Chapter 56: If She Wants to Think That Way, There’s Nothing I Can Do

Early the next morning, before the sun had even risen, Han Shiguo and Jiang Qian got up.

They had already packed their things; it wasn’t much. Just a suitcase with a few changes of clothes for the two of them, along with a bag containing some odds and ends. The remaining items were several quilts that Jiang Qian had brought as part of her dowry.

These were essential to take along.

However, they decided not to bring items like the electric kettle.

Han Shiguo mentioned that there would be similar items available at their new place. After repairing the house and cleaning up, he had also bought some furniture and daily necessities.

Everything they would need for daily life was already there. If they found something lacking, they could always purchase it later since there were convenient bus services available.

The young couple had gotten up early with plans to eat in the city, but Han Shiguo’s mother  had already risen early to make them egg porridge.

In addition to the porridge, she had boiled ten eggs for them to take along for the journey.

While they were having breakfast, Han Shiguo’s father, Han Shimin and his nephew Han Jiandong also woke up. Now grown, Han Jiandong had heard the commotion and got up specially to see off his uncle and aunt.

“Shimin, aren’t you going to the city with them? You should eat something too,” Han Shiguo’s mother called to her eldest son.

Han Shimin nodded, brushed his teeth, and sat down to join them for breakfast.

During the meal, Han Jiushu, who raised donkeys, arrived driving a donkey cart. Han Shiguo’s father went outside to give him some cigarettes and chat for a while.

Before long, Han Shiguo, Jiang Qian, and Han Shimin finished their breakfast.

Han Shiguo’s mother even prepared another ten boiled eggs for Jiang Qian, wrapping them in a piece of patched old cloth. “Take these to eat on the way.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Jiang Qian said as she accepted them.

With time being limited and nothing more to say, the three of them boarded Han Jiushu’s donkey cart, waving goodbye to Han Shiguo’s parents and Han Jiandong as they headed toward the city.

However, just as they were leaving the village of Zhao Family Village, they encountered Jiang Shoutao and Jiang Shouhe, who were riding their bicycles.

“Second Brother! Third Brother!” Jiang Qian exclaimed, surprised and delighted to see them.

Jiang Shoutao smiled and said, “Mother told us you would be leaving at this time, so she prepared some food for you to take along.”

He handed over a basket that contained not only steamed buns wrapped in oil paper but also four apples.

“Why are there apples?” Jiang Qian asked.

Jiang Shouhe laughed and explained, “I went to pick up your sister-in-law yesterday, and I happened to see some at the supply and marketing cooperative, so I bought a few pounds to bring along for you.”

After chatting for a bit, Jiang Shoutao said, “Alright, enough pleasantries. You two head into the city, and remember to be careful on the road!”

“Second Brother, Third Brother, you both should go back as well. I’ll send you a telegram once I arrive!” Jiang Qian replied.

“Alright,” both Jiang Shoutao and Jiang Shouhe agreed.

Han Shiguo also reminded his two brothers-in-law to take their time on the way back.

Once the donkey cart set off toward the city, Jiang Qian shared the steamed buns with Han Jiushu, Han Shiguo, and Han Shimin.

Her mother must have gotten up in the middle of the night to make them; they were quite large.

Han Jiushu initially declined, but Han Shiguo insisted he take some, and he smiled as he accepted them.

He couldn’t help but praise Jiang Qian’s family, knowing very well that the dowry Jiang Qian received was widely talked about in Zhao Family Village.

Everyone said that Han Shiguo’s bride price was generous, but the dowry Jiang Qian brought back was equally impressive.

Moreover, through Jiang Xiaogu’s words, everyone knew that the watch was a gift for Jiang Qian, and the cash gift of one hundred yuan was meant for her to keep as private savings. After the family received the three main items: a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a radio, they also generously provided an additional two hundred yuan as a safety net, with the total expenses for the dowry amounting to about one hundred fifty yuan.

There was nothing wrong with any of this, and it could be openly discussed.

So while it was true that Jiang Qian’s family received a high bride price, it was given willingly by Han Shiguo’s family, who were well-off, and the Jiang family didn’t inflate their demands. They also provided a substantial dowry, ensuring that the Han family didn’t gain any undue advantage.

This marriage truly brought a good reputation for Jiang Qian, the daughter from the Jiang family!

Han Shimin hadn’t eaten any of the buns; he had already eaten at home, but he couldn’t help feeling a little envious.

He envied his brother for having such  good in-laws. His mother-in-law had made it clear yesterday that he could avoid visiting her for the rest of his life if he had the means.

To be honest, Han Shimin had no plans to visit her anymore.

Every time he went without bringing enough gifts, he would receive a cold reception, but when he did bring enough, she would act like he was well-off and complain about needing more help.

He himself had four children to support and was under a lot of pressure; how could he help his mother-in-law’s family?

Wasn’t his mother-in-law’s three sons just decorations?

Now that things had turned sour, he was relieved not to have to visit anymore. As for money, he planned to put his savings into a fixed deposit today and leave the passbook with his mother for safekeeping!

He wouldn’t let his wife touch it.

Han Shimin was acutely aware that these savings were his security for supporting his children. With these savings, he felt at ease; otherwise, life would be hard!

The donkey cart moved quickly, but it was a bit chilly in the early morning. Jiang Qian couldn’t help but lean against Han Shiguo for warmth. Seeing that she was cold, Han Shiguo quickly wrapped his arms around her.

Jiang Qian felt a little embarrassed but didn’t resist, leaning against him comfortably.

Han Shimin pretended not to see and continued chatting with Han Jiushu

After discussing the Jiang family, Han Jiushu chuckled and said to Han Shimin, “Are you thinking you won’t be able to visit your mother-in-law’s house anymore?”

“What?” Han Shimin was taken aback.

“Your mother-in-law was cursing all the way home yesterday. She complained that you wouldn’t lend her a few bucks. After all, she is your mother-in-law. Aren’t you afraid of being struck by lightning for doing this? From now on, she can just forget about you as her son-in-law!” Han Jiushu laughed.

Han Shimin knew his mother-in-law well and realized she was purposely trying to make him look bad, but it suited him just fine. With her example, anyone else who might have wanted to borrow money would likely think twice.

If the mother-in-law couldn’t even borrow a few bucks, who else would dare ask?

Thus, Han Shimin was in a surprisingly good mood, although he wore a helpless expression and said angrily, “If she wants to think that way, there’s nothing I can do.”

Jiang Qian couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the exchange.

As they continued chatting, they arrived in the city.

Han Jiushu knew the location of the county bus station and took them there directly.

They arrived with plenty of time to spare—about forty minutes until the bus to the provincial capital would depart.

Han Shiguo offered Han Jiushu some money, but he refused. “For this trip, no need for money. You just gave me a big bun, and at the banquet the other day, you even sent me a pack of good cigarettes!”

Han Jiushu had also attended the banquet, which Han Shiguo personally invited him to.

During the banquet, none of the other peers were present, but for that table of respected elders from the clan, Han Shiguo had given each a pack of celebratory cigarettes.

He truly knew how to navigate social relations.

Now, as he sent them off, Han Jiushu insisted on not accepting payment.

“Alright, I won’t be polite then,” Han Shiguo smiled.

“No need for politeness,” Han Jiushu waved his hand. “You all get on the bus and wait. I’ll take Shimin to the post office.”

Han Shimin, besides sending them off, was also stopping by to deposit some money.

He waved goodbye to his wife and the others before following Han Jiushu’s donkey cart to the post office.