"Mom, there are so few mothers-in-law in this world as understanding and caring as you. It's my blessing to have married into this family."

Upon hearing her mother-in-law's words, Zhou Qinglan smiled and quickly placed a few dumplings on her plate.

This wasn't entirely flattery; Zhang Shuzhen's actions were indeed impeccable.

During Zhou Qinglan's month-long confinement, Zhang Shuzhen took meticulous care of her.

While other women's daughters-in-law looked pale and thin after giving birth, Zhou Qinglan actually gained weight.

Whether a woman has had a good postpartum period is immediately apparent.

"Don't say that. Xiping marrying you is a blessing for our whole family."

Zhang Shuzhen was overjoyed by her daughter-in-law's words and quickly picked up a dumpling and took a bite.

When I took that first bite, I realized the dumpling was sweet, and then I saw there was half a piece of candy inside.

"Oh, I'm eating a sweet dumpling right now."

"Your daughter-in-law is on your side, isn't she? She gave you a sweet dumpling."

"Mom, aren't you feeling incredibly happy right now? Sweeter than honey, right?" Sheng Xiping teased his mother on purpose.

"Nonsense, how could I not be happy to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law? I've raised you all these years, and I've never seen you serve me any food."

"Can Zhang Shuzhen still spoil her son?" he immediately complained.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room burst into laughter.

The night of New Year's Eve seemed particularly cold, but inside the Sheng family's house, laughter and joy filled the air, creating a warm and happy atmosphere.

Everyone came up with new ways to eat dumplings, and we ate just as much as we wanted.

After eating dumplings on New Year's Eve, Zhou Qinglan and the others quickly packed up their things and left.

Then Sheng Xiping led his wife, younger brother and sister, and Chen Feng to kneel on the ground and kowtow to wish Sheng Liancheng and his wife a Happy New Year.

Sheng Liancheng and his wife were overjoyed. They quickly woke up the children and took out a stack of red envelopes they had prepared beforehand, distributing them to each child one by one.

"Here, daughter, this is yours." Zhang Shuzhen took out a relatively large red envelope and stuffed it into Zhou Qinglan's hand.

"Huh? There's still some for me?"

Zhou Qinglan was stunned. She hadn't received any New Year's money at her parents' home for several years. She never expected to receive this treatment after getting married.

"Yes, you're a new bride, it's your first year in our family, so here's a red envelope for you to keep warm."

Zhang Shuzhen said with a smile, then took out another one and stuffed it into Zhou Qinglan's hand.

"This is for my grandson. You hold it for him and save it for him. Don't spend it."

Zhou Qinglan, holding two red envelopes, looked towards Sheng Xiping. Sheng Xiping smiled upon receiving his wife's gaze.

"This is New Year's money from your mom. Just accept it, it's alright. Keep it for your son to spend later."

Chinese New Year is all about good luck. No matter how much money it costs, it's the elders' good intentions, so accept it without feeling embarrassed.

Since Sheng Xiping had said so, Zhou Qinglan didn't hesitate and generously accepted the red envelope from her mother-in-law.

"Thank you, Mom. On behalf of Xinhua, I also thank his grandparents. When Xinhua is older next year, we'll have him kowtow to them to wish them a Happy New Year."

If the red envelopes are given to the daughter-in-law and grandson, then the son definitely won't get any.

Sheng Xiping naturally didn't pick and choose; he just happily went with his wife to the west room to see their son and stuffed the money directly into their son's swaddling blanket.

On the east side of the house, Zhang Shuzhen continued to hand out red envelopes; the children's New Year's money was still two mao each.

Sheng Xi'an was already grown up. He was already earning money as an educated youth in the forest farm. Sometimes he would go up the mountain with his older brother to share some of the earnings. Naturally, he didn't care about those two cents, so he gave them to the sixth brother.

As for the others, they were all still in school and didn't earn money, but two cents was still a lot, so they happily accepted it.

Only Chen Feng, holding the red envelope, sat there and shed tears.

"Oh dear, what's wrong with you? It's the New Year, a perfectly good day, why are you crying?"

Upon seeing this, Sheng Liancheng quickly pulled the child to his side, gently wiping away Chen Feng's tears with his large, rough hands, and asked softly.

"I... I can't even remember what Chinese New Year was like before. When my maternal grandparents were alive, Chinese New Year was never this lively."

I have new clothes to wear, so much delicious food, and even lucky money! It feels like a dream.

Chen Feng tried hard to recall the past, but he was still young and couldn't remember many things from before.

I only vaguely remember that I used to live in the city, and life seemed to be alright back then.

Since returning to the village, the food and clothing have gotten worse every day.

Especially after her maternal grandparents passed away, the three of them struggled to even eat, let alone celebrate the Lunar New Year.

"Good child, let's not think about the past. You are our family's child now, and you have everything that others in the family have."

Although our family isn't extremely wealthy, we can still provide for your food and clothing.

You don't need to worry about anything. Just focus on your studies and grow up healthy.

Sheng Liancheng held Chen Feng in his arms, gently coaxing him while patting the child's back.

Chen Feng was just a child after all, and his tears were merely a momentary outburst of emotion.

He was comforted in his grandfather's arms, and thinking about how good the Sheng family had been to him, his emotions calmed down after a while.

"Grandpa, Grandma, I will study hard and when I grow up and become successful, I will take good care of you."

The little guy sobbed as he expressed his feelings to his grandparents.

"Okay, okay, Grandpa and Grandma are just waiting for our Xiaofeng to be successful in the future, get into university, find a good job, and then take care of us."

Zhang Shuzhen pulled Chen Feng to her side again and took a handkerchief to wipe his face.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!