Chapter 43: Severing the Mother-Daughter Relationship

Jiang Xiangxiang’s statement spurred the others into action. They immediately chimed in, recounting the events of that night. They all witnessed Ye Meiping’s arrogance and Jiang Rourou’s complicity, leaving Jiang Xiangxiang, a vulnerable young girl, looking utterly pitiful.

If it weren’t for Tian Xiu’e, she would have undoubtedly suffered greatly.

“It’s a good thing Jiang Erya is clever, otherwise, Ye Meiping might have sold her off.”

“Without a trace, no one would have noticed. Didn’t Old Liu sneak in without them even screaming for help?”

“…”

One by one, they corroborated Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou’s actions. The truth was undeniable, laid bare for all to see, leaving no room for argument.

Ye Meiping was furious. For years, she had been the undisputed head of the household. Now, she had dug her own grave.

Jiang Rourou finally realized they had fallen into Jiang Xiangxiang’s trap. It seemed she had planned this, waiting for them to walk right into it.

Otherwise, why would her father have returned at this precise moment?

Jiang Chengshan’s face was pale, yet he forced himself to speak, “Police officers, take them away. Deal with them according to the law. I request justice for my youngest daughter.”

He had never imagined the hardship Jiang Xiangxiang endured at home. Otherwise, he would have taken her away long ago.

Jiang Chengshan dared not meet Jiang Xiangxiang’s gaze, fearing to see contempt in her eyes, which would break him.

Jiang Xiangxiang breathed a sigh of relief. At least there was one sane person in this family. Jiang Chengshan seemed clear-headed, not muddle-headed.

Otherwise, she would have had to completely sever ties with this family.

Although, it was almost severed anyway…

After her past life experiences, Jiang Xiangxiang felt no sense of belonging in this world. She didn’t believe in the reliability of familial relationships, suspecting betrayal at any moment. When that happened, there would be no saving her.

She was clear-headed: no expectations, no hurt.

The villagers felt a slight disappointment. It was over so quickly, lacking the excitement of a good spectacle. It had been years since anyone had been subjected to a “drowning in a pig cage” punishment.

If Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou had been subjected to it, that would have been far more thrilling.

And Old Liu, he deserved…

Old Liu only wanted a wife, never expecting this. If he went to jail, he’d never get out. Vagrancy charges could easily result in a life sentence.

“Jiang Chengshan, you can’t let them take me away! It wasn’t intentional! It was all Ye Meiping’s doing. If she hadn’t arranged it, I wouldn’t have come to your house. I didn’t know your second daughter was engaged to Lu Jianshen!”

“You didn’t know? There were two people in the room, and you couldn’t feel it?” Lu Jianshen was angered by his brazen lies.

He kicked him, sending him flying two meters.

Lu Jianshen knew that his engagement to Jiang Xiangxiang was common knowledge, especially after Tian Xiu’e’s earlier commotion. Even eighty-year-olds knew about it.

Old Liu’s actions were deliberate, hoping to achieve a fait accompli, making it impossible to punish him.

Not a chance.

Old Liu should be grateful he didn’t hurt Jiang Xiangxiang. Otherwise, Lu Jianshen would have made him pay.

Old Liu felt like vomiting, suffering immensely but dared not speak, let alone complain.

He knew that further words would provoke Lu Jianshen.

Lu Jianshen was a soldier, a veteran, rumored to have many lives on his hands.

Jiang Chengshan glanced at him, initially considering violence, but calmed down. “Police officers, Old Liu not only trafficked people but also trespassed and attempted rape. If I press charges, with multiple offenses, how long will he serve?”

Police: “Thirty years minimum, possibly life.”

The specifics would depend on the evidence and Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou’s statements. As accomplices, they would also face several years in prison.

Jiang Xiangxiang felt a surge of relief. It was so satisfying.

The ordeal she endured paled in comparison to this outcome.

Ye Meiping exploded, “I’m not leaving! Jiang Xiangxiang, I’m your mother! Dare you do this? Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution?”

Jiang Xiangxiang: “Mother? Oh right, I almost forgot. Everyone here, please witness this. A mother’s lack of compassion is matched by a daughter’s defiance of filial piety. We live in a new society that doesn’t uphold blind obedience. From today, I sever all ties with Ye Meiping. As for Jiang Rourou, an attempted murderer, needless to say, I have no such sister.”

To achieve peace, she needed to cut ties to prevent further interference.

Jiang Xiangxiang had been waiting for this day. Otherwise, even after marrying Lu Jianshen, they would continue to harass her.

She didn’t want their constant interference. It was best to make things clear.

Ye Meiping was stunned. She never expected Jiang Xiangxiang to publicly declare this. Was she crazy? Rejecting her mother?

A woman without family support would be looked down upon by her in-laws. Would Tian Xiu’e accept her? Impossible.

Sending her own mother to prison? Jiang Xiangxiang must be insane. She should be sent to a mental hospital before prison.