Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 344 - 264: Full Moon Ceremony 3_2

After tidying up the aftermath and returning the borrowed tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks, the Zhang Family slumped in the living room, not wanting to move. Zhang Meili had anticipated this, so she had her man take the kids home first. The last time Zhang Guoqing got married, she was so busy that she slept a full day and night on the bed.

Zhang Meili pulled Zhang Guoqing to sit beside her and whispered, "No one from the Old Zhou Family came today. Even Zhou Family Patriarch had his daughter-in-law bring over a basket. Isn’t that strange?"

Zhang Guoqing had indeed forgotten about the Old Zhou Family. Ever since his father-in-law’s identity was exposed, he hadn’t seen that family. Plus, with so many people and matters today, he really didn’t notice who hadn’t come?

"If they didn’t come, they didn’t come. Let’s see what Jiao Jiao says later. Big Sister, who else didn’t come? I think everyone came except Aunt, right?"

"Even people we didn’t know came, so who didn’t? Aunt sent a gift for the baby shower but hasn’t shown up at all. Could something have happened? I think our Dad is worried. Don’t mention Aunt to them. I guess they’ll go to Aunt’s house in a few days." Zhang Meili warned him uneasily.

Mr. Zhang, seeing the whole family present, gave Mother Zhang a look. Mother Zhang took out a handkerchief wrapped with money from her pocket and placed it on the bed, then spoke to Zhang Guoqing, who was whispering, "Xiao Wu, this is the favor money from the villagers today. It’s all for our Ping’an. It’s not much, just a gesture. Keep it for the child."

Zhang Guoqing hurriedly shook his hand, "Mom, we agreed. The villagers’ favor money is yours and Dad’s to deal with. Keep this money for returning favors in the future. Put it away. Even if you give it to Jiao Jiao, she won’t want it."

Mr. Zhang knew his child didn’t understand these customs, "This money must be kept for the child. It’s not for you; it’s for Ping’an. Take it. This money and usual favors are two different things. You covered today’s expenses, even paid for the pig slaughtered at home, and Dad didn’t turn it down. Why would we fuss over this small money? It’s a rule; ask your brother and sister-in-law if they kept the favor money for Xi Zi’s baby month celebration?"

Mr. Zhang deliberately said this in front of the whole family, to prevent the two daughters-in-law from getting envious of the youngest son’s house full of gifts. Although the youngest didn’t take cash gifts today, there were plenty of food and clothing sent over.

He heard from his eldest daughter that the couple’s room was piled up to the point it was hard to turn around. He knew it must be a lot. He had to clarify that they hadn’t separated yet, and his youngest had already given money even for the pig slaughtered at home. This time, the banquet was indeed funded privately by the youngest, to prevent future friction among the brothers and sisters-in-law.

Zhang Guoqing took the money from Mother Zhang when he saw his father insisting. He smiled and refused when his two brothers said they would return the pig money.

Kidding aside, besides his hunting supplementing the household, the pig was the biggest income for the family. Not to mention he and Zhou Jiao hadn’t even touched a pig hair, all tended by the two sisters-in-law, how could he have the nerve to take advantage without a separation?

As for the grain used in the house, since his father didn’t mention it, he kept quiet. He had the highest work points in the family, plus the fine grains brought over by his mother-in-law, he was clear in his mind.

Brothers settle accounts clearly. Don’t think just because the brotherly love is good now that things can be dealt with carelessly. If he didn’t handle it himself, the two sisters-in-law would certainly feel uncomfortable, there’s no way her child’s baby ceremony could be less grand than his son’s. Before separating, it’s better to be clear. Taking a small loss allows the parents to handle things smoothly.

After handling the youngest son’s affair, Mr. Zhang then asked the second son, "Second, how is your yard coming along? I see you work every day and probably can’t handle it yourself. Plan early and get help early if needed. Otherwise, it’ll be too late to move. Keep it in mind."

"Dad, Xiao Wu and I have already prepared the window paper, outer door curtains, and firewood for the main house in the yard. The side rooms can wait until next spring. Now all that’s left is to move things into the house to start living."

Mr. Zhang nodded. He was aware that his son was reliable. Ever since hearing the mason’s advice, once the three rooms of the main house were built, his two sons started tidying them. With fewer family members, it’s fine to sort the side rooms next year. He planned to ask the patriarch for a good day to separate, seeing that Xiao Wu’s days were getting better, it was better to distance them to avoid envy and quarrels.

Zhang Guoqiang was busy the whole day and exhausted, but felt very pleased. Without contrast, there’s no harm. He had given up hope on his own in-laws, but today, seeing Xiao Wu’s in-laws behave so honestly, even saying they felt guilty towards their son-in-law, was unexpected.

Oh my, it’s like the sun rising from the west, really surprising. Regardless of how true their words are, this is enough. He doesn’t ask for much, as long as they don’t make trouble, he won’t neglect any filial piety owed.

At this moment, Zhang Guoqiang didn’t know his in-laws, ever since he started receiving public rations, feared he’d resent the wife and sever this marriage. Old Lin and his wife and their son and daughter-in-law schemed for a long time and concluded: Seeing the son-in-law about to prosper, they weren’t worried about not having a girl to marry him. This son-in-law could only be coaxed, not offended. With good relations, he wouldn’t hesitate to help the in-laws. Who would be foolish like the Old Zhou Family and cut off a good path?

When the Old Lin couple came today, they were shocked. Important folks from the countryside came, and looking at Zhang Guoqing’s in-laws—a cartload of gifts, several bamboo baskets of eggs, they hadn’t seen a baby month celebration this extravagant. Not to mention those few who were obviously military relatives.

Now, with the whole family gathered in the outer room, looking at his wife and them grinning at the gifts, he finally awoke, realizing that after raising so many who cost him, his family finally produced someone useful. Thinking of what his youngest daughter secretly slipped to him, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud.