Chapter 11

Wang Pozi was stout and strong, while Aunt Tao was thin and frail. If they really started fighting, Aunt Tao would likely be at a disadvantage.

Sun Xiaolan, who had a good relationship with Aunt Tao and didn’t like Wang Pozi, came up with an idea.

Before Wang Pozi could make a move, Sun Xiaolan kicked over the wooden basin holding Wang Pozi’s laundry.

The clothes tumbled into the river and were quickly carried away by the current.

Once the clothes had drifted far enough, Sun Xiaolan started shouting dramatically, “Oh no! Whose clothes are these? They’ve been swept away by the river! Such fine fabric—what a pity for them to be ruined like this!”

Hearing the words “fine fabric,” Wang Pozi immediately looked down.

She froze for a moment, then slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “They’re mine! Those are my clothes!”

She quickly bent down, grabbed a stick, and tried to fish the clothes out of the water. Although she managed to retrieve a couple of pieces nearby, the rest were swept away by the current.

Wang Pozi had no choice. She couldn’t afford to lose her clothes, especially in the middle of winter. She took off her shoes and waded into the river to retrieve them.

As she splashed around in the cold water, shouting and panicking, her predicament drew little sympathy.

Being a notorious gossip and busybody, Wang Pozi had offended many people in the past. Even when her clothes floated past them, no one bothered to help. Instead, they secretly celebrated her misfortune, thinking, Serves her right!

Aunt Tao, feeling vindicated, returned to Peach Blossom’s spot to continue washing clothes.

As she scrubbed, she said to Peach Blossom, “You did well. You’ve always been quiet and unassuming, but yesterday, you were so fierce.

It’s tough being a stepdaughter. After all, he wasn’t your real father and couldn’t genuinely care for you.

If you had resisted earlier, you’d still be suffering in that house—not just you, but your mother would’ve suffered too. But now, things have changed. You’re married, you have your own home, and you can stand tall when you speak.

Especially since you don’t have in-laws to serve.

But remember, Peach Blossom, this confidence comes from your husband. You can hold your head high among women, but at home, you should still be gentle. That’s how you’ll keep his affection, understand?”

Aunt Tao’s heartfelt advice was followed by Sun Xiaolan nudging Peach Blossom’s arm and adding, “Did you hear that? Aunt Tao is giving you wisdom. That’s how she and Uncle Tao have stayed so happy after all these years.”

“You cheeky girl!” Aunt Tao scolded Sun Xiaolan with a glare. “You really have no filter! Your Uncle Tao and I have been married for decades, and you’re making me blush with your remarks.”

“My mom and dad are happy together; what’s there to blush about?” chimed in Tao’s daughter-in-law, who peeked out and joined the conversation with Peach Blossom.

In the past, Peach Blossom had been timid, always bowing her head and enduring the harsh treatment of Chen Dashan and his family. Even when washing clothes by the river, she avoided talking to others except for Sun Xiaolan.

Back then, she kept her head low, and others weren’t eager to approach her either.

But now, she was no longer a stepdaughter in the Chen family but a wife in the Qin family. She stood tall, exuding confidence, and her relationships with others naturally improved.

This riverbank had always been the domain of the women of Baiyun Village. In the past, Peach Blossom felt like an outsider, but today, she truly enjoyed the camaraderie.

Just as they were chatting happily, Peach Blossom suddenly set down the bedsheet and stood up.

Sun Xiaolan was curious and asked, “What’s going on?”

Peach Blossom frowned slightly and replied, “I saw my little sister, but she’s by herself.”

“Huh? You mean Xiao Guo? How could your mom let her come alone?”

“I’m not sure either, but I’ll go check it out.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

A little while later, Peach Blossom returned, leading her older sister, Chen Xiaoguo.

Sun Xiaolan noticed that Chen Xiaoguo was still carrying a basket of clothes and asked what had happened.

Peach Blossom quietly explained, “My mom used washing clothes as an excuse to come to my house. She was worried that Chen Dashan would find out, so she sent Xiao Guo here to wash clothes first while she went to my house alone.”

Sun Xiaolan immediately understood, and with a smile, said, “Your mom must be bringing you something. She probably knows that your husband emptied his entire savings just to marry you.

Since you’ve severed ties with Chen Dashan and can’t go back to your parents’ home, she had no choice but to come find you herself. Now go back quickly, and let Xiao Guo stay here and wash the clothes. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

Peach Blossom nodded, “Thanks, Xiaolan.”

“Come on, we’re sisters, no need to thank me. Hurry up, let’s wring out this bedsheet together.”

Peach Blossom’s bedsheet was almost finished, just one more rinse and wring, and it would be done.

When Peach Blossom hurried back home, Mrs. Zhou had already arrived.

It seemed like Mrs. Zhou had just arrived not too long ago. She saw that the door to Peach Blossom’s house was locked and became a bit anxious. Grabbing the basket on the ground, she started heading toward the kitchen.

Peach Blossom saw her from a distance and immediately quickened her pace.

Excitedly, she called out, “Mom, I’m here!”

……

Peach Blossom unlocked the door and welcomed Mrs. Zhou inside.

“Mom, we don’t have cups, only bowls. I’ll pour you a bowl of water.”

“No need, no need,” Mrs. Zhou said when she saw the basin Peach Blossom had brought. “First, let’s hang the bedsheet out to dry. I’ll help you.”

“No, no, you can’t do the work when you come to my house,” Peach Blossom replied.

“Silly girl, don’t I care about you?” Mrs. Zhou said, wiping her eyes. “When I came here and saw your door locked, I thought you two had gone somewhere. I was so worried!”