Chapter 71
Seeing his wife determined to investigate, Wang Qinghe nodded. "Alright, I'll listen to you. I'll handle spreading the word. Let's eat first; we can discuss the rest later."
He always spoke gently to Bai Xiuxiu.
After saying this, he went to serve red sugar eggs to their two children.
The two kids had spent the day with Bai Xiuxiu at the brigade and were now quite tired.
The family of four sat quietly, the only sound being that of eating.
Once they finished eating, the family cleaned up, washed up, turned off the lights, and drew the curtains. Wang Qinghe held his wife and discussed his plan with her: "Xiuxiu, I want to set aside some time every day to learn traditional Chinese medicine from Uncle Zhang."
"Learn traditional Chinese medicine?" Bai Xiuxiu was surprised. In her previous life, Wang Qinghe had learned it after she died.
His success in business started with trading herbs and antiques.
Later, as his business grew, he expanded into other areas.
This time, it was happening earlier.
"Yes, learning traditional Chinese medicine will help me manage those herbs more effectively. Although I'm starting late and won't be as skilled as those who have studied since childhood, even just getting a basic understanding and recognizing more herbs will be useful. It will also provide cover for the herbs in your space."
Wang Qinghe patiently explained his intentions.
He didn't have any extraordinary abilities, and the best way to handle the precious treasure Xiuxiu possessed was through this approach.
If there came a time when they could do business, he would reconsider his plans.
So, he wanted to start learning now, all for her?
"I don't need to become an expert or treat serious illnesses, so it won't take much time. I'll still take care of you as usual, nothing will change." Seeing his wife silent, Wang Qinghe thought she was worried about him spending too much time on other things.
He reassured her.
In response, his wife wrapped her arms around him.
Bai Xiuxiu hugged him tightly. "Since you're going to learn, learn well. You're smart; aim to be proficient. When I start working at the Women's Federation, the other tasks won't be heavy, and I can manage them myself."
Everything he did seemed to be for her.
"Occasionally, think about yourself instead of always thinking about me."
Bai Xiuxiu's voice was slightly muffled.
Wang Qinghe patted her back, gently pulling her out of his embrace. Looking at her reddened eyes, he kissed her. "Thinking about you is thinking about myself."
Early morning.
The Wang family woke up early, each person preoccupied with their own thoughts. If both ginseng plants sold for a good price, everyone might get a decent share.
So, during breakfast, everyone ate distractedly.
The breakfast was no different from usual—boiled cabbage left over from the night before and coarse grain cakes.
Everyone's faces weren't looking too cheerful.
"Today, let Old Fifth and Eldest go sell the ginseng," said Wang Shoucheng, looking at his youngest son, whom he loved and trusted the most.
His youngest son had a good wife and might have good luck.
Moreover, his youngest son was usually clever and had a temperament similar to his own.
Hearing that he was supposed to go, Wang Qingqi remembered what his wife had said last night and quickly refused. "Dad, I have something else to do today. I need to accompany my wife. Why don't you send Second Brother? He's the most reliable."
Wang Qingfu looked displeased. Going to sell ginseng with Eldest wouldn't bring any benefits.
Without any benefits, he didn't want to do it. It would be better to continue expanding their house, which would be finished in about ten days.
Finishing sooner meant he and his wife could move out of their parents' room sooner.
He also wanted a son, but living with his parents, separated only by a curtain, made it difficult.
Wang Shoucheng wasn't pleased either. Entrusting this task to his youngest son was a sign of trust, yet he refused?
"What important thing could you possibly have? What could be more important than selling ginseng for money?" Zhao Guifen, displeased, questioned them. Her son was siding with his wife now—how could that be allowed?
Old Fifth was the one she and her husband relied on the most for their future.
"We..." Wang Qingqi was at a loss. Jiaojiao had instructed him not to reveal anything.
"Mom and Dad, we need to run an errand for my family in the city. They asked us to do something that will benefit our family too," Zhou Jiaojiao quickly found an excuse.
"Fine, then Second will go. You and Eldest should leave early and return early. Don't delay your work. Especially you, Eldest. It's been several days, and you haven't brought back any game. I heard that Wu Laosi caught a rabbit yesterday."
Wang Shoucheng glanced at his eldest son, feeling only dissatisfaction.
His eldest son was definitely doing this on purpose.
"Dad, didn't you tell me to hunt large game? That's why I changed my hunting spot," Wang Qinghe responded logically, without any guilt.
Seeing Wang Shoucheng start to doubt himself, he thought, maybe next time he should follow them up the mountain?
No, regardless of whether they bring back any game, the leader has to distribute it.
With Old Fifth's wife's good luck, we can't let them benefit from it.
Even if the leader distributes it, it's still his son. If their life improves in the future, they'll still have to support him.
Thinking this way, Wang Shoucheng felt relieved and didn't ask any more questions.
After settling everything at home, they all set off.
When Bai Xiuxiu arrived at the brigade, everyone else had already gathered.
At that moment, Chen Jinhua was busy tallying the list with everyone for the captain.
So the team could announce it over the loudspeaker.
If they just went door-to-door, it wouldn't be as effective.
Once the announcement is made, everyone will have to work.
Seeing Bai Xiuxiu come over, Chen Jinhua quickly called her: "Xiuxiu, you came at the right time. Help us double-check the list to make sure no one is missing."
Bai Xiuxiu put down her things, let the two children play on the side, and came over to help check the list.
There weren't many names on the list, but to ensure no one was missed, they checked it several times.
After confirming there were no issues, Chen Jinhua prepared to take the list to the captain next door.
"Aunt Jinhua, I have something I'd like to discuss with you," Bai Xiuxiu said as she followed her out.
Chen Jinhua looked a bit puzzled: "What is it, Xiuxiu?"
"Aunt Jinhua, our house has been quite lively recently. I think it might be because we're too idle. Could you schedule my mother-in-law for the first day? Let her do more work. Although her legs aren't in great shape now, I think she can still manage if she carries less.
If she does less each day, she can work for more days, so her workload won't be less than others."
Chen Jinhua understood immediately and smiled at her: "Sure, it's not a big deal. Your mother-in-law is well-known in our village; she can start by carrying manure."
Chapter 72
With Chen Jinhua's approval, Bai Xiuxiu returned to the room satisfied and continued talking with the others.
In the Wang family courtyard.
Not long after the family left, Zhao Guifen started causing trouble out of boredom.
Looking at her third daughter-in-law, she found everything about her disagreeable. "Third daughter-in-law, go heat some water for me. It's freezing outside; don't you know what you should be doing?"
Zhao Cuihua, who was mending clothes, was not pleased to hear this.
Hadn't Liu Xiaoe just heated water for her?
The water in the pot was still warm. What was she up to now?
"Mom, there's already hot water in the pot," Zhao Cuihua replied without moving.
"Boil some fresh water. That water doesn't taste good. What, can't I even ask you to do something?" Zhao Guifen felt angry just looking at her.
"You should ask Second Sister-in-law. I'm mending clothes for the kids." Zhao Cuihua didn't even lift her head.
This was clearly an attempt to pick a fight.
Usually, she had to go up the mountain, but today, since she didn't have to, Zhao Guifen was quick to find trouble.
The rest of the family, busy with their work, remained silent.
Seeing that Zhao Cuihua wouldn't budge, Zhao Guifen was thinking of how to scold her when the village loudspeaker crackled to life: "Can you hear me? This is Captain Chen Zhuangshi. After the autumn harvest, no one has been picking up manure in our three villages.
The fields haven't been fertilized properly, which is detrimental to next year's harvest.
I understand everyone wants to go to the mountains.
After discussing with the Women's Federation, we've decided that those with bad reputations in the village—those who bully their daughters-in-law, abuse their mothers-in-law, or mistreat their daughters—will be responsible for picking up manure and finishing the work.
Each person will earn three work points per day.
Now I will call out the names: Wang Shoucheng's wife, Zhao Guifen; Old Wu's daughter-in-law, Zhang Sixi..."
Captain Chen called out a list of names.
Zhao Guifen, who was planning to torment her daughter-in-law, exploded when she heard her name.
Seeing this, Zhao Cuihua felt a great sense of relief and deliberately asked, "Mom, Captain called your name to pick manure. Do you still want that water? Should I bring it to the manure pile later? Seems like you have a lot of luck with manure lately.
Last time you fell into a manure pile, and now you're going to pick manure again."
"Shut your stinking mouth! Who would think you're mute if you kept quiet?" Zhao Guifen gritted her teeth and limped around the courtyard.
"Mom, my mouth isn't as stinky as the manure pile. Stop pacing and hurry to the team office." Zhao Cuihua suppressed a laugh and continued to provoke her.
Hearing this, Wang Qingliang, who was working nearby, felt a chill down his spine.
Was his wife crazy? What good could come from provoking Mom?
She might make things worse for herself.
"Old man, what do you think... My leg hasn't healed yet," Zhao Guifen said, feeling extremely wronged. She looked at her husband, hoping he would take her side.
Her appearance made Wang Shoucheng shudder with disgust, and he frowned. "Look at the mess you've caused recently. Go quickly. Don't let the captain call your name again and embarrass you further. I've told you before, stop cursing people for no reason.
You cursed a lot but got nothing in return.
Now everyone in the village thinks you're mean.
What can we do now?"
Zhao Guifen was shocked that her husband wasn't supporting her. "Didn't I do it all for the family? The eldest son married a jinx who keeps everything good for herself and gives nothing to the family. When I cursed her, didn't you all just watch?
No one stopped me."
"Mom, no one knew about the manure duty. You should go quickly, or it'll be embarrassing," Wang Qingliang said awkwardly.
He was afraid that if he waited any longer, his wife might say something else unpleasant.
And then Mom might fight with Cuihua again.
Feeling extremely wronged, Zhao Guifen hurried off.
No, once she got to the team office, she would make the eldest daughter-in-law testify that she hadn't bullied her daughter-in-law.
When she arrived, the others were already there, none of them happy.
Zhao Guifen immediately spotted Bai Xiuxiu, who was chatting with Chen Jinhua, and rushed over. "Eldest daughter-in-law, what's going on? Don't you know I'm still limping? How could you assign me to pick manure? Do you have any heart?"
"What are you doing? Assigning you to pick manure was a decision made by the village Women's Federation and the captain to help you recognize your past mistakes through labor.
You must treat women well.
Are you still trying to bully your daughter-in-law in front of me?
Looks like you want to keep picking manure!"
Chen Jinhua shielded Bai Xiuxiu and scolded Zhao Guifen.
"Mom, you should use this opportunity to reflect on your mistakes. Besides, I've already explained to everyone that your leg isn't fully recovered, so you might work slower. Don't worry; no one will rush you. If others finish in one day, you can take three days."
Bai Xiuxiu looked at Zhao Guifen's furious expression and kindly reminded her.
"You!"
"Alright, what's all this fuss about? Zhao Guifen, you're not getting any younger; why do you always pick on your daughter-in-law? You're all coming with me. We'll go together to the fields to carry manure. Don't worry, you'll still get your work points.
Just that you won't be allowed to go into the mountains, so you might lose a little."
The team leader called everyone over.
This group of people then set off in a grand procession to carry manure.
"At this rate, it should be done in three or four days." Chen Jinhua, seeing their large group, felt pleased.
The fertilizer in the fields can't be neglected.
All day long, Bai Xiuxiu and the others had nothing to do.
Until evening, when everyone was getting ready to leave.
Someone ran over: "Bad news! Something happened. Zhao Guifen got into an argument with her son and daughter-in-law. Someone pushed someone else, and all three fell into the manure pile."
The person who had gone to carry manure came back with the news.
Bai Xiuxiu, who was drinking water, almost choked.
"Xiuxiu, go take a look. I'll bring the kids home for you." Jinhua knew about Bai Xiuxiu's grudge with her mother-in-law and urged her to go see what was happening.
As soon as Bai Xiuxiu stepped out, she saw Wang Qinghe waiting for her.
"Why didn't you come in to find me?" Bai Xiuxiu was a bit surprised, thinking he wouldn't be able to come today.
"I just came from Uncle Zhang's place. I figured you'd be coming out soon, so I didn't go into the house to look for you." Qinghe looked at the two children in Jinhua's arms, feeling a bit puzzled.
"Our mom and Old Fifth and his wife all fell into the manure pile. Let's go take a look."
Bai Xiuxiu couldn't help but smile.
Wang Qinghe was also shocked, though he didn't like crowds, if Xiuxiu wanted to see, he would follow her.
"Aunt Jinhua, give me the kids." Wang Qinghe took the two children into his arms.
By the time Bai Xiuxiu and the others arrived at the manure pile, the team leader had already organized people to pull them out.
Seeing the three stinky figures, the team leader's face turned black with anger.
Chapter 73
Zhou Jiaojiao and Wang Qingqi, along with Zhao Guifen, were all standing in the manure pile. No one else was around them.
The people who had been working earlier had stopped and gathered to watch the spectacle.
Zhou Jiaojiao, who had always been lucky, had never encountered such a miserable situation before. The stench made her squat down and start retching.
The other two weren't faring any better.
Seeing the three of them squatting and retching, Team Leader Chen Zhuangshi's patience was nearly exhausted: "Zhao Guifen, can you handle this? Your family seems to have a grudge against our team's manure pile.
Last time, it was your family that messed up Shanghe Village's manure pile.
This time, it's your own village's, and now three people have fallen in.
What exactly are you trying to do?
Zhao Guifen, are you planning to bully your younger daughter-in-law after bullying your elder one?"
Chen Zhuangshi was highly suspicious, given this old woman's past record.
Being questioned like this, Zhao Guifen couldn't hold back her frustration: "Team Leader, how is this my fault? If these two unlucky things hadn't suddenly rushed at me with such bad attitudes, as if I had wronged them, I wouldn't have gotten angry.
And I didn't push my daughter-in-law. It was them pushing and shoving each other that pushed me down."
Zhao Guifen felt very wronged.
She had high hopes for Zhou Jiaojiao, so why would she push her?
"Then how did she end up down there too?" Chen Zhuangshi was even more confused.
Zhou Jiaojiao's eyes welled up with tears. The stench and the gazes of the people around her were driving her mad. What drove her even crazier was that she had been pulled down by Wang Qingqi!
If he hadn't been pushed down by Zhao Guifen and then grabbed her in panic, she wouldn't have fallen.
With her good luck, this wouldn't have happened! He pulled her down!
But if she admitted this, she would be utterly embarrassed.
So many people from the village were here… Seeing Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe nearby, Zhou Jiaojiao decided not to say anything.
Zhou Jiaojiao made up her mind.
Wang Qingqi was about to admit that he had accidentally pulled his wife down.
Before he could speak, Zhou Jiaojiao took the blame herself: "I saw my husband and mother-in-law fall down, so I tried to pull them up, but I wasn't strong enough and ended up being dragged down too."
The team leader's expression improved; this girl from the Zhou family wasn't bad.
"Then what about you? How did you end up down there?" The team leader looked at Wang Qingqi.
Wang Qingqi was touched that Jiaojiao hadn't told the truth, surely to save him from embarrassment.
When questioned by the team leader, he quickly came up with an excuse: "I saw my mom fall down accidentally, so I tried to pull her up and ended up falling myself."
Zhao Guifen wanted to curse him right away. This ungrateful thing was completely misrepresenting the situation!
But before she could say anything, the team leader preempted her.
"You're a grown man and couldn't even hold onto an old lady. Can't you be more capable?" The team leader was so angry it hurt his liver.
Bai Xiuxiu watched the commotion and finally understood how someone as lucky as Zhou Jiaojiao ended up in the manure pile.
Turns out she was pulled down by Wang Qingqi.
"Uncle Zhang is here."
Someone shouted in the crowd, and when Old Zhang arrived, he saw the three covered in manure. Pinching his nose, he approached: "Why is it always your family? Why are you still having issues with our team's manure pit?"
The three of them looked worse than each other.
Old Zhang had already dealt with this once, so he quickly handled the situation. After confirming they were fine, he started asking for money: "This time, fifty cents per person. Bring it to me tomorrow."
He left without looking back.
Passing by Bai Xiuxiu and his new apprentice, Old Zhang gave them a smile.
Once Old Zhang left, the team leader, feeling frustrated, chased everyone back to work.
"You three, hurry home and clean up! Once you're clean, come back and clean up around the manure pile."
Chen Zhuangshi quickly joined the others in their work.
The team's work was the most important thing.
"Let's go back." Bai Xiuxiu watched the three help each other up and walked away with her husband.
"You two, stop right there! Why are you running off? Come over and help me!" Zhao Guifen shouted when she saw them leaving after watching the spectacle.
Hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu turned back and glanced at them: "Mom, you seem perfectly fine. Besides, if I help you, I'll just add another person who needs cleaning. You might as well help each other since you're equally dirty."
"You!"
"Sister-in-law, how can you talk like that? We're family. Even if you don't care about us, don't say such hurtful things," Zhou Jiaojiao said with a resentful look.
Bai Xiuxiu smiled unperturbed: "If you want to hear something even worse, I can say it."
"Shall we go?" Wang Qinghe saw that his wife was about to be disgusted by these people and didn't want her to get even angrier.
"Jiaojiao, are you okay? I just heard someone say you fell into a pile of manure... You stink to high heaven."
Before the two of them could leave, someone came running from a distance.
This woman breezed past them and stopped one meter away from Zhou Jiaojiao as she approached her.
She was so shocked that she couldn't utter a single kind word.
Zhou Jiaojiao, seeing her third sister-in-law from her natal family run over, had initially been quite happy. But after hearing those words, the corners of her mouth drooped: "Third Sister-in-Law, if you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all."
"I didn't mean it. Tell me, how did you end up in a pile of manure? Mom thought someone was making up stories when she heard the news. How unlucky can you be to run into such a mess? By the way, Mom said that tomorrow, your eldest brother and second brother will be back.
Why don't you go home and see them?
There's not much meat left at home, so bring something when you go.
Mom also said she'll help talk about your job situation this time."
Wednesday's third sister-in-law tried hard to suppress her urge to vomit as she spoke to her younger sister-in-law.
She completely failed to notice how others were looking at her.
Bai Xiuxiu, seeing Wednesday's third sister-in-law, felt a surge of hatred. In her previous life, it was Zhou Jiaojiao who had caused her downfall through Wednesday's third sister-in-law.
They needed to act sooner so she could catch Wednesday's third sister-in-law in the act.
"Dad..."
While Bai Xiuxiu was lost in thought, her daughter's voice brought her back. Wang Qinghe looked at Wednesday's third sister-in-law's back, and his expression made her feel a bit scared.
His eyes were beautifully shaped, with slightly drooping eyebrows that made him look gentler.
He usually looked at her with tenderness and indulgence.
But now, his gaze was deep and filled with a chilling hatred.
Chapter 74
But it was just for an instant. When Yueyue spoke, Wang Qinghe also returned to normal. He looked at his daughter, as gentle as usual: "What's wrong, Yueyue?"
Yueyue shook her head and reached out toward Bai Xiuxiu: "I want Mommy to hold me."
She seemed to have been frightened by Wang Qinghe.
Bai Xiuxiu took the child into her arms: "Okay, Mommy will hold you."
Wang Qinghe kept his head down, his mood still off all the way home.
When they arrived, no one had gone inside; everyone was in the courtyard, curiously looking outside. Seeing Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe return, Zhao Cuihua looked a bit disappointed.
"Big Sister, did you see our mom? I heard they fell into the manure pit of our team? Did the team leader make us pay this time?" Zhao Cuihua circled around Bai Xiuxiu, very concerned.
Thinking about the money from last time still made her heart ache.
It was ten whole yuan.
Seeing Zhao Cuihua's anxious face, Bai Xiuxiu told her what had happened.
"As long as we don't have to pay, that's good. Imagine if we had to pay again. What were they thinking, talking near the manure pile?" Zhao Cuihua was thoroughly disgusted.
Before she could say much more, Zhao Guifen and Zhou Jiaojiao also returned.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, the smell filled the air.
Wang Shoucheng, who had been sitting on a bench waiting for them, wanted to run away first.
Seeing his wife covered in manure, he felt extremely repulsed.
But today was definitely not a small matter, so he couldn't show it.
How could Old Fifth and his wife both fall into the manure pile?
"Finally home! Liu Xiaoe, hurry up and heat some water. Third Daughter-in-law, find my clothes quickly," Zhao Guifen said as soon as she entered the courtyard.
She had been holding back her anger all the way home.
She called out again! Zhao Cuihua pouted and went to fetch her clothes.
Liu Xiaoe was already cooking in the kitchen. Hearing her mother-in-law call her to heat water, she didn't dare to refuse.
"What happened to the three of you? How did you all end up in the manure pile?" Wang Shoucheng looked at his wife and couldn't hold back any longer.
At the mention of this, Zhao Guifen got angry: "I want to ask the same thing! The team leader called me to shovel manure, which was bad enough. These two unlucky ones came back from the city, and I don't know what got into them. They rushed over to the manure pile and started yelling at me.
Old Fifth even pushed me.
That's how I fell into the manure pile. I tried to grab him to pull myself up, but this useless thing fell in with me, dragging his wife down too.
Now we need to spend three times the money on medical bills!"
"Mom, how can you even talk about this?" Wang Qingqi was even angrier than Zhao Guifen.
He was so furious he wanted to jump on Zhao Guifen's head.
"My wife said that we had connected with someone at the food factory in the city, hoping to find out if there were any job opportunities for us. It would be good to have another option.
This morning, we went to follow up on this lead, but when we got there, they said we had already approached them before.
Turns out, you had contacted them after being bitten by a snake last time.
You asked them to help Second Brother, and they said they would let you know if there was any news. Was this your doing?"
Wang Qingqi glared fiercely.
"Is that true?" Wang Shoucheng was stunned. When did his wife do such a foolish thing?
Hadn't he said before that the person who hit her with the bike could provide other benefits later? Both sons were important, so who should get the better connection?
Besides, wasn't their nephew handling the job issue?
Zhao Guifen felt a bit guilty.
On that day, she was in excruciating pain and happened to bump into the person at the hospital.
In her daze, Second Son talked to the person, and they mentioned the job opportunity.
Second Son initiated it, and she followed along.
She thought Old Fifth's wife might have forgotten, but apparently, she remembered.
Feeling guilty, Zhao Guifen still argued: "So what? When I went to the hospital, Second Son ran around for me and happened to meet the person. I figured whoever got the chance should take it. Maybe it would work out?
You two pushed me into the manure pile just because of this?
Isn't your uncle almost getting you a job? This person from the food factory didn't promise anything. There's no guarantee yet, so why are you making such a fuss?"
"Mom, we wanted to build a long-term connection for a good job. You're wasting it. You don't understand and just ruin things." Zhou Jiaojiao felt wronged; this was her good fortune.
"Enough, stop arguing. We haven't received any news about the jobs yet. You're fighting among yourselves. If there is a job, whoever is more suitable can take it, or you can draw lots." Wang Shoucheng frowned, trying to mediate.
Both sons were his favorites, so he couldn't really blame either one.
"Anyone who doesn't know better would think that only Old Second and Old Fifth are part of the Wang family." Bai Xiuxiu spoke up after watching the commotion for a while.
When she spoke, both Wang Laosan and Wang Laosi felt uncomfortable.
Their parents were being too partial.
"Eldest daughter-in-law, do you want to make things even more chaotic at home? Eldest son, do you want to watch this family fall apart?" Wang Shoucheng wished he could kick out his eldest daughter-in-law right away.
Wang Qinghe didn't even frown, looking at Wang Shoucheng: "Father, what you've done is your own fault. What does it have to do with Xiuxiu?"
Wang Shoucheng was immediately speechless. He wished the eldest son were mute.
"Let's go back inside." Seeing that they might start another argument, Bai Xiuxiu decided to return to the room to watch from the window.
Standing outside was tiring.
Back in the room, Bai Xiuxiu watched Wang Qinghe take off the children's shoes and asked about what had just happened: "You scared Yueyue earlier."
She had a rough idea of the reason.
Wang Qinghe didn't hide anything from her. After putting the children on the bed, he explained honestly: "I used to dream about you being pushed into the water. Today, when I saw the back of Old Fifth's sister-in-law, it looked exactly the same.
Xiuxiu, stay away from her."
Seeing his concern, Bai Xiuxiu was deeply moved. Perhaps Wang Qinghe's dreams were due to her rebirth's butterfly effect?
This person always seemed to put her well-being first, no matter what.
"Don't worry. I don't get along with Zhou Jiaojiao, so there's no way I'll approach her family. Don't worry; I'll be fine." Bai Xiuxiu reassured him repeatedly, then pulled him onto the bed to watch the commotion outside.
She also took some snacks from the box and distributed them among the two children and Wang Qinghe.
Wang Qinghe ate the peach cookies, feeling a bit happier. He wished the woman who pushed Xiuxiu into the water in his dream would die a thousand deaths. Now that he had found her—Old Fifth's wife and her family...
He heard she had two brothers in the city?
Since they weren't familiar with Xiuxiu, their actions against her were probably because of Old Fifth's wife.
None of them would have an easy time.
Chapter 75
Bai Xiuxiu and the other three sat on the kang, watching the commotion outside.
Outside.
Although Bai Xiuxiu and the others had gone inside, the commotion didn't stop.
Zhao Cuihua looked at her in-laws and said sarcastically, "Dad, what excuse did you use with Big Sister just now? Big Sister was right. Jiaojiao and I work ourselves to death every day. Why do we do it? Isn't it just to make our lives better?
Whenever there's something good, you give it to Second Brother and Fifth Brother. What? Because they went to school for two more years, do they have two extra heads?
I see that in this family, you only care about those two sons of yours."
"Third Brother's wife! How dare you speak like that?" Wang Shoucheng's shout made the sparrows on the branches outside the courtyard fly away.
Zhao Cuihua wasn't afraid. "How am I speaking? I'm just telling the truth. Their two families haven't even given birth to any sons yet. Why should they get all the good things first?"
"Are you rebelling? Third, why don't you control your wife?" Zhao Guifen, while waiting for Liu Xiaoe to heat water in the kitchen, still found time to meddle.
Wang Laosan felt uneasy. "Mom, I think both Big Sister and my wife are right. At least try to treat us fairly. You always think of Second Brother and Fifth Brother for everything good. What about the rest of us brothers?"
"Enough, don't stir up trouble. If we could get more work, would we forget about you? For now, we're having Second and Fifth prepare because they're smarter and can talk well. Once they succeed, the whole family will benefit. We gave birth to all of you; how could we neglect you? Now, go back to work and stop listening to the nonsense from Big Brother and his wife."
Seeing that he couldn't suppress them, Wang Shoucheng softened his tone.
Wang Laosan was swayed by this reasoning.
It didn't seem wrong, did it?
Seeing her husband's wavering, Zhao Cuihua knew he had been convinced again.
He was a stupid man who never learned from his mistakes!
Seeing that Third Brother had stopped talking, Wang Laosi also kept quiet.
"Mom, the water is heated." In the kitchen, Liu Xiaoe came out with a pot of hot water.
"Why are you standing there with the water? Take it inside, are you stupid?" Zhao Guifen wanted to kick Liu Xiaoe when she saw her about to place the water outside.
Liu Xiaoe lowered her head and silently went into the house.
After serving Zhao Guifen, Zhou Jiaojiao called Liu Xiaoe: "Second Sister-in-law, it's inconvenient for Qingqi and me to go to the kitchen. Could you help us bring some water too?"
Why should I?
Liu Xiaoe's first reaction was to refuse, but seeing Zhou Jiaojiao, she remembered Zhou Jiaojiao's words and the four sisters-in-law, each with a son.
She immediately complied: "Sure, I'll go get it."
Zhou Jiaojiao followed Wang Qingqi back to their room and changed out of the clothes stained with feces after the water was delivered.
Even after cleaning up, a faint odor still lingered.
Zhou Jiaojiao, who had never suffered such indignities, glared at Wang Qingqi.
Wang Qingqi felt guilty. "Jiaojiao, I really wasn't careful today. I was in a hurry and confused, which is why I pulled you along. I promise, no matter what, I won't let you suffer with me again. Can we put this behind us?
Okay?"
"I did everything for you. If not for you, would I be in this state?" Zhou Jiaojiao looked at Wang Qingqi, wanting to lash out. But she knew they were in the same boat now.
The last time she went home, her mother's attitude towards her had cooled.
Her family's help came with strings attached.
Now, she must win Wang Qingqi over, especially since she couldn't lose to Bai Xiuxiu.
Bai Xiuxiu had a good husband, so Wang Qingqi had to be a good husband too.
Wang Qingqi remained silent under Zhou Jiaojiao's scolding.
"At least show some concern for me. Look at Big Sister; she doesn't do anything, yet Big Brother washes her clothes. It's getting cold, and if I go wash clothes, my hands and feet might freeze. You, as a man..."
Zhou Jiaojiao complained about Wang Qingqi's lack of consideration.
When Wang Qingqi heard about washing clothes, he refused outright. "What? Do you want me to be like Big Brother, that wimp? No way. As a man, helping a woman wash clothes is unacceptable. At most, you can ask Second Sister-in-law to do it. She seems to listen to you.
I won't do it.
Big Brother and I are different; I'm better than him in every way."
At that moment, Zhou Jiaojiao's resentment towards Bai Xiuxiu intensified.
Despite all her efforts for Wang Qingqi, he wouldn't even wash her clothes. What did she lack compared to that woman?
In the evening.
The Wang family finished clearing the manure pile and tidied up the courtyard, finally settling down.
Originally, it was Zhou Jiaojiao's turn to cook, but Liu Xiaoe ended up doing it again.
Recently, the Wang family's meals had become almost fixed—cabbage soup boiled in water without any oil, meant to provide some relief when choking on coarse cornmeal cakes.
After dinner, no one left.
Today, Zhao Guifen and Old Fifth caused quite a commotion. But no one forgot that they still hadn't divided the money yet!
"Old Second, how much did you get for the ginseng today?" Wang Shoucheng was most concerned about this.
They had just returned when the old woman fell into the manure pit, so they didn't have a chance to ask about it.
Mentioning this, Wang Qingfu couldn't hide his excitement and quickly took out the money. "Dad, we sold these two ginseng roots for six hundred yuan."
Six hundred?
Zhao Cuihua's first reaction was that something was off. These two ginseng roots looked better than those she and her sister-in-law had dug up, so why did they sell for the same price?
Could Second Brother be hiding money with Big Brother?
That shouldn't be the case.
After all, Second Brother has always disliked Big Brother.
Bai Xiuxiu was also surprised, thinking they could have sold them for more.
She looked at her husband with suspicion.
Wang Qinghe drew a circle on her hand, and Bai Xiuxiu immediately understood—they had hidden some of the money.
He actually managed to convince Wang Laoer. Book Bag Pavilion
"Just this? This stuff is precious; didn't you get cheated?" Wang Shoucheng felt a bit satisfied but still wanted to test them. Although Old Second was usually on his side, what if he had a change of heart and split the money secretly with Big Brother?
"Dad, we went to the pharmacy of a big hospital where everything is priced clearly. It's the same pharmacy where we sold the astragalus before." Wang Laoer felt a bit guilty but thought they wouldn't bother to check. Even if they did, they could deny it.
"Foolish! How could you go to a big pharmacy? What kind of price would they give? Alright, give me the money; I'll handle it..."
"Dad, there's no need for you to divide the money or keep half. This money is unexpected wealth, so let's share it equally. Fourth Sister-in-Law broke her leg because of this. If we keep half, everyone will end up with very little."
Chapter 76
Bai Xiuxiu suddenly spoke up.
She hadn't let Wang Shoucheng finish a sentence in the past few days.
Wang Shoucheng had originally planned to hold onto the money and not give any to the eldest son's family, leaving them with no choice.
Hearing Bai Xiuxiu interrupt again, he felt even more frustrated.
After Bai Xiuxiu spoke, Wang Qinghe gave Wang Qingfu a meaningful look.
Remembering their previous agreement, Wang Qingfu promptly began counting the money, ready to divide it among the family. Book Bag Pavilion
"What are you doing? I haven't agreed to this!" Wang Shoucheng was surprised that his sons would attempt to divide the money without his consent.
"Dad, we accept that you want to find jobs for Second Brother and Old Fifth, but you should at least compensate us. If the money stays with you, it will all end up being used for Second Brother and Old Fifth. Third Brother, Wang Qingzheng, immediately sided with them upon seeing the money.
"That's right, Dad. You can't be so biased." Wang Laosi, eyeing the money, also felt excited.
These were brand new large denomination bills.
Wang Shoucheng looked at his troublesome sons and wondered if they were foolish. Wouldn't keeping the money within the family save a lot?
However, he couldn't reveal his thoughts; the fewer people who knew, the less risk there would be.
"Fine, let's divide it. One hundred each, and one hundred for your mother and me."
Wang Shoucheng watched the money fall into the hands of his eldest son, feeling that he needed to act quickly to drive them out and prevent them from getting anything.
After dividing the money, everyone left the house contentedly.
Back inside, Wang Qinghe privately divided the money with Wang Qingfu and handed it to his wife: "The two ginseng plants sold for seven hundred. Qinghe and I each took half."
Bai Xiuxiu was a bit surprised. "You actually managed to convince him? He's always been on the same side as our parents."
Wang Qinghe smiled, somewhat meaningfully. "Even the closest of allies change when faced with money and their own future. He and Dad have the same character."
Bai Xiuxiu agreed, taking twenty yuan out to give to Wang Qinghe. "You'll need money for spreading rumors and handling things over the next few days. Keep enough on hand."
Wang Qinghe looked at the money, realizing that the amount he could now control far exceeded what he had earned since marrying his wife.
"I'll go find someone to help tomorrow morning," Wang Qinghe said, already having a plan in mind.
This matter, along with the Zhou family's issue, both required people.
It wasn't difficult, but...
Wang Qinghe looked at his wife with some unease. "Xiuxiu, I've noticed that Dad and the others are reaching their limits. They're guarding the money tightly. If you want them to part with their hidden funds, they might just kick us out instead.
I'm worried about what they might do to you while I'm away during the day."
"Don't worry, I know how to handle them. Just spread the rumors and find someone reliable to extract more money from them. Over the years, they must have saved several thousand. If they don't have it, make them borrow it."
Bai Xiuxiu continued knitting her scarf, estimating it would take another two hours to finish.
She was calculating when the Wang couple would become desperate.
What she wanted was all the money the Wang family had.
When you think about it, the Wang family was quite wealthy.
With few younger members and minimal expenses, they hardly spent much on weddings. Additionally, they sent her husband hunting every year, saving more than any other household in the village.
Wang Qinghe never refused his wife's requests. "Alright, I'll find someone trustworthy. Let me heat some water for you first."
He then went outside.
The stove in the room had just warmed up. Seeing her husband heating water, Bai Xiuxiu placed a small pot on the stove. She still had some food given by her sister-in-law, including dried shrimp, which she planned to cook for the family.
The food currently served by the Wang family would eventually cause health issues if consumed regularly.
Yueyue was still growing.
While Bai Xiuxiu was busy,
in the east room,
Zhou Jiaojiao and Wang Qingqi had received four boiled eggs and a dozen cookies from Zhao Guifen.
"Mum said the eldest brother is useless, and the eldest sister-in-law causes trouble all the time. Such people deserve to starve and shouldn't eat good food. The family's meals have been like this lately.
Just hang in there, things will get better soon."
Wang Qingqi was extremely pleased.
Previously, Jiaojiao had mentioned that the eldest brother treated his wife well, but what was the point if they couldn't enjoy good food?
Zhou Jiaojiao felt much better knowing that Bai Xiuxiu was eating poor food while she could enjoy cookies and eggs. "Is the eldest brother really not part of the family? Why such a big difference?"
"How could he not be? If he weren't, Mum and Dad would have kicked him out long ago. Mum told me that the eldest brother has always been unlucky and doesn't talk much. Having him around brings bad luck, so they treat him worse. Look at how he treats his wife compared to his parents?
All he cares about is his wife; they deserve to treat him badly!"
Wang Qingqi, ever since he could remember, had seen his eldest brother as someone who never spoke up or fought back. Whatever his parents said, he had to obey. Any good fortune he had must benefit the whole family; otherwise, it was wrong. Now it was a habit, and it seemed perfectly normal!
Zhou Jiaojiao recalled how Wang Qinghe treated Bai Xiuxiu and felt a surge of anger. If only he treated her that way, how wonderful it would be?
"Dear wife, don't worry. Our good days are still ahead." Wang Qingqi was already envisioning their future.
"The most important thing right now is to get into the city. I don't want to stay here for the rest of my life. If I can't move to the city by next spring, I won't forgive you." Zhou Jiaojiao pushed him away, not letting him come closer.
Deep into the night.
In Bai Xiuxiu's house, after the family washed up and ate some shrimp, they all went to bed.
Bai Xiuxiu was thinking about how to squeeze more out of this family when she felt her waist tighten as someone pulled her close.
Early in the morning.
After eating breakfast that even the rats would find lacking in nutrition, the family all left the house. Bai Xiuxiu was the last one to leave, heading to the work team with the two children. By noon, she needed to go to the supply store to buy eggs.
As soon as she arrived at the work team, others gathered around her.
"Xiuxiu, what happened with your mother-in-law yesterday?" Liu Xiaohui was very curious.
Bai Xiuxiu didn't hide anything and recounted the events of the previous day.
Chen Jinhua hadn't managed to see the commotion yesterday. Although her husband had told her about it when they got home, he wasn't much of a gossip, so hearing Bai Xiuxiu's account was far more interesting.
Just then, someone ran in from outside. "Where's the team leader? Someone needs to go check the foot of the mountain. Something big has happened. Wild boars from the mountains have come out, chasing after Old Wang's family. We need to find the team leader and organize a group of strong men to rescue them."
Chapter 77
"What?" Chen Jinhua was shocked. How could something like this happen?
"Your Uncle Chen went to the commune for a meeting today. I reckon he won't be back for a while," Chen Jinhua said, feeling a bit flustered.
The one who came to deliver the message was the second son of the Feng family, the neighbor of the Wang family. Hearing this, he panicked as well: "This is a matter of life and death. Everyone who can make it to the foot of the mountain has gone. Since I can run fast, they sent me back to call for help.
How can we wait?
Aunt Jinhua, you should take charge. I need to hurry back and help."
He ran off like the wind, disappearing in an instant.
"What kind of situation is this!" Chen Jinhua was now annoyed whenever she mentioned anyone from the Wang family except Bai Xiuxiu and Wang Qinghe.
"Xiuxiu, Miaomiao, come with me to the next house. I don't know how to use the loudspeaker, so you'll have to help me. Xiaohui, keep an eye on things here. Everyone in our team is busy, and we can't leave anyone unattended."
After saying this, Chen Jinhua rushed to the neighboring house.
Liu Xiaohui usually didn't like going out to see what was happening. She was more than happy to stay inside.
Most of the villagers were either in the mountains or finishing up their work. Those left behind were either watching the house or loafing around. There weren't many who could actually help.
In the courtyard of the Wang family, Wang Shoucheng was in a bad mood. Today, his second daughter-in-law had gone to the mountains, and his fourth daughter-in-law, with her broken leg, refused to move. Even his wife had gone to carry manure because of his eldest daughter-in-law's situation.
He had to serve water to his sons.
Although he had done this before, ever since he married his wife when he was young, such tasks had never fallen on him again.
Now, at his age, he had to serve tea and water to his sons?
It was all because of his wife and those useless daughters-in-law!
Wang Shoucheng was still sulking when the loudspeaker rang out.
"Cough, cough. Everyone working in the village, please stop what you're doing. Emergency! A group of wild boars has descended from the foot of Dongshan Mountain and is chasing several people from the Wang family. Anyone who can help, please go and assist immediately.
We don't want any casualties."
Chen Jinhua repeated this announcement three times over the loudspeaker.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the Wang family was stunned.
Wang Shoucheng's expression changed, and he shouted, "Oh no! Those foolish women, why did they run towards the foot of the mountain? They should have run into the mountains! If the villagers see this, the wild boars will be shared among everyone."
Thinking about the scene that would follow, he frowned deeply.
"Dad, what time is it now? We need to save my wife first. Let's not worry about this," Wang Qingqi said, having just rekindled his relationship with his wife yesterday. He rushed out without hesitation.
The others followed suit.
Wang Shoucheng thought for a moment, locked the door, and followed them out.
On the other side, after broadcasting with Bai Xiuxiu and Miaomiao, Chen Jinhua decided, "Xiuxiu, I need to go and see. Will you and Miaomiao come along? Bring the children too. When we get there, stand far away. Miaomiao and I can watch over you."
Bai Xiuxiu was genuinely curious.
After all, Zhou Jiaojiao had such good luck; how could she end up in such trouble?
"Sure, I'll go get the children."
With few people around in the team, she didn't want to leave the children alone.
The two children were playing cat's cradle inside.
"Come on, Mommy will take you out to play." Bai Xiuxiu put away the string and led each child by the hand, following Chen Jinhua.
By the time they reached the foot of the mountain, quite a few villagers had already gathered.
As they approached the crowd, they saw Zhou Jiaojiao and the others.
Today, Zhou Jiaojiao, Liu Xiaoe, and Zhao Cuihua had gone to the mountains.
At this moment, five wild boars were chasing them.
Their tusks looked terrifying.
"Zhao Cuihua, why can't you understand simple instructions? I've told you multiple times not to run!" Zhou Jiaojiao was furious. These wild boars must have been sent by fate to compensate her for her bad luck yesterday.
Zhao Cuihua, that fool, didn't run into the mountains but instead ran outwards.
Once she started running, the wild boars chased after them.
If only Zhao Cuihua were injured by the wild boars, they would calm down.
Then the family could secretly divide them among themselves.
She wouldn't die anyway.
Now, with the whole village alerted, none of these wild boars would belong to them.
Zhao Cuihua was fleeing for her life, wishing she had extra legs to run faster.
Then she heard Zhou Jiaojiao's words.
She was so angry she wanted to kick Zhou Jiaojiao back into the wild boar pack.
What was she even saying?
Crazy?
Why aren't they running? Do they want to be trampled by the wild boars?
She didn't listen to a word and ran as fast as she could. Behind her, Liu Xiaoe was crying and following, terrified of being caught by the wild boars.
The wild boars chased them around the foot of the mountain.
The others wanted to block them, but the state of these three women made it impossible for them to coordinate with anyone else.
They could only run from the wild boars.
So it became a scene where the wild boars were chasing the three women, and behind them, a dozen people were chasing the wild boars.
There was also a crowd watching from the sidelines.
The scene was both comical and perilous.
Chen Jinhua was dumbfounded. "What... What's going on here? Everyone, stop gawking and help block them! It's just this small area!"
"How can we block them? Those wild boars are chasing them like mad. If we block their path, won't they just charge right through? These three young women look so fragile; one stomp and they'll be done for."
Someone in the crowd said.
"What do you mean? Just watch?" Chen Jinhua felt helpless too.
"They've already gone to Uncle Wu's house to borrow a net. We just have to wait until they find one."
After chasing for a while and failing to catch up, Yang Quanwu was exhausted and replied helplessly to Chen Jinhua.
Seeing that there was no solution, Chen Jinhua realized that everyone was in the mountains at this time, and those with skills had gone far away. There weren't many people left near the foot of the mountain.
Of course, there was no way to handle it.
Bai Xiuxiu, observing the wild boars, noticed something. The boars were chasing Zhao Cuihua and Liu Xiaoe. Zhou Jiaojiao was running with them, probably trying to persuade them to stop, even if it meant getting hurt, because when Zhou Jiaojiao's companions suffered, she would become luckier.
This was her thing.
As for why the wild boars came down the mountain, it was likely due to Zhou Jiaojiao's bad luck yesterday. As the favored daughter of fate, her incredible luck caused the wild boars to rush out to offer her meat as soon as she approached.
That's how this scene unfolded.
"What's everyone doing here?" The team leader had just returned from an early morning meeting and encountered several women chatting at the village entrance. They told him about the incident at the foot of the mountain, where wild boars had come down.
He hurried over, fearing the worst.
Upon arriving, he saw the absurd scene of people and wild boars chasing each other.
Chapter 78
Team Leader Chen Zhuangshi was about to be driven mad by them.
"You're finally here." Chen Jinhua saw her husband and hurriedly ran over.
"What's going on? Why are you all just standing there? Can't you hurry up and surround them?" Seeing his wife there but not helping him, Chen Zhuangshi felt even more frustrated.
This morning, he had gone to the commune meeting where they said that their team had a good chance of being rated as an advanced team this year. But as soon as he returned, he encountered such an absurd situation.
If outsiders found out, how could they still be considered advanced?
"These wild boars are strange; they only chase after the Wang family. If they stop, the boars will definitely hurt someone. Just now, Old Yang's Chuangu said that someone has already gone to borrow a net from Wu Laosi's place. Once the net arrives, we can catch them."
Chen Jinhua explained the villagers' earlier explanation to her husband.
Chen Zhuangshi was also stunned. Could something like this really happen?
"I'll go take a look." Not feeling reassured, Chen Zhuangshi pushed through the crowd to the front.
He saw the three Wang family daughters-in-law running at full speed, with the wild boars chasing them just as fast. It was indeed difficult for others to intercept them.
"How is my wife? Move aside quickly!" Behind them, the Wang brothers and Wang Shoucheng also ran over.
As soon as they arrived, they saw the scene.
Seeing the Wang family men, Chen Zhuangshi felt a surge of anger: "You still have the nerve to ask? What's going on with your family? Why is it always you!"
"Leader, we don't want this either. It's not our fault that the wild boars are attacking. Leader, when we catch these boars, can we get a bit more meat? Look at how scared my three daughters-in-law are."
Wang Shoucheng sighed in frustration.
Seeing his attitude, Chen Zhuangshi felt even more that this family was unreliable: "Your daughters-in-law aren't even safe yet, and you're already thinking about dividing the meat?"
"I'm doing this so they won't suffer in vain." Wang Shoucheng, an old man, almost started crying.
"Alright, alright, I'll see what I can do. How's the net coming along? Hurry up and bring the net! Everyone else, stop watching and spread out on both sides. You two, find Old Zhang right away.
And you few, stop chatting and laughing. This isn't something to gawk at."
With Chen Zhuangshi's shout, the onlookers immediately quieted down.
"Here it comes, here it comes, the net is here."
Feng Er dragged the net back, running.
"Hurry, Wang family boys, you young and strong ones, set up the net. And you! Hold the ends of the net tight so the boars don't break through and scatter everyone." As the team leader, Chen Zhuangshi still commanded respect in the village.
In a few words, he organized everyone.
Wang Shoucheng looked at his sons, worried.
Why should they be the ones to catch the wild boars when they were the victims? Why should they have to do it?
"You three, stop running around and head this way. We'll set up the net." Chen Zhuangshi called out to the three running women.
Zhao Cuihua, who was nearly out of breath, heard this and rushed over as if she had seen a lifeline.
Zhou Jiaojiao secretly resented Zhao Cuihua for being incompetent, but with so many people around, the wild boars wouldn't harm them. Now she had to pretend to be scared like the other two.
Waiting for others to handle the wild boars would prevent anyone from noticing her differences.
Once the three women rushed over, the villagers quickly surrounded them with the net, trapping all the wild boars inside.
"Hurry, get someone to tie them up."
Chen Zhuangshi directed the others to catch the wild boars.
Zhao Cuihua was so exhausted she could barely stand. After confirming she was safe, she looked around.
She spotted Bai Xiuxiu watching the commotion and ran over, sobbing as she clung to Bai Xiuxiu: "Sister-in-law, I've been through so much..."
Her appearance frightened Yueyue, who hid behind Bai Xiuxiu.
Seeing Zhao Cuihua trembling, Bai Xiuxiu helped her sit down: "Sit here for a while. When Uncle Zhang comes to check if you're injured, we can go home."
Zhao Cuihua nodded while crying, glaring at Zhou Jiaojiao, who was surrounded by her family members.
The wife of Old Fifth was not only vicious but also couldn't say a kind word.
What did she mean by saying Zhao Cuihua would be fine as long as she wasn't killed? If each boar had trampled her once, she would be dead!
Soon, the wild boars were subdued, and the crowd dispersed.
But everyone was excited; this was pork!
After the autumn harvest, no food had been distributed yet. If they could take some meat home first, it would be a great thing.
Everyone left, and the Wang family returned home.
"Aunt Jinhua, I'll go back and check on things," Bai Xiuxiu said as she walked back with Chen Jinhua.
Chen Jinhua agreed: "Go ahead. There's probably nothing else for us today."
When Bai Xiuxiu returned to the courtyard with the children, Zhou Jiaojiao was crying in the yard.
"Third Sister-in-law, last time it was because of you that we lost the wild boars. This time, you called out again. I told you, these boars are sent to us intentionally. If you didn't run, you wouldn't die. We could drag these boars into the mountains, sell them, and make a lot of money."
Zhou Jiaojiao cried until her eyes were red.
Hearing this, Wang Shoucheng felt heartbroken. "Third Daughter-in-law, what's wrong with you? Didn't I already talk to you last time? Do you not want the family to be well?"
"Pah! I think you all are crazy. So many wild boars, one hoof from any of them would have finished me off. And you say I deliberately gave you money? What? Am I Zhou Jiaojiao, born by the heavens?" Zhao Cuihua sneered.
"You! You still won't admit it? My luck has always been better than others, and this is all..."
Zhou Jiaojiao hated Zhao Cuihua, but her tone was still pitiful.
Before she could finish, Bai Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh. "You say it's yours? Then go ask the captain for it. Tell him exactly that, don't make things difficult for Third Daughter-in-law here. Or shall I go speak for you?"
"Eldest Daughter-in-law, don't stir up trouble. How can we take this to the captain?" Wang Shoucheng was afraid when he saw Bai Xiuxiu return.
This unlucky person might do anything!
"Father, I think Eldest Sister-in-law is right. Fifth Daughter-in-law, if you say it's yours, then go get it. Don't always blame me!" Zhao Cuihua laughed coldly.
Zhou Jiaojiao wanted to say more, but outside, Zhao Guifen returned with a load of manure.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, she didn't look at anyone and hurriedly ran to Wang Shoucheng, whispering a few words in his ear. Both their faces changed.
Wang Shoucheng said sternly, "Alright, we'll discuss this later. All of you, get back to work. Your mother and I have something to attend to."
Chapter 79
The old couple hurried into the house, leaving the family outside with bewildered faces.
Even Zhou Jiaojiao had forgotten to cry, giving her husband a puzzled look. Wang Qingqi shook his head, indicating he didn't know either.
"Really bad luck! Zhou Jiaojiao, don't think this matter is over. I warn you, if you dare blame me for ruining your good fortune again, we'll both end up dead in the net, and neither of us will be happy." Zhao Cuihua spat angrily several times as she stormed back into the house.
Zhou Jiaojiao, feeling a bit deflated by Zhao Cuihua's rebuke, turned to the talkative Bai Xiuxiu: "Sister-in-law, I've never wronged you. Isn't it too much for you to treat me like this?"
Bai Xiuxiu knew Zhou Jiaojiao's character and smiled at her innocently. "Yes, you've never wronged me. Why would I go against you? Old Fifth's wife, you must have misunderstood. I've always liked you.
After all, you have so much grease on you."
"You!" Zhou Jiaojiao thought about how hard she worked to bring things back from the mountain, only to share them with Bai Xiuxiu. It was like feeding Bai Xiuxiu.
She felt a surge of anger.
Bai Xiuxiu didn't bother arguing further and took her two children back into the house.
In the courtyard, Zhou Jiaojiao glared at Wang Qingqi, still angry. "Can't you say something for me? Are you just going to watch them bully me?"
Wang Qingqi tried to placate her awkwardly. "Dear, don't be angry. The village is sure to distribute meat tonight. I'll ask Mom to make some extra for you privately. When you visit your parents tomorrow, I'll have her give you more to take along.
Will that work?"
"That's better, but what's going on with Mom and Dad? They rushed back here, and Dad doesn't even care about the meat anymore." Zhou Jiaojiao's eyes flickered, sensing that this was the real secret of the Wang family.
Given how tight-fisted her in-laws were, whatever they deemed more important than wild boar meat must be huge.
Wang Qingqi also found it strange. "I don't know either. This is the first time I've seen them act like this. Maybe I should ask them later..."
"You?" Zhou Jiaojiao felt disdainful.
Those two old folks wouldn't tell him anything.
"Let's go back inside first. Tomorrow, when my brother comes back, you need to curry favor with him. Until the job situation is settled, everyone needs to be nice. Once the job is secured, we can move to the city and live well."
Zhou Jiaojiao was extremely curious, but eavesdropping wouldn't help, and asking directly wouldn't yield answers. She might as well focus on practical matters.
Inside the house.
Zhao Guifen and her husband entered the room, pacing anxiously. "Old man, what do we do about this? Little Liu from our village said he heard it from the county. He mentioned someone influential, and they're asking around in nearby counties, communes, and villages.
I'm worried...
Could it be?"
"Impossible!" Wang Shoucheng was also anxious, pulling out the letter and benefits from years ago.
He kept muttering "impossible," taking a while to calm down. "Didn't the two people who gave us the benefits say this child is ours? No matter who asks, it's ours. Don't panic. It could be a coincidence.
These days, many families lose their children.
Even if it's true... we absolutely cannot admit it."
"What about Old Lady Feng next door? That old hag suspected something when she heard me talking!" Zhao Guifen regretted being careless back then.
"You and your big mouth. You deserve to be torn apart." Wang Shoucheng also felt unlucky recalling the incident.
"What's the use of saying this now? What do we do? Should we pretend we don't know?" Zhao Guifen shuddered remembering how those two people threatened them to steal the child and never admit it.
Those two were terrifying; she still had nightmares about them.
Could it really be the family looking for their lost child?
If they found them, forget the stolen child; even without pursuing it, the two people who coerced them wouldn't let them off easily.
Not just Zhao Guifen, but Wang Shoucheng was also terrified.
He regretted being blinded by greed back then, taking the job while fleeing with his wife.
But without it, they wouldn't have survived, let alone have such a large family now.
"You need to listen carefully in the village these next few days. Have your relatives discreetly find out more. Don't reveal anything. See what kind of child they're looking for. If it's really a missing child... see who they are."
Wang Shoucheng lost all his appetite thinking about this mess.
Zhao Guifen nodded, pondering. "It would be great if that old hag next door died. Her presence is hindering us. Old man, our second son is around the same age. Could he...?"
Zhao Guifen recalled the clothes that family wore and felt hopeful.
"Are you crazy? Have you forgotten those two? Our son going there would be suicide. As for the eldest, his looks... I've grown increasingly annoyed with him over the past two years." Wang Shoucheng wished he could disfigure his eldest son's face.
Zhao Guifen was also frustrated. "I was just saying. I need to go back to carrying manure. I came here under the pretense of visiting the daughters-in-law. I'd better not stay too long."
In the west room, Bai Xiuxiu watched Zhao Guifen rush out again, guessing that Wang Qinghe's contacts had arrived. The speed was impressive; they had news already in the afternoon.
Now, they just needed to wait for them to take the bait.
If they initiated contact with the searchers, they could extract information from them.
As soon as it got dark.
Wang Qinghe returned from outside. Wang Shoucheng had been waiting in the courtyard for two hours, watching the entrance.
Seeing him return, Wang Shoucheng glanced at the basket behind Wang Qinghe and saw it was still empty. His mood soured further, and he began scolding Wang Qinghe. "Qinghe, did you come back empty-handed again today?"
Wang Qinghe took down the basket, not wasting any words.
He wanted the other to see just how empty his basket was.
Seeing this, Wang Shoucheng felt even more stifled. "You're the eldest in the family. Your mother and I are getting old, and your younger brothers all depend on you. Look at Old Fifth's wife and your other sisters-in-law; they've all been doing so well lately?
And you, instead of taking care of them, have been taking advantage of their kindness.
Aren't you ashamed?"
Wang Qinghe never took Wang Shoucheng's words to heart. He looked at Wang Shoucheng and said, "Dad, I'm going back inside."
Chapter 80
"Come back. Don't just go into the house when I speak; take it to heart." Wang Shoucheng was infuriated by Wang Qinghe's attitude.
Hearing this, Wang Qinghe paused and looked at him with an inexplicable expression. "Dad, you told me to hunt in the mountains, and I listened. You said I should go after bigger game instead of small prey, and I did that too. What else do you want from me?"
Wang Shoucheng was stumped.
What else could he ask him to do? He only had strength and hunting skills. Beyond that, there was nothing.
Why is the eldest so useless?
"Nothing else? Then I'll head back."
The casual tone of Wang Qinghe made Wang Shoucheng anxious. How did he get caught up in the eldest's words?
"Wait a moment. I have something to ask you. Have you heard any strange rumors in the village these past few days?" Wang Shoucheng looked at his eldest son, feeling nervous. If the eldest has heard rumors about missing children...
If only he had been nicer to the eldest over the years; how could he not be suspicious now?
It's bad luck that this has resurfaced after more than twenty years.
What's wrong with being harsh on someone else's son?
Wang Shoucheng felt a mix of emotions.
Seeing his father's demeanor, Wang Qinghe knew what he was thinking.
He shook his head. "What rumors? I've been in the mountains every day recently. I only went to the county with the second son yesterday and didn't hear anything unusual. Is there something happening in the village? Or is there something you need to tell me, Dad?"
"Huh? No, no, nothing. Alright, go back. By the way, stay in the mountains more often and don't wander around the village or the city." Wang Shoucheng panicked and quickly denied it, giving Wang Qinghe some instructions.
As for whether he can bring back any game from the mountains?
That's a minor issue!
Seeing his father's panic, Wang Qinghe knew that the people handling the matter must have already spread the rumors.
There's no need for further explanation.
His fear confirms that he wasn't abandoned.
Nor was he entrusted to them by someone else.
This family... In that instant, they all seemed despicable.
Wang Qinghe returned to the house, where Bai Xiuxiu was knitting a sweater while entertaining the two children with wooden blocks he had made for them to play with.
Seeing him return, Bai Xiuxiu finished the last two stitches of her sweater.
"You're back just in time. Try it on and see if it fits." Bai Xiuxiu handed the sweater to Wang Qinghe.
She had already finished the sweaters for the two children; this one was for him.
However, she didn't have enough yarn for the pants and would have to wait for her sister to send some.
Feeling the sweater in his hands, Wang Qinghe's foul mood from dealing with Wang Shoucheng vanished.
"Don't just stand there, put it on quickly." Bai Xiuxiu nudged him and pulled him onto the bed.
The blue yarn knitted into a simple sweater looked neither old-fashioned nor out of place on Wang Qinghe. His slightly soft black hair, slightly lowered eyebrows, beautiful clear eyes, delicate features, and almost unburnt skin complemented the plain sweater, making him look neat and clean.
Bai Xiuxiu loved his clean and handsome appearance.
Wang Qinghe rarely received such direct attention from his wife, who usually focused more on the children. Her intense gaze made him feel a bit uneasy, and he met her gaze uncertainly. "Does it look good?"
"It looks great, really great."
Bai Xiuxiu praised him sincerely, pulling him closer.
Hearing her words, Wang Qinghe felt warmth in his heart.
Seeing that his expression had softened from the coldness when he first entered, Bai Xiuxiu leaned close and told him about Zhao Guifen's hurried return earlier.
"Just now..."
Wang Qinghe also recounted what Wang Shoucheng had told him to his wife.
"Given their state, they will likely take the bait within two days." Wang Qinghe said, looking at his wife again.
"Xiuxiu, once we get the money and separate from the family, where do you want to live?"
Where to live?
Bai Xiuxiu suddenly remembered that in his previous life, when Wang Qinghe's business grew, during an interview, he was asked about his youthful desires. He said his greatest wish was to have a spacious house in the county with a small yard.
He wanted to come home every day to someone waiting for him.
Someone to eat the meals he cooked and listen to his laughter and chatter.
When asked why he still cooked after work, he looked out the window, smiling as beautifully as he did now, and said: Because it was for the person he loved.
Unfortunately, she couldn't share that life with him in the county because her death plunged his hopes and future into suffocating despair.
"Xiuxiu? Are you missing your sister and mother-in-law? Otherwise, we could ask if we can go to them?" Wang Qinghe looked at her gloomy expression and felt a bit regretful. Recently, Xiuxiu had been particularly missing her mother-in-law and sister, and his mention of where to live probably reminded her of her family.
"No such thing."
Bai Xiuxiu denied his guess, her gaze falling on the two children, a hint of anticipation appearing on her face: "I was thinking, could we buy a small courtyard in the county? The house should be spacious, but the yard doesn't need to be too big, just safe.
When I have a job, we can go to work together. If not, I'll stay home with the kids and manage my space.
We'll slowly make money and live well.
Oh, and we could buy a bicycle for you to learn traditional Chinese medicine from Uncle Zhang when you come back."
Wang Qinghe's heart raced as he listened to his wife's words.
Everything she said was exactly what he wanted.
At that moment, Wang Qinghe felt incredibly motivated.
Just as he was feeling happy, the village broadcast came on.
It announced that meat would be distributed.
Hearing about the meat distribution, the gloomy Wang Shoucheng immediately perked up: "Qinghe, Old Fifth, come with me to get the meat."
Today, their family needed to stand out a bit, and he had to show everyone that he treated his eldest son better.
So that no one would suspect that the eldest wasn't part of their family.
"Hurry up," Bai Xiuxiu urged him, seeing his unhappy face.
"I'll light the stove first and then go." Wang Qinghe wasn't in a rush; after helping his wife light the stove, he left the house.
Wang Shoucheng, who had been waiting outside for a while, saw smoke coming from their chimney and became even more annoyed.
So while he was urging them to hurry, they were lighting a fire inside?
When Wang Qinghe came out of the house, Wang Shoucheng was clearly displeased.
"Wang, I have a mail package for your family." Chen Chengcai arrived at the Wang family's door just as they were about to leave and quickly stopped him.