CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 37: HEART-TO-HEART BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE (PART 1)

Zhang Guoqing escorted his mother back to the main house. After watching her go inside, he returned to the west wing, fetched some water to wash his face and freshen up. He used a warm towel to wipe Jiao Jiao’s face and hands.

After tending to his wife’s postpartum meal, Zhang Guoqing didn’t even bother to put out the lamp before lying down with her, "Jiao Jiao, do you want to sleep?"

"I don’t want to sleep, I napped a bit during the day."

"Then, let me tell you about some things. You mustn’t rush; I’ve already set a trap, just waiting for someone to walk into it tomorrow."

"Alright, go ahead, it’s probably about those issues with the Zhou Family, right?" Zhou Jiao touched his face, lying on his chest.

"Don’t make trouble, just seeing but not tasting is torture, I might punish you." Zhang Guoqing teased her by nibbling on her ear.

Zhou Jiao playfully punched him a few times, "Just say it, try to keep it brief. I also want to discuss schooling with you."

"How did you come up with the idea of attending school? It really wasn’t part of my plan, but you’re smart, wife! A diploma really matters if you want to enter politics. Let me think... the college entrance exams stopped in ’66, so preparations should begin by ’64.

From ’58 to ’60, we were preparing, planning to get ready for university in ’60-’61. How about this, around ’60, depending on the situation, we either advance or delay the preparations by a few months to get ready for Beijing University’s entrance exam. By the time Ping’an is 3, he can go to nursery school, so the whole family can focus on studies without any burden.

In the three years before ’60, for two years of high school, you can go back to school next fall if necessary. I’ll work for 2-3 years, preparing for the entrance exams while building my own network of connections, adding future university contacts. Once we graduate, we can consider where to work. I’ll tell you something very important, and you can plan meticulously to add any necessary details."

Zhou Jiao gazed at him sideways and smiled, "I’m listening. Schooling matters are settled like this, but you still need to consult with the school teachers. If it’s feasible to work while studying, then go for it."

"It’s doable, actually, as long as you have equivalent qualifications, the unit can provide certification, and you can register for university. You don’t have to register in your local area, last year you could sign up in major cities like the provincial city, Beijing, or Shanghai. Here’s what I think: first join the county armed forces department. The head there is savvy, working under him is beneficial, and most importantly, the armed forces manage military recruitment. In the coming years, joining the army will be tough; this department is like a wedge, linking the government and military. Once I’m familiar with it, I’ll find a way to move my second brother to the county public security bureau. After 2-3 years, when we leave, he’ll have established himself, as he’s quite sharp. As for my older brother, he’s reliable and knowledgeable, but his education is too low; I don’t plan to arrange anything in the county for him, just a position at the township grain station, where Madman is already. It helps having someone familiar, and it’s near home, allowing the eldest to keep the family grounded. Our parents will feel at ease having him there. My second brother should be able to handle things in the county, as we have relatives there."

"The idea is good, but executing it will be hard. Many people in the city are waiting for jobs; you need to start as a temporary worker to shift to permanent. If your brothers can get into a unit, even as temps, it’ll take effort and owing favors, potentially becoming leverage against you, unless you arrange both their jobs before starting yours. Maybe recommend your second brother first, then ask your eldest brother’s brother-in-law to step in, it’ll be less conspicuous. Also, if you don’t want to give anyone leverage, showcase advantages, like knowing how to drive, which sets you apart from many. By the way, how did your brother-in-law join the textile factory back then?"

"Hehe, wife, you pointed it out exactly. I need to think this through carefully, no rush. My brother-in-law graduated junior high when the textile factory was recruiting, someone internally helped recruit him as a maintenance worker.

He’s smart, with great skills. After marrying my older sister, he and his mentor found a way to formalize his employment. Okay, I’ll take your advice on my brothers and we’ll discuss it later. Wife, I want to bring you to the city soon for a carefree life, but it looks delayed again."

Hearing this, Zhou Jiao shook her head, "Where you are, I’ll be there. There’s nothing not carefree about it. Once spring arrives, we’ll separate from the family and have our own courtyard built. I plan to grow some things for collecting; why rush to the city early? Right now, my goals are resources, resources, and more resources! With spring come wild greens and fruits; summer brings vegetables, melons, fish, and shrimp; autumn brings mountain produce, game, herbs, and wild vegetables; winter is just right for fattening up. As long as I don’t have to toil in the fields, it’s all the same wherever we are."

Zhou Jiao gave him a sidelong glance, "Our son’s really going to drink formula tonight with your improper behavior."

Zhang Guoqing gave her a deep, meaningful smile, then continued to hold and playfully nibble her before releasing her, "You relax here; I’ll make you a malted milk to boost your strength. When your confinement is over, you’ll see your husband not only being improper but with many tricks to deal with you; just you wait."

Zhou Jiao raised an eyebrow provocatively, "Why wait until the confinement’s over, show me what tricks you’ve got right now?"

"You, you, you’re counting on me not daring to act, huh. Fine, just you wait. When it’s the day confinement ends, if I let you out of the bed, from then on, you’ll be on top, I’m at the bottom." Zhang Guoqing laughed at her, getting bold enough to challenge him. Who last ended up crying and begging?

The two bantered back and forth for a while; after drinking the malted milk, they lay back down. Zhang Guoqing suddenly remembered something important he hadn’t discussed with her.

Embracing Zhou Jiao, Zhang Guoqing lightly patted her back. After some thought, he pulled her closer.

They exchanged a smile.

Zhang Guoqing winked at her, "Now let’s talk about my father-in-law. It’d be best to get him back to the Northeast Province City military district, considering his undercover status might be a future risk; better to stay in a higher provincial position even if the Lin Family in Beijing falls.

Fact is, we don’t know the Lin Family’s plans, we must anticipate the worst. If they set your dad up as a target in Beijing, with your uncle and others outside, it’s risky. Safer in the provincial city where we have backing. The Lin Family’s relations are distant, especially since I can’t leverage them; I’m just a son-in-law in their eyes, while to your dad, I’m like half a son.

Originally, I hadn’t planned for university, opting to spend 2 years in the county, then seek your dad’s help to transfer to the provincial armed forces. With your dad at the provincial military, me in the armed forces, and my second brother in the county public security, it forms a secure line. You’ve convinced me to attend university. By 38, if I graduate without a high position, what’s the point? Before ’61, both of us must attend."