Chapter 131

After Landlord Li left, Grandma Wang couldn’t contain her anger and started scolding Madam Zhang, ignoring Grandpa Wang’s presence.

“Is this the man you said had good character? Is he here to pick vegetables or goods from our Wang family? Even if our family is humble, we won’t be treated like this!”

Madam Zhang, looking aggrieved, replied, “Mother, how was I supposed to know it would be like this? Our Min’er is a praised young lady. It’s no surprise he took a liking to her!”

“Oh, really?” Grandma Wang sneered. “So now you’re proud that he likes Min’er? What are you going to do? Are you going to marry off your daughter?”

“That’s not possible!” Madam Zhang immediately said, “Our Min’er can’t marry someone like him!”

“Oh? So your daughter can’t marry someone like that, but our Yuan’er is supposed to marry such an old man?”

As Madam Zhang finished speaking, an angry female voice came from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see Wang Yuan’er walking in, smiling, “Grandfather, Grandmother, my maternal grandparents have arrived.”

Following her were Scholar Liang and Grandma Liang, both dressed in simple clothes.

Seeing their in-laws, Grandpa and Grandma Wang were surprised. Since Madam Liang’s death, their in-laws had harbored resentment and rarely visited. Why did they suddenly come?

Grandma Wang wasn’t foolish. Seeing her in-law’s stern face and recalling what she had just said outside, she realized why they had come. It must be that Wang Yuan’er had written to them about her marriage and asked for their support.

Understanding this, Grandma Wang’s face turned even darker, and her eyes were cold as she looked at Wang Yuan’er. By involving her maternal grandparents, wasn’t she disregarding her own grandparents’ authority? This was quite a slap in the face.

Despite her thoughts, Grandma Wang forced a smile for her in-laws, “Oh, in-laws are here! Please sit, please sit.” She glared at Madam Zhang, “Go make some tea and cut some meat from the town. We’ll cook a big meal for our guests.”

Madam Zhang, feeling flustered under Scholar Liang’s gaze, quickly left. She wiped the sweat from her forehead under the eaves, thinking that although the eldest girl’s grandparents looked frail, their presence was imposing. No wonder she felt pressured. Farming families revered scholars, and Scholar Liang deliberately exuded an aura of authority to intimidate her.

After Madam Zhang left, Grandma Liang turned to Wang Yuan’er and said, “Good girl, go help out.”

They wanted to send Wang Yuan’er away!

Wang Yuan’er understood. She hadn’t expected her grandparents to arrive so quickly and just in time to witness Landlord Li’s departure, seeing his true colors. That’s why Grandma Liang was so angry. How could they approve of such a person!

Entering the main house, she heard Madam Zhang speaking, which infuriated her. Your daughter is a good girl, but my granddaughter deserves to marry an old scoundrel?

Wang Yuan’er left the main house but stayed nearby, hearing Grandma Liang argue with Grandma and Grandpa Wang. She recounted everything from Madam Liang’s marriage, childbirth, and her death, each word filled with accusations and questions.

Grandma Liang didn’t hold back, scolding Grandpa and Grandma Wang. Finally, she softened a bit, “I know you two are just worried. I already went to Xiangshan Temple and asked Master Xianzhen to read Yuan’er’s fortune. This year is not good for her marriage. What do you think, in-law?”

Chapter 132

Scholar Liang and Grandma Liang came to support Wang Yuan’er regarding her marriage, backing her up against Grandpa and Grandma Wang while also giving Madam Zhang a stern lesson.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Madam Zhang’s actions were disgraceful and, if spread, would tarnish the family’s reputation and harm future generations.

Scholar Liang said this to Grandpa Wang in Madam Zhang’s presence, with a tone of disdain and a clear unwillingness to associate with her, leaving Madam Zhang furious but unable to retort.

Being reprimanded by their in-laws left Grandpa and Grandma Wang embarrassed, their forced smiles turning stiff. They had no choice but to shelve Wang Yuan’er’s marriage plans temporarily.

However, Grandma Wang was displeased and sarcastically said, “I felt sorry for the girl, but I didn’t expect her to be so determined. Fine, I won’t interfere with her marriage anymore. In-laws, you can make the decisions!”

This showed her dissatisfaction with Wang Yuan’er. But Grandma Liang, being a scholar’s wife with decades of experience dealing with people, easily detected Grandma Wang’s discontent and responded with a smile, “Oh, in-law, you have such keen insight. In the future, you’ll surely help find a good husband for Yuan’er, and she’ll be grateful to you. People will praise your kindness and filial piety.”

Everyone likes to hear good things, and this made Grandma Wang’s expression soften a bit.

After having a meal in the main house, Scholar Liang and Grandma Liang played with Xiao Baolai and talked to Wang Yuan’er in the east room.

“If you have any issues, it’s right to send a message. Your mother is gone, but you still have your maternal family, and we will support you,” Grandma Liang said, holding Wang Yuan’er’s hand.

Wang Yuan’er felt warmth in her heart and leaned in, acting spoiled, “It’s because you and Grandpa love me.”

“Silly girl,” Grandma Liang said affectionately, touching her cheek. “Don’t worry. Now that we’ve made things clear, your grandparents won’t force you to marry. As for your second aunt, hmph, she’s in trouble herself. Let’s see how she handles it.”

Wang Yuan’er smiled slightly. Landlord Li had taken a liking to Wang Min’er, so her second aunt had indeed shot herself in the foot.

“This little guy looks much stronger!” Scholar Liang said, holding Wang Baolai, changing the subject.

They say grandparents love their grandchildren more than their own children. As a scholar, Scholar Liang adhered to this, holding Wang Baolai with eyes full of affection.

Grandma Liang looked over, seeing Baolai’s bright black eyes, like two black grapes, shining brightly. When she reached out, he grabbed her hand, giggling and putting it in his mouth, kicking his legs, melting their hearts.

Now seven months old, Baolai had grown from a frail baby to a chubby one, thanks to the care of Wang Yuan’er and Wang Chun’er, especially Wang Chun’er, who treated him like her own son.

Seeing her little brother’s adorable appearance, Wang Yuan’er thought of her past life and saw how much Scholar Liang liked him. An idea flashed in her mind, “Grandpa, when my little brother turns three, I’ll send him to you for enlightenment. How about he studies with you?”

Scholar Liang was taken aback, looking at Wang Yuan’er, seeing her seriousness, and said, “If you’re willing, let him come. He can study with Jing’er.”

Jing’er was Wang Yuan’er’s cousin, born in early March, just two months younger than Wang Baolai, making them the same age.

Wang Yuan’er agreed with a smile, thinking that boys shouldn’t always be raised by women. It would be better for him to be with his grandfather.