Chapter 68: The Leak

Afraid her future granddaughter-in-law might not feel at ease, Zhang Jinlan especially explained a few words.

“Of course, I trust my own family.”

As soon as Qian Xile finished speaking, the main hall was filled with laughter.

But in the courtyard, Zhu Pan’er was glaring viciously at Qian Ping’an.

“So you’ve grown bold, huh? Daring to pull me back? What, you want to protect that little sister of yours? Hmph! We’ve raised her for nothing all these years. I’ll wait and see how miserable someone without a natal family will end up!

If that sister of yours dares come back in the future, you’re not to open the door! And if you dare give her anything in secret, then we’ll divorce! I’ll take all three sons with me, and you’ll die old and alone, no one to bury you! I’ll make sure no one even sends you off at your funeral!”

Back when she married in, she gave birth to three sons in a row. From then on, she had confidence, gained control of the household, and held the purse strings.

She raised those three boys to only listen to her, their mother.

If they really did divorce—well, she had money and sons. What did she have to fear?

After a round of threats, Qian Ping’an immediately wilted.

His cowardly look only made Zhu Pan’er more smug.

“Let me tell you, I already found another family for Xile—someone from the neighboring village. They’re willing to give two taels as bride price. Xile’s looks are plain, getting that much is already a blessing. Their son is a little slow in the head, but he’s the only heir.

Once his parents pass away, won’t the whole household be under Xile’s control? I’m doing this for her own good! You better not interfere. Later I’ll talk her into giving up on marrying into the Jiang family. If you dare meddle again, then our marriage ends here and now.”

Afraid her husband would ruin things, Zhu Pan’er threatened him again.

“Aiya, I’ll tell you the truth then—the Jiang family already gave a bride price, a full two taels, not a coin less. I just didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d covet it. Xile’s had it hard enough all these years. You bullying her—I turned a blind eye. Haven’t I done enough already?

I know you gave me three sons, so I’ve been enduring you, putting up with you. Just pity Xile for once, alright? Don’t interfere in her marriage anymore. Let her marry happily, okay?”

Qian Ping’an grabbed Zhu Pan’er’s sleeve, lowering his head and begging meekly.

“What? A bride price? And you didn’t tell me! So, you and your sister have been in this together from the start, huh? Hmph. Siblings—blood ties can’t be severed. I was a fool. In your heart, your sister’s more important, isn’t she? Fine then, let’s divorce.”

Zhu Pan’er yanked her arm free, shot him a venomous glare, her face full of ruthlessness—like she truly wanted to split.

“I was wrong, don’t divorce me. We already have three sons, just… be good, alright? Fine, fine. I won’t interfere in this matter anymore. Do as you wish.”

Qian Ping’an shook his head bitterly. In the end, he gave in.

Zhu Pan’er’s face instantly lit with triumph.

This was the very trick she’d been using to keep her husband in check all these years.

Meanwhile, in the hall, the two families had already finished finalizing the engagement.

The matchmaker and the Jiang family were just about to leave when, at the courtyard, Zhu Pan’er suddenly blocked the way.

“Xile, oh Xile… You took the bride price but didn’t tell your sister-in-law? Aren’t we all one family? Why keep me in the dark? Earlier, when I said not to marry you off, it was because the Jiang family is so poor. You’d only suffer if you went there. I was thinking of you! You really think I want to harm you?”

At these words, Qian Xile looked at her elder brother in utter disbelief.

But he just hung his head, guilty to the bone.

“Look at you. Your parents died early, and your brother doesn’t care for you. Isn’t it me who fed you and raised you all these years? Otherwise, would you even be alive today? If you truly want to marry into the Jiang family, fine! Just hand the two taels over to your sister-in-law. I’ll keep it safe for you, and once you have children, I’ll give it back.”

Zhu Pan’er stretched out her hand, plastering on a falsely loving smile.

“Give it to you? Dream on!” Qian Xile almost laughed from anger.

Did they take her for a fool?

“All these years, you’ve freeloaded off my family, eating and spending plenty. I never held it against you. But if you won’t hand over the bride price, then fine—give back all that silver! After that, I won’t care who you marry. I’ll just consider it as having raised a dog all these years. Animals don’t know gratitude anyway, so it’s only natural.”

Her eyes bulging, Zhu Pan’er planted herself in the doorway, hands on her hips.

Her stance made it clear: if Qian Xile didn’t cough up the money, she wasn’t letting anyone leave.

“What a ridiculous joke! Xile’s been living in her own home—how is that freeloading? You’re just an outsider. Since when did this place become yours? Shameless! And everyone in the village knows how you’ve treated her all these years.

If you have any shred of dignity left, get out of the way. The match has already been sealed, both families agreed. You think it’s your place to interfere? And you, Ping’an—never would I have thought you could stoop this low. Xile is your own sister! Instead of protecting her, you side with others to harm her? As an elder brother, don’t you feel any shame?”

Before Qian Xile could even respond, the matchmaker had already lashed back.

In just a few words, she left the couple’s faces alternating between red and green.

No wonder she was a matchmaker—her tongue was invincible.

“Come see, everyone! My sister-in-law’s been fooling around without a matchmaker! Who knows, maybe her belly’s already swelling, otherwise why the rush to get engaged? She must be hiding it! I can’t live anymore, our family’s birthed a shameless slut. I’ll have no face to show anyone!

Come look, everyone! This little tramp, only fifteen and already ruined! I raised her all these years for nothing. And she won’t even leave us the bride price—I’m ruined, utterly ruined! All these years, how much grain has she eaten from our household? If I’d known she was this ungrateful, I should’ve let her starve to death back then—”

Zhu Pan’er plopped herself on the ground, wailing and cursing.

Her filthy words quickly drew a crowd.

With the gate wide open, it took barely two minutes before the entrance was packed with villagers.

All of them pointed and whispered at Qian Xile, eager to see the drama.

Zhu Pan’er shot her sister-in-law a triumphant glance.

“You—you bitch—” Qian Xile, shaking with rage, was about to hurl curses.

But before the words left her lips, Zhang Jinlan clamped a hand over her mouth.

Leaning close, she whispered into her ear:

“Don’t lose your temper. She did this on purpose to draw a crowd. If you curse back, you’ll be ruined—your reputation destroyed, and the clan will side with her. You haven’t even transferred your household register yet. She’s still your elder in name. Don’t speak. Take Fubao inside and pack your things.

You can’t stay in this house anymore. Your sister-in-law will only cause trouble. I’m afraid she’ll plot against you in secret. Take everything you need. You’ll leave with us later. I’ll make a move soon—when that happens, stay inside with Fubao and don’t come out.”

With that, Zhang Jinlan scooped up her granddaughter and thrust her into Qian Xile’s arms.

Today, only her eldest son’s family of three and herself had come.

The Qian household had three and a half men at most.

If things escalated, she feared the chaos might harm her granddaughter.

So she quickly shoved the two girls into the house.