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Shen Meng stared calmly at Chen Zhaodi’s aggressive posture. Though unafraid, she didn’t want to argue. Pressing her hand to her forehead and rubbing her chest lightly, she sighed.
“Second Aunt, I hope you don’t intend to scold or hit me. I’m still recovering from illness. If something were to happen to me in your house, what would you tell Zhenping when he returns? I’m not here to meddle; I simply heard that Sister-in-law Lianhua was beaten over a dumpling. Is that true?”
Chen Zhaodi, grinding her teeth in frustration, slapped her thighs hard and pointed at Shen Meng, yelling:
“You think you can waltz into my house acting high and mighty? If you’re so desperate to die, do it elsewhere! Don’t come here pretending to be important. Even Zhenping doesn’t dare defy me. Take your brats and get out-this isn’t your business!”
Shen Meng’s son, Lu Mingkai, trembled in fear. Memories of being hungry and reliant on food from Lianhua and Aunt Xifeng flashed through his mind. He remembered the harsh scolding and tantrums of Second Grandmother and Big Aunt when they saw others showing them kindness. But this time, seeing his mother being insulted, he stepped forward, voice shaking but resolute:
“Don’t you dare curse at my mother! If you keep it up, I’ll fight you!”
Shen Meng’s heart warmed at her son’s bravery. Despite his evident fear, the little boy stood protectively in front of her. She couldn’t help but feel that the time she’d spent bonding with her children had made a difference.
“You ungrateful little runt!” Chen Zhaodi sneered. “How many times have you eaten from my house? And now you have the nerve to stand against me? Let me tell you, if you and your mother ever beg for food here again, I’ll break your legs!”
Lu Mingkai’s attempt at courage crumbled as tears streamed down his face. Clinging to his mother’s leg, he cried loudly, “She’s so scary, Mommy! I don’t like her!”
Before Shen Meng could comfort her son, two more figures darted out from behind her-Lu Mingliang and Lu Mingfang.
“Mom, are you okay? I’m here to protect you!” said Mingliang, puffing out his chest. “Mingfang’s here too!” added his sister.
Shen Meng looked at her children in surprise. “What are you two doing here?”
“Mom, don’t worry,” Mingfang replied. “I ran into Big Brother while fetching the village chief. He’s faster so he’s sure to bring help. Meanwhile, Mingliang and I will protect you!”
Shen Meng sighed internally, both touched and amused. “I appreciate it, but honestly, this is a bit much. I can handle myself!”
She turned her attention back to Chen Zhaodi and the others, her tone sharp: “I’ll say it again-I’m not here to stir up trouble. I just want to know if Sister-in-law Lianhua was really beaten over a dumpling. Can’t you answer a simple question?”
Aunt Lianhua’s sons, Daqing and Erqing, hesitated, their lips trembling as they avoided her gaze. Xifeng, who was taking care of Wang Lianhua in the room, rushed out and said,
“Yes, it’s because of the dumpling, Sister Meng, you’ve got enough on your plate with your own troubles. We didn’t want to say anything and burden you, so we stayed quiet. The children are also sensible and gritted their teeth and didn’t say anything because they were afraid of causing trouble for you.”
Shen Meng nodded, casting a cold glance at Lu Yonggang, who sat idly by.
“Last night, I made dumplings for my children and gave Daqing, Erqing, and Gaogao one each. They’re good boys and knew to share with their cousins. Daqing probably saved his for Sister-in-law Lianhua, telling her he’d already eaten. As a mother, she naturally wanted to save it for her kids. Little Yaoyao, not knowing any better, must’ve taken it to eat. Sister-in-law Jingu, are you seriously so petty that you’d stir up such trouble over a single dumpling? Look at what you’ve done to Lianhua!”
Zhao Jingu sneered. “Sister-in-law, you can’t say that. Early in the morning, who could’ve guessed where that dumpling came from? I was just looking out for family harmony. If Lianhua really hid food and money, wouldn’t that cause disharmony in the family? And that girl Yaoyao- having good things but not sharing them with her elders? What a heartless child!”
Zhao Jingu glared at Yaoyao, who, already frightened from witnessing her mother’s beating, cowered and trembled silently.
“Sister-in-law,” Xifeng retorted angrily, “you’ve secretly given your own kids special treats plenty of times. Don’t use Yaoyao as an excuse to vent your anger on Lianhua. And now that you know the truth, what do you have to say for yourself?”
Chen Zhaodi, unrepentant, snapped at Xifeng: “Why didn’t you speak up earlier? You just stood there and let her get beaten! You’re just as heartless! And as for you, Shen Meng, why did you have to make dumplings in the first place? If you hadn’t, none of this would’ve happened. It’s your fault Lianhua got hurt-you should compensate us!”
Zhao Jingu’s eyes gleamed with greed as she echoed her mother-in-law: “Yes, pay up! Medicine, supplements-ten yuan should cover it!”
Lu Yonggang, emboldened, stood and spat towards Shen Meng, though she stepped aside in time to avoid his phlegm.
“You’re nothing but a troublemaker! Stirring up chaos in your house wasn’t enough; now you’ve come to ruin ours! If you don’t pay up, you’re not leaving this house today!”
Shen Meng regarded Lu Yonggang with disdain. “You’re a joke. Were you asleep when your wife and kids needed you? Now you suddenly grow a backbone to demand money from me? Go ask the ones who actually hurt your wife-your mother and Big Sister-in-law!”
“You-“
“Enough!” A sharp voice interrupted.
Guo Xiuqin strode in, her authoritative presence silencing the chaos. She examined Shen Meng briefly and nodded. Then she turned her fierce gaze on the others.
“While I’m here, let’s see who dares lay a hand on anyone!”
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Dreamy Land[Translator]
Hey everyone! I hope you're enjoying what I'm translating. As an unemployed adult with way too much time on my hands and a borderline unhealthy obsession with novels, I’m here to share one of my all-time favorites. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into this story together—because I’ve got nothing better to do!