Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Chapter 32: A Leisurely Chat Between Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law

"Mom, I’ll listen to you from now on and consult you in my affairs. I just feel that if Brother Xiao Wu is dressed well and there’s extra, the two older brothers shouldn’t be too different. Otherwise, what are real brothers for? You can’t just think of yourself." She knew she had a lot to learn to integrate into society and this family, but she wasn’t worried. Her mother-in-law was quite nice.

"You two young couples are good-hearted; I just hope they remember your kindness. We can rest easy if your brotherhoods remain strong," Mother Zhang sighed. Xiao Wu had been one for loyalty since childhood, and marrying a kind wife who was never stingy with her in-laws and nieces and nephews was fortunate.

Big sister-in-law Huang Cuilan came in with the second sister-in-law. "Mom, we seem to be taking advantage of our sister-in-law here. Why are you getting involved too? Xiao Wu is still young, and after the New Year, the separation will need money to support the household. Jiao Jiao, we accepted this time, but please, no more next time."

While speaking, she gently patted Ping’an and looked at Mai Sui, "Xiao Miao, does the milk taste good? Would you like to let your aunt have a taste?"

"You still don’t understand Jiao Jiao; she treats you like her real sisters-in-law. If she wants to give, then take it. I’m just happy to see you three so harmonious. Look at those other families in the village, always fighting and making a mess, even becoming enemies among brothers."

"Folks in the village praise you, saying it’s because you sisters-in-law do well. From your grandfather’s generation, we sisters-in-law never had quarrels either. Your great aunt is kind-hearted and will help whenever needed, and your little aunt may seem cold to others, but she is the first to help your dad’s three brothers’ families."

"When your grandfather was alive, he often said it wasn’t that the sons were dutiful, but the daughters-in-law were. A son’s duty is superficial; a daughter-in-law’s is genuine. Before passing, he even thanked the three of us and said, ’A harmonious family prospers in everything.’

Huang Cuilan and the three of them listened and seemed to understand, exchanging smiles as Zhou Jiao said, "I particularly admire the second sister-in-law’s skills and specifically asked for her help, so don’t talk about these niceties. Big sister-in-law, wouldn’t you like to see the three brothers go out in matching outfits like triplets? Just thinking about it makes me giggle. Mom, don’t you think so?"

The women in the room thought and realized it was true. Normally, everyone wore black or blue, looking the same on the road. This military green was rare in the village; standing together, they’d look like triplets, prompting laughter. Even Mai Sui laughed along.

Once the fabric was cut and the styles finalized, Mother Zhang saw there wasn’t much for her to do here and was worried about the men, so she left them to it, saying, "Alright, I’ll go check on them. You all take this rare free time to chat a bit. No need for you to clean the kitchen."

As she left, she winked at Zhou Jiao and glanced at her pillow. She feared Zhou Jiao might be naive and give everything away, remembering what was under the pillow.

Zhou Jiao bared her teeth mockingly, "Do you think I’m that silly?" She laughed out loud. "Alright, mom’s gone. Sisters-in-law, let’s get moving. The sewing machine is in the little living room outside, and the brown sugar and dates are in the drawer by the entrance. Help yourselves; I won’t be getting up with you all. Xiao Miao, would you like to stay with auntie?"

Huang Cuilan didn’t stand on ceremony and went with Lin Juhua to the little living room to sew clothes. Xiao Miao nodded, tugging at Zhou Jiao’s clothes, "Aunt, I want to drink more, but if I do, my little brother won’t have any milk."

"Didn’t grandma give you some? What’s left with grandma is for you to drink." It shouldn’t be; her mother-in-law wasn’t like that.

Mai Sui cautiously looked at her expression, appearing so timid it made Zhou Jiao heartache. Such a young child already understanding expressions, missing the innocence of childhood, acting like a timid little wife. "Grandma gave us each one cup during the meal, saying we’d wait for brother to come home and drink more together."

"Xiao Miao really is a good child! Your aunt’s milk is for your little brother here, okay? Would you like to take some milk powder home?"

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