Chapter 601: Xiao Dang scheming against Jia Zhangshi and Qin Huairu simultaneously

Facing Xiao Dang's stance.

Jia Zhangshi fell silent for a moment, paused for about a minute, looked at Xiao Dang, and asked: "Xiao Dang, do you really think that?"

In the eyes.

Filled with doubtful disbelief.

Facing Xiao Dang's answer that she does not want Qin Huairu's job, and the promise to support Jia Zhangshi, Laoqianpo still felt a bit empty inside.

Overall, it felt somewhat unrealistic.

It was too easily obtained, which instead made her feel unreal.

This granddaughter.

Just when she came back.

Looking at Jia Zhangshi's eyes, it was clearly filled with resentment.

After more than ten days, the hatred was gone, yet she still had to support Jia Zhangshi.

This turn of events, too big.

Jia Zhangshi must get a clear answer.

The Jia Family's job—what right do you have to refuse it, what qualifications do you have to refuse?

Having a job, a means to earn money, one could forego Qin Huairu's job. The problem is that Xiao Dang now, like Jia Zhangshi, is also a standard unemployed person.

The kind that lives off savings until they run out.

Although she repeatedly said she would support Jia Zhangshi, what with what to support Jia Zhangshi, what to let Jia Zhangshi enjoy her old age—these are things Jia Zhangshi needs to figure out.

To support a family, what is needed is real money, not empty talk.

One can't just live on northwest wind.

Jia Zhangshi, waiting for Xiao Dang's answer, stared straight at Xiao Dang.

Meeting Jia Zhangshi's concerned gaze, Xiao Dang answered openly: "Grandma, I really think that way; regarding my mother, I also think that way—my mother needs that job more than we do."

The expression on Xiao Dang's face.

Nothing could be read from it.

The less she could read it, the more Jia Zhangshi felt lacking confidence.

"Xiao Dang, you have no job—what will you use to support Grandma? Your mother's job was earned with your father's life; as a member of the Jia Family, by reason and sentiment, you should take over your mother's job. Think about it: your mother brought that job with her when she remarried—does that mean it's now someone else's job? Are you really going to watch your mother hand over the job your father earned with his life to another family? When you go down below and meet your father, how will you face him?"

Jia Zhangshi's ideological work.

It had no effect.

Because Xiao Dang's plan is to advance by retreating—only if she shows little concern for the Jia Family's job can Jia Zhangshi boldly let Xiao Dang take Qin Huairu's position, ultimately using Xiao Dang's hand to leave the job to Bangeng.

Put simply.

Still treating Xiao Dang as a pawn to be used.

Only Xiao Dang, who saw through Jia Zhangshi's tricks, would seize the opportunity to turn the tables on Jia Zhangshi.

"I believe I can find a job; I will definitely not let you go hungry."

"How many people are looking for work now? How many jobs can satisfy them? I asked today—even street‑sweeping jobs have many people competing for them."

Jia Zhangshi tried to make the situation sound as serious as possible.

Not saying it that way.

It basically couldn't scare Xiao Dang.

"I talked with Dang Xianghong in the courtyard today—you saw it."

Upon hearing Xiao Dang mention You Fengxia.

Qin Huairu instinctively paid attention to Xiao Dang.

Xiao Dang, glancing at Qin Huairu from the corner of her eye, felt a secret gladness, realizing Qin Huairu had thoughts about Shazhu.

In these years in the northwest.

When Xiao Dang had nothing to do at night, she would from time to time recall Qin Huairu; as time passed, some things she once couldn't understand, upon being brought into her own life, also became clear.

All kinds of emotions were present.

Qin Huairu harbored toward Shazhu that resentment of "why won't you pay attention to me?" and resented that Shazhu couldn't stand her annoyance.

In the countryside, she was a renowned beauty; matchmakers would have to break down the threshold.

Inside the Siheyuan, she was praised by neighbors as a virtuous daughter‑in‑law; despite Jia Zhangshi's treatment, she willingly served Jia Zhangshi and raised the Jia Family's children.

In the Yagangchang, she was a pretty widow whom countless people wanted to get involved with.

These were Qin Huairu's reliance.

They were also the source of Qin Huairu's confidence.

Thinking, "Mother is so beautiful—why don't you, Shazhu, look up to me, Qin Huairu?" Especially after Qin Huairu became a widow, this resentment was suppressed to the extreme.

Thinking of the Jia Family's difficulties and her own suffering, she felt Shazhu was the best "blood‑sucking" target—if Shazhu let even a little leak from between his fingers, Qin Huairu wouldn't have to work so hard.

She tried various ways to get close to Shazhu, to ease the relations between the two families, but from start to finish achieved nothing; Shazhu's attitude toward Qin Huairu and the Jia Family remained one of non‑association.

Xiao Dang also noticed that, under this jealous emotion, Qin Huairu gradually developed a fondness for Shazhu.

It could only be a one‑sided enthusiasm.

Shazhu basically looked down on Qin Huairu—she had a successful career, a virtuous wife, obedient children, and simply wouldn't bother with Qin Huairu, who was like mud.

This, however, was exactly the situation Xiao Dang wanted.

Only when both Jia Zhangshi and Qin Huairu needed her could she stand invincible between the two widows.

Jia Zhangshi relies on Xiao Dang for a living—that's inevitable. To win over Qin Huairu, Xiao Dang will seek anything that interests Qin Huairu, no matter what.

Trying to get close to You Fengxia with an exclamation was the start of all these things.

She wanted to laugh.

Deep down she knew she couldn't show any weakness, so she deliberately adopted the tone of clearing up Jia Zhangshi's doubts as she began to explain her plan.

Translation: "But in her heart she knew she couldn't show any flaw, so she deliberately used the tone of clearing up Jia Zhangshi's doubts to talk about her plan."

We need to keep "Jia Zhangshi". Use exactly that.

Thus: 【61】 But in her heart she knew she couldn't show any flaw, so she deliberately used the tone of clearing up Jia Zhangshi's doubts to talk about her plan.

In her heart, however, she knew she couldn't reveal any flaw, so she deliberately used the tone of solving Jia Zhangshi's doubts to start talking about her plan.

Damn it, this is fishing—you can't do without bait.

Damn it, this is fishing—you can't do without bait.

Thus: 【62】 Damn it, this is fishing—you can't do without bait.

But we need to keep the meaning exactly. Could be: "This damn fishing, you can't do without bait." Let's do: 【62】 This damn fishing—you can't do without bait.

Better: 【62】 Damn it, this is fishing—you can't do without bait.

I'll choose: 【62】 Damn it, this is fishing—you can't do without bait.

"Grandma, these things are still what you told me—you said Dang Xianghong works in Shazhu's restaurant and even became the person in charge of the second floor. I've been thinking I can't find a job on the street, and the street doesn't have any work for me, just as you just said—there are too many job seekers. We can't keep living off nothing, so I wanted to get to know Dang Xianghong; we're both neighbors in the courtyard, we see each other all the time. I was thinking of asking her to put in a good word with Shazhu, to see if I could also get a job at Bai Xu."

Note: use Shazhu for the restaurant worker, Dang Xianghong for the party member, Bai Xu for the company, Jiēdào for the street office, and 'the courtyard' for the residential compound.

Thus translation: 【"Grandma, these things, you were the one who told me, you said Dang Xianghong works in Shazhu's restaurant and even became the person in charge of the second floor. I've been thinking I can't find a job on the street, and the street doesn't have any work for me, just as you just said—there are too many job seekers. We can't keep living off nothing, so I wanted to get to know Dang Xianghong; we're both neighbors in the courtyard, we see each other all the time. I was thinking of asking her to put in a good word with Shazhu, to see if I could also get a job at Bai Xu."】

Need to keep as one line.

Thus: 【63】 "Grandma, these things, you were the one who told me—you said Dang Xianghong works in Shazhu's restaurant and even became the person in charge of the second floor. I've been thinking I can't find a job on the street, and the street doesn't have any work for me, just as you just said—there are too many job seekers. We can't keep living off nothing, so I wanted to get to know Dang Xianghong; we're both neighbors in the courtyard, we see each other all the time. I was thinking of asking her to put in a good word with Shazhu, to see if I could also get a job at Bai Xu."

and even became the person in charge of the second floor.

I've been thinking I can't find a job on the street, and the street doesn't have any work for me.

just as you just said—there are too many job seekers.

We can't keep living off nothing.

so I wanted to get to know Dang Xianghong; we're both neighbors in the courtyard, we see each other all the time.

I was thinking of asking her to put in a good word with Shazhu, to see if I could also get a job at Bai Xu.

Ok.

As soon as I heard Xiaotuan's plan.

Translation: "As soon as she heard Xiao Dang's plan."

Thus: 【64】 As soon as she heard Xiao Dang's plan.

Jia Zhangshi felt discouraged.

Translation: "Jia Zhangshi's heart turned cold halfway."

Thus: 【65】 Jia Zhangshi's heart turned cold halfway.

When Xiaotuan turned down Qin Haiyu's job, Jia Zhangshi assumed Xiaotuan had a better plan—or had already found work better than a position at the steel mill.

Translation: "At that time, seeing Xiao Dang not wanting Qin Huairu's job, Jia Zhangshi still thought Xiao Dang had some good idea, or had already found a job better than working at Yagangchang."

Thus: 【66】 At that time, seeing Xiao Dang not wanting Qin Huairu's job, Jia Zhangshi still thought Xiao Dang had some good idea, or had already found a job better than working at Yagangchang.

She was full of anticipation.

Translation: "Full of anticipation."

Thus: 【67】 Full of anticipation.

Xiaotuan said she was preparing to work as a server at Bai Xu.

Translation: "The result was Xiao Dang said she was preparing to go to Bai Xu to serve dishes."

Thus: 【68】 The result was Xiao Dang said she was preparing to go to Bai Xu to serve dishes.

Serving dishes.

Translation: "Serve dishes."

Thus: 【69】 Serve dishes.

She works as a server.

Translation: "It's a waiter/waitress."

Thus: 【70】 It's a server.

But "server" can be "server" or "waiter/waitress". Use "server". So: 【70】 It's a server.

Working at the steel mill is an honorable job.

Translation: "Yagangchang, it's glorious workers."

Thus: 【71】 Yagangchang—it's glorious workers.

They belong to two completely different social levels.

Translation: "They are basically people on two different levels."

Thus: 【72】 They are basically people on two different levels.

Besides, with the Jia family's connection to Shazhu, Xiaotuan wouldn't be able to get a job there either.

Translation: "Moreover, given the relationship between the Jia Family and Shazhu, Xiao Dang couldn't get in either."

Thus: 【73】 Moreover, given the relationship between the Jia Family and Shazhu, Xiao Dang couldn't get in either.

There's nothing to talk about if you can't get the job.

Translation: "What's there to talk about a job you can't get?"

Thus: 【74】 What's there to talk about a job you can't get?

In other words.

Translation: "In other words."

Thus: 【75】 In other words.

Jia Zhangshi still has no provision for her old age.

Translation: "Jia Zhangshi's old-age support still has no solution."

Thus: 【76】 Jia Zhangshi's old-age support still has no solution.

The old lady worries: if Qin Haiyu remarries and brings a job, Xiaotuan still has no work to support her—how will she survive?

Translation: "Laoqianpo got anxious: if Qin Huairu brings a job and remarries, Xiao Dang still has no job to support her—what would she live on?"

Thus: 【77】 Laoqianpo got anxious: if Qin Huairu brings a job and remarries, Xiao Dang still has no job to support her—what would she live on?

She'd just be living on air.

Translation: "Just drink the northwest wind."

Thus: 【78】 Just drink the northwest wind.

"Xiaotuan, I thought you meant some real job, but after all that talk, it's just serving dishes at Shazhu's restaurant."

Translation: "\"Xiao Dang, I thought what kind of job you were talking about—after all that, it's just going to Shazhu's restaurant to serve dishes. \""

Thus: 【79】 "Xiao Dang, I thought what kind of job you were talking about—after all that, it's just going to Shazhu's restaurant to serve dishes."

Qin Haiyu snapped back at Jia Zhangshi.

Translation: "Qin Huairu retorted a sentence at Jia Zhangshi."

Thus: 【80】 Qin Huairu retorted a sentence at Jia Zhangshi.

She's disliked the old lady for a long time.

Translation: "She has disliked Laoqianpo for a long time."

Thus: 【81】 She has disliked Laoqianpo for a long time.

"At Bai Xu, servers start at 27.5 a month, with bonuses and subsidies they can easily make thirty to forty. You're not even a dish‑server—don't talk about finding a forty‑dollar job; you can't even find one that pays twenty."

Translation: "\"The servers at Bai Xu start at twenty-seven point five a month, plus bonuses and subsidies, you can easily make thirty or forty a month. You're not a dish‑server, don't even talk about finding a job that earns forty—you can't even find one that pays twenty. \""

Thus: 【82】 "The servers at Bai Xu start at twenty-seven point five a month, plus bonuses and subsidies, you can easily make thirty or forty a month. You're not a dish‑server, don't even talk about finding a job that earns forty—you can't even find one that pays twenty."

"That much?" Jia Zhangshi muttered, then snapped, glaring at Qin Haiyu: "What's it to you when I talk to Xiaotuan?"

Translation: "\"That much? \" Jia Zhangshi muttered, suddenly realized, glared at Qin Huairu, and said, \"What business is it of yours when I'm talking to Xiao Dang? \""

Thus: 【83】 "That much?" Jia Zhangshi muttered, suddenly realized, glared at Qin Huairu, and said, "What business is it of yours when I'm talking to Xiao Dang?"

All right, go ahead.

Translation: "\"Fine, fine, fine, you go ahead and speak. \""

Thus: 【84】 "Fine, fine, fine, you go ahead and speak."

Grandma, Mom, can you quit arguing and say fewer words?

Translation: "\"Grandma, Mom, can you stop arguing? Just say a few less lines. \""

Thus: 【85】 "Grandma, Mom, can you stop arguing? Just say a few less lines."

"I'm giving Xiaotuan face, I won't argue with you." Jia Zhangshi used Huahua's example to prove Shazhu wouldn't hire Jia family members: "Xiaotuan, Huahua once applied at Bai Xu before it even opened—what do you think Shazhu said?"

Translation: "\"I'm giving Xiao Dang face, I won't argue with you. \" Jia Zhangshi used Huaihua's matter as an example to prove that Shazhu's job wouldn't be given to the Jia family: \"Xiao Dang, Huaihua previously looked for work at Bai Xu, back then Bai Xu hadn't even opened yet—guess what Shazhu said? \""

Thus: 【86】 "I'm giving Xiao Dang face, I won't argue with you." Jia Zhangshi used Huaihua's matter as an example to prove that Shazhu's job wouldn't be given to the Jia family: "Xiao Dang, Huaihua previously looked for work at Bai Xu, back then Bai Xu hadn't even opened yet—guess what Shazhu said?"

"What did he say?"

Translation: "\"What did he say? \""

Thus: 【87】 "What did he say?"

"What else could he say? Don't bother—Huahua told Shazhu all kinds of nice things: we see each other all the time, distant relatives aren't as good as close neighbors, the camaraderie of the central courtyard neighbors—she talked until she was hoarse, but Shazhu still wouldn't let her in. As Huahua's sister, Grandma, you're pretty outspoken."

Translation: "\"What else could he say? Don't even bother—Huaihua said a lot of nice things to Shazhu: 'we see each other without having to raise our heads,' 'distant relatives aren't as good as close neighbors,' 'the neighborly affection of the central courtyard'—she talked until she was hoarse, but Shazhu still wouldn't let Huaihua in. As Huaihua's sister, Grandma, you're probably sharp enough.""

Thus: 【88】 "What else could he say? Don't even bother—Huaihua said a lot of nice things to Shazhu: 'we see each other without having to raise our heads,' 'distant relatives aren't as good as close neighbors,' 'the neighborly affection of the central courtyard'—she talked until she was hoarse, but Shazhu still wouldn't let Huaihua in. As Huaihua's sister, Grandma, you're probably sharp enough."

Her tone suddenly lingered.

Translation: "The tone suddenly drew out."

Thus: 【89】 The tone suddenly drew out.

"Shazhu isn't exactly a good guy—he's cold‑blooded, and nobody will treat you as a neighbor. Grandma's advice: you'd better take your mother's steel‑mill job instead of trying to win favor with Shazhu's cold shoulder—it just won't work."

Translation: "\"Shazhu isn't any good person—he's terribly cold‑blooded; people won't treat you as a neighbor. Grandma's meaning: you'd better take your mother's job at Yagangchang, stop trying to cozy up to Shazhu's cold backside—you won't stick. \""

Thus: 【90】 "Shazhu isn't any good person—he's terribly cold‑blooded; people won't treat you as a neighbor. Grandma's meaning: you'd better take your mother's job at Yagangchang, stop trying to cozy up to Shazhu's cold backside—you won't stick."

Xiaotuan gazed at Jia Zhangshi.

Translation: "Xiao Dang looked at Jia Zhangshi."

Thus: 【91】 Xiao Dang looked at Jia Zhangshi.

She snorted inwardly.

Translation: "She let out a cold snort in her heart."

Thus: 【92】 She let out a cold snort in her heart.

Shazhu looks down on the Jia family and refuses to let them work at Bai Xu.

Translation: "Shazhu looks down on the Jia family and won't let them work at Bai Xu."

Thus: 【93】 Shazhu looks down on the Jia family and won't let them work at Bai Xu.

The root isn't Jia Zhangshi's fault—she's lazy and loves to eat, and besides she suspects Budong is Zhonghai's son, so she deliberately leads him astray, lets him steal, and helps hide it.

Translation: "The root cause isn't Jia Zhangshi's fault. Being lazy and fond of eating, she also suspected Bangeng was Yi Zhonghai's son, deliberately led him astray, let him steal things, and helped cover it up."

Thus: 【94】 The root cause isn't Jia Zhangshi's fault. Being lazy and fond of eating, she also suspected Bangeng was Yi Zhonghai's son, deliberately led him astray, let him steal things, and helped cover it up.

Being looked down on by Shazhu is to be expected.

Translation: "Being looked down on by Shazhu is normal."

Thus: 【95】 Being looked down on by Shazhu is normal.

If Xiaotuan weren't a Jia, the daughter of Jia Dongxu, she'd also look down on the Jia family in the courtyard.

Translation: "If Xiao Dang weren't a Jia, the daughter of Jia Dongxu, she would also look down on the Jia family of the Siheyuan."

Thus: 【96】 If Xiao Dang weren't a Jia, the daughter of Jia Dongxu, she would also look down on the Jia family of the Siheyuan.

There's no way to say that.

Translation: "That can't be said."

Thus: 【97】 That can't be said.

Moreover, Qin Haiyu didn't give Xiaotuan a chance to rebut Jia Zhangshi.

Translation: "Moreover, Qin Huairu didn't give Xiao Dang a chance to rebut Jia Zhangshi."

Thus: 【98】 Moreover, Qin Huairu didn't give Xiao Dang a chance to rebut Jia Zhangshi.

"I think I've figured it out—I can't just walk away from the job."

Translation: "\"I think I've figured it out—I can't keep the job for myself. \""

Thus: 【99】 "I think I've figured it out—I can't keep the job for myself."

"This is the Jia family's job."

Translation: "\"This is the Jia family's job. \""

Thus: 【100】 "This is the Jia family's job."

"Who says this is the Jia family's work? The Jia family's job is as a fitter, while I, Qin Haiyu, am now a cleaner—how could they be the same?"

Translation: "\"Who says this is the Jia family's job? The Jia family's job is fitter, my Qin Huairu's current job is cleaning position—how could they be the same? \""

Thus: 【101】 "Who says this is the Jia family's job? The Jia family's job is fitter, my Qin Huairu's current job is cleaning position—how could they be the same?"

"You're the one who lost our Jia family's job."

Translation: "\"You're the one who lost our Jia family's job. \""

Thus: 【102】 "You're the one who lost our Jia family's job."

"I still say the same: no job, no life."

Translation: "\"I still say the same thing: no job, no life. \""

Thus: 【103】 "I still say the same thing: no job, no life."

"Qin Haiyu, I'm not discussing work with you now. Today Xiaotuan went to the prison to visit Budong, who asked for three packs of cigarettes, a big front door, a three‑gun platform, and a fishing‑platform. As Budong's mother, you haven't visited him since he was locked up, and I know you're busy, so I'm not pressing you to go—just hand over ten yuan and have Xiaotuan make another trip tomorrow to deliver it."

Translation: "\"Qin Huairu, I'm not talking about work with you now. Today Xiao Dang went to the prison to visit Bangeng; Bangeng has just one request: he wants three packs of cigarettes, one pack of Da Qianmen, one pack of San Paotai, one pack of Diaoyutai. As Bangeng's mother, even after he went in you haven't visited him—I know you're busy, so I didn't mean to force you to go see him. Take out ten yuan, let Xiao Dang make another trip tomorrow to deliver it to him. \""

Thus: 【104】 "Qin Huairu, I'm not talking about work with you now. Today Xiao Dang went to the prison to visit Bangeng; Bangeng has just one request: he wants three packs of cigarettes, one pack of Da Qianmen, one pack of San Paotai, one pack of Diaoyutai. As Bangeng's mother, even after he went in you haven't visited him—I know you're busy, so I didn't mean to force you to go see him. Take out ten yuan, let Xiao Dang make another trip tomorrow to deliver it to him."

Jia Zhangshi saw impatience in Qin Haiyu's expression.

Translation: "Jia Zhangshi saw Qin Huairu's face showing an impatient expression."

Thus: 【105】 Jia Zhangshi saw Qin Huairu's face showing an impatient expression.

She was afraid she wouldn't get the money.

Translation: "Afraid she wouldn't get the money."

Thus: 【106】 Afraid she wouldn't get the money.

She quickly threw out a line.

Translation: "She hurriedly gave a stock line."

Thus: 【107】 She hurriedly gave a stock line.

"Budong is your own flesh and blood, Qin Haiyu—you're asking for three packs of cigarettes; you won't even ignore such a simple request from him, will you?"

Translation: "\"Bangeng is flesh that fell from your body, Qin Huairu—you're asking for just three packs of cigarettes, you won't even ignore such a simple request from Bangeng, will you? \""

Thus: 【108】 "Bangeng is flesh that fell from your body, Qin Huairu—you're asking for just three packs of cigarettes, you won't even ignore such a simple request from Bangeng, will you?"

"You said it's such a simple request—how could I not handle it? You're his grandmother; why won't you put up the money?"

Translation: "\"You also said it's such a simple request—how am I supposed to manage? You're still his grandmother; why don't you fork over the money? \""

Thus: 【109】 "You also said it's such a simple request—how am I supposed to manage? You're still his grandmother; why don't you fork over the money?"

"I have no money."

Translation: "\"I have no money. \""

Thus: 【110】 "I have no money."

Those words lit the fuse on Qin Haiyu's pent‑up anger.

Translation: "Those words were like igniting the suppressed volcano of Qin Huairu."

Thus: 【111】 Those words were like igniting the suppressed volcano of Qin Huairu.

Qin Haiyu was seething with anger.

Translation: "Qin Huairu was furious from all sides."

Thus: 【112】 Qin Huairu was furious from all sides.

She lifted her hand.

Translation: "She raised her hand."

Thus: 【113】 She raised her hand.

She slapped Jia Zhangshi three hard blows.

Translation: "She slapped Jia Zhangshi three big slaps—pah‑pah‑pah."

Thus: 【114】 She slapped Jia Zhangshi three big slaps—pah‑pah‑pah.

Don't be fooled by Jia Zhangshi's plump looks; her age means she's no match for Qin Haiyu.

Translation: "Don't look at Jia Zhangshi being white and plump—because of her age, she's no longer a match for Qin Huairu."

Thus: 【115】 Don't look at Jia Zhangshi being white and plump—because of her age, she's no longer a match for Qin Huairu.

Seeing herself hit by Qin Haiyu,

Translation: "Seeing herself being hit by Qin Huairu,"

Thus: 【116】 Seeing herself being hit by Qin Huairu,

She burst into tears, shouting at the dazed Xiaotuan nearby.

Translation: "she burst into cries toward the dazed Xiao Dang off to the side."

Thus: 【117】 she burst into cries toward the dazed Xiao Dang off to the side.

"Xiaotuan, did you see that? This is your fierce, terrifying mother. If I fall short of her wishes, she either hits or scolds me. While you were away, Grandma had a rough time and just wanted someone to back her up—she could only rely on you. Xiaotuan, you are now her mainstay."

Translation: "\"Xiao Dang, did you see that? This is your fierce mother. When I slightly fall short of her wishes, she either hits or scolds. During the time you weren't around, Grandma's life has been hard—I just wanted to find someone to help Grandma stand up, and Grandma can only rely on you. Xiao Dang, you are now Grandma's mainstay. \""

Thus: 【118】 "Xiao Dang, did you see that? This is your fierce mother. When I slightly fall short of her wishes, she either hits or scolds. During the time you weren't around, Grandma's life has been hard—I just wanted to find someone to help Grandma stand up, and Grandma can only rely on you. Xiao Dang, you are now Grandma's mainstay."

Jia Zhangshi cried more than she peed.

Translation: "Jia Zhangshi cried more than she urinated."

Thus: 【119】 Jia Zhangshi cried more than she urinated.

With teary eyes, she begged Xiao Dang to speak up for her and confront Qin Huairu.

Xiao Dang, who was asked for help by Jia Zhangshi, felt pretty good, thought it was quite nice.

Past cause, present result.

Serves them right.

It's truly retribution landing on Jia Zhangshi's head; since Xiao Dang could remember, Jia Zhangshi, relying on her status as mother-in-law and invoking filial piety, has controlled Qin Huairu in every aspect.

Jia Zhangshi worried that Qin Huairu might remarry, ignored her, and tried to be as wicked a mother-in-law as possible.

Carrying a pair of cloth shoes she had made for a month, pretending to be busy all day, Qin Huairu had to work at the factory during the day; after work she returned home, first serving Jia Zhangshi and Xiao Dang their meals, then soaking the bowls and chopsticks in water, and went outside to wash clothes.

Huaihua is still a nursing baby.

Wets pants.

Bangeng has the habit of wetting the bed.

Qin Huairu has laundry that never finishes all year.

In summer, the weather isn't cold, so washed clothes dry quickly.

In winter, Qin Huairu still has to boil hot water, wash clothes outside, her hands freeze red; after washing clothes she returns home to wash dishes, waits for Huaihua and Xiao Dang to sleep, then by lamplight mends their clothes; she labors so hard for the Jia family, yet Jia Zhangshi is still dissatisfied with Qin Huairu, from time to time finding fault, nitpicking, insisting Qin Huairu must remarry; sometimes when Qin Huairu goes out at night, Jia Zhangshi peeks at the glass, worried Qin Huairu will make Jia Dongxu wear a green hat.

The thing that left Xiao Dang with a deep memory was Jia Zhangshi setting up a memorial table for Qin Huairu and forcing her to publicly swear never to remarry.

Back then.

Xiao Dang thought Jia Zhangshi was doing it for their three kids, worried that a stepfather would lead to them being beaten.

Now I understand.

Jia Zhangshi wasn't doing it for Xiao Dang and the others; she was doing it for herself—since Jia Dongxu met with misfortune and died, everything Jia Zhangshi does is for her own sake.

How harshly she once dealt with Qin Huairu, now Qin Huairu's revenge feels just as satisfying.

Oh humanity.

One truly must not do evil.

Otherwise, Jia Zhangshi crying more than she urinates right before our eyes is the best proof.

Grandmother on one side, mother on the other—what should Xiao Dang do?

Helping Jia Zhangshi against Qin Huairu, if spread abroad, would make one a beast.

Helping Qin Huairu against Jia Zhangshi, if spread abroad, would still make one a beast.

After thinking.

Let out a sigh.

"Grandma, Qin Huairu is my mom, you're my grandma, tell me what to do?" Without caring how Jia Zhangshi would react, he turned to Qin Huairu and said, "Mom, for my sake, don't quarrel with Grandma; now our Jia family has just three people, and even three people are arguing—if word gets out, what will people say about our Jia family? If we ever need a job that requires a family background check, and people inquire, they'll find our Jia family is like this—is that acceptable? Let's all calm down."

Seeing Xiao Dang had no intention of helping, Jia Zhangshi realized she couldn't match Qin Huairu, covered her face that was about to be hit, and sulked off to the side.

Qin Huairu simply went into the inner room.

Xiao Dang began clearing the bowls and chopsticks, waited for her to finish washing, saw the lights on at You Fengxia's house, thought it over, and stepped outside.