Chapter 63 : Support

The crowd turned their heads in the direction of the voice and saw a tall, graceful figure standing in the corridor. Everyone already knew Liang Qingqing was beautiful, but each time they saw her, she was even more striking.

Wearing a deep blue top with small white flowers and black pants, her figure was slim and elegant, her skin fair and flawless with a hint of pink. Under the sunlight, she seemed to glow, dazzling to the eye.

Among the country girls, how was it that she alone was so fair and so beautiful?

No one knew how long she had been standing there, listening. Her delicate face was now as dark as ink, looking extremely unpleasant.

“If my mother says no, then it’s a no. Don’t you understand human language?” Liang Qingqing stepped into the middle of the yard and stood beside Ma Xiuzhi. She was slightly taller, her arm casually resting on Ma Xiuzhi’s shoulder, instantly calming Ma Xiuzhi’s anxious heart.

When Zhao Cuihua first arrived, Liang Qingqing was aware. She wanted to go out and see, but as soon as she heard it was about her marriage, she as an unmarried girl, felt it inappropriate to intervene directly, so she remained in her room. The more she listened, the more she realized something was off and she began to sense the deceitful plotting.

“You know we’re relatives, but from what you’ve said, one would think we’re enemies.” Liang Qingqing chuckled, “You say we’re bullying you, but who’s really bullying whom?”

“Marriage should be based on mutual willingness. No matter how wealthy the other family is, we’ve clearly expressed our rejection. Yet you refuse to leave and are making unreasonable demands for us to agree. How is this different from bandits or landlords?”

“What are you talking about? Stop putting on airs. We haven’t forced you in any way, we’re just discussing things properly.” Hearing Liang Qingqing’s words, Zhao Cuihua was startled and quickly denied, then with a show of defiance, said coldly, “And you, starting with violence before the discussion is even over. Is there no law?”

“If it weren’t for our Shumin marrying into your family, I wouldn’t have introduced such a good match to you.” Zhao Cuihua pushed Huang Shumin forward, then clutched her chest, feigning hurt. “I was thinking only of your interests, and this is the outcome. Good intentions met with bad results—what bad luck!”

Ma Xiuzhi’s brows twitched angrily at this baseless accusation. She pointed at Zhao Cuihua and spat, “Pah! Shameless! You were thinking only of us? When Huang Shumin proposed to our second son, why did you suddenly increase the bride price? And now you say you were considering us? It’s laughable!”

“I—”

Zhao Cuihua choked, not even having a chance to respond. Liang Qingqing continued, “If it’s such a good match, why don’t you let your own daughter marry? Why not let a daughter from your own family marry? Someone who could suddenly increase the bride price, I don’t believe you’re so generous. There must be something wrong with this match.”

“Everyone, think about it, doesn’t this make sense? Finding a good family for a daughter is already difficult. If even our own relatives can’t introduce a good match, how could we expect a family from the in-laws’ side to be so eager to introduce their daughter? What are their true intentions? You should understand in your own heart.”

Liang Qingqing always spoke with conviction and logic and her words made people start to doubt. Those who were quick-witted began to sense that something was amiss, and their gazes toward Zhao Cuihua and Deng Weiping became more meaningful.

The aunt who had just recommended her daughter to Deng Weiping also began to panic.

“I do want my daughter to live a good life, but I don’t want to send her into a pit of fire. Are Ma Xiuzhi’s in-laws digging a big pit and waiting for people to jump in?”

“Exactly. If I had such good conditions, I would have married in the city long ago, not come to the countryside. And to spend so much on the bride price and even buy a three-turn-one-sound set? Rich people are rich, but they aren’t fools. They’re smarter than we are. If there weren’t some trickery involved, why would they spend so much money on marrying a country girl?”

“Liang Qingqing isn’t just any country girl. She’s so beautiful, even more so than city girls. I think they might be attracted by her looks. Men are often driven by appearance—how much wouldn’t they be willing to spend?”

“Ugh, a man who’s that obsessed with looks isn’t worth much. A man who is quick to fall for appearances is also quick to change his mind. No wonder Ma Xiuzhi doesn’t agree. She dotes on her daughter so much, how could she possibly want to marry her off to someone like that? If it were me, I wouldn’t agree either.”

“The Liang family is filled with honest, upright people. They never had these kinds of troublesome matters before. Who would have thought that marrying someone like this would bring so much trouble?”

As the discussion continued, it unexpectedly shifted to Huang Shumin. The sudden blame left her dazed and quickly she began to deny it “That’s not the case, it has nothing to do with me.”

“How can it have nothing to do with you? Isn’t she your mother? Didn’t you know anything beforehand? Helping your mother’s family to cheat the in-laws, really!”

Huang Shumin was left speechless. She first looked at Liang Junqiang with a lost expression. After meeting his complex and disappointed gaze, she felt a shiver in her heart. She couldn’t let things continue like this. If she was really pinned with the accusation of malicious intent, where would she stand in the Liang family in the future? She might end up being kicked out.

Her reputation would be completely ruined, living with people pointing fingers at her would be worse than death!

Huang Shumin took a deep breath, holding on to the last bit of hope, and cautiously looked at Ma Xiuzhi. To her dismay, Ma Xiuzhi turned her head away and refused to even look at her.

She clenched her hands, finally mustering the resolve to look at Liang Qingqing. Forcing a smile, she said, “Qingqing, listen to your sister-in-law. There’s been a misunderstanding. How could my family harm you for no reason? This is truly a good match.”

“Think about it carefully. No matter what…” Huang Shumin pressed her lips together and gritted her teeth. “His status and position are real. If you marry him, you’ll definitely live a life of luxury, enjoying all the comforts and leading an enviable life. Isn’t it your dream to live in the city and become a city person? Now that such a good opportunity is right in front of you, can you really bear to give it up?”

“Huang Shumin! What are you saying here?” Ma Xiuzhi suddenly glared at Huang Shumin, her eyes wide. Qingqing had finally woken up and wasn’t blinded by wealth but Huang Shumin was deliberately trying to provoke her. Was she afraid Qingqing might escape too quickly?

Ma Xiuzhi’s anger toward Huang Shumin had not been so deep initially. She thought Huang Shumin had only a minor role in this affair and would be over once she stopped interacting with her maternal family. Who would have thought that Huang Shumin would say such things, striking directly at her heart?

Indeed, like mother, like daughter. What others said was not wrong, Huang Shumin was indeed a troublemaker.

The Liang family couldn’t tolerate this troublemaker!

“I’m not talking nonsense. It really is a good marriage. You keep thinking otherwise. My mother has no motive to harm anyone. With such good conditions, who wouldn’t be tempted? If it weren’t for my several unworthy cousins and relatives who weren’t good enough, Liang Qingqing wouldn’t even be in the running.”

Huang Shumin’s voice quivered with grievance. Why was no one from her maternal or in-law family trusting her or considering her feelings? Her maternal family was all about Huang Shaofeng, her in-laws were all about Liang Qingqing, and even her husband stood against her.

This world was so unfair.

Huang Shumin complained about everything and blamed everything but herself. She only felt wronged and innocent.

“If someone is tempted, let them marry. I won’t,” Liang Qingqing said, looking at Huang Shumin’s resentful face with a frown. She felt that her relationship with her was now irrevocably damaged and any hope of peaceful coexistence was out of the question.

“Since you think this marriage is so good, then our Liang family won’t hold you back. You can go back with your mother and live your wealthy life,” Ma Xiuzhi said, her face trembling slightly. Uncontrollable rage surged through her veins and the long-suppressed emotions erupted like a volcanic explosion.

When these words were spoken, the entire scene erupted in astonishment. Clearly, no one expected things to escalate to this point. How could Ma Xiuzhi go from talking about family to kicking out the second daughter-in-law? But upon reflection, it was understandable. Who wouldn’t want a peaceful life? Keeping a daughter-in-law who stirs up trouble and might even stab them in the back one day wasn’t worth the hassle.

It was better to cut ties swiftly. After all, the man was divorced and could still marry again. The Liang family’s second son was outstanding and a strong man who earned full credits every year—surely he could find a new partner for a fresh start?

Some people, their minds whirring, silently began calculating their next moves.

“Mother.” Huang Shumin was even more incredulous, her face turning as pale as a sheet of paper.

Ma Xiuzhi shot her a look of annoyance and turned directly to the stunned Liang Junqiang “Second son, I’ll ask you just one thing, do you agree with your mother’s decision?”

“Mother…” Liang Junqiang glanced at Ma Xiuzhi and then at Huang Shumin, his mind filled with the harsh and unpleasant words Huang Shumin had just said. He could hardly believe they had come from her.

Seeing his hesitation, Ma Xiuzhi was displeased. Her nature was fiery and decisive, and she immediately chuckled and said:“I’ve always said that harmony brings wealth, and a happy family is what we value most. Since someone is trying to disrupt this peace right under my nose, I won’t hold back.”

“Since so many people are here today, let this serve as a witness. Starting today, our Liang family will separate. You, your father, and Qingqing will live with the eldest son, Liang Shuqing’s family. You, Liang Junqiang, will move out with your wife. Your father and I won’t expect you to support us. From now on, each of us will live our own lives. Just stay away from me.”

“Separate?”

Liang Junqiang collapsed to his knees in front of Ma Xiuzhi. “Mother, what are you doing? Father, say something. How can we separate?”

Liang Xueyong, who had been standing at the back and supporting the Liang family from a distance, coldly responded to Liang Junqiang’s question “Your mother’s decision is my decision. If life is getting worse and we can’t live together peacefully, then we should separate.”

“Since when did my daughter’s marriage become someone else’s business? Does everyone think the Liang family is easy to bully?”

Liang Xueyong looked toward the courtyard’s entrance, where a dark mass of people was coming fiercely from the distance, all wielding sticks and farm tools. It was Liang Shuqing and Wang Xiaomei, who had gone to fetch reinforcements, bringing a crowd of Liang family relatives.

No one dared to stick around for the spectacle any longer. They all retreated, clearing the area for them.

“Which blind fool dares to bully my Liang family?”

“Qingqing, don’t be afraid. Your uncle is here to support you!”

Sitting on the ground, Deng Weiping saw the situation and almost collapsed again as he stood up. He had come to the countryside hoping to find a docile woman to marry, but he never expected to encounter such a huge embarrassment.

The crucial issue was that Zhao Cuihua had just declared her identity in front of everyone. If this incident spread to the city or even to the factory, he would be utterly humiliated.

“Brother, do we really have to go through with this marriage?” Deng Chaoxian was filled with regret. He shouldn’t have volunteered to come along, but now he had no choice but to lament with a mournful face “There are plenty of fish in the sea. Why fixate on just one? Let’s find someone else. There are many beautiful girls, and what kind of matchmaker did you hire? This is clearly a trap!”

Hearing this, Deng Weiping finally remembered why he was in such a dire situation. He turned his glare toward Zhao Cuihua, who was shrinking in the corner of the courtyard. “Zhao Cuihua, didn’t you say you’d make sure I was satisfied? What’s this situation now? If you don’t sort this out for me, don’t even think about getting a single cent, let alone fifty!”

“Hey, you promised fifty dollars. Don’t try to weasel out of it,” Zhao Cuihua shouted angrily.

To everyone’s surprise, the usually easygoing and honest Liang family was being so perceptive today, immediately understanding the crux of the matter and remaining stubbornly firm.

It seemed the marriage might not happen, but Zhao Cuihua was determined to get some money out of Deng Weiping. The confrontation was likely to turn violent.

As for Ma Xiuzhi’s suggestion that Huang Shumin should go back home with her, Zhao Cuihua didn’t take it seriously. The Liang family wasn’t stupid, they wouldn’t just accept such a hefty bride price and then decide to back out.

Since her daughter had already been compromised, Zhao Cuihua wasn’t about to return a single penny!

This was also why she felt confident pushing the Liang family so hard.

“We had a deal, but did you help me marry Liang Qingqing? I can’t be bothered to argue with you. I’m going back to the city now.” Deng Weiping called out to Deng Chaoxian, and the two of them prepared to leave on their bicycles. Zhao Cuihua wasn’t having any of it and immediately jumped in front of them. “If you don’t give me the money, I’ll reveal everything about you.”

“Shut up!” Deng Weiping, furious, slapped her directly.

Despite his usually refined appearance, his face now showed clear signs of disgust and anger. With his strength, Zhao Cuihua’s face quickly bore the clear imprint of five red handprints.

Stunned by the slap, Zhao Cuihua, who had enjoyed smooth sailing since giving birth to her son in the Huang family, had never been struck before. This event unleashed her rage, and she lunged at Deng Weiping, shouting, “How dare you hit me, you degenerate who sleeps with your own brother! I’ll fight you to the end!”

Afterward, Zhao Cuihua felt a pang of regret, but mostly a sense of release. She had overheard this scandalous information by accident and had kept it to herself until now. Since she wasn’t getting any money and had been hit, she figured she might as well make sure everyone suffered.

By the time Deng Weiping tried to cover his mouth, it was too late. Zhao Cuihua had already revealed everything, leaving him disoriented. Taking advantage of the moment, she struck him hard on the face.

With a “crack,” Deng Weiping was knocked out cold.

Whether he was more stunned by the slap, embarrassed, feigning it, or genuinely knocked out, he fell straight to the ground, lying motionless.

Zhao Cuihua was dazed, and so was everyone else, their mouths hanging open in shock as they struggled to process what had just happened.

The back-and-forth confrontation between Deng Weiping and Zhao Cuihua had inadvertently exposed the truth. It was now clear that something was seriously wrong with this marriage arrangement!

The situation was far more scandalous than anyone had anticipated.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Deng Chaoxian. From what they had heard, this person had called Deng Weiping “brother,” which implied…

Deng Chaoxian, also feeling overwhelmed by the situation, wanted to faint but had no choice but to muster the courage to shout, “Someone, help me get him to the hospital!”

There was a lot of whispering among the crowd, but no one was willing to step forward to help. Eventually, the village chief arrived and ordered people to take Deng Weiping to the hospital. The men who helped carry him were visibly disgusted, and along the way, Deng Weiping suffered multiple falls and injuries to his head, body, and legs.

Terrified, Zhao Cuihua took advantage of the distraction and fled, leaving even her own daughter, Huang Shumin, behind.