Chapter 53: The Meaning of Family

Jiang An’an’s arm was pulled so hard that it hurt, leaving red marks on her fair skin. Her brow furrowed involuntarily, “Auntie, please let go of my arm first, we can talk slowly.”

“Pfft!” She spat a mouthful of saliva directly onto Jiang An’an’s face, “If I let go of my hand, you’ll run away, you little bitch! You must compensate me with a daughter-in-law, or I’ll fight you!”

Jiang An’an: ??

Soon, she finally understood the whole story from the old woman’s intermittent complaints.

The Qin family was poor, no one was willing to marry into it. Now, they finally managed to find a wife for Qin Dalang. But only half a month after she entered the family, the daughter-in-law heard about the law that marriage is free, and she reported her parents-in-law and made a fuss about getting a divorce. This stirred up a hornet’s nest, further tarnishing the already poor reputation of the Qin family.

Secretary Zhang, who came today, said that all the young wives and girls in the brigade were instigated by Jiang An’an to rebel.

Jiang An’an from the Nanxi Brigade?

Coincidentally, wasn’t she the daughter-in-law who was almost betrothed to her eldest son?

So she rushed over without stopping, specifically waiting at the entrance of the village, specifically catching young girls who were pretty and rode bicycles, and sure enough, she caught one every time.

Jiang An’an’s face was cold, “Did you mistreat your daughter-in-law?”

The girl was married into the Qin family by her parents, her family wasn’t well-off, and her parents didn’t pamper her. She had finally escaped from the wolf’s den only to enter the tiger’s lair. If she had been happy in the Qin family after marriage, would she have thought of getting a divorce?

Qin’s mother was caught off guard, her face flushed with panic, she stiffened her neck and retorted, “A daughter-in-law becomes a mother-in-law after many years, isn’t that how it is for all women? Filial piety is paramount, it’s only right for her to serve me, her mother-in-law.”

Hearing this, Jiang An’an was furious, she suddenly grabbed her arm, the pain made Qin’s mother cry and wail, “Murder! Jiang An’an is going to kill me, an old woman!”

The voice of a rural woman was loud and rough, louder than a loudspeaker.

People from the village gradually walked towards them, the person in the lead was even carrying a broom, looking menacing.

Qin’s mother thought triumphantly: This little bitch wants to fight with me, after all, I’ve eaten more salt than she has… “Ah, you’re asking for it!”

The broom came crashing down, hitting Qin’s mother’s face, making her grimace in pain.

The person didn’t stop, and without hesitation, they hit her several more times.

Jiang An’an jumped aside in time, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

“Stop hitting, you’re going to ruin my face.”

“Help! The crazy woman from the Nanxi Brigade is killing someone!”

“What are you looking at? Hurry up and pull this crazy woman away!

Qin’s mother, despite being beaten, didn’t stop cursing, she insulted their ancestors for eighteen generations. The other commune members couldn’t help but clench their fists and rushed forward to beat her up, only letting go when she begged for mercy.

“Dare to bully our lucky star in the Nanxi Brigade, we’ll beat you up every time we see you.” The one carrying the broom was Zhu Po, she strutted towards Jiang An’an like a victorious rooster, her old face instantly softened, turning into a blooming chrysanthemum.

“An’an, are you off work? Did the crazy woman hurt you? You’re such a kind child, next time just shout loudly, and we’ll take revenge for you.”

Although a little confused, Jiang An’an nodded obediently, “I’m fine, thank you, Auntie Zhu, and all the other aunties for helping.”

She seemed a little shy, the little girl tilted her head and smiled sweetly, her dimples appearing and disappearing.

A wave of maternal instincts instantly flooded the hearts of the women.

“Look, An’an’s face is pale from fright, go home quickly, we’ll take the crazy woman to the brigade leader.”

“Yes, my hen just laid an egg this morning, I’ll send it to you later.”

“An’an, were you tired at work today? What activities will the Women’s Federation be organizing next? Our Nanxi Brigade will be the first to sign up.”

…

Jiang An’an walked home with the warmth of the crowd and a heart full of questions. On the way, she met Lin Meiru, who had rushed over after hearing the news.

Since the last fight with her elder brother and the development of her new skill, she had developed a new habit of wielding a kitchen knife. Several times she woke up in the middle of the night, dreaming that she was going to prison with hot food to bid farewell to her mother.

It was terrifying!

Jiang An’an held Lin Meiru’s arm and walked back, explaining the ins and outs of the situation, and asking her questions.

Lin Meiru didn’t care at all, “Cough, it’s normal for the villagers to flatter you, isn’t it? My daughter is beautiful and capable, she’s like money, everyone loves her, flowers bloom wherever she goes.”

Jiang An’an: …No need for that!

Seeing her daughter’s face twisted into a knot, Lin Meiru burst out laughing, “I’m just teasing you, the brigade leader took the first batch of goods to the clothing factory for handover, the quality passed all inspections, and each person can earn eight work points a day. Plus, all the things you’ve done for the commune and the brigade recently, the members have it all in their hearts.”

The effort she put in was rewarded, Jiang An’an felt a surge of pride filling her chest, and she couldn’t help but smile genuinely.

She leaned against Lin Meiru’s shoulder, “…It’s so good.”

For some reason, her nose suddenly felt a little sour, and her eyes welled up with moisture. The emotions she had been holding back all day finally burst forth.

…There are still people in this world who understand her and support her!

Sensing her daughter’s emotions, Lin Meiru slowed down. Looking at the red clouds in the sky, she said softly, “When you first came, you were so small, and you were prettier than other babies when you were little. Your father said to me, ‘This child was born with good fortune, I only hope that she will live a peaceful life.’ So, we named you An’an.

Who would have thought that you would grow up to do such great things. Your father and I are both proud, but we’re also afraid that you’ll suffer outside and won’t come back to tell us.

He used to not believe in gods or Buddhas, how could so many people starve to death in the past fifty years if there were gods? But now he’s afraid, he has a soft spot for you, and every morning he wakes up and prays to heaven, hoping that his little girl will be happy and safe.

Your big sister eats her meals in a hurry, and spends the rest of her time working on clothes, she’s determined to do a good job. She makes the most clothes in the brigade, and she checks the quality three or five times to ensure it’s meticulous, she doesn’t want people to think you’re using your position for personal gain, she wants to conquer the women in the brigade with her skills.

An’an, no matter what people say or think, you will always be the daughter of the Jiang family. If one day you get tired, you can quit your job, your parents will support you for the rest of your life!”

Jiang An’an bit her lip tightly, tears falling one after another.

…She has a family now.

…She’s no longer an orphan.

“Mother, you will be my mother for this life, and for the next life.”

“You greedy little thing, you want your mother to be your ox and horse for this life, isn’t that enough?”

“Then I’ll be your mother in the next life?”

“…I think you’re itching for a beating!”