After the lively Lantern Festival, as time went on, Zhang's mother missed her husband at home more and more, and began to think about making arrangements to go back.

In her opinion, the two daughters-in-law followed Old Lady Cheng in and out every day, and they had seen what they should have seen, and the task assigned to them by their husband had been completed.

Seeing that her eldest son would soon start school, if she brought her two daughters-in-law to stay with her, it would be a big delay for everyone to do their work. With this thought in mind, she couldn't stay even a moment longer.

In the east wing bedroom, Zhou Jiao held her mother-in-law's hand and said, "Mom, why don't you let the two sisters-in-law go back on the same train with Xiaomi, and you wait here for Dad to come?"

Zhang's mother clapped her hands and said, "Mom, go back first and come back two months before you give birth. Don't be too lazy at school. Be lazy if you can avoid working."

"Mom, the alley and yard are all tidy, just let Dad come over. If you're not used to it over there, we can rent a yard near the school. It won't cost much. Can your body handle all this going back and forth?"

Mother Zhang patted her chest cheerfully, "Mom is a hundred times better than you. And, Jiaojiao, don't mention the yard matters to your sister-in-law and the others, and don't plan on having Mom and Dad come live with you."

Zhou Jiao opened her mouth to explain.

Mother Zhang shook her head. "Don't tell me you don't need money. I've seen you for a few days. You still have to make ends meet. I still remember those people who fought over things in our Landlord game back in the day. They were all so greedy."

After she finished speaking, Zhang's mother whispered in her ear, "You're still young and don't understand human nature. Look at your aunt, isn't she someone who never takes advantage of anyone? But in those years, she always rushed to the front to watch the fun. If she didn't take advantage of the chaos to hide something, I wouldn't believe it even if I beat her to death."

Zhou Jiao wasn't surprised at all, as even Zhang's father knew about the valuables hidden away, but she still showed surprise. After all, no one except her parents-in-law and Zhang Guoqing knew about the Zhang family's wealth.

Seeing this, Zhang's mother smiled happily.

She hesitated for a moment, then leaned over to Zhou Jiao's ear and said, "Our family doesn't take advantage of others' misfortunes, but we did hide some things in the early years. No one knew about it except Xiaowu. A few years ago, two hundred kilograms of cornmeal could be exchanged for a small courtyard in the county town, and one hundred kilograms of white flour could be exchanged for a courtyard in the provincial capital. But we would rather exchange it all for gold than take the courtyard. Do you know why? It's because we're worried that outsiders will be jealous."

Zhou Jiao gave her a thumbs up: "You and my dad are really awesome."

Being praised, Zhang's mother didn't look happy at all. She whispered, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhou Jiao nodded solemnly and replied in a low voice: "There are some things hidden from outsiders."

"That's right. You two must not add anything big in the future. Take the yard the old lady gave you, for example. Even if you change the name, why don't you think about why there are more than ten families living in the yard, while the other one is empty?"

Zhou Jiao knew from this that Zhang Guoqing hadn't told her mother-in-law that the yard was registered under the master's name. She pursed her lips and wanted to explain, but was interrupted by Zhang's mother.

"Also, it's not that Mom doesn't trust your dad. From now on, don't tell your dad or me about anything your dad gives you two, or how much you two earn privately."

Zhou Jiao was really surprised at this moment, and she looked at her mother-in-law in confusion.

Mother Zhang reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Zhou Jiao's ear. She sighed softly, "After seeing Accountant Zhang and your uncle, I'm really worried that you and your father will become confused when you get old."

Zhou Jiao understood what he said. She frowned slightly and asked, "Did he cause trouble at my eldest sister's house?"

Mother Zhang smiled and shook her head. "Your eldest sister is quite smart. We don't need to worry about her. Parents, when they get old, always want their children to have similar lives. Not to mention him, even your uncle, who lives in the Qingshan family, is a little worried about his other sons."

"Mom, if my elder brother and second brother are having a hard time, I will help them even without Xiaowu. Don't worry about it, I will listen to you as long as you ask."

Mother Zhang smiled and patted her head. "You don't understand. I also want my eldest and second sons to live a prosperous life, but I can't keep exploiting my oldest son."

Zhou Jiao smiled. She didn't know how to respond.

"Our family is different from theirs." Zhang's mother put down her hand, looking at Zhou Jiao with a struggling look in her eyes. "My Xiaowu was not much older than Ping'an at the time. He was so young and sneaked up the mountain to hunt. The first time he handed me over 300,000 yuan, he said, 'Mom, don't worry about it. When I grow up, I can make money to support you. I will definitely let you live a good life.'

I cried all night, looking at the blood marks on the child's face and arms, my heart ached as if a piece of flesh was being dug out. After that, he would sneak into the mountains without paying attention, sometimes leaving for several nights without returning home, and the next day he would grin and stuff money into my suitcase.

Your father said at the time that he would give all the hidden things in the house to Xiaowu, but now he says that in addition to exchanging things for you, he plans to divide it into three parts in the future."

Zhou Jiao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If she remembered correctly, Zhang Guoqing had said his father had also suggested dividing the property into three parts, but he would get to choose first. Besides, this was perfectly normal; all three sons were his biological children.

"I think your father thinks you're living well now, so he's planning to support the eldest and second oldest. If they couldn't make ends meet, I wouldn't say anything. But now Xiaowu has already made good arrangements for his two brothers, and your father still does this. I feel a little uncomfortable.

Unlike other families, this one wouldn't be where it is today without Xiaowu. Even your eldest sister said the family division should be split equally. The eldest and second oldest children both bought yards in the county town, but your little yard was prepared for you by your father. How could I, as a mother, not understand what she said?

"In the final analysis, my little five has suffered a great loss. I was chatting with your father a while ago and mentioned these things. Your father is still not confused now, but I am really worried that he will become like his old brother in the future."

Zhou Jiao knew that some parents could be extremely partial, but she had never imagined such good fortune would befall her and her husband. As Zhang's mother spoke, her eyes gradually reddened, unable to control her emotions, and she could only lower her head. This was enough, even if nothing was left for her, everything was enough!

Mother Zhang touched Zhou Jiao's head and said, "Jiaojiao, my little Wu has had a hard life since he was little. No matter what happens in the future, you must promise me that you will stay with him, okay?"

Zhou Jiao choked up and said, "Okay."

Mother Zhang put down her hand, patted her shoulder, stood up, opened the door and observed what was happening outside. Seeing that there was no one there, she opened the luggage bag she had just brought in on the kang.

"Come quickly and help mom."

Zhou Jiao looked at the familiar scene, rubbed against her side, and whispered: "Mom, if you have good things, keep them with you for self-defense. I have everything I need."

Mother Zhang glared at her and said, "Stop dawdling. It will be bad if someone comes and sees you." As she spoke, she took out two pairs of cotton trousers from inside, pointed to the trouser legs, and motioned her to hurry up.

Zhou Jiao was stunned. This...

Mother Zhang worked so quickly that she didn't even need to look for a sewing basket. She picked up a pair of trousers, turned them inside out, bent down to pull out a thread, bit it off, and pulled out another thread...

After repeating this process four or five times, the cotton trousers filled with cotton were completely distorted, and several rings and a pair of gold bracelets inlaid with rubies were dug out from inside.