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Qiao Mei brought her tools and went to the mountains to look for the place where she previously harvested the wild ginseng. During the last time, she had only taken a portion of it. The other portion was still buried there and growing slowly. Some had already been discovered by other people and dug up, while others were still well hidden.
Qiao Mei made a few simple energy exchanges and produced three 20-year-old ginsengs. She turned around and was about to leave when she remembered that Xia Zhe might get injured and be in danger on the way to Gushan this time. In that case, she had to get some ginseng that was rarer and of better quality. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to save his life if she just depended on these 20-year-old little things.
It was not that Qiao Mei wanted to think negatively but she had to plan for everything at this point in time, otherwise it would be too late when something really happened. She would be away from home for at least more than a month. During this period of time, the lingzhi and ginseng that she gave her grandfather to put in his drinking water would be almost all used up. It would not be difficult to produce some more good quality herbs for her grandfather to use.
The wild ginseng was similar to the other plants, but there were also some differences. The main difference was that apart from being precious and difficult to find, it could also grow continuously. For the ordinary bushes and fruits, they would wither after a few blooms. However, the wild ginseng was different. The wild ginseng could grow continuously and become more and more rare as the years passed. Some could even reach the level of the
king of ginsengs
. Therefore, the wild ginseng could keep exchanging energy with Qiao Mei and grow continuously.
Qiao Mei calculated the growth and decline of the wild ginsengs one by one. For one, she stopped after 50 rounds. For another one, she ended only after 100 rounds. Qiao Mei could communicate with these wild ginsengs, so she did not have to dig them out by herself. The wild ginsengs would emerge from the soil one by one on their own with intact roots and in good condition.
Qiao Mei kept these wild ginsengs and also produced a good quality lingzhi, as well as some broken pieces of lingzhi for her grandfather's drinking water. It was not necessary for him to put them in his water, but by doing that over a long period of time, it was still good for health. The quality of the lingzhi and wild ginseng that had undergone energy exchange was also much better than the ordinary ones found elsewhere.
Qiao Mei went back with these items and could see Qiao Qiang waiting for her at home from afar. As soon as she entered the house, Qiao Qiang asked,
Mei Mei, did you manage to dig anything up today? If there is nothing, Grandpa will go and buy some good liquor from your Uncle Chen Hu. Don't tire yourself out.
Qiao Mei put down the basket from behind her and said,
Of course I found it!
Qiao Mei went into the house with the items in the basket and placed them one by one on the brick bed. There were two 20-year-old wild ginsengs, a 50-year-old one and another 100-year-old one. There was also a whole lingzhi and a few catties of loose lingzhi.
Qiao Qiang was completely dumbfounded when he saw them. The quality of these items was definitely top-notch. He could not imagine that there were actually such treasures in the mountains. He had lived here for so long and had never found any before. Mei Mei was still the lucky one. Now she could hold her head up high when she went to the capital.
Mei Mei, you're really good at digging them up. The roots aren't even broken. This is really great.
Qiao Qiang looked at these items and sighed.
Of course. I'm especially lucky today!
Qiao Mei said with a smile.
Qiao Mei thought to herself,
These things popped out in front of me themselves, so of course the roots are not broken. If I have to dig them out myself, there probably won't be many roots left.
Grandfather, keep this 50-year-old ginseng for yourself. I'll take the rest with me. Also, take this lingzhi and put it in your drinking water. I saw that you don't have much left from the last batch I picked for you.
Qiao Mei took out the remaining exquisite box they had at home and tied the ginseng up. She fixed the roots one by one so that the ginseng looked nice when it was put in the box. Otherwise, as time passed, the wild ginseng would lose its shape.
Okay, that's good. I'm relieved now.
Qiao Qiang had been worried for the entire day and finally felt at ease. She would not be looked down upon by others if she brought these things along with her.
Qiao Mei thought so too. It would be a huge surprise for everyone if she just brought along the 100-year-old wild ginseng with her. At this time, it was already rare to find 20-year-old wild ginseng. If she took out three 100-year-old wild ginsengs at once, that would make people feel that she was trying to curry favor with their family.
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Qiao Mei suddenly realized that the post-energy exchange smell on her body was not as bad as before. Previously, when she did the energy exchange too many times, she would stink so badly that people would avoid her from afar. Although there was still some odor on her body now, it was much fainter than before.
Qiao Mei went to the kitchen to boil water and took a short bath before going to sleep. Lying on the brick bed, Qiao Mei kept feeling uneasy, so she slowly touched her belly. Although she was only a few months pregnant and she had not grown big yet, her belly was starting to look obvious.
Babies, let's go and find daddy together. Your father will definitely be fine,
Qiao Mei touched her belly and muttered softly.
The next morning, she got up early to look for Auntie Dong to go shopping with her in the county city. She pushed her bicycle to Auntie Dong's house and saw Auntie Dong washing vegetables at home.
Aiyo! Mei Mei is here. Why are you pushing the bicycle, where are you going?
Auntie Dong looked up and saw Qiao Mei when she was about to enter the courtyard.
Auntie, can you bring me to the county city? I want to buy some fabric to make some clothes. My grandfather is worried about me going alone, so I have to come and trouble you,
Qiao Mei said.
Aiyo! Of course it's alright, it's no trouble at all. Wait for me to change my clothes and I'll bring you there!
Auntie Dong quickly wiped her wet hands on her clothes and went into the house to change into a clean set of clothes before leaving the house.
Auntie Dong rode the bicycle while Qiao Mei sat in the back. It did not take long for them to reach the county city. Qiao Mei first bought a few types of plain fabric and then some ready-made embroidery patterns. She knew how to embroider, but there was not enough time for her to make her own beautiful patterns from scratch.
Auntie Dong also bought some items and they returned home before noon. After saying goodbye to Auntie Dong, Qiao Mei hurriedly ran back home. First, she drew a few patterns on paper and then, she slowly made the clothes one by one. In two to three days, she made a few sets of maternity clothes and comfortable pants. After that, she intended to go to the mountains to do energy exchange for the remaining few days.
Ever since Qiao Mei discovered that she no longer emitted a stench after energy exchange, she did a few experiments and found out that plants like chestnuts and mushrooms, which were not too valuable, did not require much energy exchange to gather a big quantity. For precious plants like lingzhi and wild ginseng, which could only be chanced upon by luck, there was a higher level of energy exchange needed, which was purer and made the pendant look better.
Previously, the pendant was dark green and appeared dim, and there were still some cotton-like impurities in it. However, as Qiao Mei exchanged energy many times during this period of time, the color of the pendant became a brighter green and also looked more transparent. The impurities in the pendant also decreased a lot. This was all due to Qiao Mei's efforts.
The pendant could also be upgraded and evolved. As long as one persisted in exchanging energy, one would be able to improve one's ability after a certain number of times. In the past, Qiao Mei could only exchange energy with plants which were right under her nose, but she could currently communicate with plants within a ten-mile radius.
Qiao Mei spent all her time in the mountains every day. At the crack of dawn, she would prepare Qiao Qiang's meal and then go up the mountain to exchange energy with the plants. She only returned when it was almost dark. Many people found that the trees in the mountains had grown especially dense recently and the leaves were also emerald green. Many people went into the mountains to take a look to see if they could find anything valuable.
Most people found a lot of wild lingzhi and wild ginseng. Of course, these were all relatively young ones that had just grown out. However, people still considered them to be very precious items. To Qiao Mei though, they had about the same value as weeds and wildflowers.
After a while, Qiao Mei felt that it was not a good idea for her to continue in the same manner. Due to her energy exchange, many plants reproduced more and they were all of very good quality. If this continued, everyone would be able to dig up wild ginseng and wild lingzhi. Then if they were to decide to dig them up to sell, the ecology of this mountain would probably be destroyed.
Recently, Qiao Mei did not go up that mountain anymore. She found a small cave in the mountain behind her house and cultivated a small piece of land where she planted all the small ginsengs she had picked from the mountains. She decided to carry out the energy exchange here as she felt that the effect should be much better than doing it outside alongside the other ordinary plants.
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Qiao Mei planted 10 small wild ginsengs in the ground and carried out the energy exchange at the same time. After 300 rounds, half of the wild ginsengs had dried up, leaving only three that were still in relatively good condition and the remaining two also showing signs of withering. It seemed that the energy exchange did not guarantee absolute success. Ultimately , it was the composition of the soil, humidity and temperature which decided whether the plants could survive in the end.
Sigh, I thought they could really grow indefinitely. Looks like I have to think of another way,
Qiao Mei said as she looked at the wild ginsengs on the ground.
It was getting late so Qiao Mei went home and prepared some lingzhi so that she could carry out experiments tomorrow. She also wanted to replant all the wild ginseng she had at home so that she could better cultivate them into older wild ginseng.
Qiao Mei was about to leave in the morning when Qiao Qiang stopped her.
Mei Mei, don't tire yourself out nowadays. I see you going to the mountains every day. You're still pregnant, so you have to take care of your own body.
Qiao Qiang looked at Qiao Mei worriedly.
Although Qiao Mei went out early and returned late every day in order to carry out energy exchanges in the mountains, she would obtain more and better energy after each exchange. She did not feel tired even if she walked 100 miles every day, so working in the mountains actually made her more refreshed.
Grandfather, don't worry, I'm feeling fine. I'm leaving now. The food is in the pot, remember to eat it!
Qiao Mei called out to Qiao Qiang as she walked away.
Aye.
Qiao Qiang could only sigh to himself as he felt worried about his granddaughter.
I wonder where this stubbornness comes from…
On the topic of Qiao Mei's temper, she definitely did not resemble Li Gui who was a very agreeable person. Qiao Mei's father, Qiao Yue, was also an upright man who was famous for his good temper. When it came to Qiao Mei's stubborn temper, there was actually a strong resemblance with Qiao Qiang.
Qiao Mei came to this cave again. This time, Qiao Mei planted 500 wild ginsengs in one go and put the lingzhi aside first. After countless rounds of blooming and withering, more than half of the wild ginsengs had dried up and died. After 500 rounds, there were only 15 left.
Every 100 rounds, Qiao Mei would record the number of wild ginsengs left but she did not stop the energy exchange. After 1,000 rounds, there were only two wild ginsengs left. Qiao Mei looked at the wild ginsengs on the ground and felt extremely happy. These were thousand-year-old wild ginsengs and she did not expect to have two left.
Qiao Mei's body was already covered in a thin layer of sweat and she emitted a faint fragrance. This fragrance was not like the fragrance of flowers, but it was a kind of medicinal fragrance that was fresh and elegant. The smell was so faint that it was not obvious at all. Compared to the previous stench all over her body after an energy exchange, the current smell was something completely different.
Her complexion was also getting better and better as well. Her dark skin had become much fairer and now looked the color of cream or a piece of unpolished jade which was delicate and clear.
Qiao Mei observed these changes happily. She did not find anyone selling mirrors in the county city, otherwise she would definitely buy one home to take a good look at all the changes happening to her. She did not know how she looked now, but she could tell from what everyone else said that she had indeed become prettier and more good-looking.
Qiao Mei packed her things and went back home. That was all for today's energy exchange and she did not remove a lot of ginsengs, thinking to continue with the energy exchange tomorrow. She wanted to go back and boil some water to wash up and have a good rest. Also, she wanted to go back early today, otherwise her grandfather would be worried again. When Qiao Mei got home, it was still dusk and the sky had not turned dark yet.
Seeing that Qiao Mei had returned early today, Qiao Qiang smiled happily. She had taken his words to heart. Not bad! Not bad!
Qiao Mei looked at the happy Qiao Qiang in the courtyard and gradually realized that what her grandfather wanted was actually so simple. As long as she was safe and happy, her grandfather would be very happy. She decided to go back earlier in the future so that her grandfather would not be on tenterhooks at home. Once she set off on her trip, it would be more than a month before she could get back or maybe even longer.
Qiao Mei shouted towards the courtyard,
Grandfather! I'm on my way back!
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Qiao Qiang could see Qiao Mei waving her hands and smiling happily on the mountain not far away and he replied,
Hurry up and come back to eat! The food will get cold soon!
After Qiao Mei went down the mountain, the first thing she did was to pack up the things in the basket and then she washed her hands before sitting down for a meal. During this period of time, hygiene standards were not that prevalent and it was rare to see people washing their hands regularly. However, in order to prevent illnesses from entering through their mouths, Qiao Mei repeatedly reminded Qiao Qiang of the importance of hand washing. At first, Qiao Qiang felt that it was cumbersome, but he was also afraid that Qiao Mei would be angry, so he obediently washed his hands often.
After dinner and cleaning up, Qiao Mei returned to the house to take inventory of the things she wanted to bring with her. She suddenly realized that she was missing some underclothes and that she had to top up the supply of some necessities at home. Otherwise, it would be inconvenient for her grandfather to go to the county city alone since it was so far away from the village.
Sigh, looks like I have to go to Auntie Dong's place.
Qiao Mei put away her things and went to look for Auntie Dong.
Qiao Yu had just finished her work when she saw Qiao Mei leaving her house while carrying something. She curiously stopped to take a peek, but did not expect Qiao Mei to move closer and closer to her, scaring her so much that she quickly hid to the side to avoid being discovered.
Where is Qiao Mei going with such a big watermelon?
Qiao Yu looked in the direction that Qiao Mei had gone.
Ever since Qiao Zhuang's family failed to grow bean sprouts, everything else they planted also withered. They could not grow anything at all, so they simply stopped trying. Everyone said that it was because Qiao Zhuang's family had done too many bad things, leading to bad feng shui, so everything they planted withered and died.
Qiao Yu followed Qiao Mei to Auntie Dong's house and hid behind a pile of firewood.
Auntie Dong! Auntie Dong, are you home!
Qiao Mei shouted into the courtyard.
Auntie Dong ran out of the house and said,
Who is it! Aiyo! Isn't this Mei Mei, why are you looking for me?
Qiao Mei smiled and pushed open the door. When Auntie Dong saw the big watermelon in Qiao Mei's hands, she hurriedly took it.
Aye, you can just come over as you wish, yet you carry such a heavy thing even though you're pregnant! You just won't listen no matter what I say!
Auntie Dong frowned and scolded Qiao Mei.
Hey, don't be angry. I won't do it again.
Qiao Mei replied simply so that she could move on to talk about other things.
I don't know what to say about you. Come in quickly.
Auntie Dong brought Qiao Mei into the house.
Qiao Yu heard everything clearly from the outside. There must be a reason for her giving the watermelon to Auntie Dong out of the blue! However, Auntie Dong's courtyard was huge and it was difficult to eavesdrop so she had to give up on this idea.
When Qiao Yu thought about the fragrant and sweet watermelon, she felt her mouth watering. At her house, food was only prepared for the men and the womenfolk did not get anything good to eat. The last time Qiao Mei hosted everyone at her wedding banquet, there was so much nice food. There must be things to eat at her house.
Qiao Yu wanted to take advantage of the fact that Qiao Mei was not at home to see if there was any food at her house. If there were, she was prepared to steal something.
Qiao Yu picked up the hoe and ran over to Qiao Mei's house in a hurry, but when she saw Qiao Qiang taking a stroll in the courtyard, she turned around and ran off. Qiao Qiang also saw Qiao Yu running away quickly the moment she saw him, and he thought that she must be up to no good. Qiao Qiang did not like Qiao Zhuang's family.
Qiao Yu walked home dejectedly. She was feeling really hungry after not eating for a few days in a row. If she went back today and there was still no food, she would starve to death sooner or later. Qiao Yu looked at the nearby houses and saw smoke rising from the chimneys. Then she turned her attention to Li Gui's house.
Hmph, I can't enter your house, but I'm sure you give food to your mother!
Qiao Yu's eyes lit up as she walked quickly to Li Gui's house.
Qiao Yu first circled the house a few times before looking in through the window to see if there was anyone around. Before long, the fragrance of food coming from the house was so enticing that it made Qiao Yu unable to walk away.
It smells so good… It smells like big steamed buns!
Qiao Yu muttered to herself.
In the house, Li Gui was busy cooking. Zhang Wei had brought Zhang Chao and Zhang Qin, the two older kids, to the mountains to have a look around and pick some vegetables. The young Zhang Miao was at home helping out with housework like washing the dishes.
Mom, who's that person, she keeps looking into the house.
Zhang Miao looked at Qiao Yu curiously.
When Li Gui first came to the village, she had only met Wang Qin and a few of the older women. She had never met Qiao Yu before and thought that Qiao Yu looked quite young but could not recall anything about this person.
Li Gui walked out of the house and asked,
You are?
Ah! I'm Qiao Mei's aunt. I'm from Qiao Zhuang's family. Don't you remember me?
Qiao Yu asked tentatively.
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Li Gui tried to recall if she knew anyone called Qiao Yu but she was unable to. There were too many people in Qiao Zhuang's family. When she left, some of them were still young children.
What's your name?
Li Gui did not manage to recall anything.
Qiao Yu! My name is Qiao Yu!
Qiao Yu said excitedly.
Ah… You're Qiao Zhuang's number six, right? I remember that the sixth child is a daughter.
Li Gui recalled carefully and finally remembered the number of children that Qiao Zhuang had.
Yes, yes, yes! Sister-in-law, it's good that you still remember me!
Qiao Yu said.
Li Gui did not know why Qiao Yu was here, so she could only greet her with a smile and asked,
What's the matter? Are you looking for Qiao Mei?
No, no, no, I'm here to look for you, sister-in-law.
When Qiao Yu heard Qiao Mei's name, she was so frightened that she hurriedly waved her hand to clear the air.
Then did… Did my children do something wrong?
Li Gui asked carefully.
Ah! No, no! It's like this… I… Sister-in-law, can you give me some food? I haven't eaten for a few days,
Qiao Yu said.
Looking at the skinny Qiao Yu, Li Gui could not bear to reject her. However, she still had two growing boys at home, who had adult appetites, as well as two girls. She had so many mouths to feed at home. If she were to let Qiao Yu share their food, then what about the children's share. However, when Li Gui saw Qiao Yu's pleading look, she hesitated.
Sister-in-law! I beg you! My father and the rest won't give me food! I can only beg you! I haven't eaten for a few days! I beg you!
Qiao Yu immediately knelt in front of Li Gui and cried out for help.
Li Gui was so alarmed that she hurriedly helped Qiao Yu up and said,
Don't be like this! You! Sigh… come in.
Aye, aye! Yes! Thank you, sister-in-law! Thank you, sister-in-law!
Qiao Yu hurriedly stood up when she heard this and ran into the house without even cleaning the dust off her legs.
Zhang Miao looked at Li Gui and Qiao Yu from the doorway. Before she could dodge to one side, she was knocked down by Qiao Yu who had rushed in. When Li Gui saw this, she ran in and helped her child up. She patted her all over and asked,
Miao Miao, how are you? Are you alright!
Mom… I… I'm fine… Who is she?
Zhang Miao was not one of those spoiled children who would cry after falling down. She brushed off the soil on her hands and took it in her stride.
As Li Gui watched Qiao Yu wolfing down the food, she did not know what to say. She brought her child to another room and decided to wait for Qiao Yu to finish eating before they had their meal.
Qiao Yu looked at the big bowl full of steamed buns and immediately reached out to take two and wolfed them down. She did not care whether Li Gui's family had eaten or not, she only cared about filling her own stomach. In the end, she ate four to five steamed buns in a row before stopping, and even took four more and held them in her lap. In the end, there was only one bun left in the bowl.
Qiao Yu thought about it and decided that there was no point in leaving just one, so she took the last one as well. Afraid that Li Gui would turn hostile, Qiao Yu left immediately after she finished eating. As she walked off, she was still chewing a bun as she said,
Sister-in-law! I'm… I'm leaving! There's no need to send me off!
As soon as she left the house, she bumped into Zhang Wei and his younger siblings who were on the way home. They did not manage to find much today and only brought back two baskets of wild vegetables. Qiao Yu's eyes lit up when she saw them. Buns with stuffing made from these vegetables must be delicious. She decided that she would come back tomorrow.
Zhang Wei stared at Qiao Yu curiously and only went in after she left. After instructing Zhang Qin and Zhang Chao to sort out the vegetables in the courtyard, he went into the house to look for Li Gui.
Mom? Mom! Where are you!
Zhang Wei shouted.
Elder brother!
Xiao Wei! I'm here!
The mother and child answered in unison.
Looking at Li Gui's sad expression, Zhang Wei guessed that the woman must have come to bully his mother. Zhang Wei asked patiently,
Mom, what's wrong? Who was that person from just now?
Li Gui did not know how to explain it. Besides, Zhang Wei was still young, only 10 years old. It was better not to let the child know of such things, so she decided not to tell him.
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The young Zhang Miao did not understand all these things her mother was thinking about. She felt so aggrieved and said to Zhang Wei,
Elder brother! That person pushed me! She even ate all the steamed buns that mom worked so hard to make!
When Zhang Wei heard this, he then understood why Li Gui was so sad. However, he was young and did not know how to handle this matter.
Zhang Wei thought to himself,
Elder sister Qiao Mei said that I'm the eldest brother among my siblings and I must be their role model. Mom is taking care of us now and I'm the man of the family. I can't let them be bullied.
Zhang Wei was about to head out when Li Gui stopped him.
Xiao Wei, she… she's mom's younger sister. She's just here to have a meal because she's hungry. It's not a big thing,
Li Gui said hesitantly.
After all, Zhang Wei and the other three children were all children that she had with Zhang Qian. Qiao Yu was Qiao Yue's younger cousin and so could be considered to be like a younger sister to her. It was only right for her to help out.
Zhang Wei looked at his mother's troubled expression and nodded. He decided not to do anything about it. Although he was still young, he was the leader of the group of local children in the village. Everyone listened to him and played with him. It was not a big deal for a few children to play pranks and throw stones at people. The adults would usually turn a blind eye and not raise the issue to the brigade.
Li Gui took out all the food left in the house so that the children would have something to eat tonight. She let the children eat first and only ate when they were done. Her sacrifice did not go unnoticed by the children.
The next morning, the children went up the mountains again to see if there were any new crops to pick. This time, they also brought Zhang Miao along. Li Gui laid out the wild vegetables to dry at home and went to work after finishing the housework. When she was on the way home later, she ran into Qiao Yu at the crossroads.
When Li Gui saw Qiao Yu, she quickly lowered her head and prepared to walk away. However, Qiao Yu was shameless enough to go over and greet Li Gui warmly, as if she was afraid that Li Gui could not see her.
Aye, sister-in-law! You're back from work too!
Qiao Yu said enthusiastically.
Ah… What a coincidence… What do you need?
Li Gui said awkwardly.
Oh, I was just thinking about you taking care of four children at home on your own. I was worried that you would be too tired, so I came to help you.
Qiao Yu did not give Li Gui a chance to even take a breath before grabbing onto her and pulling her towards her house.
As soon as Qiao Yu arrived at Li Gui's house, she behaved like she had entered her own house and went straight to the storeroom to take a look. All the houses in the village had similar layouts, with two rooms on the east and west sides. The kitchen and dining area were located in the middle part, also known as the central room. People with money usually made the central room bigger, so that it was an area which was specially used for dining and entertaining guests, and moved the kitchen outdoors by building a stove outside.
There was also usually a storeroom at the side of the house. The basement of the storeroom would be used to store tools and food that could be kept well. The room on the ground floor would be used to store stuff like corn and other similar items. However, most of the families had no excess food now, so in order to save money, some people would decide not to build the part of the storeroom that was above ground.
Sister-in-law! You have so much food at home!
Qiao Yu reached out and took a lot of cabbages and potatoes and intended to get Li Gui to cook them.
Li Gui did not know how to chase Qiao Yu away. If Li Gui tried to chase her away, she would scare Li Gui by acting like she would starve to death or get beaten to death at home. She would kneel down and beg for mercy at every turn, causing Li Gui to be at her wits' end.
A person like Qiao Yu needed someone with Qiao Mei's harsh temper to discipline her. Otherwise, she would never listen obediently.
The four children managed to find a lot of vegetables today. Each of them came back with a full basket. They even saw new vegetables today that they could not recognize, so they brought them back for Li Gui to see if they were edible. This way, the children would be able to apply the new knowledge in the future.
Zhang Miao carried her small little full basket and shouted excitedly at Li Gui,
Mom! Mom! Look, I picked so much today! There's also vegetables that we don't know! Mom, take a look…
Zhang Miao, who was hopping happily, had just made her way halfway into the house when she saw that the bad woman from yesterday had come to the house again. She immediately fell silent and did not dare to move.
Zhang Wei, Zhang Chao and Zhang Qin, who were walking behind, wondered why their youngest sister, Zhang Miao, had suddenly stopped moving.
Miao Miao, why did you stop? You… Hmm? Who are you, why are you here again?
Zhang Wei was in the midst of asking Zhang Miao a question when he saw the unfamiliar Qiao Yu.
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Qiao Yu was holding on to a pile of vegetables in her lap and eating half a watermelon, spilling watermelon juice everywhere. She hurriedly wiped her mouth with the corner of her shirt and ran to the children, smiling as she took the small basket from Zhang Miao.
Oh my, there are so many things. You're really capable!
Qiao Yu smiled and took the basket away. Her eyes were fixed on the vegetables in the basket, thinking that it was all good stuff.
Who are you!
Zhang Chao asked impatiently.
Ah, I'm your aunt. My name is Qiao Yu,
Qiao Yu said by way of introduction.
Qiao Yu? The children looked at one another. They had never heard of this name before, but her surname was also Qiao and their elder sister's surname was also Qiao. Could she be related to their elder sister?
Then what's your relationship with elder sister Qiao Mei?
the smart Zhang Qin asked.
At the mention of Qiao Mei, Qiao Yu hurriedly interrupted them and changed the topic.
Oh, you must have had a long day. Sister-in-law! The children are back!
Qiao Yu shouted towards the house.
When Li Gui saw that the children had returned, she ignored Qiao Yu and told them to go into the house to wash their hands and get ready to eat. This was also what Qiao Mei had taught them. They had to wash their hands before and after having a meal.
As soon as she sat down at the table, Qiao Yu immediately started wolfing down the food. No one could interrupt her and no one could even manage to take any food. In a flash, she finished everything on the table.
Looking at the motionless Li Gui and the children, she even said hypocritically,
Eat up! Hurry up and eat, don't let me eat it all by myself!
Zhang Chao watched as Qiao Yu ate all the things that they had worked so hard to pick. His brother and mother did not get to eat anything and he looked at Qiao Yu angrily. Zhang Miao did not get to eat yesterday and when she saw what was happening today, she felt so aggrieved that she wanted to cry. Zhang Qin hugged Zhang Miao and comforted her.
Qiao Yu acted as if she was oblivious to all this. After dinner, she went about her way as usual, but there was something different this time round. She took out a bag and removed from the courtyard all the vegetables and other crops that the children had just brought back.
Sister-in-law, I'm going off! No need to send me off! I'm leaving!
Qiao Yu picked up the hoe and left, feeling very satisfied.
The children looked at the empty plates in front of them and sighed, not knowing what to do. Li Gui went to the pot to take out the steamed cornbread and boiled potatoes that she had hidden away for the children.
Look at what we have here!
Li Gui grinned as she looked at the children. The food in her hands were like treasures that seemed to be sparkling.
The children's eyes lit up. The four children each took a cornbread and a potato and were about to start eating when they realized that Li Gui did not have a share.
Mom, where's yours?
Zhang Wei asked.
A few days ago, Qiao Mei had sent food to Li Gui, but Li Gui was too embarrassed to keep taking food from Qiao Mei. There was already not much food left at home and Qiao Yu had now taken everything.
Li Gui smiled and said,
Mom ate when I was cooking. Hurry up and eat.
The children always believed what Li Gui said but Zhang Qin realized that Li Gui always secretly got up in the middle of the night to drink a lot of water. Li Gui was so hungry that she had no choice but to drink water to fill her stomach. No matter how hungry she was, she could not let the children starve.
Zhang Qin quietly handed her cornbread to Li Gui and said,
Mom, I'm still young and can't eat so much. You can have mine.
Li Gui looked at the sensible Zhang Qin with reddened eyes. She broke off half of the cornbread and returned it to Zhang Qin.
You eat it, Xiao Qin. This is enough for mom.
I did not know how much mom could eat, but after mom ate the cornbread from me, she would not be so hungry that she needed to get up and drink water in the middle of the night. Zhang Qin happily finished the rest of the food. The children were also thoughtful enough to clean up and then store the bowls and chopsticks properly. The girls wiped down the kitchen and the stove, and the boys washed the tableware, fetched the water and tidied up the vegetables they had picked today.
There was not much left in the courtyard at all. There was only one basket left among the four full baskets that the children had returned with.
Hoho, that woman still knows how to leave a basket for us,
Zhang Chao said unhappily.
Zhang Wei looked at the remaining basket and sighed helplessly. He had no way of dealing with this woman as well.
148
Zhang Chao was so angry that he got really sullen. He sat at the door and played with stones by himself. Zhang Qin and Zhang Miao did housework with their mother. Seeing that the fruits of his siblings' labor ended up being taken away by others, coupled with the fact that their mother had nothing to eat and was getting skinnier, Zhang Wei felt very uncomfortable.
Elder brother, what should we do about this,
Zhang Chao said.
It's fine. I'll think of something tomorrow,
Zhang Wei walked over and said to Zhang Chao.
He could not do anything to Qiao Yu, but he thought that eldest sister Qiao Mei definitely would have a way. I will find an opportunity to talk to elder sister Qiao Mei tomorrow. Otherwise, if this goes on, his family will starve to death.
That night, Li Gui again secretly got up and went to the kitchen to drink water. Zhang Wei witnessed what she did and was even more determined to ask Qiao Mei for help. I will not let Qiao Yu succeed again tomorrow.
Qiao Yu went home with a bunch of things. For the past few days, Qiao Zhuang's family had been treating her well since she could even bring back big steamed buns and vegetables. They never asked where the food came from as long as they could eat it. The rules were still the same though, the women had to wait for the men in the family to finish eating before they could eat. They still had to provide for the men in the family because after all, the men were the ones heading out to work.
You've been making yourself useful for the past two days. Bring back more food in the future though. This little bit of stuff isn't even enough to fill the gaps between our teeth,
Wang Qin said to Qiao Yu.
That's right. I thought that you would be able to bring more back for all of us. This is not enough to feed a few men,
Liu Ying said mockingly.
The amount that Qiao Yu brought back is alright, isn't…
Jiang Ye asked in confusion.
Right now, Qiao Zhuang's family was spending more than they earned and everyone was not in a good mood. They were people who could not bear to see others living better than them. At home, Qiao Yu was the youngest and also just a girl, so the few sisters-in-law and Qiao Yu's mother all liked to take jibes at Qiao Yu. Only the third sister-in-law, Jiang Ye, was a person with sense, but then again, she was also stupid and did not have so many tricks up her sleeve.
Third Sister-in-law, you don't know anything. If Qiao Yu comes home empty-handed, she will be beaten to death by our father. So she needs to bring more foodstuffs back,
Wang Qin said.
That's right. Qiao Yu has been so lucky recently and has brought back quite a lot more things than before. Keep working hard in the future,
Liu Ying said.
Hahahaha, you're right,
Wang Qin said laughingly.
Qiao Yu stayed at one side and did not dare to say anything to rebut, much less to reply in the affirmative. She hoped that Li Gui would continue to be so silly enough to bully, but she had basically taken all the food that Li Gui had at her house and there was not much left.
The few men did not say anything as they ate at the table. This noisy conversation eventually became a disturbance to Qiao Zhuang and he coughed while looking coldly at his daughters-in-law.
Cough…
The few of them were so frightened by the sound that they quickly fell silent and obediently did needlework near the fireplace.
Qiao Yu went out even earlier the next day. Now, the family did not even feed her breakfast and they asked her to either go and beg on the streets and find someone who pitied her enough to feed her, or to quickly get married. They did not want her to continue living at her maiden home and be an eyesore to them. They felt that if she got married and received betrothal gifts, they could even use that to find a wife for the fifth son of the family.
This time, she was expressionless when she went to Li Gui's house and was no longer as sneaky as when she went the first time. Qiao Yu pushed open the door to the courtyard and when she saw Li Gui with some clothes, she enthusiastically went forward to help.
Oh, sister-in-law, are you doing the laundry, let me help you.
Qiao Yu smiled at Li Gui and grabbed the clothes, looking around to see if there was any food.
Oh, Qiao Yu! There's no need! It's fine… Ah, thank you, Qiao Yu.
Before Li Gui could even reject it, the clothes were taken away from her.
Qiao Yu went to fetch water and washed the clothes. She made it appear as if she put in a lot of hard work and it made Li Gui feel ill-at-ease enough to want to prepare some food for her. However, there was really nothing much left to eat at home.
Zhang Chao was so angry that he wanted to scold Qiao Yu and chase her away but he was stopped by Zhang Wei.
Elder brother! Why are you stopping me! It's not as if she can kill me!
Zhang Chao clenched his fists in anger.
Zhang Wei bent down and whispered into his brother's ear,
Don't kick up a fuss. I'll go look for elder sister Qiao Mei. Don't hit or scold this woman. Even if she leaves today, she'll still come back in the future.
Zhang Chao could understand the logic behind what he heard and remained sulking in the house. Zhang Wei asked Zhang Qin and Zhang Miao to look after Zhang Chao while he prepared to go out and inform Qiao Mei about what was happening.
149
When Qiao Yu saw Zhang Wei going out, she immediately asked,
Zhang Wei, where are you going?
Zhang Wei did not panic and simply replied,
Ah… I'm going to pick some vegetables. There's not much left at home.
Then why aren't you bringing your siblings along?
Qiao Yu looked at Zhang Wei in puzzlement.
We… we… We found a bunch of stuff yesterday! But we were too weak to carry it all, so we hid it under a pile of soil. I'm going back to take a look.
Zhang Wei casually came up with a lie.
Qiao Yu's eyes lit up when she heard that there were a bunch of good things to be had. She wiped her hands on her clothes and stood up to go with Zhang Wei.
Then you won't be able to carry it either. Auntie will go with you!
Qiao Yu quickly came over and wanted to follow him.
Zhang Wei quickly turned her down and said,
No need, no need. There's not much left so I can carry it myself. You can stay at home and help my mother with the cooking.
When Qiao Yu heard that, she took it that Zhang Wei had invited her to stay for a meal and she became even more confident. She straightened her back and said to Zhang Wei with a wide smile,
Ah, okay then, Auntie won't go with you. Be careful!
After saying that, Qiao Yu went back to wash the clothes with a big smile on her face. Zhang Wei did not say anything else and hurriedly ran to look for Qiao Mei.
Elder sister Mei Mei! Are you there! Elder sister Mei Mei! Elder sister Mei Mei!
Zhang Wei was so anxious that his forehead was covered in sweat as he shouted at the doorway.
Qiao Mei had felt lazy today and stayed at home to help her grandfather clean up the courtyard. Currently, the grandfather and granddaughter were chatting in the house.
Isn't that Zhang Wei calling for you?
Qiao Qiang looked outside in confusion.
I think so… Grandfather, hang on, I'll go take a look,
Qiao Mei said.
When Qiao Mei came out of the house and saw the distressed Zhang Wei, she thought that something had happened to Li Gui and asked anxiously,
What's wrong, did something happen.
There's… there's a woman who came to our house. She's been freeloading for a few days and even took away a lot of food. She said… said that she's our aunt.
Zhang Wei was panting after running over and could not even speak properly.
Qiao Mei wondered where this domineering aunt in Li Gui's house came from. Zhang Qian was an only child and he was the only one in his own family. She had never heard of him having a younger sister, so she was curious about where this aunt came from.
Aunt? What aunt? Don't be anxious, bring me over to take a look. Wait a moment.
Qiao Mei went back into the house and gave her grandfather a brief of the situation before going to Li Gui's house with Zhang Wei.
By the time the two of them reached home, it was already lunchtime. The weather had gotten warmer and Zhang Wei had earlier told Zhang Qin and Li Gui to say that they would be having lunch in the courtyard today. He would then ask elder sister Qiao Mei to come over to deal with this woman.
Qiao Mei watched Qiao Yu wolfing down the food in the courtyard as Zhang Qin and Zhang Miao looked at Qiao Yu from afar and did not dare to go over and eat. To be precise, it was not that they did not dare to eat but there was nothing for the children and Li Gui to eat at all. All the food had all been eaten by Qiao Yu, and even if Qiao Yu could not finish it, she was going to take it all with her.
Oh my, I was wondering which destitute aunt had popped up from some nook and cranny. So it's you, Qiao Yu.
Qiao Mei looked at Qiao Yu mockingly.
Qiao Yu's back was facing the door, so she could not see the people coming and going at the door. When she heard Qiao Mei's voice, she was so frightened that she dropped her cutlery on the ground and did not know if she should spit out or swallow the food in her mouth.
Ah… It's Qiao Mei. Why are you here?
Qiao Yu turned around nervously and saw Zhang Wei standing beside Qiao Mei.
So this child was lying when he said he was going out to get the vegetables!
In a moment of carelessness, Qiao Yu had allowed Zhang Wei to inform other people about what was happening. Only then did she realize that she had fallen into Zhang Wei's trap. However, it was already too late and it seemed like she would not be able to bring anything home with her today.
If I didn't come, you would probably even eat the house, right?
Qiao Mei walked closer to Qiao Yu and stared at her.
Qiao Yu hurriedly waved her hands and fell off the stool in fright.
I… I don't… I don't have such an ability. Qiao Mei, you really like to joke, hahaha.
Qiao Yu laughed awkwardly.
Li Gui heaved a sigh of relief to see that Qiao Mei had come over to back her up. However, she also felt so useless to need her daughter to help her solve the problem. She lowered her head and did not know what to say.
150
Aren't you capable, didn't I tell you to stay away from my house?
Qiao Mei narrowed her eyes and looked at Qiao Yu.
Um… Qiao Mei, don't be angry. I'm… It's sister-in-law! Sister-in-law invited me! I didn't come by on my own! Zhang Wei also asked me to stay for a meal today! Isn't that right!
Qiao Yu looked at Li Gui pleadingly.
Li Gui could not bear to see Qiao Yu like this, but when she thought about how her children had not eaten for so many days, she silently turned her head away from Qiao Yu.
Qiao Mei also knew the truth of the matter and that it seemed to have been going on for a few days. Otherwise, Zhang Wei would not have gone to look for her.
Tell me, how do you intend to settle this, are you compensating us?
Qiao Mei said.
I don't have money! Qiao Mei, let me go! I won't dare to do it again! Qiao Mei, I was wrong!
Qiao Yu knelt on the ground and begged Qiao Mei.
She knew how shrewd Qiao Mei was. She had once been beaten up by Qiao Mei and knew how fierce Qiao Mei could be. She also knew that Qiao Mei could not tolerate any hypocrisy and deception. If not for Zhang Wei going off to look for Qiao Mei, she would not have discovered this matter so quickly.
Qiao Mei took a few steps back. She also knew about Qiao Yu's situation, but she was really unable to feel any pity for her. Qiao Yu had lied to the original owner of the body many times in the past and had cheated her of many things including food, clothes and necessities.
Even if I ask you for compensation, you don't have any money. Why don't I go and look for Second Grandpa since he definitely has money and can definitely pay up for you. After all, you're the sixth child of his family. If I can't get any money from you, I can just go and look for him,
Qiao Mei said to Qiao Yu with a smile.
When Qiao Yu heard that Qiao Mei wanted to go and look for her father, she was so frightened that she repeatedly begged for mercy. She grabbed on to Qiao Mei's trouser leg and cried,
Qiao Mei! I was wrong! I won't dare to do it again! Please let me go! Don't go looking for my father! I won't come again!
Qiao Mei shook off Qiao Yu's hands from her trouser leg in disdain. She knew that going to Qiao Zhuang's house would be a useless endeavor and was just saying it to scare Qiao Yu.
As if you are any sort of aunt to these kids, don't try to pretend to be someone's relative in the future. Quickly get lost,
Qiao Mei said with a frown.
Aye! Aye! Aye! I'll leave now!
Qiao Yu took her cloth bag and scrambled out of the courtyard. Of course Qiao Mei did not intend to let her off so easily, but there was nothing that could be gotten out of her for now. As the good saying goes,
Do not pursue a desperate foe.
Elder sister Qiao Mei! You let her go just like that! What if she comes back tomorrow!
Zhang Chao pointed at Qiao Yu who was already in the distance.
Qiao Mei smiled at Zhang Chao and said,
Forget it. If we continue to press her, she might do something nasty. Let's just move on. Don't worry, elder sister will eventually teach her a lesson.
Zhang Chao trusted Qiao Mei very much and believed what she said. However, Qiao Yu had once again finished all the food they had and there was no more food for the children at home.
Qiao Mei glanced at the children and sighed. She felt that if this continued, when she was away from the village, her mother would not be able to protect these children on her own. Her mother was really too weak.
Come, let's go to my house for dinner. Grandpa is also waiting for all of you at home. I made delicious potato and meat stew today,
Qiao Mei said.
Qiao Qiang had already gotten the food ready at home and was waiting for the children to come back and eat. As soon as Qiao Mei went out, he understood what had happened. The last time Qiao Yu came by, he thought that she was here to look for Qiao Mei. It was now apparent that she had wanted to steal something, but it just so happened that he was at home.
The children skipped their way to Qiao Mei's house. Behind them, Li Gui held Qiao Mei's hand and was silent for a long time. She could only feel that she was a burden to Qiao Mei.
Sigh, it's all because I'm useless,
Li Gui said.
It's fine. If they come again, you should fight back. I can't be around all the time. You have to learn to protect yourself and the children. If you really can't do anything, go to the brigade to look for Uncle Zhao. He's a fair person and won't be biased,
Qiao Mei said as she looked at Li Gui.
When Li Gui just returned to the village, the matter of her remarriage became a hot topic. Every family knew that she was a widow who had abandoned her child to get married. She was too embarrassed to interact with these villagers, so when she encountered problems, she would generally try to solve them herself and would rarely seek help. She did not even look for Qiao Mei often.
Yes, yes, I understand,
Li Gui said with a smile.
151
Grandfather!
Grandpa, we're here!
The children chattered noisily as they walked into the courtyard. The originally quiet courtyard instantly became lively and brought a smile on Qiao Qiang's face. As he got older, he preferred his surroundings to be bustling with activities.
It's good that you're here! Good that you're here! All you kids hurry up and come in!
Qiao Qiang brought the children into the house with Li Gui and Qiao Mei following closely behind.
Li Gui looked at Qiao Qiang and wondered how to address him. Qiao Qiang could also tell what Li Gui was thinking. After all, he was her ex-father-in-law and it was quite inappropriate for her to call him father.
Just call me uncle,
Qiao Qiang said to Li Gui.
Alright!
Li Gui replied.
The family had a jolly meal together.
Qiao Yu was not so lucky. She had already started to get cold feet on the way and did not want to go back to face her family. If she went home empty-handed, she might be beaten to death.
Qiao Yu entered the courtyard nervously. The moment she entered, everyone in the house looked at her in unison.
Oh, Qiao Yu is back!
Liu Ying said.
Why are you back empty-handed, what happened, is there nothing good today,
Wang Qin teased.
Qiao Yu stood at the doorway and did not dare to enter the courtyard. She was afraid that Qiao Zhuang would be unhappy and beat her up again.
Why did I hear that you didn't go to work today, so you didn't manage to find food and also didn't go to work today! What else can you do!
Qiao Zhuang said.
As expected, Qiao Zhuang lost his temper. When he went to work today, he realized that Qiao Yu was not there. Having one less person around made a lot of difference. Besides, being a girl, if she did not work, did she expect them to feed her!
Qiao Yu stood at the door and explained,
I… I… I was chased out of someone's house today…
Qiao Yu did not dare to say whose house she was chased out from. If she said it was Qiao Mei's house, Qiao Zhuang would definitely not believe it. Previously, they had already fallen out with Qiao Mei over the matter with the bean sprouts. Now that Qiao Mei viewed them with great enmity, they did not dare to provoke Qiao Mei for no reason. However, if she said that it was Li Gui's house, Qiao Mei would not let her off as well. Either way, she was in a dilemma.
Someone's house? Whose house? Don't tell me you have a lover!
Liu Ying teased.
Qiao Yu hurriedly waved her hand and said,
No, no! I don't have a lover! There's no such thing!
Qiao Zhuang did not have the energy to care about Qiao Yu and left these things to his wife. She dragged Qiao Yu into the room and gave her a good beating. The rest of the family ate in the east room and pretended not to hear no matter how terribly Qiao Yu screamed inside the other room.
Qiao Yu was not the only one singled out for a beating. All the women in the family who could not contribute money or food would get beaten up. The eldest son was capable and provided a lot of food, so Liu Ying had never been beaten up. The second daughter-in-law was the accountant of the brigade and just needed to contribute a little money every month. The third daughter-in-law was capable and was basically the one who did all the housework at home.
Everyone else at home either contributed money or effort. Qiao Yu was the only one who did not have money or the energy to do work. Her family ostracized her and kept wanting to find a random family so that they could marry her off.
Qiao Yu felt indignant. Why could the ugly Qiao Mei find a soldier from the capital who was also so handsome, and yet she could not do the same! Qiao Yu silently noted these things as she was being beaten up. She blamed everything on Qiao Mei.
Qiao Yu stared at the door with hatred in her eyes. She would definitely take revenge on Qiao Mei and live a happier life!
Achoo!
Qiao Mei sneezed out of the blue.
Mei Mei, what's wrong, did you catch a cold?
Li Gui asked with concern.
Qiao Mei touched her stomach and rubbed her nose and said,
I'm fine. What's going on, someone must be talking bad about me behind my back.
Good to hear you're fine. Don't catch a cold.
Li Gui felt relieved to hear that.
Oh right. Mom, please accompany me to the county city tomorrow. I still have a few things I haven't bought. I forgot about them the last time,
Qiao Mei said as she looked at Li Gui.
Sure, no problem.
Li Gui nodded.
It's settled then!
Qiao Mei smiled happily. By her own estimate, there were still three days before she had to set off for Gushan.
Chapter 152
Qiao Yu originally wanted to take a stroll around the village in the morning to see if there was any family who would let her in to have a meal. She did not expect to see Li Gui and Qiao Mei early in the morning, heading to the county city with their cloth bags to buy things.
So early? Where are they going?
Qiao Yu muttered to herself.
When she got closer, she saw that they did not have any baskets or vegetables or mushrooms from the mountain in their hands. They were definitely not going to the black market so where were they going?
Qiao Yu followed them cautiously. When they reached the county city, Qiao Yu was already tired out and drenched in sweat. She then saw Qiao Mei and Li Gui enter a fabric shop.
Are they buying fabric?
Qiao Yu hid in the alley beside the fabric shop and looked around quietly.
Qiao Mei looked at the dazzling display of fabrics in the shop and did not know how to make a choice. She looked around and did not see anything she liked.
Are all these the latest designs?
Qiao Mei pointed at the display.
That's right. These are the latest ones,
said the shopkeeper.
Li Gui had never been to the fabric shop. As she did not have any money or cloth coupons, she had no way of buying clothes for herself and her children. She could only take the old unwanted clothes from the adults to modify them for the children, and the children would make do with the clothes for a long time.
Qiao Mei said to the shopkeeper,
Please show me some fabric that is plain-colored and made of dirt-resistant material.
Qiao Mei was thinking about making clothes and cloth bags for the children. They were going to school soon and needed to have some presentable clothes.
Qiao Yu could not see anything after the two of them had gone in for a long time. She wanted to go into the shop to take a look but she did not dare to. In the crowd, she vaguely saw the people she had met at the village entrance the last time, the ones from the Zhang family or the Liu family? She could not remember their surname, but they should be related to Li Gui in some way.
Coincidentally, ever since the Zhang family took 600 dollars from Li Gui the last time, they did not draw any attention to Zhang Cong's marriage. They set about buying the new bed and blanket after preparing the betrothal gifts and money. However, wherever they went, they could only find very expensive fabric and did not see any cheap ones at all. Old Madam Zhang came up with the idea of going to someone's house to buy a blanket made of red fabric at a low price.
Cong Cong, let's go next door to buy the blanket. It's very cheap,
Old Madam Zhang said.
Next door? What do you mean by next door?
Zhang Cong asked in confusion.
The Cao family next door,
Old Madam Zhang said.
When Zhang Cong heard this, he immediately refused.
Why does my father get to have new things when he gets married! I have to get old things! I won't do it! This is my first marriage and everything has to be new! My father is going to get married for the third time! He can use the old ones!
Zhang Qian raised his hand to hit Zhang Cong and said angrily,
You brat! You're starting to interfere in your old man's business! I can use whatever I want!
Old Madam Zhang hurriedly went to stop him. The injury on Zhang Cong's leg had not healed yet. If he were to be beaten up again, he would definitely have to limp around for a while longer.
Don't touch Cong Cong! Let's buy all new ones! I really owe your Zhang family in my previous life!
Old Madam Zhang cursed.
After hearing that, Zhang Qian slammed the door and went out. He still had a date with Feng Fang later today, so staying at home would really affect his mood. How unlucky!
So shameless and still have the cheek to hit me. You've already gotten married so many times, yet you still don't let others talk about it. Pfft!
Zhang Cong spat at the door.
Alright, alright. Hurry up and go to the fabric shop to buy fabric. Aren't you in a hurry?
Old Madam Zhang took some money and cloth coupons and prepared to leave.
When Zhang Cong heard that she was going to buy new fabric, his anger dissipated and he coaxed Old Madam Zhang out the door.
I just know that my grandmother doted on me the most. I will definitely be filial to you in the future,
Zhang Cong said with a smile.
Hmph, I think you just know how to talk. You start to flatter me when you see that I have money, you young brat.
Although Old Madam Zhang criticized Zhang Cong, she still felt happy inside. This was the reason why even though Zhang Cong caused so much trouble so many times, Old Madam Zhang would settle the issue for her grandson no matter how much money she had to spend or how many people she had to offend. It was because Zhang Cong knew how to sweet talk. Otherwise, how could Sun Yan have fallen for Zhang Cong at such a young age, if not for the fact that Zhang Cong made exaggerated promises that made her happy and enticed her to fall for him.
Chapter 153
When he was only a few steps away from the fabric shop, Zhang Cong saw the woman that their family met when they left Li Gui's village. He grabbed Old Madam Zhang and pointed in that direction.
What are you doing?
Old Madam Zhang said.
Grandma, have we met that woman before?
Zhang Cong said.
Why are you always looking at women and everyone of them always looks familiar to you, why don't you just leave your eyes on them?
Old Madam Zhang frowned and said.
It was no wonder that Old Madam Zhang felt that way. Zhang Cong always had roving eyes. When he walked on the streets, he was always looking out for beautiful women. He just liked to look at women. If they were good-looking, he would take a few glances; if they were not so good-looking, he would just look once.
No, no! What are you talking about! Take a look for yourself!
Zhang Cong pointed at Qiao Yu behind the pillar.
Old Madam Zhang looked closer as Qiao Yu also saw them at the same time.
Oh, it's true. Why is she here?
Old Madam Zhang said.
Before Old Madam Zhang and Zhang Cong could figure out why Qiao Yu was in the county city, Qiao Yu walked up to them.
Do you remember me? It's me. We met in the village the last time,
Qiao Yu said with a smile.
Ah, yes, yes. What's the matter?
Zhang Cong looked at Qiao Yu lecherously.
Although Qiao Yu was not as good-looking as Qiao Mei and did not have Qiao Mei's curvaceous figure, she still had some good genes and was fairly good-looking.
Ah, nothing's the matter. I just saw you both and came to say hello,
Qiao Yu said.
Then what are you doing in the county city? You're not here to look for us, are you?
Old Madam Zhang said suspiciously, afraid that Qiao Yu was here to claim to be their relatives or look for trouble.
No, no. I'm here with Qiao Mei. She's in that shop with her mother.
Qiao Yu looked at Old Madam Zhang and pretended to be traveling with Qiao Mei. She wanted to tell Old Madam Zhang this so that they would go and cause trouble for Qiao Mei.
When Old Madam Zhang heard that Li Gui was also there, her eyes lit up. If it was only Qiao Mei by herself, they would not be able to say anything. However, if Li Gui was also around, then it was a different situation. After all, Li Gui had not gotten a divorce yet and was still Zhang Cong's mother in name. She would definitely have to give Zhang Cong some money for his marriage.
Then why aren't you going in?
Old Madam Zhang was still a little suspicious of Qiao Yu..
I… I still have to help buy some other things. I'm about to go off so I won't talk to you any longer. I have to get busy.
After saying that, Qiao Yu quickly left the place and walked as far away as she could.
Old Madam Zhang watched Qiao Yu walk away and did not really care whether she was telling the truth. Going into the shop to look for Li Gui was the most important thing for her to do now. Old Madam Zhang excitedly brought Zhang Cong into the fabric shop.
Qiao Yu popped her head out from the alley next door to make sure that Old Madam Zhang and Zhang Cong had entered the shop before she felt satisfied.
Haha, Qiao Mei, let's see what you can do this time,
Qiao Yu said with a sly smile.
As soon as Old Madam Zhang entered the shop, she greeted Li Gui warmly,
Oh! Isn't this Li Gui, why are you here?
Li Gui was a little surprised by Old Madam Zhang's sudden appearance and she kept retreating to avoid Old Madam Zhang. However, Zhang Cong was still standing at the doorway and she could not go out. Therefore, she could only smile awkwardly and said,
Ah… Mom, why are you here?
Old Madam Zhang's face bloomed with joy. It seemed that Qiao Yu was telling the truth. Qiao Mei stood at one side and looked coldly at Old Madam Zhang and Zhang Cong. When Zhang Cong saw Qiao Mei, his eyes were fixated on her.
With such a beautiful face, fair skin and voluptuous figure, it was a pity that she was already married. Although her temper was a little feisty, such a woman was very attractive in her own way. Zhang Cong looked at Qiao Mei lustfully.
Younger sister Qiao Mei is here too. How have you been recently?
Zhang Cong said with a lecherous smile.
Zhang Cong was a person who harbored evil intentions but did not have the guts to do anything. Although he sized Qiao Mei up from head to toe, he did not dare to get too close to her. He remembered the loss he suffered the last time and he did not want to get beaten up again. If the same thing should happen again, he would really be crippled.
154
Qiao Mei glanced sideways at Zhang Cong. It seemed that he still had not learned his lesson as he still dared to take the initiative to talk to her.
Who's your younger sister?
Qiao Mei rolled her eyes and said.
You're Li Gui's daughter, so of course we're siblings, hahaha…
Zhang Cong said awkwardly.
Stop trying to claim to be my relative. Doesn't your leg hurt enough?
Qiao Mei said.
…
At this point, Zhang Cong did not dare to talk to Qiao Mei anymore. It had not been easy for him to recover from his leg injury and he was going to get married in a few days. It would be a joke if he were to get married with a limp and a bruised face.
Zhang Cong looked at Li Gui with a smug expression. He had to extort some money from Li Gui today so that his wedding would be taken care of. This would also prevent that old thing, Zhang Qian, from being so concerned about the family having money for him to get married. He was already marrying his third wife and he still wanted to buy wedding items. How shameless.
Isn't Cong Cong getting married soon, so we are here to buy a red blanket. You should express some form of concern for him since he is getting married,
Old Madam Zhang said as she looked at Li Gui.
Zhang Cong is getting married? Who's so unlucky to marry him?
Qiao Mei said mockingly.
You! What are you saying! Little girl! Don't interrupt when adults are talking! You ill-bred thing! I wonder who brought you up!
Old Madam Zhang scolded.
Last time, I was outsmarted by this little girl. Now we are in the county city and there is no one around Qiao Mei to speak up for her. There is nothing a little girl could do and this time, I am going to teach her a good lesson.
Qiao Mei had been brought up by her grandfather since young. She did not get angry when she heard Old Madam Zhang pass comments about her, but if her grandfather was being bad-mouthed, then no one could blame her for showing no mercy.
Should you be considered as an elder? A filthy mouth cannot utter decent language. The last time, you came to our village to extort money, and now, how do you intend to extort money this time?
Qiao Mei crossed her arms and looked at Old Madam Zhang.
The shopkeeper also did not know what to do as he did not know what kind of grudges these people had. It was fine if they just quarreled, but if they got into a fight, his shop would be trashed. However, he had been listening to their conversation out of curiosity and he found it really funny that a city dweller had gone to extort money from a villager. If word got out, people would laugh their heads off.
Seeing the shopkeeper snickering behind the counter, Old Madam Zhang's face turned red with anger. Not to be outdone, she said,
Who's extorting money! Which eye of yours saw me extorting money! That's the food expenses your mother paid us back for her children! What do you mean we extorted money!
That's right! The money you gave us last time! It's short by 80 dollars!
Zhang Cong said from the side.
You guys are really good at lying through your teeth. I gave you all 100-dollar bills, a total of six notes. Everyone in the village saw it clearly. How can it be short by 80 dollars?
Qiao Mei smiled at Zhang Cong.
Zhang Cong was lost for words for a moment. Old Madam Zhang glared at Zhang Cong angrily. He did not even know how to round up the figure. It looked like they would not be able to get this sum of money from Qiao Mei in the future.
Li Gui, you should control your daughter. She has such a sharp tongue. How can she talk to me like that?
Old Madam Zhang vented her anger on Li Gui, who did not dare to retort.
Looking at how timid Li Gui was, Qiao Mei did not know how to advise Li Gui. She was going to leave in a few days. If the Li family or the Zhang family came around during her absence, she wondered how Li Gui and the children would be able to deal with it. Yet, she could not possibly help Li Gui to solve these problems for the rest of her life.
Qiao Mei fell into deep thought.
Back… back then we already gave you all the money. You can't deny it. It's 600 dollars,
Li Gui said shakily.
The 600 dollars are for the four children's food expenses. Shouldn't you contribute some money for Zhang Cong's wedding?
Old Madam Zhang looked at Li Gui arrogantly.
This… I don't have any money to give him anymore. I've already given you all my money. I still owe other people money that I haven't repaid,
Li Gui said.
Owe money? You're the one who owes money, not the Zhang family, so make sure you pay it back yourself. You have to contribute some money for Zhang Cong's wedding, so go borrow some more,
Old Madam Zhang said.
Chapter 155
I don't have any money left. No one wants to lend me any money,
Li Gui said.
Who are you trying to fool? Who doesn't know that your eldest daughter, Qiao Mei, is very swank and that her groom gave her 2,000 dollars for the betrothal gift and 'three turns and one sound'. I think his salary should be quite high. You should borrow money from your eldest daughter.
Old Madam Zhang glanced at Qiao Mei.
So this is a scheme to get to me,
Qiao Mei thought.
However, how did Old Madam Zhang know about the betrothal gift? Everyone in the village knew about Qiao Mei and the Zhang family and many people had helped chase the Zhang family away, so who could have told Old Madam Zhang about this?
Qiao Mei thought hard about it and finally remembered that back then, the people who saw the betrothal gift of 2,000 dollars were Qiao Yu, as well as Liu Ying and Wang Qin, Qiao Zhuang's eldest and second daughters-in-law. Back then, they were the ones who spread the news about the betrothal gift in the village. However, Liu Ying and Wang Qin would not go around gossiping with outsiders. Although they hated Qiao Mei, Zhang Cong had wanted to report the people in the village for being capitalists when he was at the village, so they also hated Zhang Cong.
In that case, the only person who could go around saying things was Qiao Yu. A few days ago, she had just sneaked into their house to eat all their food, and now she was causing this kind of trouble for her. How capable.
Qiao Mei made a mental note of this matter, she would settle the score in the future.
Oh, that bit of money. Didn't you find out that the money had all been used to buy meat and already all used up by me back then. What can 2,000 dollars do!
Qiao Mei said laughingly.
Old Madam Zhang had previously heard from Old Madam Li that Qiao Mei was fat and tanned and that her grandfather's monthly salary of 50 dollars was not even enough for her to spend. She had also used so many food stamps by herself. It was indeed possible that the 2,000 dollars was really gone.
What an extravagant girl! That's 2,000 dollars! You spent it just like that! What a wasteful girl!
Old Madam Zhang stomped her feet in anger, as if the 2,000 dollars belonged to her family.
That's my money and I can spend it however I want. Since you are so nosy about my business, shouldn't you give me some money too? Let's start with my mother marrying into your family. My mother has worked for so many years and all her money has fallen into your hands. Zhang Cong must have spent quite a bit of that, so you also have to give me some money. Not much, how about 300 dollars for 10 years,
Qiao Mei sat down and quoted an amount as she looked at Old Madam Zhang.
Before Old Madam Zhang could speak, Qiao Mei continued,
By the way, shouldn't you give me some money for my wedding as well? All in all, give me 600 dollars, no more and no less. How about that?
You! You! Pfft! You shameless person! Why should we give you 600 dollars!
Old Madam Zhang pointed at Qiao Mei and scolded angrily.
Then why should my mother give Zhang Cong money to get married! I think you're just out to extort money!
Qiao Mei said without backing down.
Old Madam Zhang did not know how to answer her. Zhang Cong was the child that Zhang Qian had with his ex-wife, and Qiao Mei was the child that Li Gui had with her ex-husband. Logically speaking, it was the same scenario. If Li Gui needed to give Zhang Cong money for his wedding, then they would have to give Qiao Mei money for her wedding. This would be a huge loss to them.
You're just a girl, why do you need money! A married daughter is like spilled water! You still have the cheek to ask our family for money! You haven't even given us your betrothal gift, so why should we give you money?
Zhang Cong, who had been keeping quiet at one side, suddenly spoke up.
Old Madam Zhang looked at Zhang Cong and smiled in satisfaction. It seemed that he was still not too silly and what he said made sense. Let's see what Qiao Mei has to say now.
We've never raised Qiao Mei either. Let's just forget about this matter. It has nothing to do with your Zhang family so don't get Qiao Mei involved. I really don't have money for Zhang Cong's wedding,
Li Gui looked at Old Madam Zhang and said firmly.
The usually quiet Li Gui even dared to talk back to her now. Old Madam Zhang was so angry that she raised her hand to slap Li Gui and Li Gui reached out and grabbed her arm. Li Gui had thought it through and decided that she could not be a burden to Qiao Mei anymore. Even if she got beaten up, she would not let Qiao Mei suffer!
You! You've really gone overboard! So independent since leaving our Zhang family! So you think you have someone backing you up! How great!
Old Madam Zhang looked at Li Gui with hatred.
Chapter 156
Qiao Yu stood outside and watched in fascination as more and more people gathered at the door. If this continued, someone would soon come to investigate the commotion. Zhang Cong held on to Old Madam Zhang and said softly,
Grandma, there are too many people here. In a while, more people will come. If this gets out of hand, then it's all over.
Old Madam Zhang looked at the increasing number of people at the door. It appeared that she would not be able to get any money today, so she picked up a piece of cloth and threw it at Li Gui.
Just you wait! This isn't over! I'll get my son to deal with you!
Old Madam Zhang glared fiercely at Li Gui and Qiao Mei before leaving quickly with Zhang Cong.
What are you looking at! Get lost!
Old Madam Zhang shouted at the crowd at the door.
She pushed her way through the crowd and left quickly.
What kind of person…
That's right, why are you scolding people? No manners!
A few people in the crowd muttered unhappily. Qiao Mei then saw a familiar figure in the crowd who was dressed in unfashionable clothes and looked disheveled, and did not look like she was from the city. Wasn't this Qiao Yu? Why was she here?
Qiao Mei wanted to go forward to take a closer look. Li Gui thought that Qiao Mei wanted to chase after Old Madam Zhang, so she immediately stopped Qiao Mei and said,
Mei Mei, forget it. Don't look for them. Don't be angry. Your health is more important, so let's forget about it.
Mom, I'm not angry, but what if they come looking for trouble again?
Qiao Mei looked at Li Gui and said.
Li Gui smiled at Qiao Mei and said,
It's fine, Mei Mei. Look at me, I have nothing left. They won't be able to get anything. Besides, even if they go to the village to cause trouble, didn't you tell me to look for Zhao Liang, and we also have militia in the village. It's fine. They won't dare to do anything to me.
Qiao Mei knew that Li Gui put on a smile to comfort her. She decided to go to the brigade to speak with Uncle Zhao before she headed out in two days' time and to ask him to help out more with her family. This situation could not go on forever.
Alright, then be it. Take care of yourself,
Qiao Mei said.
Aye, alright.
Li Gui nodded.
The shopkeeper, who had been silent all this while, spoke up at this moment,
Are you… still buying fabric as that person from just now had dirtied my fabric. You guys have to be responsible for this.
Qiao Mei looked at the fabric on the ground. The color looked alright to her. It was dark blue and she could make clothes and cloth bags for the children. It just needed to be washed.
We're not the ones who dirtied this. You can go to whoever dirtied it.
Although Qiao Mei said that, she was thinking about bargaining on the price. He definitely would not be able to sell this dirty fabric, and even if he went to the police station to make a report, there would not be any outcome. If she put on an act, she would be able to get this piece of fabric at a lower price.
But you know them! They all ran away! You have to take responsibility! I'll look for you!
The shopkeeper immediately panicked when he heard that Qiao Mei did not want to take responsibility.
You definitely won't be able to sell this fabric. But we're not the ones who dirtied it. How about you offer to sell me the fabric at a cheaper price and I'll take it. If you don't agree, you can go to the police station.
Qiao Mei picked up the fabric from the ground and showed it to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper was also wondering if he should quote them the original price or to give them a discount. These were all goods that were clearly priced and had to be exchanged with cloth coupons. It would be difficult to account for it if he had a shortfall of cloth coupons.
I know you're in a difficult position too. How about I give you the coupons, but you don't charge me any money. How about that?
Qiao Mei looked at the shopkeeper and said.
The shopkeeper thought about it and said,
Alright, let's do it. Then I don't have to go to the police station.
Qiao Mei was overjoyed. She did not expect her bargaining to be so effective. It turned out that the method from her other life was still useful now. Her favorite thing to do was to bargain and get a good deal.
Li Gui looked at Qiao Mei with admiration. She did not know that it was possible to bargain at the shops.
And those two blue-colored fabrics, I want them all,
Qiao Mei said.
The shopkeeper packed up everything and handed it to Qiao Mei. Li Gui reached out to grab it and said,
Let me take it.
Qiao Mei did not refuse her help.
Alright, let's go home and cook something delicious for the children!
Qiao Mei said happily.
Seeing Qiao Mei and Li Gui coming out of the shop, Qiao Yu also left quietly. This time, she did not manage to let Qiao Mei suffer a loss, but it did not matter. There would still be other chances.
Chapter 157
By the time Qiao Mei reached home, it was already dusk. Qiao Qiang was waiting anxiously at home and kept going to the entrance of the courtyard to look around. Logically speaking, if they had gone to the county city in the morning, they should be back by noon. He wondered why there was still no sign of them.
Why hasn't Mei Mei returned after so long, sigh, seriously.
Qiao Qiang paced around the courtyard anxiously.
The children watched Qiao Qiang but they did not know what was going on. The young Zhang Miao asked,
Grandpa, why do you keep going round in circles?
Qiao Qiang smiled and said,
I'm not going round in circles. I'm just anxious. Your elder sister Mei Mei isn't back yet.
Grandfather, don't worry. My mother also went with elder sister Qiao Mei so everything should be fine,
Zhang Wei said.
Ever since Zhang Wei came to the village, his temper and personality had changed a lot. At first, he only knew how to say bad things about Li Gui, complained about others and he did not take care of his siblings. Now, he would help others in the village and even took good care of his siblings like the big brother he was.
Not long after, Li Gui returned with Qiao Mei on the bicycle.
Grandfather! I'm back!
Qiao Mei shouted happily into the courtyard.
Qiao Qiang finally felt relieved. He smiled at Qiao Mei and said,
Come and eat. The food's ready and I'm just waiting for you to come back for dinner.
Zhang Wei secretly ran to Qiao Mei's side and whispered,
Elder sister Qiao Mei, you don't know this, but grandpa was so anxious to see that you were not back and he walked around the courtyard for the entire afternoon.
Qiao Mei smiled. She knew that her grandfather doted on her the most. If it were not for Old Madam Zhang and the others causing trouble and taking up so much of their time, they would not have returned only now, making her grandfather wait for them to come back and eat.
The whole family finished their meal happily. Qiao Mei sat in the courtyard and started to think about the extent of Qiao Yu's involvement in the matter today. She stared out the door steadfastly and did not even notice Qiao Qiang appearing behind her.
What are you thinking about?
Qiao Qiang took a small stool and sat beside Qiao Mei.
Qiao Mei told Qiao Qiang everything that had happened today in detail. She also told him about how Qiao Yu had been freeloading at Li Gui's house for two days. When Qiao Mei finished, she lowered her head and pondered for a long while.
Grandfather, do you think Qiao Yu was involved in what happened today?
Qiao Mei asked.
I think we should pretend that nothing happened, but we have to be on guard,
Qiao Qiang said as he looked at Qiao Mei.
Qiao Mei looked at Qiao Qiang, not understanding what he meant. Qiao Qiang continued,
You don't have enough evidence to say that Qiao Yu told the Zhang family all these things, so you can't accuse her wrongly. We have to be careful and not just take what they say at face value. But we still have to guard against Qiao Yu. She doesn't have much ability, but it will still be troublesome if she creates any problems.
Grandfather is right. I'm leaving in two days. What if Qiao Yu comes to find trouble with you.
Qiao Mei looked at Qiao Qiang worriedly.
Hahahahaha, I'm afraid that Mei Mei has forgotten that grandpa used to be a soldier. Grandpa is old, but he can still deal with a little girl. Besides, she won't dare to find trouble with me,
Qiao Qiang said.
Yes, that's right. Grandfather is so capable, she definitely won't dare to come here.
Qiao Mei felt assured that Qiao Qiang was safe at home. She was more worried about Li Gui. Not only was Qiao Yu looking for trouble there, but the Zhang and Li families might also go there to ask for money.
Qiao Mei told Qiao Qiang in the evening that she was going out for a walk after dinner when in fact, she was going to the brigade to look for Zhao Liang.
Uncle Zhao! Is Uncle Zhao here!
Qiao Mei asked.
Aye! Who is it!
Zhao Liang shouted from inside the house.
It's me, Uncle Zhao. It's Qiao Mei. I'm here regarding something.
Qiao Mei entered and saw Zhao Liang dealing with the village matters.
The brigade was basically in charge of everything and the team leader had to be aware of all the matters in the village. The team leader also had to mediate any disputes that happened in the village. Basically, as long as it was not an issue of life and death, the villagers could consult the team leader about anything.
Qiao Mei, what's wrong? Did something happen in your family?
Zhao Liang asked.
Uncle, I'm leaving next week to go to the capital to look for my husband. Please take care of my grandfather during this period.
Qiao Mei had brought along two watermelons from her house for Zhao Liang.
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Qiao Mei placed the watermelons on Zhao Liang's table and said,
Uncle, take these two watermelons to quench your thirst in the summer.
Oh, no, no! It's my duty to help the people in the village. Qiao Mei, quickly take it back.
Zhao Liang pushed away the watermelons that Qiao Mei gave.
Uncle! It's not specially for you. The last time, didn't auntie say that she liked the watermelons from my house and that she thought they were sweet. Please take it that I have brought them for auntie and accept them,
Qiao Mei said.
When he heard that the watermelons were for his wife, he felt that he had no reason to reject them. Zhao Liang took the watermelons and placed them under the table.
Then I thank you on behalf of your auntie.
Uncle Zhao, don't stand on ceremony with me. By the way, I need your help with something,
Qiao Mei said.
Zhao Liang patted his chest and said,
Then why are you standing on ceremony with me? If there's anything you need, just say it and I'll help you with it.
It's just that after I leave, there'll be no one to take care of my mother given that my grandfather is old. Today, I went to the county city to buy something and ran into my mother's current mother-in-law and stepson. They tried to find trouble with my mother but at least I was around today. When I'm not around, they might bully her and extort money from her. Uncle, can you keep an eye on my mother and also not let those people enter the village,
Qiao Mei asked.
What a thing to happen! They're really too much! They've really gone overboard!
Zhao Liang banged the table and scolded.
Uncle, don't be angry.
Qiao Mei quickly stopped Zhao Liang.
Don't worry, Qiao Mei. Your mother is from our village after all. Since she's from our village, Uncle will take care of her. Don't worry,
Zhao Liang promised Qiao Mei.
Aye! Thank you, Uncle! Then I'm so relieved. Uncle, I'll be leaving now. My grandfather is still waiting for me at home.
Qiao Mei smiled brightly upon knowing that Zhao Liang had agreed to her request and slowly walked towards the door to leave.
Alright, go back slowly and give my regards to your grandfather. Don't worry, I'll definitely help you with what you told me.
Zhao Liang stood at the door of the house and looked at Qiao Mei.
Yes, then I'll be leaving, Uncle!
Qiao Mei waved goodbye to Zhao Liang.
The brigade office was located at the left corner of the village entrance and was not very far away. As soon as Qiao Mei came out, she bumped into Qiao Yu, who was returning to the village. Usually, Qiao Mei would pretend not to see her and just walk away. However, it was such a coincidence today that she just caught a glimpse of a figure that looked like Qiao Yu in the county city and now, Qiao Yu was returning from outside the village the same night.
Qiao Yu also saw Qiao Mei and lowered her head to run away, but Qiao Mei blocked her way.
Qiao Yu, why are you back so late? Did you go to the county city?
Qiao Mei asked.
No, I just… I just came back from work.
Qiao Yu lied awkwardly, wondering what excuse she could use to make Qiao Mei let her go.
Qiao Mei smiled and did not say anything. She just turned around and left. Those who went to work would not return at this hour, they would have come back long ago. It was obvious that Qiao Yu had gone out of the village and did not go to work. On the way back, Qiao Mei went to Auntie Dong's house for a chat. Coincidentally, Auntie Wang was also there today, which made it a much more interesting day.
Qiao Mei, you're here!
Auntie Dong welcomed Qiao Mei warmly and set up a stool for her.
Auntie Dong, Auntie Wang, good to see that you're free today. You're both here.
Qiao Mei did not stand on ceremony and sat on the stool to chat with them.
Sigh, now that you mention it. The rainy season has just passed and the mushrooms in the mountains have long been emptied. Also, the children from your family are really tireless. Zhang Wei brings his brothers and sisters to the mountains to pick vegetables every day. He's such a sensible boy,
Auntie Dong praised.
You don't say! Zhang Wei and the rest of the kids are really sensible. If my child is half as sensible as Zhang Wei, life would be much easier for me.
Auntie Wang sighed.
I think the children are too bored. I told them that there's always things to eat in the mountains and they've never seen it in the city. They're at the age when they're curious, which is why they go up the mountain every day. They're not as good as you say,
Qiao Mei said humbly.
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Qiao Mei did not expect that even though no one had watched over the children these few days, everyone's impression of them had improved a lot and most people said that they were sensible and capable.
On the surface, Qiao Mei said that this was a small matter and that everyone's children were the same, but in reality, she was overjoyed. There was no one who did not like to hear others praise their siblings.
Sigh, aunties, I'm really unlucky today,
Qiao Mei said with a sigh.
What's wrong with you, what happened?
Auntie Wang said.
That's right, don't worry. We all have a lot of experience in life. Tell us about it and we'll give you some advice. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one!
Auntie Dong said.
Hahahahaha! You sound quite cultured saying that!
Auntie Wang laughed loudly.
Shoo, shoo, shoo. Let's get down to business,
Auntie Dong said.
Qiao Mei pretended to be worried and thought for a while before saying,
Aunties, the weather has been hot recently and I don't go out much, so I haven't been to my mother's house for a while. In the end, for some reason, Qiao Yu refused to leave my mother's house and ate all the food that my mother had. Even when she couldn't finish it, she took it all away. She cried and made a fuss and said that she would die in our house if we didn't give it to her.
What a thing to happen!
Auntie Wang said in surprise.
Why is she so shameless! Previously, she came to our house to freeload on food and drinks and I beat her up with a big stick and chased her out,
Auntie Dong said.
Sigh, what can I do since it wasn't easy for me to chase her away. She has been quiet recently but I went to the county city to buy things today and ran into people from the family of my mother's current husband. They came to extort money from us again, and even said that Qiao Yu told them that my husband gave me a lot of betrothal gifts when I got married. Therefore, they came to demand money from me.
Qiao Mei looked at the two aunties' expressions and then she pretended to cry.
When the two women saw Qiao Mei like this, they were furious. They spoke about wanting to settle the score with Qiao Yu and avenge Qiao Mei.
Oh! Aunties, don't go! I've already dealt with them. I don't think they'll come looking for trouble during this period of time.
Qiao Mei stopped the two women.
Don't worry about this and leave it to us. You're currently pregnant and if you continue to be concerned about these things, you'll really be exhausted.
Auntie Dong looked at Qiao Mei caringly.
That's right, Qiao Mei. You've been so good to your mother. You have to take care of yourself. Don't tire yourself out, you know?
Auntie Wang said with concern.
Qiao Mei nodded obediently and said,
Okay, I'll listen to aunties. By the way, aunties, what about the sale of your bean sprouts recently.
The two women were all smiles. Auntie Dong said excitedly to Qiao Mei,
I don't know why, but the feng shui at my house has been good recently. I still go to the mountains to get the water for growing the bean sprouts and the harvest is not bad recently. The supply and marketing cooperative has taken a lot from me!
It's the same for our family. Ever since I heard what your Auntie Dong said, I've tried it too. The effect is really good,
Auntie Wang also told Qiao Mei in a low voice, afraid that others would hear what she said. If others learned from them, she would not be able to sell hers anymore.
In actual fact, the two women's bean sprouts had been selling well recently because Qiao Mei had been secretly helping them. When she came down the mountain every day and stood in her courtyard, she could sense the fruits and vegetables inside the two women's houses and secretly gave them some energy. Fortunately, the two women lived near Qiao Mei's house. Her recent energy exchanges with the wild ginseng had increased the range of her perception by two kilometers.
That's good, that's good. Aunties, I'll go back then. It's getting quite late.
Qiao Mei got up to leave.
Alright, go back slowly. Don't remain angry,
Auntie Dong said.
Yes, I'll remember that, aunties. I'm going off!
Qiao Mei said and left the courtyard.
The news that she told Auntie Dong and Auntie Wang quickly spread throughout the village. It spread like wildfire and everyone knew that Qiao Yu was now going from house to house asking for vegetables. If people did not give it to her, she would throw a tantrum and refuse to leave. As the news spread, it became more and more ridiculous. Some people even said that it was Qiao Zhuang who beat and scolded Qiao Yu to make her come out and do all that. Of course, Qiao Mei also contributed to these stories.
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The rumors spread around in the village and reached Qiao Zhuang's ears very quickly. The version that Qiao Zhuang heard was even more ridiculous. The story was that Qiao Zhuang had threatened Qiao Yu to go from house to house to beg for food and even when she got the food, he still abused her. As soon as this story came out, Zhao Liang brought a group of militiamen to Qiao Zhuang's house to look for him.
Is Qiao Zhuang here!
Zhao Liang shouted from the door.
Who is it! What's the matter!
Qiao Zhuang came out of the house, and even though he saw that Zhao Liang had brought so many militiamen with him, he was not afraid at all. After all, he had been a bully in this village for most of his life and everyone knew what he was capable of.
Do you know about the rumors flying around in the village recently?
Zhao Liang did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
In the village? What did people say?
Qiao Zhuang looked puzzled.
Oh, you still don't know. They said that you, Qiao Zhuang, abused Qiao Yu and beat her up and asked her to go from house to house to ask for food, and told her to cause trouble in other people's houses if she couldn't get the food. Many villagers have already confirmed that Qiao Yu has done this at many houses,
Zhao Liang said.
Qiao Zhuang was furious when he heard this. He smashed the hoe beside him and said,
Which bastard is lying! When have I ever done this!
Zhao Liang did not want to waste any more time with him since the purpose of the visit was to inform him of the issue. There was nothing beneficial about continuing with the conversation given that it may lead to trouble.
Qiao Zhuang, please handle your own family matters. Don't let such rumors spread in the village anymore.
After saying that, Zhao Liang left with the militiamen.
Qiao Zhuang picked up a stick in the courtyard angrily and went into the house to look for Qiao Yu. All the people in the house were so frightened that they quickly hid from him. The eldest son, Qiao Fu, hurriedly stopped Qiao Zhuang and said,
Father, what's wrong with you, why are you so angry?
Qiao Zhuang threw the stick down and said furiously,
Go! Find that asshole Qiao Yu for me! How dare she go out and spread rumors! How dare she go out and embarrass me!
When Liu Ying and Jiang Ye heard this, they quickly ran out to look for Qiao Yu. Wang Qin had a very high status in the family and was about to get up to look for Qiao Yu when Qiao Zhuang stopped her.
You're the accountant of the village brigade. How can you not know when even Zhao Liang knows about this matter?
Qiao Zhuang narrowed his eyes and looked at Wang Qin.
Wang Qin got so frightened that her legs went weak. She sat down near the fireplace and stammered but no words came out.
Speak up! Are you mute!
Qiao Zhuang picked up the stick from the ground and struck it against the ground.
Wang Qin was so afraid that she kept trembling and sputtered,
I… I've been going there early recently… and coming back early. I really didn't hear about what happened in the village…
Qiao Gui tried to allay Wang Qin's fear by saying,
Father, what my wife said is true. She really hasn't been to the brigade much recently. I don't even know about this matter.
Qiao Zhuang's wife stayed at the side and kept quiet. Qiao Zhuang looked at the family and felt that he had nowhere to vent his anger, so he pointed at his wife and said,
You've raised such a good daughter! She's been spreading nonsense outside! Where are the things she got from others! She says she goes out every day to beg for food! So where are the things!
Qiao Zhuang pointed at his sons and daughters-in-law and asked them. No one knew what Qiao Yu had brought back. The fourth daughter-in-law said softly,
I… I saw Qiao Yu leave the village yesterday… I don't know where she went…
Left the village? How could she leave the village? She didn't go to work and went out of the village instead?
Qiao Zhuang frowned and looked at his fourth daughter-in-law.
I! I'm telling the truth! I saw it with my own eyes! But I don't know where she went!
The fourth daughter-in-law quickly waved her hands. She was afraid that Qiao Zhuang would think that she was in cahoots with Qiao Yu and that he would think that she was lying.
Qiao put down the stick in his hand angrily and sat near the fireplace. He said to his fourth daughter-in-law,
Alright, I hear you. Go get me some water.
The fourth daughter-in-law hurriedly left the fireplace and went to pour water for him. The sons all sat in the house and did not dare to make any sound. The house was quiet as they waited for the eldest daughter-in-law, Liu Ying, and the third daughter-in-law, Jiang Ye, to find Qiao Yu to come back and clarify the matter so that they would not be implicated.
Qiao Zhuang thought about what Zhao Liang had said and planned how to deal with that wretched girl Qiao Yu.