1970s: My childhood sweetheart ran away, and I turned around and married the wildest chief.

Qiao Wanlin glanced at Qiao Wanqing with a hint of smugness and said with a smile, "We're not that powerful. We're the younger generation, and we all have to rely on our families. It's only our elders who have some influence."

They were vague and deliberately avoided giving specifics.

The eldest aunt explained to the younger generation, "Your second brother-in-law's father is an old revolutionary, a general with a lifetime of military exploits. His family is prosperous and full of talented people who are developing in various fields. They have a huge network of connections. Your second brother-in-law is favored by the old lady at home, so he doesn't have to worry about his work. His future is guaranteed."

The younger generation immediately showed envy in their eyes and began to flatter Qiao Wanlin.

Qiao Wanlin was very proud. Among the girls in her family, she was the one who married the best. Even her eldest sister was not as good as her. Every time such a moment occurred, it was her moment of glory.

Later, the younger generation's conversation almost entirely revolved around Qiao Wanlin. Qiao Wanqing sat beside her grandparents, listening to her grandfather, third uncle, and aunt talking about their future career development and the economy.

After the meal, the younger generation agreed to go shopping together. Qiao Wanlin smiled and said to Qiao Wanqing, "Wanwan, we got along so well that we went shopping. You have so many kids, you definitely can't go. You'll have to clean the kitchen at home."

Qiao Wanqing was already clearing the dishes from the table, and upon hearing this, she seemed oblivious to Qiao Wanlin's boasting, saying, "You guys go have fun!"

Her response was indifferent, as if she had punched a cotton ball. Qiao Wanlin frowned, then sneered inwardly, "What are you pretending for? You're probably dying of jealousy inside."

She left with a few people, and Qiao Wanyan glanced at Qiao Wanqing before getting up and chasing after Qiao Wanlin.

"Second sister, wait for me, I'm coming too."

Two dresses are not enough to bribe her; naturally, her older sister is the most important.

Qiao Wanqing put the bowls and chopsticks into the kitchen. Grandma Qiao glanced at the old man who was chatting happily with his children. Her face was a little pale. Not wanting to see her illegitimate children, she turned around and went into the kitchen.

When Qiao Wanqing saw her come in, she quickly said, "Grandma, go and rest for a while. I can take care of things here."

Grandma Qiao looked at her granddaughter's face, but couldn't detect any unusual emotions. She asked, "Wanwan, do you regret marrying Lu Mingzhou?"

Qiao Wanqing was taken aback, but then she understood what her grandmother meant. She smiled slowly, "Grandma, don't worry about me. I don't envy them, and I've never regretted it."

"If the Bai family hadn't caused trouble back then, would you still have married him?"

Qiao Wanqing answered without hesitation, "Yes!"

Grandma Qiao opened her mouth, but suddenly didn't know whether she should say what she was going to say. She looked at her granddaughter's face and saw that she didn't seem to be reluctant at all, so she shut her mouth.

It seems that her granddaughter and son-in-law have a good relationship. Since she has no regrets, that's for the best. She'd better not say anything more.

"Marriage is a personal matter, like drinking water, only the person drinking it knows whether it's hot or cold. Wanwan, you're a smart girl, and Grandma believes you can live your life well. As long as you're doing well, we won't pursue some illusory things. Only you know whether you're doing well or not. No matter how glamorous things look on the surface, they're just for others to see."

Qiao Wanqing knew that her grandmother was worried that she would regret it because of the different attitudes her brothers and sisters had towards her and Qiao Wanlin today.

"Grandma, I know, don't worry about me. I'm all grown up now, I've had five children, I know very well whether I'm doing well or not."

Grandma Qiao nodded and didn't say anything more.

She was already worried that her granddaughter would regret it. Now that the other person hadn't said anything, if she kept trying to persuade her, and something bad might happen instead of something good, then it would be terrible!

Seeing that her grandmother didn't continue, Qiao Wanqing didn't explain further. Life is long, and whether a person is doing well or not isn't determined by words alone. Qiao Wanqing was very satisfied with her current life, so she didn't really care about her siblings' boasting or cold treatment.

Having experienced so much in my past life, my heart has long since calmed down, and I don't take this little thing to heart at all.

I stayed at my grandma's house for a while. My grandpa was chatting with my third uncle and third aunt, and he was holding her youngest son in his arms. My grandma sat on the balcony. She didn't want to see her illegitimate son, nor did she want to see her old man being so close to his children. But she couldn't change anything, so she simply chose to ignore it.

Qiao Wanqing stayed by her grandmother's side, talking to her. Her grandmother seemed to be in a bad mood. Qiao Wanqing didn't know why, but she couldn't change anything. At least for now, she didn't have the ability to drive all of her grandfather's illegitimate sons and daughters out.

Qiao Wanqing stayed overnight at her grandmother's house. With so many children in the family, her grandmother's mood improved considerably, and Qiao Wanqing settled in to stay there.

This week, she went out and found workers to do some minor repairs to the small courtyard. Some of the old and worn parts were repaired, and the walls were repainted white. The whole house was much cleaner, and the furniture from the department store was delivered on Thursday. With the furnishings arranged, the house looked much more presentable.

On Thursday evening, Qiao Wanqing took the children home. The next day, Miao Cuiying came over with her second son and his family.

Qiao Wanqing specially borrowed a car from the military to pick up people at the train station.

Seeing Qiao Wanqing driving herself, Miao Cuiying was stunned. "Wanwan, you can drive?"

Qiao Wanqing helped put the luggage in the car and replied, "Yes, I did. I learned it when I was a teenager, but I rarely use it now."

Miao Cuiying was incredibly excited. There are so few girls who can drive; this daughter-in-law is truly amazing.

The group came here intending to stay for an extended period. In addition to daily necessities, they brought a lot of food and other necessities, carrying large and small bags. They also brought a lot of food and supplies from their hometown for Qiao Wanqing.

Qiao Wanqing then drove them directly to the small courtyard.

There was a parking space in front of the courtyard gate. Qiao Wanqing opened the gate and led the people in. Miao Cuiying and Li Dongmei were pleasantly surprised as soon as they entered the courtyard.

"Such a big yard, wow, so many rooms!"

Qiao Wanqing helped carry the luggage into the yard. "Mom, you can stay in the main house. I've prepared the furniture. You can move in as soon as you move in. Second brother and sister-in-law can take care of the rest of the house. This yard is quite big. It's been abandoned for a long time. You can come over and help me look after the house."

Miao Cuiying was a little embarrassed. "I don't live here often. I have to go home. There's no need for the main house. You can stay here when you come. The second son can stay in the side room. There are so many rooms, it's enough for us."

The second sister-in-law took the child and went straight to the west wing. She was really embarrassed to stay in the main house. It would be understandable if her mother-in-law stayed there, but she definitely wouldn't go. She wouldn't even go to the east wing.

These rooms in the west wing are enough for their whole family to live in.