Chapter 1592: Reciprocity

After Huang Ronger finished speaking, she put down what she was carrying: "These are dried bamboo shoots sent from my maiden family's side; I brought some for you to try."

As soon as she finished, the other several military wives who had come along also took out their items.

Du Zhengwei's wife also took out what she had brought at this moment: "These were sent by my daughter; she is down in the countryside in the south. She sent some dried seafood, and I brought some for you to taste the fresh flavor."

Chuxue knew they meant well, but how could she simply accept these things? She certainly could not cause trouble for Fu Yan Cheng; if someone made trouble, even jumping into the Yellow River would not make it clear.

The wife of that High Deputy Battalion Commander laughed and replied: "This is just a small token of our appreciation; you cannot refuse to accept it."

What she took out was lotus root powder: "You must try this; it was made by my own family, and it is thoroughly authentic."

The wife of that Battalion Commander Guo, Fang Junlan, held eggs: "I heard your triplets have started eating egg yolks; these are eggs laid by our own chickens, each one top quality."

Regiment Commander Ye's wife patted Chuxue's hand: "It is everyone's small token of appreciation; accept it with peace of mind."

Regardless of whether their intentions were sincere or merely polite, she could not accept it with peace of mind: "Sisters' kindness, I will certainly accept."

However, as soon as she finished speaking, she turned and went into the kitchen.

When she came out again, she was carrying a large basket and a cloth bag: "Sisters, in the spirit of reciprocity, I will certainly accept your kindness, but you cannot refuse my return gift."

After the several people glanced at each other, they all laughed.

Huang Ronger was the first to speak with a smile: "Originally, we wanted to come express our gratitude, but instead we made you spend money, sister-in-law."

Chuxue did not stop her hand movements: "We are all military dependents; naturally, we want the military district to be even better. My plans could not be realized without the military district's support. I am very happy to be able to help the military district and everyone; I truly did not expect everyone to come specially to thank me because of this matter."

"I have not been in the dependents' compound for long, and there are many things I do not understand. In the future, sisters, please come often when you have time."

Fang Junlan, the wife of Battalion Commander Guo, replied: "Sister-in-law's words are truly open and straightforward, making people like you very much. Regardless, without you, the dried goods workshop and the furniture workshop probably could not have been established, and the children in our several families probably would not have found jobs yet. We must thank you; in the future, if you need something, just speak up."

Qiao Huiyan, the wife of High Deputy Battalion Commander Gao, also said: "Yes, yes, yes. In the future, let us interact often. If there is anything you can use us for, please do not be polite at all."

Chuxue smiled and agreed while taking fresh apricots and dried red dates to pack into their baskets.

Seeing that Chuxue truly intended to return the gift and also seeing that she did not like to take advantage of others, the several people did not push and pull: "The apricots over here are still green; we owe it to sister-in-law's favor that we get to eat them early."

Chuxue smiled and said: "A friend brought them along; sister, you also came at just the right time, so we can share and taste the fresh flavor."

After sitting and chatting for a while, they finally took their leave and departed.

Not long after they left, Auntie Wei returned pushing her cart. Seeing the things placed on the table under the osmanthus tree and thinking of the matters the people outside had discussed, she understood immediately.

Chuxue smiled and reached out to hug her youngest son, who was stretching his arms and asking to be held: "Is my Kangbao missing his mother?"

Tao Saozi, who had followed in, laughed and replied: "He is missing his rations; where is he missing his mother?"

Auntie Wei looked at the triplets in the small cart with a loving expression: "Today, a squad of young soldiers was repairing facilities over at the square. I gave them a little extra food. Kangbao saw them and was very excited; any soldier passing by would tease them for a while. Kangfu's little arms and legs were not idle, so the consumption was naturally high. I am afraid that as soon as he eats, he will get sleepy."