After scanning swiftly over ten lines, it was indeed as she expected. The old man candidly mentioned that he’s getting old, suggesting the younger generation discuss with their parents. But in the end, these are his grandchildren and grandsons, and he didn’t feel comfortable sharing his worries with outsiders. Hence, he’s just venting a little and wants to hear his son’s thoughts.
As for Mr. Zhang, he’s still the crafty old farmer, with a bit of harmless selfishness, and is a sensible and well-meaning father-in-law.
In the countryside, people work from sunrise to sunset, facing the earth with their backs to the sky, and despite this hard work, they still often struggle to have enough to eat and find clothes to wear. His eldest son took the family out of the countryside and squeezed into the city. This is something many people have been yearning for and dreaming about, undoubtedly making him more certain of how much effort his son invested.
After all, thousands of years of Confucianism and simple folk customs have determined that Old Zhang’s family would follow the so-called "right path." What is that? The poor join the army, the rich do business, and the weak study.
But without Zhang Guoqing’s efforts for that family back then, whether in business or education, what could one hope for in these times?
Zhou Jiao knows that Mr. Zhang should be very aware of this, so there’s no way he’d let Old Zhang’s grandchildren drag his elder son down.
In-depth, it’s about not wanting to hinder his son’s future.
Mr. Zhang’s actions make Zhou Jiao think of Mr. Dai. People often say that grandchildren will have their own blessings, but who can truly let go completely?
Being a person is difficult, being an elder is even more difficult.
They also want to ease some burdens for their children, but the merciless passage of time has changed everything. They’re old and understand that their hearts are willing more than their power can provide.
"Jiao Jiao?" Zhang Guoqing saw her dazed with the letter and gently called out. Does his wife think he’s one of those self-righteous people?
Zhou Jiao came to and smiled at him, "If you want to help, just go ahead and do it. Don’t overthink it, do what makes you happy." As she spoke, she intentionally glanced at their three sons.
Ping’an immediately understood, smiled, and said, "Dad, we were just joking earlier."
"Right, whatever you want to do, Dad, we support you."
"Yes, it’s up to you, Dad."
Zhang Guoqing’s mouth twitched hearing his sons’ declarations.
Really? It’s not like he’s fragile. Besides, the path is already paved for those nephews and nieces; if they still can’t make waves, going back home sooner would be more fitting.
"Alright, you should go to sleep now."
Zhou Jiao took the letter papers meant for the kids from the letter and hurriedly sent them off. She supports so-called democracy, but never imagined sons disrespecting their father.
Compared to trivial matters back home in Northeast, the issue of child education needs more careful consideration.
"Wife, come take a look at the letter."
Zhang Guoqing deliberately first read Zhang Chunming’s letter.
As expected, this brother-in-law narrated entirely from Zhang Meili’s perspective about the various matters back home, including the father-in-law, mother-in-law, elder brother-in-law, younger brother-in-law, and even about the eldest son Zhang Ziwen’s engagement.
Not a word about the second son in the army or the remaining two kids.
His elder sister remains unchanged; however, it made Zhou Jiao a bit hesitant after perusing it.
"Silly! With Zi Wuzhen retiring to the county, I don’t even need to speak; Uncle Dashan will naturally make fine arrangements. Brother-in-law is the smart one, sure you’re close to my elder sister, he knows that well too."
Zhou Jiao thinks indeed it’s like this.
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