“Madam, why are you leaving so soon? Your temper is too hot.” Zhang Chunhua chased a few steps after her in a pretense, spitting at her receding back after ensuring she was gone, then slammed the door shut.
Outside the courtyard gate, Madam Liu’s anger could not be quelled. Already unwell, the added fury made her feel even more lightheaded.
…
After signing, Chen Mancang paid another visit to Chen Mantun’s house. He was still somewhat uneasy about what Chen Lishu had said. No matter what, he had to inform his second brother, Chen Mantun. If Chen Lishu decided to go back on her word later, he would be there to speak on his behalf.
Having received Chen Mantun’s assurance, he happily headed home. From afar, he saw a figure emerging from his courtyard gate. Chen Mancang took a closer look and realized it was Madam Liu. He guessed she might be visiting Zhang Chunhua and didn’t think much of it.
As he got closer and was about to greet her, he suddenly saw Madam Liu sway as if about to fall. Chen Mancang instinctively reached out to support her.
Madam Liu, feeling somewhat dizzy, felt herself being steadied. She looked up and saw it was Chen Mancang. Thinking of the two-faced Zhang Chunhua, her mind suddenly churned.
“Brother Chen, thank you so much just now. I’ve been feeling dizzy these past few days due to illness, and I have no strength in my body.” Madam Liu said, trying to stand up, but her legs gave way, and her chest bumped into Chen Mancang.
Even through the thick winter clothing, Chen Mancang clearly felt the softness. He thought that while Madam Liu wasn't particularly attractive, she certainly had a substantial figure. No wonder the men in the village were always drawn to her. Madam Liu’s years of experience dealing with men were not for nothing; she was adept at piquing their interest, which explained why she could still conduct business despite her appearance.
“One really shouldn’t fall ill. No part of the body listens,” Madam Liu said with a playful tone, looking at Chen Mancang, then turned and walked towards her home.
Chen Mancang stood rooted to the spot, glanced back at her retreating figure, then turned and headed home as well.
Back home, Madam Liu thought about it more and more, feeling increasingly wronged. She had worked hard for nothing and gained no benefit. How could she swallow this insult? Since their family had gained nothing, Chen Lishu and Zhang Chunhua shouldn’t have it easy either. Seeing that it wasn’t too late, she wrapped her scarf and headed to the commune.
…
As the twelfth lunar month approached, households became busy. Normally, families were too occupied with making clothes, but on this day, Li Xiulan had kneaded dough early in the morning and left it to proof on the kang. Once it had risen, everyone began making steamed buns and stuffed buns.
“I heard from the women’s director that the health team organized by the town will be coming down in the next couple of days to conduct health checks for women,” Zhang Xiaoju said as she stuffed bean paste, recalling what the women’s director had said when buying things at the supply and marketing cooperative.
Liu Yuemin asked, “What health check is needed?”
Chen Lishu looked up and smiled, saying, “It’s likely a check for family planning, right? The army conducted something similar before, stating that women who had already given birth to three children must undergo sterilization surgery. Of course, men can also be sterilized.”
“That’s right,” Zhang Xiaoju nodded. “That’s exactly what the women’s director said.”
Liu Yuemin exclaimed in surprise, “Then won’t my sister-in-law and I both have to get fitted with an intrauterine device?”
Zhang Qin’s hands also slowed down. The older generation’s belief was that more children meant more blessings. However, policies had changed, and slogans on walls had been updated, such as “Family planning brings many benefits” and “The state advocates for couples to have two children.”
Chen Lishu knew that at this stage, it was mostly persuasive. In another couple of years, when family planning was established as a basic national policy, the enforcement against exceeding the limit would be stricter, as evidenced by slogans like “If you should abort but don’t, your house will be torn down and your cattle taken” and “Better to shed rivers of blood than produce one more child.”
“I say, third sister-in-law, you and third brother have been married for several years, but how come there’s no sign of a baby yet?” Liu Yuemin asked out of curiosity.
Although Li Xiulan and Zhang Qin didn’t shift their gaze, Chen Lishu could clearly feel their hands pause almost in unison when Liu Yuemin asked. Chen Lishu managed a weak smile, “Perhaps the time just hasn’t come yet.” She had been taking the medicine prescribed by the hospital. While her menstrual pain had lessened, there was still no sign of a pregnancy, and she was determined to get another check-up at a different hospital when she returned to the provincial capital.
Liu Yuemin pouted, not believing her. “Fourth sister-in-law got pregnant with their Panpan not long after getting married. My sister-in-law and I also conceived within half a year. Could you and third brother have some sort of problem?” After all, it was said that like mother, like daughter. Seeing Wu Chunmei give birth to seven daughters, Chen Lishu was likely no different. “Since the town is coming for checks, third sister-in-law, you should get thoroughly examined. If there are any problems, it’s best to detect and treat them early.”
Chen Lishu looked up and smiled at her, “Thank you, second sister-in-law, for your concern.”
Unsatisfied with not getting the answer she wanted, Liu Yuemin pressed on, “I say, third sister-in-law, you haven’t had a baby for so long. Haven’t you thought about going to the hospital? It’s so convenient to see a doctor in the provincial capital. Unless there’s something you’re embarrassed to talk about? We’re family, and there’s nothing we can’t discuss. Besides, Mother is eager to have a grandchild.”
The smile on Chen Lishu’s face faded slightly. “Second sister-in-law, what do you want to hear?”
Liu Yuemin chuckled sheepishly, “I’m just worried you might be hiding something from Mother. What if you have some problem…”
Chen Lishu replied, “And what if I have a problem?”
“Second daughter-in-law, this entire tray of stuffed buns is filled. Take them to the kitchen to steam,” Li Xiulan said.
“Fourth sister-in-law is standing there, so it’s convenient for her to take them,” Liu Yuemin said, initially reluctant to move. However, upon meeting Li Xiulan’s displeased gaze, she reluctantly got up.
…
“Mother, I didn’t mean to hide this from you. I only found out around last year’s Lunar New Year, and I’ve been taking medication to regulate it since then.” Continuous concealment and avoidance wouldn’t solve the problem, so Chen Lishu took the opportunity to explain everything to Li Xiulan.
After listening to her, Li Xiulan stared at her for a long time without speaking. She had no idea what to say. Should she blame Chen Lishu for being infertile? The child must be feeling worse than she was. Finally, Li Xiulan sighed heavily, “People are not perfect. You’re good in every aspect, so why is it just…” A bitter taste rose in Chen Lishu’s mouth. In her previous life, having children had been so easy. Perhaps this life was too smooth, and even heaven couldn’t stand it.
At night, Li Xiulan tossed and turned like a pancake, unable to sleep. Soon, Gu Shoufu, sleeping beside her, was disturbed.
“Why aren’t you sleeping? Do you have lice?”
“What lice? I’m so worried.” Li Xiulan sighed heavily.
Gu Shoufu’s drowsiness immediately cleared. “Which child has upset you? Tell me, and I’ll deal with them tomorrow.”
“No one has upset me; it’s about our third child’s family.” Li Xiulan then repeated what Chen Lishu had told her during the day.