After Laba, the smell of the New Year begins to fill the air.
The Chen family at the foot of the mountain is no different from other families in the village. They are busy every day preparing for the upcoming New Year.
The only difference is that most villagers save things at home, but they mail them out in packages.
In the past, there was only the eldest son, and at most when he sent a package at the end of the year, he would bring a copy to Shao Zheng.
But now, not only are the three sons serving in the army, there is also a daughter-in-law and a future son-in-law (the son-in-law could have been ignored, but people are too polite and mailed the New Year gifts early).
In addition, the fourth and fifth children received care from the Bian family, so Cao Qiuhua and Chen Zong, who had always been thinking about them, started to get busy one or two months earlier than usual.
This busy schedule lasted until the end of the year. Chen Zong took the last package to the town to mail it. Cao Qiuhua finally relaxed and complained with a smile: "Children are all debts."
It was a rare moment of free time, so Chen Nongmo cooked two bowls of sweet soup with the candied dates and raisins sent by his brother Shao Zheng.
After hearing what Qiuhua's mother said, she smiled and handed over one of the bowls. She thought to herself that if there was less kindness in your eyes and a little smile on your lips, she would believe it: "The New Year is only three days away. Fourth and fifth brothers should be back, right?"
Cao Qiuhua scooped a spoonful of the sweet soup into his mouth and felt that the taste was just right. He could make it a few more times in the future. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "It should be ready soon. It's not good to come back after the New Year."
Speak of Cao Cao and he will appear.
At noon, when the mother and daughter were preparing lunch, a familiar cheerful voice sounded outside the house:
"Mom! Lao Liu! I'm back."
Chen Nongmo's face lit up with joy when he heard the noise. He immediately stood up from behind the stove and ran out. Even Cao Qiuhua brushed his hands on his apron twice and followed him out happily.
Seeing that the fourth child was already laughing and joking with her daughter, she turned her attention to the fifth child who came back with her. After a careful look, she found that he looked very energetic, so she asked with a smile: "I was talking about you this morning, but I didn't expect you to come back so soon. How many days can you stay at home this time? Why did you bring such a big package?"
Chen Yi put the package on the table, took the hot tea handed over by his mother and drank a few sips before replying: "I will go back on the second day of the New Year. The package is full of New Year gifts from the Bian family."
When Cao Qiuhua heard that the children could only stay at home for a few days, she felt a little disappointed at first, but her brows furrowed when she heard the following.
When he watched his son take out the exquisitely packaged candies and snacks from his bag, he said helplessly, "Why are there so many good things? Did you really accept them?"
Chen Yi pulled his mother to sit down and comforted her, "Mom, everyone likes the pickled rabbit, pickled chicken, and rice cakes you sent to the Bian family. Our two families are relatives, and only by exchanging gifts can we last long. You don't need to lower your attitude because of your eldest brother, me, and fourth brother."
After having a warm chat with his sister, Chen Jun also came over and put his arm around his mother's shoulders: "Mom, we have our share of favors, don't think too much."
These words coming out of the mouth of the lively fourth child made Cao Qiuhua stunned. She looked up at her son, whose features were becoming more and more handsome. Just as she was about to say that he had grown up, she saw her daughter exclaiming and rushing to the kitchen.
Seeing this, she slapped her thigh and rushed in, completely ignoring her complicated emotions: "Oh no, the food is burnt!"
= In the end, there was a plate of burnt and weird scrambled eggs on the lunch table.
If it were in the future, Chen Nongmo would definitely throw away that dish.
But in the Chen family, which is a relatively well-off family, eggs are good things, so there is naturally no such thing as throwing them away.
After the family had a lively lunch, they didn’t take a nap.
Chen Zong took the twins and the gifts he had prepared long ago and went to the nearby villages to give New Year gifts to the families they had contact with.
There were also a few widowed families who received some rice and flour as food, just as they had done before.
Chen Nongmo originally wanted to go with them, but snow started falling outside again, so he gave up the idea and stayed at home with Qiuhua's mother to fold paper money.
Although the four olds were destroyed and the authorities resisted superstition, many villages still insisted on burning paper at graves.
In their view, this is a tradition passed down by their ancestors and they have to burn it secretly, otherwise the deceased elders in the underworld will have no money and will have a hard time living.
Chen Nongmo used to not believe these things, but after she was reborn, she began to believe them a little.
"Look at the snow, it won't stop any time. Why don't you not go and let the fourth or fifth brother kowtow on your behalf." Early in the morning on New Year's Eve, Cao Qiuhua took out the folded paper money, looked at the snow outside that was getting heavier, and suggested worriedly.
"You'd better go. My dad will definitely be thinking about you. Don't worry, it only happens once a year." Chen Nongmo only thought for a few seconds and continued to tie the waterproof cloth around his legs.
She is Chen Demao's biological daughter. It would be fine if she was not in Shanshun Village, but it is somewhat unreasonable for her not to go home.
Hearing this, Cao Qiuhua did not force it anymore. She squatted down and helped her daughter tie the clothes together, muttering, "Then go. If it's really hard to walk, let the fourth and fifth brothers carry you for a while."
At the side, Chen Jun, who was wearing thick boots, laughed and said, "Okay, my sister is small anyway."
Chen Nongmo slapped his fourth brother and said angrily, "I'm afraid you can't even carry such a small one."
In fact, she is not really short. At least in the south, a height of 166 cm is considered tall. But compared with her family members who are all tall, Chen Nongmo always feels that she is very petite.
Especially since Fourth Brother would tease her about his height from time to time, which made her pay more attention to it.
"How is that possible? Believe it or not, I can lift you up with one hand?" As he said this, Chen Jun playfully stretched out his right hand, pretending to pick the person up.
Not only did Chen Nongmo dodge flexibly, he also kicked him.
But Chen Jun was also used to playing with his sister, and had long been accustomed to her routine. He moved to the side swiftly, and did not forget to say in anger: "Look, you can't kick because your legs are short, right? Are you angry because of shame, Lao Liu? I am short, so what."
The younger sister's eyes were about to spit fire. Chen Yi jokingly separated the two of them, thinking about each other when they were not together and quarreling when they met: "Okay, we have to go. Come back early to help mom prepare lunch. We have to go to the public housing to watch a movie in the afternoon. Hurry up."
Chen Nongmo retracted his outstretched fist, rolled his eyes at his fourth brother, tidied himself up, stopped looking at the annoying guy, grabbed his fifth brother's arm, and followed Zong's father to the back mountain.
Seeing that Laoliu ignored him, Chen Jun didn't get angry. He hung around his younger brothers and sisters and chatted and laughed.
Cao Qiuhua stood at the door, listening to the children's laughter. She waited until the four of them disappeared in the thick snow curtain before returning to the house with a happy smile on her face.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and I have to prepare more delicious food for the children.
= Chinese New Year.
It is a day of celebration for the whole country, and even the military is no exception.
In previous years, most soldiers organized performances and made dumplings themselves, working as a regiment.
This year, the brigade political commissar made an effort to secure a provincial art troupe to perform.
They are professionals. Whether it is singing, dancing or poetry recitation, their performance is at a high level that is rarely seen.
For this reason, the entire army was busy and excited.
At times like this, not only the political commissar was busy as a sledgehammer.
Even regiment commanders like Shao Zheng, who were in charge of combat readiness and military training, could not escape and were drafted into the army.
Fortunately, today is New Year’s Eve, which is also the day when the art troupe comes to perform.
Shao Zheng, who had finally taken some time out from his busy schedule, didn't go anywhere. He sat in the office looking through the letters his girlfriend had sent him, wondering whether he should give her another call.
"Read again? You must have torn this letter to pieces, right?" Chen Wuwen came over and called his brother to go home for lunch. Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the office, he saw Lao Shao holding a piece of letter and smiling happily.
Before Lao Chen poked his head over, Shao Zheng had already folded the letter neatly, stuffed it into an envelope, put it in the drawer and locked it, then looked at him: "Why are you here?"
Chen Wuwen curled his lips: "Didn't I tell you a few days ago that I would go to your house for lunch today?"
On New Year’s Eve, the entire army made dumplings and watched performances together, so he decided to invite his brothers to his home for dinner at noon.
After all, he has a family now, and it’s the New Year, so he should take care of his lonely brother.
Thinking of this, Chen Wuwen glanced at the drawer where the letter was placed again without leaving a trace.
Shao Zheng pinched his brows, smiled and stood up: "I forgot about it in my busy life. I have been ordered around by Old Hu these days. Let's go."
Lao Hu is his partner and the political commissar of the Second Regiment.
Chen Wuwen was not in a hurry to leave. He sat down on the stool, pointed at the stool opposite him, and motioned his brother to sit down.
"What? Are you planning to have a long talk?" Shao Zheng walked over with a smile.
"Let's talk business, stop laughing."
"Okay! You talk and I'm listening." In order to give face to his brother-in-law, Shao Zheng sat up straight.
Seeing that he suddenly became serious, Chen Wuwen hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to start the conversation.
Seeing this, Shao Zheng's eyes flickered, and he probably guessed what his brother was going to say. He smiled and raised his hand: "If it's about my girlfriend, don't say anything. Let's talk about it after the New Year."
This statement aroused Chen Wuwen's temper. He crossed his arms, frowned, and looked at him seriously: "Old Shao, tell me the truth, your partner is really not playing tricks on you?"
"What?" Shao Zheng was totally shocked as he had never expected to hear such words, his expression was incredible.
Seeing his big reaction, Chen Wuwen was even more disappointed: "Why are you so surprised? Don't blame me for being harsh. Have you forgotten Cheng Hui in your group? What's the difference between your current situation?"
Shao Zheng twitched his lips, making sure that he had not misunderstood what Lao Chen meant, and he felt terrible.
There's a big difference, okay?
Cheng Hui was a squad leader under him. In the first half of the year, on his way home to visit his relatives, he met a girl and started dating her. He was so happy that he opened his heart to her and wanted to give all his family assets to her.
It's nothing. Nowadays, most people date each other with the intention of getting married, so handing over salary is not strange.
The problem was that Cheng Hui spent nearly two years’ savings, buying this and that, and was with the girl for half a year, but the girl broke up with him and turned to find a formal job, a worker with a stable job.
Oh, Cheng Hui also failed to write a written report of his relationship under the sweet talk of the other party. He lost both his money and his life, and there was no way to complain, after all, it was all voluntary.
After thinking about it, Shao Zheng covered his face with his hands in amusement. From Lao Chen's perspective, they did look alike.
"You're still laughing? Tell me, how long have you been with that person? Three or four months? You've given all your family assets to that person, right? Not only do you send things to him every now and then, but you also have to ask your comrades-in-arms from all over the country to mail them to you. Wouldn't it be a pity if it all comes to nothing?" It's not that Chen Wuwen is stingy. If the other party is like his Yuegui, it's not impossible to give everything to her as long as she gives a firm promise.
My brother is fine. He almost gave away his heart and soul, but got nothing in return. He was not even allowed to reveal her name, let alone any love report. I don't know where that woman got such great ability to make my brother so obsessed.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it was not worth it for his brother. Chen Wuwen raised his hand again to stop Lao Shao from speaking: "Think about it yourself, does what I said make sense? In the past few months, count how many good things you have sent her? What about the other party? Apart from the two letters you turned over and over, I haven't seen anything else."
Shao Zheng did that because all the things Yu Yu sent to him were packed together with Lao Chen's.
The content of the letter is not suitable for Lao Chen to see, so it is mailed separately.
But how to say this? Without explanation, the little girl became a bad woman in her brother's mouth.
I tried to explain, but the little one didn't let me say it.
Shao Zheng, who was in a dilemma, rubbed his handsome face and emphasized dryly: "Old Chen, you really think too much. My partner treats me very well."
"Bullshit!" Seeing his brother was stubborn, Chen Wuwen was angry and anxious, and he cursed directly: "I have eyes, you say she is good, what's good about her? She is not as good as my sister to you. At least every time Yu Yu sends me something, you are always included."
"What are you two arguing about?" Political Commissar Hu appeared at the door of the office, followed by several battalion commanders and company commanders from the Second Regiment.
I came to find my partner to do the final inspection with the group, but I didn't expect to see that the two of us, who always had a good relationship, were arguing. I was immediately surprised.
Chen Wuwen suppressed his anger and returned to his usual self: "We didn't argue about anything."
Political Commissar Hu didn't believe it and looked at his partner.
Shao Zheng smiled and made an excuse: "We didn't argue about anything. Old Chen was angry because his sister sent me something again."
Once these words were spoken, not only Political Commissar Hu, but even the others believed them.
After all, everyone knows that Captain Chen of the troupe dotes on his younger sister very much and shows off all the good qualities of his younger sister every day.
He also often argued with Shao Tuan about who his sister cared about more.
Captain Hu, who believed Shao Zheng's words completely, was speechless. "Are you two childish? What's the point of arguing about this kind of thing every day? After all, Sister Chen is old enough to get married, right? I tell you two, there's no point in arguing. She will definitely treat her husband better in the future."
This sounded nice, and Shao Zheng put his fist to his lips to hide the smile on his face.
Chen Wuwen was furious: "What nonsense are you talking about? My sister is only 18 years old, why would she get married? She should wait at least another ten or eight years."
Hearing this, Shao Zheng straightened his lips and looked at his brother with cold eyes.
Political Commissar Hu was also at a loss for words. Just as he was about to say something, a head popped out from behind him.
This man is called Zuo Hao. He has some family background. After graduating from high school, he went to a military academy for further studies. He was just assigned to the 738th Unit this year, at the company level. He is 23 years old and a very promising young man.
Captain Chen and Captain Shao were good friends, but they had quarreled many times over fighting over each other's sister and made many jokes, which was known to the whole brigade.
In addition, the younger sister often sent packages to the two of them, so most people were quite curious about this mysterious girl.
Zuo Hao was one of them. After listening so much and being at a good age, it was inevitable that he would have a lot of thoughts.
When he heard Chen Tuan say that his sister was 18 years old, he immediately came over jokingly and said with a smile: "Captain Chen, 18 years old is not young. Today is New Year's Eve, which means tomorrow she will be 19 years old, and she is old enough to get married. What do you think of me?"
Shao Zheng and Chen Wuwen's faces turned cold and they looked at him together, with knives almost flying out of their eyes.
Zuo Hao coughed lightly, not wanting to look at his captain's darkened face. He continued to fight for it despite the pressure: "Well, I think I'm OK. My family conditions are not bad, and my age is more suitable. Isn't my sister going to join the army after the New Year? We can meet each other then. What do you think, Captain Chen?"
Shao Zheng's face was almost frozen with anger as he was snatched away by a subordinate he was very optimistic about. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Chen Wuwen beside him ask in a sinister tone, "How old are you?"
For some reason, these words made Shao Zheng's heart skip a beat.
Zuo Hao smiled and rubbed his hands: "23 years old."
Chen Wuwen only replied with three words: "Too old."
Shao Zheng, 27 years old Zuo Hao's face froze, thinking that he was only 23 years old, how could he be old? Just as he was about to say something else, a figure appeared in front of him.
Political Commissar Hu put Captain Zuo, who didn't know how to read other people's faces, behind him and changed the subject with a smile: "Let's talk about this later. Lao Shao, are you free now? Let's go to the regiment again."
Shao Zheng nodded: "If you have time, go now."
So the group walked out again. While Shao Zheng was locking the door, Political Commissar Hu looked at the tall man beside him and chatted with him with a smile: "Tuan Chen, I heard from my wife that Doctor Bian's belly is not far from the birth of the baby?"
When Chen Wuwen mentioned his wife, his face relaxed a little and he nodded, "It's only been seven and a half months, but the twins' belly is big, the doctor said that they may be born in about eight and a half months."
"It will be soon then. Won't your elders come over?" Political Commissar Hu was a shrewd man. He knew that Chen Wuwen loved his wife, so he thought he had picked a safe topic.
Unexpectedly, the man whose expression had just eased a little, suspected that the other party was asking for Zuo Hao's help, and said with a fake smile: "My mother and my sister will come to the army. The specific date has not been determined, but it should be soon."
Political Commissar Hu. Was he just glared at? "I'll pick up Yu Yu and his uncle and aunt the day they come." Shao Zheng followed his brother who was about to leave.
Chen Wuwen was not too sure about his wife being alone, so he slowed down his pace and nodded after thinking for a few seconds: "Thanks, brother."
Shao Zheng smiled sincerely: "Why are you being polite to me? We are all family."
Chen Wuwen was happy to hear this, and felt that his brother was really good. He was no longer angry and patted him on the shoulder emotionally: "You are good in every way, but you are not very good at finding a partner."
Now it was Shao Zheng's turn to smile: "My girlfriend is very good."
Seeing that he was unhappy, Chen Wuwen didn't say anything else. He just made a disdainful "tsk" sound and left quickly.
Watching his brother leave, Shao Zheng felt his head pounding. How could things have gotten to such an outrageous point?
After Lao Chen knows the truth, can he still be okay?
= Worrying about the possibility that my daughter-in-law might give birth prematurely.
Cao Qiuhua did not dare to delay. After the Chinese New Year, after sending the twins away on the second day of the Lunar New Year, he started preparing his luggage for the army.
Chen Zong was worried about his wife and daughter traveling alone, so he planned to send them to the army and have them stay there for a week before returning to Shanshun Village.
I have chickens and ducks at home and they can’t be separated from me.
If you need to take care of your baby for ten days or half a month, you can ask a good friend in the village to take care of him. It will definitely not be good if the care lasts for a long time.
The ticket was bought by Chen Wuwen, and the train time was set at 12 noon on the fourth day of the New Year.
There is no train station in the city, so before getting on the train, the three of them had to take several minibuses, which took most of the day to get to the provincial capital.
Therefore, in order to have more time, the family of three packed their bags and went out on the morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year.
Traveling in this kind of weather is a pain.
Not only was it cold, but the car was also driving slowly.
By the time Chen Nongmo and the other two arrived at the guesthouse near the train station, it was already 5:30 in the evening.
It took three hours longer than expected.
Fortunately, the hardship and suffering is only on the first day, and we will be on the train for the next two days.
Thinking of this, Chen Nongmo, who had booked a room and was accompanying Qiuhua's mother and Zong's father to have dinner at the state-owned restaurant, became curious.
When I take the train the next day, will my brother come to pick me up?
Or someone I haven't seen for a few months? = At 3 pm on the seventh day of the first lunar month, the train finally stopped at the Q City Railway Station after traveling for 41 hours and being 30 minutes late.
All three of them had sleeper tickets. After the train stopped, they waited in the carriage for a minute or two before picking up their luggage and getting off.
"Is that Xiao Shao over there?" Chen Zongren was tall and had long legs. He had just got off the train when he saw a man in military uniform looking around not far away.
Chen Nongmo looked over subconsciously and his eyes lit up.
It was really Brother Shao Zheng. He had obviously seen them and was running towards them quickly.
Seeing this scene, Chen Nongmo's nose suddenly felt a little sour for some reason, not very strong, just a little bit.
Probably. It was too similar to the scene when we parted at J City Railway Station before.
At that time, she was lying on the window, and Brother Shao Zheng, also wearing a military uniform, was running towards her along the train.
Thinking of this, Chen Nongmo blinked his eyes, blinking away the bitterness in his eyes, and greeted the man who had run up to him with a bright smile: "Brother, are you here alone?"
They met again after a long separation and their feelings were at their strongest. If possible, Shao Zheng really wanted to hug her tightly in his arms.
Unfortunately, reality does not allow it.
In the end, he could only stare at the little object who seemed to have become beautiful again with passionate and yearning eyes, and said softly: "Yes, your sister-in-law is pregnant, and your brother can't leave her."
After saying this, Shao Zheng, who didn't dare to look any further, forced himself to look away, reached out to take the luggage from Chen Zong's hand, and said respectfully: "Uncle, aunt, Happy New Year, how was the journey? Are you tired? Is everything going well?"
Although he had prepared himself for several months, the sight of the brat almost gnawing at his daughter still made the old father frown: "Humph."
Cao Qiuhua rolled her eyes at her husband, then smiled and said, "Happy New Year to you too. You almost slept through it all, and you're not tired at all. Thank you for your trouble in coming to pick us up."
Shao Zheng blushed, and subconsciously looked at his little partner who was also blushing, and then he suppressed the joy that was about to burst through his chest and said: "Auntie, you are too polite, it's my duty."
Chen Zong: “.Humph!”
Chen Nongmo/Shao Zheng Cao Qiuhua was speechless. She reached out and pulled her husband, then looked at the embarrassed young man: "Don't pay attention to him. He has a bad nose. Let's go now?"
Shao Zheng nodded hurriedly: "Okay, the car is parked at the entrance of the station, don't worry, it's only an hour's drive."
"Okay, okay, let's get going quickly. I'll feel uneasy if I don't see Yuegui for a moment." As she spoke, Cao Qiuhua had already pulled her husband ahead, not allowing him to look back and stare at the children.
Seeing this, Shao Zheng's nervous mood eased a little. He tilted his head and looked at the little object beside him, and slowly raised the corners of his mouth.
"Don't look, or you'll be looked down upon by Mr. Zong again." Chen Nongmo felt a little embarrassed by the man's direct gaze and warned him softly.
Shao Zheng chuckled: "Don't be afraid, just look at me coldly."
After hearing this, Chen Nongmo raised the corner of his mouth, looked up at Qiuhua's mother and Zong's father who were walking in front of him, and made sure that neither of them looked at him, then he quickly stuffed the candy he had been holding in his pocket into the man's pocket.
Shao Zheng was startled. He couldn't look with his luggage in his hands, so he could only ask in a low voice: "What is it?"
"Here's the candy. I think you'll like this flavor."
"Left it specially for me?"
It was indeed Chen Nongmo who was specially picked: ".Yeah."
These words were so sweet, definitely sweeter than any candy. Shao Zheng smiled with satisfaction: "I prepared some for you, too."
Chen Nongmo looked up and blinked curiously: "Is it candy too?"
Shao Zheng turned sideways and showed his other pocket: "You can take it yourself."
Hearing this, Chen Nongmo didn't think much about it. He tore off the gloves on his hands, approached the man, and reached into his coat pocket.
Just as I touched something and before I knew what it was, I heard Zong's father's unhappy voice: "What are you two doing?"
(End of this chapter)
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