Chapter 861: Chapter 734: Returning to the Big Courtyard

For Zhou Jiao, an ancient book poses no difficulty. After flipping through it twice, life goes on as usual. Moreover, she hasn’t forgotten she’s here on vacation to accompany her son.

In the winter season, besides the kids running around energetically and fearlessly in the cold, there are more elders staying indoors, doing chores, and calling the children for meals during mealtime.

Unlike Zhang Guoqing and his father, who are out enjoying themselves, Zhou Jiao, afraid of the cold and falling, seldom goes out. Luckily, she enjoys peace and quiet without disturbance, which suits her preferred lifestyle.

She finds joy in her self-entertained, free-spirited life. In the morning, she looks at the overnight snowfall in the yard, and in the afternoon, she peeks at the winter scene in the park through the wooden window panes.

At sunset, she stands in the yard and gazes at the half-golden, half-gray wall where sparse grass sways in the winter wind.

Whenever the mood strikes, she paints an ink drawing casually.

If we set aside the morning water pipes freezing often, life undoubtedly reaches Zhou Jiao’s long-pursued "Henceforth, splashing ink and brewing tea, ignoring worldly splendor."

"Have you eaten, sir?" Zhang Guoqing’s booming voice greets people from afar, nearing his wife. Zhou Jiao puts down her brush, rubbing her hands together for warmth.

Soon, Zhang Guoqing comes over with a net bag, and seeing his wife stepping out of the study, he quickly takes a few steps forward.

"No need to support me," Zhou Jiao waves her hand, "How’s everything at home?"

While Zhang Guoqing looks around the yard, his mind elsewhere, he replies, "Dad’s return date is uncertain; the group is rehearsing for the New Year. Mom has been staying at the dormitory often. She asked you to enjoy yourself, we’re not traveling far this year."

"Don’t bother looking; our son is next door at the Tan Family’s."

Zhang Guoqing smiles, lifts the cotton curtain at the door, and lets her in first: "Aunt Chen initially wanted to come and look after us. I’m worried that once the family finds out you’re pregnant, she won’t be able to leave. So I gave her time off to reunite with family, and she’ll return before Dad comes back."

Zhou Jiao points to the lunchbox: "Did she prepare this? Did you bring anything for her to take home?"

"They’re all dishes our son likes; she’s thinking of Ping’an." Zhang Guoqing chuckles, recalling Aunt Chen’s constant instructions before he left, "I told her to take whatever she fancies from the house."

Zhou Jiao glances at him with amusement, "You’re really generous."

Zhang Guoqing smiles at her teasing. Over the years, with her trust in Aunt Chen’s integrity, plenty of opportunities existed for her to move things from the house with them both often at school. Plus, Zhou Jiao and her father’s trust must have been through several vettings.

In the living room, the stove roasted sweet potatoes emitted a sweet aroma. Zhang Guoqing moved his nearly frostbitten hands beside the stove to "warm them."

"It’s ready, shall I peel it for you?"

"I’m not hungry; let’s wait for the child to come back. What do you want for lunch?"

"Going with a hotpot of lamb is convenient." Zhang Guoqing isn’t picky with meals. Their family has a taste for dishes from all over.

"Don’t worry, just say what you want; I cherish you."

Zhang Guoqing looks at her playfully, "Mischievous, aren’t you? With no interruptions, let’s use this time to prepare confinement meals, making it more convenient later."

The more he speaks, the more he realizes how he has neglected this. Busy playing while his wife indulges in poetry and painting, life’s little details were completely forgotten.

Since he’s thought of it, he should act. Zhang Guoqing moved his thawed hands and carried Zhou Jiao into the kitchen, seating her by the stove to give instructions. With past experiences, Zhou Jiao needs little reminding.

As noon neared, Little Ping’an politely declined an invitation for lunch at the Tan Family and waved his big brother goodbye at the gate, unlocked it, and dashed into the house alone.

Entering the yard and running to the kitchen, he inhaled the fragrance, feeling proud of his smart decision.

"You’re back, time for lunch soon," Zhang Guoqing beamed at the sight of his son, "Is it cold at the Tan Family’s? What did you all play?"

Ping’an counted on his fingers, "They played triangle toss, using cigarette papers found outside. I didn’t play; I played pick-up sticks instead. Later, Xiao Gangzi lent me glass marbles, but Grandmaster Tan stopped me, saying I’m too young to play such dangerous games."

Zhang Guoqing knows about pick-up sticks: colorful, pointed ends, and evenly thick. The supply and marketing cooperative outside the alley sells them. Playing this requires both boldness and care, training hand-eye coordination. Parents typically willingly prepare these for their kids.

Zhou Jiao nods beside him, "The elder’s thoughtful. If you promise not to put these small things in your mouth, Mom will buy you some."

"Buy what!" Zhang Guoqing immediately refuses, surprising her into raising an eyebrow.

"Use the gold beans, court beads, agate beads at home for my son instead. If we’re playing, let’s play grandly."

Zhou Jiao bursts into laughter at his words.

Ping’an giggles too.

Following their laughter, Zhang Guoqing adds, "Tonight, the three of us will hide under the quilt and play. When things are better, my son can give anyone he likes a casual ’Come, play with them’." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

He eyes the laughing mother and son playfully, "Doesn’t that sound magnificent?"

"No way! One gold bean can buy a thousand pounds..."

Zhang Guoqing raises his hand in surrender, "Son, please, let Dad have some space for imagination."

...

Happy days always pass quickly; once the frozen persimmons lined up on the windowsill are eaten, it’s time for the family to return to the Big Courtyard.

As the New Year approaches, the festive atmosphere grows stronger. Along the way, shoppers braving the blizzard form long lines outside stores and the supply and marketing cooperatives.

Just as they left quietly, the family of three returns quietly in the time when others are at work.

Aunt Chen hears noise from the kitchen, comes out, and beams at the sight of Ping’an running ahead, hugging him tightly, "Why didn’t you let me know so I could pick you up?"

"It’s just a few steps; no need for a pickup." Zhou Jiao laughs, shaking her head, "Why didn’t you rest more at home, is everything okay there?"

"There’s nothing going on at home, so I came back. Had I known you were returning, I’d have heated the bed earlier. It’s cold inside; come warm yourselves in the living room first, I’ll get the bed ready right away."

Zhou Jiao doesn’t blame her for heating the bed, knowing she does it to save for the family, shaking her head, "We can handle it ourselves. Auntie, go ahead and get busy."

Despite what she says, Aunt Chen wouldn’t dream of leaving them alone; anyway, it’s still far from dinner time. She hurriedly lines up some familiar firewood and coal balls.

Meanwhile, Zhang Guoqing embraces Zhou Jiao into the living room, settles her, and fetches the luggage, "I’ve miscalculated, should have informed her last night. I’ll lend a hand; just rest for a bit."

"Dad, shall I help you?"

"Thank you, son. I’ve got it; go check if your room’s bed is warm enough and what’s needed." Zhang Guoqing speaks and steps out of the living room toward the East Wing, not waiting for their reply.

"Xiao Wu, Da Yi came back from the army a few days ago and has visited several times, asking you to call him."

Zhang Guoqing smiles at Aunt Chen’s words. Not just Yi Jiefang; others are returning from places far and wide for the New Year. Much to keep him occupied soon.