Chapter 258
I don't agree with sending the children back to the Jiang family. Going back there is just living a nightmare. Jiang Hua is never home all day, and who knows how the old lady might abuse them. Xiaoxue is in her second marriage. She has given birth to two sons now, and there is also a stepdaughter at home. It's not convenient to take them back. Besides, our son-in-law might not agree to raise two more children.
Fan Shuting couldn't bear to send the children away, but she and her husband were getting old. If they kept the children, what would happen if they couldn't take care of them in the future? After much thought, she hoped to get the support of her sons first, so they could lend a hand later on.
Lin Guozheng, on the other hand, felt it was better to send the children to be cared for by their own parents. What kind of future would they have living in the village with them? Let Xiaoxue come back for a visit. It would be best if she wants to take the children away.
Would her in-laws be happy about that? Besides, these two children are so timid. What if they get bullied by the Wan family's children when they go there? If the children don't get along, it will affect our daughter and son-in-law's relationship. We can't just let her get a divorce and go back to living with Jiang Hua, can we?
As the old couple disagreed, their voices gradually grew louder. The three sons, however, remained completely silent. Fan Shuting questioned them angrily.
Who do you support anyway? Don't just stand there like mutes!
Eldest Brother Lin rarely spoke in the past, but this time he was the first to speak up. Mother, if you want to raise the two children, I have no objections. If there isn't enough food, I can bring some over, but I won't be able to help with anything else.
His youngest son didn't even have a place to live and had run off to Rongcheng to join the army, which showed that his family really hadn't saved much money. Now that he also had a granddaughter, he had to consider his whole family.
Fan Shuting was particularly dissatisfied with what Eldest Brother Lin said. She had a salary; was she really lacking that little bit of food? So Fan Shuting turned her gaze to Lin Han. Second Son, what do you say?
I have to go back and ask my wife!
Fan Shuting was speechless.
I'm asking for your opinion, and you have to ask your wife for that too? Do you have any mind of your own at all!
Mother, it's useless for me to have a mind of my own. All the money and ration coupons in our family are in my wife's hands.
Fan Shuting was so infuriated by her Second Son that she felt like having a heart attack. It was fine to tell the truth, but couldn't he be a bit more tactful? Lin Han seemed to feel that his mother wasn't angry enough, and his next words openly placed him in opposition to her.
Parents should take up their responsibilities. When our little sister got divorced, she didn't take the children, which I've always strongly disagreed with. Her living conditions are quite good now, and I don't think it would be difficult for her to raise two more children. I support Father's idea!
Seeing this, Third Brother Lin also immediately stated his position. I also support Father's idea. In the past, when our little sister's conditions were poor, it was fine for us to help out. But now, I struggle just to feed my own family, so count me out of this.
Good heavens! Fan Shuting finally realized that the eldest was actually the filial one, while the other two were simply rebellious sons.
Seeing the situation, Lin Guozheng made the final decision. Then it's settled. Let the children stay at home before the new year. When Xiaoxue and our son-in-law come back for the Spring Festival, it'll be the perfect time to discuss taking the children away.
After returning home, Lin Han told Nan Sheng what had happened at the old house. Nan Sheng was very surprised by his reaction.
Aren't you afraid of offending your mother too deeply?
I still have to tell the truth. Do you think I can't see what Mother is thinking? She feels that since we haven't had children, it would be best if we could raise one in the future. The third brother doesn't have a son, and if he can't have one later, he could also raise Congcong as his own son to care for him in his old age.
Lin Han admitted that Fan Shuting's worries were reasonable. The two children would definitely suffer grievances following Lin Xue, but Lin Xue was their biological mother. Based on that alone, the Wan family was the best place for them.
If Lin Xue was as negligent as Jiang Hua and ignored the two children, it wouldn't be too late to consider taking them back then.
Although the uncles did not agree to let the children stay, they were not cold-blooded and heartless people. Both Eldest Brother Lin and Lin Han coincidentally brought clothes for the children the next day.
Lin Han went to the town and bought new clothes, while Eldest Brother Lin brought clothes that his wife and daughter-in-law had stayed up all night to alter. As for Third Brother Lin, although he had no money, he brought a piece of meat from home, wanting to give the children some nourishment.
Because of this piece of meat, his neck was scratched with several marks again, and Sun Qian was still crying at home, saying that they couldn't go on living like this.
Fan Shuting couldn't see the good intentions of her sons and only felt they were doing superficial work. The two children, however, were very happy. Since coming to their grandmother's house, they had not been scolded or beaten, but they still wanted to be with their own mother more.
What they looked forward to the most in the county was their mother and stepfather coming over. Not only could they eat delicious food, but they could also receive money, even though that little bit of money was quickly snatched away by their grandmother.
Now, the second day of the Lunar New Year had become the main event. Fan Shuting even came over specifically to ask about Nan Sheng's arrangements, Xiaoxue is coming back on the second day of the new year this year. Are you still going back to your maiden home?
Nan Sheng replied, Of course. Who doesn't visit their maiden home and relatives on the second day of the New Year? Otherwise, should I let Lin Han stay at home to eat with them?
Lin Han added, I might not be able to come back next year, so let's go together. This year, my mother-in-law even went to Rongcheng and stayed for a month to take care of Sizhe and Qiqi. It would be too rude of me not to go.
Hearing this, Fan Shuting felt guilty and short of breath; how could she dare to bring up anything else? But with the Second Son and his wife away, when the second day of the New Year arrived, no one else would be able to keep the son-in-law in check, which was also a worrying matter. She simply stood up and left.
Afterwards, Nan Sheng looked at her husband with teasing eyes, and Lin Han also smiled. I'll drop you off, sit for a while, and then come back. Once things are wrapped up here, I'll go back to pick you up.
Lin Han also wanted to see the attitude of his sister and brother-in-law. If Wan Jiyong was particularly resistant to the two children, there would be no point in letting them take the kids back; it would be better to let the old couple raise them.
If you had said that earlier, your mother wouldn't have left in a huff.
Lin Han smiled helplessly and bitterly. His mother was considered an educated person in the village, but her education level wasn't that high. She could only teach young children. She thought she understood many principles, but her personality was very stubborn.
When the second day of the Lunar New Year arrived, Lin Han's family arrived at Wangshan Village bright and early. They had also eaten lunch here on New Year's Day.
Mingli was very surprised to see his sister and brother-in-law arrive at this time. Happy New Year, sister! Happy New Year, brother-in-law! How come you're up so early today?
We came to pay an early New Year visit. Your brother-in-law still has things to do back home later!
Nan Sheng and her husband took the children to give New Year greetings to her parents. While they were talking, Mingli's exasperated voice came from the west room, Son, how could you pee again? The cloth diapers have piled up into a whole basin! When will I ever finish washing them!
The baby ate a lot and produced a lot of waste, turning Mingli into a relentless diaper-washing maniac. But no matter how much he loved cleanliness, it was useless. The quilts and mattresses at home all smelled of urine when they slept at night, all thanks to his son!
Nanfeng couldn't understand what his father was saying and just grinned foolishly. Annoyed, Mingli picked him up and took him to the east room, thinking it would be better to let him go bother his aunt, uncle, and cousins instead!
Nanfeng had slept too much during the day yesterday, so he fussed and refused to sleep at night. Luotong had played with him until the early hours of the morning and was now sleeping soundly, so Mingli didn't disturb her.
When she woke up naturally and saw the sunlight outside the window, she was in a bit of a daze for a moment. After changing her clothes and opening the door, she heard Qiqi teasing her son.
"Little Feng, call me sister! I'm Sister Qiqi!"
Oh no, today was the second day of the Lunar New Year. Her sister-in-law had already arrived, and she had actually woken up late...
After getting up, Luotong first went to the east room to exchange a few words with Nan Sheng, then went to the kitchen to help out with a guilty look on her face. She practically hated Mingli to death right now; her sister-in-law was already here, so why didn't he wake her up?
By this time, Zhong Yanyan had already finished cooking most of the dishes. Luotong hurried over to apologize, "I'm sorry, Mother, I woke up late. Go inside and chat with sister for a while, I'll cook the rest."
Zhong Yanyan waved her hand. "What are you saying this for during the New Year? I got up in the middle of the night yesterday and heard the noise from your room. Little Feng was fussing again, and you had to coax him for most of the night before sleeping. Besides, it's just our own family eating today, so we're not making that many dishes. Didn't you see that Nannan and Mingli haven't come out either? I'll be done by myself in a little while."
To Zhong Yanyan, her daughter-in-law waking up late really wasn't a big deal. The New Year had just passed, and there wasn't much work to do at home. As long as Luotong took good care of her grandson, she was happy.
Seeing that her mother-in-law's expression was normal, Luotong's heart finally settled down. However, she didn't go inside to rest, insisting on staying in the kitchen to help out.
During the meal, Qiqi insisted on sitting next to her aunt, playing with her little brother's foot with her left hand. Little Feng could also eat porridge now. Luotong mixed some vegetable soup into it and occasionally fed him a bite, which he ate with great relish.
When they were in the county town, during meals, either Mingli or Madam Yu would coax the child first. They both felt sorry for Luotong and let her eat first.
Before returning home, Luotong had specifically told her husband not to do this in front of her parents-in-law; otherwise, she would have no face to see anyone and would definitely be called a lazy daughter-in-law.
On Lin Han's side, Lin Xue and her husband had already arrived at her maiden home. She was heavily pregnant now and planned to stay the night, returning to the county town tomorrow.
After the couple entered the house, Fan Shuting asked her why she hadn't brought the child. Lin Xue explained that her mother-in-law thought it was too cold and was afraid the child would freeze, so she didn't let them come along.
Actually, her mother-in-law hadn't wanted Lin Xue to come back either, saying that it would be enough for Wan Jiyong to come alone to deliver some New Year gifts. Lin Xue refused, and her mother-in-law, considering her pregnancy, didn't dare make her angry. She could only repeatedly instruct Wan Jiyong to take careful care of her. After all, her belly had lived up to expectations.
"What are eldest brother and sister-in-law busy with? Why haven't they come over to sit for a while?"
According to the custom of previous years, every time they came home, her eldest brother and sister-in-law would quickly come over to keep the guests company. What was wrong this year? Were they angry with the old folks?
Fan Shuting's mind was as clear as a mirror. The eldest son and his wife were definitely afraid it would be inconvenient to come over while they were discussing the children. She glanced at Lin Guozheng, thinking to herself that he should be the one to say it.
Lin Guozheng thought: If I have to say it, I'll say it. It's only right and proper for a mother to take care of her children!
"Don't worry about them for now. I have something to tell you. Before the New Year, Old Woman Jiang sent the two children back. They are in the west room right now. They've suffered quite a few beatings these past two years. I think the Jiang family doesn't want to raise them anymore."
As soon as Lin Xue heard that her children had suffered, she couldn't sit still. "That damned old woman, why isn't she dead yet? When I get back to the county town, I'll absolutely smash her house to pieces!"
She stormed off to the west room in a huff. Wan Jiyong followed her to see the children, partly out of fear that Lin Xue would hurt herself by getting too angry.
When Tingting and Congcong saw their mother, happy yet apprehensive smiles appeared on their faces. They immediately offered New Year's greetings to the couple, wanting to appear well-behaved and sensible.
"Happy New Year, Mother! Happy New Year, Uncle Wan!"
After all, they were her own flesh and blood. When she first divorced, Lin Xue had held a breath of resentment in her heart. She hated the Jiang family so much that she quickly remarried. When she finally came to her senses, she immediately went back to see her children.
Her own situation wasn't great either. Marrying an older man at a young age, her mother-in-law's attitude towards her was very mediocre, even if there was no scolding or beating. She didn't dare return to the Jiang family too frequently to visit her children.
Fortunately, her husband was considerate. He accompanied her back once a month and even left some money for the children. Although it wasn't much, it was definitely enough for their food and expenses.
"Congcong, Tingting, tell Mother, how did that damned old woman beat you? Mother will go back and take revenge for you!"
The two children spoke haltingly. The more Lin Xue listened, the angrier she became, her hands trembling uncontrollably. "And your father didn't care? He just let the two of you get beaten?"
Congcong told Lin Xue, "When Father was home, Grandmother didn't beat us. She also said that if we dared to tattle, she would beat us even harder. We didn't dare say anything."
Tingting cried until her nose was bright red. She looked at Lin Xue hopefully. "Mother, do you want me and my brother? We will be very obedient."
Lin Xue's heart ached. She clenched her jaw and turned to look at her husband, wanting to ask to take the two children home to care for them.
Before she could speak, Wan Jiyong spoke up first, "Congcong, Tingting, how could your mother not care about you? Tomorrow, Mother and Uncle will take you home to live with us, alright?"
Although Lin Xue was grateful to her husband, she worried about her mother-in-law's attitude. "Lao Wan, taking the children back without discussing it with the family first, will Mother..."
Wan Jiyong patted his wife's back, signaling her to relax. "I'll handle Mother. Besides, with more children, the house will be livelier."
Lin Guozheng didn't even have to use the words he had prepared before the matter of the children was resolved. This gave him and Fan Shuting an even better impression of their son-in-law.
When Lin Han arrived home and heard about this, he still suggested they make a trip to the Jiang family. "If you really plan to take them back to raise, you have to inform Jiang Hua. If he agrees, you might as well have the two children change their surname to Wan."
Lin Han did this hoping to make Wan Jiyong feel a bit more comfortable. Changing their surname meant they were part of his own family. The children were still young now, and as time passed, it would be no different from having his own flesh and blood.
Sure enough, Wan Jiyong agreed with Lin Han's idea. "When I get back to the county town, I'll go find him. If he can't afford to raise the two children, I, Wan Jiyong, will raise them. As long as he doesn't regret it in the future."
Wan Jiyong couldn't exactly say he liked these twins, but Lin Xue was still pregnant with his child and had already given him a son. Could he really just ignore them?
Fortunately, his family's financial situation was quite good. He could afford to raise two more!
Over here, after finishing lunch, Lin Han rode his bike to pick up his wife to go home. When they arrived at the Nan family's house, Zhong Yanyan specially packed his favorite dishes for him.
"Take this back and heat it up to eat tonight. I didn't let them touch their chopsticks while you weren't here."
Mingli complained from the side, "Isn't that the truth, brother-in-law? Now that my parents have a son-in-law, their own son is out of favor. I have to look at their expressions just to get a bite of food now, sigh!"
Lin Han felt an indescribable sense of being moved. The cotton-padded jacket he was wearing was hand-made by Zhong Yanyan. This mother-in-law always made him feel like a cherished child.
"Thank you, Mother!"