Chapter 23

"Is it that your mother-in-law won't allow it?" The matchmaker asked suspiciously. How could Liu Jumei be so cruel? It's been years since the Qing Dynasty fell.

The great leader said that women can hold up half the sky; how could they be expected to live in widowhood and chastity?

This needs to be criticized thoroughly!

"I'm telling you, women must always have someone to rely on. In the future, if the Li family's boy… marries a wife from Linxi, what will you do then? The one from Linbei is still his younger brother, and you have no connections with Linxi. If a conflict arises, do you think your mother-in-law will stand by your side?"

The matchmaker earnestly advised her, coming from a woman's perspective, especially considering Jiang Manzhu.

And deep down, the matchmaker truly believed this, given her education and mindset.

"Matchmaker, I'm really not interested in getting married right now. I think my life is just fine as it is," Jiang Manzhu shook her head in refusal. "Besides, I think my mother and Linxi are both quite good. We are all family; there's no need to fuss over so much."

Don't come looking for me. I'm the kind of daughter-in-law who has already been brainwashed. No matter how much I waste time, I want to stay in the Li family.

Married women follow their husbands. If their husbands die, they follow… well, I'm already married, and I won't marry again.

Once she voiced such a decayed and feudal idea, the matchmaker was dumbfounded. Wait, you're a young person; why do you seem even more difficult than I am?

This kind of thinking… didn't you receive an education in the big city?

In the production team, there was a young educated woman who got married and had children. Later, it seems her family in the city helped her return, and she immediately abandoned her husband and children.

Why is it different for Jiang, the educated youth?

"Jiang, your way of thinking is wrong. The great leader said that men and women are equal, and women can hold up half the sky. You need to value your own existence; you are not a prisoner of the Li family."

The matchmaker knew that city folks spoke in a flowery manner; these idioms were learned during a matchmaking event for a certain girl in the city. She couldn't help but applaud herself inwardly. I'm really cultured.

Jiang Manzhu thought: The matchmaker is quite eloquent.

She never even considered marrying. Life is so good now; staying in the Li family means I won't have to suffer the covetous eyes of some second-rate men. I have food, drink, and a job. When the time comes for college entrance exams, I won't be dragged down by anyone.

If I get married? I'll have to work outside, do housework at home, and might even suffer domestic violence from a man. Having children is terrifying, and during the college entrance exams, there's a chance my examination permit might get torn.

Bah!

"Once I marry into the Li family, I'm a Li person in life and a Li ghost in death. I'm a conservative person. Matchmaker, you don't need to persuade me anymore." I refuse; I'm just such a conservative and feudal person. Goodbye.

The matchmaker was left speechless by her words. When you used to ask the other young men in the village for help, you didn't seem so conservative.

Back then, those young men in the village were practically breaking their heads to help you, and you didn't seem unhappy about it, did you?

"I'm here on behalf of Meihua's son, A Qing. He's diligent and capable, only twenty-two this year. Young and promising, he has two older brothers at home, which means more labor. Every year, he earns enough work points to eat until he's full during the New Year."

"Moreover, A Qing is honest, simple, and obedient. Once you marry him, you can take charge. Such a good match is hard to find."

The matchmaker thought Jiang Manzhu was rejecting the proposal because she didn't know the person she was introducing. That wouldn't do; she had found a very good match, and Jiang, the educated youth, couldn't possibly dislike him.

If only her family had a daughter, she would want to introduce her daughter to A Qing.

But unfortunately, A Qing only likes Jiang, the educated youth.

The matchmaker discreetly assessed Jiang Manzhu's beautiful and alluring face. Indeed, she was quite captivating.

No wonder two or three women came to her for help, but of course, they were ranked by the amount of matchmaking fees they offered.

A Qing? Who? I don't know him, and I don't want to know him.

"Maybe A Qing is very outstanding and certainly has no shortage of suitors. There's no need for the matchmaker to put in any effort with me. I really haven't thought about getting married; how long has it been since I married into the Li family?"

"Mom, Mom, I'm hungry! What are we having for lunch?" Jiang Manzhu said as she got up to go to the kitchen to find her mother. My good mother-in-law is making me lunch.

What a great mother-in-law! Do you think I can find such a good mother-in-law? No, right? Then just get lost.

Such underlying messages are clear; surely, the clever matchmaker wouldn't fail to understand, right?

The matchmaker might not grasp Jiang Manzhu's subtle hints, but Liu Jumei cooking… as a mother-in-law, she actually cooks for her daughter-in-law?

No, Liu, have you gone mad? Or are you just foolish? Do you still have any dignity as a mother-in-law?

Whether it's her or the other mothers-in-law in the village, typically, it's the daughter-in-law who handles all the household chores, washing, cooking, cleaning, feeding the chickens… these are all jobs for the daughter-in-law.

If the mother-in-law is a bit better, she might help with feeding the chickens or something…

The matchmaker watched Jiang Manzhu's departing figure and knew what Liu had done to keep this daughter-in-law. Damn it, really harming both herself and others.

Jiang, the educated youth, came in to bring good luck, yet she was swept away by that kid from Lindong. Liu Jumei didn't think Jiang, the educated youth, was unlucky?

Instead, such good care? It makes sense; I heard Jiang, the educated youth, only needed to cut pig fodder every day and could leisurely take that fool from the Li family to play in the afternoons.

Tsk.

Suddenly realizing this, the matchmaker thought, no wonder Jiang, the educated youth, doesn't want to leave; her life might not be worse than when she was at the educated youth station.

Damn it, Liu is hindering her matchmaking career.

After leaving the Li family, Aunt Meihua was urged by her son to come find the matchmaker for results.

In Aunt Meihua's eyes, a child as outstanding as A Qing, who has only graduated from junior high, is hardworking, capable, honest, and obedient—who wouldn't like him?

That kind of sly fox, Jiang, the educated youth, can't charm anyone else now; she'll definitely be eager to agree.

Feeling a bit smug, she thought about how to deal with Jiang Manzhu when she marries in.

A Qing was once an obedient child, but now he's causing trouble for Jiang Manzhu.

"How is it? Did Jiang, the educated youth, agree? I knew it! Just to clarify, she's all alone and has no dowry; we won't give too much in bride price," Aunt Meihua spoke first.

However, as soon as she finished, the matchmaker looked at her with a peculiar and strange expression.

"How could you think that Jiang, the educated youth, would agree? And the bride price?" The matchmaker felt that Jiang, the educated youth, might have her reasons for refusing.

Look at you, and then look at Liu Jumei; it must be because Aunt Meihua's reputation outside isn't good that Jiang, the educated youth, refused.

The matchmaker found an excuse for her failure. If this one doesn't work, there's always the next; she would surely find someone Jiang, the educated youth, would accept.

"What? Jiang, the educated youth, didn't agree? How could she not agree?" Aunt Meihua immediately rejected this, her voice rising in disbelief.

"What's wrong with my A Qing? Why wouldn't she like him?" Aunt Meihua looked at the matchmaker, wondering if it was because the matchmaker hadn't spoken well of A Qing.

No, it's that Jiang, the educated youth—how dare she not like him? What right does she have to criticize A Qing?

Anger boiled within her, making her livid.

In Aunt Meihua's view, she was the only one who could look down on Jiang, the educated youth. What qualifications does Jiang have to look down on her A Qing?

After all, A Qing is a junior high school graduate!!!

The matchmaker had no idea why, but Jiang Manzhu didn't like the idea of marriage. Didn't she want someone to rely on? Nonsense.

Was it simply that she wasn't interested in A-Qing? Well, in that case… maybe try someone else next time? Even Hu Sheng's mother had asked the matchmaker to propose on behalf of Jiang Zhiqing.

"Meihua, Jiang Zhiqing has unrealistic standards, but your A-Qing graduated from middle school. How could he not find a match? If she's this blind, you wouldn't want her anyway. Next time, I'll find someone better for A-Qing."

The matchmaker was skilled at saying what people wanted to hear. In front of Aunt Meihua, naturally, she had to praise her new client.

Aunt Meihua snorted coldly, then began to praise her son. "Of course! If he hadn't missed the high school cutoff by just a few points, he'd already be a city worker by now. It's just because we're too poor to afford for A-Qing to repeat a year."

In reality, A-Qing's grades were far below the cutoff, and he had already repeated two years…

The matchmaker knew the truth but nodded along with Aunt Meihua's words. "Yes, yes. Your A-Qing deserves a hardworking and capable girl who can manage both the house and farm. I'll find one for you in a couple of days."

It seemed that Jiang Manzhu wasn't a good match for A-Qing. It was time to find another prospect. With her matchmaking, persistence, and a little smooth-talking, one of these proposals would work out.

"Hmm, that's fine. Forget Jiang Zhiqing. I don't like her anyway. If it weren't for A-Qing insisting, I wouldn't even bother. Hmph!"

"Yes, yes, you spoil A-Qing too much. He's still young and immature, so he'll need you to guide him through this…"

…

"Sister-in-law, are you… are you going to marry someone else?" Little Bei, young as he was, understood that getting married meant going to someone else's house.

His sister-in-law had married his older brother, which was why she came to live with them.

Little Bei was worried and anxious. He didn't want his sister-in-law to leave. What would he do if she left?

If his sister-in-law went to someone else's house, she'd be their sister-in-law, not his anymore.

Little Bei stared at Jiang Manzhu, his eyes filled with anxiety and unease, along with a glimmer of hope. He hoped his sister-in-law wouldn't leave.

"No, I'm not planning on marrying anyone else. I'm part of the Li family and always will be." Of course, as long as Li Linxi was willing, she'd happily stay, especially if she got a monthly allowance of one million… even ten thousand would do! Stock dividends would work too!!

"Really? That's great!" Little Bei was instantly relieved and excited by Jiang Manzhu's words, without a hint of doubt.

His eyes sparkled as he looked at her, filled with joy. He liked his sister-in-law. Don't think he didn't know—the other kids in the village were all jealous of him for having such a good sister-in-law and wanted her to be theirs.

Hmph!

Naive Little Bei believed Jiang Manzhu's words wholeheartedly and eagerly shared the good news with Liu Jumei.

Liu Jumei was sitting by the stove, tending to the fire. Her eyes were somewhat vacant as she thought about marriage…

Liu Jumei knew she had been selfish. She had hoped Manzhu could stay with the Li family and take care of Linxi and Linbei in her place.

But Manzhu was still so young, in the prime of her life. How could she, how could she be so cruel as to keep Manzhu tied to the Li family?

"Why did Manzhu suddenly tell you she wouldn't marry? Did you ask your sister-in-law something?" Liu Jumei came to her senses and, realizing the oddity of the situation, turned to Little Bei.

"I just asked her if she was going to marry someone else, and then she told me she wasn't, that she would stay with the Li family, stay with us forever."

Little Bei couldn't quite replicate Jiang Manzhu's exact words, but he conveyed the gist of it.

"What? Really?" Liu Jumei hadn't expected that. She had only hoped Manzhu could stay with them until Linxi married. She had planned to give Manzhu some of the pension left by Lin Nan as compensation.

"Forever?" Liu Jumei repeated the word. Did Manzhu really plan to stay with the Li family for the rest of her life?

Was that what she meant?

In the end, Liu Jumei said nothing more to Little Bei, only asking him to leave. She even added a few extra drops of oil to the dish she was cooking that day.

Later that night, before bed, Liu Jumei sought out Jiang Manzhu, wanting to have a serious conversation. "Manzhu, are you still awake?"

"Mom, I'm not asleep yet. What's wrong?" Jiang Manzhu quickly opened the door to let her mother-in-law in, not sure what had brought her here so late.

Could it be… to discuss finding a wife for Linxi?

But she had promised the male lead she wouldn't get involved in that!

"Manzhu, I heard from the matchmaker today. What do you think about the proposal?" After asking, Liu Jumei quickly added, "I'm not trying to stop you. I know you're still young, and it's unfair to ask you to stay single for Lin Dong's sake. If you find someone suitable, you can marry. After all, marriage is a lifelong decision for a woman. You need to choose carefully."

Liu Jumei felt guilty. Telling Manzhu to choose carefully was really just a way to buy more time to keep her at the Li family.

As she spoke, Liu Jumei subconsciously rubbed her waist near her ribs before quickly letting her hand drop again.

"Mom, I don't want to get married. I just want to stay with the Li family and take care of you, just like Lin Dong would have. I have no intention of marrying anyone. Mom, are you trying to drive me out of the Li family?"

Jiang Manzhu started off with sincerity, then looked at Liu Jumei with pitiful eyes, as if to say, "I truly want to stay with the Li family."

"Mom, I want to take care of you, of Linxi and Little Bei. I may not be great at farming, but now I've got a teaching job. Little Bei has become much more cheerful under my care. He's even made friends in the village. And as for Linxi, he used to be too shy to take school exams, but now…"

Jiang Manzhu was afraid Liu Jumei would think she was freeloading and would kick her out. Going back to the educated youth camp was not an option!

So, she quickly listed her contributions to the Li family, emphasizing her ability to take care of her two younger brothers and continue looking after Liu Jumei, just as Lin Dong would have!

She even planned to hand over part of her salary as household expenses. It seemed she wasn't thick-skinned or ruthless enough to freeload without giving anything back.

After silently praising herself, Jiang Manzhu took Liu Jumei's hand. "Mom, I see you as my real mother. It breaks my heart to hear you say this."

How could you want to drive me out when I've come to love you like a real mother? Surely your heart isn't that hard!

That shabby place for the sent-down youths can't be compared to the Li family's home. They live in a rundown cowshed that's been converted into a dorm, with five or six people sharing one room and sleeping on a communal bed. How could there not be conflicts?

They also eat from a communal pot, and the food isn't as good as what the Li family eats.

It's just not comparable.

Without the Li family, she'd have to do everything on her own. She… she's such a bad woman, with so many little schemes.

Jiang Manzhu's words once again moved Liu Jumei to tears. She patted Jiang Manzhu's hand, saying nothing more, as all her feelings flowed into her heart.

After leaving Jiang Manzhu's room, she went to Li Linxi's room and mentioned Jiang Manzhu's decision.

"From now on, I'll treat Manzhu as my own daughter. Linxi, you must respect her, do you understand?" Her meaning was clear: if you don't treat her like a sister-in-law, then treat her as an older sister.

Li Linxi: …

Not getting married anymore?

Heh, that makes sense. Those riffraff in the village could never catch Jiang Manzhu's eye.

Also, don't think just because he's a man that he doesn't understand how difficult the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can be. Why else would people say a daughter-in-law has to "endure" to become a mother-in-law? Why use the word "endure"?

Those aunts in the village are no pushovers. Just look at how the new daughters-in-law in the village are treated, and you'll know.

None of them have mothers-in-law as kind as his.

"Mom, you're right." Seeing his mother's red eyes and hearing her words, Li Linxi understood her state of mind.

He nodded along with her words. There was no need to argue over something so trivial. It wasn't worth it.

Whether he would actually do what she said was another matter entirely.

"All is well when the family is in harmony. Family harmony brings prosperity…" Liu Jumei smiled with satisfaction. After speaking, she suddenly remembered something important. "Linxi, the end of the year is approaching. Shouldn't you… start looking for a wife? It's just in time for the new year, so everyone can celebrate together."

Seeing that his mother hadn't given up yet, Li Linxi was at a loss for words. "Mom, didn't we agree not to talk about this? I'm still young, you know? I'll wait a few more years."

He decided to stall for time, and as for what would happen in a few years, well, that would be a matter for the future.

"How can you not be in a hurry? Finding someone isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time. Maybe you won't find the right person until next year, and then it'll take time to pick a wedding date, give the betrothal gifts, and get married. All of that takes time." Liu Jumei insisted, refusing to listen to her son's objections. Getting married was wonderful, after all.

She then listed the benefits of marriage:

"Once you're married, someone will take care of you. After a long day at work, you can come home to a hot meal."

"You should have children while you're young. Don't be like Old Zhang, who didn't have a son until he was almost forty. Now he's over fifty, nearly sixty, and still has to worry about his son getting married, and he still has to work in the fields…"

"Mom is also worried. Look at your older brothers, none of them left behind any descendants. Do you know how much I regret that? Linxi, I'm not cursing you, but while I'm still young, I can help take care of your children."

"And then there's Xiaobei. If Manzhu leaves the Li family, how will you take care of him? I'll grow old one day, and when that time comes…"

She rambled on and on. Liu Jumei didn't even know what she was saying anymore, as the pain started to return.

But in front of Li Linxi, she couldn't show it. "Linxi, I'll find a matchmaker tomorrow. Don't worry about it; I'll take care of it."

With that, she turned and left, not giving Li Linxi a chance to refuse. She walked out quickly.

"Mom, I'm still young. Why are you in such a hurry? Mom! Mom!" Li Linxi, still unwilling, followed after her, but his mother slammed the door shut behind her with a loud bang.

The next day, Li Linxi worried his mother might bring up the subject of finding him a wife again at the dining table, but to his surprise, she didn't say anything about it.

On the way to school, Li Linxi handed a carved stamp to Jiang Manzhu. "Here, I've made what you asked for."

A stamp with a flower design on it—so childish!

"Wow, Linxi, you made this for me? You're amazing!" Jiang Manzhu couldn't wait to grab it and take a look. Seeing the pretty little flower, she excitedly praised him.

Linxi, whose ears were already turning red from embarrassment after spending so much time carving the stamp and ruining two pieces in the process, kept quiet. There was no need to tell her that.

"Mm." He smiled faintly, playing the part of a calm and collected big shot.

Jiang Manzhu didn't mind. She praised him again, "Linxi, how are you so talented? If it were me, I wouldn't be able to finish it in a year."

"You're so kind, Linxi. I'll make sure to take good care of you and feed you well."

Hearing that last part, Linxi raised his eyebrows and glanced at her. "If you want to fatten me up, I can't get tanned. So, are you going to do all the wood chopping from now on?"

"You'll hold an umbrella for me while I walk to and from work?"

"You'll give me all the meat at mealtimes? Make me a bowl of steamed egg custard every day?"

The string of questions left Jiang Manzhu speechless. Wait, shouldn't you first object to the idea of becoming a chubby guy?

"Linxi, I suddenly realized that as a man, you should have masculine traits. Being chubby… would make you look like a kept man. We can't have people gossiping about you. You look great just the way you are—so handsome, dashing, and full of charisma."

Jiang Manzhu immediately changed her tune, realizing that Linxi's demands were a bit too much.

She then showered him with praise, telling him how great he was and how he would become even better over time.

No need to get chubby—it just wouldn't suit him.

Linxi raised an eyebrow, looking at her with an amused expression. "So your idea of thanking me is… freeloading?"

Heh heh…

That remark made even Jiang Manzhu, who had thick skin, feel a bit embarrassed. Under the sun's warm rays, her fair cheeks flushed slightly with a mix of embarrassment and shyness.

"No way! Linxi, next time there's a holiday, I'll definitely go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy you some delicious food as a reward… I mean, as a thank you. What do you like to eat, Linxi? I'll buy it all for you!"

Her generosity was on full display. She would even buy him a bag of sweets.

"I'm not Xiaobei." Linxi calmly pointed out that he wasn't into sweets. "Satisfying one's appetite is just a way to fill the stomach."

Whoa, that was such a pretentious statement…

"Alright then, I won't get you anything to eat." Jiang Manzhu, shocked at first, quickly nodded, accepting his refusal.

It wasn't that she didn't want to thank him; he simply didn't want it.

Just as she finished speaking, Linxi handed her a small wooden box. Jiang Manzhu looked at the little item in confusion. What was this?

"You said you didn't have any cinnabar, so I made some red ink for you using flower petals." Linxi didn't make a big deal out of the effort he put into it, handing it over lightly.

At that moment, Jiang Manzhu's eyes lit up, and she immediately took the small wooden box from his hands. Opening it, she found bright red ink inside.

"Wow, Linxi, you're amazing! You're so awesome and talented! I admire you so much!!!" How could she have such a wonderful little brother-in-law? It was like having Doraemon.

With shining eyes and a beaming face full of joy, Jiang Manzhu was ecstatic.

Seeing her so happy, Linxi didn't say anything to dampen the mood. He just nodded, acknowledging her gratitude.

After receiving the ink, Jiang Manzhu went to school, and the first thing she did was stamp little red flowers on her students' work.

Of course, only those who completed their assignments well got a flower.

It seemed like Linxi had done a great job. The stamp worked perfectly.

She'd have to praise him again later. No wonder he was the male lead—he was excellent at everything he did.

In class, Jiang Manzhu smiled at her students, who were sitting at their desks. She placed two stacks of homework on the table, calling up the students who had earned a red flower to collect their work.

The others who hadn't been called by name were full of envy.

They also wanted a little red flower.

Standing on the podium, Jiang Manzhu could clearly see the expressions and glances of all the students, encouraging them that hard work was the right path forward.

"Miss Jiang…" After class, the students gathered around Jiang Manzhu. She was usually gentle and approachable, but strict during lessons, so the students liked her.

Mainly, they appreciated her encouragement-based teaching style. Who wouldn't like a teacher who's kind, beautiful, and gentle?

"Do you know Chinese?" one student asked, causing Jiang Manzhu to look at them in confusion.

Huh? Chinese? Of course she did, but… "If you have any questions about Chinese, you can ask Mr. Deng," she replied.

Mr. Deng was their Chinese teacher, and Jiang Manzhu, knowing the rules of the workplace, felt it was inappropriate to answer for him.

The students frowned. Mr. Deng wasn't as approachable as Miss Jiang. He was stern and scary, and they didn't dare to get too close to him.

Jiang Manzhu smiled, patting the little girl's head. "Mr. Deng is a responsible teacher. If you have any questions, he will definitely answer them patiently."

The students thought about Mr. Deng's stern face. "Patient" wasn't exactly a word they associated with him. "Miss Jiang, are you sure?"

"Of course. He's serious and strict in teaching because he wants you to learn well," Jiang Manzhu reassured them, praising Mr. Deng.

The students were speechless…

When Mr. Deng heard that Jiang Manzhu had praised him in front of the students, a faint smile appeared on his face, and his attitude toward her improved.

…

"Comrade Jiang, what a coincidence!" Jiang Manzhu encountered Comrade A Qing on her way home, his face flushed with shyness as he greeted her.

Today, Lin Xi had gone out for some errands, so Jiang Manzhu was walking home alone when she ran into A Qing, who had been set up by a matchmaker to see her.

"Hello," Jiang Manzhu responded politely, keeping a distance. She remembered who this young man was but felt too awkward to leave abruptly.

A Qing didn't mind Jiang Manzhu's polite tone. Or rather, he couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

Comrade Jiang…

It's Comrade Jiang…

Such a beautiful Comrade Jiang…

"Comrade Jiang, did you just finish class? Are you heading home? How about I walk with you?" A Qing had forgotten he was supposed to buy medicine for his mother.

The small clinic was on the other side of the school, near the intersection.

"Shouldn't you have other things to do for the brigade?" Jiang Manzhu wasn't keen on walking with him, especially after just refusing the matchmaker.

A Qing was reminded of his errand. Oh right, he needed to buy medicine for his mother.

He glanced hesitantly at Jiang Manzhu, then at the clinic, torn between the two.

A Qing also thought about his mother's scolding, recalling how the matchmaker had said that Jiang Manzhu wasn't interested in him.

Feeling a bit dejected but still holding onto a sliver of hope, he asked, "Comrade Jiang, the matchmaker, she came to see you. What… what do you think of me?"

Holding her small umbrella, Jiang Manzhu was speechless. Couldn't he read people's expressions?

"I'm not looking to get married, nor do I plan to. I'm happy with the Li family," she said firmly before turning and walking away.

A Qing stood there, watching her figure disappear. Even though he already knew the answer, hearing it from her own mouth still made him feel a deep sense of loss.

Why…

Was he not as good as Lin Dong?

Their brief encounter at the school gate quickly spread as people returned home, and soon, the news reached Aunt Meihua's ears.

Aunt Meihua was stunned when she heard the news. What? Didn't Jiang Manzhu refuse her son? Why was she now flirting with him?

That wretched girl, could she have regretted it?

She fumed. Even if Jiang Manzhu regretted it now, she wouldn't let her into the family.

Especially after her son came back with the medicine he bought, Aunt Meihua became even more enraged.

"A Qing, tell me what's going on with you and Comrade Jiang? Didn't she refuse you? Has she changed her mind?" Aunt Meihua had reluctantly accepted Jiang Manzhu as her future daughter-in-law after her younger son begged her.

But Jiang Manzhu had rejected them. Now, what was this flirting about? Did Jiang Manzhu think her son was a fool?

When Jiang Manzhu first came to the countryside, she was delicate and couldn't handle farm work. How did she end up earning full work points?

Wasn't it partly thanks to her fool of a son?

"Is Comrade Jiang trying to make you do something again? Where's the change from the medicine money? Give it to me now." Was Jiang Manzhu just after money? Now that she didn't have to work in the fields anymore, what else could she be planning?

A Qing handed the change back to his mother and frowned at the mention of Jiang Manzhu. Thinking about her rejection still made him upset. "We just happened to meet and exchanged greetings."

Just exchanged greetings? Aunt Meihua didn't believe it at all. Grabbing her son's arm, she began scolding him.

"Tell me, are you still thinking about Comrade Jiang? She's already rejected you! Do you know how old you are? Her son is younger than you, and he already has children."

"You're not allowed to see Comrade Jiang again, do you hear me? I'll find you someone better. Tomorrow, you'll go with me to meet a match."

A Qing, already upset, was even more displeased. He just wanted Comrade Jiang.

"I don't want to," he refused. His mother wasn't helping at all; she only made things worse. He knew she disliked Jiang Manzhu.

Fine, he'd pursue Jiang Manzhu on his own. He didn't need his mother's help.

She probably rejected him because they weren't familiar enough yet. Once she got to know him better, she'd realize how good he was. A Qing truly didn't think he was any worse than Lin Dong.

Aunt Meihua's face darkened instantly. As she suspected, it was all because of Jiang Manzhu. That woman must have seduced her son again!

She wouldn't let her son be taken advantage of again. After glaring at him, she stormed out of the house.

A Qing didn't notice where his mother went. About ten minutes later, someone came rushing over. "A Qing, hurry! Your mother is causing a scene at the Li family's house!"

"What?" He leapt up in shock. Why had she gone to confront Comrade Jiang?

…

A few moments earlier, Aunt Meihua had stormed out of the house and arrived at the Li family's gate, hands on her hips, shouting, "Jiang Manzhu, get out here!"

At that moment, Jiang Manzhu had just finished lunch and was chatting with Liu Jumai about Lin Xi not coming home for lunch.

Liu Jumai was worried something might have happened to Lin Xi but was relieved when she heard he was fine. Kids always had their own things to take care of.

Then, they both heard shouting from outside.

Seeing Aunt Meihua standing there, Liu Jumai's face darkened with irritation. "Meihua, what are you causing a ruckus about at my house?"

"Jiang Manzhu, what did you say to my son A-Qing again? Damn it, you rejected the matchmaker's proposal before, and now you're seducing our A-Qing, trying to make him work for you and give you money, aren't you?"

Meihua ignored Liu Jumei and directly lashed out at Jiang Manzhu.

She was sure it was because of their money. Otherwise, why did Jiang Manzhu approach A-Qing right after she'd asked him to buy medicine today?

"Bullshit! My Manzhu is a teacher. What kind of help could your A-Qing possibly offer?" Liu Jumei was no pushover. She stood there, pointing at Meihua and cursing her out.

"You toad, dreaming of eating swan meat. Pfft! And you want to marry my Manzhu into your family? With a mother-in-law like you, no one would want to marry into your house."

Causing trouble at my doorstep? Over the years, I may have softened, but people seem to have forgotten that I once chased that thug Liuzi from one end of the village to the other with a kitchen knife.

"You piece of trash, Liu Jumei, get out of my way! What does this have to do with you? I'm here to deal with that whore Jiang Manzhu. She rejected my son A-Qing in public, but she's sneaking around with him in private. What a despicable woman!"

Meihua pointed at Jiang Manzhu and started cursing, her mouth full of filth. Liu Jumei, enraged, grabbed a broom and smacked her right in the mouth.

With a loud 'smack,' Meihua was hit. Infuriated, she let out a piercing scream and charged at Liu Jumei.

But she underestimated her opponent. Barehanded, how could she possibly win against someone with a broom? After being hit several more times, Meihua finally realized she was outmatched.

"Damn it! Just you wait! I'll get my son!" Aunt Meihua, clutching her bruised body, stormed off in pain. This damn woman—why is she butting into my business with Jiang Manzhu?

"Pfft! You toad! Who do you think you are, trying to marry into our family? Get lost! Your family's too stingy to have any money to offer, anyway. So don't come dumping your crap on us!"

As Liu Jumei spat those words, she made sure to defend her Manzhu, making it clear that none of this was her daughter-in-law's fault.

"Aunt Meihua, I've already told the matchmaker—I have no plans to marry. If I marry into the Li family, then I'll be one of the Li family, even in death. I'm not interested in anyone."

Men? They only slow down my progress. I'm a woman determined to take the college entrance exam!

"Bullshit! Then why were you with my son A-Qing at noon?" Aunt Meihua didn't listen. She glared angrily at her. This restless fox loves to seduce people—disgusting!

"I ran into him on the road. Your son greeted me. Like you said, Aunt Meihua, didn't you also greet many uncles this afternoon? Does that mean you're having affairs too?"

Jiang Manzhu wasn't afraid of offending anyone. She sneered at her, fed up with the nonsense. Coming to my door and expecting me to be polite? Not a chance!

"Exactly! My Manzhu wouldn't even look at a mother-in-law like you. Any family that loves their daughters would never want them to marry into your household. Just look at your two daughters-in-law—what have you done to them?"

Liu Jumei showed no mercy, tearing down Meihua's façade. It was as if she were saying, "Anyone who lets their daughter marry into your family clearly doesn't love or care about her." What kind of reputation was that?

Sure enough, people in the crowd began to whisper, "Now that you mention it, I saw Su Lian last time—she looked terrible, poor thing."

"Exactly! There's no way my daughter will marry into their family. I don't want her coming home crying every day. I care about my child."

"Me too." Building a good image was necessary. Even those who didn't truly care about their daughters wouldn't go around boasting about it because that wasn't something to be proud of.

The great leader promoted the idea that women can hold up half the sky and advocated for gender equality. If word got out that you didn't support it, you might end up with a bad reputation.

Aunt Meihua's face darkened. She pointed at them, "You… you're full of crap! When have I ever treated my daughters-in-law badly? They have food and drink, and we have three sons. My husband and I are hardworking, and my two daughters-in-law work hard too. You're just jealous that we earn more work points."

Caught up in the heat of the argument, Meihua didn't realize the deeper meaning behind those words. She simply defended herself, insisting she treated her daughters-in-law well.

But everyone in the village knew she beat and scolded them, using her position as the mother-in-law to act arrogantly.

"Don't you slander me! When have I ever had an affair with anyone? I'll tear your mouth apart for spreading lies!"

"Hmph! Who knows? You were the one who said greeting someone meant an affair. Ask anyone in the village—who hasn't greeted someone else before?" Jiang Manzhu sneered loudly.

"Exactly, Meihua, don't go spouting nonsense. That's disgusting, accusing people like that."

"It must have started with the captain's family. Wasn't it their daughter who spread rumors about Luo Zhiqing? Since there were no consequences, now everyone feels free to talk nonsense."

"Exactly! Nonsense. Meihua must have some misunderstanding about her son. Why would anyone be interested in him?"

"Who knows? But Meihua sure loves to spew crap. Greeting someone doesn't mean anything. I'd beat her too if it were me. Jumei is still as fierce as ever—just like the old days, haha."

Aunt Meihua's face turned even darker as she pointed at Liu Jumei and cursed, "Liu Jumei, tell your daughter-in-law to stay away from my son. Don't shamelessly cling to him!"

"Mind your own damn business! Keep your son in line! My Manzhu said she won't marry him, so she won't! Don't go acting like a toad trying to stick to us. Pfft! Who cares?" Liu Jumei stood with her hands on her hips, shouting back angrily. You want to argue with me? You're not even close to my level.

"Your son's the one who keeps shamelessly coming around! Pfft! My Manzhu already rejected the matchmaker, so back off!" Don't think your son is anything special. Who wants him? Trash!

It was Jiang Manzhu's first time seeing Liu Jumei in full action. Instead of being afraid, she admired her even more.

Her mother-in-law was amazing. Strong and powerful—she made Jiang Manzhu feel so safe. If she were still at the countryside settlement, she would have to handle everything herself.

Xiaobei hid behind Jiang Manzhu. He wanted to protect his sister-in-law, but… he was also a little scared and didn't dare face those fierce aunties.

"Xiaobei, mom is so awesome. We should learn from her." Jiang Manzhu patted Xiaobei on the head. What's there to be afraid of? With mom around, we're protected.

Since Xiaobei was a boy, naturally stronger, he could learn this boldness. But then again… he would definitely get scolded by Li Linxi. Better forget it.

Suppressing that thought, Jiang Manzhu's eyes sparkled as she watched her mother-in-law. Liu Jumei, however, didn't notice this yet, too caught up in her standoff with Meihua.

A-Qing, having been called over, finally arrived. The first thing he did was pull his mother aside, "Mom, what are you doing here? Stop this."

As he spoke, he cast a furtive glance at Jiang Manzhu across from them. The young man was embarrassed by his mother's behavior in front of his crush. He felt humiliated.

"Stop? What do you mean, stop? I'm doing this because of you! You don't even care about your own mother anymore. I've been beaten like this, and you're still looking at that little slut?"

Furious, Meihua started hitting her son. After all, her son wouldn't dare hit her back, but Liu Jumei was different—she hit hard.

"Mom, this has nothing to do with Jiang Zhiqing. It's my fault, my problem." A-Qing, dodging several blows, tried to defend Jiang Manzhu.

"It has everything to do with her! She's bewitched you, making you turn your back on your mother. She refuses to marry you because she wants to stay with the Li family."

"Why stay with the Li family? She's already saying she'll live and die with them. Even the widows in the neighboring brigade have remarried. So why would this little girl refuse to marry… wait, Li family boy?"

In the middle of her rant, Aunt Meihua's words tumbled out without much thought. But as she cursed, something clicked in her mind.

She suddenly looked up and stared at Jiang Manzhu's beautiful face, which was so alluring. Thinking about Li Linxi, young, strong, and full of energy, well… it really wasn't out of the question?