Chapter 40: Getting Along with Family (Part 1)

“Mom, the widow Lin at the east end of the village—her family is forcing her to remarry. I heard the family they want her to marry lives in the mountain valley behind us. The wife there died and left two kids, and life is really tough for them. Her family was promised 20 yuan for the marriage.

You weren’t there today, but it was a huge scene. In the end, it was Aunt Xiang who said that now it’s a new society and you can’t force people anymore. She even threatened to report it to the township if they kept pushing, and only then did they stop. Widow Lin’s eldest sister-in-law is fierce—she’s got quite the mouth on her.

The team leader and Aunt Xiang stood up for her. Widow Lin said she wouldn’t remarry. Her son and daughter are her husband’s flesh and blood, and she just wants to raise them—she never thought about marrying again. Everyone was crying when she said that. When her family left, they even said some harsh words, like she’s no longer their daughter, and even if she dies out there, they don’t want to hear about it.”

Mother Zhang sighed, “She really is pitiful. Back then, her husband paid a high bride price to marry her. They had a son and a daughter, and after a few good years, her husband passed away. No one from her husband’s family helps her. Even before they married, her mother-in-law was against it after matching their birth dates, and after her husband died, she hated her even more.”

“There’s really such a thing? I thought all that feudal superstition was over now. No wonder I always found it odd that her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law don’t associate with her. They paid a high price for her, and then her husband died—they must blame her. Mom, did you ever match our birth dates?”

“Of course I did, but don’t go telling anyone. I matched all three of my sons. Your eldest brother and his wife’s match said they’d have lots of children and a harmonious family. You and your husband’s match was for lifelong happiness, and you even bring wealth—smooth sailing all the way. I matched Little Five and Jiaojiao too—they’re a perfect pair, destined for a thousand years, bound for great things, blessed in every way. The fortune-teller said it was the best match he’d ever seen. Hehe.”

After saying this, Mother Zhang thought for a moment and decided to give a warning—young people don’t understand how dirty these things can get.

“About Widow Lin, us older folks all know, but you new daughters-in-law don’t. This whole marriage setup was a trap her family set for her. Her family is from Shanglin Village, and I heard she wasn’t exactly well-behaved as a girl. Look at these past couple of years—everyone’s been hungry, but look at her family, always looking healthy. Her kids are sturdy too. It all sounds pitiful, but who knows what’s really going on behind the scenes? We can guess just by thinking about it.”

Lin Juhua slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “Now that you mention it, Mom, I remember! Last year when I went to the township, I saw that shameless pair—it was her! No wonder she always acts so weird around me. She’s got some nerve, not only not hiding but even provoking me.

Last time I went to the township, I had a stomachache and was looking for a toilet. I got a bit lost in the alleys, and just as I was about to ask someone, I saw a man and a woman hugging and kissing. As soon as they saw me, they ran. I was too flustered to chase after them, but from a distance, I could tell it was Widow Lin.”

Mother Zhang grabbed her hand anxiously and shot a look at Zhou Jiao, “You mustn’t tell anyone, or let anything slip. This is the kind of thing people could kill over. From now on, keep your distance from her—what if she tries to silence you?”

Zhou Jiao quickly added, “Exactly, Second Sister-in-law. She’s provoking you on purpose, just to see if you remember. But you mustn’t say a word, or there could really be trouble.”

“Mom, do you think she’ll ever try to kill me? Why do I always get mixed up in things like this? My aunt back home was caught cheating by me, and now I’m afraid to go back. I know I have a loose tongue, but I’d never say a word about something that could cost someone their life.” Lin Juhua was so anxious she was pacing in circles.

Zhou Jiao was speechless. She glanced at her mother-in-law, then spoke up herself, “Second Sister-in-law, don’t be afraid. If she hasn’t done anything after all this time, she probably can’t be sure you know. Even if she’s exposed later and tries to blame you, just deny it to the end. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

Mother Zhang nodded in agreement, comforting her, “It’ll be fine. If you don’t say anything, no one will know. Even if they do, nothing will happen. Who would dare come after you? You’ve got me to back you up.”

“That’s a relief. I’ve never meant anyone any harm. Since you all say it’s fine, then it’s fine. Ha, that woman really knows how to put on an act. No wonder Guoqiang always tells me to stay away from her—says she’s scheming and I’d never get the better of her. Maybe she even tried to seduce my husband.” Lin Juhua said with a sly smile.

Zhou Jiao and her mother-in-law exchanged meaningful glances and smiled. This one really is carefree—they’d just been worried about her, but her husband keeps her in check, so there’s no trouble.

Zhou Jiao quickly changed the subject, not wanting to continue down this path, “Second Sister-in-law, I need your help. When I got married, Mom gave me some fabric coupons, and now they’re about to expire. Today, Little Five went to the city and exchanged them for some army-green cloth. Can you help me sew something? With the sewing machine, it’ll be quick.”

“Mom, if you open the cabinet behind you, you’ll see it. Help me take out three pieces of fabric, one for each of the three brothers. Second Sister-in-law, help Mom out.”

Mother Zhang stood up and opened the wardrobe—wow, so many things! She quickly took out the fabric and shut the door, not wanting anyone with greedy eyes to see. Her Jiaojiao was still young and didn’t understand people’s hearts—she’d have to talk to her privately about how a little favor can breed gratitude, but too much can breed resentment.

No wonder her eldest sister-in-law was so greedy. Without a mother’s guidance, these are things a mother should teach. Grandma Zhou taught her medicine and embroidery, but not how to manage a household. She needed to remind her in person.

Mother Zhang didn’t know what kind of person Zhou Jiao’s mother was, but later, after seeing how she handled things, she told her husband, “Like mother, like daughter.” Even though Jiaojiao didn’t grow up with her mother, she was just as generous with money. Luckily, Little Five managed the finances.

Zhou Jiao noticed her mother-in-law’s expression change and felt a mix of sadness and gratitude—she almost wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. She had a mother-in-law even better than her own mother. Other mothers-in-law just wanted to take things for themselves or help their other sons, trying to treat everyone equally. In her previous life, she didn’t have a mother-in-law and lived freely. Later, Old Master Zhang treated her like his own granddaughter. In both lives, her husband’s family was easy to get along with. If she’d ended up with a terrible family, she’d have been miserable.

Lin Juhua took the fabric and was amazed—there was enough for ten pieces, more than enough. She wanted to ask for a piece for her son, but seeing her mother-in-law, she decided not to—she’d definitely get scolded. Besides, she shouldn’t be too greedy; this was really good material.

“Mom, let’s discuss what style to make. The fabric is thick, so we don’t need to add any padding. How about making them like army uniforms? The township officials wear that style, but their fabric isn’t as nice as this. If we make them a bit bigger, they can wear sweaters or padded jackets underneath in winter, and this on top will look great.”

Lin Juhua stroked the fabric, her eyes shining. She’d never seen such good, thick material in her life. When Zhou Jiao got married, her gift was a piece of good fabric, and she still hadn’t used it.

“Just do whatever you think is best. It’s for your husband, so make it however he likes. Go get your eldest sister-in-law so she can think about what to make for her husband, too,” Mother Zhang instructed.

After Lin Juhua left the room, Mother Zhang quickly cut enough fabric for three outfits and put the rest back in the wardrobe. She turned to Zhou Jiao and said worriedly, “Jiaojiao, don’t give this away to anyone else. Save it for Ping’an’s clothes. Just think how good he’ll look in it. I know you feel bad about bothering your sisters-in-law while you’re in confinement, but in a family, everyone helps each other. If you’re always the one giving, after a while, people will start to take it for granted.”"