Chapter 57

Wang Yuan’er and her sisters planned to stay at their maternal grandparents’ house for a couple of days. Madam Liang had anticipated this, but with fewer people bustling around, the days felt particularly difficult and dull. Indeed, a house full of children was truly lively. She smiled, put down her sewing, stretched her aching back, glanced outside the window at the fine weather, and then looked down at her large belly. After some thought, she stood up and stepped outside.

“Mother, where are you going?” Wang Chun’er asked, returning from the backyard with a bucket of chicken feed, seeing Madam Liang walking into the courtyard.

“I see that the weather is so pleasant today, so I thought it’d be nice to take a walk,” Madam Liang replied with a smile.

In just a few days, the baby in her womb would reach full term. Even though she’d already had several children, walking more often could make the delivery less burdensome.

Hearing this, Wang Chun’er immediately put down the chicken feed, wiped her hands on her apron, and went over to support her. “The ground is slippery; let me help you.”

“You’re too overly cautious,” Madam Liang teased with a smile, though her heart felt deeply warmed. How could a mother not be touched by such a thoughtful and caring daughter?

The mother and daughter walked outside and began to stroll around the courtyard slowly. Along the way, they met others who were returning to their parents’ homes, exchanging greetings and wishing each other a happy New Year.

“Hey, Mother, isn’t that Elder Sister Lan? She’s come back to visit her family too!”

When they reached the Chen Shugen family’s house, Wang Chun’er pointed to a young woman and called out. Madam Liang looked over; sure enough, it was Sister Lan, Chen Shugen’s eldest daughter. Years ago, Sister Lan had married into a family in Bashang, and she rarely returned to visit her family over the years. Before her marriage, she often visited Madam Liang due to their shared interest in embroidery.

Seeing her now, Madam Liang was naturally delighted. Remembering Sister Lan lived in Bashang, she had an idea and walked over. “Elder Sister Lan.”

“Ah, Sister-in-law!”

The two greeted each other warmly and started chatting at the door, mostly about how things were at their in-laws’ homes.

“I only just heard that Brother Wang passed away. Sister-in-law, my condolences,” Sister Lan said, looking at Madam Liang with sympathy.

Madam Liang forced a smile and changed the topic. “Let’s not talk about that. Let me ask you something—do you know a man named Zhou Shunxing in Bashang? What kind of person is he?”

“Why are you asking about him, Sister-in-law?” Sister Lan was momentarily stunned before quickly spilling everything about the Zhou family. She didn’t notice Madam Liang’s expression growing darker.

Wang Chun’er watched her mother with worry. The hand gripping her wrist was becoming tighter and tighter—Mother was angry!

“I heard that he was recently arranging a marriage, but for some reason, it fell through. They said the girl had lofty ambitions, was trying to marry above her station, and had a cursed fate. The rumors are everywhere,” Sister Lan added.

Wang Chun’er hurriedly interrupted, “Mother, we should go back now!”

Sister Lan finally noticed Madam Liang’s strained expression and quickly went to support her. “Sister-in-law, are you feeling unwell?”

Madam Liang took a deep breath and said, “The marriage they were talking about was with our Yuan’er.”

“What?” Sister Lan froze.

“Come to my house later for tea,” Madam Liang said with a forced smile to Sister Lan before looking at Wang Chun’er. “Let’s go.”

She wanted to ask her aunt what she was thinking. How could they suggest such a person for Yuan’er? Did they even consider her as their niece anymore?

Sister Lan watched her walk a few steps before catching up and saying, “Sister-in-law, Zhou Shunxing is lazy and a bad match. It’s a blessing that the engagement fell through. Sister-in-law, please don’t be upset—it’s not worth it. Your health is more important.”

Madam Liang understood the reasoning in her words, but she simply couldn’t swallow the indignation in her heart.

Chapter 58

Madam Liang walked briskly, determined to confront Madam Zhang and demand an explanation. They all shared the same pot of food—how could Madam Zhang treat her Yuan’er so poorly just for the sake of her own family?

That Zhou boy was spoiled and aimless, spending his days idling about. That alone was bad enough, but his mother was also a formidable woman. Wouldn’t Yuan’er be devoured alive if she were to marry into their family?

It was clear—they were only interested in Yuan’er’s skills, wanting to marry someone who could bring in money so they could live comfortably without worry. They didn’t care whether her fate was “cursed” or not. It was infuriating, truly infuriating!

The more Madam Liang thought about it, the angrier she became, completely unaware of the cramps in her belly. Wang Chun’er, however, had been watching her mother’s expression closely. Seeing her face darken, she grew both anxious and upset. If only she had known, she wouldn’t have let her mother come out.

And that second aunt—she knew her sister-in-law’s family well, didn’t she? How could she try to deceive her eldest niece like that? Thankfully, the matter didn’t go through; otherwise, it would have been a real tragedy!

The Zhou family wasn’t good either. When the engagement fell through, they tarnished her elder sister’s reputation. Indeed, they were like a pig’s stomach—full of filth!

“Mother, don’t upset yourself. Otherwise, when Eldest Sister comes back, she’ll skin me alive! Eldest Sister Lan was right—this engagement falling through was a stroke of luck for our family. The Zhou family is a filthy nest, not a good place. We shouldn’t waste our energy being angry over such people.”

Madam Liang replied, “I know the Zhou family isn’t good. What angers me more is your second aunt. We’re all family—why can’t we wish each other well? Why is it all scheming? Her family is her family, but aren’t we her relatives too?”

Wang Chun’er pursed her lips and said, “Didn’t Second Aunt later say the Zhou family wasn’t good either?”

Madam Liang stopped in her tracks and sneered, “You’re too young to understand. Do you remember when your second uncle wanted your sister’s recipe?”

“This…”

“They must have found a better opportunity, so they gave up on the Zhou family. Think about it—if Yuan’er married into the Zhou family, her skills would naturally go with her. Would your second uncle still be able to ask for it?” She finally understood why the engagement fell through—it was all part of their plan!

Wang Chun’er, being simple-minded, couldn’t grasp such complexities. Hearing her mother’s explanation, she realized how unpredictable people could be. She also understood that her mother was deeply hurt. What could be more heartbreaking than being betrayed by family?

When the mother and daughter returned to their house, they ran into Madam Zhang and her children. Madam Liang practically leaped forward, and Wang Chun’er couldn’t hold her back.

Soon, Madam Liang and Madam Zhang were arguing.

“Yuan’er is your own niece. How could you be so heartless?” Madam Liang said, her eyes red with emotion.

“The engagement didn’t go through, did it? Don’t worry, your Yuan’er is strong-willed. They might not have been able to control her anyway,” Madam Zhang retorted. She had just lost a lot of money playing cards at her parent’s house and was already in a foul mood. Now, with Madam Liang causing a scene before she even entered the house, her temper flared. Ignoring Madam Liang, she walked straight inside.

“Don’t walk away! Explain yourself—are you still her aunt or not?” Madam Liang grabbed her arm.

“Why are you so annoying!” Madam Zhang snapped, shaking her off.

“Mother!” Wang Chun’er was terrified and rushed to help, but Madam Liang had already fallen to the ground. Moments later, blood began to spread from her skirt.

“Blood! Blood!” Wang Min’er screamed, pointing at her.

Madam Zhang turned around and froze, her face draining of color. Trembling, she stammered, “Quick, call a doctor!”