Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 43

When Jiang Ya returned to Xiao Ling Village, it coincided with Old Man Jiang and Jiang Fengchan's decision to separate their households.

In the village, families with multiple sons typically considered dividing their household after the first month of marriage for each son. Not doing so inevitably led to conflicts, and wise parents avoided such situations.

Jiang Fengchan and Shi Qiaoling had married in the eleventh lunar month, but splitting the household before the New Year was deemed inauspicious. Additionally, local customs discouraged division during the first lunar month. Thus, Old Man Jiang meticulously planned for the separation to occur on the second day of the second lunar month.

The very next day after the split, Jiang Ya and He Cheng bought several pounds of meat, a block of tofu, and a bag of rice to celebrate the new household of Jiang Fengchan.

Upon learning that Jiang Ya was pregnant, Shi Qiaoling became extra cautious around her. As they arrived, He Cheng carried the rice and meat while Jiang Ya held the tofu. Seeing this, Shi Qiaoling quickly walked over to take the tofu from Jiang Ya's hands and earnestly advised her, "Second Sister in law, walk slowly and be careful. Carrying things while moving isn't steady, you shouldn't burden yourself like that."

"It's fine I'm not that delicate," Jiang Ya replied. Yet in reality, she indeed was quite fragile. Before pregnancy, although Jiang Ya could be lazy at times, her movements were never slow. Now, she walked unsteadily, cautiously taking each step with a languid gait.

Shi Qiaoling carefully guided her inside and hurried to find some food for her. "Second Sister in law, have some hawthorn berries, and here's five spicy tofu that I made. This red hearted radish is delicious too second sister in law, do you prefer sour or spicy foods?"

"Neither," Jiang Ya said. "Don't bother, I don't feel like eating anything right now. Just seeing food is enough."

"Yes, just like a fairy, above earthly sustenance, satisfied with dewdrops alone," He Cheng teased from the side. "It worries me so much that she hardly eats anything. Yesterday, she only had half an apple and one orange, and even then, she ended up vomiting."

Upon hearing this, Song Shixia remarked, "A craving for sour foods suggests it might be a boy."

"No, that orange I ate was actually sweet." Jiang Ya understood Song Shixia's tendency to assume based on stereotypes but deliberately chose to challenge her assumptions, intending to temper her expectations. "I feel like I'm becoming incredibly lazy," Jiang Ya said, "not wanting to move at all throughout the day. Boys tend to be more energetic, while girls are usually quieter. So it must be a girl."

Song Shixia countered, "That's not necessarily true."

He Cheng chimed in, "If only it were! I really hope for a daughter."

Shi Qiaoling remarked, "Second Sister in law, looking at how relaxed and unhurried you are, it's likely going to be a daughter. Little girls have such lovely dispositions."

"Don't talk nonsense," Song Shixia rebuked. "Everyone, say something positive instead."

Jiang Ya interjected, "Mother, what's wrong with having a daughter? Your words make me quite uncomfortable. How am I lacking in filial piety or respect towards you? Let's get this straight— if you're going to disdain girls, then do so by yourself. If it comes down to it, I won't let you care for my child just to avoid any mistreatment."

Taken aback, Song Shixia raised her hand as if to slap Jiang Ya but hesitated and lowered it again. With Jiang Ya finally pregnant after much difficulty, her well being was now precious that she couldn't risk striking her.