Chapter 240 Hibernation is for better survival and protection

According to old customs, the second day of the Lunar New Year is the day when married daughters return to their parents' home.

The two aunts of the Lu family, Lu Yuzhi and Lu Yulan, along with their husbands Liu Haitang and Song Xiang, came to the Houhai courtyard house again, carrying carefully prepared New Year's gifts.

None of the children were brought, so it's clear this isn't a typical New Year's greeting.

Old Master Lu has been living here for a long time.

The entire Gu family was present.

The doors and windows of the main room were tightly closed, with thick cotton curtains hanging down, blocking out the cold air and noise.

The charcoal brazier was burning brightly, making the room warm and cozy, but the atmosphere was somewhat different from the solemnity of the New Year.

Gu Dongguo knew the importance of today's conversation. Without being told, he wrapped himself in his military overcoat after breakfast, grabbed a small stool, and...

They sat directly on the veranda leading from the hanging flower gate to the inner courtyard, facing outwards, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel would unintentionally approach.

Everyone had arrived in the main room.

Gu Dahe, Wu Guixiang, Gu Jianqiang, and Li Fenfang sat on one side, looking tense and serious.

Old Master Lu sat in the main seat, while Lu Yuzhi and her husband, and Lu Yulan and her husband, sat on the other side, their faces solemn.

Gu Baobao and Lu Zhanming sat side by side, near the seat next to Old Master Lu.

Without exchanging pleasantries, Old Master Lu got straight to the point, his gaze calm and steady as he looked at Gu Baobao:

“Baby, you drank too much last night and said some drunken things. But drunk people speak the truth, and those words weigh heavily on the hearts of us old folks.”

Today, there are no outsiders here. Let's close the door, be family, and have a heart-to-heart talk. What are your thoughts on the present and the future?

All eyes were on Gu Baobao.

Gu Baobao sat up straight, not avoiding Old Master Lu's gaze.

Today she was wearing a simple cotton-padded jacket, her hair was neatly combed back, her face was still young, but her eyes were clear and calm, with a wisdom beyond her years.

"Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle,"

She spoke slowly, her voice clear and calm.

"I was indeed drunk last night and said some nonsense, which startled everyone. But I have some concerns, and they are not unfounded."

She paused, organizing her thoughts, trying to point out the danger without making it too horrifying.

"I traveled from the island to the capital, and along the way, I encountered many things and heard some rumors."

She chose a reasonable entry point.

"The higher-ups are tightening their grip on class struggle more and more. The movement is showing a tendency to spread from the cultural field to other fields."

Intellectuals, those with overseas connections, those from families with problematic political backgrounds, and even those who simply enjoy reading and expressing dissenting opinions, could all be drawn into this and subjected to... close scrutiny.

She used the relatively mild term "emphasis," but everyone present understood the meaning behind it.

"The reason why Zhanming and I wanted to keep our wedding simple and hold it in our hometown was also because of this."

Gu Baobao looked at her elders.

"Neither of our families is unknown anymore. My grandfather is a retired cadre, Zhan Ming holds an important position, and I... am somewhat famous in name only."

A tall tree catches the wind. At this time, any slightly out-of-line behavior may be magnified and attract unnecessary trouble.

Therefore, my idea is that, from now on, both our families should try to keep a low profile, ideally to the point that people will forget we exist.

Lu Yuzhi's husband, Liu Haitang, nodded in agreement:

“Baby is right. Our Bureau of Commerce and Trade has also been cracking down on bourgeois lifestyles and 'collusion with foreign countries' recently, and the scrutiny is very strict.”

Many normal household items, like furniture and mail, can now become problematic. It's time to rein in these practices.

My uncle-in-law, Song Xiang, that soldier, had a deep and powerful voice:

"Ideological rectification is also underway in the military, and things are very tense. Caution is the best policy."

Gu Baobao continued:

"Specifically, I have a few points in mind. Please listen and see if they are correct."

She stated each point calmly, as if analyzing a patient's condition:

"First, valuable old items in the home, especially gold and silver jewelry, antique paintings and calligraphy, foreign language books and periodicals, and letters with overseas postmarks."

Anything that could potentially be labeled as "old ideas," "bourgeois," or "colluding with foreign powers" should be hidden immediately if possible; anything that is truly inconvenient to hide... should be disposed of to eliminate any potential threats.

The two aunts from the Lu family exchanged a glance and understood that now was not the time to feel sorry for each other; they should deal with what needed to be dealt with to prevent any unexpected trouble.

"Secondly, be extra careful with your words and actions. When speaking in public, only say what needs to be said, do not discuss current events, do not comment on leaders, and do not spread rumors. Especially for children of your younger cousins' age, you must repeatedly remind them that trouble can come from what they say."

Lu Yuzhi and Lu Yulan immediately said that they would definitely discipline their child strictly when they got back.

"third,"

Gu Baobao looked towards where Gu Dongguo was sitting, though separated by the curtain, and then looked at Gu Jianqiang.

“My brother is in the army, and my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts are in our hometown. It’s a relatively simple environment, but you have to be careful not to stand up for others or get involved in any factional disputes. Just focus on being a good worker in your own fields. After we go back for the wedding, my grandparents and parents will stay in Qinghetun. The countryside is a relatively simple and safe place now!”

Gu Jianqiang nodded repeatedly:

"I understand. I'll just focus on farming and not say much."

Fourth, regarding my work with Zhan Ming.

Gu Baobao looked at Grandpa Lu.

"I will adjust my research direction as soon as possible, moving towards a more practical direction that is more relevant to the national economy and people's livelihood."

For example, developing cheaper and more effective drugs for common and frequently occurring diseases in rural areas and at the grassroots level;

Alternatively, I could improve battlefield first aid and epidemic prevention plans to meet the needs of the troops. I want to establish myself with tangible contributions that no one can deny.

That way, even if there are storms, they won't affect us for the time being.

She spoke with a firm and resolute tone, carrying a do-or-die determination.

A glint flashed in Old Master Lu's eyes, and he clapped his hands, saying:

"Great! Baby's idea is both sound and brilliant! Earning a living through ability and letting contributions speak for themselves is the most fundamental principle!"

He looked at Lu Zhanming.

"Zhanming, your task is to protect the baby and support her. You two support each other both at home and outside, and we, the elders, will stay behind to keep things stable and not cause any trouble!"

Lu Zhanming solemnly replied, "Yes, Grandpa!"

Gu Baobao concluded by saying:

"In general, my idea is: lie low, accumulate strength, be cautious in words and deeds, and establish yourself based on solid skills."

The future may not be smooth sailing, but as long as our family is united, works together as one, remains humble and cautious, and works diligently, we will definitely be able to minimize the risks and weather any storms safely.

Her words, while not as dramatic as her drunken ramblings last night, were more systematic and pragmatic, providing a clear direction for action.

Like a reassuring pill, it gradually calmed the panicked family members who were terrified last night, and gave them a clear goal to strive for.

The somber atmosphere in the main room was gradually replaced by a firm sense of shared destiny.

Old Master Lu looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice:

"Everyone understands what the baby said. From today onwards, our two families will do as the baby said!"

Mind your own business, mind your family's business, keep a low profile, and work diligently. If anything happens, communicate promptly. As long as we act uprightly and honestly, and don't give anyone any leverage against us, the sky won't fall!

"yes!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices not loud, but carrying a heavy weight of power.

The sunlight outside the window had somehow pierced through the clouds and shone on the snow in the yard, reflecting a dazzling and clean light.

Although the road ahead may be full of thorns, at this moment, the hearts of family members are closely linked, and they have the courage and wisdom to face the storm together.

Hibernation is for better survival and protection.

The real contest, however, may have only just begun on an unseen level.