Chapter 97
It was autumn once again.
In the field, the sorghum and its heavy ears swayed with the wind, like a red wave passing by. On the other end, the wolfberry were also ripe. The plump wolfberry dotted like rubies in midst of the green leaves.
Today's Qili production team was very lively because Wang Family's third lad was going to marry Qiao Family's third girl.
Three three get nine. Everyone merrily remarked that the two of them will definitely last a long time!
Over the past year, Qili production had undergone great changes.
First of all, half of the land in the production team was replanted with wolfberry. The wolfberry was a product that can be used for both medicine and food. It was more valuable than grain. Now one work point was worth 6 penny. After a month, a diligent family can get 20 yuan.
20 yuan wasn't comparable to a salary. In the past, no matter how hard one worked, they could get seven or eight yuan a month at most. When other production teams knew about it, they were all envious.
Because wolfberry wasn't a grain, it wasn't suitable for large-scale cultivation at present. So it was useless for other production teams to be jealous.
The production team got money and a lot of tile-roofed houses got built in the village. That's right. The production team already had its own primary school. The children of the nearby production team came here to study due to convenience.
All of this was due to Wang Family's old Third proposing the idea of grow Chinese herbal medicine. Otherwise, how could they have this current life?
Remembering that they didn't trust old Third Wang at the time, everyone still felt a little guilty. So now that he was going to get married, almost the entire production team came to help.
As for Qiao Family, they had become more and more prosperous. It was heard that they had bought a house in the town. How envious!
In midst of the chatter and laughter, a child shouted: "He's here. Here comes the groom!"
Everyone rushed out to take a look. My oh my, it was a SUV vehicle driving toward Qiao's house!
Oh my goddess. When Qiao Zhen Jun borrowed a bicycle when he married Lin Hui was enough to envy about. Never thought that old Third Wang would actually use a car when he married his wife!
There were people who were so envious that acid bubbled in their hearts; thinking how they were all from the same village and it was only a short distance away. Was it necessary to use a car?
As for the necessity, no-one know. Anyway, it gave more face!
The SUV stopped in front of Qiao's yard and Wang Yan Sheng got out of the car.
He was wearing a green military uniform, which made him tall and heroic.
All the young girls were green-eyed with envy. How could such a perfect man not belong to them?
Da Zhi stood in the crowd and watched Wang Yan Sheng. So jealous that her fingernails were pinched into the flesh of her palm.
She was filled with hate!
This man was simply blind. He actually set his eyes on a broken shoe and didn't even give her, a heavenly celestial from the city, a proper look. If he had chosen her, she wouldn't have been forced to marry that beast, Gou Sheng!
The last time she saw Wang Yan Sheng, she vomited in front of him. It was later confirmed that she was indeed pregnant. She was pregnant for ten month and gave birth to a son. She didn't like that child though!
She felt that the child was a testimony to her shame. So from the time the child was born to the present, she was unwilling to hold him!
What made her even more devastated was that her waist's weight gain from the pregnancy. She can't lose that weight!
Wang Yan Sheng keenly noticed that there was a gaze on him and glanced at the crowd. Soon, he turned back and led a group of brothers to Qiao's house.
When they got to the door, they were stopped. It wasn't Qiao Hong Xia's brothers who stopped them, but Qiao Family's children soldiers!
Like a hen protecting her chicks, An Ping opened his arms and said loudly, "This tree is open by me. This tree is planted by me. If you want to marry my aunt, leave the money to buy Aunt!"
When everyone heard this messy poetry, they all burst into laughter.
Qiao Dong Ying kicked him from the back and reprimanded, "What embarrassment? You don't listen when I tell you to read more and eat less!"
An Ping rubbed his butt and replied, "Second Elder Sister, reading more and eating aren't in conflict at all!"
In order to send this army of children away, Wang Yan Sheng was very generous; he gave each child five dimes. Even the twins who had just learned to walk got a share!
After getting the money, Qiao Dong Ying gave an order and all the children made way.
Da Qiao stood aside. Each hands held a small dumpling. Her fair and tender showed a sweet smile.
Although she smiled sweetly, she wasn't very happy in her heart.
One was due to Elder Brother Huo Chi. He originally promised to come back but was told that he couldn't come back before he set off.
According to Uncle Wang, this was Elder Brother Huo Chi's own good. After all, he changed his identity. The more low-key the better. If he came back and got discovered, then everyone will be in trouble.
Secondly, after Third Aunt got married, she would soon go to the army with Younger Brother Yi Ming. Grandmother said that it was called accompanying the army. She might come back once a year at most.
She can't bear to part with Third Aunt. Even more so with Younger Brother Yi Ming. When Younger Brother Yi Ming know, don't know how much tantrum he'll throw!
Wang Yan Sheng entered the main room and bowed to his parent-in-laws: "Dad, Mom, I'm here to pick up Hong Xia!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi looked at him and her voice boomed, "I hand my daughter over to you. Remember what you promised us. If you can't do it, no matter how high you climb in the future, I won't let you go!"
Wang Yan Sheng thought of his mother-in-law's iron fist and quickly affirmed with a serious face: "Dad, Mom, please rest assured. I will definitely treat Hong Xia and her son well!"
Talking too much was useless. Time will prove everything. From the current point of view, Wang Yan Sheng's character seem very reassuring.
Qiao Hong Xia and Wang Yan Sheng did the bow to parents. Before heading out the door, an incident happened.
"I can't marry you!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone burst into laughter again.
Because the person who said this wasn't Qiao Hong Xia, but her son little Yi Ming!
At this moment, little Yi Ming had his hands crossed at his chest. His little face was puffed up as he stared up at the tall and majestic Wang Yan Sheng with his two small eyes. His expression showed he meant business.
Wang Yan Sheng couldn't hold back his laughter. He squatted down and had a serious conversation with the little man: "It isn't you who marry me. It's your mom who marry me. I will be your dad from now on."
Little Yi Ming exclaimed with a look of surprise: "I'm not marrying you? Then don't I have to go with you?"
Wang Yan Sheng explained: "You'll marry a wife in the future. Although you aren't marrying me, you have to follow me."
Little Yi Ming shook his head like a rattle: "No, I can't go with you. I want to follow my elder sister!"
"Yi Ming, aren't you coming with Mom? You don't want Mom?"
Qiao Hong Xia couldn't help but feel helpless when she heard this. She had communicated with her son for a long time before. She was still communicating until last night. Unexpectedly, he would regret it when it was time to get into the sedan chair!
Little Yi Ming sent glances between his mom and Elder Sister Da Qiao. Immediately, he was caught in a dilemma.
He had it hard!
In order to not delay the auspicious time, Qiao Xiu Zhi got them to head out first. Little Yi Ming was staying at Qiao's house tonight. Anyway, the two families lived so close together.
Don't belittle little Yi Ming's young age. He was very assertive. If he didn't like somethings, it was useless to force him. In the end, Qiao Hong Xia can only follow Wang Yan Sheng by herself.
...
The bride was picked up. The spectators also followed over to Wang's house.
After a lively morning, Qiao's old house became quiet.
Qin Xiao Mei came out of the inner room with a baby in her arms. She spoke to Qiao Xiu Zhi, "The new son-in-law displayed such great fanfare. It shows that he really values Hong Xia in his heart. Auntie Xiu Zhi, you don't have to worry in the future."
Dong Xue came out slowly behind her. She too was holding a baby in her embrace.
Hearing Qin Xiao Mei's words, she repeatedly nodded: "Yes. A talented man and a beautiful woman are a good match. When they come back next year, they might be able to bring back another grandchild for Auntie Xiu Zhi!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi merrily responded: "They decide whether to have more children or not. I only hope that they will grow old together!"
The two ladies stated they will.
Qin Xiao Mei and Dong Xue were found to be pregnant on the same day. Coincidentally, their babies were born on the same day and both were boys.
Everyone in the world loved sons, but for the two of them, they were looking forward to a sweet and considerate little padded jacket.
Needless to say, Qin Xiao Mei. She wished to the stars and the moon and had been waiting for so many years to finally get pregnant. Everyday, she called the baby in her womb 'daughter'. She even took Da Qiao to take pictures. Afterward, she fantasized about a daughter in front of Da Qiao's photos every day.
It was a pity that it was born with a handle. No need to describe how disappointed she was.
Dong Xue felt the same. The death of her previous daughter was a thorn in her heart. She always hoped that her daughter could be reborn in her womb. Although she knew that her in-laws wanted a grandson more, she privately wanted a daughter.
In the past year, Shen Family and Chu Family were very grateful to Qiao Family and Da Qiao. So they had maintained close contact.
Shen Family lived close by. From time to time they drove over to the production team or took Qiao Family's children to the town to play.
Even when Dong Xue had a child of her own, she still loved her goddaughter, little Wan-er. She often sent things over. If it was clothes, she will definitely prepare an extra set for Da Qiao.
Wan Chun Ju was extremely dissatisfied with Chu Family's approach!
Little Wan-er was her goddaughter. It was normal for her to gift little Wan-er something. But why prepare an extra set to gift to Da Qiao?
Since she had gift Da Qiao, why not prepare four more for her children?
From Wan Chun Ju's point of view, Shen Family and Chu Family were deliberately excluding their first branch and looked down on their first branch!
Although Shen Family and Chu Family were doing well financially, they weren't rich enough to do whatever they want.
If eldest branch was given, then the other children must be gifted too. There were ten children in Qiao Family in total. This number was too huge. Their wallets can't bear it.
Therefore, no matter how dissatisfied Wan Chun Ju was, they will not slap faces to make themselves fat!
The few women were conversing when they saw Shen Shi Kai walking in from outside. He jollily spoke, "Auntie, I'm so sorry for being late!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi smilingly responded: "It's not too late. The banquet hasn't started yet. You've come just in time!"
The police station's performance in the previous year was superb. The chief was promoted to the police station in the county. Shen Shi Kai took his position. That was to say, Shen Shi Kai was currently the town police station's chief!
As the chief, the tasks on his shoulders were heavier. He managed to find time after much difficulty today to attend the wedding banquet.
Chu Tian Bai didn't have time to come this time. Only Dong Xue came to participate with their son.
Shen Shi Kai came over and said, "Auntie, this time I went to Hu City to do business and saw someone on the road."
"Who?" Qiao Xiu Zhi raised her eyebrows, "Could... it be that you saw Xiao Qiao?"
Hearing Qiao Xiu Zhi's response, Qin Xiao Mei and Dong Xue were both shocked.
They also knew about the disappearance of Da Qiao's twin younger sister.
It was just that there had been no news for more than a year. It was heard that the child's character wasn't good. So it was a problem to find the child back. Not finding her back also couldn't do.
Shen Shi Kai nodded: "It should be her. When I was passing People's Street, I noticed a black car driving past. With a turn of a head, a little girl in the back seat and I looked at each other. I thought I was seeing Da Qiao then. But it was definitely impossible for Da Qiao to appear in Hu City. So she should be Xiao Qiao. I originally wanted to chase after, but someone on the other end got stolen by a thief. I had to go to catch the thief. After handling that, the car was long gone. "
Qiao Xiu Zhi was solemn for a moment before answering, "Did she see you?"
Shen Shi Kai nodded: "She should had. I noticed a shocked expression on her face."
What he didn't say was that the child was really strange. At the age of eight, she controlled her expression in an instant. Her face changed so quickly that she put many adults to shame!
Qiao Xiu Zhi stated, "So she saw you but didn't stop the car, right?"
Shen Shi Kai confirmed again.
Qiao Xiu Zhi said, "Since she chose it herself, let her be."
She didn't like this granddaughter, Xiao Qiao. She felt that she was too scheming. After listening to Fang Xiao Juan's words, she didn't like her more and more.
But no matter how she dislike her, she was still had the blood of Qiao Family. So for more than a year, she often asked Shen Shi Kai to ask the police station over in Hu City to look around despite not personally search for her like she did with little Wan-er.
In the past, there had been no news.
This news brought by Shen Shi Kai indicated the child wasn't kidnapped. But for some unknown reason, she was adopted by a wealthy family.
At that time, she recognized Shen Shi Kai but pretended not to know. Which meant that she didn't want to come back to Qiao's house at all. If she was kidnapped, she would try her best to rescue this granddaughter even if she didn't like this granddaughter.
But now, it was clear she didn't want to come back. So be it.
Although Shen Family and Chu Family were Qiao Family's god-relatives, this was Qiao Family's business. Naturally, they can't really interfere.
Besides, that child was really unpleasant. Since they knew was fine, the current situation may be the best choice for both parties.
Afterward, everyone went to Wang's house for the banquet.
Three days later, Qiao Hong Xia took her son little Yi Ming and followed Wang Yan Sheng to the army.
Wang Yan Sheng's marriage report had been typed out long ago. In order to make him feel at ease in the army and not take a leave of absence every so often, the army approved his family accompanying report in advance.
Little Yi Ming didn't want to follow him. He chose his elder sister Da Qiao after a difficult dilemma. It made Qiao Hong Xia helpless and a little sad.
In the end, Da Qiao persuaded him. She secretly handed him two letters and some food. She requested him to help bring it to the army to Huo Chi.
In order to complete his elder sister's mission, little Yi Ming had no choice but to aggrievedly nod and agree. He thought he would come back soon after completing his 'mission'.
...
After Qiao Hong Xia joined the army, another thing happened to Qiao Family- Qiao Zhen Min brought a match back.
The girl he brought back was named Shi Qin Xin, who was introduced to him by the director of the transport team he worked for. It was said to be the director's cousin's niece.
Shi Qin Xin wasn't young. She had been divorced once. Qiao Zhen min didn't mind that. He had been divorced himself. What qualifications did he have to dislike someone else for being divorced?
In fact, he hoped that the other party was divorced. Because they both were divorced, neither can dislike the other. Those who have been divorced should cherish their hard-won new feelings even more.
It was heard that she had been pregnant before, but she was miscarried due to her ex-husband. That was the reason for the divorce.
He had interacted with the other party for a while and felt that she was gentle and open. What's more, she liked children very much. She didn't care about him having a child at all. Instead, she was looking forward to seeing little Wan-er.
So after two months of acquainting, he decided to take her home to show his parents.
If it was suitable, they can get married this year. When the time come, he can take his daughter to live in the county.
He wasn't worried that his daughter would be bullied at home. His parents took good care of little Wan-er. Still, he hoped that his daughter could grow up by his side.
When Qiao Zhen Min brought Shi Qin xin back to the production team, the villagers were working in the fields. So everyone noticed them as soon as they arrived.
Everyone's eyes were like spotlights. All were focusing on Shi Qin Xin as if they wished they could see a hole in her!
"Old Fifth Qiao, you're going home? Who is the girl beside you? Is she your family's god-relayive?"
Although everyone didn't know the specific identity of little Wan-er's godparents, they can tell they weren't ordinary people just by their clothes. So the entire production team knew Qiao Family had two great god-families. They were envious.
Qiao Zhen Min smilingly greeted everyone and openly introduced: "It's not a god-relative. It's my match."
When the people heard this, they were in an uproar.
Qiao Family's life had become more and more prosperous. Qiao Zhen Min was the most capable one among them. And he had no son under his knees. This was a tempting treat in eight townships!
So since he divorced Chen Qiao Qiao, people would go to Qiao's house from time to time to introduce him to someone. But they were all declined by Qiao Xiu Zhi.
Qiao Xiu Zhi had freedom in love at the time. She fancied Xue Chuan. So she had been very democratic on the few children's marriage choice since the beginning.
The person who spend a lifetime with the match was the children themselves. Not them, the parents. So as long as the person they like wasn't too bad, neither she nor Xue Chuan will object.
That was the case with Wan Chun Ju. Before she entered the door, they knew that her temperament wasn't superb. But compared with Fang Family, Wan Family got decent characters. So she didn't prevent Qiao Zhen Guo from marrying Wan Chun Ju.
The only one she stopped was Fang Xiao Juan, but was unsuccessful.
Now the production team heard Qiao Zhen Min say the girl was his match, everyone felt it was a pity. Many girls who wanted to marry into Qiao Family were heartbroken.
How come it was never their turn when good men appear?
Seeing that Qiao Zhen Min didn't hide it, Shi Qin Xin felt sweetness, She lowered her head and showed a shy smile at the corner of her mouth.
Seeing Qiao Zhen Min bring a match back, Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan asked a leave from the production team leader.
As soon as the two of them entered the door, Shi Qin Xin immediately stood up from the seat and attentively ran over: "Uncle, Auntie, you're back? I'll go get you water to wash your face and wash your hands!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi wanted to refuse, but the other party had already turned and ran away. However, halfway through, she embarrassedly turned around. She didn't know where to fetch water and which tub was the two's.
Many families shared a wooden basin because they were too poor. While Qiao Family never did this. They tried to separate the stuff as much as possible.
Qiao Xiu Zhi walked over and spoke, "There's no need for you. You are a guest. Just go in and sit inside."
An awkward smile appeared on Shi Qin Xin's face. She no longer insist.
But when it was time to cook lunch, she took the initiative to help in the kitchen. Although her actions were a bit clumsy, she wasn't a heiress that never did spring cleaning.
After that, Shi Qin Xin ate at Qiao's house and stayed at Qiao's small house for one night. During that time, she came into contact with little Wan-er.
Over the past year, Da Qiao had been feeding little Wan-er with jade beads every day. So her autism symptoms had improved a lot. But compared with ordinary children, she was still very timid and introverted. At least she can communicate with people normally.
Shi Qin Xin was very patient with little Wan-er and seemed to like little Wan-er very much. As soon as she saw her, she wanted to hug her. She even took out the gifts she brought to please her.
It was a pity that little Wan-er didn't buy it. She didn't let Shi Qin Xin hold her. Nor did she want the gift she brought.
She clung to Elder Sister Da Qiao's hand tightly; clearly expressing her repulsion to this unfamiliar woman.
Da Qiao had to softly comfort her; telling her that Shi Qin Xin would be her mom in the future.
When little Wan-er heard the word 'mom', she inaudibly trembled and whispered, "Elder Sister, I don't want a mom."
Da Qiao thought that she was afraid of stepmother hitting her. She rubbed her younger sister's head and persuaded, "Don't worry, little Wan-er. Not all moms are bad-hearted. Look, my mom is not my biological mother. Isn't she good to me?"
Little Wan-er tilted her head for a while before nodding: "So, she will dote me like Second Aunt?"
Da Qiao's little head bobbed: "Yes. Our little Wan-er is so cute and beautiful. Who wouldn't like you?"
When little Wan-er heard her elder sister's compliment, she pursed her lips and smiled shyly.
Later, Shi Qin Xin came to please her again. Little Wan'er didn't repulse her like the first time.
Shi Qin Xin stayed at Qiao's house for three days and two nights. She was generous and easy-going. Toward little Wan-er, she was patient. She unanimously received 'verification' from all Qiao Family except Wan Chun Ju.
Wan Chun Ju didn't like Shi Qin Xin. She felt she was hypocritical. She was so attentive before she married in. How much did she wish to marry?
Also, she felt that the other party's buttering up to little Wan-er was definitely not out of sincerity. She faked it in order to marry Qiao Zhen Min!
However, her opinion didn't matter. Even when she mumbled that her dislike, no one listened to her.
It wasn't everyone's fault. Wan Chun Ju had never liked any of her of sister-in-laws. From Fang Xiao Juan to Chen Qiao Qiao to Lin Hui to the current Shi Qin Xin, she never liked any of them!
So if Qiao Zhen Min listened to her opinion, he might as well stay as a bachelor for the rest of his life!
And at this stage, they had already met the parents. Everyone knew they were in a relationship. As long as the other party didn't have too many problems, they will marry by default. If not, it will cause great damage to the other party's reputation.
After returning to the county, Qiao Zhen Min took the marriage gift to Shi Family to seek for marriage approval.
Shi Family didn't make any excessive demands. The two returned to his hometown in November to hold a wedding banquet and get married.
After getting married, Qiao Zhen Min took little Wan'er to the county to live with him.
In the beginning, the newlywed life was as sweet as honey mixed with oil.
Qiao Zhen Min cherished this new marriage. Except for business trips, the rest of the time was reserved for his small family.
Shi Qin Xin treated little Wan-er wonderfully. Everything started to change after half a year of marriage.
Shi Qin Xin was pregnant.
She had to do housework as well as taking care of the child by herself. In addition, the morning sickness was very serious. So she proposed to send little Wan-er back to the production team and bring her back after she gave birth to the child.
But before little Wan-er could be sent back, something happened to Shi Qin Xin. and she fell and had a miscarriage.