Chapter 81

Wang Qing’er angrily returned home, shut the door, pulled the quilt over her head, and didn’t say a word to Wang Yuan’er.

Wang Chun’er was walking back and forth, trying to lull the baby to sleep. She found this behavior odd, looked at her eldest sister who followed behind, and asked, “Who upset her?”

“Me!” Wang Yuan’er smiled, put down her burden, and went into the room. Worried, Wang Chun’er thought for a moment and followed her inside.

Inside the room, they heard the muffled sound of suppressed crying coming from under the quilt—Wang Qing’er was hiding in there, crying.

Sitting by the bed, Wang Yuan’er tried to pull the quilt, but Wang Qing’er pulled it back.

“Still angry? And now you’re crying.” Wang Yuan’er said helplessly.

Wang Qing’er turned over, her back facing her, remaining silent.

“Are you angry because I can’t distinguish between right and wrong or because I treated an enemy as family?” Wang Yuan’er said quietly.

Wang Qing’er suddenly threw off the quilt, sat up, and said, “Eldest sister, have you forgotten how our mother died? It was all because of Zhou’s family’s malicious intent. Mother couldn’t take it, and that’s why such a tragedy happened. To put it bluntly, Mother was killed by Zhou’s family. Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten what their son said about our little brother? Mother hasn’t been gone long, and you’ve already forgotten? You even called her aunt and gave her fermented tofu? Hmph!” After saying that, she turned her back again and stubbornly wiped away her tears.

Wang Chun’er listened in a daze but roughly understood what was going on. She glanced at her eldest sister, saw her somber expression, and said, “Third sister, how can you talk to eldest sister like that? She must have her reasons. Why are you arguing with her?”

“What’s the reason? She’s just being cowardly!” Wang Qing’er didn’t listen.

“Qing’er!”

“Let her be!” Wang Yuan’er interrupted Wang Chun’er, saying, “Let’s say I’m cowardly. But our parents are gone, and no matter how much we hate, can they come back to life? They’re gone, so we siblings need to eat and live, don’t we?”

The crying stopped.

“I know that Zhou’s family played a role in mother’s death, but which family hasn’t faced such schemes? In this world, who hasn’t been calculated like this? It’s just our bad luck; Mother couldn’t see past it, and it’s my fault, too. If it weren’t for me, there wouldn’t have been any so-called betrothal.” Wang Yuan’er felt a bit defeated.

Wang Chun’er quickly said, “Eldest sister, don’t say that. How can it be your fault?” She then patted Wang Qing’er’s shoulder, “Apologize to your eldest sister.”

Wang Qing’er didn’t respond, but her crying turned into sobbing.

“What’s done is done, and there’s no point in dwelling on it. If we have the strength to hold grudges, it’s better to use it to improve our lives, to bring peace to our parents’ spirits.” Wang Yuan’er pressed her lips together, her face full of determination.

“What does this have to do with her? She’s just taking advantage of us.” Wang Qing’er finally asked.

“Silly girl, how many copper coins are a few pieces of fermented tofu worth? Letting her take advantage of this small amount can earn us big money. Giving her some for free—what does it matter?” Wang Yuan’er sneered, “Do you think I’m stupid, not knowing right from wrong, calling her aunt for nothing? I’m just using her!”

“Eldest sister means?” Wang Chun’er, being simple-minded, didn’t quite understand.

“You know how Madam Zhou likes to show off. If she gets the latest thing, won’t she take it to the Tang family ladies to flaunt?” Wang Yuan’er looked out the window, her voice calm, “I don’t care about her; I’m interested in the Tang family behind her!”

Chapter 82

Today was the first day Wang Yuan’er launched her fermented tofu, and as far as she knew, it was a unique business that only her family could manage. She was aware of Madam Zhou’s personality—always looking for a bargain and wanting to stand out. In large households, there’s always some form of competition, and as the head nanny of the Tang family, if Madam Zhou obtained something as fresh as fermented tofu, she would undoubtedly present it as a treasure.

Not to mention, Wang Yuan’er had given her some special “tips.”

It’s spring now, and with the heavy rain, it’s the perfect time for bamboo shoots. Using fermented tofu to marinate shredded bamboo shoots makes a very appetizing dish. The spring weather can sometimes be gloomy, and with high-status individuals like the elderly matron in the Tang residence, if Madam Zhou made this delicious dish, wouldn’t she be rewarded? And wouldn’t she want continuous rewards?

Everyone loves to try new things. Whether it’s other people in the Tang residence or Madam Zhou, they would only come to her.

The Tang residence was a large household with many servants, and its expenses were high. If they came to her, it would be a big business opportunity.

Can hatred fill the stomach? She understood hatred, but she also knew she had to take on the responsibilities of the eldest daughter and sister. She needed more money to support them.

So, what did it matter to give Madam Zhou a few pieces of fermented bean curd? She would give her a whole jar if it could bring great benefits.

After listening to Wang Yuan’er’s explanation, Chun’er and Qing’er finally understood.

Wang Chun’er glared at Qing’er, “Look at what you’ve done!”

Wang Qing’er blushed and mumbled, “Couldn’t we just go directly to the Tang residence?”

“The Tang residence isn’t a place we can just walk into. Besides, with this direct connection, why should we take a roundabout way?” Wang Yuan’er shook her head and said, “Qing’er, I know what’s right and wrong, but you can see our situation. Even though the family is split, how much property do we have? You are all growing up, and our little brother is still young. What doesn’t require money in the future, like marriage?”

“Eldest sister!” Wang Chun’er felt embarrassed.

“I have no other intentions. I only want us to live a better life. In the future, you can marry into a good family with a substantial dowry, and our little brother can succeed. This way, I can face our parents in peace. As for any grudges, I don’t want to dwell on them. I want us to live comfortably. If you think I’m cold or heartless, so be it. I want to earn more money, and I’ll use whatever means necessary.” After saying this, Wang Yuan’er patted her shoulder. “If you’re angry with me, I won’t blame you, but don’t make yourself ill.” Then she walked out.

Wang Qing’er wanted to call her but felt something stuck in her throat, unable to say a word.

Wang Chun’er reproached, “You hot-headed girl, don’t you know what kind of person our eldest sister is? Whatever she does, she has her reasons. These days, she’s been like a sister, father, and mother, working so hard. Don’t you know that? And yet you argue with her. I don’t know how you’ll make it right this time!”

Wang Qing’er scratched her head in frustration and said dejectedly, “I’m not very clever. How could I immediately understand our sister’s thoughts.”

“Now that you know, aren’t you going to apologize to her?” Wang Chun’er sighed. “Our parents are gone, our little sister is ignorant, and our little brother is still nursing. Our eldest sister is the backbone, and she’s exhausted. We sisters need to support and understand her, not always argue.”

“I understand!” Wang Qing’er ran out, playfully pulling Wang Yuan’er, making her laugh. The sisters reconciled, and after this, the younger ones had even more respect for their eldest sister.