Chapter 324: Passing on a Message

The memory of how she had originally chosen a bride for Zhu Shun Yao still lingered in her mind. Back then, she had favored a girl from their own village who had lost her mother. But Zhu Shun Yao had refused, firmly rejecting the match on his own. No one knew when he had set his sights on Xie Xinlian from Zhuangyuan Village, but he had insisted on proposing to her. Her objections had been useless. From that incident alone, she had realized that Zhu Shun Yao was not a man who would simply obey.

"If she dares to disobey, remember she was raised on our family’s food. Even if we didn’t send her to school, she is living well now, isn’t she? she has even become a ten-thousand-yuan household. What harm is there in asking for a little help? she is helping her own cousin." Zhu Guifu spoke directly. In truth, she lacked confidence. Their side was in the wrong, but compared to the prospect of their family line ending, saving face was trivial. The most important thing was to ensure Zhang Qiaolian gave birth to the child in her womb.

"Are you certain that Grandma Chen said Xiangyao’s wife is carrying a boy?" Zhu Guifu asked again, still uneasy.

"Yes. Grandma Chen was a midwife in her youth. Although she stopped working openly during the turbulent years, every family still invited her when giving birth at home. She has seen at least fifty, if not a hundred, bellies. She wouldn’t be wrong about this. She said Qiaolian’s belly is pointed, which definitely means a boy. I agree. When I was pregnant with Xiangyao, my belly was pointed too. But when I carried Jin Gui and Yin Gui, it was round." Gan Juhua spoke with the air of someone experienced.

Hearing this, Zhu Guifu nodded. "In that case, I will risk my old reputation to ensure Xiangyao’s wife gives birth to this child." He tapped the end of his dry tobacco pipe against the nearby wall, knocking off the ash.

Gan Juhua looked worried. "But what if they refuse to help?"

"I will find a way. Brother Enfu notified everyone to discuss this tomorrow afternoon. I don’t believe I can’t persuade them. Our fourth branch has no sons; we must have an heir. They all have descendants. They cannot let our branch die out." Zhu Guifu stated firmly. He believed that among the three great unfilial acts, having no heir was the greatest. He was sure his cousins would understand this logic.

The next afternoon, the gathering took place at Zhu Enfu’s home. Many people attended; almost everyone available was present. Zhu Shun Yao, Xie Xinlian, Zhu Yanli, and even Zhu Zhibin came. Zhu Guifu arrived with Gan Juhua and Zhu Xiangyao. Zhang Qiaolian, hiding from the Family Planning practice chamber, had already slipped away to some unknown corner.

Others present included Zhu Leiyao’s family, Zhu Caifu, and representatives from the households of Zhu Xiongfu and Zhu Yanfu. Along with Zhu Guifu, all the elders who could attend were there.

Zhu Enfu spoke first. "I invited the Zhu family descendants to gather mainly to discuss the matter of Xiangyao’s wife from the Guifu household. Mrs. Zhang, Xiangyao’s wife, is four months pregnant. However, according to local government policy, she cannot keep the child because they already have a daughter, Zhu Nanhong. But the Guifu household wishes to keep this child. Therefore, I have asked everyone here to discuss this matter."

Zhu Guifu spoke second. "Brothers, cousins, and relatives, everyone knows that among the three great unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest. Our fourth branch has only Xiangyao to carry on the family line. The first child was a girl. Of course, I do not favor boys over girls. As the old saying goes, flowers bloom first, then fruit follows. Now is the time for the fruit. Surely, none of you would bear to see us forcibly pluck this fruit away."