Chapter 31: Frame Jiang Li

If Li Ermazi got his hands on Jiang Li, the outcome would be terrible.  Thinking of Jiang Li’s tragic fate, Sun Wenwen felt a sense of satisfaction.  She had to help push things along.  So, Sun Wenwen approached Aunt Guihua and whispered, “Aunt Guihua, you want Jiang Li to be your daughter-in-law, right?” Aunt Guihua glanced at Sun Wenwen.

 She wanted to say it was obvious, but realizing Sun Wenwen wasn’t just asking a simple question, she asked, “What? You have a way?” Sun Wenwen looked around and whispered, “Aunt Guihua, I do have a way. I’ll give you a plan, but you can’t reveal my involvement.” Aunt Guihua immediately agreed.

“Of course, I won’t betray you if you help me.” Sun Wenwen then explained her plan, essentially the same scheme they used in her past life. Aunt Guihua thought it was a good idea. Once Jiang Li’s reputation was ruined, she would have to marry into their family even if she didn’t want to. “Okay, Sun Zhiqing, this is a good idea. When Jiang Li goes to wash clothes, you must let us know.” Sun Wenwen readily agreed.

“Okay, Aunt, don’t worry, I’ll let you know immediately.” Aunt Guihua glanced at Sun Wenwen again. “Sun Zhiqing, you wouldn’t help us for no reason, right? What do you want in return?” Aunt Guihua felt Sun Wenwen wasn’t close to them and wouldn’t help without a reason. Sun Wenwen couldn’t say she wanted Jiang Li to suffer, so she gave a plausible excuse. “Aunt, I’m a newcomer here, and I’m easily bullied.

If you help me, I’ll look after you in return.” Aunt Guihua found the explanation reasonable. She patted her chest. “Okay, no problem. Sun Zhiqing, if this works, you’ll have done us a great favor, and I’ll definitely look after you.”  The two women agreed and waited for Jiang Li to go wash clothes to put their plan into action.

 Jiang Li was unaware of the plot against her. She returned to the educated youth’s quarters with her game. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong had already finished work. They didn’t have much work that day, and being efficient, they finished by two or three in the afternoon. They collected firewood and bought a water jar, which they filled with water.

The older educated youths also had a water jar, and they took turns fetching water. Mu Jingxun found sharing a water jar inconvenient, so they bought their own.

 Seeing Jiang Li return with game, Bai Ziyong happily approached her. “Sister Li, you got more game!” Jiang Li found the term amusing. “You call me Sister Li? I’m probably younger than you.” Bai Ziyong waved his hand. “Sister Li, the title is secondary; it’s a sign of respect.

You’re so amazing, I must call you sister.” Mu Jingxun rolled his eyes at Bai Ziyong’s flattery. “A suck-up.”  Bai Ziyong snorted at Mu Jingxun’s comment.

“Brother Xun, you can call her that too if you want. Sister Li is really amazing. She’s the first woman I’ve ever admired.” Mu Jingxun looked at Jiang Li. He couldn’t bring himself to call her “Sister Li.” No matter how capable she was, she was still just a cute little girl to him. Jiang Li gave the rabbit to Bai Ziyong and Mu Jingxun to prepare.

She planned to stew the remaining chicken in the morning so they could have soup for lunch.  She could start cooking early. Meat dishes took longer, so she needed to prepare in advance. Besides meat, she needed vegetables.

 Wu Meixia had given her some vegetables, and there were also vegetables in the educated youth’s private plot. The older educated youths grew the vegetables, and the newcomers could pick them. But they would have to help maintain the garden. Jiang Li saw that the vegetables were growing well and picked two cucumbers to make a cucumber salad. Wu Meixia had also given her cabbage and potatoes.

 She decided to make a spicy potato salad. They would have rice. Jiang Li prepared the vegetables, and Mu Jingxun had cleaned and cut the rabbit. Jiang Li put it directly into the pot. Jiang Li had a coal stove, and Mu Jingxun also bought one, so cooking was faster. Jiang Li stir-fried the rabbit in one pot and then simmered it.

In the other pot, she stir-fried the potatoes and cooked the rice. When the rabbit was tender, the rice was almost done. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong were waiting for dinner; Jiang Li’s cooking was so fragrant.  Their good food made others jealous.

 Jiang Li called Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong for dinner.  They ate to their hearts’ content. Bai Ziyong praised even the potato salad, saying it was delicious and went well with rice. After dinner, Bai Ziyong and Mu Jingxun washed the dishes.

 Jiang Li took a bath. It was hot, and she was sweaty. After showering, she took her clothes to the pond to wash them.

There was a small pond nearby where people washed clothes. Jiang Li thought it would be more convenient to have a well. Getting a well would cost money, maybe ten or more yuan.  She thought about discussing it with Mu Jingxun; they could share the cost.