The mother of the era is reborn to support her cannon fodder children!

Chapter 410 "Happy Like a Little Girl"

Lin Zhao tidied up the things sent from her hometown and her third brother and sister-in-law before she began to read the letters.

Several wild boars from the Dongfeng Brigade ran down the mountain. Song Xiwei had to lead a hunting team and was too busy to come over. She would visit the military region after the New Year.

There was also a letter from Xie Baiwei—

The letter said she's going on blind dates every day now, and she's so sick of it she's sick of it. She hates those gossipy women. She's not getting married and she hasn't dug up anyone's ancestral graves, so why are they talking about her and making her go on endless blind dates...

The words convey a deep sense of despair.

【My requirements are really not high. As long as the other person is not short, has a decent appearance, is stable, ambitious, family-oriented, and has a harmonious family... Are my requirements outrageous? The matchmaker said I'm aiming too high. Am I aiming too high? Am I aiming too high? I'm so angry!!】

Finally, he mentioned that Su Jingqiu was pregnant and would be coming to the military region to join him, asking her to help take care of her.

Lin Zhao could tell that Xie Baiwei was truly anxious and heartbroken, and her brows furrowed slightly.

It's true that girls in their twenties who are still unmarried are more likely to face discrimination. She never expected that even someone with Bai Wei's family background would still be subject to gossip.

She wrote a serious reply, expressing her attitude: marriage should not be done impulsively or rashly; it is best to think things through carefully before taking the plunge, as a failed marriage is very draining.

He also said that he would help Jingqiu integrate into military life, reassuring Bai Wei.

After replying to the letter, putting it in an envelope, affixing the stamp, and opening the window to call out "Yu Bao," the boy responded and quickly ran over.

"what happened?"

Lin Zhao handed the letter through the window, "Send this letter, and also send the New Year's gifts I prepared for my hometown. If they're too heavy, ask Hengbao for help. I'm busy now."

With the Chinese New Year approaching, she needs to design the promotional posters. She needs to start drawing them first, and then the director will have to review them in a few days.

"Okay." Yu Bao took the letter, went back into the house and called Heng Bao. The two brothers went to mail letters and things together.

The two boys were very reliable, and Lin Zhao trusted them with their work. After watching her two sons leave, she turned her gaze away, took out drawing paper and brushes from the drawer, and began to conceive a draft in the bright sunlight.

Qiao Hui took out the clothes to wash them, but when she saw Lin Zhao bent over her desk, she was worried that the washing machine would be too loud and disturb her, so she put down the laundry basket and went to tend to the vegetable garden in her private plot.

……

end of the month.

Lin Zhao went back to her hometown to attend Yun Cheng's wedding.

Gu Chenghuai had a mission and couldn't go. After thinking about it, she decided not to take the children and set off on her return journey alone with a woven bag.

When they arrived, it was evening. Lin Zhao didn't go back to the village; instead, he went to his home in the county.

The Lin family was all asleep.

The couple inside were surprised to hear the knocking.

Lin Shichang put on his slippers, went out of the room to open the gate to the yard.

"Big brother." Lin Zhao pulled down her black scarf, revealing her fair and beautiful face.

"Zhao Zhao?!" Lin Shichang was stunned when he saw his sister. He subconsciously took the woven bag from her hand, put his arm around Lin Zhao's shoulder, and led her home.

"Why are you back? Did you just arrive? Why didn't you send a telegram before you came back so I could have picked you up? What are we going to do if something happens on your way back alone..."

He kept repeating himself, and Lin Zhao's eyes were practically spinning from his reading.

"Is your sister-in-law asleep?" She had a sudden idea and changed the subject.

Hearing a noise in the yard, Chen Yu put on her coat and came out.

He was clearly taken aback when he saw his sister-in-law.

"Zhaozhao? When did you get back?"

She walked over and pulled Lin Zhao into the house. "Did you just get off the bus? Are you hungry? I'll make you some noodles..."

After saying this, he told Lin Shichang to make the bed for his sister-in-law and then rushed off to the kitchen to start a fire.

The main house in this courtyard has remained untouched, but no one has lived there.

The brother and sister entered the main house one after the other.

Every now and then, Chen Yu would tidy up, sweep away the dust, wipe everything down, and air out the bedding...

The room was very clean.

Lin Shichang said, "The weather was nice a few days ago, and your sister-in-law just aired out the bedding. You can sleep on the bed with the new sheets on. You sit and rest for a while, and I'll make the bed."

Lin Zhao casually put the woven bag down.

"Thank you for your trouble, sister-in-law."

Lin Shichang glanced at her and smiled, "Haven't seen us for a while, you've become distant?"

"No way."

"You're being too polite," Lin Shichang said, making the bed without looking at her.

"Alright, I won't say anything more." Lin Zhao was truly impressed; her older brother had taken her casual polite remark seriously.

"The bathhouse is closed early. You can just wash up at home later. If you don't like it, go to the bathhouse early tomorrow," Lin Shichang said.

"Okay." Lin Zhao placed her hands on her knees and replied with a "okay."

Lin Shichang has a soft heart; Zhao Zhao hasn't changed at all over the years.

"You came back alone? Where's Chenghuai? Where are the children?"

Lin Zhao rested her chin on her hand, watching her older brother deftly make her bed. "Your brother-in-law went on a mission. I left Yu Bao and the others behind. I can't keep bringing them back; it's too much trouble."

She found that traveling alone was really convenient and worry-free.

Lin Shih-chang did not make unreasonable demands on his sister.

Do whatever makes you comfortable.

In the hearts of the Lin brothers, their sister always comes before their nephews and nieces. They least want to see Zhaozhao suffer or make things difficult for herself for her brother-in-law and children.

Lin Zhao smiled broadly.

"I know."

Lin Shichang took out a fluffy, soft quilt that had been aired out from the cabinet and spread it on the bed.

"Want a hot water bottle?" he asked.

Lin Zhao shook her head, "No need."

Lin Shichang didn't say anything. While Lin Zhao was eating noodles, he filled a hot water bottle and stuffed it into the quilt. He always remembered that when his sister was little, her hands and feet would be ice cold at this time of year.

"It's been so long since I've had noodles made by my sister-in-law. They're delicious, just like I remember them." Lin Zhao praised as she ate her noodles.

Chen Yu was overjoyed, "If you like it, I'll make you more tomorrow. Are you upset that you didn't get to eat longevity noodles this year?"

Over the years, she worked as a saleswoman at the supply and marketing cooperative, never exposed to the sun, and used face cream continuously, resulting in smooth skin that didn't show her age.

Her parents both said she looked younger and younger.

Every time her mother came to visit, she would say, "Xiaoyu has married into a lucky family, and I can finally rest easy..."

Lin Zhao chewed the noodles in her mouth and gave her sister-in-law a resentful look.

"A little bit." She put her thumb and pinky together, then added, "But I received a lot of birthday presents, so it's alright."

Thinking of the birthday gift her sister-in-law had sent her, Lin Zhao smiled and thanked her, "Thank you for the hairband, sister-in-law. I really like it."

Chen Yu waved her hand, "I'm glad you like it. I knew that headband would suit you the moment I saw it."

She asked a colleague to bring it from Haicheng; it was ginger-yellow with delicate lace trim, and the headband cost twelve yuan.

That's an astronomical price.

However, her sister-in-law deserves such an expensive headband.

Chen Yu was afraid that giving Zhao Zhao an ordinary gift would be an insult.

"Do your parents know you're back?" Chen Yu asked.

"I didn't tell them, so they probably don't know." Lin Zhao took a sip of noodle soup, feeling refreshed. "It's okay, I'll go home tomorrow, and my parents will know then."

Chen Yu shook her head, fearing that her father-in-law and mother-in-law would also be startled.

"Dad didn't make me longevity noodles this year, but I'll definitely make them for him when I get back," Lin Zhao said with a smile.

Lin Shichang wholeheartedly agreed, "That's for sure. You're Dad's darling. On your birthday... I've never missed a longevity noodle dish for you."

They never missed out, even during times of famine.

Lin Zhao was secretly delighted.

The Song family was well-off, and Song Yuncheng's wedding was a grand affair.

Lin Zhao stayed in his hometown for a month before returning to the military region.

Lin Heling and Song Xiwei went back together.

The couple hadn't seen their youngest son and their two grandsons, Jingmo and Guangbai, for several years and wanted to go visit them.

The couple planned to visit their third son's family after seeing Jiu Si. They wanted to see as many people as possible while they were still able to move around.

With her parents by her side, Lin Zhao was as happy as a little girl on the journey.

……

When the next snow fell, Su Jingqiu arrived at the military region and began her life as a military dependent.

Her husband had someone clean the house thoroughly beforehand and bought everything that needed to be bought, so Su Jingqiu, who was pregnant, didn't have to worry about anything.

After resting for a while, Su Jingqiu brought her things to the Gu family.

Duan Yu was worried about her man, the big, dark-skinned guy who had taken a liking to her at first sight, so she insisted on giving him to her.

"I'll go check off my leave after I drop you off," Duan Yu said, leaving no room for refusal. "If you can't stand the smell of cooking oil, don't go into the kitchen. I'll get some from the canteen after get off work and bring it back."

He's a rough, unrefined man, and he finally found a cultured woman as his wife, so it's not too much for him to cherish her.

Su Jingqiu found this man quite long-winded, but she was also rational enough to know that he was doing it for her own good, so she patiently replied, "I understand."

Duan Yu escorted Su Jingqiu to the Gu family home, but didn't stay long before leaving to attend to other matters.

Lin Zhao looked at Su Jingqiu's belly; she was showing, but her waist was still so slender.

"Why are you so thin? Are you not eating well?"

Su Jingqiu stroked her stomach and gave a bitter smile, "I'm vomiting so badly, I throw up everything I eat, I'm even afraid to eat now..."

"You're vomiting so badly?" Lin Zhao asked with concern.

She had two good pregnancies, and her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law said that the babies in her belly were coming to repay a debt of gratitude.

"Will eating some pickled cabbage and pickled radish help?"

Su Jingqiu smiled slightly, "I tried it, but it didn't work. I still threw up."

"There's a strange smell to it." She felt very uncomfortable.

She was twenty when she had her child, and she had high expectations for the baby in her womb, but unfortunately her body was not cooperating.

Su Jingqiu looked a little embarrassed. "Zhaozhao, I wanted to ask if you had any of the pickled radishes you made?"

"Yes!" Lin Zhao replied immediately.

She laughed and said, "I was just about to mention that. We have plenty of vegetables at home, as much as you want."

"Okay, I'll change to a smaller jar first, is that alright?" Su Jingqiu asked in a questioning tone.

"Sure." Lin Zhao knew that Jingqiu was not one to take advantage of others, so she didn't refuse her offer to exchange.

Su Jingqiu's brows relaxed, and she quietly swallowed a few times.

Strangely enough, just thinking about the pickled radishes Zhao Zhao made made her incredibly hungry, even though she hadn't felt hungry in a long time...

Sensing something amiss, Lin Zhao called Yao Bao to keep Jing Qiu company, and she went into the kitchen.

I used the fire in the stove to make some millet porridge.

After finishing, I filled a small bowl with the pickled radish and pickled cabbage from the small jar and brought it out.

Place it in front of Su Jingqiu.

"Jingqiu, try it and see if you can eat it. If you can't, don't force yourself. Let's think of another way," Lin Zhao said.

Morning sickness is very uncomfortable, but there are always ways to deal with it.

Keep trying, things will get better eventually.

The expectant mother is the most important.

Su Jingqiu was surprised that Zhaozhao had gone to prepare food for her. Her nose tingled and her eyes welled up with tears.

“Zhaozhao…”

Lin Zhao shoved the chopsticks into her hand. "Alright, try it. Eat a piece of pickled radish first, and see if it makes you feel better."

Su Jingqiu sniffed and, following Zhao Zhao's advice, ate a piece of radish. The sour and crisp radish aroma burst in her mouth, and the bitterness in her mouth retreated like a defeated soldier. At least the problem of feeling nauseous no matter what she ate a while ago did not recur.

Her eyes lit up with surprise.

"Zhaozhao, I'm not feeling bad anymore!!"

Lin Zhao was happy for Jingqiu, "It's good that you're not feeling unwell anymore. Eat up, you've lost so much weight. How can the baby in your belly grow properly if the mother doesn't eat?"

After eating without vomiting, Su Jingqiu belatedly realized she was hungry. She gave Zhao Zhao a grateful smile and started eating, taking bites of porridge and side dishes, enjoying her meal immensely.

Yao Bao couldn't help but swallow her saliva as she watched.

Seeing this, Lin Zhao pinched the gluttonous girl's chubby cheeks.

Are you hungry?

Yao Bao smiled sheepishly, pointing to her finger, "A little bit, hehe."

"There's still porridge in the pot, I'll go get you some." Lin Zhao said indulgently.

It's a blessing that your child can eat well.

You need to consume enough nutrients to grow taller.

Lin Zhao went to the kitchen to get porridge, and Yao Bao ran after her.

"Mom, I want some side dishes too. Please give me more pickled cabbage, thank you, Mom."

"Okay, I'll get you more pickled cabbage." Lin Zhao's voice was gentle and indulgent.

"Mom is so good," the little girl said sweetly.

With her adorable baby by her side, Su Jingqiu ate more comfortably and with greater relish.

After finishing a small bowl of millet porridge and a side dish, Su Jingqiu felt full and happy.

"It's so comforting. I never knew millet porridge was so delicious before," she exclaimed.

“Millet porridge is naturally fragrant, and I’ve always liked it,” Lin Zhao said.

Seeing that Jingqiu's appetite had returned, she turned around and went back to the kitchen, bringing out a small jar of vegetables.

“Your belly is showing, so it’s best not to do any heavy work. I’ll take these side dishes back for you; it’ll be good for me to familiarize myself with the place.”

Su Jingqiu said, "Okay, we should keep in touch often. I don't know many people, so I'm a little nervous."

"Don't be afraid, the ladies are all easy to get along with. I'll introduce you to them after you've rested. You'll get to know them in just a few days. If you need anything, just call them and they'll all help you," Lin Zhao comforted her softly.

There are some unpleasant people in the family compound, but most people are normal, warm, and sincere.

Su Jingqiu listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

As they spoke, the two left the Gu family courtyard and headed towards Duan Yu and Su Jingqiu's small apartment.

The courtyard is about a ten-minute walk from the Gu family's house.

A square courtyard, three rooms, a kitchen, and a separate bathroom.

It was cleaned very well.

To Lin Zhao's surprise.

Su Jingqiu poured a glass of water, knowing that Zhaozhao didn't like things too sweet, so she added a moderate amount of sugar.

"Old Duan had someone clean it up, and everything that needed to be added was added," she explained.

“That’s good. Men should care for their pregnant wives,” Lin Zhao said matter-of-factly.

"Who will take care of you during your postpartum period after you give birth?" she asked with concern.

Su Jingqiu felt a warmth in her heart and said, "My sister-in-law."

"Is your sister-in-law alright?" Lin Zhao had kept in touch with Su Jingqiu over the past few years. They shared similar values ​​and had long become friends. Not wanting Jingqiu to suffer during her postpartum period, she asked a few more questions.

"She's a very honest girl," Su Jingqiu said. "She's clean, hardworking, and she raised her younger brother and nephew. She respects me, her sister-in-law, and listens to me a lot. My sister-in-law is of marriageable age, and Lao Duan asked her to come over, also hoping to find her a partner in the army."

It's not that I want to take advantage of my sister; I just hope she marries into a good family and will never have to worry about food or drink.

Honest girls always evoke more sympathy.

Having spent some time with her sister-in-law, Su Jingqiu felt sorry for the young girl and offered to help her out, thinking it would bring good fortune to the baby in her womb.

"As long as it's a good one, that's fine." Lin Zhao felt relieved.

What she didn't mention was that there was a military wife in the same situation as Jingqiu. This military wife was unlucky. Her sister-in-law stole the chicken meant for postpartum women to replenish their bodies. She was lazy and didn't seem to be there to take care of people, but rather to enjoy herself... It was as if she had invited back an ancestor. Later, she caused quite a few troubles before they finally sent her away.

　Happy New Year, my darlings!

　　May your life be as smooth as galloping horses and everything go well in 2026!
　　Thank you all for your support along the way. Please continue to guide me this year as well.

　　Love you all, muah muah muah muah (ε｀)

　　(End of this chapter)