The couple went to work regularly, spent their free time with their family, and took time to go to the outskirts of Beijing to collect supplies. After attending the wedding of Li Qinglin and Hu Xiaohui, the weather gradually turned cooler.

Compared to previous years, with two more of them registered on the household registration, various supplies and work benefits have increased significantly. With Ping An becoming a glorious elementary school student and the twins starting daycare, the peaceful and comfortable days have flown by like a fleeting moment.

In the blink of an eye, the end of the year is approaching.

In addition to Zhao Yuanyuan and her husband, Zhao Dashan also personally called to invite Zhou Xiaozheng and his family to visit his hometown in Northeast China to attend the wedding when they are free.

It happened that Zhou Xiaozheng was about to go on a business trip to the Northeast Military Region, so in the midst of his busy schedule, the whole family started to ask for leave and change shifts.

Finally, on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month at the end of the year, he brought his entire family on a military train bound for the Northeast.

It really was a whole family, even the aunt was brought along, plus the guards protecting Zhou Xiaozheng, the scene made Zhou Jiao speechless.

After arriving in the provincial capital, a special car came to pick her up. Seeing the crowds welcoming her, she regretted returning. A trip to the county town would once again be the talk of the town, which wasn't a good thing for her. She hadn't forgotten what jealousy was.

Like his daughter, Zhou Xiaozheng disliked these formalities. But for the sake of safety, he would not refuse the rights that were his.

The old comrades who came to greet them agreed to go back to the county town first and come back for a meeting the next morning. So, with three military vehicles sending them off, the group went directly to the county town.

Back in the county town, Zhang's father and mother received the telegram yesterday and started preparing food early this morning, waiting for them to return. They waited and waited, and it wasn't until almost afternoon that they finally saw anyone.

However, seeing a row of soldiers guarding the door outside, Zhang Dad seemed a little confused and couldn't help but look at his eldest son. They've all gone home, what's all this fuss about?

Zhang Guoqing almost laughed out loud when he saw this, and whispered, "There are too many people, so we can just stay in the guesthouse. No one will explain to you later."

Father Zhang could only nod and pull Zhou Xiaozheng into the house. It would be better to ask his younger brother, Zhou, than his eldest son. Judging from the situation, it seemed as if this relative had been promoted again.

Those distant relatives of the Zhang family who had come outside to join in the fun but arrived a step late and wanted to establish some connections with the family did not dare to come forward when they saw the soldiers at the door.

If they had previously thought that Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao were their juniors and could use their status to make demands, then at this moment they clearly understood the gap.

Just like the Huang Yaozong brothers of the Huang family, they braved the heavy snow to come here originally intending to meet Zhang Guoqing and build a relationship. But now they are disappointed!

I have to say that sometimes power is really a good thing and it can suppress a lot of small thoughts.

Zhang's mother, who had no idea what was going on, kept pulling her elder sister Miao Lishan to chat with her three little grandsons, and happily watched her two daughters-in-law serve food and wine.

Zhou Xiaozheng, who was not far away, made an invitation, "Second brother, you and your second sister-in-law should pack two sets of clothes and go to the guesthouse with us later."

"I'd better forget it. I can just go there during the day and come back to sleep at night. It's not that far."

"Don't give me that. You're being picky with me." Zhou Xiaozheng glanced at him. "Don't you want to talk to your oldest son? Don't you want to spend more time with Ping'an and the other three little guys?"

"Those officials will definitely come looking for you later. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be here." Father Zhang cheerfully changed the subject. "How long can you stay this time?"

Zhou Xiaozheng nodded inwardly after hearing what he said.

"Xiaowu came here this time to exchange three or five days' shifts with his colleagues. After drinking at the Dashan family's wedding, he was anxious to go back the day after tomorrow night."

"So fast..." Father Zhang looked at everyone reluctantly.

"If you think it's too fast, you and your second sister-in-law can come with us."

Father Zhang shook his head. "We have to pay respects to our ancestors at the end of the year, and my two daughters have to return to their parents' home during the first month of next year. Even if we wanted to leave now, we can't."

Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head speechlessly. He was just showing off how many children he had.

Zhang's mother heard this and asked Miao Lishan softly, "Sister, isn't the train this morning? Why are you leaving the day after tomorrow? Why don't you leave early the next morning?"

Miao Lishan smiled and replied, "Xiaowu has just started working, so we can't delay him any longer. The day after tomorrow, his father will finish his meeting, so we can take the military train back with him."

As it concerns her eldest son's career prospects, Zhang's mother doesn't dare to ask them to stay for a few more days.

"Sister, if you are not going to the capital at the end of the year, then go in the spring. Our Jiaojiao is away, and she can't be filial to you properly." These are what Old Lady Cheng taught her.

According to Old Lady Cheng, regardless of whether the Zhangs were going to the capital or not, they, as in-laws, had to send an invitation. After all, their beloved eldest son had been living in the Zhou family for a long time, almost like a son-in-law, and they couldn't let him feel like he wasn't their own.

Miao Lishan felt that the old lady's words made perfect sense. Such a good son-in-law was trained by his in-laws, so she had to be more careful to maintain the relationship between the two families.

"Hahaha, my Jiaojiao hasn't forgotten to be filial to me and her father." Mother Zhang looked at Zhou Jiao happily, "This child is thinking about us even when I'm not around."

Miao Lishan praised, "That's because you, big sister, are so kind to her. Her aunt always says that Jiaojiao is so lucky, and there's no other mother-in-law as good as you in this world. Before I came, she even asked me to check on how you're doing and to help you if you encounter any problems."

Zhou Jiao glanced at her mother with amusement. If she kept saying this, she'd be exposed. If she met someone with more ulterior motives, they'd probably just climb the ladder and ask for work and money.

When Zhao Dashan arrived after hearing the news, he happily ran over and hugged Zhou Xiaozheng, "Brother Zheng, I finally see you. Why don't you come to my house first?"

"Guang and I have an appointment to meet you for a drink tonight." Zhou Xiaozheng patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "How are you feeling about marrying off your daughter?"

Zhang Guoqing jokingly chimed in, "The cabbages I worked so hard to grow were eaten up by a pig. My uncle Dashan must be in tears."

This made Zhao Dashan laugh, "That's not the case."

He let go of Zhou Xiaozheng and looked at Zhang Guoqing, who was dressed in military uniform. "Finally, we're on the right track!"

"I have to thank Uncle Dashan."

Zhang Guoqing knew what he meant and was even more grateful for the effort he had put into him. Otherwise, his father-in-law wouldn't have given him such a big honor and came all the way to congratulate him.

"What are you thanking me for?" Zhao Dashan said with a disapproving smile, "How is it at work?"

"That's good. Although they can't compare to you, uncle, they still take care of the younger generation." Zhang Guoqing changed the subject, "Is there anything at home that I can help with?"

Zhao Dashan clapped his hands, "Really? Are you going there or with me tomorrow?"

This matter had been discussed before we came here. It might not be appropriate for Zhou Xiaozheng and others to appear at the banquet, so Zhang Guoqing and his wife will replace them tomorrow.

Zhang Guoqing smiled and said, "I won't go over there to join in the fun. It's better for me to be Yuanyuan's brother. I'll go over there tonight to give the gift, and I'll be here tomorrow."

Zhou Xiaozheng looked at the time and said, "I'll ask Xiao Wang to drive you there later. Come back early to have a few drinks with your father and your uncle Dashan."

Since they had already made an appointment, it was already getting late after they finished eating noodles, and Zhang Guoqing didn't want to waste any more time. He took his gifts and cash and got on the bus to the commune.