days.

It wasn’t until early May that she felt the slippery pulse.

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