Mother Zhang watched Zhou Xiaozheng enter cheerfully and shook her head secretly. It was fortunate that Zhou Jiao was such a well-behaved and sensible child. Otherwise, with her father doting on her like this, she would have worried that the child would change. She had never seen anyone love their daughter so much.
Old Cheng watched him walk in with a smile on his face and teased him, "Are you relieved to see your daughter? I think you wish you could shrink Jiaojiao and put her in your pocket and take her away."
Zhou Xiaozheng said cheerfully: "My Jiaojiao has a good temper. When something happens, she will rack her brains to think about it without saying a word. I know she must be worried about me, so I take the time to go and talk to her to prevent her from having too many thoughts." After saying that, he looked at Zhang Dad without saying a word, just looking at him.
Father Zhang glanced at him sideways with annoyance and complained, "Don't you just want to take your daughter to the county town to stay for a few days? Go ahead, go ahead. You're looking at me like that, and you're not going to let me drink anymore?"
"Come on, Second Brother Zhang, there's nothing much to say about your relative. I'll toast you a glass. We've known each other since childhood, and I know you and Second Sister-in-law are honest people. I won't say anything empty, I guess I'll be going back in the next two days. Today, there's a good brother from the provincial capital waiting for me in the yard of the county town. I want to entrust the child to him, and by the way, take the child to stroll around the county town in the next two days to get a feel for it, so that he won't be bullied by others. I'm really worried about me leaving, so you and Second Sister-in-law should take good care of Jiaojiao in the future. She's still a child, and she looks sensible, but she's old, so you have to give her some advice on everything."
Zhang Dad finished his drink, smiled and glared at him, "Don't worry. The child is a good child, nothing will happen. When you leave, I'll let you take your precious daughter to the county town with you, okay?"
Since meeting Zhou Xiaozheng, Cheng Sijin had never seen such a sentimental side to the cold-faced king. He lowered his head and chuckled. This guy said it was nice, saying he was afraid of being bullied, but just look at his daughter Jiaojiao's eyes and the way she spoke, and you can tell she's not someone to be trifled with. He was thinking of ways to take his daughter to the county town to enjoy life, but he just said so many tricks without thinking.
Lin Lishan smiled apologetically at Zhang's mother. "Sorry, big sister, we won't have any vacation time during the Lunar New Year when we go back this time. We just want to take them there to stay for a few days to see if there's anything else we need to pack for the children. After the Lunar New Year, Xiaowu will go back to work, so there's no need to rush. Please don't worry."
Mother Zhang patted her hands and sighed, "They say the love of parents is the most compassionate. I understand what you and your wife mean. Don't be embarrassed. Once everything is tidy, you can work with peace of mind. This child is sensible and well-behaved. I like her from the bottom of my heart. She is back home, and I will never let her suffer any injustice. When the child is older, I will let Xiaowu take her and her mother to visit you in Beijing."
Old Mrs. Cheng looked at them with a smile and said softly, "That's good. You two are sitting together, talking and laughing, and you can understand each other. This is a good thing. It's also a blessing for our Jiaojiao. Xiaowu's mother, you will be blessed in the future. Look at your three sons, each of them is capable and filial. The two daughters-in-law are good-looking, kind, and reasonable. You have so many children and grandchildren. You two are so blessed."
Mother Zhang nodded cheerfully and said, "I'm happy to hear what you said. Thinking about the hardships I endured in my youth, I'm now able to wake up with a smile."
Halfway through the drinking session, Zhang's mother and her two daughters-in-law were busy preparing the meal. By the time everyone finished lunch, it was already past one in the afternoon. The men gathered in the main hall to chat, leaving Huang Cuilan and Lin Juhua to clean up the mess. Zhang's mother, Old Lady Cheng, and Lin Lishan headed to Zhou Jiao's bedroom in the west wing.
As soon as Lin Lishan came in, she saw the clothes placed on the chair and complained to her, "Didn't you agree to wait for Mom to come before cleaning up? Why don't you take a break?"
Zhou Jiao smiled ingratiatingly at her mother and went forward to help Old Lady Cheng sit on the kang. "Aunt, lean back on the kang for a while and let's chat."
After saying that, he took out the prepared key and handed it to Zhang's mother. "Mom, I'm going to stay in the county for a few days. The key to this room is with you. Don't lock it normally. Just take it if you need anything. I won't bring anything with me, just a few changes of clothes. If the children at home want some candy, they can be found in the outer drawer. You can use the stove. My parents still have a lot of coal briquettes. If there is anything, I will send a message to you. You have to go to the county. Also, my eldest sister needs to warm the house next Sunday. Can you please see if I can prepare anything?"
Mother Zhang watched her chatter away with a smile, and when she was ready, she said, "Don't worry, stay there for a few days. I'll come to the county town to find you if anything happens. I've prepared everything for your eldest sister. You three brothers haven't split up yet, so there's no need to do favors. If you're too busy in the county town, ask your eldest and second sisters to help you pack. Don't be shy. You haven't had enough confinement yet, so don't forget to take care of yourself in your excitement. Don't even touch cold water. Oh, you troublesome child. I'll go with you later, and I'll tell your eldest sister to come visit you if anything happens."
The more Zhang's mother spoke, the more worried she became. She quickly stood up and said to Old Lady Cheng and the others, "Jiaojiao's aunt and elder sister, you two stay and chat with Jiaojiao. I'll go back to the house to pack up and go into the city with you later." After saying that, she looked at them and nodded with a smile, then hurried out.
"Hey, Mom, the key..." Zhou Jiao watched her rush out and was at a loss whether to laugh or cry while holding the key.
Old Mrs. Cheng looked at the scene in front of her happily and said with relief: "Jiaojiao, although you married early and the Zhang family is from a farming family, this family has rare character, so it can be considered that you married the right one. Your aunt can finally explain to your grandmother that you should live a good life. We are not afraid of anything you lack. In the future, your aunt will give it to you. Don't be stingy and take good care of your health."
Zhou Jiao climbed onto the kang and leaned against the old lady. "Aunt, I'm not short of money. My mother gave me a lot, which is enough for me. It's enough for you to just stay with us young people."
Old Mrs. Cheng stroked her hair, her eyes red as she whispered, "After all, our child has been wronged. Look at you, you're so pale and thin, and you didn't take good care of yourself after the confinement period. If your grandparents were here, you wouldn't have to do anything. There would be people to take care of you. Child, let's go back to Beijing. There's someone to take care of you at home. Your father will be living in the small courtyard when he goes back this time. There's no shortage of manpower at home, and your great aunt can see you often."
Zhou Jiao suppressed her sadness and forced a smile, "Grandma, I want to try to walk my own path. I'll be back in Beijing soon, please wait for me. I don't have too many requirements in life, and I'm doing fine now. My dad still has a lot of things to deal with when he returns to Beijing. You and Grandpa have rich life experience, so you have to help take care of my dad.
My dad likes to keep things to himself; he's used to it, but I'm worried. I'm afraid he'll risk everything for me and the Zhou family. "Please keep an eye on him for me. All positions are empty; as long as he's safe and sound, that's all that matters. Also, while my mom is around, you can urge them to give me some brothers, even sisters. I'll take good care of them in the future."
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