Chapter 11

Lin Er glanced at her coldly, his sharp eyes sweeping over the two nephews. “Dacai, Ercai, you two okay?”

Ercai, seeing his second uncle, burst with excitement. “Second Uncle, what are you doing here?”

Lin Shisheng rubbed Ercai’s head, his hands slick with his nephew’s sweat. “We heard your mother hit her head—I came with your grandma to check on you.”

“Grandma’s here? Second Uncle, I’m going back to see her!” Ercai exclaimed happily.

Saying that, he grabbed his brother’s wrist and sprinted toward home.

The Lin family treated the Gu family’s four kids well; the children loved their maternal relatives.

Lin Shisheng didn’t rush to leave.

He turned to Gu Xing’er, who was being helped up by Gu Dacai’s and Gu Er’s wives, and warned coldly: “Our Lin family isn’t without people. Think twice before you provoke my sister—can you even bear the consequences?”

“This is the first time. I hope it’s also the last. Next time, my brothers won’t be so easygoing.”

Gu Xing’er’s body ached from the blows, and the warning left her both aggrieved and terrified; she sat there sobbing uncontrollably.

Lin Shisheng felt no pity whatsoever; he left without expression.

Not long after he left, Gu Fu, Gu Mu, Gu Dage, and Gu Ergo returned.

Seeing Gu Xing’er wiping tears, crying nonstop, they were baffled.

“What happened?” Gu Mu asked.

Gu Xing’er rolled up her pant leg, revealing the bruises from the impact, and shouted: “What else? It’s all your fault! What kind of wife did you get for my third brother? She bullies her little sister every day—she makes me haul firewood, fine, but then she calls her brother to bully me! She won’t stop! Waaah!”

“Father, Mother, Big Brother, Second Brother, look at my legs—completely bruised by Lin Zhao’s brother. Who knows if it’ll leave scars? What if it does? Lin’s whole family are savages...”

Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang exchanged blank looks, lowering their heads to hide their sneers.

The little sister was truly skilled at speaking—she didn’t mention a word about using firewood to strike Dacai and Ercai.

The Gu sisters-in-law, bound by certain reasons, couldn’t speak plainly—but the Gu children had no such restraints.

“Bad little aunt!” Tiechui exposed Gu Xing’er’s act, reporting to Gu Fu and Gu Mu: “Grandpa, Grandma, Little Aunt threw that bundle of firewood at Dacai and Ercai!”

Gu Fu and Gu Mu’s expressions changed instantly.

They looked at Gu Xing’er as if seeing a stranger.

“Is this true?” Gu Mu’s gaze swept over everyone else in the house, finally settling on her eldest grandson, Bangbang.

“Bangbang, tell us.”

Bangbang, being older and more articulate, recounted everything plainly: “Tiechui didn’t lie. Little Aunt threw the firewood at Dacai and Ercai. Just then, Dacai and Ercai’s second uncle arrived, kicked the bundle away, and it hit Little Aunt instead.”

Gu Xing’er’s expression flickered with evasion; she covered her eyes with her arm, stealing glances at Gu Mu’s face.

Gu Mu said nothing. A flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes; she held her breath and told the others: “Don’t just stand there. Go do your own things.”

Then she returned to her room with Gu Fu.

Gu Xing’er froze, calling out: “Mother, what should I do? I’m still hurt!”

No one answered her.

Gu Dage and Gu Ergo dared not defy their mother; both wore helpless expressions as their wives pulled them back into their rooms.

First household.

Gu Dage couldn’t settle his mind; he peered through a window crack and whispered to his wife: “What’s going on now? Why did Xing’er throw firewood at Dacai and Ercai?”

“Hmph.” Huang Xiulan snorted, pulling out a torn garment to mend. “What else? She’s jealous because your third brother’s allowance wasn’t spent on her.”

“Your sister is truly beyond words—she’s nothing like your family.”

Gu Dage pretended not to hear the criticism, turning to ask: “How does this tie to your third brother’s allowance?”

Huang Xiulan threaded the needle slowly. “Lin Zhao bought Dacai and Ercai Hui Li shoes. Little Aunt saw them and mocked the boys.”

“You know Ercai never takes a beating—he’s got a sharp tongue. He said, ‘Little Aunt, are you jealous that my mom has money to spend?’ Then Little Aunt flew into a rage and attacked them. If Lin Zhao’s second brother hadn’t shown up...”

She didn’t finish. Those who understood, understood.

Gu Dage frowned tightly. “Xing’er is becoming more unreasonable by the day.”

“Who else but your family spoiled her?” Huang Xiulan resented the lazy little sister; resentment piled up inside her.

Lin Zhao had moved out; even if she was lazy, that was Third Household’s problem. But Gu Xing’er’s laziness burdened her and Liuniang—how could she, as the eldest daughter-in-law, not be resentful?

“You can’t say that—Xing’er is still young...” Gu Dage didn’t finish; his wife’s half-smile silenced him.

“Sixteen is still young?” Huang Xiulan sneered.

“At sixteen, I was already being betrothed. What didn’t I do for the household? Is your Gu family’s daughter so precious? Even if she is—fine, you can spoil her yourselves, but don’t drag us daughters-in-law into it.”

Seeing his wife furious, Gu Dage abandoned thoughts of his troublesome sister, pulled over a small stool, and nudged her leg with his knee.

He soothed her.

“I didn’t mean you should spoil her—I just said it. Why are you so upset?”

“Xing’er isn’t young anymore, and yes, she’s been spoiled. Father and Mother are already trying to correct her temperament—maybe soon... we can fix her.”

“Hmph.” Huang Xiulan gave a dry, cold laugh, then smiled. “This is just about shoes. If Little Aunt finds out Lin Zhao bought Dacai special snow cream for children, she’ll be even more sour.”

She knew well—Little Aunt’s cream was nearly gone, and she’d been longing for a new one.

Dacai got what she wanted so easily—how could Gu Xing’er not cause trouble?

Gu Dage had no reply.

His wife wasn’t exaggerating at all.

Seeing him silent, Huang Xiulan added: “I’m warning you, A Lan—Tie and Tiechui are growing up. We need money everywhere. You must be aware—if your good sister comes to trick you, don’t soften.”

Gu Dage grinned foolishly. “I don’t have money—our money’s all with you. No one can fool me.”

Huang Xiulan thought that over.

Gu Xing’er’s wailing occasionally rose again; everyone in the Gu household knew her nature, so no one went out.

Outside, curses echoed.

She began cursing her brothers, her sisters-in-law, even Gu Fu and Gu Mu—her words filled with complaints.

Gu Mu was seething. “Look at your precious daughter. I told you your mother’s stingy, selfish nature couldn’t raise a good child—see how Xing’er is? Unfixable. All she does is compare herself to others. Today she even laid hands on her own nephews. Thank goodness Chenghuai wasn’t home—if he had been, he’d have hung her up and beaten her.”

Since it involved his own mother, Gu Fu couldn’t comment—he just laughed it off.

“There’s still time to fix her. Still time.”

“What a load of nonsense!” Gu Mu hissed, lowering her voice. “She’s sixteen—soon to be married. With this temper, which family will she ruin? Just watch—your future is full of headaches.”

Thinking of the mother-in-law who spoiled Gu Xing’er, Gu Mu drew sharp, angry breaths.

Gu Fu was equally troubled; he sighed heavily, unable to speak further.

Outside, after crying for a while and seeing no one respond, Gu Xing’er sprang up from her stool and dashed out of the Gu household like the wind.

Straight to her grandparents’.

The Gu grandparents were both long-lived and still alive, but lived with the youngest son.

Gu Fu was caught in the middle, unloved, but the old couple never truly neglected their own son.

The old lady had taken Gu Xing’er in because she resembled her mother—but instead, the girl grew wildly spoiled and domineering, unable to get along with anyone.

“Grandma!” Gu Xing’er wailed.

The old lady, elderly and hard of hearing, didn’t hear her at first. After several calls, she finally responded.

“Is that Xing’er?” the old lady asked, already trying to rise from bed. “Why do I hear Xing’er crying? Who dared bully my Xing’er?”

The household’s mistress—the old lady’s youngest daughter-in-law—rolled her eyes up to the rafters.

She sneered.

Bully Gu Xing’er?

With that girl’s domineering, fierce nature—who’d dare?

The old lady didn’t know her daughter-in-law’s thoughts. She lifted the bamboo curtain and stepped outside—just as a figure barreled toward her, nearly knocking her over.

Luckily, her youngest son followed close behind, catching his mother. His voice turned sharp with fear: “Gu Xing’er, what are you rushing for? What if you knock over Grandma?”

Gu Xing’er’s face was pale; her eyes swollen like two eggs hanging in their sockets.

“I didn’t know Grandma was right by the door,” she whispered, lowering her head.

The old lady patted her son’s arm. “I’m fine. Xing’er didn’t mean it—don’t scold a child like that.”

After calming her son, her cloudy eyes turned to Gu Xing’er. “Why are you crying? Who bullied you? Tell Grandma—I’ll make them pay.”

Gu Xing’er’s eyes were blurred with tears. “It was my third sister-in-law’s second brother—he hit me.”

Hearing this, the once-angry grandmother fell silent.

That was Chenghuai’s wife’s family.

Remembering the terrifying rumors about Lin Zhao’s mother, the old lady’s rough, leathery hand pulled Gu Xing’er inside. “Xing’er, you came just in time—Grandma saved some candy for you. Come, eat it in my room.”

She said not a word about avenging her granddaughter.

Gu Xiaoqian’s expression darkened further; she stared at the old woman and girl’s retreating backs, breathing deeply.

That candy was meant for her own grandson—why give it to Gu Xing’er?

A biased old hag.

Third Household of the Gu family.

Lin Zhao clung desperately to her mother’s waist, pulling with all her strength to stop her from storming to the Gu ancestral home to beat up Gu Xing’er.

Lin Mu was the terror of the neighboring brigade—the kind who’d beaten everyone into submission. She was monstrously strong; most men couldn’t match her. No one in the brigade dared cross her.

Her name was known throughout Fengshou Brigade.

“Why are you stopping me? Why? Gu Xing’er pushed you—I’ll smash her face! Let go!” Lin Mu was furious.

Thinking of how her friend told her that Zhao’s forehead was swollen from being shoved, she wanted to tear the culprit apart.

Lin Mu had once killed bandits; her nature was fierce, and when her temper flared, she didn’t recognize kin. Lin Zhao feared she couldn’t hold her back, so she called for the twins.

“Sancai, Sicao, come help your mama hold Grandma back!”

The twins didn’t understand her words; they were at the age of imitating others, and copied their mother by hugging their grandmother’s legs.

Lin’s mother was nearly laughing with anger.

She reached out and poked Lin Zhao’s forehead, knowing her strength was great, so she held back most of it as she landed.

“How could someone with my temper give birth to such a soft daughter? It’s enough to drive me mad.”

Lin’s mother picked up the twins—one on each side—and sat down with a huff.

She had short hair and looked fierce, dressed in a gray top and black pants, both patched at the shoulders and hems, but washed clean; she carried herself with brisk energy.

Lin Zhao’s eyes softened with a smile as she sat beside her mother.

“Mom, don’t be angry yet—I haven’t even spoken yet.”

“Then speak! Say it now! I want to hear what excuse you can come up with to stop me,” Lin’s mother said, deliberately frowning.

Lin Zhao explained: “My mother-in-law paid me ten yuan to cover my sister-in-law’s expenses; Gu Chenghuai no longer has to pay for her tuition or living costs, and Gu Xing’er can never set foot in our home again. I made this clear with my mother-in-law—you going over there would just give Gu Xing’er another chance to intrude, and I won’t allow it.”

“Things are fine now, really.”

“The old family compound is in the wrong and has the upper hand over me—no matter what I ask, they agree. I won’t have to deal with that troublesome sister-in-law anymore; I’m delighted.”

Lin’s mother feared most that her only daughter would suffer, and hearing this, the anger lodged in her chest began to ease.

Ten yuan was no small sum, and more importantly, her son-in-law no longer had to pay for that cruel girl’s schooling—this was acceptable.

Since you say so, I’ll believe you. You’re my daughter—I’ve never let you suffer even a single injustice. No one in the Gu family will be allowed to make you unhappy.

“If you can’t stay in Fengshou Team, come home—our house has room for you and your four children.”

A warm current surged through Lin Zhao’s heart.

Since childhood, her mother had never let her suffer even the slightest injustice.

Even now, her natal home still kept a room for her.

This gave her the courage to face anything.

“I know what I’m doing.”

Lin’s mother’s tense expression softened slightly. “Good. You know what you’re doing.”

“That sister-in-law of yours is a real household disruptor—I wonder how your in-laws raised such a daughter.” Thinking of her daughter’s sister-in-law, she looked disgusted.

Lin Zhao had never taken her sister-in-law’s trouble to heart; she smiled faintly and said, “She can be spoiled at home, but later… someone will teach her.”

“Enough about her. Mom, how did you find out I hit my head?”

Lin’s mother spoke mysteriously. “You don’t need to know.”

“Just remember this: protect yourself and your four children. If anything happens, send word to me.”

Lin Zhao wondered inwardly, but couldn’t imagine who might be her mother’s spy.

“I know.”

Lin’s mother’s expression turned serious. “Don’t just say it with your mouth—remember it in your heart.”

“I told you the day you married—what did you do?”

“You didn’t even tell me about such a big thing as hitting your head. Do you know how panicked I was when I heard? And your father—he’s always been in poor health; when he heard you were hurt, he nearly fainted. It’s all because you’re such a dumb girl who never speaks up!”

Speaking of her husband, she couldn’t help giving her daughter a reproachful look.

Lin Zhao grew anxious and worried. “Is my father alright?”

“His old ailment again—he needs to rest for a few days,” Lin’s mother said.

“I’ll go back tomorrow to see my father,” Lin Zhao said, uneasy.

“That’s fine. Your father misses you too—he wanted to come see you, but I wouldn’t let him. I’ve put the third and fourth children on my lap and am stroking the twins’ faces.”

The two little dumplings beamed sweet smiles—the kind that could melt even a iron-hearted woman’s heart.

“Third and Fourth have gotten thin—look at how small their faces are; they’re not even half the size of yours when you were little.”

The grandmother’s heart ached for her grandchildren, and she couldn’t help scolding her daughter a little.

(End of Chapter)