What Feng Qingxue sought was a private space, a convenient place where she could obtain her nutrition supplies. What was the difference between living in the army and in Wang Xinsheng’s house? The latter was far more guarded than the former.
Xibao was just a child, naïve and innocent, showing him around by Wang Xinsheng was deemed acceptable.
The old leader was very fond of Xibao, and everyone naturally treated him with respect.
However, as an adult, Qingxue neither had the status nor the justification to live in Wang Xinsheng’s house. Seeing as Xinsheng was a man of authority, with prominent figures frequently visiting his house, how would she handle encountering them?
Most importantly, it was natural for Wang Xinsheng to show affection for Xibao. His favorable treatment of Qingxue was mainly due to his fondness for Xibao and their shared hometown. Who, among their acquaintances, would not gossip about this? Although her father might avoid any forthcoming difficulties, what about Wang Xinsheng? The crisis was like a sharp sword hanging over their home.
It was better to be cautious and avoid giving anyone a chance to criticize them in the future. Anyone could accuse Wang Xinsheng of being reckless and not considering the safety of the leaders.
If anyone wanted to cause trouble for Wang Xinsheng, they would indeed find numerous excuses.
After hearing her softly spoken reasons, Wang Xinsheng and Guo Yan appeared contemplative. The latter had a thoughtful look, "Little Xiaoxue has a point. Even though your uncle and I might not give much thought to it, others might have a different opinion. Xibao is a favorite of the old leader, and it often leads to jealousy and sour comments among other families in the courtyard. I pretend not to hear them. But indeed, our frequent visitors are influential figures and people could perceive our favoritism towards Lady Xiaoxue and her two children. This place is indeed not very convenient, as Xiaoxue mentioned."
With a sigh, Wang Xinsheng spoke, "Since it has come to this point, what more can I say? I will ask Xiaolan to look for a furnished small courtyard. After tidying up, you and your children can move in."
Feng Qingxue expressed her gratitude repeatedly, before bringing up a concern, "Would it be alright for us to live in someone else’s house during the month after childbirth?"
She remembered that some landlords didn’t allow tenants to have their confinement period in their properties. They considered it bad luck.
Guo Yan blinked at her, "Why not? Who even pays attention to these rules nowadays? I’ve never heard of them. When your uncle and I were fighting wars, we were constantly on the move. We lived in rented houses and went through the postpartum period there. All six of our children were born in different places. Even now, the house where your uncle and I live is owned by the state, and we still have to pay rent."
"You and uncle also have to pay rent?" Feng Qingxue was extremely surprised.
"Indeed! Including furniture use, your uncle and I pay tens of yuan in rent each month. The old leader pays eighty-four a month. It’s national property, not privately owned. You also have to pay rent when living in military housing, don’t you? Outside, in the bureaus and factories, which cadre or worker living in a state-owned house doesn’t pay rent?"
Hence, Feng Qingxue renting a house was a completely normal matter.
Lan Tianming quickly found a small courtyard. It was allocated to one of Wang Xinsheng’s old comrades who lived at the back street of a royal mansion near Houhai. The old comrade had already retired and lived alone with no family. On hearing that Lan Tianming was looking for an empty property, he packed up his luggage and moved away to live with other loner old comrades, leaving the small courtyard for Feng Qingxue and her children to reside in temporarily.
Wang Xinsheng, who was aware of this, instructed Lan Tianming not to inform Feng Qingxue. The rent was also paid by Wang Xinsheng.