CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 31: A MOTHER’S LOVE (PART 2)

"Mom, the family of Lin Guafu from the east end of the village is forcing her to remarry. I heard the family she’s supposed to marry into lives in the valley behind the mountain. The man’s wife died, leaving him with two children, and life there is quite hard. They promised her family 20 yuan.

You weren’t there today, but it was quite a scene. Finally, it was Aunt Xiang who said that this is the new society now, and you can’t force someone, or else there’d be complaints in the township. That’s when it stopped. Her sister-in-law from her family is quite formidable, she has quite a mouth.

The team leader and Aunt Xiang stood up for her. She said she didn’t want to remarry, those kids are her husband’s beloved, and she has just been focused on watching them grow up, never thinking about getting remarried. She was tearful as she said this, and everyone cried along with her. Her family didn’t have nice things to say when they left, saying they wouldn’t care if anything happened to her away from home."

Mother Zhang sighed, "It’s pitiful. Her husband paid a high price to marry her, and they had a son and a daughter. Just when they had a few years of good life, he passed away. Additionally, her husband’s family never helped her. Before they married, her mother-in-law wasn’t in favor of their union when their birthdates were matched. With him dead, the mother-in-law hated her even more."

"Oh, is there such a thing? Now superstition has been broken. No wonder I found it strange that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law don’t associate with her. He paid a high price to marry her, and then he died, so they blame her. Mom, did you ever have our birthdates matched?"

"Yes, but don’t tell anyone. I had all three of my sons’ birthdates matched. Your elder sister-in-law and elder brother were matched for a plentiful family life with harmony. Yours and Second Brother’s was matched for lifelong happiness, and you bring wealth, with smooth sailing ahead. Xiao Wu and Jiao Jiao were also matched, perfectly suited for one another, destined lovers for eternity and ascending to great heights, blessed with all things good. The master said it was the best matching of birthdates he’d ever seen. Haha."

After saying this, Mother Zhang paused to offer some advice; young people don’t understand the complexities.

"Everyone older knows about Lin Guafu’s matter; you new brides wouldn’t understand. That wedding was a trap set by her family. They’re from Upper Lin Village and it’s said Lin Guafu was quite unruly before marriage as well. Look at these past two years; everyone’s been starving, think about how their days have been? With rosy cheeks and the kids looking strong. It sounds pitiful, but we only need to think a bit to know what’s truly happening."

Lin Juhua slapped her thigh and exclaimed, "Mom, now that you mention it, I remember last year in the township, seeing those rabble-rousers with her. That explains why every time she sees me, it’s with a weird attitude. Her boldness surpasses heaven, not retreating but provoking me."

Last time in the township, my stomach pained, and I was looking for the restroom. I was a bit lost in the alley and was about to find someone when I saw a pair of rascals kissing—when they saw me, they fled. I was too stunned to chase after them, but from afar, wasn’t that Lin Guafu?"

Mother Zhang urgently grabbed her hand and signaled to Zhou Jiao with her eyes, "You can’t be a whistleblower, nor let this slip. This could lead to someone’s death; keep your distance from her, in case she wants to silence you."

Zhou Jiao quickly agreed, "Exactly, Second Sister, she’s provoking you on purpose, just to see if you remember. Don’t speak about this; it could cause serious trouble."

"Oh mom, she wouldn’t try and take my life, would she? Why do these things keep happening to me? Even my cousin was caught cheating in front of me, causing me to avoid going home. I know I talk too much, but I never speak on matters that could cost lives." Lin Juhua anxiously spun in circles.

Zhou Jiao was speechless, glanced at her mom, and took charge, "Second Sister, don’t worry. She hasn’t made a move all this time, meaning it’s uncertain. Should her secret come out in the future and she blames you, stand your ground and deny it. No need to fear, there’s nothing to worry about."

Mother Zhang agreed and comforted her, "Nothing will happen if you keep quiet. Even if they come knocking, you have the matriarch’s backing."

"Well then, I’m relieved. I have no ill intentions; I’ve never hurt anyone. If you say it’s fine, then it’s fine. Haha, that woman sure is a good actor; no wonder Guoqiang advised against getting close to her, saying she’s calculating and wouldn’t benefit me. Perhaps she made advances towards my husband." Lin Juhua laughed slyly.

Zhou Jiao exchanged looks with her mother-in-law, sharing a knowing smile. She sure has a carefree spirit; they were worried just earlier. With her husband taking care of things, there’s no trouble.

Zhou Jiao hurriedly switched topics, realizing they shouldn’t dwell on this, "Second Sister, might need your help. When I got married, mom gave me cloth tickets, and along with my own, they’re about to expire. Today, Brother Xiao Wu went to the city to exchange them for green military cloth. Can you help make some clothes? You have the sewing machine, too."

"Mom, the cabinet behind you, open it and you’ll see the cloth. Pull it out and cut three pieces for the three brothers. Second Sister, assist mom."

Mother Zhang got up to open the wardrobe, revealing many things inside. She quickly grabbed the cloth to prevent the shallow-minded from noticing, thinking of her dear Jiao Jiao—still young, unaware of human complexity and needing a word about thankless acts and gratitude disguised as enmity.

A child like her, no wonder her aunt-in-law’s greed was insatiable. Without a mother’s guidance, it’s a mother’s responsibility. Grandma Zhou taught her medicine and embroidery, not how to manage a household, so guidance was needed.

Only later did Mother Zhang realize Zhou Jiao’s mother’s character, which led her to express admiration for her late husband. Zhou Jiao, though not growing up beside her mother, shared the same freehandedness over money—a relief Xiao Wu handled finances.

Zhou Jiao, noticing her mother-in-law’s changing expression, felt stifled yet grateful, wanting to cry with laughter. She had a mother-in-law better than her own, unlike others eager to bring things into their home, eager to favor other sons equally. Having never had a mother-in-law in her past life and living carefree, the Zhang family grandpa treated her like his granddaughter. Having had amicable in-laws twice, it would’ve been frustrating if this lifetime brought extreme people.

Lin Juhua stepped forward, accepting the cloth, surprised by its amount—enough for ten garments, considering asking for one for her son. But, glancing at her mother-in-law, decided to keep quiet, aware she’d get an earful. Moreover, she couldn’t be too greedy, it was quality material.

"Mom, let’s figure out what style to make. The fabric is thick, so no need for added padding; perhaps military-style? I see township officials wearing similar tones, yet they don’t have such good material. Make it roomy to fit sweaters and cotton-padded jackets underneath; it’ll look impressive."

Lin Juhua admired the fabric, her eyes gleaming, never having seen such quality and thickness. Zhou Jiao’s wedding gift to her was a fine piece she kept treasured.

"You can decide what’s best. It’s your husband who’ll wear it, so make something he likes. Call over your elder sister-in-law, let her think about her husband’s needs too." Mother Zhang directed.

Watching her leave, Mother Zhang swiftly cut enough cloth for three garments before storing the rest back into the wardrobe. Worried, she told Zhou Jiao, "Don’t give away these materials. They’re for Ping’an’s future clothes; imagine how splendid he’ll look. I know you felt awkward about needing the sisters-in-law for help during your confinement, but family thrives in mutual assistance; if you’re always giving, they’ll come to expect it."