Marriage in the 1970s: The Political Commissar's Contract Wife

Fang Chu inherited his father's composure and pride. He always regarded Zheng Yunzhu as "a brother who caused trouble together" and could not develop any romantic feelings for her.

Zheng Yunzhu, pampered by her family, was bright and flamboyant. She thought Fang Chu was good-looking, but too rigid and lacking in romance, and not a good match for her.

The two were increasingly annoyed by the mothers' blatant matchmaking attempts.

In the end, they tacitly joined forces, secretly forming an alliance to stage a play that lasted for ten years.

In front of their parents, they pretended to be attracted to each other, occasionally going out together, but then going about their own business; when their parents urged them to get engaged, they both said in unison that they wanted to focus on their careers and not consider personal matters for the time being.

This charade successfully fooled the four elders, making them believe that good things were about to happen, but it just needed time for things to fall into place.

When the news of Fang Chu's sudden marriage arrived, it was like a thunderclap, catching both families completely off guard.

Zhou Mudan was alright, just a little disappointed.

The one who was most hurt was Zheng Qin. Looking at her best friend, she was filled with indescribable guilt, feeling that her son had "betrayed" the promise and let Yunzhu down.

One day, she specially called Zheng Yunzhu to her home, took her hand, and said apologetically, "Yunyun, it's all Auntie's fault. I didn't keep an eye on that rascal Fang Chu, and you've suffered..."

Zheng Yunzhu waved her hand dismissively, instead comforting Zheng Qin: "Auntie, please don't say that! Fang Chu and I never had any feelings for each other; it was all you people who played matchmaker! Now that he's found someone he likes and gotten married, I'm overjoyed for him!"

Her open-mindedness and cheerfulness made Zheng Qin feel even more sorry for and fond of her.

In a moment of impulse, Zheng Qin solemnly said, "Good child! He's not fortunate enough to marry you; it's a loss for the Fang family. If you don't mind, you can be my goddaughter from now on! I'll love you!"

And so, a marriage that was originally full of hope quietly dissipated due to the joint "efforts" of the parties involved, and was eventually continued in a wonderful way in another form of kinship.

That's why Zheng Yunzhu could confidently say that she was Fang Chu's "sister," and that's why she had such a strong and complex curiosity about the "sister-in-law" who could win Fang Chu's heart.

In the evening, Zheng Qin brought some of Zheng Yunzhu's favorite snacks and seasonal fruits to the Zheng family home.

As soon as Zheng Yunzhu opened the door and saw her, she immediately took her arm affectionately: "Godmother! You're here! I knew you must have missed me and came all this way to see me!"

Zheng Qin chuckled at her sweet talk and gently poked her forehead: "You're so clever! I just heard you came back from the army, so I came to see my dear daughter. And by the way..."

Zheng Yunzhu immediately understood and pulled her into the house, deliberately drawing out her words: "By the way—ask me about Fang Chu and his wife, right?"

Zheng Qin, having been caught out, laughed and patted her on the shoulder: "I knew my Yunyun was the smartest!" Inside the house, Zhou Mudan and Zheng Ji'an also came to greet them.

Zhou Mudan greeted with a smile, "Xiao Qin is here, please sit down. Yunyun, that child, has been talking about her brother Fang Chu and his wife ever since she got back."

Zheng Qin sat down and exchanged a few pleasantries. Finally, she couldn't help but take Zheng Yunzhu's hand, her voice tinged with barely perceptible urgency and worry: "Yunyun, tell your godmother the truth, did you see Xiaxia this time you went there? How is she? Is she feeling alright?"

"I saw her! I saw her!" Zheng Yunzhu nodded hurriedly, her face full of heartfelt praise. "Godmother, don't worry! My sister-in-law is doing very well! Brother Fang Chu has taken good care of her; she's plump and healthy with a rosy complexion! Her little nephew in her belly must be strong too!"

Hearing that she was "chubby and healthy" and had a "rosy complexion," Zheng Qin felt a little more at ease, but the risks of twins made her uneasy, so she pressed on, "Is her belly big? Is carrying twins a heavy burden? Are the babies moving around a lot inside? Are they bothering her?"

Zheng Yunzhu thought for a moment, then gestured an exaggerated yet adorable large arc in front of her: "My belly is this big! It looks quite heavy. As for the baby's movements... Brother Fang Chu said it's alright, not too fussy, and my sister-in-law can still eat and sleep well."

She tried to say the best things to reassure her godmother. Listening to her goddaughter's story, Zheng Qin imagined the scene, feeling both anticipation and heartache. She sighed softly, "The twins...it must have been so hard for her."

Seeing her godmother's furrowed brow, Zheng Yunzhu quickly told her the good news: "Godmother, don't worry too much. Brother Fang Chu said that after the New Year and spring, he'll bring your wife back here to give birth. Then you'll be able to see her every day!"

Zheng Qin nodded, but the worry between her brows hadn't completely disappeared: "Xiao Chu told me about this on the phone. It's good that you're back, but I still... feel uneasy."

Listening to their conversation, Zhou Mudan, who was standing nearby, had a more practical perspective as someone who had been through it all.

She took her best friend's hand and whispered, "Xiao Qin, with Xia Xia back and the twins, the family must be incredibly busy. After the New Year, do you want to find someone reliable to help out with the care?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Qin immediately shook her head, her face filled with caution and helplessness: "Peony, at this time, how dare I just find someone? Wouldn't that be giving them ammunition to accuse me of 'extravagant lifestyle and exploitation of the working people'? No, absolutely not."

Zhou Mudan understood her best friend's concerns, but the practical problems were staring her in the face: "That makes sense. But think about it, Xiaxia is pregnant with twins. She needs careful care before giving birth, and she'll be even weaker afterward, definitely unable to do any work. You also have a job and can't stay by her side all day. Your mother-in-law can help with postpartum care, but taking care of two newborns at once will exhaust her! Without help, how will your family manage?"

These words struck a chord with Zheng Qin. She knew she needed help, but she had no reliable solution. She sighed, "Then... what do you suggest? I really don't dare hire a nanny."

Zhou Mudan had clearly already thought of a solution for her. She leaned closer, lowered her voice, and uttered the "workaround" method characteristic of the times:

"Here's what you'll do: don't just hire a nanny. Find a young woman you know well, someone efficient and capable, preferably a distant relative from your hometown. Tell everyone she's your niece, of marriageable age, and has come to Kyoto asking you to help find her a good husband. She'll be staying with you temporarily. She can also take care of your pregnant sister-in-law while she's at it. Wouldn't that be perfectly legitimate? Who could object then?"

Zheng Qin's eyes lit up as she listened to her best friend's idea. This method solved the manpower problem and silenced outsiders—it was truly thorough!

Her tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and she squeezed her best friend's hand tightly: "Okay! Peony, you're the one with the best ideas! Let's do it this way! I'll ask someone to look for it right away!"