Chapter 36.1

Chen Xiaohong pushed open the courtyard gate. “Is anyone home?”

Wang Liying and Chen Xiuni followed her in.

Jiang Suihan was having breakfast. She ate slowly, savoring each bite, and sometimes paused to daydream before continuing. Her parents had once said she should change this habit, but she hadn’t managed to correct it before her mother passed away, and then her father as well.

Wang Liying glanced at the food on the table. “Oh, you’re having breakfast. You haven’t just woken up, have you?”

Her tone seemed a bit sarcastic. Jiang Suihan stood up, looking at the three with a puzzled expression.

Chen Xiuni tugged at Wang Liying’s sleeve and smiled. “Xiao Jiang is eating. This is Chen Xiaohong and Wang Liying. They’re older than you, so you should call them ‘sisters’.”

She had been brought here by Chen Xiaohong and Wang Liying, who wanted to visit the new bride. They had expected her to meet everyone in the family compound and get to know them, but Jiang Suihan hadn’t left the house except to borrow things from Wu Guihua’s place.

The Xu family had no elders, which might be why Xu Zhao, a grown man, wasn’t so attentive. Jiang Suihan, being young, hadn’t thought about this aspect, which was understandable.

Chen Xiaohong, who was quite outspoken, and Wang Liying, who was somewhat petty, were concerned that Jiang Suihan might be taken advantage of or criticized. Chen Xiuni came along to make sure things went smoothly and to avoid any unpleasantness between the two sides.

The visitors were guests, and Jiang Suihan wasn’t sure why they had come to her home. She smiled politely, poured water for the three of them, and also brought out some candies and melon seeds.

Chen Xiaohong’s eyes lit up at the sight of the treats. She grabbed a candy, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth, smacking her lips, “It’s been so long since I had candy. It’s really sweet.”

Captain Xu’s young wife is quite generous, offering candy to her guests. She’s not stingy. It would be nice to visit more often. There are sweets to enjoy.

Seeing that Chen Xiuni didn’t take any candy, Jiang Suihan took a piece and put it in her hand, saying, “Sister-in-law, why aren’t you having any?”

Chen Xiuni wanted to ask Jiang Suihan to take the candy back. One piece per person was enough. They had already given out candy last time, and now there was more. She felt a bit embarrassed.

Ah, Xiao Jiang is still too young and inexperienced. Newly married and not understanding much, she needs to manage things carefully. With such a big household, even if Captain Xu is wealthy, he can’t afford her lavish spending.

When there’s no one around later, she should have a serious talk with Xiao Jiang.

Wang Liying raised the corners of her mouth, her eyes narrowing slightly, “Since you, Comrade Jiang, called me ‘Sister,’ I’ll be blunt. A married woman has her own rules. It’s already late in the day, and you’re just now getting up for breakfast. If your mother-in-law were here, she would have scolded you by now. Which wife in the family compound behaves so lazily, like a young lady who doesn’t do any housework?”

“This morning, I saw Captain Xu carrying a basin of dirty clothes to the river to wash. In all my time in the army, I’ve never seen a soldier washing clothes at the river with a group of women early in the morning. Soldiers have important duties, such behavior is a waste of their precious time. I thought you were educated, so you should understand this better than I do.”

“As family members, we follow the soldiers to take care of them, ensuring they don’t have worries on the battlefield. We shouldn’t drag them down. As an outsider, I have to say, you’re a bit too much.”

Pausing, Wang Liying glanced at Jiang Suihan, seeing her with lowered eyes, looking ashamed and embarrassed. She couldn’t help but smirk and continued her tirade.

“As women, we should manage our households well and take care of our men. If you don’t know how to do housework, you should learn. It’s not hard, and if you need help, we can teach you. Captain Xu works hard every day and still helps with fetching water and washing clothes. I feel sorry for him. I haven’t had much education, but I’m straightforward. My words may be blunt, but it’s all for your and Captain Xu’s good. Don’t take it to heart. If I’ve upset you, I apologize.”

What nonsense! Here she was, being lectured under the guise of concern, with a mix of sarcasm and criticism, and then pretending to apologize.

What a sanctimonious act.

Jiang Suihan thought, ‘So this is what it’s like to deal with such people! There are always those who pretend to be pure, kind, and high-minded, no matter the era.’

Just because I’m not reacting, don’t think I’m easy to bully!

Jiang Suihan sneered, lifting her chin with a disdainful look, “Comrade Wang, may I ask what position you hold that gives you the right to educate me? You’re neither my mother nor my mother-in-law. Why do you feel entitled to criticize me in my own home? Is it because you’re older, have thicker skin, and more wrinkles?”

“When I wake up, when I have breakfast, whether I wash clothes or not, that’s our family’s business. You should know you’re an outsider. Even if I do nothing at home, Xu Zhao is happy to indulge and spoil me.”

She pretended to understand and continued, “Oh, I get it now. You must be envious and jealous because I’m loved and cared for, unlike you. You get up early every day, can’t sleep in, and are busy all the time with cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, and taking care of children. Look at you—so young, with rough, dark skin, dry, yellow hair, and a face full of wrinkles. What did you gain from marriage?”

“Happiness? A gentle husband and lovely children? Does your husband understand you, comfort you when you’re sad, and say ‘you’ve worked hard’ when you’re tired? Do your children tell you ‘Mom, I love you’? Does your mother-in-law appreciate your contributions and treat you like her own daughter? Think about it with your straightforward mindset—after all these years of hard work for the family, has anyone ever said it was tough for you?”

The series of piercing questions left Wang Liying stunned and speechless. She had never considered these points. Her mother had always taught her that a woman’s ultimate role was marriage—serving her husband and family, and being filial to in-laws was a woman’s natural duty.

Now, Jiang Suihan was telling her that not all women lived like that. Some led free, carefree lives, doing whatever they pleased, sleeping in if they wanted, and being happy without worrying about men’s opinions.

Wang Liying felt as though she had entered a new world she didn’t understand, something she had never encountered before. She wanted to explore it but was also a bit scared and hesitant to approach.

Chen Xiaohong stopped cracking melon seeds and couldn’t help but smack her lips, her eyes shining with excitement as if an inner figure was performing somersaults.

Wow, Captain Xu’s young wife is unexpectedly fiery, sharp-tongued, and really knows how to speak her mind.

She grabbed another handful of melon seeds, continuing to crack them, her gaze fixed intently on the two.

Today’s trip is so worth it!

Chen Xiuni’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. What were these outrageous remarks from Jiang Suihan? Talking about affection and indulgence in front of everyone was simply too much.

The younger generation had no sense of shame!

And what was Wang Liying thinking, coming to someone’s house as a guest and immediately criticizing the host? It was no wonder Jiang Suihan couldn’t hold back her retort. But Jiang Suihan’s response was unexpected—despite her seemingly gentle demeanor, she had a remarkable forcefulness and left Wang Liying speechless.

Educated people can curse skillfully. Without using any dirty words, Jiang Suihan’s words were laced with insults, which Chen Xiuni couldn’t match. Reading books was indeed beneficial.

Concerned that the argument might escalate, Chen Xiuni quickly spoke up, “Let’s discuss this calmly and not damage our harmony. Jiang Suihan, please don’t be upset with Sister Liying. She’s in a bad mood today and spoke a bit harshly. She’s not usually like this.”

Turning to Wang Liying, she gave her a meaningful look, signaling to stop pushing it, “Quickly apologize to Xiao Jiang. What you said was unnecessary. See, you’ve upset her. We are neighbors; we see each other often. Let’s not hold grudges. Sit down, have some tea, and clear things up.”

At this point, Wang Liying had come to her senses. Her expression was complex as she looked at Jiang Suihan. Being scolded by a younger new bride in front of others was hard to swallow.

“You’re talking nonsense! I’m not jealous of you at all. What’s there to be jealous of? Our family is very happy, extremely happy, and I have no reason to envy you. I just can’t stand you mistreating Captain Xu. We all live in the same courtyard, so why shouldn’t I say something? If you’re so educated, you should be able to speak with such sharpness. Why not say it in front of Captain Xu? Then I’d think better of you.”

This morning, she saw Xu Zhao going to the river to wash clothes and guessed Jiang Suihan wasn’t up yet. Xu Zhao was such a good man—handsome, from a good family, and helpful with housework. How did he end up with a girl who didn’t even get up early?

Thinking that Xu Zhao once had a chance to be her brother-in-law, Wang Liying’s heart felt like it was boiling in hot water. When she met Chen Xiaohong on the road, they decided to visit the Xu family.

Upon seeing Jiang Suihan’s appearance, Wang Liying thought she had a face like a fox spirit. Men were naturally attracted to such women, and Xu Zhao was no exception.

Jiang Suihan rolled her eyes, “Sorry, you’re not that important to me. I don’t need your approval. Is there anything else?”

Her underlying message was clear: if there was nothing else, please leave quickly.

Wang Liying was so furious her chest heaved, and she almost ground her teeth.

Chen Xiaohong took the last of the melon seeds and smiled, “Xiao Jiang, we’ll take our leave now. We’ll come visit again sometime.”

The young bride of Captain Xu spoke so interestingly, putting Wang Liying in her place so effectively.

Looks like life in the family compound is going to be more entertaining from now on.

Jiang Suihan was speechless. She wasn’t keen on their future visits.

She looked at the scattered melon seeds on the ground and was a bit annoyed. After sweeping up the mess, she checked the time—it was only eleven o’clock, too early to start preparing lunch.

Outside the Xu family courtyard, Chen Xiuni couldn’t help but say, “Liying, how could you speak to Jiang Suihan like that? We’re still unfamiliar with each other. Xiao Jiang doesn’t know you well. We know you meant well, but criticizing someone just after arriving isn’t appropriate. Xiao Jiang’s reaction is understandable. I don’t think she’s someone who would hold grudges. Next time, make sure to apologize properly. This matter will be resolved then.”

Chen Xiuni had been in the family compound for a long time, and she knew everyone’s situation well. She was known for being a helpful and warm-hearted person, always trying to mediate and assist.

Concerned that Wang Liying and Jiang Suihan might develop animosity and affect the unity of the family compound, she wanted to persuade Wang Liying to let go of the issue and make amends with Jiang Suihan.

Wang Liying rolled her eyes at Chen Xiuni with a touch of sarcasm, “Oh, Sister Chen, enough with your lecturing. You can say whatever you like in your own place. I don’t want to hear it. It’s hurting my ears.”

Here we go again.

Wang Liying had long disliked Chen Xiuni. Chen Xiuni always acted as if she were important, offering advice and comfort in other people’s homes, trying to resolve issues, but often making things worse. What might have been minor disagreements became more entrenched due to her meddling.

At first, people didn’t see any issues with Chen Xiuni, but over time, they began to notice her tendencies.

Last year, when a wife in the compound had a quarrel with her mother-in-law and accidentally pushed her, Chen Xiuni tried to mediate, emphasizing that the wife should be filial to her mother-in-law. The wife was infuriated because her mother-in-law had mistreated her granddaughter, and the push was minor. Yet Chen Xiuni sided with the mother-in-law, ignoring the wife’s explanation, and insisted on apologizing, making the situation worse.

The incident became quite notorious, even reaching the military. Eventually, the military leadership intervened, sending the mother-in-law back to her hometown and requiring Chen Xiuni to apologize. Chen Xiuni had to lay low for a while before reappearing and socializing again.

Everyone tolerated Chen Xiuni because she meant no harm, was a neighbor, and had the face of Captain Hong. If someone more principled had encountered her, there could have been a serious argument. For example, that sister-in-law avoided Chen Xiuni’s gaze and treated her like air since that incident.