Old women don’t like to hear this kind of talk.
A son is their own flesh and blood—cherished above all else. No matter how good he is, he’s always their pride and joy.
A daughter-in-law, on the other hand, isn’t born from them; she’s an outsider. If something goes wrong, it’s always her fault. If the daughter-in-law can’t conceive, how could it ever be the son’s fault?
“Aunt Guifen, what do you mean by that? I know my own son better than anyone! Even if you don’t want to share the remedy, there’s no need to say it like that.”
“Can’t accept that, huh? Back when you were talking about my daughter-in-law, weren’t your words sharp enough to cut iron? You’re all old now—how about accumulating a bit of virtue in your speech? If there’s no karma yet, it will come. Then you’ll be saying heaven’s unfair to you.”
Although Wang Guifen couldn’t read, her household had a literate man, and through osmosis, she had absorbed some of the refined, scholarly way of cursing.
The gossip-loving women pursed their lips.
No matter how much they wanted to scold her, they couldn’t outdo her; they couldn’t even fight her.
Soon, they would have to receive the wolf meat Wang Guifen had hunted, so they had to hold back.
Su Yi waited until her mother-in-law had vented her anger, then smiled: “There really isn’t a specific remedy, but the child is in my body, so I know best. If you want grandchildren soon, you need to take care of your daughter-in-law. Getting pregnant isn’t easy. If the body isn’t in good condition, no amount of folk remedies will help. My mother-in-law has treated me well: I do less heavy work, and I’m never lacking in food.Even in hard times, there’s always meat on the table every few days to nourish me. If you all are willing, you can try it too, but in the end, it depends on fate.”
“Is that really true?” one woman asked doubtfully.
“Of course it’s true. But if she still can’t conceive, your son should be checked—maybe something is wrong with him.”
The women fell silent…
The man standing nearby didn’t dare interfere; he just watched.
If Wang Guifen said something was wrong with him, he’d lose all face.
“Comrade Guifen, is it true that Shen Zhiqing said you don’t want the meat?” the team leader asked, using the term “comrade” to subtly urge Wang Guifen to speak more politely. The men of the brigade valued their dignity.
“No need. Yi Yi is expecting, she can’t eat it. You can divide it. If it tastes good, just record it in work points or give a few coupons.” Wang Guifen blocked Yi Yi behind her to shield her from the blood.
“Alright, we’ll send it over later.” The team leader didn’t bother with formalities.
“By the way, there’s one more important matter. I’d like the team leader and a few comrades from the commune to witness it.”
Everyone glanced at Wang Guifen warily, afraid she’d say something awkward.
With everyone’s anxious eyes on her, Wang Guifen spoke: “Wang Chong, this child’s parents have died and he has no one to rely on. But he’s a good boy. I want to take him as my godson.”
“Oh, so that’s it,” everyone thought, relaxing.
It wasn’t a difficult matter.
Many people in the village have godchildren. Publicly taking one formally, like Wang Guifen was doing, was rare—it showed her respect for Shen Zhiqing.
All eyes turned to Shen Zhiqing.
Shen Wangchun stepped forward: “My life was saved by Aunt Guifen. Being her godson is my fortune. I hope a few comrades can witness this.” His words made it clear he was willing.
Since both parties agreed, no one stopped them.
Shen Zhiqing’s parents had sacrificed for the home, and Wang Guifen, being a military family, formally recognizing him as her godson benefited both sides.
The team leader and a few others nodded. Just as they were about to agree, Wang Guifen interrupted:
“Comrades, no need to rush. We can’t do this casually. I’ll go to the supply store, buy some sunflower seeds and peanuts, make some good wine and dishes, and we’ll officially recognize him tomorrow.”
“Well, that’s great! It’s been five months since we last had wine. Aunt Guifen, you don’t need the dishes, just the wine!” they laughed.
“Yes, just a sip is fine,” others joked.
It had been a long time since there was a happy event in the brigade. Taking a godson was considered a joyful occasion, and everyone was pleased.
“Alright, I’ll go to the supply store with my daughter-in-law. You all can continue with your work,” Wang Guifen said, leading Yi Yi up the hill.
“Godmother, I’ll go with you. I’m strong and can help carry things,” Shen Wangchun called after them.
“One look at your little arms and legs, and you think you can help Guifen carry things? She could carry two of you!” one woman laughed.
“Ha ha ha!” came the laughter from behind.
On the hill, Wang Guifen turned and called out: “Wangchun is my son from now on. I’ve got him covered. You old women mustn’t bully him. Remember to come and join the fun tomorrow.”
When Wang Guifen was in a good mood, she didn’t hold grudges.
Even if someone quarreled today, they would still come to help tomorrow. No need to offend people too deeply—after all, you’ll always see each other.
“Alright, your cooking is great. Make a couple more dishes tomorrow; we’ll have a feast.”
“Yes, make a few more.”
They laughed, and the three of them walked toward the supply store.
The team leader continued distributing the meat.
The women’s faces brightened as they saw the portions. Some even cheekily asked for a bigger share, causing the team leader to scowl, “Are you the only one with a mouth?” The woman turned red in embarrassment.
Wang Qiulan, however, stared absentmindedly toward the supply store, her meat no longer appetizing.
She regretted not taking action sooner. With just her and her daughter, taking a godson would have provided care and labor.
If she had acted first, Shen Wangchun would have been her son. He was from the city—when he returned, he could take her and her daughter to enjoy city life.
Wang Guifen had acted fast, but there were other young educated youths besides Shen.
If Wang Guifen could take one, so could she.
“Qiulan, what are you looking at?” a woman asked, noticing her mix of frustration and envy.
Wang Qiulan clutched her meat tighter. “Nothing, just thinking that Wang Guifen really has extraordinary luck.” Her tone was sour.
The other woman agreed, also enviously: “Right? A motivated son, daughter-in-law, and now a promising godson. Isn’t that lucky?” She looked at the meat.
“Even catching wolves! Yi Yi is lucky to have such a good mother-in-law. Wang Zhijun already has a wife, and who knows which girl will become Wangchun’s wife in the future? With a mother-in-law like Wang Guifen, that’s a real gain—meat and eggs every day.”
Wang Qiulan looked at her portion, her mind quietly plotting.