After sending the letter to Chen Zheng, Xu Zhaozhao felt even calmer.
She moved like a patient hunter—carefully nurturing her body and children, while calmly observing her surroundings, waiting for opportunities and creating them when possible.
Money was limited; she couldn’t just sit back and let it run out.
Although Wang Guifen no longer openly withheld resources, expecting her to fund her own nutritional needs was pure fantasy. Xu Zhaozhao had to find her own way.
She began planning every penny meticulously.
Pork from the service store wasn’t affordable every day, so she focused on cheaper options—pork bones and offal.
Back then, fatty meat was in demand, but bones and offal, being harder to process and requiring more fuel, weren’t as sought after.
She would buy a few bones, or a piece of pork liver, or some pork blood every now and then.
The bones were cracked with an axe, cooked slowly over low heat with a little ginger and coarse salt, producing a rich white broth. A few chopped scallions later, it was delicious and rich in calcium.
Pork liver, sliced thin and soaked in water to remove odor, boiled with spinach or other greens, was excellent for iron supplementation.
Pork blood, cheap and nutritious, cooked with pickled vegetables, made a tasty dish.
She also found that the service store sometimes sold slightly blemished fruits—scarred apples or ripening pears—at much lower prices.
She’d buy a couple each time to supplement vitamins.
【The streamer is such a master at managing daily life!】
【Making the most of everything, so practical and clever!】
【Watching all this food prep, I’m actually getting a bit hungry…】
【This is what proper prenatal care looks like!】
Besides cutting costs, Xu Zhaozhao also thought about ways to increase resources.
Starting a business directly was too risky; the times didn’t allow it.
But she could use subtle, unobtrusive methods.
She noticed some dual-income families in the compound were busy and had many children. Their clothes would tear and they had no time to mend them, or wanted to alter old clothes.
She offered to help, for free, as a gesture of neighborly aid.
At first, neighbors were hesitant, but when they saw her skill and sincerity, they began bringing her small tasks.
Mending socks, replacing zippers, altering adult clothes to fit children—she did everything carefully.
Out of gratitude, neighbors would sometimes slip her an egg, a handful of greens, or a few candies.
It wasn’t much, but it showed goodwill and slightly widened her food resources.
More importantly, through these interactions, she connected with more households, and information flowed more smoothly.
Who had a man traveling for work, who had visiting relatives, or when the service store got a new batch of goods—these seemingly trivial details could be crucial later.
One day, she was altering a pair of old military pants for Mrs. Sun’s son. Mrs. Sun watched Xu Zhaozhao work and lowered her voice:
“Zhaozhao, there’s something I need to warn you about.”
Xu Zhaozhao paused her needlework only slightly. “Go ahead, sister-in-law.”
“I heard Liu Pozi gossiping yesterday… she said your pregnancy is too overwhelming, claiming you’ve taken all six children’s blessings at once, and that it might… bring misfortune to your husband…”
Mrs. Sun hesitated, a frown on her face. “This is 1960-something! Superstition like this… I think some people are just jealous and can’t stand your luck!”
Xu Zhaozhao’s gaze darkened slightly, and her needle paused mid-stitch.
She knew Wang Guifen and Li Xiuhua wouldn’t let up—they couldn’t attack openly, so they spread sly rumors instead.
In this era, especially in the military-family circle, rumors of “bringing misfortune to one’s husband” were vicious slanders.
“Thank you for telling me,” Xu Zhaozhao said calmly, already calculating her next move.
Arguing outright would make her look guilty. She needed a cleverer, stronger way to respond.
She remembered that “August 1”—Army Day—was approaching. There would be collective activities in the compound, and reportedly a performance by a military arts troupe.
A perfect opportunity.
Over the next two days, she continued her walks, cooking, and needlework as usual, pretending not to hear the rumors.
During a trip to the service store, she “coincidentally” met Director Liu and casually mentioned:
“Director Liu, I heard there’s a performance for Army Day? My belly is so heavy, I’ll stay home and listen to the radio instead of being jostled in the crowd.”
Director Liu, sharp as ever, immediately sensed the subtext, recalling the recent gossip. Her expression darkened.
She took Xu Zhaozhao’s hand and said firmly:
“Go! Why not go? You’re a military wife, carrying six military children—you must go! Let everyone see the hero mother in our compound! I want to see who dares gossip behind your back!”
On Army Day, the courtyard playground had a makeshift stage, red flags fluttering, the crowd bustling.
Military families brought elders and children early, saving spots with small stools.
Accompanied by Mrs. Sun and two other close military wives, Xu Zhaozhao arrived.
She wore her slightly faded Lenin-style jacket; her belly protruded dramatically, but her complexion was much healthier, her gaze calm, her steps steady.
Her appearance immediately drew attention—curious, admiring, and a few prying with ill intent.
Xu Zhaozhao calmly bore the gazes and sat in the front row, reserved by Mrs. Sun and friends.
Director Liu approached and loudly announced:
“Comrade Xu Zhaozhao, you are our priority to protect today—sit here where everyone can see!”
A gesture of care and a statement of support.
Before the performance, the military leaders spoke, recognizing achievements.
When “Comrade Chen Zheng has excelled in border missions and earned a third-class personal merit” was read, the audience erupted in applause.
An elderly woman beside Xu Zhaozhao patted her hand and whispered:
“Girl, hear that? Your Chen Zheng earned merit again! Such blessings! Let’s see who dares spread nonsense now!”
Her voice was quiet, but enough for those nearby to hear.
Xu Zhaozhao smiled gently, pride and longing in her eyes, patting her belly softly:
“Children, hear that? Daddy did well again.”
For many watching, it was a perfect omen—husband excelling on the frontlines, wife carrying six babies at home—signaling prosperity and good fortune for the family.
The rumors of “bringing misfortune” were instantly shattered by Chen Zheng’s military achievements and Xu Zhaozhao’s composed demeanor, appearing ridiculous and malicious.
Those who had spread the gossip shrank back, avoiding eye contact.
Wang Guifen and Li Xiuhua, sitting not far away, looked furious.
They had hoped to harm Xu Zhaozhao with rumors but inadvertently helped her consolidate her position in public, gaining more sympathy and support.
The performance was lively, but Xu Zhaozhao knew she had won a silent, smoke-free battle that day.
The evening breeze carried summer warmth and the scent of grass.
As the crowd dispersed, many greeted her, their eyes filled with goodwill and respect.
She slowly walked home. Though physically tired, her spirit was exceptionally light and at ease.