Shen Hongmei explained to outsiders that she had epilepsy, which caused her occasional convulsions, and this reason could not help but make the people who liked her feel regretful.
Although Zhi Xia also wanted to help Shen Hongmei get rid of the things in her body, Shen Hongmei did not appear again for a long time afterwards, and Zhi Xia did not know whether she was being controlled or was reluctant to part with that thing.
After all, everything has reciprocity. Since that thing could lurk in Shen Hongmei's body to do evil, according to Shen Hongmei's usual style, she herself should also have gained considerable benefits.
After all, a girl from the countryside who had never even entered the school gate could be selected for the Propaganda Group and have a certain amount of knowledge reserves, dress fashionably, and occasionally take out some fast-moving goods.
Zhi Xia also had this ability, but she didn't even dare to show it too much. Up until now, she still insisted on reading and practicing calligraphy every day under the noses of Pei Jing and Pei Meng, making slow progress.
In comparison, Shen Hongmei's approach was really too bold. In the two years in the Propaganda Group, she created three songs with considerable popularity, and also had a certain dancing foundation.
It was no wonder the army thought she was abnormal. If they didn't have to think in the metaphysical direction, she would have been arrested long ago.
Although Jin City was not as cold as Zhi Xia’s side, the winter wind was still piercing compared to summer.
Especially here with more rain. In previous years at this time, as soon as it rained, the old injuries left by the old master and Pei Lao in their youth would relapse. Adding to their already old age, that kind of pain could only be described by those who had personally experienced it.
The old lady was uninjured, but because of her advanced age she was also afraid of the cold in winter. As soon as it turned cold she had to wrap herself up tightly, and when the cold came she felt as if her bones would freeze and shatter.
But this year was different from previous years.
It was drizzling these days, raining quite heavily from time to time, already for four or five days. The air was also very humid, and the cabinet doors in the house had unexpectedly grown mold spots if one wasn't careful.
These past two days, the old master was still in great spirits. He sat in the living room listening to the news on the radio, and from time to time he would hum a few bars of a tune.
When the old lady came out from the room, Zhou's wife quickly took the medicine the elders had been taking recently and gave it to them.
The three elders had suspected where these pills came from, but after thinking it over, they decided not to ask.
At times like these, in such a remote place, it was hard to guarantee the child wouldn't have some fortune, plus with the fierce fighting these past two years, the more remote corners were more likely to hide masters.
And the fewer people who knew about things like this, the better. If too many people knew, it would be more likely to attract disaster instead.
Anyway, Pei Jing was watching over that side, so there shouldn't be any major incidents. As long as the children's filial piety was accepted sincerely, it was fine.
That jade bottle alone which held the medicine was no ordinary thing. The old master and old lady both had discerning eyes and wouldn't fail to recognize it.
Of course, in this era it was certainly worthless.
It was also the immortal doctor sister who said a jade bottle could better preserve the medicine, otherwise Zhi Xia would have definitely replaced it.
At the An family, An Zhiren and An Zhixian were also discussing sending something to Zhi Xia. They weren't stingy people either, and naturally wanted to reciprocate upon receiving a gift.
Moreover, as time went on, they also developed some warmth towards this younger sister.
When Zhi Xia first returned, she clashed with Gao Meiyun, and since they didn't understand her personality, along with being tricked by Gao Meiyun a few times as children, they almost had a psychological shadow just from the words “younger sister”.
So the two had maintained a cold attitude, giving money when needed, but absolutely not giving effort, and didn't want too much involvement either.
Up until now, the impression Zhi Xia left them wasn't bad. Adding to people's natural sympathy for the weak, Zhi Xia had suffered so much that they also wanted to take good care of this younger sister.
Especially An Zhixian. He had already read quite a bit of that medical book recently, and as someone studying medicine, he naturally understood how precious this book was and how much it could help improve his medical skills.
Liu Ling happened to walk by holding her child and overheard their discussion. She said, “Let me know when you guys want to mail stuff. I knitted a sweater for your eldest brother that I can send along to save on postage.”
An Zhiren nodded in agreement, while still pondering what Zhi Xia's side might need.
An Jingzhi and Zhou Nan sat silently on the side, seemingly unable to join the children's discussion.
After the couple returned to their room, An Jingzhi said, "I heard the weather up north is very cold. We've always felt guilty towards our child. No matter whether she accepts our good intentions or not, we can't neglect her just because she doesn't accept them. Prepare some things for the child as well. Pei Lao said Zhi Xia is already pregnant, and I don't know if she'll come back for New Year's. She doesn't have a mother-in-law up there, so help pick out some fine cotton cloth and prepare everything needed."
Ever since Zhi Xia left, Zhou Nan's spirit had never been the same after she came out of the hospital, and she looked much older with several more wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.
She wiped her eyes with heartache. "I've been thinking about this for a long time now. Everything is prepared, I was just afraid to act...afraid she wouldn't be willing to accept."
"Nonetheless, go ahead and prepare it first," An Jingzhi sighed.
With Zhao Xin's health recovered, preparations for his wedding with Pei Meng were also underway.
The distance was not short, and Zhao's parents both worked, so it was unrealistic for them to ask for days off just because their son was getting married.
Therefore, they could only first have a lively wedding ceremony in the army camp to get their marriage certificate, and then have the formal ceremony back in Jin City.
They would obviously just wear military uniforms for an army wedding, saving on clothes for starters.
A few days in advance, Zhi Xia had already cut out the double happiness character, and decorated both Zhao Xin and Pei Meng's homes very festively.
On the wedding day, Zhi Xia personally tied two braids for Pei Meng that hung over her chest, and added red colored ribbons as decoration. She simply applied some makeup for her, dabbed on some fragrant oil, and dressed her up beautifully.
Pei Jing's brothers took the initiative to come over and play the bride's family blocking the way. Zhao Xin was even more prepared, bringing a large group to "fetch the bride". They were all grown men, each more spirited than the last, and made a huge clamor when they started playing around.
One side blocked while the other fetched, and eventually the two sides made such a ruckus that Zhi Xia hid far away early on after finishing her reception of the groom.
Zhao Xin's side scattered candies without restraint. Taking advantage when the others were picking up candy, he seized the chance to rush in, pick up the bride, and run off.
By the time the blockers realized what happened, the groom had already run quite far carrying the bride. A mob chased out after them, candies scattering all along the way. Adults and children scrambled to grab them, making it a lively and delightful occasion.
Yang Dawei reacted slower than others after becoming dumb. Not grabbing a single candy, he instead got his hand stepped on by someone, and stood there crying with occasional coughs from catching a chill.
His sister one year younger quickly gave him her candy, and took out a handkerchief to wipe his tears, urging him not to cry.
