Chapter 1348 - 1220: Maintaining a Steady Mother-in-Law Stance

Chapter 1348: Chapter 1220: Maintaining a Steady Mother-in-Law Stance

It took a lot of effort to be alone, and Zhou Jiao was too lazy to return to her own courtyard, knowing that she would have to chat with her mother-in-law for a bit once she woke up.

Although her youngest son’s remarks were a bit harsh just now, Zhou Jiao didn’t regret it. Deep down, if it weren’t for her mother-in-law, she really couldn’t be bothered with outsiders.

She always remembered Mother Zhang’s kindness, those eggs secretly stuffed into her pockets, and every word spoken with "my Jiao Jiao" affection.

The mother-in-law is like a real mother!

She is truly a good person.

Not only towards Zhou Jiao, but seeing her tenderness upon learning about Little Jiu’s orphan background last night, one can easily see her benevolence.

Zhou Jiao’s fingers perpetually tapped the armrest as she closed her eyes, pretending to nap, thinking of her aging mother-in-law, and her thoughts wandered.

When Mother Zhang got up, she saw the old daughter-in-law under the sweltering heat holding fabric, comparing, "Why didn’t you lie down a bit longer? Where’s your father?"

"Brother is playing in the park with Dad and them." Zhou Jiao smiled, not mentioning that the fabric was specifically for her in-laws’ cotton clothes, and aimed the fan at her. "Mom, don’t you want to sleep a bit more?"

"I’ve had enough sleep." Mother Zhang pushed the fan back. "This thing is good, it’d be even better if it could oscillate."

"Haha, my mom has a point, but there really is, Mom. I’ll take you to see it in the evening. Did you see the sidecar at the door? You can sit in the bucket, and we’ll go together."

"I’m not going. Whenever we go out, you squander money!"

Zhou Jiao laughed heartily upon hearing this.

"Has Ping’an not returned yet?" Mother Zhang continued seeing her nod. "That girl is quite good. But you must remember one thing: as a mother-in-law, you must maintain your posture as well."

"Mom, you never put on airs with me, I won’t either."

Mother Zhang laughed heartily upon hearing this, "Mom keeps forgetting you’re also a daughter-in-law. Remember how I treated your second sister-in-law? Just like that. The rules have to be set first. You’re soft-hearted, so don’t let the daughter-in-law walk all over you."

Zhou Jiao set aside her things and held her arm, "Oh dear, the more you talk, the more scared I get. You better not go back. With you by my side, I feel reassured."

"It’s okay, I’ll just give Xiao Wu a little reminder." Mother Zhang comforted her with a pat on the hand, "The child seems good now, but they’re not in yet, can’t be taken seriously.

Look at your eldest sister-in-law, she seemed okay at first. I was satisfied and let her be. But your second sister-in-law, as I managed her, she turned out well.

So don’t be afraid of trouble, point out what’s wrong. You must manage with a firm hand. It won’t do if not managed, when the other two young ones marry in, you’ll need to maintain your composure."

To her mother-in-law’s heartfelt words, Zhou Jiao nodded earnestly. Even if she didn’t completely agree, one thing was for sure—with her mother around, she had to straighten her attitude.

Currently, her mother seemed unbiased, but who is she? Smooth sailing, whether it’s Qu Shengmei or Yi Tangtang, she’s okay with all of them.

Once these two little girls really have a conflict, her mother will definitely favor Little Tangtang, regardless of who’s right or wrong, as she grew up around her knee.

Moreover, even if she didn’t say it, Zhou Jiao understood her mother favored Mo Xiaobei from her choice, though she indulged her grandson, loving the house and extending affection to the child.

"This life sure goes fast." Mother Zhang mused as she rubbed her hair, "In the blink of an eye, each of them is building a career."

Zhou Jiao leaned against her, "Indeed, how long since Ping’an was born? It’s better as they grow, no more washing diapers, and once the three brothers marry, I am considered done."

"Silly child, how could you say it’s done? As long as the mother’s heart hasn’t closed its eyes for a day, it never rests for a moment, sons followed by grandsons."

"Mom, how long should I worry? I really can’t manage that."

"You’ll understand someday." Mother Zhang diverted the topic rather than arguing, "Do you work tomorrow?"

"Yes, there’s a meeting tomorrow, Mom. Want me to accompany you? I can come back early, by four."

"No need, your work is important. Just letting you know no need to prepare our meal tomorrow, your dad and I have some business with Shi Tou."

Zhou Jiao blinked, "Haven’t you seen them already? What are you doing there? Wait till the day after tomorrow, I can take leave to accompany you."

"No need, don’t take leave when no need. Tomorrow Mai Sui wants to introduce her partner to your dad and me at Shi Tou’s there, not letting you meet them."

Zhou Jiao actually didn’t know about this, though she had no interest in inspecting the niece-in-law. After all, Zhang the Second had to agree first, they as a couple couldn’t bypass him. "That’s fine, I will have Xiao Zhu and the others pick you and Dad up tomorrow night."

Mother Zhang hesitated for a moment and nodded, "Alright. I can’t get used to staying over there."

Having made an agreement, Mother Zhang started chatting about the home matters, isn’t it only natural for the daughter-in-law, absent for so long, to hear some interesting stories?

Ping’an received a warm reception at the Qiu Family, held back by Mr. Qiu and his wife until he returned after dinner. Of course, besides yet another reciprocated gift, he also brought back Qu Shengmei.

Learning that Yi Tangtang was accompanying Little Jiu in the old house, Mr. Qiu immediately had Ping’an wrapped up and taken away.

The reason was quite strong too.

—Just right to accompany the two long-awaited elders.

Zhou Xiaozheng almost couldn’t hold his old face from breaking into laughter when hearing the eldest grandson’s private remarks. Everyone said Old Qiu was an extraordinary person, and it wasn’t an empty statement.

"Dad, how much he must cherish our Ping’an."

Zhou Xiaozheng was not surprised at all. Graduating and becoming a deputy regiment commander, carrying countless military achievements at just 25 years old, it would be strange not to cherish him!

Didn’t Chief Yi’s eyes gleam looking at Liu Yi’s near excellence, just short of personally requesting an early engagement for the child?

"That old man really is ruthless!" Zhang Guoqing jokingly scolded, "Did my foolish son fall for it?"

"How do you know our Ping’an didn’t take the opportunity?" Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head with a laugh, "One willing to fight, one willing to take the hit, let Ping’an pick a date for engagement later."

Seeing them, father and son-in-law, finalizing steps, Zhou Jiao smiled and left first. She definitely had to check out her youngest son’s Carefree Garden in the backyard.

Hmm, still have to remind the son not to betray their trust, and not to prematurely give them grandchildren, that would be truly embarrassing!

The next morning, Zhang the Father and Mother Zhang left with a group.

In the evening, as agreed, they were picked up.

The young man reportedly wasn’t bad, not only being schoolmates with Mai Sui but colleagues, too. The most crucial point is he is the youngest son, without the need to host parents around, reducing mother-in-law conflicts.

It only goes to show that everyone thinks differently.

Like Ping’an, returning victorious from the Qiu Family, he kept telling Qu Shengmei, the three brothers of theirs would definitely live with family, unless transferred to other places in the future.