Feng Qingxue seldom went out, unable to proclaim her status to the world as Wang Jiao had suggested. Wang Jiao, however, never missed an opportunity to speak.
First, she announced her pregnancy to both her family and her husband’s, and then she played up her fatigue, complaining of dizziness, nausea, weakness, and seeing stars. With that, she comfortably took to her bed, only rising to eat or relieve herself and ignoring anyone who tried to rouse her.
Zhang Yuejin’s parents, used to their son’s complete indulgence of Wang Jiao, dared not complain. Once they finished their farm work, they had to prepare her meals.
When he found out his wife was pregnant, Zhang Yuejin treated Wang Jiao even more tenderly, striving daily to improve her health. One day he would bring home a piece of meat, the next day a bag of fruit. Even on harder days, he would manage to bring home a few pieces of candy. Wang Jiao reveled in this, feeling like she was living a fairy tale life and smiling at Zhang Yuejin all day. Zhang Yuejin felt incredibly gratified.
Wang Zhenguo and Miao Fengqin knew their daughter well, and responded with a mix of exasperation and amusement. As long as Zhang Yuejin’s salary could support her and there was enough grain to make up for her lack of work, all they had to do was ensure Zhang Yuejin paid for her contribution.
Feng Qingxue, recently relieved from work duties to focus on childcare, had a similar approach.
However, she was never idle, continuing to attend to her patients and deliveries.
So, the old couple didn’t interfere with their daughter’s drama to avoid working.
This year, the weather was kind. After the tax grain was handed in, the remaining grain was safely stored away. They had just planted sweet potatoes and corn when a big rain came, and within a few days, the entire field was covered in lush, green shoots, bringing joy to their hearts.
Two months to lift their head, four months to roll over, six months to sit, seven months to crawl, eight months to pull up, nine months to stand with support, and before the year was out they would be able to walk unaided.
Each phrase representing a baby’s developmental milestones in their first year.
Since Lu Jiang wasn’t at home, after receiving his two latest letters, Feng Qingxue was entirely convinced that he had written them in advance and got someone else to send them. He was not in the army as he didn’t mention the baby’s name once and kept referring to his child as ’baby’. So she decided to keep a diary of their baby’s development for him to review and participate in their child’s growth upon return.
"Xiaoxue, do you have any grain tickets?" Feng Qingxue, who had just lured her son to sleep, heard Wang Zhengguo’s voice outside the door.
Feng Qingxue hurriedly invited him in, "Yes, Ajiang’s comrade just sent over some grain tickets. I was planning to send Tianjun and Acheng into the city to exchange the tickets for grain and post it to them."
The comrade was Huo Beiting, who would send numerous tickets and money every month, expressing heartfelt gratitude in each letter.
Wang Zhengguo delightedly said, "Don’t bother with all that. You give me the grain tickets, I’ll give you the grain."
Feng Qingxue was taken aback, "Uncle Wang, what do you need the grain tickets for?"
"They’re not for me, they’re for the villagers." Wang Zhengguo said with a smile, "Haven’t the market conditions improved this year? Many young men and women have announced their love interest. They’d have to go to the city, right? Young men are stubborn, and it would shame them not visit a state-owned restaurant when they are in the city. Hence, they all need grain tickets and came asking for them."
Feng Qingxue asked in surprise, "I remember if we farmers need grain tickets, we can exchange them at the grain administration office, right?"
"Yeah, that’s quite inconvenient, isn’t it? Your military grain tickets are much handier! The city people are quite envious of these military grain tickets." Wang Zhengguo said, lowering his voice, "Our farm has stored quite a lot of grain this year. You can exchange any grain tickets you have with me. There are quite a few people down there who want to use grain tickets to eat in the city, so it would be better if you guys do not attract too much attention in the city."