Chapter 20: Hit Whoever You Want

Everyone had left the courtyard, leaving only Tian Xiu’e, Ye Meiping, Jiang Rourou, and Jiang Xiangxiang. A slight breeze blew, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward.

Ye Meiping glared at Tian Xiu’e, saying nothing, but her posture clearly conveyed her displeasure. She wondered why Tian Xiu’e wasn’t leaving and whether she intended to spend the night, questioning her decency.

Tian Xiu’e said, “Xiangxiang, pack your things. Mom will take you home.”

Ye Meiping retorted, “Jiang Xiangxiang, you dare!”

Tian Xiu’e responded, “Xiangxiang, ignore her. Pack your things. Mom is waiting here for you. We’ll leave together. Let’s see who dares to stop you.”

Jiang Rourou interjected, “Auntie, please calm down. Although they’ve agreed to be together, our family hasn’t consented. If my sister goes there now, she’ll definitely be gossiped about. You wouldn’t want to see that, would you?”

Tian Xiu’e replied, “Gossip is gossip. People’s mouths are their own. We know Xiangxiang is a good girl. Everyone else can step aside.”

She recalled the gossip surrounding her marriage to Lu Gou Dan, yet they had overcome it. People would say what they want; one shouldn’t stop living because of fear of gossip.

Tian Xiu’e was open-minded and didn’t care about such things. Lu Jianshen had finally agreed to marry, and no one could ruin it. Anyone who tried would be her enemy.

Seeing Tian Xiu’e’s protective stance, Jiang Xiangxiang felt a warmth in her heart. She’d initially wondered if her decision to marry Lu Jianshen was too hasty, but now it seemed right.

With such a family, his character couldn’t be too bad. Even if their marriage didn’t work out, she wouldn’t be at a significant disadvantage.

“Mom, go back first,” Jiang Xiangxiang said.

“But…” Tian Xiu’e replied.

“I’m fine. They won’t do anything to me,” Jiang Xiangxiang reassured her.

“No, look at her; she’s up to no good. If I leave, those two will team up to bully you!”

“They won’t. They’re no match for me,” Jiang Xiangxiang whispered. “You go back and tell Jianshen to come and marry me sooner rather than later.”

She blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed.

Tian Xiu’e agreed. While she had no concerns, Lu Jianshen was old-fashioned and traditional. Taking Xiangxiang home without his consent might lead to misunderstandings, so caution was necessary.

With that, she relented.

Just as Ye Meiping was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Tian Xiu’e glared at her, issuing a warning:

“Ye Meiping, I’m telling you, be nice to my Xiangxiang. If I find out she’s suffering any grievances here, don’t blame me for being unkind.”

“Get out, get out, get out!”

Ye Meiping immediately chased them away. She regretted this alliance with the Lu family. Neither Jiang Xiangxiang nor Jiang Rourou were suitable daughters-in-law; having such a relative would bring her nothing but trouble.

Ignoring Ye Meiping, Tian Xiu’e repeatedly told Jiang Xiangxiang to come to her if she needed anything; her door was always open.

Jiang Xiangxiang nodded. Currently, her impression on her future mother-in-law was excellent, and she wouldn’t ruin it, as it affected her future marriage. She agreed, appearing very obedient.

Tian Xiu’e felt even more affection for her and planned to quickly prepare for the proposal, engagement, and betrothal, ensuring everything was done promptly.

Seeing their tender farewell, Ye Meiping felt her eyes sting. Jiang Xiangxiang showed no consideration for her Mom, acting so affectionately with others.

Once Tian Xiu’e left, Ye Meiping grabbed a broom and charged towards Jiang Xiangxiang, intending to fight.

Jiang Xiangxiang turned, calmly saying, “Put it down.”

Ye Meiping retorted, “You’ve gone too far, Jiang Xiangxiang! Do you even see me as your Mom?”

Jiang Xiangxiang repeated, “I said, put it down.”

Her tone held a subtle but forceful authority.

Ye Meiping froze, hesitant to attack but strangely afraid. This wasn’t the same Jiang Xiangxiang she knew; she had lost to her several times before. She needed a plan to get rid of her.

Jiang Rourou, more level-headed, intervened, pulling Ye Meiping back and soothing her.

“Mom, don’t get angry. If you call the village head again, it’ll be hard to resolve. We need to be careful.”

“It’s not that I’m not careful, but look at her! She’s clearly trying to make me angry.”

“Sister, look what you’ve done to our Mom! Apologize quickly,” Jiang Rourou patted her chest to calm her, then turned to Jiang Xiangxiang. “Hurry up! If you anger our Mom, how will you explain it to Father when he returns?”

“Jiang Rourou, are you a drama queen? You get to say all the nice things, while I get nothing? Why should I apologize? Is it because you two are ugly and promiscuous, one worse than the other?” Jiang Xiangxiang looked at them with disdain. If she showed weakness, they would think she was easy to bully.

She wasn’t afraid of them. Even if more people came, they wouldn’t be a match for her.

Jiang Xiangxiang wasn’t good-natured and didn’t intend to get along with them. Her focus was on how to torment them.

Ye Meiping, still holding the broom, swung at Jiang Xiangxiang, thinking she was still the same timid girl.

Jiang Xiangxiang kicked her to the ground, leaving Jiang Rourou speechless. Jiang Xiangxiang was more suited to this direct approach, hitting whoever she wanted, without concern for consequences or Ye Meiping’s feelings.

Ye Meiping was stunned by the sudden fall.

Jiang Rourou helped her up, continuing to calm her. “Mom, don’t be angry. Sister didn’t mean to; she just scared you.”