Gu Zhihong pouted, "Grandpa said we should endure it for now and fight back when we have the ability. But, sister, when can we fight back? There are so many people, we can't beat them."
Jiang Qiao sighed and patted her younger cousin on the shoulder, "Come on, let me teach you kung fu. You might be able to use it in a fight someday."
The little one didn't forget her brother either: "Sis, let's wait for big brother to come back together, okay?"
Gu Zhixuan returned quite quickly. As soon as he heard that his little cousin was going to teach them kung fu, he immediately perked up. He had had enough of being beaten up before, so it would be great to get his revenge.
The two brothers started learning from Jiang Qiao in the courtyard. Jiang Qiao first taught them some tricky fighting techniques, and then some fist and foot techniques.
"If you want your opponents to truly fear you, you must first become strong yourselves. You two need to exercise every day. Start by running, then practice the boxing techniques I'll teach you. Without strength, even the best punches and kicks are useless. Strength is very important."
Jiang Qiao shared her experiences and insights from the past few years with her two cousins.
The two brothers' eyes lit up. "We'll start practicing tomorrow morning, little sister. Don't worry, once we've practiced well, we'll never be bullied again."
Jiang Qiao smiled and shook her head, "Sometimes force can work, but what's truly powerful is this—"
Jiang Qiao pointed to his head and said, "The best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting. In the future, we should read more about military strategy and use our brains more often. Let others fight for us while we watch the show. That's what's truly clever."
Jiang Qiao's words made the two brothers fall into deep thought, especially Gu Zhixuan, who thought for a long time before looking up in surprise.
"I understand, little sister. Last time, you used candy as bait to make them fight amongst themselves. Was that the same principle?"
Jiang Qiao smiled and gave her older brother a thumbs up. "Brother, you're amazing! It's already very good that you thought of that. You summarize it and see which is more impressive. But you still need to exercise when you need to, it can save your life in a critical moment—"
Gu Hanting, who had just returned from a business trip with Qiao Jie, wanted to applaud his granddaughter's words, but he held back for fear of attracting attention.
“Well said. From now on, do as your sister says. The reason Grandpa didn’t let you fight back was because he was afraid you didn’t have the strength and would only get beaten more.”
Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "Don't forget, there's a sign for military dependents over at the cowshed. Although our family is landlords, we are also military dependents. This is our talisman. If anyone dares to challenge us, we can use this to intimidate them."
Jiang Qiao didn't really understand what being a military dependent meant before, but after getting to know Song Junqiang, she realized that this label was very effective.
Speaking of this brand, Qiao Jie suddenly remembered something: "Oh my god, how could I forget? Girl, Wang Dahua went to the neighborhood committee and said that her only son has been found. She hopes that the organization can help her son's family transfer their household registration and also help the family find jobs."
Jiang Qiao was stunned. "She really did that? Didn't she say before that she couldn't bring shame to her son? Why is she using that now?"
Qiao Jie sneered, "That's because you're not her biological granddaughter. Besides, she doesn't even care about a little girl like you. Moreover, you'll be getting married in the future, so why would she use her son's reputation for a girl who's about to get married?"
Things are different now. In Wang Dahua's view, exchanging this for the eldest son's family is worthwhile.
Jiang Qiao gave a wry smile. "That old lady is really good at scheming. But it has nothing to do with us now. Who cares how she schemes? Grandpa, come in and sit down. Brother, go close the door."
Jiang Qiao and Gu Zhixuan quickly brought up the food. Jiang Qiao could hardly bear to look at the food in the cafeteria. It was much worse than what she had eaten before. The flatbread was not just plain flatbread; it was mixed with a lot of vegetable leaves. The stew had no oil at all; it was just a messy stew.
"You're going to eat this now?"
Gu Hanting sighed, "It's already good enough to have this to eat. I'm worried that after a while, we won't even be able to eat this anymore. After all, we're busy planting wheat right now, which is exhausting. We can only make some dry food for everyone for now. You see, it won't be long before we're drinking porridge."
Qiao Jie waved his hand, "Forget it, let's not talk about this. Let's talk while we eat. Girl, quickly tell your grandfather about your uncle's situation."
Jiang Qiao told the old man to eat while listening. When Gu Hanting heard the news that his son would be back in six months, the old man almost couldn't hold his chopsticks.
However, upon hearing Jiang Qiao's explanation, the old man nodded as he listened, "Girl, I'm sorry to trouble you. Doing this will give your uncle something to do. You said that now that he's back, he really has no other way out but farming."
"After we finish planting, I'll ask the team leader for leave and take your older and younger brothers to see your uncle."
"Should I take you there?"
The old man shook his head. "No need. Your grandfather isn't as useless as you think. I know that place."
Jiang Qiao casually mentioned the two families she knew, saying that if the old man and his family came over, they could stay at the Liu family's house.
"Sigh, I really never expected that my eldest son would be involved in underground activities. I really misunderstood him before, and I've wronged him—"
Qiao Jie advised from the side, "Brother, don't think too much. The child has his own insistence and ideas. As long as the child is okay, everything can be discussed. Besides, the girl has already paved the way for you, and things will only get better from now on."
Gu Hanting, however, was not so optimistic. "I hope so. I don't think next year will be good. The weather is too abnormal. Brother Qiao, if possible, you should prepare more food."
Jiang Qiao looked at the old man in surprise, "Grandpa, you don't think it's a good idea either?"
Gu Hanting smiled and said, "You'll see when the time comes. It's better to be prepared than unprepared."
Qiao Jie nodded in agreement, "I think so too, girl. Go out and look around when you have time. If you see anything for sale, we'll buy it and bring it out for your grandpa and the others."
Jiang Qiao chuckled, "Don't worry, I definitely will if I have the chance, Grandpa. You can eat without worry. If it's all gone, I'll buy more."
"Grandpa Qiao, you're going to Grandpa Jiang's house later. We can invite him over for dinner tonight. I've already prepared a gift; please take it with you. Grandpa, is that alright?"
Gu Hanting nodded. "Okay, we'll come back for dinner tonight."
After eating their fill, the three generations of the family didn't dare linger and went back to rest, as they still had work to do in the afternoon.
Jiang Qiao said to Grandpa Qiao, "Grandpa Qiao, this afternoon, let's go to the old forest to collect herbs, and while we're at it, let's see if we can bring back some wild game."
The old man had no objections. After inviting Jiang Weihan, the grandfather and grandson carried the basket up the mountain.
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