Marriage in the 1970s: The Political Commissar's Contract Wife

"What are you looking for?" Zheng Yunzhu interjected from the side, "Godmother, I don't think this will work. She's just a young girl who's never had a child herself, what does she know? She definitely won't be able to take good care of the postpartum period! Don't end up making things worse."

Zheng Qin was taken aback, then suddenly realized, "That's right! You can't be careless when it comes to postpartum care."

Zhou Mudan thought for a moment and immediately adjusted the plan: "Then... how about finding an experienced aunt who has given birth? We can tell everyone that we're too busy at home and can only take care of the postpartum woman, and let her go back home after the postpartum period is over."

Zheng Yunzhu shook her head vigorously, continuing to play the "opposition": "It's really hard to take care of babies after they're a month old! Two babies, crying in turn, double the feeding and diaper changing! I don't think Xiaxia can handle it. If Xiaxia is exhausted, we'll be completely lost!"

Zhou Mudan was speechless after being retorted by her daughter, and chuckled as she tapped her forehead: "You think you know everything! So what do you suggest we do?"

Zheng Yunzhu's eyes lit up, and she threw out an even bolder idea: "If you ask me, godmother, why don't you talk to your godfather and have him move in with you temporarily? That way, Aunt Zhang, who's been taking care of him, can naturally come and lend a hand. Aunt Zhang is experienced and we know her well, so she's the most reliable! If we give her a little extra money behind our backs, she'll definitely be even more dedicated!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Mudan clapped her hands in approval: "That's a brilliant idea! It kills two birds with one stone! It takes care of the old man and solves the manpower problem at the same time!"

As Zheng Yunzhu spoke, her thoughts became clearer, and she added, "It's already quite a challenge for Aunt Zhang to look after two children by herself. You should do what my mother suggested before: find a young woman who won't touch the children but will be in charge of laundry, cooking, cleaning, and all the chores. This way, the division of labor is clear, and no one will be tired!"

Listening to the mother and daughter's back-and-forth conversation, which covered all aspects, Zheng Qin suddenly felt relieved and a smile of relief appeared on her face.

"Okay! I think Yunyun's arrangement is quite thorough! I'll go back and discuss it with Fangzheng, and finalize this matter as soon as possible."

……

Meanwhile, the end of the year was approaching. Fang Chu was busy with various pre-holiday affairs and follow-up arrangements for the cultural troupe at the army base, leaving only the warmth of the women and children at home.

The room was warm and cozy. Zhixia leaned back in a recliner covered with thick cushions, and Wang Chun moved a small stool to sit next to her.

The two little ones, Zhixu and Zhiyu, were playing on the wooden toy cars that Zhilin had made for them on the kang (a heated brick bed), laughing and joking, adding a lot of life to the quiet afternoon.

As Chao Huaihua did her needlework, she looked at her two grandsons with a loving smile.

Wang Chun let out a long sigh of relief, his face showing both exhaustion and relaxation after a busy day: "Finally, I can rest! I was really worn out during this period before the New Year, my arms feel like they don't even belong to me anymore."

Zhixia looked at her and asked with a smile, "When will you reopen after the New Year?"

"After the Lantern Festival," Wang Chun replied, "the old master said everyone should have a good New Year."

"Then you'll have quite a bit of rest time," Zhixia thought to herself.

"Yes," Wang Chun nodded, a hint of anticipation and slyness on his face, "I plan to take this opportunity to go back to my hometown."

Zhi Xia was a little surprised: "Why do you suddenly want to go back? It's so cold on the way."

Wang Chun raised his chin, a hint of pride and determination in his eyes: "Now that I've made money, I have to go back and show it off! Let all my uncles and aunts see!"

Zhi Xia was amused by her straightforward purpose and gently poked her forehead: "Look at you, so ambitious! What can you do with that little bit of money?"

"It's not a lot of money, but it's different!" Wang Chun said earnestly. "I have three older brothers, and they always got the best of everything in the family. I'm going back this time to prove that I, Wang Chun, am no worse than any of them! I can earn my own money and make my parents proud!"

Hearing this, Zhixia felt proud of her and then asked, "Is your sister-in-law going back with you this time?"

"She's not going back, she'll just spend the New Year here." Wang Chun said casually, clearly indicating that the relationship between the two women was no longer what it used to be. "My sister-in-law is fine now, not only is she no longer sarcastic, but she also secretly told me the other day that I should get along well with you, and that when you go to Kyoto in the future, she'll see if she can... help me find a good husband in Kyoto!" She said this with a little embarrassment, and her voice lowered.

Looking at her flushed cheeks, Zhixia felt a mix of emotions. The timid little girl who used to be controlled by her sister-in-law was now confidently planning for the future, and even her usually formidable sister-in-law was starting to make plans for her.

Zhi Xia held Wang Chun's hand tightly and solemnly promised, "Xiao Chun, then wait for me. Once I've established myself in Kyoto, I'll definitely help you find a good husband who is well-known and of good character."

Wang Chun gripped her hand tightly and nodded emphatically, "Yes! I believe you!"

"However," Zhixia changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of older sisterly advice and domineering, "you're not allowed to date anyone casually before I help you vet them, understand? You need to do your research and not get fooled."

Wang Chun was amused by her rare domineering attitude, but felt incredibly comforted inside. He promised, "No! I won't look at anyone! I'll focus on my work and earn money first. Once I'm Master Wang, and I have more confidence, then we'll talk about other things!"

Speaking of work, Wang Chun seemed to recall something amusing, and chuckled in a low voice, "Xiaxia, you have no idea, my sister-in-law practically wants me to live at your house all the time!"

Zhi Xia was puzzled: "Why does she keep sending you to see me?"

"Her," Wang Chun said, pursing her lips with a hint of amusement, "she thinks we're about the same level—both high school graduates, and neither of us are bad-looking. Seeing how you ended up marrying someone like Political Commissar Fang by some twist of fate, she thinks I can find someone with a similar family background and rise to the top in one step!"

After hearing this, Zhi Xia was stunned for a moment, then shook her head helplessly, her tone complicated: "Your sister-in-law... she really dares to think that way."

She paused, her gaze drifting to the window, her voice softening, carrying a rare, clear-headed vulnerability:

"Xiaochun, Fang Chu and I... it was all a series of coincidences. To be honest, if it weren't for that accident, given my family's circumstances, I really might not be... good enough for him. This marriage didn't start out in a splendid way."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Wang Chun became agitated upon hearing this, abruptly interrupting her with an unprecedentedly serious and earnest tone. "What do you mean by 'not good enough'? Xiaxia, look at me! You're so beautiful, have such a good personality, and are so smart and resilient! What does Fang Chu have besides a better family background? If you ask me, he's the one who's marrying above his station! Don't underestimate yourself!"

Seeing Zhixia's somewhat dazed expression, her heart softened and ached. She softened her voice, as if coaxing a child:

"Xiaxia, how can you be so kind, yet so foolish... You always think of others first and belittle yourself."