Chapter 13 – The Rebellious Phase Has Arrived

Wang Yingxiu handed the pork in her hands to her eldest son. Seeing her third sister-in-law staring fixedly at the pork, she knew immediately—they were planning to linger and wouldn’t leave anytime soon.

She didn’t even bother inviting them inside. Standing right in the courtyard, she said bluntly:

“The children were switched on purpose when I gave birth at the hospital.

Now the kids have been switched back. That’s all there is to it. You’ve seen her already, and it’s getting late. I won’t be keeping you for dinner.”

The Jiang family still hadn’t fully grasped what had happened.

“Why would that family want to harm our child?”

Wang Yingxiu glanced at her own eldest son.

“Because they meant to switch out their own older child for a boy. They were trying to exchange for a male baby, but made a mistake and took my daughter instead.

Even though they live in the city, they treated Niannian terribly. All the injuries on her body were caused by them.

Now that she’s home, if anyone dares to bully my daughter again, I’ll fight them to the death.”

“What?! Something like that really happened?”

Jiang Daguo looked at Jiang Niannian in shock. So she’d been swapped in place of him, meaning she had taken the brunt of the hardship meant for him?

So it was him who was supposed to be switched at birth. And if it had been him, that family probably wouldn’t have ever returned him.

“Little sister…”

Jiang Niannian gave him a calm glance. “Hmm.”

Jiang Daguo said, “From now on, all the chicken wings are yours. You can have the drumsticks too.”

Jiang Niannian found that pretty acceptable. She wasn’t entirely sure if that’s how things had gone, but nine times out of ten, it probably was.

“Thanks.”

The opportunistic step-grandmother’s eyes lit up.

“What does that family do for a living?

Since they live in the city, they must be pretty well-off, right?

If they were the ones who took the wrong child, are we just going to let this go?

We’re all one family. When push comes to shove, it’s us family members who need to step forward for you.”

As if Wang Yingxiu needed them? She knew the Jiang family’s old house and their nature too well.

They just wanted a piece of the pie.

“I appreciate it, but no thanks!”

Third Aunt immediately piped up, eyes gleaming, “Why not?

They switched the children—this can’t be brushed off so easily!”

But Wang Yingxiu had no intention of letting them meddle in these matters. No matter how big a scene they made, they would end up demanding thanks and more handouts later.

“This is just my guess, anyway. Why else would Xiaolin pack up and leave right after a phone call from the city? How did that family know Xiaolin was their biological daughter?

And if both families had daughters, why switch them at all?

Was it because they preferred the background of a poor peasant family?

Besides, do you have any proof?

Alright then, it’s getting dark. Time to go home and wash up. We’ve got to cook before it’s too dark so we can save some electricity.”

Third Aunt rolled her eyes and glanced toward the kitchen. She could already smell the fragrance of oil.

“Hey sister-in-law, we came all this way, and you’re kicking us out? Isn’t it a bit much not even to offer us a meal?”

Wang Yingxiu pointed toward the door.

“Your house is right in front of ours.”

“It’s not even 100 meters away. You came all this way just to get a free meal? Better go home now—we don’t have any extra grain.

If you insist on eating here today, then the six of us will eat at your place for the next two days.

Now that the real granddaughter is home, shouldn’t Grandpa and Grandma show some gesture?

Shouldn’t Uncle and Aunt show a little something too?”

“If you don’t leave, we’ll come eat at your house tomorrow.”

Big Yellow, having eaten his fill of drama, turned and ran out:
[Woof woof, Old Yellow just got another juicy scoop!]

Everyone turned to the gate, thinking the village chief had come. But when they saw no one arrive, and the old house folks still hadn’t left, Wang Yingxiu went to grab a broom.

“Sigh, these chickens again—pooping all over the yard. If I don’t sweep for one day, the whole courtyard’s covered.”

With that, she swung the big broom, flinging chicken poop and dust toward the old house members.

Grandpa Jiang, who hadn’t said a word until now, scowled and looked at his second son.

“Weiguo, look at your wife. Is this how a daughter-in-law should behave?”

Jiang Weiguo cleared his throat awkwardly and turned to his wife.

“Xiu, how about I do the sweeping? I’ll sweep.

Why don’t we let Mom, Dad, and the others stay for dinner?”

“Dinner? Can’t they eat at their own home? Why do they have to come eat at ours?”

Grandma Jiang finally dropped the act and shouted,

“Wang Yingxiu, is this how you treat your elders? Aren’t you afraid people will say you’re unfilial?

Treat us like this today, and your own sons will treat you the same way someday! Don’t you want to set a good example for them?”

Wang Yingxiu was not having any of that guilt trip.

“Why I treat you like this—don’t you know that better than anyone?

Don’t bring up my son. He’s perfectly filial. As for the ones who aren’t—great! Take them with you.

Always wanting to hang out at your place—take him! Saves me one more mouth to feed and one less traitor in the house.

Hey, Little Three, you go with your grandparents today. From now on, you’re your third uncle’s kid. I don’t want you anymore!

Since you like their house so much, go live there. I want to see how much they’ll spoil you. Go! Right now!”

Jiang Xiaolu puffed out his chest.

“Fine! You’re kicking me out today—don’t regret it!”

Wang Yingxiu sneered.

“Oh, I regret it. I regret ever giving birth to you. I should’ve birthed a roast pork—at least it would fill someone’s belly. You? You only piss me off all day long!

You believe anything they say and ignore everything I say. So you’re entering your rebellious phase early, huh?

Then go with your third uncle’s family. If they’re so great, go live with them!”

Jiang Xiaolu stubbornly held his head high.

“Fine! I’ll stay at Third Uncle’s tonight!”

Third Aunt’s eyes gleamed. She immediately grabbed Jiang Xiaolu’s hand.

“Xiaolu, you poor child. Come, go home with Third Aunt. As long as I have a bite to eat, you’ll have one too.”

Jiang Niannian hadn’t expected the little brat to actually go live with them.

“Mama, what’s going on with Third Brother?”

Wang Yingxiu’s anger rose just thinking about it.

“Ever since summer break started, he’s been acting out. The past few years he was fine, but just last month, whatever they said, he believed it. They could say poop tastes sweet and he’d try it!

He even stole my money to buy candy for the third family’s kids. I don’t even know who taught him that!

If I don’t beat him, he ignores everything I say. After one good spanking, he’s obedient for a few days—but as soon as he plays with that third family’s brat, he’s back to stealing money again. If he can’t find money, he takes eggs.

I’m starting to think I gave birth to a fool!”

Jiang Niannian had no words. She could only mentally tell the little sparrow—or maybe a rat—to keep an eye on that boy’s situation.

“Mama, don’t be angry. Now that I’m here, everything will get better.”

Her eldest brother came out of the kitchen.

“Dad, Little Brother, set the table. Time to eat.”