Chapter 50: The Lin Family Visits (Part 6)

“Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Grandpa-Uncle, we’re back from Grandma’s house!” The children’s loud voices rang out before they even stepped inside, their cheerful shouts echoing from afar. Hearing the kids were home, Old Zhang was overjoyed. The house had felt empty and quiet without them these past five days; he really wasn’t used to it.

A big group of people approached the door—sure enough, even the two sons-in-law had come back. With today’s events causing such a stir, word had probably spread all the way to the county seat, and the kids must have been worried enough to come check in.

Old Zhang beamed at them. “What brings you all back? Aren’t you supposed to be at work? It’s all over now. Since my two daughters are here, go find your mother in Xiao Wu’s room and help her and your sisters-in-law tidy up the house. Jiao Jiao’s grandpa and mother will be coming over soon. Chunming, remember to stop by and see your father—he was talking about you just yesterday. Xiaobin, you and the boys go inside and see if there’s anything you can help with.” With that, Old Zhang ambled off after Uncle Zhang to fetch some roe deer meat from his house.

The others followed the eldest brother into the courtyard, eager to hear Xiao Wu explain what had happened. The children’s voices brought Mother Zhang and Zhang Guoqing out to greet them. Knowing guests would be arriving soon, everyone got busy with their own tasks. Zhang Meili told Zhang Chunming to go greet his father-in-law first; she’d skip today and bring the kids over tomorrow to visit her in-laws, see if they needed anything, and talk about the new house—maybe pick a good day for a housewarming. Watching her husband leave, she took her sister to the west wing to check on Jiao Jiao.

Zhang Chunming and the others had hurried back and hadn’t brought much with them, since they’d have to go pick up the kids later—his daughter was still at daycare. Seeing there were plenty of people in the courtyard and not much for him to do, he greeted everyone and headed home.

His father lived with his eldest brother, just a short walk from the village entrance. His nephew from his brother’s family had already seen him, so he decided to go over and talk about the house purchase, which would make his father happy. He also wanted to hear what had really happened at noon—rumor had it the whole county was abuzz. That “golden child” sure had a lot of influence. Apparently, Zhou Jiao’s words had stunned thousands of people. He’d never realized his little sister-in-law was so capable.

His eldest brother Zhang Chunjiang’s house was made of blue bricks, quite large, though the backyard wasn’t as big as Old Zhang’s. Still, it stood out in the village. Their old house had been built by Zhang Chunming’s father years ago. As soon as he walked in, he saw his father drinking tea in the courtyard—no need to look for him in the fields. The old man, sitting outside in the cold, didn’t seem to mind the chill, even though the courtyard had no shelter.

“Dad, you didn’t go to work today? We heard about the big commotion in the county and took leave to rush back. What exactly happened? I didn’t get a chance to ask at their house.” As he spoke, Zhang Chunming snatched his father’s tea for a sip. The old man loved tea and would visit many households just for a good brew, but Chunming found it bitter and tasteless—he’d rather have something sweet.

His father looked at his youngest son with a smile. This boy was no worse than anyone else—he was the first in the village to get a city job, didn’t have to work the fields, married a good woman, both worked in the city, and often came home to visit. Their sons were well-behaved, and all three grandsons made others envious. The youngest son and daughter-in-law were the most filial and kind-hearted. His wife always worried they’d be bullied in the city, but he thought there was no need. Even though the three Zhang brothers were still working the land, who knew—maybe they’d all end up working in the city one day. Just look at Xiao Wu—he had such a capable wife, he’d never lack for work. With his brothers supporting him, the youngest was the luckiest. As the youngest, he’d never missed a day of school, married the woman he loved, moved to the city, and had three sons and a daughter—never suffered a bit.

“Chunming, your little sister-in-law is really something. I totally misjudged her—thought she was a sick kitten, but she’s a tiger. You weren’t there, but the place was packed—people were crammed all over the north hillside, more than when the commune showed movies. They all gathered at the Zhang family’s gate. I felt a chill just looking at the crowd, my hands and feet went numb. Do you know how Xiao Wu’s wife handled it? She just stood there, face dark, silent, watching that fool from the Zhou family curse and scream. She just stared, not saying a word, but her presence was stronger than the commune secretary’s. Then she said just a couple of sentences, and the whole crowd listened. Imagine a thousand flies buzzing—normally it’d be deafening, but the place went dead quiet. Everyone was stunned by the end. That girl is really something—not the least bit afraid, even though she’s so young. How did we never notice she was so formidable? Even Xiao Wu can’t compare. I’ve lived a long time and never seen a young wife as impressive as her. Every word she said hit home, not a single wasted sentence. She said she never learned to curse, and her upbringing wouldn’t allow it. But even without cursing, a lot of people are going to be in trouble this time—it all depends on what she decides. The Zhang family is really blessed to have such a daughter-in-law. She’s not ordinary.”

Zhang Chunming listened, curiosity piqued. “Dad, you know Jiao Jiao’s grandpa and mother are coming over? You’re right—once they arrive, a lot of people are going to be in trouble. I just heard they’d be coming this afternoon. I always knew she was capable—otherwise, why would Xiao Wu give up his spot in the army for her? My brother-in-law seems easygoing, but he’s actually pretty proud and stubborn. Only Jiao Jiao can talk sense into him.”

The old man kicked him in exasperation, poking him with a finger. “You blockhead, you’re missing my point! How would I know her grandparents are coming? What I mean is, if she goes easy on them this time, the whole township will owe her a favor—it’s a good deal.

As for that army spot, others might want it, but Xiao Wu and his wife don’t care. Xiao Wu’s too clever to join the army—he doesn’t need it. Would he have married such a wife if he’d gone? She wouldn’t even look at a soldier. Her grandfather’s a general—she only has to mention it and people will give her face. The Zhou family’s just a bunch of fools, hiding things from her, trying to get money and goods. Jiao Jiao saw right through them but didn’t care about their petty stuff. She cares about the future—Xiao Wu’s future. Do you get it? Just listening to her today, you can tell she’s shrewd. The Zhang family’s really going to prosper with her backing Xiao Wu. Maybe you’ll all benefit in the future.

Only those idiots from the Zhou family took her for a fool. If they’d tried to win her over and get her a job, what are a few watches and bicycles compared to a city job? She doesn’t care about material things. What matters to them is reputation and prospects. They’re smart—power is what really counts. If you ever need advice, talk to those two. People say I’m shrewd, but I’m nothing compared to her—she’s playing in the big leagues.”

“Dad, haha, I get what you mean, but I’m just me—no use trying to learn. But those two are real people, loyal too. They treat me like family. This time, Meili found a big courtyard for sale, but we didn’t have enough money. Before I even said anything, Xiao Wu heard about it from Meili yesterday morning, went home, and brought 300 yuan straight to the factory for me to use. He told me to buy the place, and if I ever need help, just ask him. They’re not in a hurry for the money—pay it back in a couple of years if I want. He just said not to let his nephew suffer, pay him back whenever I can, and if I need more, just let him know. Isn’t that loyal?

I came today to tell you about the house. It’s big enough for the kids when they grow up and get married. We’ll transfer the deed the day after tomorrow, and plan to move this week since we’re off work. There’s not much to move—the old couple who live there are taking their food and clothes to their son in the provincial capital, leaving everything else. You can help pick a day for the housewarming so everyone can get together.”

“Good boy, fools have their blessings. I’ll find someone to check the date, then let you know when I’m in the city. If there’s nothing else, go help your in-laws—you still have to pick up your daughter from daycare, right?”

The old man was happy, too. With Xiao Wu helping his youngest son buy a big house, he felt at ease. Last year, when his wife was hospitalized, it was the youngest son who paid the bills and the daughter-in-law who did all the work, taking care of everything inside and out. None of the other sons or daughters-in-law said a word about paying them back. He planned to deduct it from their share of grain at the end of the year—after all, he and his wife raised them all, so why should only the youngest son spend money and the youngest daughter-in-law do all the work? People said she was fierce, but he liked her that way—being tough with outsiders isn’t a fault; it’s the ones who cause trouble at home who are the real problem. When his wife was in the hospital, who would have thought it was the “fierce” daughter-in-law who stayed up night and day to care for her, running herself ragged for two months, losing a lot of weight, and the in-laws helped so much too.

Zhang Chunming checked the time—it was getting late. “Dad, I’ll head out. Once the new house is ready, I’ll bring you and Mom to stay. Meili asked if you need anything—she’ll bring the kids over tomorrow. We’ll be back for Xiao Wu’s son’s three-day celebration tomorrow. I won’t bother Mom—those old ladies always want a long explanation.”

The old man shook his head. “We don’t need anything—just live your own lives. Tell Meili we’re fine. Go on, take care of your business. If you need anything, just come to me.”"