Xifeng was going through a similar situation. She hadn’t spoken much with Shen Meng recently, but today, her son had come back with a bag of dumplings. After Gao Gao repeated what Mingliang had told him, Xifeng and her husband were both touched. It was clear now that Shen Meng had genuinely changed and intended to live a more stable life.

“Listen,” Xifeng said to her husband, “Zhenping’s wife is raising four kids on her own. Third Aunt (Liu Sanjin) is not as good as everyone thinks. When you are not busy, you can bring some firewood and water. It can be regarded as helping Zhenping, right?”

Lu Yongjun nodded eagerly, took the dumplings from Gao Gao, and offered one to Xifeng.

“Got it. Now, go ahead and eat, and wake our daughter so she can have a couple too. Zhenping’s wife clearly intended for all of us to have some.”

---

With the autumn harvest wrapped up, the villagers gathered to discuss the division of grain. After storing the public grain for taxes, the rest would be shared among the villagers, though the main distribution wouldn’t come until year-end.

Shen Meng had decided it was time to venture out of the house again. Slinging a woven basket over her shoulder and holding a small shovel for digging grass, she took Mingkai by the hand while Mingfang trailed behind in clean clothes.

They hadn’t walked far when Wu Xianglan, chewing on pumpkin seeds by a wall, called out to her.

“Sister-in-law! You’re looking much better. Where are you off to?”

Shen Meng hesitated, remembering Wu Xianglan’s role as Zhou Jiaojiao’s gossip-spreading sidekick in the original story. But knowing how simple-minded Xianglan was, Shen Meng figured she might be a useful source of information in the future.

“Yes, I’m feeling much better lately. I thought I’d gather some grass to dry as kindling for later use.”

Xianglan eyed Shen Meng and the children up and down. Shen Meng did look healthier, and the kids were better dressed too. Xianglan remembered what her own sister-in-law (Zhou Jiaojiao) had said about Shen Meng scheming to keep the brick house and control the money and supplies Zhenping sent home.

“Oh, I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t even stopped by to check on you. Hope you don’t mind, Sister-in-law!”

“No need to apologize. You’re busy with work and looking after the kids. We’re all family—there’s nothing to be upset about. Say, why aren’t you working today, Xianglan?”

Xianglan grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. “Well, let me tell you, the second aunt’s family had a big fight this morning. It was a real brawl! Second Aunt gave Sister Lianhua quite a beating—the poor woman’s head was nearly bashed in. Daqing and Erqing were clinging to their baby sister, crying their eyes out, while Yonggang helped his mother by handing her a broom. I’ve never seen a husband like that!”

Shen Meng frowned. How had she not heard of this? If it was that serious, gossip should’ve spread through the village by now.

“Really? I hadn’t heard a thing. What started it?”

“Oh, it was all behind closed doors, so the word hasn’t spread yet. But I went out to pick vegetables early this morning, and I heard everything through the wall. The fight was brutal! And let me tell you, the oldest brother and his wife were right there, egging her on. It’s not like us sisters-in-law have ever had any big problems with each other. And, Sister-in-law, did Brother Zhenping send any food stamps this time around? The colder it gets, the worse I feel. How about lending me a couple of sugar coupons?”

“Zhenping only sent some money this time—no stamps. Look at my kids; they’re so pale from the lack of sugar! Speaking of Lianhua, what was the fight about?”

Xianglan pursed her lips in irritation. What a cheapskate, she thought, not even sparing a couple of stamps.

“Humph! It was about her little daughter, Yao Yao. Early this morning, the girl was spotted eating a dumpling made with white and corn flour. Sister-in-law Zhao Jinguo saw her and accused them of hoarding food. They fought like cats and dogs after that.”

Shen Meng’s jaw dropped. Behind her, Mingfang clenched Shen Meng’s clothes tightly in her tiny fists. Shen Meng let go of Mingkai’s hand to pat Mingfang reassuringly.

“Thank you for letting me know, Xianglan. I should check on them—see you later.”

“Wait, Sister-in-law, what about those sugar coupons?” Xianglan called, but Shen Meng was already hurrying away, ignoring her.

“Hmph, running off like a rabbit. She doesn’t look sick at all!” Xianglan spat on the ground in frustration.

---

Shen Meng held the children close as she rushed to Chen Zhaodi’s house. Those dumplings had been meant as a gesture of gratitude for Lianhua’s kindness toward her kids. If her gesture had somehow caused harm instead, she felt responsible.

When she arrived, Lianhua was lying on the kang, moaning in pain, while Zhaodi stood outside her door, cursing her mercilessly.

“You wretch! Starving ghost, you’re like a beggar in our house. A dumpling made with meat filling and mixed flour? I haven’t even had one like that in my life! And you dare to hide food and stuff your face with it? Filthy, ungrateful brat! Just you wait—next time you steal, I’ll beat you senseless!”

Yao Yao, trembling with fear, hid behind her brothers. Daqing and Erqing stood there silently, teeth clenched, unwilling to reveal that the dumplings had come from Shen Meng, even though their mother was being beaten so severely. Their father, meanwhile, had left for work as if nothing had happened.

“Please, Grandma, we’re sorry. But those dumplings weren’t hidden—they were a gift! Mom doesn’t have money to hide anything.”

“Daqing, you better not start siding with them! You’re a man, a grandson of the Lu family. Don’t let yourself be dragged down like them. After all, they’re outsiders,” Zhaodi sneered.

“Outsiders? And who do you think you are, Zhao Jinguo? Do you even have the right to talk about this family?” Shen Meng’s voice boomed as she stood in the doorway, unable to take it any longer. She kicked the door open with a loud crack. The old, rickety wood splintered and hung crookedly.

Zhao Jinguo nearly jumped out of her skin. “Shen Meng! What are you doing here? This is a family matter—none of your business! You’ve barely cleaned up your own mess, and now you’re barging in here to make trouble?”

Zhaodi had always looked down on Shen Meng. In her eyes, Lu Sanjin’s daughter-in-law was a schemer. Liu Sanjin’s sons, especially, seemed to succeed at everything, while her own family struggled.

“Auntie,” Shen Meng said icily, “I’m not here to stir up trouble. I’m here to fight for justice. My husband is a soldier, and I’m a military wife. It’s my duty to stand up when I see injustice. Mingfang, run and fetch the village leader and the women’s committee head. Tell them there’s been an incident of abuse here, and Lianhua’s life might be at stake!”

“Right away, Mom!” Mingfang replied, racing off like a flash, disappearing in seconds.

Zhaodi’s face darkened. “You reckless fool! What do you think you’re doing, causing a scene in my house?”