Chapter 29

Tao Qianyun's face twisted with anger.

Pan Shenglin, standing beside her, was also very angry. He didn't know if this daughter-in-law had done it on purpose or by accident, but now he could only suppress his anger. He forced a smile and tried to lighten the mood: "It's alright, it's alright. It's a good omen for safety and peace. Come out, we'll clean up in a bit."

As he spoke, he instructed his youngest son, "Go sweep the floor. Your sister-in-law is a guest, you just stand there motionless, you really have no sense at all."

Pan Jun ignored him and turned to his wife, who was holding their daughter behind him: "Didn't you hear? Dad wants you to sweep the floor."

His tone was dismissive.

The woman stared blankly at the shards on the ground. Hearing this, she lowered her head. She put down her daughter and turned to get the broom.

Seeing his youngest son being so disobedient, Pan Shenglin glared at him angrily.

Pan Jun walked away indifferently.

Jiang Mingchuan glanced at Zhong Xue, who was enduring in silence, and furrowed his brows.

He couldn't understand how things had become like this between them.

Pan Shenglin invited Jiang Mingchuan and his wife to the living room to chat.

Jiang Mingchuan gently patted Jin Xiuzhu's back and whispered, "It's over now."

He Yan chimed in from the side, "Mom, I told you Grandpa is a good person, no one blames you."

Now Grandpa was a good person again.

Jin Xiuzhu nodded coquettishly, revealing her face from Jiang Mingchuan's embrace. She seemed somewhat embarrassed as she lowered her head and smiled shyly.

Pan Shenglin chuckled, "Come sit down, have some tea and rest. You're a guest here, why would you need to do these things?"

Jin Xiuzhu said happily, "Dad is the best, I won't do it next time."

Pan Shenglin nodded.

Tao Qianyun glared hatefully at their backs, then looked at the mess in the kitchen. The more she saw, the more her heart ached.

In the kitchen, Zhong Xue bent over to sweep the floor. Tao Qianyun went over and scolded in a low voice, "Where were you just now? Always thinking of slacking off, look at all these broken pieces. How did our family end up with such an useless thing?"

Zhong Xue gripped the broom tightly in her hand, her eyes instantly reddening.

When her parents were still fine, they had rushed to flatter her. But as soon as something happened, they immediately changed their attitude. She truly regretted not listening to her parents and insisting on marrying Pan Jun.

Thinking about Brother Mingchuan's concern for his sister-in-law earlier, her heart felt bitter and sour.

After venting her anger, Tao Qianyun went to the living room. With a sullen face, she sat down beside Pan Shenglin and watched her husband and Jiang Mingchuan exchange words, while her own son could only sit in the corner, propping his head up as he slept.

Another wave of anger welled up in her chest, and she couldn't help but blurt out, "Why didn't you let us know you were coming back? We haven't prepared a room for you. It's late, where will you sleep tonight?"

She tried hard to keep her temper in check and say this as gently as possible, but the fire in her heart wouldn't subside. To others, it sounded like she was trying to drive them away.

The moment these words fell, the living room fell silent.

This time, Jin Xiuzhu didn't speak. She merely looked at Pan Shenglin with a half-smile.

Jiang Mingchuan also looked at Pan Shenglin, remaining silent.

Pan Shenglin was left speechless. All the words he had said earlier, expressing his eagerness for their return, had been negated by his wife's single sentence. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Tao Qianyun and said coldly, "If there's no room, go clean one out right now. If that doesn't work, let Xiaojun go back to live there."

Pan Jun immediately protested, "Why should I? This is my home."

Tao Qianyun was about to say something else when Jiang Mingchuan suddenly spoke up, "It's alright. My birth mother left me a house. I remember the property deed and keys are with Mom. I'll stay there tonight."

Tao Qianyun's expression stiffened.

Pan Shenglin was also taken aback. He glanced at Jiang Mingchuan, seemingly not expecting him to say such a thing. Coming back to his senses, he quickly said, "This is your home too, why would you stay outside?"

Then he scolded Tao Qianyun, "Hurry up and clean a room."

Tao Qianyun's attitude immediately softened. "You child, I'm just upset that you didn't tell us you were coming back sooner. I'm not trying to kick you out. I'll go clean a room right now."

With that, she hurried upstairs, not mentioning the house at all.

Jiang Mingchuan pursed his lips.

That night, lying in bed, Jiang Mingchuan gently stroked Jin Xiuzhu's fingers.

Her delicate index finger bore a crimson scratch, probably incurred while mishandling a kitchen utensil earlier. He was filled with both compassion and remorse, "It's all my fault. We won't return here next time."

Before, he had thought that he should bring Jin Xiuzhu and their two children back to the capital at least once. Not only were his adoptive parents here, but also his parents' friends. He wanted those elders to meet her.

But he hadn't expected his adoptive mother and younger brother to drop the act entirely.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "What's the big deal?"

Back when she had been a maid, she had endured much greater hardships and offenses. She had dealt with all sorts of people. For her, dealing with someone like Tao Qianyun and her son was nothing.

She thought for a moment and said, "You've already improved a lot. You're actively fighting for yourself now, asking your adoptive mother for the house."

Jiang Mingchuan was somewhat embarrassed. "But I didn't get it back."

In the past, he might have just endured it, but he didn't want Jin Xiuzhu and their two children to suffer along with him.

Taking advantage of the moment, Jin Xiuzhu whispered into his ear, "Mingchuan, when I read those letters sent from the capital before, I thought your adoptive parents weren't bad. But after coming back today, I suddenly realized that it might not be the case."

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent. Perhaps deep down, he knew this himself, but he had never considered changing anything.

But Jin Xiuzhu couldn't bear it. She wasn't one to take losses lying down, nor would she allow Jiang Mingchuan to be unconditionally kind to others without principle. Thus, she spoke in an even gentler voice, "Do you know? I felt especially heartbroken for you today. We went through the trouble of coming back from so far away, and when we were right at the doorstep, neither your adoptive mother nor your younger brother came out to greet us. When the door opened, your adoptive mother's attitude was less than friendly, let alone your younger brother, who looked at me with such discomfort."

"I'm not trying to poison your mind; I just feel that your adoptive parents might not be as good as you think they are."

Jiang Mingchuan raised his eyes to look at her.

A hint of distress appeared on Jin Xiuzhu's face. "You've told me that your parents were remarkable people before their passing, and their friends remain so to this day. Why then, weren't you adopted by them instead of your adoptive parents? Look at He Yan. We treat him like our own, and he can feel that, which is why he likes and trusts us so much. But if you recall your childhood, could your adoptive parents do the same?"

"Your adoptive parents adopted you but didn't care for you. I don't understand why they did what they did. Could they have had some ulterior motive?"

Jiang Mingchuan thought about his adoptive parents' careers over the years. His adoptive father used to be an ordinary soldier nearing retirement, but now he was the head of the logistics department. His adoptive mother, who used to have no job, was now working at the Women's Federation. As for his younger brother, he was now the deputy director of a factory...

Jin Xiuzhu sighed and held his hand tightly, feeling heartache. "You grew up with them, so naturally, you wouldn't see things as clearly as an outsider like me. All I know is that today, I felt heartbroken for you. I don't want you to be foolishly taken advantage of without realizing it. You're a good person, and you don't dwell on many things, but some matters aren't about dwelling or not. You're a husband and a father now. Our family needs you to provide us with a sheltered sky."

She lowered her eyes. "I followed you out of my hometown without ever thinking about being wronged again, and I certainly don't want our child to suffer either."

Jiang Mingchuan tightened his grip on her hand.

"I won't stop you from being a good person, but you can't be too good to everyone. That's not kindness; it's foolishness, allowing bad people to bully good ones."

Jiang Mingchuan couldn't find words to say, for no one had ever spoken to him like this. His adoptive parents taught him to be tolerant from a young age, urging him to be a selfless and devoted person like his biological parents. The elders around him always praised how perfect, brave, and righteous his biological parents were.

No one ever said they felt heartache for him or that he shouldn't be too good to everyone...

Jin Xiuzhu said somewhat dejectedly, "Let's sleep. I also want to go home early."

Jiang Mingchuan watched her close her eyes, pulled the covers for her, and glanced at the two children lying between them. The four of them were huddled closely on the bed, the blankets damp and emitting a faint musty smell.

It had always been like this since he was young. With a good memory, he still remembered the first time he met his adoptive mother. Back then, she treated him well, but after she gave birth to his younger brother and his adoptive father's career stabilized, her attitude towards him worsened. However, she would always pretend to like him in front of others.

During those years, he suffered the shock of losing both his parents and became unable to speak. It wasn't until he was beaten severely by the old lady once that he angrily shouted out, but even then, he didn't talk much afterward.

Thinking about his past life, he didn't really know what hardship was, as he had grown up this way. But Jin Xiuzhu said she felt heartache for him.

This made him feel somewhat distressed.

Many thoughts ran through Jiang Mingchuan's mind until late into the night when he finally fell asleep.

When he woke up in the morning, he suddenly said to Jin Xiuzhu, "Today, I'll take you all to visit Old Man Zhang."

Jin Xiuzhu looked up at him.

As Jiang Mingchuan helped He Yan put on his sleeves, he explained, "Old Man Zhang knew my grandmother, and his youngest son died in the same battle as my father."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded.

After getting dressed and having a light snack, the family of four took some sweets and pastries downstairs. Pan Shenglin and Tao Qianyun were sitting on the sofa, with the two children beside them. Zhong Xue's busy figure could be glimpsed in the kitchen.

Jiang Mingchuan frowned and then told them, "We have something to do outside and will come back tonight."

Pan Shenglin suggested, "Have breakfast before you leave."

Tao Qianyun remained silent.

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head. Just as he reached the door, he suddenly gathered the courage to turn around and say, "I remember that you didn't use to treat Zhong Xue like this."

Saying this, he stared straight at Pan Shenglin.

Pan Shenglin's expression stiffened.

Only Tao Qianyun furrowed her brows, waiting until they left before asking unhappily, "What does he mean? Is he becoming more and more disrespectful towards us? Does he think he can meddle in our affairs now?"

Pan Shenglin felt that something about Jiang Mingchuan had changed during this visit. Hearing her words, he turned his head and scolded angrily, "You brainless thing, what do you gain by offending him? He's only here for a few days. Can't you just bear with it? One day, if something happens to me, it'll be because of you."

Tao Qianyun retorted discontentedly, "Why should I bear with it? I'm his mother, after all. Didn't you see how his wife smashed all the bowls in the house? It's all because you spoiled him. You've never forgotten his real mother..."

Before she could finish, Pan Shenglin slapped her across the face with a loud "smack," leaving her stunned and staring at him in disbelief.

Pan Shenglin's eyes were terrifying. "Say that again if you dare. If you're tired of living a good life, go back to your village. I brought you here, and I can send you away."

Tao Qianyun was too frightened to say another word.

Pan Shenglin didn't want to look at her anymore and turned to go upstairs to his study.

The little boy next to him had his mouth covered by his sister and wanted to cry. Grandpa had been so scary just now.

The girl glanced at Grandma and led her brother into the kitchen secretly.

Only Tao Qianyun covered her swollen cheek and sobbed.

In the kitchen, Zhong Xue's eyes were also red. She had heard what Jiang Mingchuan said. In this family, only Brother Mingchuan was a good person.

---

After leaving, Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help but ask Jiang Mingchuan, "What's wrong with Zhong Xue?"

She remembered what Fang Min had told her about Jiang Mingchuan and his younger brother's partner having a previous engagement.

Jiang Mingchuan didn't know how to explain. "In the past, my adoptive parents and younger brother treated Zhong Xue very well. They always prioritized her in the family. Her parents were very influential people. Her mother knew my mother, and they even jokingly arranged a marriage between us when we were kids, although that was a long time ago, and I don't know much about it. Since my parents were gone, her parents often sent her to play with me when we were young, but I was quiet, and she didn't enjoy playing with me. Instead, she got along better with my younger brother."

Pan Jun marrying Zhong Xue was considered a step up in social status. At first, her parents seemed to have tried to prevent the marriage due to the previous engagement, but since he was in the military at the time, his younger brother wrote to him, and he said he didn't oppose it. Eventually, they got married.

But now...

Jiang Mingchuan's heart sank, suspecting that something might have happened to Zhong Xue's family. Otherwise, how could they treat her so poorly?

Jin Xiuzhu also thought of this possibility and quickly fanned the flames, "So, something must have happened with your sister-in-law's family. How cold-blooded and unfeeling they are, treating Zhong Xue like this and you as well. What a family of heartless people."

Jiang Mingchuan fell silent.

Jin Xiuzhu left it at that, not saying any more.

No matter how much she did, it wouldn't compare to Jiang Mingchuan figuring things out for himself.

She never liked to meddle in men's affairs. If she did and it went well, fine. But if it didn't, they'd blame her later. Those notorious beauties who brought down kingdoms throughout history—weren't they all scapegoats for the men?

Last night's outburst was simply due to her vengeful nature; she couldn't bear being slighted or bullied.

She had come a long way, not to be looked down upon.

Jiang Mingchuan took Jin Xiuzhu and the two children to the home of Old Man Zhang, as he called him.

Old Man Zhang didn't live here but in a large courtyard on the next street, where the guards at the gate were even stricter.

Jiang Mingchuan went forward to negotiate, and in the end, both Jin Xiuzhu and the two children had to register. They didn't need to notify anyone; a call was made directly.

After a while, Jin Xiuzhu saw an old man walking briskly with a cane, accompanied by two middle-aged men. Upon seeing them, his face showed genuine excitement—a far cry from Pan Shenglin's acting. Even He Yan could sense the difference, whispering to his sister, "I like them. I wish they were our new grandpa."

Fu Yanyan reminded him, "Call him Great-Grandpa later, don't get it wrong."

"Okay."

When Old Man Zhang approached, he discarded his cane and patted Jiang Mingchuan's shoulders and arms vigorously. "Good, good. You finally came to see this old man. I thought you'd never return. Marriage does change a person."

Then he looked at Jin Xiuzhu with satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. This girl looks healthy and blessed."

Jin Xiuzhu's smile stiffened momentarily, but she obediently greeted him. "Greetings, Old Man."

"Good, good. All is well. These are your children, right? They look smart."

Then he turned to his son. "Where are the red envelopes? Hurry up and get them."

Jin Xiuzhu prompted the children to greet him.

The two sons smiled awkwardly. Having rushed out upon hearing the news, how could they remember the red envelopes? "They're at home. We'll give them soon. Let's go home first; it's cold outside."

"Right, right. Home first."

Old Man Zhang held Jiang Mingchuan's hand tightly, examining him closely, as if looking through him at someone else. His eyes moistened. "You really resemble your father. When he was young, he looked just like you, though he was more cunning and had more tricks up his sleeve..."

Jiang Mingchuan felt the warmth of the old man's hand and listened quietly. In the past, such comments filled him with self-loathing, making him feel like he had let his parents and elders down. So, even when wronged, he never complained, fearing it would make him seem useless.

But over the past year, Jin Xiuzhu had always praised him in front of the children, gradually making him realize he wasn't so bad after all.

This was the first time he had taken the initiative to visit during the New Year.

Jin Xiuzhu followed, and perhaps to avoid neglecting her, the two middle-aged men engaged her in conversation. "When did you arrive?"

"Around six or seven last night."

"Is this your first time here? Is it uncomfortable? It might be colder here in the north, and the climate is drier."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "It's okay. I can adapt. It's also cold and damp where we come from."

"That's good. Old Man Zhang has been eager to meet you since he heard about Mingchuan's marriage. We didn't expect you to come back this year."

"Mingchuan wanted to bring us back to meet the elders."

"Good, he's becoming more considerate."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled.

They soon arrived at Old Man Zhang's house, a much larger two-story building with a courtyard at the entrance, containing trees, a swing, and a large jar with withered lotus stalks floating on top.

"Come in quickly."

As they entered, two middle-aged women emerged, smiling.

Uncle Zhang introduced them to Jin Xiuzhu. "You can call them Elder Aunt and Second Aunt."

Jin Xiuzhu greeted them. At the kitchen door stood another woman, slightly older, who smiled shyly.

Uncle Zhang said, "She's a relative who takes care of Old Man Zhang's meals. Just call her Auntie."

"Auntie, may you have a prosperous New Year."

The woman waved her hands bashfully before covering her mouth and laughing.

Second Uncle fetched teacups and poured tea, while the two aunts chatted with Jin Xiuzhu. "None of our children came back this year. Otherwise, we would have introduced them to you."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "There will be plenty of opportunities."

"Yes, yes. Visit often. Old Man Zhang talks about you all the time."

Second Uncle placed the cups of tea on the table and then took three thick red envelopes from his pocket, one for each of them, including Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu was about to politely decline, but the two aunts pushed the envelopes into her pocket. "Take them. We're family, no need for formalities."

Old Man Zhang seemed particularly delighted, loudly instructing his son, "Go call Xiao Zhao and the others over. They're having lunch with us today. Tell them Mingchuan is back."

Uncle Zhang sighed. "Today is New Year's Day. They have many visitors. Let's invite them over in a couple of days."

Suddenly summoning them would surely cause dissatisfaction among the younger generation.

Old Man Zhang grunted.

Hearing mention of lunch, Elder Aunt subconsciously asked Jin Xiuzhu, "Did you eat breakfast?"

They were old and got up early, but for the young, it might still be too early.

Jin Xiuzhu remained silent, hesitating as she looked at Jiang Mingchuan.

There was some awkwardness on Jiang Mingchuan's face. He had originally planned to take Jin Xiuzhu and the others out for a meal but then remembered that the State-owned hotel wasn't open on New Year's Day. However, since they had already left the house, it wasn't appropriate to return, so they came here directly.

Although no one said anything, the people present weren't fools. They could tell there was an issue from a glance. Auntie patted Jin Xiuzhu's hand considerately without asking more, instead saying, "I'll have your aunt make you some noodles."

Jin Xiuzhu hurriedly replied, "There's no need for such trouble. I'm not hungry; I ate a lot last night."

This was the truth.

Auntie didn't respond, smiling and gesturing for her to sit down and rest for a while. Second Auntie took Jin Xiuzhu's hand and led her to sit on the sofa.

In the middle of the sofa were Old Master Zhang and the two children, with Jiang Mingchuan on the other side. Seeing them come over, Uncle Zhang and Second Uncle stood up and sat on small stools nearby.

Old Master Zhang also heard this and his expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Without asking Jiang Mingchuan, he asked the two children, "Why, don't you have food at home?"

He Yan glanced at his sister.

Fu Yanyan obediently replied, "I don't know, but Mom and Dad weren't happy last night."

Jiang Mingchuan looked at his daughter in surprise, surprised that she would say something like that.

Old Master Zhang furrowed his brows, but he didn't lose his temper. Instead, he gently coaxed, "Why weren't they happy?"

Fu Yanyan raised her head to look at him and calmly said, "Because Grandpa and Grandma don't like us. Although Grandpa was smiling, he was faking it too obviously. And Grandma didn't even bother to pretend. When we went over, they didn't give us a good look. That uncle also spoke to us in a strange tone. After dinner, Grandma made Mom wash the dishes and said there wasn't a room for us to sleep in at night. Dad said he'd take us to sleep in the small western-style house and asked Grandma to give him the key and the property certificate. Grandma said it was a misunderstanding and let me stay."

As she spoke, she played with the candy in her hands, which the grandmothers had given her when they entered the door.

The atmosphere in the living room froze for a moment.

Old Master Zhang hadn't expected this little girl who hadn't spoken much to speak so clearly and rationally. He couldn't help but look at her a few more times before asking, "What small western-style house?"

The little girl continued, "It's what Father's wife gave him. Father said that when he was young, Uncle found the property certificate and cried and made a fuss to get it. Grandma saw this and took it away. Later, when he went to ask for it, Grandma wouldn't give it to him."

The words were those words, but the meaning... was more or less the same.

Old Master Zhang looked at Jiang Mingchuan. "Why have you never mentioned this to us?"

His daughter had said too much, and Jiang Mingchuan didn't know how to answer. Fu Yanyan directly answered for him, "Because Grandma didn't let Father say anything. Mother scolded Father last night, so Father came to find you today."

Jin Xiuzhu: "…"

Jiang Mingchuan: "…"

Old Master Zhang paused. He had been very angry, but hearing these words, he couldn't help but glance at Jiang Mingchuan. "At your age, you're actually not as perceptive as a child. Fortunately, you're not stupid and still know to come to us."

But he still couldn't help being angry. "If it wasn't for your wife scolding you, would you have just given up on that house? No matter how great the kindness of your foster parents towards you is, that house belongs to your parents. It's yours, and no one can take it away!"

He slammed his cane against the ground, the sound deafening. "Just like our country, every piece of territory must be kept. Whoever tries to snatch it, we fight them! Have you forgotten the spirit of those soldiers? Without that spirit, could we have the peace we have now?"

Jiang Mingchuan pursed his lips.

The old man loudly asked him, "Did you hear that?"

Jiang Mingchuan quickly replied, "I heard it."

The old man looked at him with some pity. "Being kind-hearted is a good thing, but you can't be weak and easily bullied. Today, I'll teach you that you must take back what belongs to you. Let them talk if they want to. What do you fear? Look at those foreign devils. Who speaks well of us? Once our country develops, people will naturally praise us."

"Being human is the same. You have to be tough, decisive, and unbreakable."

This was the first time Jiang Mingchuan had heard such words.

Uncle Zhang was afraid that the old man's tone would scare someone away, especially since they had come all this way. "Mingchuan coming to find us shows that he has a plan. It's a good thing. I'll talk to Pan Shenglin later."

The old man was stubborn. "Talk about what? Go yourself. If you can't resolve such a trivial matter, how will you lead troops in the future?"

He pointed at his sons. "You spoiled him. The same goes for Jiaming and Jiaxing. They act so indecisively, lacking any spirit. When Mingchuan was young, I said I wanted to take him back to raise him, but you insisted that he had already been adopted and taking him back would cause gossip. Look at how this child has been treated. He ran all the way south by himself and didn't dare to return home. If I were younger, I'd really want to shoot you."

Uncle Zhang felt guilty upon hearing this. Indeed, he hadn't handled this well.

Jiang Mingchuan calmed down and firmly said, "No need. I'll go myself."

Only then did the old man look at him satisfactorily. "Bring it back today. Otherwise, don't come see me. I'm angry."

Jiang Mingchuan was both amused and exasperated.

The old man's mood improved again, and he deliberately patted the little girl beside him on the head. "This child is good, smart and quick-witted. In the future, she'll match our Xiaosi."

Fu Yanyan: "…"

He Yan only heard the first half of the sentence. Hearing this great-grandfather praise his sister as smart made him happier than if he were praised. "My sister is very smart. She hasn't even started school yet, but she knows so many words. She's the smartest person in our family."

The old man laughed. "Good, good. Our Xiaosi is also smart."

Without thinking, Fu Yanyan said, "When I grow up, I won't get married. I'll devote myself to building our country."

The old man liked her even more. "That's ambitious. Then don't get married. Our country still has many unfinished endeavors. It's up to your generation."