Chapter 77: Aunt Finally Stands Up for Herself

Du Damei held a spoon and fed the baby in her arms a sip of rice broth, her hands trembling slightly. “That fall just now wasn’t light,” she murmured.

Zhou Daniang got up and stood at the doorway, speaking in a serious tone. “Damei, both you and your husband are too soft-hearted, which is why your mother-in-law keeps taking advantage of you. When she comes back this time, do as I do—grab the toilet’s stirring stick. If she dares to hit you, strike her right back! Don’t worry about whether your husband will take her side—I can tell he’s had enough of her, too.”

Du Damei gripped the spoon tightly but didn’t respond.

After all, in a small village like this, if a daughter-in-law dared to hit her mother-in-law, the whole village would drown her in gossip.

Zhou Daniang noticed her hesitation. She walked over, gently stroked the baby’s soft cheek, and said slowly, “In-law, you’re a mother now. If you don’t stand up for yourself, your child will suffer in the future.”

Du Damei was startled by these words. She sat in a daze for a moment before lowering her head to look at the baby in her arms. Slowly, her hands clenched into fists. Then, she nodded.

The once timid and obedient look in her eyes had hardened into determination.

“In-law, I understand now. I won’t let my daughter suffer the same fate as me,” Du Damei declared firmly.

Zhou Daniang exchanged a satisfied glance with Du Wanchun and smiled. “It’s good that you’ve figured it out.”

Seeing that Du Damei had a lot to deal with, they didn’t bring up the ceramic bottles right away.

After feeding the baby, Du Damei took the initiative to lead them to the backyard.

In the backyard, there was a small kiln with finished ceramic pieces placed beside it.

Among the pile were not only ceramic bottles but also a variety of bowls and cups.

Du Wanchun picked up one and examined it. The craftsmanship was average, but it was functional.

Du Damei walked up behind her and said, “These items aren’t selling. Wanchun, if you want them, you can take them all.”

Du Wanchun stood up and replied, “Auntie, I already told you before—we’ll pay for them.”

As she spoke, she pulled out a pouch of copper coins and handed it to her. “We’ll take them all.”

Du Damei panicked and refused to accept it. “No, I can’t take this.”

Du Wanchun firmly stuffed the coins into her hands. “In the future, my husband and I will come here to learn pottery. Consider this our tuition fee.”

Du Damei quickly protested, “This craft is meant to be passed down anyway! We’d be more than happy to teach you—how could we take your money?”

Seeing that she was still reluctant, Du Wanchun deliberately put on a stern face. “Auntie, there’s no need to be so polite with family.”

Afraid of offending her niece, Du Damei finally accepted the money. “Alright then. Once your uncle returns, I’ll talk to him about getting the kiln fired up again. If you don’t have time to come and learn, just tell us what you need, and we’ll make it for you.”

Du Wanchun was overjoyed. “Thank you so much, Auntie!”

Du Damei wiped away the tear stains on her face and smiled. “We’re family—no need for thanks.”

Du Wanchun didn’t stand on ceremony and happily went to pick out items from the pile of ceramics.

Since this was a small workshop, the ceramics produced weren’t as exquisite as those from the capital.

They were mostly plain milky white or light green, with some minor imperfections. Only a few had patterns or designs.

She and Zhou Daniang spent over half an hour selecting enough bottles for their mint-scented lotion.

Luckily, they only needed small bottles—otherwise, many wouldn’t have been suitable.

By noon, just as Du Wanchun and Zhou Daniang were leaving, Cao Laoda returned with Doctor Xu, carrying Cao Shi back home.

Cao Shi had her eyes closed—she had likely passed out from the pain.

After putting the sleeping baby down, Du Damei hurried over. “Husband, how is Mother?”

Cao Laoda looked distressed and shook his head.

Du Damei quickly turned to Doctor Xu. “Doctor, how is my mother-in-law?”

Doctor Xu carried Cao Shi into the house as he explained, “She doesn’t have any life-threatening injuries, but she’s fractured her spine. She won’t be able to walk anymore.”

Du Damei gasped in shock. “You mean… she’s paralyzed?”

Cao Laoda, holding up the other end of the stretcher, confirmed, “Yes, she’s paralyzed. She won’t just lose the ability to walk—she won’t even be able to sit up.”

Du Damei was stunned.

Cao Laoda wiped away his tears and helped Doctor Xu settle Cao Shi inside the house.

Once they had placed her down, Doctor Xu stepped outside and said to Du Damei, “Your mother-in-law is truly unfortunate. A single fall, and now she’s paralyzed. Her life is going to be very difficult from now on.”

Difficult indeed.

Now that she was bedridden, no amount of screaming for help would change her fate. She wouldn’t be able to lift a finger against her daughter-in-law anymore. Even eating would depend on her daughter-in-law’s willingness to feed her.

Du Damei had countless thoughts swirling in her mind.

After prescribing a few medicinal treatments, Doctor Xu left.

Without saying much, Du Damei went inside to prepare a meal.

By the time the food was ready, Cao Shi had woken up.

Inside the house, she wailed and cried, her voice carrying throughout the courtyard.

“My legs! My back! Oh, heavens! How could you do this to me?!”

Her miserable screams echoed throughout the yard.