After a quick glance, she realized it was just as she'd expected. The elder had stated his age and told the younger generation to consult their respective parents. But after all, these were his grandchildren, and he had some concerns that he couldn't bring up with outsiders. So, he just wanted to vent a bit and get his oldest son's opinion.
As for Father Zhang, he is still the father-in-law who has the cunning of an old farmer, a little harmless selfishness, and is also a kind and sensible father-in-law.
While rural residents toiled from dawn to dusk, facing the earth and back to the sky, yet still barely able to eat or wear clothes, his eldest son and his family escaped the countryside and moved to the city. This was something many people longed for and dreamed of, and it undoubtedly made him even more convinced of the hard work his son had put in.
After all, thousands of years of Confucianism and simple folk customs have determined that the Zhang family must take the so-called "right path" - the poor serve as soldiers, the rich engage in business, and the weak go to school.
But if Zhang Guoqing had not made efforts for that family, what else would there be to look forward to in this day and age, whether in business or in school?
Zhou Jiao knew that Father Zhang should also understand this, so it was even more impossible for him to let the grandchildren of the Zhang family hold their eldest son back.
Well, deep down, I didn't want to hinder my eldest son's future.
Zhang Dad's actions reminded Zhou Jiao of Dai Lao. People often say that children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, but who can truly let go completely?
Being a human being is difficult, and being an old person is even more difficult.
They also want to reduce some of the burden on their children, but the ruthless passage of time has changed everything. When they grow old, they realize that their wishes are there but their abilities are not.
"Jiaojiao?" Zhang Guoqing called out softly when he saw her staring blankly at the letter. Did his wife think she was also one of those smart-aleck types?
Zhou Jiao woke up and smiled at him, "If you want to help, just do it. Don't think too much. As long as you are happy." As she said that, she looked at her three sons intentionally.
Ping An immediately reacted and said with a smile, "Dad, we were just joking."
"Yes, no matter what Dad wants to do, we support you."
"Well, Dad has the final say."
After hearing his sons' declaration, Zhang Guoqing's mouth twitched.
Is it really that serious? He's not a sensitive person. Besides, the road has been paved for his nephews, children, and nieces. If they still can't make any waves, it would be better to return home as soon as possible.
"Okay, you guys should go to bed."
Zhou Jiao pulled out the letter for the children from the envelope and quickly sent them away. She supported so-called democracy, but she didn't want her son to disrespect his father.
Compared with the trivial matters in her hometown in Northeast China, the issue of children's education is more worthy of her careful consideration.
"Wife, come and read the letter."
Zhang Guoqing deliberately read Zhang Chunming's letter first.
Sure enough, the whole article was written in Zhang Meili's voice, telling about the recent big and small things in his hometown, including his father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and even the relationship of his eldest son Zhang Ziwen, who had just gotten engaged.
There was no mention of his second son who was a soldier and the other two children.
His elder sister remained the same as before, which made Zhou Jiao hesitate after reading it.
"Silly! If Ziwu really retires and returns to the county, Uncle Dashan will naturally help me without me asking. My brother-in-law is the smart one. He knows that you have a good relationship with my sister."
Zhou Jiao thought about it and realized that it was indeed the case.
Zhang Guoqing first picked out the letter paper from Xizi and Zhang Guofu. He thought that his eldest nephew would discuss this matter with him, but his eldest brother was like Zhang Meili and would never mention it.
Zhou Jiao waited for him to finish reading before she smiled. She took the letter without looking closely, glancing at it briefly before lowering her eyes. "Xizi has really grown up. His choice of words is very clever."
"A nephew is not a son after all. No matter how close they are, they will still consider their own family to a certain extent."
“It’s human nature.”
Zhang Guoqing laughed sarcastically, "I'll wait a while before replying to this letter. I've been so busy at home and abroad lately, so this might as well give everyone a break."
Zhou Jiao had no objection to how Zhang Guoqing handled the Zhang family's affairs. Moreover, she had just remitted money to the two elderly people two days ago, so she felt she had done enough.
In other words, Zhang's mother wanted to save money. Every time a large envelope of letter paper from the whole family was sent, it would feel bad not to reply to anyone, so she always wasted time replying.
She said, "There's really no need for all that nonsense. They just keep asking about how you're doing and whether the kids want to go back home."
Why go back?
Some people are more suitable to spend more time together to enhance their relationship, but her son, from childhood to adulthood, the first thing he learned was to analyze the other person's purpose through his words and actions.
So why bother?
Just like the three Ping An brothers, all they had to do was respect their grandparents. They didn't care how many papers you brought, as long as you signed half of a paper and said hello to the elders, that was all they had to do.
Look, how much easier and more convenient it is.
"Big brother is a pretty good guy, worthy of being born from the same parents."
Zhou Jiao smiled reluctantly. Time would reveal everything. No one could predict the right and wrong. She just hoped Zhang Guoqing wouldn't be hurt. That was enough.
This silly man is so lacking in love.
"What are you thinking about?"
Zhou Jiao chuckled and shook her head, "My aunt didn't call."
"Hey, I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't told me. I guess the Wen family isn't in a hurry about this matter. Maybe Elder Wen has other ideas. Come, let's read the letter together."
…
At this moment, Cheng Ruzhu, as the couple called her, was reminding her youngest son, "That's enough. You're still at the scrap yard? It's better to let you be scrap."
After she finished speaking, she walked to the door and took a look. She turned around and took a few steps before poking Wen Yu's head with her finger. She lowered her voice and scolded him, "Where's your brain? There are so many people who want to join the art troupe but can't find a way. And you, on the other hand, are running to your sister to ask for a job change. You really piss me off."
Wen Yu quickly grabbed her arm and begged for mercy with a playful smile, "Don't be angry, don't be angry. I just mentioned it to my brother-in-law. Since my brother-in-law said no, didn't I just come back without further discussion?"
Cheng Ruzhu was so angry that she couldn't help laughing. She nodded with her finger and said, "You have been spoiled by us adults. I am your mother, how can I harm you? If it weren't for your sister and brother-in-law, you three brothers would have joined the queue long ago. Behave yourself."
Wen Yu chuckled, "Is my second aunt going to ask my sister for help? Mom, you better take it easy. Don't ask my sister for help with everything. It's annoying."
Cheng Ruzhu gave him a funny look and asked, "Aren't you afraid that your grandparents will beat you if they hear this?"
"Why are you hitting me? We're so far apart, how can my sister help me? Can you let her behave like a human being? If there is one, there will be two. I have several aunts."
Cheng Ruzhu didn't know what her son meant by "so far away" was the relationship between the two families or the distance between places, but she quite agreed with this idea. However, she had no interest in discussing these things with the boy.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
