After Guo Xiuqin spoke, she walked directly into Wang Lianhua’s room. As the women’s committee director of Lujia Village, Guo Xiuqin commanded respect. She was educated, had received training from the organization, and her extended family had connections with the county’s Revolutionary Committee. Though distant, these connections and her own capability had earned her this position. Her fair-mindedness and practical judgment made her a trusted figure in the village.

Shen Meng blinked a few times, trying to summon tears. However, they dried up instantly, and she gave up pretending to be pitiful. By the time Guo Xiuqin emerged from Lianhua’s room, Shen Meng’s face bore a righteous fury.

“The village head is busy delivering grain to the depot, so I’ve come instead. Mingyang’s account wasn’t very clear. What exactly happened, Sister Chen?” Guo Xiuqin asked.

Chen Zhaodi, who had always been brash and domineering, grew uneasy before the younger Guo Xiuqin. She forced a nervous smile.

“It’s nothing serious—just the usual family squabbles. Somehow, that useless Shen Meng heard about Lianhua and panicked, sending Mingyang to fetch you. Sorry for troubling you; it’s really no big deal.”

“Second Aunt, how can you lie so blatantly?” Shen Meng interjected sharply, turning to Guo Xiuqin. “Director Guo, you’ve always been fair and protective of us women. This isn’t the old society anymore, where women are routinely oppressed. I may have made mistakes in the past, but Daqing and Erqing have been kind to my kids, sharing what little they have. When I felt better, I wanted to thank them. So, I made some cabbage dumplings and gave them a few.

“Daqing, being a considerate son, saved his portion for his mother. Lianhua, in turn, gave hers to little Yaoyao, who didn’t know any better and ate it. But when Sister-in-law Jingu saw her with the dumpling this morning, she stirred up trouble, accusing Lianhua of hoarding food and money. Second Aunt and Sister-in-law Jingu beat Lianhua mercilessly—even Brother Yonggang joined in, kicking her repeatedly. If not for Xifeng, Lianhua might have died! The children were terrified out of their wits. Director, you must do something!”

“Lies! I didn’t touch her! It was Second Brother himself who hit his wife. If he wants to beat her, that’s his business—not mine!” Zhao Jingu stammered, her face pale with panic.

Chen Zhaodi’s expression also darkened. She had hoped to downplay the incident, but Shen Meng had spilled everything, making it impossible to gloss over.

“Xiuqin, it’s just a family matter. Couples fight sometimes—it’s nothing serious. Lianhua will be fine after a few days of rest,” Chen Zhaodi said, trying to wave it off.

Guo Xiuqin straightened her posture, her tone turning stern.
“‘Just a couple’s quarrel’? Sister-in-law Chen, have you seen Lianhua? If not for Xifeng, she might not have survived! She’s your family’s lawful daughter-in-law, the mother of three of your grandchildren. Even if she hasn’t achieved anything significant, she’s endured hardships for this family. And you, Sister-in-law Jingu, instead of mediating, joined in on the abuse. Do you think your sister-in-law is your punching bag?

“And what about the awful things you said to little Yaoyao? As a woman yourself, how can you belittle a young girl so harshly? This isn’t just a trivial matter—it’s a blatant case of injustice that must be addressed publicly.”

Chen Zhaodi, flustered, tried to justify herself.
“Xiuqin, we’re all from the same village. Please don’t escalate this. My husband died young, and I’ve struggled to raise my children alone. Now that they’re grown, can’t I expect some respect as their mother-in-law? Back in our day, weren’t we also treated harshly by our in-laws?”

She truly didn’t understand why her actions were being condemned. Her own mother-in-law had been even more abusive, and she had simply followed the same approach now that it was her turn to wield power.

“This isn’t the old days anymore,” Guo Xiuqin retorted sharply. “We’re in a new society, where women are equal contributors. Your actions have not only hurt Lianhua but jeopardized your family’s stability. She’s seriously injured and won’t be able to work during the upcoming wheat planting season. If this continues, your family’s livelihood will suffer even more.”

Shen Meng, brushing her hair back, added, “Director, I’m worried that if we leave without resolving this, Lianhua will face even worse treatment later.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Guo Xiuqin nodded. “Aunt Chen, Sister-in-law Jingu, your actions will be reported to the organization for review. You’ll also need to compensate Lianhua for her injuries. Xifeng, you’ve done well. Keep an eye on your Second Sister-in-law, and if anyone mistreats her again, report it directly to me. Yonggang, what are you standing there for? Go get Doctor Lu! Do you want your children to lose their mother?”

Guo Xiuqin’s words carried weight, and no one in the Lu family dared to say a word. The once arrogant Chen Zhaodi now stood meekly, wringing her hands like a scolded child.

At home, Shen Meng prepared a simple lunch: a pot of tomato and egg cornmeal soup. She remained silent, her children sensed her gloomy mood and kept quiet to avoid upsetting her.

Sitting alone on the kang, Shen Meng reflected deeply. Wang Lianhua’s injuries weighed heavily on her mind—her bruised and battered face, her children weeping beside her like frightened animals.

What should have been a simple gesture of kindness—a bowl of dumplings—had led to such a disaster. Shen Meng had underestimated the harsh realities of life in the 1970s countryside, where even a single dumpling could incite chaos.

For the first time, she began to question herself. Was it a mistake to share her small comforts so openly? Should she have been more cautious, guarding her resources tightly?

She recalled how villagers had sneered when her daughter Mingfang wore clean, tidy clothes. Instead of compliments, Mingfang had faced veiled insults and bitter remarks, leaving her too afraid to step outside for the rest of the day.

What had she told Mingfang then?

“This isn’t your fault. It’s because your father is exceptional. They envy and resent you but can never measure up to you.”