After Old Man Zhu and Huang Mei came in, they praised their son again.
Zhu Youtian agreed repeatedly, but Zhu's wife pouted, thinking that Zhu Youliang was just lucky. When she heard that he and his wife were going to take the exam for the machinery factory, she couldn't help but feel jealous. Zhu Youtian was not good at studying and only finished junior high school. She didn't even graduate from elementary school. The boys didn't study much either. They couldn't even eat enough in the past few years, so who would study? Now they are old and it is too late for them to study, but the two younger ones still have a chance. Thinking of this, she set her sights on her youngest son Dunzi. She thought that as soon as the boy reached the age, she would send him to school and watch him study, maybe she could train him to be a worker. Thinking of this, she whispered to Zhu Youtian and discussed it.
When Old Man Zhu heard this, he said proudly, "I've told you all along that all children should be sent to school. Only by studying can they have a bright future. But you two just didn't believe me. Now you understand, don't you? There's a difference between those who have studied and those who haven't."
Mrs. Zhu agreed in her heart, but she said, "Dad, you can keep this to yourself at home, but don't spread it around. You've forgotten that there are still a few old men and women living in the cowshed."
Old Man Zhu was choked by her words, "That was in the past. I think they will go back sooner or later."
Huang Mei saw that her old man was unhappy, and after glaring at Song Hehua, she said, "When Lao Liu goes to the city to work as a worker, don't try to get close to him. I'll tell him someday that you, as his wife, have always looked down on him."
Mrs. Zhu said hurriedly, "Mother, that's not what I meant. I'm doing this for Lao Liu's own good, isn't it? I heard that although the town isn't as chaotic as it was before, it's not much better either. Why are you hiring people at the machinery factory? Isn't it because there's a new leader? The new leader has no one under him, so he's thinking of hiring. But think about it, if those people lose such good jobs, how can they be happy? They're definitely going to make a fuss."
Huang Mei was startled: "Where did you hear that?"
Sister-in-law Zhu was a little embarrassed to speak, but seeing her mother-in-law looking at her, she said, "I overheard Zhang Zhiqing say that. Zhou Zhiqing asked him if he wanted to take the exam for the machinery factory, and Zhang Zhiqing said no, saying he wanted to continue his university studies. I think Lao Liu and his wife should try harder and take the exam again this year. If they get into university, wouldn't that be even better?" After hesitating, she continued, "Zhang Zhiqing also said that the machinery factory is in chaos right now, with too many people watching. Even if they get in, they're afraid it won't be good."
Huang Mei thought for a moment before asking, "Is this Zhang Zhiqing the one who came from Shangjing and whose family has high-ranking officials?"
Mrs. Zhu nodded quickly. "That's him! His family sends him big packages every month, so he has plenty of money on hand."
Huang Mei frowned and turned to look at Old Man Zhu: "Old man?"
Old Man Zhu thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "No, we have to go to Lao Liu's house. I know Zhang Zhiqing; he's a steady man. If he said not to go, he must have his reasons."
Huang Mei didn't go with him. She sighed and went to her room. Getting into university wasn't easy. She knew her son. He used to have good grades, hoping for a good life. But then, when he realized he couldn't go to university, he never touched a book again. He took the exam last year, but he didn't pass. Perhaps because he did so poorly, he had lost all confidence in the exam.
Zhu Youliang and Liang Yuan were discussing the mechanical factory exam when Old Man Zhu arrived. After hearing his words, the couple decided to wait until the university entrance exam. They couldn't stand being watched. If they were mistaken for spies, it wouldn't just be their family that suffered, but the entire Zhu family as well. They had received a favor from the original owner's family, and they couldn't repay that kindness with hatred.
Old Man Zhu was very pleased to see that they agreed to continue to take the college entrance examination. After giving them a few words of encouragement, he went home.
Since they were no longer going to the machinery factory and still had to prepare for university, the couple dug out all the books and other belongings of the original owner and decided to read for a while every day. Although they both had doctorates, they weren't sure if they could use them here.
The next morning, the couple woke up early and went to work. Zhu Xing left a little later. After taking care of Tongtong and eating the remaining porridge from the pot, she took her to the foot of the mountain to cut grass for the pigs. There were already many children there, and when Zhu Chunhua saw the siblings, she quickly waved to them. Zhu Chunhua was the third child of Zhu Youdi, and because she was the same age as Zhu Xing, they had a much closer relationship than the other sisters.
"Sister, hurry up. Third sister has a lot of pig feed." Tongtong let go of Zhu Xingtong's hand and ran towards Zhu Chunhua.
Zhu Chunhua's younger brother was also there. He was only two years old this year. His full name was Zhu Chunfeng, nicknamed Xiaozhu. He also had an older brother, Zhu Chuntian, nicknamed Dazhu. Dazhu was already thirteen years old this year. In those days, he was equivalent to half a labor force. He was assigned to pull rice seedlings in the rice fields.
"Xiao Zhu, you can't eat grass." Zhu Yuetong took the grass out of Xiao Zhu's mouth and said.
Zhu Chunhua said, "Don't worry about him. This grass is bitter, he won't eat it." After saying that, she looked up and asked Zhu Xingtong, "Nannan, did Uncle Six really fix the tractor?"
Zhu Xingtong: "Call me Ah Tong, not Nan Nan."
Zhu Chunhua: "Oh, Atong, Uncle Liu really fixed the tractor."
Zhu Xingtong: "Really."
Zhu Chunhua: "Sixth Uncle is really amazing."
Zhu Xingtong nodded, squatted down, and joined in mowing the grass. Tongtong carried the grass she had cut into her backpack, occasionally running over to play with Zhu Chunfeng.
Although there were many children and the pig grass was lush, there was no dispute and they soon filled a basket with pig grass.
When the grass baskets were full, and it was still early, everyone started collecting firewood. They didn't dare venture into the mountains, so they just gathered branches and other things at the edge of the forest. Some went to pick thorny shoots and sweetgrass roots, while others simply played on the grass. Some picked flowers, others caught dragonflies, and the atmosphere was lively. Zhu Xingtong, watching the fun, also felt a little playful and tried to join in the wreath-making, which he actually had a bit of fun with.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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