Chapter 71

This place was more of a slightly wider alley than a street.

At first glance, the alley seemed endless, lined on both sides with all kinds of vendors. Some had their goods laid out directly on the ground, while others pushed bicycles with baskets or racks on the back, filled with various items.

People bustled through the middle of the alley, all there to buy things. There were workers in blue uniforms and ordinary people in black, white, or gray clothes.

Near the entrance were vegetables and fruits; further in were other goods like watches, clothing, fabrics, jewelry, daily necessities...

The variety was overwhelming. Liu Liu held her mother's hand, her little head turning from side to side, unable to take it all in.

Mother and daughter browsed stall by stall. Jin Xiuzhu picked up a familiar watch and asked about its price.

The vendor quoted a fixed price of seventy-eight yuan, with no room for negotiation. Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback; she had seen an identical watch at the department store for one hundred twenty-eight yuan, a difference of fifty yuan.

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, then led Liu Liu away, moving on to the fabric stalls. The prices varied widely—some were quite expensive, costing several dozen yuan, while others were just a few yuan. The more expensive fabrics were similar to those sold at the department store but were much cheaper, barely above factory prices.

The more Jin Xiuzhu inquired, the more alarmed she became. No wonder Wang Ling had previously expressed doubts about the factory's future. If this trend continued, their factory would indeed become less prosperous. The market for high-quality fabrics was already limited, and if every place started having black markets like this, who would buy their factory's products?

Next to the fabric stalls were clothing vendors. The styles were far more diverse than those available at the department store, including various coats, pants, skirts, and even tiny dresses with thin straps that used very little fabric, almost as if they weren't worn at all.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned at first sight but then raised an eyebrow upon closer inspection.

The vendor explained that these styles were popular in Hong Kong and that even celebrities wore them.

Jin Xiuzhu felt the fabric; it wasn't particularly good, but the designs were unique and unlike anything she had seen before.

Mother and daughter continued browsing for a while. As dusk approached, they left, having only covered half the area. They returned by taking Bus No. 5 to the city center and found a state-owned hotel where they bought a bowl of noodles and a bowl of wontons.

After eating, Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter's hand and headed back to the guesthouse.

Jiang Mingchuan hadn't returned yet. As soon as Liu Liu entered the room, she found a mirror and put on the hair ties and clips she had bought at the black market, admiring herself excessively.

She turned to ask her mother, "Do I look nice?"

Jin Xiuzhu, seeing her adorned with flowers, suppressed a smile and praised, "Very nice."

Liu Liu was delighted.

Jin Xiuzhu went out to fetch hot water for washing, instructing Liu Liu to stay in the room until she returned.

Liu Liu agreed cheerfully.

When Jiang Mingchuan returned around nine o'clock, Liu Liu was already asleep. He entered quietly and saw Jin Xiuzhu reading a book. He walked over and pulled two packages out of his pocket.

Jin Xiuzhu looked at him in surprise.

Jiang Mingchuan unwrapped the oil paper, revealing two large chicken legs and some broken pies. In a low voice, he said, "I brought these in case you didn't have enough to eat tonight. Try them; they're delicious."

Jin Xiuzhu had already brushed her teeth, but seeing Jiang Mingchuan's expectant look, her heart softened. She reached for the pie instead of the oily chicken leg.

She took a small bite; it was meat, very fragrant, with a crispy crust. Knowing her nature, Jiang Mingchuan understood why she chose the pie and offered her a chicken leg.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and took a bite, then said, "It's very tasty."

Jiang Mingchuan whispered, "If you like it, eat more. Liu Liu is asleep, so we won't save any for her. You can have it all."

She couldn't possibly eat that much; she wasn't a pig.

Still, she appreciated his thoughtfulness, feeling sweet inside. She had never met anyone who treated her more importantly than their child.

Thinking about this, she looked at him and smiled, "You're so good to me. I never imagined I'd have such a wonderful husband."

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan felt deeply gratified.

He thought what he did was nothing special, but Jin Xiuzhu's reaction touched him deeply.

He told her, "It's nothing. I'll be even better to you in the future."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, "You're already incredibly kind."

Jiang Mingchuan also smiled and fed her another bite.

As they ate and watched each other, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Suddenly, a small head emerged from under the covers, sniffing the air and rubbing sleepy eyes. Seeing the situation, the child burst into tears, "Mommy is eating without me! Wah—"

Their startled cries echoed through the room.

After a while, they managed to calm the child down. Liu Liu held a chicken leg in one hand and a pie in the other, sniffling as she ate.

Feeling guilty, Jiang Mingchuan tried to explain, "Daddy didn't wake you because you were sleeping. We were going to save some for you to eat tomorrow morning."

Liu Liu turned her head away, still pouting, with a big tear hanging from her chubby cheek.

Jin Xiuzhu watched the father-daughter interaction with amusement, feeling very happy.

The sweet words she had spoken earlier were genuine. She had often imagined having a child, but never expected her husband to love her more than their child, pampering both of them to the utmost.

After finishing their meal, Jin Xiuzhu rinsed her mouth and lay down again. Jiang Mingchuan took a shower and came back. By the time he lay down, Liu Liu had fallen asleep again.

Because she was still upset with her father, the little girl refused to sleep between them.

Fortunately, there were two beds pushed together, providing ample space. Liu Liu slept against the wall, safe from falling off.

Jiang Mingchuan liked this arrangement. He hugged Jin Xiuzhu from behind, and they chatted softly.

Jin Xiuzhu mentioned the scene she witnessed at the black market, "No wonder Wang Ling was worried. Honestly, I feel the atmosphere here is more relaxed than in S City. Do you think there might be new policies coming?"

Jiang Mingchuan paused for a moment before saying, "I heard that the leaders above have already held many meetings. Soon, they will open up the market here, but the specific plans still need to be formulated and discussed. For now, no one knows exactly what's going on."

"No wonder."

Jin Xiuzhu then said, "Will individuals be allowed to do business and make money after the market opens? That would be great. Buying things at the department store always makes me feel slighted, but if I don't buy anything, there's no other choice."

Jiang Mingchuan gently rubbed her belly.

Jin Xiuzhu tentatively added, "From what I understand from He Yan, he plans to apply to the military academy here in the future. I was thinking that since we'll be staying here for a few more years, we can visit more often or find something to do."

Primarily, she was attracted by the business environment here. Jin Xiuzhu knew better than anyone how profitable business could be. In her previous life, she had opened three cosmetic shops in the capital city, with daily sales reaching thousands of gold pieces.

She had three children; she needed to leave them some inheritance.

Deep down, Jin Xiuzhu was still the same person from the Great Jing Dynasty. She always wanted to secure a future for her children.

Jiang Mingchuan didn't quite understand Jin Xiuzhu's intentions. "What do you want to do?"

Jin Xiuzhu didn't elaborate. "I'm just thinking out loud. It's boring being cooped up at home all day."

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan softened his heart. "Whatever you say."

Jin Xiuzhu contentedly hummed in agreement.

In her mind, she thought more about the future. If the market were to open up as Jiang Mingchuan mentioned, it would likely become very prosperous. She remembered that several coastal cities in the Great Jing Dynasty were extremely wealthy, with many merchants. When the time came, she could purchase a few houses and shops, or even rent them out.

The money left by Jiang Mingchuan's mother couldn't just sit idle; it would be a waste.

Thinking about this, Jin Xiuzhu felt a bit excited. The only regret was that she couldn't bring her previous life's cosmetic shops here. In her previous life, her shop had dozens of fragrances and cosmetics, but she only managed and audited the accounts, leaving everything else to her staff. Although she had a good memory, she only remembered a few effective formulas.

But as she always said, "Everything will work out in the end." There would always be another way.

With these thoughts, she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Jiang Mingchuan got up early and left. Jin Xiuzhu had planned to go out for breakfast with him the next day, but when he called out twice, both mother and daughter turned over and ignored him, even grunting in displeasure when he persisted.

Feeling helpless, Jiang Mingchuan quietly left alone.

In the morning, mother and daughter woke up, had breakfast, and headed straight to the black market. They bought many things—food, toys, clothes—presents for everyone in the family, including gifts for Bai Jingzhi and Fang Min.

Jiang Mingchuan stayed for a week, during which Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter around every day. As they were leaving, Liu Liu was reluctant and asked when they could come back again.

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "We'll probably have to wait until your big brother gets into college."

Liu Liu pouted. "Okay."

Before they left, Jiang Mingchuan mentioned that his comrade was hosting a dinner party and asked if she wanted to join.

Jin Xiuzhu agreed and asked which comrade it was and whether they should bring gifts.

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment. "It shouldn't be necessary. Several comrades gathered here for the competition, and we've always been close. We're planning to have a meal together before leaving."

"Are the other comrades bringing their families?"

"No, they live far away."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "So, I'll be the only family member joining the dinner?"

"Not really. I told Old Zhang, and he'll bring his wife and kids."

Jin Xiuzhu gave him a playful glance. "There you go."

She then asked about the number of children and the occupation of the host's wife. Upon learning that they had two children, a boy and a girl, with the eldest being nine and the youngest four, and that the wife worked at a glove factory, Jin Xiuzhu had a clear idea.

That evening, she brought some cookies and candies packed in an attractive box.

When they arrived at the State-owned hotel, Jiang Mingchuan led her and Liu Liu upstairs. The hotel was large, with private rooms on the upper floors.

A waiter escorted them to one of the rooms. Upon entering, they saw a group of men in military uniforms chatting and drinking tea.

Seeing Jiang Mingchuan, they all stood up, with several calling him "Sergeant."

Jiang Mingchuan smiled and introduced Jin Xiuzhu, putting his arm around her waist.

Many of the older men addressed her as "sister-in-law."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and greeted them. After introductions, Old Zhang and his wife entered. Old Zhang had gone to order dishes, while his wife had just finished work and picked up their children before coming directly.

She seemed to know Jiang Mingchuan and greeted him warmly. "You haven't changed a bit! You look so young."

Upon seeing Jin Xiuzhu, she exclaimed, "How beautiful! No wonder Jiang Battalion Commander kept delaying marriage—he was waiting for his sister-in-law. You're truly stunning, and your children must be beautiful too."

Jin Xiuzhu politely responded, "Sister-in-law, you flatter me. Your words make my heart sweet."

She then prompted Liu Liu to greet the others.

Liu Liu obediently called her aunt.

Xu Meng also encouraged her children to greet everyone.

Jin Xiuzhu handed the box of treats to Xu Meng. After some friendly exchanges, they sat down and let the children play together.

Xu Meng, knowing Jin Xiuzhu worked at the newspaper, became even more courteous. Jin Xiuzhu didn't belittle herself but simply said she was lucky and asked about Xu Meng's job.

Xu Meng didn't hide anything, explaining that she worked at a glove factory, a job arranged by the military as a benefit for military spouses. The pay wasn't high, but the work was relatively easy.

"However, the factory hasn't been doing well recently. Several people have been laid off, and I'm not sure how long it will last. If I get laid off, I might set up a stall at the black market to sell things. A friend of mine, also a military spouse, sells handmade shoes there and makes a little money."

At this point, she suddenly remembered something and asked Jin Xiuzhu, "Have you been to the black market recently? It's quite fun."

"Indeed, it was bustling. No other place is as lively."

"Right? Now when I buy things, I don't go to the department store anymore; it's too expensive. The black market is more cost-effective."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded and then asked, "How big is your glove factory? My friend is the director of a textile factory. She's also a military spouse. She wrote to me recently saying that their factory isn't doing well and is struggling to stay afloat."

Xu Meng shook her head. "Factories aren't doing well these days. Our factory used to have seventy or eighty people, but now there are only thirty or forty left. Many places are empty now."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded and offered some words of comfort.

When they were leaving after dinner, Jin Xiuzhu deliberately asked for their contact information, saying, "Meeting you felt like fate, and chatting made me like you even more. Thank you, Sister Xu and Commander Zhang, for tonight's hospitality. When I get back, I'll send you some specialties from our place."

"Oh, how could we accept that?"

Xu Meng enjoyed talking with Jin Xiuzhu; she could always keep up the conversation and say all the right things.

Even after they had left, she told her husband, "Jiang Mingchuan's wife is really nice. She brought gifts and speaks so pleasantly."

Zhang Li was speechless. "After one meal, she's learned everything about us, yet you still speak well of her."

Xu Meng glared at him. "What do you know? Isn't this how women chat? She shared a lot with me too."

Zhang Li shook his head, thinking about Jiang Mingchuan's character and concluding that his wife, no matter how smart, wouldn't be bad.

Indeed, the smart ones pair with the simple ones. He, being so clever, has a wife without any scheming. Jiang Mingchuan, such an honest man, married a capable woman, which is a good balance.

On the way back, Jiang Mingchuan carried the sleeping Liu Liu and whispered to Jin Xiuzhu, "You seem to really like Sister Xu?"

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "Sister Xu is a good person."

Mainly because she heard Xu Meng mention that their factory wasn't doing well and wasn't very large, which sparked an idea in her mind. However, this idea was not yet fully formed, and she needed to discuss it with Wang Ling through letters.

Jin Xiuzhu then asked, "How is your relationship with Zhang Li?"

Jiang Mingchuan replied, "Pretty good. We used to share bunk beds, and he always liked wearing my shoes..."

Talking about the past, Jiang Mingchuan's face showed a hint of nostalgia.

Jin Xiuzhu listened quietly, sensing from his descriptions that he had many happy memories from his time in the army.

Unlike her, who didn't miss her past life at all, filled with suspicion and competition, and a lack of trust in anyone.

Halfway through his reminiscence, Jiang Mingchuan noticed Jin Xiuzhu suddenly becoming quiet. Though he didn't understand why, he reached out and held her hand.

Jin Xiuzhu looked down at her hand enveloped by his warm, rough, and strong grip, feeling slightly stunned.

His grip was firm, causing a slight pain, but she didn't want to pull away.

She raised her head slightly, looking at Jiang Mingchuan's clear-cut profile under the moonlight, feeling a sense of peace and stability. This moment was perfect.

Having someone genuinely care for her, she no longer feared losing favor and falling into despair.

They returned home the next morning, arriving at the train station around 1:00 PM.

Jiang Mingchuan had to return to the base with his troops, while Jin Xiuzhu took Liu Liu home. When they arrived with their luggage, He Yan hadn't gone to school yet.

Apart from him, there was another familiar-looking girl sitting close to him at the dining table, working on homework.

He Yan seemed surprised by Jin Xiuzhu's early return and quickly came over to help with the bags.

Lin Zhaodi stood awkwardly, calling Jin Xiuzhu "Auntie."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and asked, "Have you eaten?"

Lin Zhaodi glanced at He Yan and obediently said yes.

He Yan explained, "She helped copy the exam papers sent by my aunt, and we ate lunch together."

Then he changed the subject, "Mom, did you bring me any gifts? Without you, meals weren't as tasty."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "Yes, I bought you shoes and clothes."

"Thank you, Mom."

Liu Liu interjected, "I picked the clothes."

He Yan patted his sister's head. "Thank you too."

Lin Zhaodi watched the family chatting warmly, feeling out of place. She bit her lip and told He Yan, "I'll go back to class and take these to copy."

Then she said to Jin Xiuzhu, "Goodbye, Auntie," and ran off.

Before He Yan could react, Lin Zhaodi had already left with the notebooks.

"Hey—"

He chased after her for a few steps but saw her heading back to school. He turned back to talk to his mother and sister.

However, he met Jin Xiuzhu's teasing gaze. He Yan's face tightened. "Wh... What is it?"

Jin Xiuzhu teased, "Nothing, just that my son is growing up."

He Yan found this comment odd but said, "I'm not a child anymore."

"Right, and you've got a little crush."

He Yan blushed and exclaimed, "Mom, what are you saying!"

Jin Xiuzhu raised her eyebrows. "It's fine; I won't laugh at you. But I need to make it clear that the most important thing right now is your studies. You can't neglect yourself or affect others."

Hearing this, He Yan's expression turned serious. "I understand."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "Good."

Seeing that Jin Xiuzhu didn't ask any more questions and didn't say anything else, He Yan leisurely opened his luggage bag and carefully took out each item, placing them neatly.

After a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "Mom, aren't you angry?"

Jin Xiuzhu looked puzzled. "Why would I be angry?"

He Yan wasn't sure how to explain. "Well... you know, that thing."

Two students from another class had started dating. When the boy's parents found out, they caused a scene at school. The girl was taken home by her parents and hasn't come back to class since. The boy did return, but his grades have dropped significantly.

Jin Xiuzhu understood what he meant but didn't see why she should be angry.

At He Yan's age, in The Great Jing Dynasty, it was common for young men to marry and start families. Having a crush was perfectly normal. Influenced by the customs of this place, Jin Xiuzhu believed there was no need to overly emphasize social status. As long as her son was happy and the other person had good character, she could accept it.

She said, "You're not a child anymore. It's natural to like girls. However, I trust you to handle this well. I've met that girl a few times, and I think she's very nice. I hope you both can get into a good university together and then decide if you want to spend your lives together. If you do end up together, I will only wish you happiness."

Hearing this, He Yan felt a mix of emotions swelling inside him. He had always known his mother was different from others. She had taught him many valuable lessons since childhood. While he didn't fully appreciate it before, comparing himself with his classmates made him realize how much more mature he was.

Now, hearing these words again, he was even more moved. His mother was always so understanding and supportive.

His eyes welled up slightly. "Okay."

Jin Xiuzhu chuckled. "What's wrong?"

He Yan shook his head. "Nothing, just that having a mom like you is really great."