Chapter 1290 - 1162: Arrival at Zhang Family Village

Chapter 1290: Chapter 1162: Arrival at Zhang Family Village

In the soft sleeper compartment, Zhang Guoqing began to impart his knowledge, explaining things to his sons throughout the journey, determined to raise them into all-around talents.

Fortunately, the journey to the Northeast gave them plenty of time. At least he could gradually impart all the knowledge he held to the Ping’an brothers.

Of course, he himself also gained something, as some of the questions raised by the Ping’an brothers often gave Zhang Guoqing new insights.

In recent years, with Zhang Guoqing’s career advancement, he had less and less personal time, and his free moments were still focused on his wife.

Furthermore, after the three children grew up and got into university, they were busy with their studies, so the family of five rarely had such a long time together.

The family chatted and laughed together in the confined space, making the time pass pleasantly, and by the time they reached their destination, everyone was still in high spirits.

This visit to family was decided on the fly.

Zhou Jiao only informed her godfather, Zhao Chuan Guang, and sent a telegraph to Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang. Only Xiao Zhu and Xiao Liu, the two personal guards, accompanied them.

Originally, Zhou Jiao’s plan was for the family to quietly arrive, spend the New Year with her in-laws, and quietly leave after visiting old friends and elders.

She wanted to travel low-key.

But she forgot that being Zhang Guoqing, the Minister of Logistics, and herself, a director at the State Planning Commission, their dual status made it impossible to travel unnoticed.

Before they even exited the station, high-ranking government officials who had already been informed, along with several military personnel including Zhao Chuan Guang, were waiting at the station.

Zhou Jiao was startled to see those people upon getting off the train. However, having been in official circles for many years, she quickly regained her composure and exchanged a few pleasantries with the government personnel.

This family trip back home was a personal matter, and Zhou Jiao did not intend to misuse public resources by accepting their invitation to dinner.

No matter how many years pass, she still remembers her first visit to Hai City, where Old Mrs. Cheng’s actions at the Peace Hotel, and the lessons she imparted, remain vivid.

Of course, she also realized why even the Vice Governor came to greet her today. It seemed that the authority of the State Planning Commission was greater than she had imagined.

However, she also knew that no matter which faction these people belonged to in front of her, harmony was the priority in such situations.

Living in the mundane world, Zhou Jiao could only learn to be tactful. This was one reason why she dreaded social interactions with outsiders, and also why she was considering transferring to a less public role.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Jiao, like Zhang Guoqing, smiled and politely declined the invitation, agreeing to meet another time instead.

Once they were out of the station, Zhou Jiao smiled apologetically at her godfather, and finally, Zhou Jiao and Zhang Guoqing were able to bring their three sons and board the car heading directly to their hometown.

This unexpected turn of events had disrupted her plans. The family of five had originally planned to spend a night in the provincial city.

They intended to visit Zhang Guofu, who had recently relocated to the provincial city, and have a good chat with Zhao Chuan Guang and his wife.

They also wanted to visit several uncles who remained in the military district, as well as Zhao Dashan and his wife, along with some old friends and elders.

But now?

Given the situation, they would have to avoid even the county town.

Sitting in the car, Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao exchanged a look and shook their heads with a wry smile—having a quiet New Year in their hometown seemed unlikely.

In the snowy, harsh winter, under the North Mountain Foot in Zhang Family Village.

At dusk, large flakes of snow were falling gently from the darkened sky, enveloping the entire village in a blanket of white.

Despite the freezing weather, with the north wind howling and biting cold, the children in the village, running around, couldn’t contain their joy.

Yearning for the New Year, the grand New Year celebration.

The children could finally wear new clothes, light firecrackers, receive lucky money, indulge in delicious treats, and have a good time.

They would take apart a string of firecrackers and light them slowly, making it last a whole day—simple yet satisfying was their world.

A few children at the village entrance heard the sound of a car approaching, stood on tiptoes, craned their necks, and widened their eyes in surprise.

"Quick, call the adults, a four-wheeled car is coming towards our village."

"That’s called a car!" said a chubby-faced boy before turning to run, "I’m going to call my great-grandfather, there are many cars..."

"Brother, I’m going to call our grandfather."

A seven or eight-year-old boy waved his hand, "No need to go! Guard here!"

"Brother, could they be coming for our second great-grandfather?"

At the village entrance, Zhang Guoqing instructed Xiao Zhu to slow down the car.

The three vehicles slowly moved towards North Mountain Foot and stopped in front of the last courtyard.

Standing at the gate were Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang, along with villagers who had come upon hearing the news.

Zhang Guoqing stepped out of the car, smiling broadly when he saw his parents at the front, and quickly walked forward, "Dad, Mom, your eldest son is home."

Mother Zhang stepped forward first, grabbing his hands, "Good, good, ever since we received your telegram a few days ago, your dad and I have been waiting every day, guessing you’d arrive today." She smiled broadly as she turned to Zhou Jiao, who arrived a step later, "Are you cold? Is it colder than Beijing?"

Zhou Jiao quickly shook her head, "No. Mom, did you and Dad come back so early? I was planning to pick you up with Dad after settling down."

Aunt Zhang and several others laughed on the side, "Your mom came back a few days ago, saying she wanted to spend the New Year at home. I wondered why she needed to tidy up your courtyard."

Zhou Jiao stopped and greeted Aunt Zhang and Aunt Zhang warmly with a smile.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang, having left his son, looked at the three grandsons getting off another car and laughed heartily, waving at the Ping’an brothers.

"Grandpa, Grandma, we’re back to spend New Year with you."

Mr. Zhang nodded excitedly, "Good, are you cold? Come inside with Grandpa to warm up, the heated bed has been warm since yesterday."

"Grandpa, it’s cold outside, please go inside first." May 1st nudged his two brothers, "You go inside with Grandpa first, I’ll handle things outside."

Mr. Zhang then noticed six soldiers getting out of the vehicles, realizing two of them looked familiar... oh right, they were Xiao Zhu and Xiao Liu, who were around his eldest son.

He stepped aside and tugged at his wife, who was still chatting with their son, whispering, "Hurry and prepare more food inside."

Mother Zhang followed his gaze and saw—oh dear, so many people, and she hadn’t prepared enough food. She immediately let go of her son and turned to go inside.

Zhang Guoqing called out with a chuckle, "Mom, take it easy, no need to rush."

Meanwhile, Zhou Jiao was greeted by several aunts, exchanging greetings with everyone, and after a few words, she hurriedly followed Mother Zhang inside.

After so many years, the courtyard was still the same, with no significant changes. She didn’t even head into the main house first but went straight to the kitchen.