Chapter 8: Qiao Lianhua, shut your mouth—what nonsense are you spouting!

Qiao Sheng was somewhat speechless.

She looked at them and began to speak.

"Father, Mother, how long will you continue this foolish filial piety? When Grandma and the others drove me out, you failed to protect me—I don't blame you. But what about Second Sister? Grandma had her marry into someone's home as a filler wife, and you agreed after just a few words—is this how parents should act?"

"Do you know that Second Sister leads an unhappy life? Her husband beats her every day. I want to tell you this, but she won't let me speak. Whatever I say would be useless."

These matters, Qiao Hushui and the others naturally didn't know; after Qiao Lihua married off, they hardly paid any attention to her.

Seeing Qiao Hushui's astonished expression.

Lan Yue Niang's eyes were filled with tears.

Qiao Sheng continued: "Aren't you afraid that Grandma will later sell the little sister off to be a child bride? Aren't you afraid that Grandma will also have Third Sister marry someone as a filler wife…"

Lan Yue Niang's tears suddenly streamed down.

She felt utterly miserable inside.

She dared not imagine what would happen if none of her daughters found a good home—she might break down.

Qiao Hushui stared, his face darkened, and he snapped: "Qiao Lianhua, shut your mouth—what nonsense are you spouting!"

He lacked the ability to protect his own wife and children.

He still rebuked her.

Qiao Sheng wasn't afraid of Qiao Hushui.

"What did I say? I admit my words were unpleasant, but they could also be true, right? Besides, am I wrong? Aren't you being foolishly filial?"

"I can't possibly come up with this money today. If they want it, let them come find me. If they really dare to sell the little sister, you'll be helpless—I'll deal with them."

Having said that.

Qiao Sheng took Xiao Shitou's hand and walked toward the village entrance without looking back.

Lan Yue Niang watched the receding backs of Qiao Sheng and the others, tears streaming as she said: "Lianhua didn't speak wrongly—indeed, we are not acting like proper parents."

"How can you still be on her side!"

Qiao Hushui replied irritably.

After so many years as husband and wife, Lan Yue Niang had never lost her temper with Qiao Hushui, but seeing their daughter speak to this extent, he still said that.

Lan Yue Niang shouted at him: "Did Lianhua speak wrong? Did she speak wrong! I thought you were honest, and marrying you would surely bring a good life—but you couldn't even protect me, and now you can't protect our daughter either. I don't want to go on like this; I've had enough of these days…"

Her outburst frightened Qiao Hushui.

Qiao Hushui came to his senses and said: "Moon Mother, you, you calm down—I'm also…"

"No need to explain—this money is not to be demanded again. If you ask for it once more, I'll divorce you! I won't continue living with you!"

Lan Yue Niang dropped those words and turned to leave.

Qiao Hushui tightened his grip and hurried after her: "Wife, don't be angry—I, I can listen to you, can't I?"

Lan Yue Niang's mood improved a bit.

Although she didn't speak to Qiao Hushui, she slowed her steps.

The two of them returned home, one after the other.

At that moment, Gao Shi was sitting by the gate, bragging to someone. Seeing them return, she rose to meet them: "Money, did you get it back?"

"No."

Lan Yue Niang answered before Qiao Hushui could.

Gao Shi's face instantly darkened: "You didn't get it back—why did you come back? A mere girl, and you can't even handle her…"

Although Lan Yue Niang was a bit afraid of Gao Shi, she still mustered the courage to reply to her.

"Mother, Lianhua is not wrong."

Gao Shi glared at Lan Yue Niang and said: "What, what are you saying? You actually dare to speak for that dead girl! You've rebelled against heaven—do you still have any regard for me as your mother in your eyes!"

(End of chapter)