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Wan Chunmei was quite surprised by the idea of going to the county. She was a rural woman, and before marriage, she had been busy with her family’s land, and after marriage, she continued with her husband’s fields and taking care of her children. She had never been to the county.
In the past, she had been curious about the county, hearing about the beautiful fabrics, fine makeup, and the many attractive people. But as she grew older, that desire faded.
Tan Xiaomei nodded, “Yes!”
She then explained that Liu Shiye had asked her to go work at the residence of the County Magistrate, Cao.
When Wan Chunmei heard that it was the County Magistrate’s residence, she almost refused, but after thinking it over, she realized that Little Qiyue had grown quite a bit, and they wouldn’t be recognized. Plus, she was curious about the kind of family that could abandon such a wonderful girl.
Seeing her lost in thought, Tan Xiaomei quickly called out, “Sister-in-law, Sister-in-law!”
Wan Chunmei straightened up and responded, “Alright, I’ll go! Twenty wen a day is not bad. Since I’m going, I’ll also take some dried vegetables to Shopkeeper Bai and buy some small items for our new house.”
Tan Xiaomei, encouraged by Wan Chunmei’s agreement, grew bolder. “Great! When elder brother returns, I’ll have him let Liu Shiye know.”
Wan Chunmei nodded, then picked up Tan Liujin, washed his face, and placed him back on the bed. Little Qiyue was more clingy, so Tan Xiaomei had to carry her around for a bit.
When Old Tan came home, Tan Xiaomei quickly told him about the plan.
Old Tan was pleased. He had thought of going to the county himself, but since there were too many children, it wasn’t convenient to bring them all, so he agreed and went to Liu Shiye’s home.
When he arrived, Madam Liu greeted him warmly, inviting him in without any airs. She smiled and offered him a cup of tea.
Old Tan was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception. After a short while and after delivering the message, he left.
That night, Miao Shi, the Daughter-in-law of Wan family, had been turned away at the door by her third sister-in-law’s family, and was now returning to the village, fuming with anger.
When she entered the house, Wan Family’s stepmother immediately confronted her, asking sharply, “So, what did your brother-in-law say?”
Miao Shi slammed the bundle in her hands down and, glaring at the third brother-in-law, replied, “What could he have said? Of course, it’s ‘a man’s marriage and a woman’s marriage are separate matters!'”
After speaking, she raised her voice, adding, “Third Sister-in-law, I’m not advising you, but now that your marriage is over, just let it go. Don’t keep making a fuss, and try to live a peaceful life from now on.”
The third daughter, hung her head and said nothing.
Miao Shi was not usually a harsh person. If it had been any other sister-in-law who had been divorced, she would have welcomed her back and even offered help. However, this particular sister-in-law was not easy to deal with—lazy at home and always nitpicking. Who would tolerate that?
Miao Shi, with her straightforward nature, continued, “Now that you’ve returned to your mother’s house, you’re no longer a guest. From now on, you’re part of the family. You still have things to do, so don’t just sit here and eat without working. No rice grows in the sky.”
Miao Shi’s words struck a nerve.
The stepmother and the third daughter stood up, and they both started yelling at Miao Shi.
“Little hussy! Who do you think you are, trying to take charge of this house?”
Miao Shi, enraged, stormed into the kitchen and started smashing things with a loud crash.
“I’ll let you eat! I’ll let you eat! Don’t bother living anymore!”
She sobbed as she stormed off to her room.
She was reminded of what Wan Chunmei had said earlier and began packing her things, planning to leave for the county early the next morning.
Wan Laoji, the second son and Miao Shi’s husband, was a big filial son and refused to leave at this time.
Angered, Miao Shi decided to go alone.
Although her family was also from Liuyang Village, her mother worked as a servant at the house of County Magistrate Cao, so she could go and stay with her.
As the saying goes, “A harmonious family prospers,” but with the constant turmoil at home, it was bound to lead to misfortune.
Indeed, the misfortunes started piling up—Wan Daya accidentally choked while drinking water, the stepmother got burned while delivering firewood, and the third daughter was even bitten by a rat while trying to sleep.
In short, things were not going well for them.