Chapter 41
This is bad!
Zhou Jiaojiao inwardly lamented the situation!
She no longer dared to slander Bai Xiuxiu, fearing that she would say even more.
Panicked, she ran over to them, her expression flustered. "Elder Sister, if it's gone, then it's gone. It just proves that it wasn't meant to be with our family."
"I don't care about that. This is all your fault. I'm going to tell the whole family about this when we get home, and you'll have to compensate us for the cloth." Bai Xiuxiu was relentless as she looked at Zhou Jiaojiao's sullen face. She could confirm that Zhou Jiaojiao and Zhao Guifen had definitely picked up something on their way here.
Zhou Jiaojiao felt guilty about the source of the item, so she wanted to trick Bai Xiuxiu into coming to see it.
If someone was there, they would assume that she was responsible.
If no one was there, Zhou Jiaojiao would likely blame her again.
What Zhou Jiaojiao hadn't anticipated was that Bai Xiuxiu would throw the accusations back at her so swiftly.
Bai Xiuxiu hugged the two children tightly, sneering inwardly.
They were targeting her; she wouldn't feel right if she didn't squeeze some benefit out of Zhou Jiaojiao!
"Alright, let's talk about it when we get home." Zhao Guifen's leg hurt, and she also felt pained about having to share the money with the eldest son's family, leaving her listless.
Seeing that Bai Xiuxiu was relentless, she said irritably,
Hearing that they were going home, Zhou Jiaojiao quickly agreed. "Yes, let's go home first!"
She didn't know if the person who had been watching them was the one who lost the money, but regardless, they couldn't stay here any longer.
Bai Xiuxiu looked at Zhou Jiaojiao's anxious appearance and said in a tone that wasn't low. "What's the rush? Did you strike gold or something? Are you afraid of being robbed?"
Bai Xiuxiu made a sarcastic comment and walked ahead of them, ignoring Zhou Jiaojiao's panicked and resentful gaze.
Zhou Jiaojiao didn't dare to look in the direction where the person was hiding, wishing she could fly.
She cursed Bai Xiuxiu in her heart and regretted trying to trick her now. When it came to tricking others, she shouldn't be the one leading the charge!
"You're running so fast, are you trying to kill yourself? Why don't you come back and help me?" Zhao Guifen saw Zhou Jiaojiao walking quickly and scolded her.
Zhou Jiaojiao awkwardly stopped and turned around to support Zhao Guifen.
Bai Xiuxiu returned home before the two of them. On her way back, she had caught the bus to the commune, which was closer than the route taken by Zhou Jiaojiao.
When only Bai Xiuxiu returned home, those present were stunned.
Old Fifth, Wang Qingqi, seeing that she had returned alone, couldn't help frowning and questioned Bai Xiuxiu. "Elder Sister, why did you come back alone? What about Mom and my wife?"
Bai Xiuxiu was about to enter the house when he asked, so she turned around and replied, "Oh, I took the bus back. Mom and your wife were too frugal to take the bus and will probably return later."
"How could you leave Mom and my wife behind like that? Elder Sister, how could you do such a thing? We're a family! Couldn't you have paid for their bus fare? Are you trying to exhaust Mom and my Jiaojiao?" Wang Qingqi shouted at Bai Xiuxiu, dissatisfied.
Bai Xiuxiu was taken aback by his words and put down the two children. "Mingming, Yueyue, go inside first. Don't learn bad habits from your Uncle Fifth."
Seeing her send the two children inside, Wang Qingqi became even more dissatisfied and asked irritably, "Elder Sister, what do you mean by that? What do you mean by learning bad habits from me?"
"Hmm, nothing. I'm just worried that my child might learn to be shameless from you." Bai Xiuxiu gave him a sidelong glance and mocked him coldly.
"Eldest daughter-in-law, don't speak recklessly." Wang Shoucheng, who was helping his son carry mud bricks, was unhappy when he heard his beloved youngest son criticized by his eldest daughter-in-law.
Bai Xiuxiu laughed coldly. "Dad, Fifth Brother openly wanted me to pay for his wife. How can you say I'm speaking recklessly? For a grown man to act like this, what else could it be if not shameless?"
Wang Qingqi struggled to maintain his composure. "I spoke without thinking! What I meant was, couldn't you have paid for Mom's bus fare?"
"Mom manages the family's finances. If she wanted to take the bus, she could have done so herself. If she didn't want to take the bus because she was frugal, wouldn't she be even angrier if I paid for it? Or is it... in your and Mom's eyes, your money is valuable, while mine is worthless?"
Bai Xiuxiu frowned, impatiently countering his argument.
This family was truly shameless, one after another!
"That's not what I meant... Even so... you still shouldn't have left them there," Wang Qingqi said, embarrassed and unsure how to defend himself.
Bai Xiuxiu was astonished by his audacity but didn't bother listening to his nonsense.
She waved her hand. "Fifth Brother, stop defending them. Who left whom there? Clearly, they left me behind. Why couldn't they spend money on the bus and come back with me?"
Bai Xiuxiu spoke confidently and then went straight into the house.
Wang Qingqi was completely stunned. How could anyone say such a thing?
After returning home, Bai Xiuxiu saw the two children already on the bed, obediently waiting for her to return. Her heart softened.
She took out what she had bought and gave each child a piece of mung bean pastry.
This treat wasn't always available in their area; it was a matter of luck to find it!
"Mama, has Uncle Fifth changed for the better?" Mingming asked curiously, holding the mung bean pastry.
Bai Xiuxiu was taken aback but quickly understood her son's meaning.
Amused and exasperated, she said, "No, your Uncle Fifth is too stubborn to change, no matter who tries to teach him. He's thoroughly rotten. In the future, no matter what he says to you, don't listen or believe him, understand?"
Bai Xiuxiu seriously instilled in the two children a sense of caution towards this family.
Before she and Wang Qinghe left the Wang family, she needed to keep these two children alert to this family.
Even after they left, the two children must never interact with this family again.
Zhao Guifen's love for her grandson is shown through the son of the third family, while her affection for her granddaughter is reserved for Old Fifth's yet-to-be-born girl.
In Zhao Guifen's eyes, both of her darlings are just mouths to feed.
"I listen to Mommy." Despite appearing like a little adult, this remark amuses Bai Xiuxiu greatly.
After about half an hour, Zhou Jiaojiao and Zhao Guifen returned.
Together with them came a strong stench of cow dung!
Zhao Guifen's face was dark, and Zhou Jiaojiao, who was supporting her, looked pale. Accompanying them back was the village head.
Upon their return, the smell filled the courtyard, even permeating Bai Xiuxiu's room.
"Mom, it smells so bad outside..." Yueyue, nearly asleep, was now wide awake due to the stench.
"Mom will go check. You and your brother should sleep soundly." Bai Xiuxiu left the room.
Everyone in the family kept a distance of three feet from Zhao Guifen and Zhou Jiaojiao.
"Wife, Mom, what have you two been up to?" Wang Qingqi, having just been scolded, was alarmed by the sight of his mother and wife.
Chapter 42
At her son's question, Zhao Guifen's heart swelled with anguish, and she lashed out, kicking Zhou Jiaojiao. "How dare you ask? If it weren't for you, my ill-fated daughter-in-law, would I have ended up in the mire of Shanghe Village's production team?"
Kicked to the ground, Zhou Jiaojiao felt wronged. "Mom, how is this my fault? Didn't I see... didn't I see a piece of clothing by the manure pit, blown there from somewhere? It looked new.
It's so hard to save cloth coupons these days?
I just wanted to pick it up and make something for you to wear."
"Pah! You did this on purpose!" Zhao Guifen spat as she retched.
The stench of manure had made her suffer!
"What happened here?" Wang Shoucheng asked sternly, his face darkening at the sight of his wife and daughter-in-law in such disarray.
Zhao Guifen cursed and cried as she spoke. "Isn't it all because of this ill-fated daughter-in-law? She insisted that we go together to pick up that new piece of clothing. When we got there, the clothes were floating above the manure pit.
She said she'd hold me steady while I picked them up."
I thought, with my injured leg, it would be difficult, but I agreed.
Who knew this wretched thing couldn't hold me properly.
She suddenly let go, causing me to fall into their manure pit!"
Zhou Jiaojiao felt an indescribable bitterness in her heart. When she was supporting her mother-in-law, she noticed someone following her, which startled her and caused her to let go.
But could she say that?
She had originally planned to pretend to talk to her mother-in-law and blame Bai Xiuxiu for the incident.
Before she could do so, her mother-in-law fell into the manure pit!
Everything happened too suddenly!
She hadn't even managed to grab the piece of clothing!
This was the first time she had encountered such misfortune.
"Enough, Sister Zhao, don't blame your daughter-in-law. You're both the same! If you hadn't been greedy and tried to take what wasn't yours, would you have fallen into the manure pit? You were lucky to run into me leading the people of Shanghe Village spreading manure on the fields.
Otherwise, who knows what might have happened!
The village chief of Shanghe Village said you need to pay ten yuan to compensate for the loss of the manure."
The squad leader interrupted Zhao Guifen's lamentations, his head throbbing.
Why were the Wangs causing trouble now when they usually kept to themselves?
"What? Pay money? Why should I?" Zhao Guifen protested even more vehemently at the mention of paying!
Money was her lifeblood.
"Who told you to mess with their manure pit? As the squad leader of three villages, I can't favor you. Take out the money quickly so I can give them an explanation. Otherwise, if word gets out about trying to take other people's discarded clothes, it won't look good.
You can't expect them to bring manure to your home, can you?"
The squad leader asked irritably.
Zhao Guifen fell silent.
"What are you waiting for? This disgraceful thing! Give the squad leader the money!" Wang Shoucheng felt ashamed. Why hadn't the foolish woman said they were going to turn it in?
And Old Fifth's wife, why did she have to speak up in front of the squad leader?
Embarrassed, Zhao Guifen fished out the money, which was stained with manure.
The squad leader's face darkened as he pinched one corner of the note. "Alright, I have things to do. Don't cause any more trouble!"
Once he left, Zhao Guifen couldn't help but curse. "Old Fifth! What are you waiting for? Your dim-witted wife needs a beating!"
Wang Qingqi was terrified. How... how could he hit his wife?
His wife was far more important than his mother!
Zhou Jiaojiao couldn't believe it. Was this wicked woman actually going to hit her?
"If you won't do it, I will!" Zhao Guifen declared, grabbing their work shovel to strike, only to slip and fall flat on her back.
"What are you waiting for? Help your mother up! Elder Brother's wife, start boiling water," Wang Shoucheng barked angrily.
The others rushed to help her up, and upon hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu leaned against the wall, her expression blank as she lied, "Dad, my illness has flared up again. I need to rest."
Wang Shoucheng...
Wang Shoucheng's eyes nearly bulged out in anger!
But he couldn't do anything about Bai Xiuxiu, who was like tough meat that wouldn't yield!
He called out to Zhou Jiaojiao irritably, "Old Fifth's wife! Go boil some water."
Zhou Jiaojiao, who had just been kicked by her mother-in-law, wished she could cook Zhao Guifen instead. Hearing that she needed to boil water, she wanted to feign illness.
But her husband still needed the family's support, so she had to endure.
She went to the kitchen with a dark face.
Bai Xiuxiu couldn't suppress the corners of her mouth at the sight of their commotion.
Sure enough, misfortune can be avoided—as long as it's deflected onto Zhou Jiaojiao, the bad luck would vanish automatically. And Zhou Jiaojiao might also lose her good fortune temporarily.
Otherwise, there was no way to explain how Zhao Guifen fell into the manure pit and implicated Zhou Jiaojiao.
By the time the family finished cleaning up the yard and both Zhao Guifen and Zhou Jiaojiao had cleaned themselves up, it was already half-dark outside.
The group that went up the mountain had also returned. Wang Qinghe was still walking at the back.
Zhao Cuihua and Chen Fang supported Liu Xiaoe, who insisted on going to the mountains, back into the courtyard.
As soon as they entered, the three of them were overwhelmed by the strong smell of cow dung in the yard.
"How could the smell of manure be so strong?" Zhao Cuihua, who came in first, asked with a frown.
Zhao Guifen's face darkened when she heard this. "What's with the fuss? Could the smell kill you? Why did you return from the mountains so early today? How much did you get?"
She asked one question after another, her movements not quite steady—she had twisted her ankle when she slipped earlier.
When she saw what was in their baskets, Zhao Guifen erupted. "What? Just these things?"
"What else could it be? What do people usually get when they go to the mountains?" Zhao Cuihua retorted with the words her eldest sister-in-law had used, speaking with confidence.
Most importantly, her eldest sister-in-law had been lying then, but what she said now was true!
For some inexplicable reason, something strange happened.
Today, when they went to the mountains, no one fell, and they didn't have any bad luck.
But they couldn't find anything valuable, not even mushrooms everywhere they looked.
Zhao Guifen looked at her three daughters-in-law and seriously suspected that they had hidden some items for themselves!
Zhou Jiaojiao watched them and inwardly scoffed, feeling it was time for her to step forward. She stood up and said softly, "Mom, we're all family. I have something to say."
Zhao Guifen couldn't stand looking at Zhou Jiaojiao, the newlywed. "What do you want to say?"
Zhou Jiaojiao wore a proud expression, but she spoke in a voice audible only to herself and Zhao Guifen. "Mom, I've always been very lucky. Whoever goes out with me will have good fortune. Look at the harvests from the trips to the mountains; wasn't it because I was there? Today, without me, the results were different, weren't they?"
Zhao Guifen: ...
She paused for a moment, but she felt that Zhou Jiaojiao had a point.
The fifth daughter-in-law did seem to have some luck on her side!
Zhou Jiaojiao believed that she needed to tell everyone about her luck privately, not in public.
This way, everyone would try to curry favor with her in private.
With this thought, her gaze fell on her second sister-in-law, Liu Xiaoe, who was the most in need of good luck. She would definitely seek her out!
Seeing the mother-in-law and the fifth daughter-in-law whispering to each other, the trio at the door assumed they were saying something bad about them!
"Eldest son, how was your harvest today?" Wang Shoucheng, seeing his daughters-in-law had little to show for their efforts, was somewhat displeased. He turned to his eldest son who had just entered and quickly questioned him.
Chapter 43
Hearing Zhou Jiaojiao's words, Zhao Guifen's eyes sharply turned toward the door.
Wang Qinghe had just entered the courtyard with his catch of the day. However, this only made Zhao Guifen angrier.
Compared to yesterday's haul of five rabbits and two wild chickens, today there were only five rabbits!
It wasn't even enough for an equal share!
Zhao Guifen's gaze fell on Wang Qinghe like a sharp blade. "Big Brother, why is your catch getting smaller? Are you trying to play tricks on us?"
Wang Qinghe, typically taciturn except when it came to Bai Xiuxiu, didn't bother explaining himself. He simply ignored their suspicious looks and walked towards his wife.
"You stop right there. As the eldest son in this family, you have four younger brothers looking up to you. Have you forgotten how your mother and I raised you? You... really hid some of the catch?" Wang Shoucheng asked doubtfully.
Wang Qinghe paused and looked at them, meeting the family's questioning gazes.
Bai Xiuxiu furrowed her brow and let out a cold laugh. Her tone remained mocking. "Hunting is always unpredictable. There are only so many animals in the mountains. If we caught a lot yesterday, there naturally won't be as many today. According to your logic, if Qinghe doesn't catch anything, should he buy some for you?
Why not just ask him for money directly instead of sending him into the mountains?
Or better yet, take his life?"
"Big Sister-in-Law, this has nothing to do with you! This is a matter between the men. Stay out of it!" Wang Shoucheng was growing increasingly annoyed with his unapproachable daughter-in-law.
"He's my husband, so his matters are mine too. Are you saying that we're not allowed to speak up against injustice? That's not how things work!" Bai Xiuxiu spoke loudly, attracting the attention of their neighbors who started coming out to watch.
Wang Shoucheng valued his reputation, but...
He glanced at his eldest son. He didn't entirely believe that his son would hide part of the catch.
Still, it was best to ask again.
With this in mind, Wang Shoucheng gave his wife a meaningful look.
Zhao Guifen, with a grim expression, cautiously asked, "Big Brother, you didn't hide any of the catch, did you?"
Wang Qinghe, feeling good because of his wife's support, nodded in response and shook his head at them.
Then, he followed Bai Xiuxiu back into their room.
Zhao Guifen looked at the rabbits and gritted her teeth. "Old Fifth, sell these rabbits tomorrow. When the rabbits from yesterday are dried, I'll distribute them among all the households."
What a loss!
If she had known that Big Brother's catches would decrease, she wouldn't have suggested dividing the money in the first place.
Just thinking about having to divide the remaining money made her feel dizzy!
Especially after realizing that Old Fifth's wife's luck was consistently good, she felt even more frustrated.
Old Fifth's wife could have told her earlier! Why did she have to make such a fuss?
She had suffered a significant loss!
"Third Sister-in-Law, you're cooking today. Make sure to boil the chicken bones well," Zhao Guifen said before limping into the house.
Zhao Cuihua rolled her eyes secretly. What? Could chicken bones really produce something special when boiled?
Zhao Cuihua entered the kitchen in frustration, while Zhou Jiaojiao glanced nervously at Bai Xiuxiu's room. Had Eldest Sister-in-Law forgotten about the cloth strips?
Seeing Liu Xiaoe about to return to her room, Zhou Jiaojiao hurried over to assist her. "Second Sister-in-Law, let me help you. I have something I want to talk to you about..."
Liu Xiaoe found Zhou Jiaojiao annoying. Ever since Old Fifth's wife joined the family, she hadn't had much luck. Perhaps Old Fifth's wife was a jinx?
However, since Mother-in-Law favored Old Fifth's wife, Liu Xiaoe couldn't directly reject her kindness. If Old Fifth's wife complained to Mother-in-Law, her own life would become difficult.
After some thought, Liu Xiaoe managed a strained smile. "Thank you, Fifth Sister-in-Law."
Once inside the room where Liu Xiaoe and Wang Laoer were temporarily staying, Liu Xiaoe's resentment towards Zhou Jiaojiao grew.
If it weren't for Zhou Jiaojiao and Old Fifth, she and her husband wouldn't have to live in this room with their daughters.
"Second Sister-in-Law, did you notice anything unusual after going into the mountains today?" Zhou Jiaojiao immediately put on an air of superiority, which left Liu Xiaoe puzzled.
"What? Anything different? I think our luck was much better today; I didn't trip at all."
Liu Xiaoe said blankly.
Hearing this, Zhou Jiaojiao became irritated and frowned. "Didn't you notice that you didn't find any medicinal herbs after going to the city today?"
"That's true, but it's normal. Every year, when we go into the mountains, we rarely find medicinal herbs. It's already great that we found some this year. Fifth Sister-in-Law, don't tell me you're like Mother, hoping to find them every day?
At your age, don't dream like Mother does."
Liu Xiaoe was stunned.
Was Old Fifth's wife crazy?
Zhou Jiaojiao rolled her eyes internally but explained for the sake of her plan. "Second Sister-in-Law, I've only been married here for a short time, so you might not believe me. Actually, the good luck we've had in the mountains recently is because of me."
Liu Xiaoe: ...
Was this person really insane?
"Sister-in-law, when I was at my maternal home, my luck was different. Aren't you curious why my family treats me so well?" Zhou Jiaojiao said mysteriously.
Liu Xiaoe found this strange; when she was at her own maternal home, her parents hadn't been kind to her.
It was true that Zhou Jiaojiao's family treated her well, but Liu Xiaoe didn't know the reason behind it.
Zhou Jiaojiao looked smug as she gazed at the curious Liu Xiaoe. "That's because when people treat me well, good fortune follows. Look at my sisters-in-law; they all gave birth to sons. Life at my maternal home is thriving too.
When I was there, I would find valuable things in the mountains.
The women who were kind to me also had sons!"
Son!
Liu Xiaoe was stunned. The word 'son' echoed heavily in her heart, almost robbing her of her senses.
"R-really?" After some thought, it seemed true that Old Fifth's sister-in-laws did indeed have sons.
It must be true; otherwise, why would sisters-in-law be kind to their younger sisters?
With this in mind, the way Liu Xiaoe looked at Zhou Jiaojiao became fiery.
Seeing this, Zhou Jiaojiao knew her goal was achieved!
"Sister-in-law, I'm telling you this for no other reason. Our mother-in-law treats my husband and Second Brother well, and they are the ones most likely to become workers. Let's stay close, go up the mountain together, and I'll look out for your interests.
If you could do the same for me, that would be even better.
When we go to the commune, we can support each other, right?"
Every word Zhou Jiaojiao spoke made Liu Xiaoe's heart race!
She nodded vigorously. "Rest assured, from now on, you're like my own little sister."
Chapter 44
In the Wang family's western room, the two were engrossed in conversation.
Bai Xiuxiu looked expectantly at Wang Qinghe. "How was it? Did you run into Uncle Wu today?"
As she spoke, she handed him his two meat buns. "They're a little cold, but it's not too chilly outside yet, so it should be fine. Go on, eat!"
Wang Qinghe took the buns from his wife with a red face, his heart filled with joy.
But he couldn't help worrying. Ever since she fainted in the fields last time, she had been treating him better than before.
Was something really wrong with her?
"I did run into Uncle Wu today. He said he'll ask around for us tomorrow. We'll have news in at most three days. When that happens, we'll meet up in the mountains, and I'll figure out how to retrieve it," Wang Qinghe met his wife's eager gaze, setting aside his worries for now as he answered her question.
Then, he brought up the matter of seeing a doctor. "Xiuxiu, let's go to the hospital tomorrow, okay?"
Bai Xiuxiu: ...
What was this man thinking?
Did he want her to get sick every day?
Looking at his handsome face full of foolishness, Bai Xiuxiu rolled her eyes. "Why? Do you want me to get sick?"
"No, how could I?" Wang Qinghe hurriedly shook his head, denying it. Afraid that she would misunderstand, he was almost at a loss for words. "I, I just feel like you've been treating me too well recently. Xiuxiu, is there really nothing wrong with you?
Don't worry, no matter what illness you have, I won't abandon you.
As long as I'm still breathing, I will definitely treat your illness and won't let you die."
As Wang Qinghe spoke, his eyes welled up.
He had beautiful eyes, clear and bright.
With reddened eyes, he looked somewhat pitiful, like a character straight out of a novel.
Listening to his heartfelt words, Bai Xiuxiu's expression grew increasingly helpless. "You're making me want to cry. It's very touching, but I'm not sick."
"Really?" Wang Qinghe was still uneasy.
Bai Xiuxiu didn't understand why he was acting like this just because she was being a little nicer to him.
She hugged him and kissed him a few times. "Really!"
"Then why did you suddenly start… treating me so well? In the past, you used to share the buns with the two kids, and the snacks were yours. The sweets were for Mingming and Yueyue. The brown sugar was also yours…" Wang Qinghe recounted Bai Xiuxiu's previous behavior.
Bai Xiuxiu felt a bit guilty listening to him. Was she really like that towards him in the past? She coughed awkwardly. "I just realized that you're important to us. If something happened to you, who would take care of me and the kids? We need to take things slow and steady; we can't let you starve."
Wang Qinghe: ...
Was that it?
He looked completely bewildered.
Bai Xiuxiu glared. "Yes, that's exactly it. If you don't like me treating you well, then I won't do it anymore tomorrow."
She couldn't tell him that she was moved by the fact that he would avenge her decades into the future, could she?
"No! I like it."
Wang Qinghe's face turned red, and he felt relieved. As long as she was alright, he didn't care why she was treating him well; he was happy either way.
Xiuxiu was someone who always thought about herself. If she didn't like him, how could she have married him and had children with him?
He might not be talkative, but he wasn't stupid.
With that, Wang Qinghe's emotions surged, and he leaned in to kiss her.
Bai Xiuxiu stopped him. "Let's get down to business. Tomorrow, sell our herbs quietly. Licorice root goes for one yuan per catty at the Rehabilitation Pharmacy, and they don't issue tickets. See if other stores give tickets.
For ginseng, the Rehabilitation Pharmacy offers one hundred yuan for ten-year-old ginseng.
At other stores, ask for one hundred yuan and try to get more tickets.
We have too few honeysuckles, so let's leave them alone for now."
Bai Xiuxiu discussed the matter seriously with him.
She pushed him away and opened the space within the bracelet.
Before her appeared the water screen and the medicine box.
On the water screen, gilded characters read: Licorice Root has matured. Please harvest it promptly.
Bai Xiuxiu tapped 'harvest,' and immediately, a pile of fresh licorice root appeared on the ground. These were all from the seeds she had collected previously.
There were far more of them than what they had found in the mountains.
New words appeared on the water screen: Harvest successful. One percent of the space's spirit energy has been extracted for an upgrade. Two thousand points of spirit energy are needed for the next level.
Upgrade?
Bai Xiuxiu was surprised.
Wang Qinghe was amazed by the herbs that appeared out of nowhere. As he was tidying up, he looked at his wife, noticing that she seemed lost in thought. Worried, he asked, "Xiuxiu? Is something wrong? Does this thing require some sort of sacrifice from you?"
Wang Qinghe furrowed his brows.
He didn't believe in free lunches and knew that everything came at a price.
"Nothing much. It said it could upgrade, but I thought it was just an inanimate object." Bai Xiuxiu didn't hide anything from her husband.
She trusted the man she had been with for decades.
"Upgrade?" Wang Qinghe frowned even more deeply as a sense of urgency washed over him again.
"When you go hunting in the mountains, bring back any herbs you find. I think if we have more things, it might upgrade. The honeysuckle vine probably didn't trigger anything because there wasn't enough of it." Bai Xiuxiu believed this thing would be very useful.
Wang Qinghe never refused his wife's requests. He nodded. "Alright, but Xiuxiu, let's use it sparingly until we've separated from the family."
What he really meant was that they shouldn't use it until he could protect her.
But he knew Xiuxiu's temper all too well. If he said that, she would definitely refuse.
"Don't worry. I understand. Don't fret about me." Bai Xiuxiu winked at him.
Dinner time.
Bai Xiuxiu and her family of four arrived at the main house.
The scent of chicken soup wasn't overpowering, but it was still meat.
For dinner, instead of flatbreads, they had steamed potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Zhao Guifen glanced at her eldest son and daughter-in-law, wishing they would starve themselves to make up for the slight advantage they had over her.
Each person got one sweet potato and two potatoes.
Zhao Guifen served the chicken soup herself, making sure no one got more than the others.
Once the food was distributed, Bai Xiuxiu looked at Zhou Jiaojiao and began to confront her. "Fifth Sister-in-Law, you should give us an explanation for the scrap fabric you lost today, right?"
At Bai Xiuxiu's words, Zhou Jiaojiao's face darkened.
Everyone else turned their attention to Zhou Jiaojiao.
Zhao Cuihua was particularly agitated. "What scrap fabric?"
Her son would be leaving next year and needed fabric for clothes. Scrap fabric, though ugly when patched together, was still wearable!
Thinking about this, Zhao Cuihua's eyes sparkled.
Even Chen Fang was interested. Although her family lived in the city, they didn't have many cloth coupons. She wanted to make some clothes!
Under everyone's gaze, Zhou Jiaojiao felt her scalp tingle. She was on the verge of tears. "Elder Sister, how can you say I lost it?"
"Isn't it true?" Bai Xiuxiu smiled brightly at her. "Didn't you say you saw a bag of scrap fabric and hid it because you were in a hurry to get to the county? There were three of us. Mom could have just met me in the county.
Why did you have to come along?
Anything we pick up belongs to the whole family.
Now that the scrap fabric is gone, shouldn't you explain? Oh, and there's also the ten yuan we lost because you made Mom fall into the manure pit.
Fifth Sister-in-Law, please give us an explanation first."
Chapter 45
Everyone was taken aback by Bai Xiuxiu's words. Wasn't this a bit unreasonable?
This was Zhao Cuihua's first reaction, but the next moment, her mind became active. Although it was unreasonable, if she followed what her sister-in-law said, she could gain some benefits from the scraps!
She and Old Fifth's wife didn't have a good relationship.
There was no need for a choice to be made. Zhao Cuihua immediately said, "Sister-in-law is right. Old Fifth's wife, you were too careless! I don't care, but you must prepare my share."
Beside them, Chen Fang fell silent for a moment, but the temptation of the scraps was too great. She chose to speak against her conscience. "Me too."
"Isn't this unreasonable?" Zhou Jiaojiao was on the verge of tears. She could deny it, but…
She really didn't want to mention the place where she found the money again.
She just wanted to keep this matter to herself.
She looked at her mother-in-law for help.
Zhao Guifen looked at her coldly. "What are you looking at me for? Do you expect me to get scraps for you? You're the one who's being foolish, so don't look at me."
Old Fifth's wife had a bad head on her shoulders to use such words to deceive the eldest sister-in-law, that rascal!
Now that they had been caught, what could they do?
"Old Fifth's wife, don't look at Mom. Why don't you give us an explanation? We're all hungry and preparing to eat," Bai Xiuxiu urged.
Zhou Jiaojiao…
She gritted her teeth in anger before finally agreeing. "Fine, I'll buy some scraps back and compensate you! As for the ten yuan, how can that be my problem? It wasn't me who pushed Mom into the manure pit!"
"Although you didn't push her, Mom did fall into the manure pit because she wanted to take advantage of the cheap new clothes you mentioned. That cost the family money, didn't it?" Bai Xiuxiu explained the situation with a few words.
Zhao Cuihua had already heard about this from her husband in the kitchen.
It still sounded explosive now!
The mother-in-law must have done too many bad things in the past, which was why she had fallen into the manure pit!
However, every cent counted!
"Sister-in-law is right. Old Fifth's wife, Mom wouldn't have done such a thing if you hadn't egged her on," Zhao Cuihua echoed Bai Xiuxiu, distancing Zhao Guifen from the situation.
This made it difficult for Zhao Guifen to help even if she wanted to.
Zhou Jiaojiao looked at the two of them and hated them to death.
Her tone turned cold. "Fine, I'll compensate you! Is that enough?"
After taking her money, Bai Xiuxiu better be able to spend it!
"That's settled. The matter has been resolved, so let's eat. You're all a family. If you're so clear about everything, how can you still be considered a family? Eldest sister-in-law, we'll handle this matter like this. Don't be too harsh next time," Wang Shoucheng scolded Bai Xiuxiu.
This eldest daughter-in-law was truly superfluous in this family!
Bai Xiuxiu sneered. "Why do we need to be so clear? Dad, how can you say both good and bad things? You guys were just suspecting Qinghe of hiding some of his hunting spoils because he didn't catch much. How come you've changed your tune now?
Even Sichuan opera face-changing isn't as good as you guys."
"Say that again? You're really going against me! Against me!" Wang Shoucheng's voice suddenly changed in anger.
Wang Qinghe frowned and protected his wife. He patted his two children's heads to reassure them before looking at his father. "Dad, is the truth so hard to hear?"
Wang Shoucheng…
His eldest son had been led astray by his wife and had lost all sense of propriety!
"Brother, Dad just wants to teach Sister-in-law how to behave. What are you doing? Do you have to cause a commotion in our family for a woman?" Wang Qingqi disapproved and questioned Wang Qinghe instead.
Wang Qinghe looked at him. "My mother-in-law is still alive. Xiuxiu doesn't need Dad to teach her how to behave. Besides… Xiuxiu hasn't done anything wrong. What would you teach her? As for the commotion you mentioned, I'm also very curious.
Why are you causing a commotion over a woman and even bullying Xiuxiu?
"Eldest brother, shut up! Look at the nonsense you're spouting!" Zhao Guifen saw that her old man had been angered by his eldest son to the point that his face had turned the color of a sweet potato. She quickly shouted.
However, Wang Qinghe didn't intend to listen to them.
He looked at the family. Some were watching the show, while others were blaming them for everything.
Regardless of right or wrong, they always wanted him to yield.
They usually blamed him alone, but now they wanted to blame Xiuxiu. As long as he listened, it meant that Xiuxiu was wrong.
How could Xiuxiu be wrong?
Wang Qinghe thought to himself and laughed. He looked at his parents. "Mom, you complain that I'm a mute gourd when I don't speak. Now that I'm speaking, you're telling me to shut up?"
Zhao Guifen was speechless.
Was he still capable of self-awareness? Was what he was saying even human language?
The room fell silent.
The other onlookers exchanged glances. After a long while, Wang Shoucheng swallowed his anger and said with a dark expression, "Your wings have grown hard, and your mother and I can't persuade you anymore. Fine, we won't meddle in your affairs in the future.
"Granny, time to divide the food!"
Wang Shoucheng gave in, but his attitude remained stubborn.
He had made up his mind that no one was allowed to speak at the dinner table from now on!
After the family finished their dinner, no one left.
There was another reason; according to the new household rule, it was time to divide the money!
Zhao Guifen, thinking about having to share some of the money with her eldest son, felt unwilling all over again.
However, something was off with her eldest son recently, and she was genuinely afraid of him causing trouble.
If he stopped hunting in the mountains because of an argument, wouldn't they suffer a great loss?
With this in mind, Zhao Guifen imitated the village accountants and cleared her throat twice: "Today, we sold herbs in the county for a total of fifty-three yuan and four mao. I plan to use the three yuan and four mao to exchange for some coupons. In a few days, when we visit your maternal uncle's house in the city, they'll come in handy for building relationships.
As for the fifty yuan, we'll do as last time, dividing five yuan among each family member, and keeping twenty yuan as savings for our large family. Old Fifth's wife, I've taken ten yuan out of this money for the team leader, so you need to make up for it."
When Zhao Guifen handed the five yuan to Bai Xiuxiu, her heart ached as if it were breaking.
Bai Xiuxiu didn't care about her feelings and cheerfully accepted the money.
Holding the five yuan, she began to think.
Zhou Jiaojiao needed to work harder to earn money. If Zhou Jiaojiao didn't step up her efforts and Wang Qinghe continued to bring back game every day, their family would be at a significant disadvantage.
But for now, she decided to have Zhou Jiaojiao cough up some gold coins first.
Bai Xiuxiu gave Zhao Cuihua a meaningful glance.
Zhao Cuihua, being obsessed with money, was extremely shrewd when it came to financial matters.
With just one look, she understood what Bai Xiuxu meant: "Mom, what about the fabric strips?"
"Old Fifth's wife, give everyone two more yuan for the fabric strips," Zhao Cuihua said irritably, extending her hand towards her youngest daughter-in-law.
Chapter 46
It was all the fault of Old Fifth's wife; if she hadn't caused such a fuss for no reason, how could things have become so disordered even before they ate? Now, it had become so embarrassing that even she and the old man couldn't face the eldest son and his family.
At this moment, Zhao Guifen selectively forgot about the money she and Zhou Jiaojiao had picked up together.
Although they had picked it up together, with this much money, could Old Fifth's young wife handle it properly? It had to be in her hands!
Zhou Jiaojiao was almost driven to explode by her mother-in-law Zhao Guifen's few words.
She cursed inwardly.
She had never met a more heartless mother-in-law than Zhao Guifen! The money was already in Zhao Guifen's hands, yet she, the one who had discovered it, still had to subsidize Zhao Guifen and the others? Even Huang Shiren wasn't as skilled as her!
However, remembering her mother's advice, Zhou Jiaojiao lowered her head and took out the money: "Mom, here's twenty. This includes what we give to the squad leader and what we share with the family. I really can't take out any more."
Zhao Guifen took the money and gave two yuan to each family member, keeping two for herself!
Free money—how could she not take it?
"Mom, why don't you let me and Fifth Sister-in-Law go to the mountains tomorrow? You can just rest at home," Liu Xiaoe said after seeing that they had finished their quarreling.
Ever since she heard Old Fifth's wife talk today, her heart had been burning with enthusiasm.
If she got closer to Old Fifth's wife, perhaps her belly would soon show signs of pregnancy. She wanted a son so badly!
Moreover, if they went to the mountains, just the two of them, if they found medicinal herbs, they could secretly keep them.
When they returned, they would only need to leave a small portion behind.
Liu Xiaoe's plans were flying high.
However, she and Zhao Guifen had the same idea.
Zhao Guifen had originally planned to go to the mountains with her youngest daughter-in-law tomorrow to gather more medicinal herbs.
It would also help support her youngest son, and then she could share some with the second son.
Wouldn't that be perfect?
Before she could put this plan into action, the second daughter-in-law suddenly spoke up.
Zhao Guifen's face darkened: "What? You want to go to the mountains again? Are you complaining that the medicine fees we provided were too low? Look at your clumsy self! Just stay at home and cook for the men.
Can't you see that no one has been managing the household these past few days?
Are you blind?"
Suddenly scolded, Liu Xiaoe felt extremely wronged.
However, she didn't blame her mother-in-law, Zhao Cuifen, but instead cast a resentful gaze at Bai Xiuxiu.
Why? Her eldest sister-in-law, fully capable, didn't cook at home.
A woman who didn't cook, wash dishes, or even seem to wash clothes—her clothes were apparently washed by her brother-in-law—what was the point of her existence?
Because she didn't cook, Liu Xiaoe was scolded by her mother-in-law.
Liu Xiaoe became angrier the more she thought about it.
Bai Xiuxiu had no idea what this person was thinking!
After eating her fill and receiving the money, she had just stuffed the two children into Wang Qinghe's arms, preparing to leave.
Wang Qinghe skillfully held the two children and rose to follow his wife.
Xiuxiu disliked this family, and he didn't want to look at them any longer!
"Alright, everyone should get going and do whatever they need to do. Don't linger in this big room," Zhao Guifen dismissed the family.
Back in their room, Wang Qinghe poured a cup of hot water for his wife and collected the dirty clothes of the two children: "Today, it's our turn to wash the dishes. After I wash the dishes, I'll wash the clothes. You three can bathe a bit later tonight.
I'll heat up water when I return."
After saying this, he smiled at Bai Xiuxiu.
Her heart raced at the sight!
Indeed, people decades later were right!
Domesticity was the best cosmetic for men!
Although Wang Qinghe was already good-looking.
Bai Xiuxiu casually took a piece of candy from her pocket, which she usually kept for the children, and handed it to him, winking: "Go on, come back early."
Once he left, Bai Xiuxiu turned around and saw the two children looking at her.
Yueyue burrowed into her arms: "Mommy, Yueyue wants to eat too."
"Then you two take off your shoes and go onto the bed. Mommy will get you some candy." Bai Xiuxiu climbed onto the heated bed first and took out two pieces of candy for the children.
She continued her knitting project!
She did have some talent for knitting and embroidery!
However, at this moment, she didn't need any fancy patterns; neatness was enough.
In the eastern room, Zhou Jiaojiao was counting her private stash of money when she saw her eldest brother, Wang Qinghe, heading to the kitchen, her eyes widening. Was he helping that lazy Bai Xiuxiu wash dishes again?
Why not?
"Honey, I've been working hard all day; give me a massage! Expanding the house is no job for humans! Also, about our room: Dad said that they'll start working on it next week. What do you think? I didn't lie to you, did I?
My parents dote on me; you're lucky to have married me!"
Wang Qingqi returned and lay down beside Zhou Jiaojiao, his chest swelling with pride as he spoke of his family.
Normally, Zhou Jiaojiao would be happy hearing Wang Qingqi's words. But now... her joy vanished.
Why doesn't Bai Xiuxiu have to work? Not only does she have to work, but she also has to massage her own husband?
"Qingqi, I saw Dage helping Da-ge wash dishes again..." Zhou Jiaojiao ventured hesitantly, her heart filled with anticipation.
Wang Qingqi scoffed dismissively, "That good-for-nothing man can only do so much. Our parents don't like him, and he didn't even finish junior high. He used to read my old books, and he didn't even give Da-ge a proper dowry when they got married.
In recent years, any benefits that came to our family were for me and Er-ge. What is he, then?
He's not even as good as Laosan or Laosi.
He's just a donkey in our family; what else can a donkey do if not work?
Just wait, once my parents arrange something for me at the commune, I'll use my skills to get into the city sooner! Then we'll be city dwellers, eating store-bought food and living in an apartment building! The best days are yet to come."
The mention of moving to the county sparked excitement in Zhou Jiaojiao.
She envied those who could marry into the city.
Ever since she was old enough to understand, she had hoped that someone from her family would leave for the county, allowing her to find a match there too.
But her mother insisted that her good fortune was most useful in the village.
They planned to monopolize the medicinal herbs in the mountains before moving to the city.
If not for her secret romance with Wang Qingqi, she might still be unmarried!
Her parents claimed to care for her, not wanting her to marry, but in reality... she knew well that their concern wasn't about her but rather her good fortune!
Marrying Wang Qingqi, the youngest son, meant that his parents would dote on her!
She, Zhou Jiaojiao, had to become the luckiest woman.
With renewed vigor, she massaged the man in front of her, "We should expedite getting that worker position at the commune. Once our room is renovated, we should go ahead with it. If it works out, let's ask our parents to buy us a bicycle!"
Chapter 47
Zhou Jiaojiao had her own calculations regarding the bicycle.
"Will this work?" Wang Qingqi was startled. His parents were not particularly generous people.
Especially when it came to something as precious and rare as a bicycle, which not every family in the city could afford.
Moreover, even if their parents were willing to pay, they wouldn't be able to get a bicycle ticket!
Wang Qingqi's thoughts raced, and he sat up abruptly. "Can our parents agree to this?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiaojiao pinched him and scolded, "If they don't agree, we'll beg them. This has to happen. Don't look at how transparent they've been with part of their finances, saying that's all the money they have. I estimate there's more.
Later on, we'll make them give us some extra money privately.
Publicly, I'll say my parents bought it for us.
I think this family will eventually be split by Eldest Brother and his wife. Before that happens, we must get control of our parents' money.
You don't want to end up with no money after the split and still have to support our parents, do you?"
"That's true... But won't our parents live with Eldest Brother and his wife?" Wang Qingqi was uncertain. He hoped his parents would live with his eldest brother. They were getting older and wouldn't be able to do much in the future.
How would life be like if they lived with him and Jiaojiao?
Living with his eldest brother and his wife, they could occasionally get some money from them to subsidize him and Jiaojiao. That would be ideal!
He wouldn't have to support his parents and could still receive subsidies.
"Hmph, I wish they would. Look at the attitude of those two. They'll definitely choose to live with us or Second Brother's family. This is still far off. For now, we need to get control of the money."
Zhou Jiaojiao's mind was active when she thought about the family's assets.
Late at night.
After washing up, Bai Xiuxiu considered that the family should go to the public bathhouse in the county in a few days.
Their bath tickets were running low, and they needed to exchange other miscellaneous items.
When her husband returned with water, Bai Xiuxiu brought up the matter.
Wang Qinghe knew everything about various types of tickets!
Before marrying Xiuxiu, he had never heard of these tickets. However, since marrying Xiuxiu, he had become adept at frequenting small venues where tickets were exchanged.
"I'll go and exchange them. Make a list of what we need." Wang Qinghe readily agreed.
Bai Xiuxiu kissed him satisfactorily. "Okay, I'll make the list tomorrow morning. By the way, we need to prepare some dried goods this year and send them to my elder sister later."
Wang Qinghe was very familiar with these tasks. "I've already arranged it with Liu Erhu. We'll exchange our game for dried goods, and he'll help us dry them. I'll take them to the mountains to exchange, and then I'll directly mail them out."
"Xiuxiu, can we sleep now?" Wang Qinghe looked expectantly at Bai Xiuxiu.
Seeing his expression, Bai Xiuxiu blushed slightly. "Let's rest!"
The next morning, Bai Xiuxiu got up early and started making a list.
She listed down all the tickets they needed.
She also gave Wang Qinghe forty yuan and ten jin of food tickets. "We'll need more things lately, so carry more money."
Wang Qinghe put away the list his wife had made. "I'll follow your instructions. Last night, while I was washing clothes by the river, I noticed that the water is now bone-chilling cold. You're not well, so don't go near the river. I'll wash the clothes."
Wang Qinghe kept the money and couldn't help but express his concerns again.
In his dreams, he could never see the face of the person who pushed Xiuxiu.
Every time, after that person pushed Xiuxiu into the water, the scene in his dream changed.
It turned into a scene of Xiuxiu lying motionless after her death.
Xiuxiu, who always chatted and laughed with him, loved to act coquettishly and order him around, and always had countless requests, lay there motionless.
It had almost become his nightmare!
But every time he opened his eyes, he could see her alive and well in front of him.
For so many days, that dream had followed him everywhere, and he had started to fear sleeping.
He also feared Xiuxiu leaving his sight.
Bai Xiuxiu realized that Wang Qinghe was really resistant to her going to the riverbank.
Could it be that he had also been reborn along with her? But he didn't seem like it. Given his future self, if he had truly been reborn, this entire family might not have survived until dawn.
Could it be the nightmare he mentioned?
"Why are you so afraid of me going to the riverbank?" Bai Xiuxiu looked at her husband and decided to dispel her doubts. She naturally asked him about her curiosity!
Hearing this, a hint of embarrassment appeared on Wang Qinghe's handsome face. He lowered his head, not daring to look at her. "That nightmare... I'm still having it..."
"How about you go to the hospital to check?" Bai Xiuxiu was also a bit worried.
Having the same dream repeatedly might indicate an illness.
Wang Qinghe shook his head. "My head doesn't hurt. Xiuxiu, as long as you don't go near the water, I'll be fine."
"If I don't go, don't worry that I won't listen to you." Bai Xiuxiu suspected that he had been initially frightened by the dream and had been having it repeatedly ever since!
"Wang Qinghe? Hiding in the house? Get out here and work!" Outside, Zhao Guifen was berating through the window.
Bai Xiuxiu frowned at the sound, about to retort when Wang Qinghe kissed her, silencing her.
He brought over the honey water. "I'll go check outside. Xiuxiu, drink this then get up to wash up. Don't listen to them, don't waste your thoughts on them."
Wang Qinghe left the room after that.
The sweetness of the honey water relaxed Bai Xiuxiu's brows and eyes.
Through the window, she could see Wang Qinghe working as instructed by his mother, Zhao Guifen.
This was what she found most incomprehensible about her husband.
It was the same in her previous life; before her death, this man never thought of retaliating against this family for their cruelty.
He barely harbored any resentment.
And it was the same now; he wanted to separate from the family because the Wangs didn't like her, because she wasn't happy in this home.
Not because of what he wanted or didn't want for himself.
"Mommy..." Yueyue's slightly aggrieved voice interrupted Bai Xiuxiu's thoughts.
Turning around, she saw her daughter struggling with her clothes, face full of grievance.
The buttons on this sweater were hard to fasten.
Seeing her distressed, she could only smile, pick her child up into her arms, and help her button her clothes.
She then got off the bed and went to the table to fetch the children's honey water.
"Drink this before you wash your face, remember to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth." Bai Xiuxiu reminded the two children before starting to tidy herself up.
In the morning, the Wang family's meals were even more bland than at night.
Especially without the chicken broth, they were even more vegetarian!
Cabbage from the frost-stricken plot, thrown into boiling water, made a simple soup. Cornmeal mixed with buckwheat husks, made into flatbreads, constituted breakfast.
There wasn't even a side of pickles.
There wasn't a drop of oil to be found on the entire table!
Chapter 48
Zhao Guifen handed out two pancakes and a bowl of soup to each person, muttering with a dark expression, "In this family, there seem to be many people, all capable of work. But look, each one of them eats so much. If you go out and ask around, who else can match our family's meals, where we ensure everyone is well-fed?
Especially those who don't work..."
As she spoke, she looked at Bai Xiuxiu.
Unable to do anything drastic to her eldest daughter-in-law, it was satisfying to verbally jab at her!
Bai Xiuxiu glanced back at her, not backing down. "Mother, what you say makes sense. Indeed, few families are like ours. Not a drop of oil can be seen on the dinner table, yet our family earns so many work points. My husband does the work of both of us.
I really wonder where all our money goes!
Perhaps someone isn't good at math and can't manage accounts properly.
All the family's money has been mismanaged! Maybe we should have someone else handle the finances?"
Zhao Guifen tore her pancake in half in anger and threw it into her bowl. "What? Do you want to take over the household? Do you think I'm dead?"
"Huh? Mother, why are you angry? I'm just following your lead and speaking up for you," Bai Xiuxiu said innocently.
She had heard such hurtful words countless times in her previous life.
At the time, she thought that since they didn't physically harm her, she could just listen.
It didn't cost her anything.
But now... She didn't want to suffer any losses, whether in words or in life!
No one was going to indulge Zhao Guifen anymore!
Zhao Guifen felt like she could be driven to death by her eldest daughter-in-law every day. "Is this how you're helping me? Can't you speak properly?"
"Didn't you say it yourself? There are many workers in the family, but even more eaters. It seems like we can barely make ends meet. Since the accounts are unclear, we should find someone capable of ensuring a better life. Otherwise, are we waiting to starve to death at the dinner table with no oil in sight?" Bai Xiuxiu spoke with confidence.
Zhao Guifen turned red with anger.
Zhao Cuihua swallowed her coarse pancake and, considering her current position as the eldest sister-in-law, chimed in, "Mother, the eldest sister-in-law is right. Look at what we've been eating these past few days... I think the pigs in our village don't eat much worse than us.
Although the fieldwork is done, no one in the family is idle.
Do you plan to starve all five of your sons to death this winter?"
"Pah! You two stop badmouthing us! Who's starving? If we don't budget our food, we'll give it all to you. How will we survive then?" Zhao Guifen couldn't hold back her curses.
Just as she was about to say more, Wang Shoucheng interrupted, "Enough, enough. Stop quarreling first thing in the morning. This is indeed a bit excessive. We should at least have some oil. Eldest son, make sure to hunt more game today.
We need to improve our diet."
Wang Shoucheng immediately shifted the blame to Wang Qinghe.
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu turned to wink at her husband.
Wang Qinghe understood her intention—she wanted him to bring back nothing from his hunt tonight...
He had a plan in mind but maintained a pleasant demeanor. "Sure, but the food at home really lacks nutrition. Xiuxiu is still sick, so why don't you steam an egg for her first, Mother. Once she's well-fed, I can venture into the mountains with peace of mind.
Otherwise, I really can't bear to leave her and won't dare to go into the mountains."
"What? What conditions are these? Letting her, who doesn't work, eat eggs?" Zhao Guifen nearly jumped when she heard her eggs being mentioned.
"Enough, stop shouting. Second daughter-in-law, go steam an egg for your eldest sister-in-law." Wang Shoucheng's ears were ringing from his wife's yelling.
This foolish woman couldn't even understand the eldest son's intentions?
If he didn't get an egg steamed for his wife, he would refuse to work today!
What a nuisance!
First thing in the morning, unable to win an argument, she had to stir up trouble.
A mother-in-law who couldn't control her daughter-in-law was good for nothing!
Liu Xiaoe froze upon hearing this. She hadn't even taken two bites of her meal before trouble landed on her head! And why?
Why did the eldest sister-in-law get to eat well?
Seeing the reluctance in the room, Wang Shoucheng was satisfied.
This was how it should be; only then would the other sons develop resentment towards the eldest and unite!
"Don't think I, as your father, am being biased. Your eldest brother contributes to the family. If any of you know how to hunt, I'd also have eggs steamed for you. He earned this through his skills!"
Wang Shoucheng's words stirred dissatisfaction in the others.
Liu Xiaoe went to steam the egg with a dark face.
Bai Xiuxiu glanced at her father-in-law and almost laughed.
These in-laws were truly relentless in digging pits for her husband.
If she didn't know their selfish nature and their unwillingness to raise children for others,
she would doubt if her husband was their biological child.
The stove was still warm, and soon, the egg custard was served. The custard made from two eggs wasn't a small portion, and its aroma drew everyone's attention!
Zhao Guifen was almost snapping her chopsticks. How could such a delicacy be reserved for the eldest and his wife?
Did they even deserve it?
If only it were given to the second son or Old Fifth; how much better it would be for them.
Angrier than Zhao Guifen was Zhou Jiaojiao.
The scent brought all her grievances to the surface.
She hadn't been treated this way even back at her own family's home! What did Bai Xiuxiu have that she didn't? A pitiable girl without a father and a mother by her side!
While Bai Xiuxiu couldn't read their thoughts, their expressions told her enough.
But she didn't care. She didn't need to maintain a good reputation with these people!
All she wanted was to gain some benefit for herself and Qinghe.
Under their watchful eyes, Bai Xiuxiu divided the egg custard into four portions, one each for her, Qinghe, and the two children.
Zhao Guifen stared so intently that her gaze seemed ready to pierce through the bowl, but the eldest daughter-in-law showed no sign of offering her any.
She grumbled inwardly!
Wang Shoucheng, fearing another outburst from his wife, quickly said, "Alright, everyone, let's eat. We still have work to do after breakfast."
After breakfast, those who needed to go up the mountain and those with chores went about their tasks.
Zhao Cuihua took advantage of her mother-in-law leading the second daughter-in-law to the kitchen to plan lunch, and hurried over to Bai Xiuxiu.
"Eldest sister-in-law... About before?"
"Yesterday I already checked the price. When my man is free in a couple of days, I'll sell it and let you know." Bai Xiuxiu knew what she meant. Ginseng wasn't a trivial matter; nothing else these days was as valuable. It was no wonder Zhao Cuihua was worried!
Zhao Cuihua felt a surge of joy upon hearing this, then brought up another matter: "Eldest sister-in-law, last night I saw Old Fifth's wife sneaking out. I followed her and didn't go far before I saw her third sister-in-law waiting for her at the entrance of our alley..."
Chapter 49
When Bai Xiuxiu heard that it was Zhou Jiaojiao's sister-in-law, her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Sister-in-law, do you think Old Fifth's wife is up to no good? I don't think she has any good intentions," Zhao Cuihua said with a frown. At the mention of Zhou Jiaojiao, she had no favorable impression of her!
The previous night, she had seen Old Fifth's wife go to Second Sister-in-law's room and whisper something to their mother-in-law. Later, she even went to see Fourth Sister-in-law, Chen Fang.
It had kept her busy!
Second Brother and Old Fifth were in cahoots, and their parents favored these two. Fourth Sister-in-law came from the city, so she didn't care much about what happened in this courtyard and didn't get involved often.
Old Fifth's wife going to Second Sister-in-law and then to Chen Fang must be thinking about how to get more money from the family!
Zhao Cuihua was convinced that this was the case!
Seeing Zhao Cuihua's agitated state, Bai Xiuxiu smiled at her. "Who cares what she's up to? We just need to follow and reap the benefits she brings to the family. You wouldn't want to miss out on free benefits, would you?"
"Speaking of which! Sister-in-law, do you think I could intercept her things?" Zhao Cuihua whispered, having thought about this for two days.
"Let's wait a bit longer. She's been lucky, intercepting things meant for her. What if something unexpected happens? For now, we should keep an eye on her and make sure they don't hide anything," Bai Xiuxiu told Zhao Cuihua. It wasn't that she feared Zhou Jiaojiao's luck but rather that she was afraid Zhao Cuihua might fail and reveal their plan, spoiling future opportunities.
It would be harder for her to intercept anything from Zhou Jiaojiao later.
Zhao Cuihua didn't overthink it. These days, following Bai Xiuxiu had been quite nice. She wasn't very clever, but she understood one thing: take advice and eat well!
She, Zhao Cuihua, always listened to advice!
"Sister-in-law, I'll listen to you."
There was movement at the kitchen door, and Zhao Cuihua quickly distanced herself from Bai Xiuxiu, fearful of being seen too close to her by Guifen.
"The door to the courtyard is moving. Why are you standing there like a fool? Hurry up and get ready to go to the mountains. Fourth Sister-in-law, come out quickly!" Zhao Guifen called out.
Once everyone who was going to the mountains was gathered, they left together.
Liu Xiaoe gave Bai Xiuxiu a resentful look, feeling uncomfortable. Her sister-in-law was lazy and did not help at all. Did she have to serve her?
"Mama, Mama, I want candy." Yueyue came out of the house and started to pout, tugging on Bai Xiuxiu's pants leg.
Bai Xiuxiu picked up her daughter and looked at her son, who stood at the door with hopeful eyes. Knowing the two children had the same idea, she smiled and waved him over.
Only after Mingming joined them did she bring the two children inside.
Hearing about candy, Liu Xiaoe's thoughts stirred. "Sister-in-law... Mingming and Yueyue have such a wonderful life. Such young children eating candy every day. My two daughters... haven't even tasted it yet."
Bai Xiuxiu glanced at her. Liu Xiaoe's intentions were practically written all over her face!
But it had nothing to do with her!
Without bothering to respond, Bai Xiuxiu prepared to enter the house.
"Sister-in-law, can you give me a couple of pieces of candy? At least let my two daughters taste it..." Liu Xiaoe put aside her pride and asked.
At this, Bai Xiuxiu chuckled. "Give it to you? Sure. What do you want to trade for it?"
"Trade? Isn't it supposed to be a share..." Liu Xiaoe was taken aback.
"Second Sister-in-law, are you suggesting you want my candy for free? This candy, your brother-in-law and I don't even eat it ourselves; we save one piece each day for our children. Your life with Second Brother is better than ours. Why haven't you saved some money to buy candy for your children?"
Bai Xiuxiu mocked her.
Liu Xiaoe's face turned red. "Candy is so precious..."
"Yes, you know it's precious. If you find it precious, why do you ask me for it when you won't buy it yourself? If I'm unwilling to spend money, can I ask you for something? How ridiculous!" Bai Xiuxiu carried the two children into the house.
After the small argument between Bai Xiuxiu and Liu Xiaoe, the two children remained quiet even as they entered the house.
Yueyue sat quietly on the kang without making a sound.
Bai Xiuxiu took out some candy and, seeing her like this, found it strange. "What's wrong?"
"Mama, did I do something wrong? Asking for candy made Second Auntie argue with you..." Yueyue was a little worried.
Second Auntie was so strong! Much stronger than Mama.
What if she hit Mama?
Bai Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh at her concern and kissed her daughter's cheek. "What's wrong with Yueyue asking Mama for candy? Your second aunt isn't right in the head. In the future, you must stay away from her, understand? In this family, no matter what anyone says, you're not allowed to go anywhere with them.
Only Papa and Mama can take you out to play."
Bai Xiuxiu once again instructed the children not to leave the house without permission.
Yueyue nodded obediently while eating her candy.
Mingming also nodded from the corner.
For the entire morning, Bai Xiuxiu stayed inside knitting sweaters without leaving the house.
It was already late autumn, and if she knitted any slower, she'd have to wait until next year to wear them. After all, she needed to wear cotton trousers in winter!
Not long after they had eaten, Bai Xiuxiu was adding lace to a sweater.
Someone arrived outside.
"Uncle Wang, is your eldest daughter-in-law at home? I have something good for her," Chen Jinhua said as she entered the courtyard.
Seeing that their house was being expanded, she felt a bit envious.
The sons of the Wang family were all capable, especially the eldest. Although he had married a wife with poor health, he could do the work of two people.
Look at this:
As soon as Old Fifth got married, they started expanding their house. Other families who wanted to expand usually waited until they had gathered everything from their plots and the mountains before they began working.
Only the Wangs had so many hands.
As soon as Chen Jinhua entered the courtyard, Wang Shoucheng saw her.
When he heard she was looking for his eldest daughter-in-law, his heart sank.
Had that troublemaker told the captain's wife something again?
The family's reputation had nearly been ruined by Bai Xiuxiu!
People in the village still talked about how the captain's wife humiliated his wife during the autumn harvest.
Whenever they went out, people pointed and whispered.
How much time had even passed?
Why was the captain's wife here again?
"You're looking for Xiuxiu..." Wang Shoucheng began to ask.
Bai Xiuxiu had already opened the door and stepped out of the house: "Aunt Jinhua, why are you here?"
Seeing Bai Xiuxiu, Chen Jinhua's eyes lit up: "I came for you!"
"For me?" Bai Xiuxiu was surprised.
"It's good news. Let's talk inside." Chen Jinhua ignored everyone else in the Wang family and followed Bai Xiuxiu into her small room.
Upon entering, Chen Jinhua admired the furnishings: "Look at how nicely this little room is arranged."
"Aunt, please sit down and have some brown sugar water," Bai Xiuxiu poured water into a jar for Chen Jinhua.
She used this jar specifically for guests.
Chen Jinhua didn't refuse. After taking a sip of water, she got down to business with Bai Xiuxiu: "Xiuxiu, how is your health?"
Chapter 50
Could it be that she suspects I'm faking my illness?
Bai Xiuxiu's first thought was this, but then she reconsidered and decided it wasn't likely. After all, the autumn harvest had already ended, so there would be no need for the squad leader's wife to come and question her about feigning sickness now.
Besides, she did say it was good news.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Is something wrong?" Chen Jinhua looked at her silence with growing concern.
Xiuxiu, this girl, is beautiful and has never been known to have a bad character.
The other day, my son mentioned that she gave him eggs, showing that she knows how to repay kindness even for small favors.
If not for that, I might have forgotten about Bai Xiuxiu altogether.
Bai Xiuxiu quickly reviewed the significant events of the past year in her mind and formed a guess. She sighed immediately. "It's still the same; I can't do heavy work. I'm worried about how I'll manage the fieldwork next year.
Although my husband helps me, I can't rely solely on him.
People who know me understand that I'm unwell, but those who don't might think I'm lazy.
If word gets out, it would be so embarrassing."
She spoke with a sense of injustice, and Chen Jinhua nodded in agreement. "That's true. I heard your mother-in-law speaking ill of you outside before. I'm not trying to stir up trouble between you two, but I think you should be cautious.
But don't worry. I came here today specifically to address your concerns."
Chen Jinhua took another sip of the sugared water. Her family wasn't small.
Sugared water was a precious commodity, and although their household was doing well, she couldn't afford to drink it often.
"What is it, Auntie Jinhua? Please tell me." Bai Xiuxiu prompted her.
Chen Jinhua continued, "The head of our squad's Women's Federation is someone from the commune who came here to gain experience. There's a vacancy in the commune's Women's Federation this year, and she'll be returning soon. Once she leaves, the position will be vacant. Yunjiu Novels
And it's my turn.
With the change in the Women's Federation across the entire squad, one position will become available.
Most people in the village don't know about this yet, but the higher-ups want someone educated. The squad leader also agrees, as they could teach others and prevent embarrassing moments during meetings.
Although the three villages are part of the same squad, we live close together, and we're from the same village, so I naturally thought of you first.
I remember you went to junior high school, didn't you?"
There weren't many people in the village who had attended junior high school, especially girls.
When Chen Jinhua said this, Bai Xiuxiu felt a surge of joy.
Indeed, it was about this!
Now looking at Chen Jinhua, she felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. She clasped Chen Jinhua's hands tightly, expressing her enthusiasm. "Auntie, I did attend junior high school. I graduated from junior high but couldn't continue to senior high due to some family issues.
However, I've been studying on my own.
Please entrust this job to me! You can count on me!"
Bai Xiuxiu didn't want to be modest; modesty would only lead to losses!
Although she knew her husband would eventually achieve success and she had returned from the future, these future events wouldn't solve her current problems!
She didn't want to work in the fields, but if she stayed home for another two years, it would surely cause issues!
Hard work is glorious, and if she didn't work, wouldn't she be asking for trouble?
But... she really couldn't do any labor at all.
She had already planned that after separating households, she would go to the city to see if she could buy a job, something more relaxed! Supporting the family would be left to the space and Wang Qinghe!
But then this unexpected surprise arrived!
Seeing her confident demeanor, Chen Jinhua smiled. "I like your confidence, young lady. I'll help you secure this position. Your sister married honorably, and you're also a military spouse. With your current health issues and your family not being here,
your mother-in-law always speaks ill of you behind your back. Placing you in the Women's Federation will prevent anyone from criticizing you!"
"Auntie Jinhua, I truly don't know how to thank you for this. Later... I'll definitely have my husband visit your youngest son and send a token of gratitude through him." Bai Xiuxiu spoke in a low voice.
Hearing this, Chen Jinhua felt even happier.
Why did she choose Bai Xiuxiu? Because her son said she was grateful and repaid kindness.
Don't underestimate the Women's Federation within the squad; despite its small size, it handles numerous matters!
By placing Bai Xiuxiu there, they would be on the same boat.
Not only would Bai Xiuxiu assist her in the future, but her brother-in-law was capable, and Bai Xiuxiu had many valuable items given by her sister.
She could already imagine the richness of the gift.
Moreover, this would be a good deed!
With this in mind, Chen Jinhua agreed happily. "You're such a polite child. This matter should be settled in about three days. When the time comes, I'll come and take you to start working."
"I'll be eagerly awaiting good news from you, Auntie."
Bai Xiuxiu suppressed her joy.
After finishing her sugared water, Chen Jinhua left.
Waiting for Bai Xiuxiu to see the visitor off, Xiaoe stopped her.
Xiaoe, remembering what Old Wang had told her, hurriedly asked Bai Xiuxiu, "Sister-in-law, what did the captain's wife come for? We don't have much interaction with her."
Bai Xiuxiu, noticing how evasive Xiaoe's gaze was, laughed. "The captain's wife is from the Women's Federation. Why else would she come but to check on my health? News of my illness has spread throughout the village now.
Move aside, don't delay me from resting in my room."
Bai Xiuxiu looked at Xiaoe with disdain.
Xiaoe's eyes welled up with tears. How could Bai Xiuxiu be so mean?
In the courtyard, the family heard everything clearly.
Wang Shoucheng's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. What business did the captain's wife have meddling in their affairs? Why was she poking her nose into the matters of their Old Wang household?
After this, they couldn't openly mistreat their eldest daughter-in-law anymore.
It had just turned dusk when there was commotion outside the courtyard.
"Oh no, hurry! Quickly borrow the team's cart and take me to the hospital!" Outside the courtyard, Guifen, limping, was supported by Chen Fang and Zhao Cuihua as they entered.
Behind them, Zhou Jiaojiao dragged a sack and carried a large basket on her back.
She grumbled inwardly, wondering why her older brother didn't help her with the load!
What kind of person was he!
In just one day, Guifen, who hadn't fully recovered, looked even more hobbled!
"What happened now?" Wang Shoucheng, seeing the group of women return from the mountains, felt like this scene played out every day!
"Didn't you trip again?" Wang Shoucheng looked at his wife, Guifen, with disdain.
At this moment, Bai Xiuxiu also came out of the house.
Watching the Wang family suffer misfortune in various ways each evening was one of her joys since being reborn!
"No, Mom got hit on the head by a bird's egg while in the mountains. She got so mad she drank it raw. Afterward, she got diarrhea and went into a bush to relieve herself, only to find a long venomous snake coiled there.
It bit her right..."
Cuihua pointed at Guifen's buttocks...