The lively family reunion finally came to an end, and everyone settled into the living room, chatting and laughing together.
Grandpa and Grandma Jiang called Auntie Wang and Auntie Zhang out from the kitchen to introduce them to Jiang Wanxi. Auntie Wang worked for the two elders, while Auntie Zhang worked in Jiang Hongtao’s household. Both women seemed rather quiet. After meeting Jiang Wanxi, they returned to the kitchen to continue preparing the meal.
Grandpa and Grandma Jiang kept holding Jiang Wanxi’s hands as they asked about her life over the years.
When Grandma Jiang felt the thin layer of calluses on Jiang Wanxi’s hands, her heart immediately ached.
Knowing that her grandmother had misunderstood, Jiang Wanxi hurriedly explained, “Grandma, it’s nothing. At home, I mostly helped with cooking and laundry. Everyone in the family doted on me and never let me work in the fields. The calluses on my hands are from practicing martial arts with my brothers.”
“Oh? You practice martial arts?” Grandpa Jiang immediately became interested.
“Yes, Grandpa. My grandpa back there used to be a soldier too, so all the children in the family had to learn. Grandpa said it was especially useful for girls because we could protect ourselves. Third Brother and I were the best among all of us. He even joined the army. We received a letter from him not long ago saying he’d been promoted to an officer.”
Jiang Wanxi thought to herself that of course she was good at martial arts. In her previous life, she had been a young woman making her way through the world alone, so she had paid to learn Sanda for self-defense.
“That’s true. No wonder, no wonder…” Grandpa Jiang sighed with emotion. “After all these twists and turns, our family’s child still ended up being raised in a military household. One day, I’ll have to personally visit them and thank them properly. By the way, where is that brother of yours stationed? If he ever needs anything, just tell me.”
“Grandpa, are you planning to pull strings for my Third Brother?” Jiang Wanxi asked. “You can’t do that. Third Brother said he wants to succeed through his own abilities. If he doesn’t have what it takes, he’ll simply return home and become a farmer. Besides, if you gave him special treatment, it wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. It might even cause trouble for you.”
The Jiang family was far too prominent in the capital. Every one of their descendants was outstanding, and who knew how many pairs of eyes were watching their every move?
“You’re right, girl. Soldiers are supposed to defend their homes and protect the country. Grandpa wasn’t thinking clearly.”
Considering the current situation, Grandpa Jiang couldn’t help but feel that he truly was getting old.
Seeing their father’s expression darken, Jiang Hongtao and Jiang Hongbin knew that the old man had remembered some of his former comrades. Some had been denounced, while others had been sent away to the countryside.
Jiang Hongbin quickly gave Liu Na a meaningful look.
Understanding immediately, Liu Na changed the subject.
“Oh, Wanwan, what’s that thing you’re using to tie your hair? It’s really pretty! And where did you buy your clothes? I’ve never seen this style before. They look wonderful.”
“This is a hair ribbon. It’s specifically for tying up hair. I came up with it myself, and my mother even made several of them for me, along with some hair ties. If you like them, Second Aunt, I’ll give you one of each.”
Jiang Wanxi continued, “As for my clothes, I drew the designs myself, and my aunts back home made them for me. My Second Brother works in transportation, so he sometimes comes across fabric that doesn’t require ration coupons. Whenever he does, he brings some home so the family can make clothes.”
“If you have time, Second Aunt, you can bring me some of your clothes and I’ll alter them for you. I don’t know how to make clothes from scratch, but I’m pretty good with a needle and thread. Changing the style shouldn’t be a problem.”
Jiang Wanxi could tell that Liu Na held no ill intentions toward her, so she was more than willing to do her a favor and win some goodwill.
“Oh, right! I can alter Grandma’s and Mom’s clothes too. I guarantee everyone will envy you when you wear them outside.”
Wherever there were women, there was bound to be a battlefield.
Jiang Wanxi intended to win over the women in the family first. At the very least, if she ever came into conflict with Jiang Yu in the future, she hoped they would remain impartial instead of automatically taking Jiang Yu’s side.
What woman didn’t want to look beautiful?
As soon as they heard that Jiang Wanxi could improve their clothes without ruining the original garments and only needed to make a few small changes to the details, all the women became interested.
Jiang Wanxi then brought out the same persuasive arguments she had previously used on her mother and two aunts back home, leaving everyone completely captivated.
She told them that women ought to treat themselves better. They should eat well, drink well, and enjoy their lives. Even the great leader had said that women held up half the sky. They had their own jobs, their own abilities, and were beautiful besides. They didn’t rely on men to support them, so why shouldn’t they live well?
As for their children, every generation had its own destiny. There was no need for parents to work themselves to the bone for their children forever.
Her words deeply resonated with the women, especially Second Aunt.
She still had that troublesome son of hers living in the countryside, didn’t she?
After listening to Jiang Wanxi, she finally felt the burden in her heart ease.
Let him do whatever he wanted!
She had worried so much about that brat that her hair was practically turning white.
While Jiang Wanxi successfully worked her way into the hearts of the family, Jiang Yu grew increasingly frustrated.
She couldn’t even find an opportunity to join the conversation.