Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 136: Hearing the Wind

Yang PeiMin couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Chen Guizhi’s spirits were high, and she pointed out additional sewing techniques, "Once you’ve drawn the pattern, cut the fabric; you have to pull this side tight, don’t skimp on material. With one piece of fabric, it’s best to cut it open; that way, the finished garment will have structure."

Yang PeiMin laughed, "Mother really has the experience."

Chen Guizhi shook her head, her face taking on a wistful expression, "What experience? My uncle was a tailor by profession. I only picked up a little from him. His skills were passed down to men, not women, let alone to me, his niece. But he didn’t hide his work from us. He wished that we girls would learn the basics at least, so my mother often sent me over to my uncle’s house."

As Yang PeiMin worked with her hands following the instructions given, Chen Guizhi lent a helping hand, saying, "Actually, for us country folk, we’re not that fussy. As long as the clothes provide cover and protection from the wind, that’s enough. Maybe put in a bit more effort when making clothes for a daughter who’s about to marry off, to give her some face..."

Yang PeiMin shook her head, "Mother, not really. Everyone has a love for beauty. As life improves, people will become more particular about their clothing, especially the young ladies and daughters-in-law. If someone has such a skill, they’ll be in demand."

While mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted, they made Shen Yiguang’s clothes, and in no time, they had finished his two undershirts and two pairs of underwear.

Then Chen Guizhi pulled her outside to discuss the food they should bring.

Yang PeiMin followed with a nervous heart.

However, when she came out to the main room, she was startled by the basket of things on the floor.

Goodness, they were all dried fruits.

"Last year, the collective organized a foray into the mountains to gather them. Every household got a good share, and some folks picked a lot on their own. During the years of famine, these were lifesaving rations. Last year we sent some to Yiguang, and with relatives visiting and such, they were all gone. Today, Mother traded some eggs for these; not many families have much left. This is the contribution from several households."

Chestnuts, hawthorns, and peanuts.

"Yiguang likes these. We’ll roast them, add a bit of salt, and they taste so good. They also make a decent gift."

Yang PeiMin smiled bitterly; she liked them too, but they were for him!

"Isn’t this too much, Mother?"

They didn’t have luggage or anything like that.

Unable to help herself, she coaxed Chen Guizhi, "Mother, let me spend some money and mail these over, instead. Look at my skinny arms and legs; I would be laughed at before I could even get to the train station."

Shen Yixiang rolled her eyes at Yang PeiMin for seizing the right to act spoiled, "Really useless. You’re not from the city; where did all this delicateness come from? I’ll go with you, Mother. It’s just a little stuff, and I can carry it easily with one hand. No need to waste money on postage."

Shen Yiyue tapped her on the head, "Are you silly? Just buying an extra ticket for you would cost enough to mail it back and forth at least a dozen times."

Shen Yixiang puffed up her cheeks.

Chen Guizhi, on the other hand, agreed. She slapped her forehead, "Look at me, I was so busy I got confused. You’re too slender to carry all this stuff. Let’s just mail it over."

Yang PeiMin nodded and became proactive. Following Chen Guizhi’s advice, they decided to further process these items before sending them.

People soon found out she had gone to visit relatives.

So the number of women dropping by after meals increased.

"Have you heard that Yiguang’s wife went on a trip? It’s only Yiguang who is doing well, coming back home for Chinese New Year, and now he can visit relatives again. Did he get promoted?"

That was the gossipy reason for her visit.

Chen Guizhi was hosting, "Where do you get that from? This is a happy occasion for their whole production team."

"How long is she going to stay this time? I heard that place is really far away, do we have to go to the city to take a train? I heard that their stores, with industrial coupons, are selling pots. Could you ask your daughter-in-law to bring one back for me? You know my third son is making a fuss about moving out and we still don’t have all the pots we need." This was someone asking for a favor.

Chen Guizhi didn’t know what to say.

Seeing her doubtful look, the visitor pressed on, "What’s the problem? It’s not a big deal. I’ll give you the money when you get back. Your daughter-in-law has to take the bus back, right? It’s not too much trouble."

"If you’re bringing back a pot for her, can you also buy me a silk scarf while you’re at it? I’ll pay you back, too. It’s easy and doesn’t bother me one bit."

"I’ve heard there’s a place in the city that makes really good peach pastries. My son is getting engaged soon, and if you could bring some back, it would impress the bride’s side. Oh right, like the others, we can settle the money when you get back."

Chen Guizhi dared not agree and responded with a vague smile, "I’ll have to ask my daughter-in-law about this."

"What’s going on with you, Second Sister-in-law? I didn’t believe what they were saying outside, but it looks like your new daughter-in-law has you under her thumb, and you’ve only just welcomed her into the home. This won’t do. Where’s the sense in that? Raising a son isn’t easy, it’s not to let him forget his mother once he has a wife. Of course, Yiguang is a good one..."

"That’s right, many things are habitual. As you get older, they’ll start to disdain you, not take you seriously. If you put her in her place now, you’ll be the one calling the shots at home. If you keep a tight grip on the household finances, would she dare to treat you poorly?"

Chen Guizhi might have been soft-hearted, but she wasn’t silly, "What are you talking about? Why should a family fight about status? It’s all about treating each other well, and that’s how to live harmoniously. We are all very satisfied with our daughter-in-law. She’s been sincerely devoted to our family. I’ve been having back pain, and she even applies medicine and massages me every night. Would an own daughter do more than that?"

Upon hearing her actually bragging about her daughter-in-law, a couple of mothers-in-law, who were already engaged in a tug-of-war with their daughters-in-law, twisted their noses in anger, muttered a few idle words, and left.

After dinner, she brought up this conversation with Shen Yiyue.

Shen Yiyue furrowed her brow and, after a moment of thought, said in annoyance, "I know. It’s that old house spreading rumors again. Fourth Aunt visited again, huh?"

Chen Guizhi cautioned her, "Don’t gossip in front of your sister-in-law."

Shen Yiyue understood, "I got it, Mom. But I think the old house must be up to something again. You should be cautious, and I’ll remind my sister-in-law to be aware."

Meanwhile, Yang PeiMin was in her room talking with Pan Shuiqin, oblivious to the women dropping by outside.

Pan Shuiqin was actually here to relay a message, "I heard you’re leaving soon. The last batch is almost sold out. It would be too late to ask you to make more now. Lanzi is worried, so she sent me over to discuss this with you."

Yang PeiMin wasn’t planning to stay this supplier forever, "Don’t worry, cousin. I’ve been thinking – I’ll pass this craft on to you, and from now on you can supply Sister Cheng Lan. What do you say?"

Pan Shuiqin waved her hands, "How can we do that? That’s your thing. I can’t just take it from you. Actually, Cheng Lan thought about it too. If it’s okay with you, she wants to buy the recipe. I know you mean well, but I can’t just accept something so valuable from you for nothing."

That recipe was a goose that laid golden eggs, and she wasn’t going to take advantage of that.