Chapter 8

Hearing this, Zhang Hu’s face turned pale and blue. He stared at Jiang Xi in disbelief.

Jiang Xi remained calm and fearless as she looked back at him.

Zhang Xiuyun glanced around, feeling embarrassed. “Big sister, your younger sisters don’t go to school…”

Jiang Xi retorted, “So, mother, are you going to leave this money to your uncle? From childhood, he has only taken money from my family and never supported me. Just because he is your brother, my betrothal gift must be given to him, and my sisters don’t deserve it?”

Zhang Xiuyun was embarrassed and shook her head. She wanted to explain but couldn’t.

She had indeed thought that way.

How could two little girls compare to her nephew?

It would be great if they were raised to adulthood.

They would only get meat once a week, go to school, and have two new sets of clothes each season. No other child received such treatment!

Zhang Hu was angry but then agreed, “Fine, we accept your terms. Sister, please sign it.”

Pei’s mother, who had been silent, thought this was not good. Zhang Hu agreed too quickly, which seemed insincere. She felt conflicted. Although it had been only two days, she had grown fond of her future second and third sisters.

Would they really be sent away? And with compensation?

Seeing this, Zhang Xiuyun reluctantly signed the document.

Jiang Xi held up the paper and smiled at the onlookers: “Oh, by the way, uncles, Aunties, brothers, sisters, there’s an important clause in this agreement. If anyone finds that these terms aren’t met, I have the right to ask for the two hundred yuan back, whether it’s from my mother or uncle’s family. And anyone who helps me get the two hundred yuan back will receive one hundred yuan as a reward. Additionally, anyone who reports them will get an extra ten yuan reward. Please help keep an eye on this!”

The crowd gasped: “!!!”

“One hundred yuan reward!”

“There’s such a good thing!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on it. It’s ten yuan!”

“Me too, me too…”

Everyone was excited and chattering.

There’s always someone brave when there’s a big reward.

One hundred yuan is a lot of money. Even if divided among ten people, each gets ten yuan, plus ten yuan for reporting! They would definitely keep a close watch. Once they get evidence, they could force Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiuyun to return the two hundred yuan and collect the ten yuan!

“Fu*k you!” Zhang Hu realized Jiang Xi was serious. He threw a chair to the ground and cursed, “You did this on purpose. Two hundred yuan to support those two for ten years and provide for their needs—this isn’t enough!”

He was furious. Even if he got the money, he’d have to pay it back if caught. Jiang Xi’s offer was tempting. He could resist alone, but could he fight a whole crowd?

Zhang Hu didn’t even consider if anyone would help Jiang Xi. Ten yuan might not tempt some, but one hundred yuan definitely would. If he signed the agreement, his future would be watched by everyone.

He was furious. Jiang Xi would rather give the money away than to her uncle. She was truly ungrateful!

Jiang Xi said firmly, “It is only natural for my mother to raise her own children. I’ve already paid two hundred yuan. Isn’t that enough? If you don’t want to raise them, why did you have them in the first place?”

Zhang Hu shouted, “What do you mean you don’t want to raise a child? You’re treating them like royalty. Sister, you’re doing this all wrong!”

Jiang Xi replied, “As long as the money doesn’t go to you, even if it’s given to others, I’ll be happy. That’s the benefit!”

“You——” Zhang Hu glared at her, shocked. He stopped trying to use family bonds and threatened directly, “Hand over the betrothal gift!”

Jiang Xi sneered, “Hand it over? Why should I? When the Pei family gave betrothal gifts, they were all given to you by my mother, and I didn’t say a word! How dare you take my betrothal money? Have you ever supported me? You want money but won’t raise a child. Is that how it works?!”

Zhang Hu gritted his teeth and was about to take action.

Pei’s mother shouted loudly, “Big brother, second brother, come help! An uncle is causing trouble at his niece’s wedding banquet!”

The marriage couldn’t be canceled. Pei Deming’s brothers reluctantly stood up to support the family.

Zhang Hu’s men also moved forward, and the two sides faced off.

The captain arrived at the right moment, placed a hand on Zhang Hu’s shoulder, and said with a smile, “Let’s not make a scene. If the police come, we’ll all be taken to the station together.”

Zhang Hu’s face twitched, but he refused to give in. He pushed Zhang Xiuyun forward and said, “Look at what your daughter said. She is so distant with her own mother. Is she still your daughter?!”

Zhang Xiuyun was pushed over, feeling somewhat guilty but also confident: “Big sister, your uncle is right, and besides, we are a family—”

Jiang Xi looked at her and said firmly: “Mom, please remember that my last name is Jiang, and I am not from the Zhang family!”

Zhang Xiuyun was shocked. She didn’t expect her daughter to say such a thing. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Sister, he is also your uncle…”

“I’m saying this today!” Jiang Xi interrupted, raising her voice so everyone could hear:

“My last name is Jiang, not Zhang. You want to use my money to help the Zhang family? That’s impossible! My betrothal gift will be used to support my two sisters, not given to you. I’ll help support your two daughters, which can be seen as reducing your burden. When you’re old and unable to move, I’ll provide for your retirement. Forget about anything else. Even if I die, I won’t give a penny to the Zhang family!”

Wasn’t the original owner exploited enough by the Zhang family?

Zhang Xiuyun was the one who caused the original owner’s downfall. Although she didn’t give the direct order, her actions led the original owner to be so obedient and resigned that she went on a blind date, refused to marry into the Pei family, and ended up as someone’s stepmother, wasting her life.

Jiang Xi’s strong words made those around her sigh. Some who knew the Zhang family’s reputation praised her for being wise, while some conservative people scolded her for being disrespectful.

But Jiang Xi didn’t care.

Zhang Xiuyun looked extremely devastated, which made people feel sorry for her. If someone didn’t know the truth, they would definitely accuse Jiang Xi of being unfilial.

Mother Pei hurriedly pulled Jiang Xi and said to the others with a nervous laugh: “The child is ignorant and said nonsense, nonsense!”

Zhang Hu was furious, pointing at Jiang Xi and yelling, “What are you talking about? Don’t forget that your mother hasn’t agreed to your marriage yet! Come back with me and don’t get married!”

Mother Pei’s breathing quickened, and her heart started to race.

Jiang Xi said with a smile, “Who do you think you are? You can’t stop me from getting married just because you say so. Even my biological parents have no right to decide. Uncle, the Marriage Law was announced in 1950. Marriage is free, and no one has the right to interfere! If you try to stop my marriage today, I will call the police and let them decide. Who’s more powerful, you or the country’s laws?”

Mentioning the police shocked the crowd, and no one spoke for a while.

Zhang Hu’s supporters looked at Jiang Xi with growing fear and instinctively backed away.

Most people in this era are afraid of the police, especially those who have done bad things.

Zhang Hu, embarrassed publicly, glared at Jiang Xi with hatred and said through gritted teeth: “Fine, you’re so impressive. If that’s how it is, don’t come crying to your mother if you’re mistreated by your in-laws in the future!”

Jiang Xi calmly replied, “Don’t worry about that.”

If something did happen, Zhang Hu would probably be the first to run away.

It’s better to make more money. If she were really mistreated, she could use her money to hire help.

Every threat from Zhang Hu was easily resolved. He had been dominant in the Jiang family for nearly twenty years, but now, facing his eldest niece, he was left powerless.

He glanced at Zhang Xiuyun, who was crying, and kicked the stool in anger. He stormed off, saying in a gloomy voice: “Alright, you’ve grown wings. I don’t have this niece anymore!”

Zhang Hu left, and his supporters followed. Zhang Xiuyun stopped crying and quickly went after her brother.

After a few steps, Zhang Hu scolded Zhang Xiuyun, blaming her for raising an ungrateful child and making sarcastic remarks about Jiang Xi.

Zhang Hu had hoped that Jiang Xi would feel embarrassed and the Pei family wouldn’t press too hard. Instead, Jiang Xi chose to break away rather than hand over the betrothal gift, setting strict conditions.

Not only did he not get the money, but he also lost face. Zhang Hu was furious and took out his anger on Zhang Xiuyun.

She didn’t respond but kept apologizing.

As they walked, Zhang Hu suddenly stopped scolding her.

Zhang Xiuyun was confused when she saw his supporters stopping him, asking with a smile: “Brother, you said you’d treat us to a meal when you got the money. Will you still do that?”

Zhang Hu: “…”

He cursed under his breath but forced a smile, handing over five dollars and saying, “I didn’t get the money, this is all I have. Brother Tao is generous, so please let it go.”

The man’s smile faded, and he took the five dollars with a stern expression: “Are you joking?”

Zhang Hu looked pained and said, “I really don’t have more money.”

“If you don’t have money, you’ll be beaten!” The man sneered and slapped him. With a loud “pa–,” others came over, kicked him a few times, and searched his pockets, taking a few more yuan and bills before leaving.

Once the others were gone, Zhang Xiuyun clung to her brother, crying and wailing: “Brother, how are you? Oh, what a sin! How could they be so cruel! Does it hurt?”

Zhang Hu groaned, pushed Zhang Xiuyun away, and walked off, cursing: “If you weren’t useless, I wouldn’t have to suffer!”

Zhang Xiuyun felt even more sad and wronged.

She couldn’t understand why her eldest daughter, usually so obedient, had suddenly become so cold and indifferent, even making her younger brother angry.

Zhang Hu, annoyed, suddenly remembered something. He turned back, suppressed his irritation, and said, “Sister is going back!”

Seeing her brother being kind, Zhang Xiuyun immediately became happy and hurried to follow him.

Zhang Hu glanced at Zhang Xiuyun, his eyes gleaming, and said nothing.

Even though he didn’t win over Jiang Xi this time, and he was confused by her sudden coldness, the situation wasn’t entirely bad. Jiang Xi had shown her loyalty, so the Pei family might trust her more and potentially make more money. Plus, if Zhang Xiuyun got sick, wouldn’t they cover her expenses?

Zhang Hu had lost face and money today, so he was determined to get back at Jiang Xi bit by bit in the future.

Zhang Xiuyun was still useful.

_

On the other side, at the Pei’s house:

After dealing with Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiuyun, Jiang Xi naturally joined Mother Pei to greet the guests.

As soon as Zhang Hu and others left, the banquet began.

People started chatting and laughing, bringing back the lively atmosphere.

However, many guests still looked at Jiang Xi strangely. Most people in the flower-growing family ^[1]refers to a family involved in the flower industry. cared a lot about saving face. They wouldn’t openly confront someone unless absolutely necessary. Now that Jiang Xi had fallen out with her family, some old-fashioned people thought she was ignorant or cold-hearted.

These people kept their opinions to themselves, especially on someone else’s wedding day. No matter how they felt, they wouldn’t say anything out loud.

Jiang Xi didn’t mind as long as the gossip wasn’t directed at her. If someone spoke directly to her, she wouldn’t hesitate to respond.

So she remained calm.

After the dishes were served, Jiang Xi went to the room and called her second and third sisters. She had locked them in the room earlier, worried they might be embarrassed or taken away by Zhang Hu and his group.

When they were let out, Jiang Ermei asked anxiously, “Sister, are you okay?”

They had heard the argument between their mother and uncle and were afraid Jiang Xi might have been bullied.

Jiang Sanmei looked at her with wide eyes but seemed to relax when she saw nothing was wrong.

Jiang Xi replied calmly: “What could happen to me? Uncle isn’t our parent, and I’m old enough that they can’t control me. Now, let’s go to the banquet. Your seats are at that table for children.”

She pointed to a location.

Jiang Ermei and Jiang Sanmei hesitated but went to the table as Jiang Xi suggested.

Before Jiang Xi could rest, Mother Pei called out, “Xiaoxi, come over and toast Grandpa!”

Jiang Xi hurried over, holding a wine glass. Her tone was gentle, completely different from the indifference she showed to Zhang Hu. Grandpa Pei smiled kindly and said, “Just a little appreciation, don’t drink too much.”

“I know.” Jiang Xi nodded with a smile, took a sip of diluted wine, and continued to toast others.

There were many delicious dishes, but she couldn’t eat any of them.

Jiang Xi swallowed her saliva secretly.

Mother Pei whispered, “I’ve saved some food for you. After we finish toasting, you can go eat. Your father and I will handle things here.”

Jiang Xi nodded and looked forward to eating after the toasts.

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the children’s table, and a woman shouted in panic, “Shi Tou! The child’s father, Shi Tou is choking on something!”

The noise was so loud that Jiang Xi looked over and saw a child with a red face and bloodshot eyes. He was bent over, and his anxious mother was patting his back. The child was struggling to cough up something.