Chapter 30

Li Linxi found it hard to express the many subtle shocks he felt. "Mom, do you even know what you're saying?"

Liu Jumei naturally knew what she was talking about. After observing them for several days, she felt their relationship was far too… different from her understanding.

They were, after all, a widow and her younger brother-in-law, and they should be avoiding suspicion.

But…

She also recalled that they were single adults, which seemed to make it acceptable. Ethically, it was hard for the public to accept.

While Linxi hadn't yet developed deep feelings for Man Zhu, she quickly wanted to dispel any such notions.

"Linxi, you can't be with Man Zhu. If you do this, the villagers will gossip about you both forever," Liu Jumei said, her mindset limited by the times.

In her view, regardless of the reasons, if they ended up together, the villagers would surely talk.

She didn't want Linxi to bear that burden.

In the future, they'd have to live in the village for decades. What would happen after she was gone? Just the two of them young people, plus that mischievous child Xiao Bei—how would they get by?

"Mom, what are you rambling about? When did I ever say I… liked her?" Li Linxi was exasperated. How could his mother be so stubborn?

And… so self-assured, thinking that if he liked someone, it meant he truly did? Why wouldn't she change that notion?

"Isn't that so? I've been observing you for several days. Whether you admit it or not, I know you're at an age full of vigor. But, as I said before, isn't it time to settle down and get married?"

Liu Jumei thought Linxi was just reluctant to admit his feelings, embarrassed to say it in front of her. She didn't press him further, simply referencing their previous conversations.

Li Linxi: So, is she deliberately using this excuse to bring up the past again?

"Mom, I don't want to. Why do you have to push me? I think life is just fine as it is. I don't want to bear someone else's life too," he insisted. He had never thought about getting married.

At least, not at this moment.

Wasn't their family doing well? Both he and Jiang Man Zhu had stable jobs, and all his mother needed to do was take care of Xiao Bei.

If someone new came into the family, would that new bride be expected to work in the fields?

That couldn't happen. He wouldn't work in the fields, and neither would his mother; it would just leave the new bride to do all the labor. What would the villagers think? What would the bride's family think?

If the new bride didn't work, then there wouldn't be any income to share. Who would support her?

Was he so idle that he had nothing better to do? Or did he have too much money with nowhere to spend it?

Linxi's firm refusal made Liu Jumei think he wasn't willing to marry someone else. Was he waiting for Man Zhu?

For a woman raised in the old ways, this was a challenging thought process.

She had been educated by the older generation since her youth; despite the government's regulations against old customs, deeply rooted beliefs are hard to eradicate.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have thought of needing someone to bring good luck when her son was gravely ill.

"No, absolutely not. Mom won't allow you to make this mistake!" Liu Jumei said sternly, her tone even more severe than before.

"Why not? I'll save money first and marry later! I don't have money now; it's all spent!" Li Linxi didn't understand why his mother insisted on him getting married, why he couldn't choose not to.

He didn't seem old! Was he getting older? Or was it that his older brother and second brother's situations made her worry that he wouldn't leave behind any descendants?

Linxi genuinely didn't know how to convince her otherwise.

After all, disasters are beyond anyone's control.

His elder brother had died in a mudslide while repairing a canal.

His second brother had fallen heroically on the battlefield.

How could anyone control such things?

"You spent it all? So soon? Did you use up Lin Nan's compensation already? Mom, there's still some money left here. It should be enough for you to marry," Liu Jumei didn't know what Linxi was doing outside, but it seemed surprising that he had spent it all so quickly.

"Linxi, I don't know what you're doing outside, but you must remember, Mom is still here, and so is Xiao Bei. We worry about you."

Liu Jumei didn't stop him or pry too deeply; she simply urged him to be careful.

She knew Linxi wasn't the kind of person who would remain inconspicuous, but she wouldn't ask—she would just support him silently at home, cooking and waiting for her children to return.

That was enough.

Hearing Liu Jumei's words, Li Linxi's fists clenched suddenly, though in the dim light of the kerosene lamp, it didn't stand out much.

Mom knows…

And indeed, he wasn't very secretive.

"Mom…" For a moment, Li Linxi didn't know what to say to his mother. He had been careful outside; he hadn't brought back anything unusual.

It was probably just a matter of time that led to his exposure. He needed to be more cautious next time.

"Fine, if you don't want to, then don't. Whenever you figure it out, just let me know," Liu Jumei said, seeing her son's tense expression and finally deciding not to pressure him further.

At this time, Jiang Man Zhu was unaware that because of her, the mother and son had engaged in a heartfelt conversation, ending their day early in bed, sound asleep in the chilly winter night.

Having a day without classes is such a joy. No wonder teachers in later generations are so sought after; it's quite nice.

I slept until I naturally woke up. The only downside is that the weather is too cold, so I bundled up. I had already cooked some sweet potato porridge in the morning.

It's sweet and delicious, not needing any sugar. "Mom, what are we doing later?"

With nothing to do, Jiang Man Zhu didn't feel like reading; it was too cold, so she thought about staying inside by the fire. But she was a bit bored since there was no heavy work in the fields right now.

"No need for anything. Linxi and the others are going hunting in the mountains in a few days. If they do well, we should have plenty of meat to enjoy this year," Liu Jumei said hopefully.

At this time of year, the common folks could finally have a little more to eat and indulge a bit.

"How do they hunt? Do they use sharpened bamboo tools? Or do they have… firearms?" As soon as Jiang Man Zhu heard about hunting, she became interested.

"Of course, it's firearms. But there aren't many; most will still use hoes and shovels." Besides firearms, they couldn't go up the mountain empty-handed, right? Every family in the village had to send at least one man, but there weren't enough firearms for everyone.

"Is it dangerous to go into the mountains?" Going into the mountains in winter, the back mountain wasn't a straight ascent but a deep, winding range.

"It shouldn't be. We've done it this way in previous years." Though she mentioned previous years, it was more like a habit from the last two or three years; back then, there were hardly any prey, not even much tree bark.

"Mom, if there's nothing else to do, I want to go with Xiao Bei to have a look." Bored and with nothing to do, Jiang Man Zhu was eager to go out. Cold weather? She had already endured it all winter.

"Okay, go ahead." Liu Jumei really had nothing else to do, so if her child wanted to play, she could let her.

With her mother's approval, Jiang Man Zhu happily took Xiao Bei outside.

Since work was over, even though it was lightly snowing, many people were out and about—not just going to the mountains for firewood but also checking for wild vegetables and yams, or fussing about their vegetable gardens.

Even though they weren't working in the fields, there were still plenty of chores to do around the house.

At this time, many young people also went out. Not everyone was allowed to stay home and warm themselves by the fire; firewood usage was quite high.

Fortunately, the entire back mountain was covered in trees, which was usually enough.

When she met some young girls from the village, Jiang Man Zhu greeted them cheerfully and chatted for a while.

Especially two particular aunts, upon seeing Jiang Man Zhu, their eyes lit up. "Teacher Jiang, you're here too? Oh, it's so cold—make sure to wear more clothes!"

"Yes, yes, wear more layers! Oh, Teacher Jiang, you've worked hard this year. Our kid scored 80 on the final exam; it was such a surprise."

"Your kid only got 80? My kid is nearly at 90! It's all thanks to Teacher Jiang's great teaching!"

The two women praised Jiang Man Zhu back and forth, and how could she not feel happy? Their children had previously done poorly in exams.

Who would have thought that after this test, they'd come home bragging about their results, saying how good Teacher Jiang was?

What parent doesn't wish for their child to improve and succeed? This positively changed their perceptions of Jiang Man Zhu.

"Haha, it's all because the children studied well; they're as clever as their aunts, just a bit naughty before." Jiang Man Zhu knew how to say things that made parents feel good about their kids.

No one wants to hear others criticize their children; even if someone does, that's a rare exception.

The aunts laughed happily, and then they shared a bunch of gossip that Jiang Man Zhu listened to with great interest.

When they set off, there were indeed a lot of people—some carrying firearms, others with shovels.

"Hope it goes well; may there be a good harvest this year." As they departed, the other women and girls in the village prayed, as this affected how much meat they could have from now until next year.

In frugal households, once they received their share of meat, they wouldn't have a feast for the New Year but would make it last until the end of the year.

"Yes, let's hope for a good harvest." Usually, people only managed to catch a few wild chickens, rabbits, or snakes; they didn't have the skill for anything larger…

Larger prey belonged to the whole collective, requiring distribution among all members; it wasn't just for whoever caught it.

In that case, it's quite dangerous. Generally, people wouldn't risk their lives to fight large animals like wild boars unless they were being chased.

"Xiao Bei, let's go pick apples." Although the apples we grew ourselves are a bit small and still green, they're edible; it's not like we're selling them.

"Okay." Xiao Bei happily followed along. Even though he didn't like apples much, his sister-in-law did, saying they were nutritious.

He didn't really understand but knew they were good for the body. Eating more would make him healthy and strong.

"Teacher Jiang, Xiao Bei really listens to you." Someone nearby teased them upon seeing this.

"Xiao Bei is naturally obedient and sensible; you just didn't notice before. Now, look at him playing with other kids—innocent and well-behaved, he's a good child," Jiang Man Zhu praised Xiao Bei, especially highlighting his simple nature instead of any foolishness.

"Yes, Xiao Bei really doesn't act crazy. He doesn't drool and act wild," one of the aunts nodded in agreement. Thinking back, he was indeed different from those uncontrollable, drooling types.

Xiao Bei understood people's words, and occasionally, you could see him helping out—definitely a clever and sensible kid.

"Exactly, exactly! This way, Jumei won't have to worry so much." If he really were the crazy type, that would be terrible. No one would want to be near him, fearing he might accidentally hurt their child.

Whenever a child interacted with Xiao Bei, Jiang Man Zhu had already explained things to them.

However, Xiao Bei wasn't a celebrity in the village, so people didn't pay much attention to him; others were indifferent.

Now… give some respect to Teacher Jiang!

"Teacher Jiang, my child will be in fourth grade next year. Are you still teaching fourth grade?" one aunt approached quietly to ask.

The parent of the fourth-grade student who had spoken to Jiang Man Zhu earlier became unhappy. "Of course not! Our Teacher Jiang will be teaching fifth grade then. Who knows, my child might even get into junior high."

"Huh? You? How is that possible?" They didn't believe it. They wanted their child to be taught by Teacher Jiang too, thinking that might help them get into junior high.

Thus, an argument broke out over such unfounded matters, leaving Jiang Man Zhu a bit stunned. Wait, this hasn't even happened yet! And can I control this?

Now, Jiang Man Zhu felt like she was watching a news segment about a couple fighting over how to divide a lottery win. "Alright, alright, ladies, this isn't something I can control. Which grade I teach is up to the principal."

Jiang Man Zhu hadn't expected to be so sought after, with these aunts competing to have their kids taught by her… cough, cough, it seems the title of teaching genius isn't just self-praise.

Even on the way to pick apples, she wore a happy smile, and despite the cold, it couldn't dampen the warmth inside her.

When she got home, she drank a big bowl of ginger soup to ward off the chill.

In the following days, Li Linxi kept following the hunting team, with ginger soup and hot water ready every day. Even without bathing, they soaked their feet.

As the twenty-fifth approached, the hunting finally ceased, and the game was stored in the warehouse. They also dragged out the pigs they had raised this year. What needed to be submitted was submitted, leaving only the communal share.

For dividing the meat, each family brought a basin to collect it. When the pigs were slaughtered, some still hoped to snag some pig's blood to take home.

Unfortunately, they couldn't even take home the pig's blood, let alone the pig's innards; there were others trading for that.

Jiang Man Zhu's family also went, bringing a basin and returning with plenty of meat.

Xiao Bei was so excited to see the basin of meat that he jumped up and down, dreaming about how much they could eat and how many bowls of rice that would mean.

Liu Jumei managed to get some pig's blood in exchange for the meat, believing that consuming pig's blood would be beneficial for Man Zhu.

The next day, a tractor "puttered" along, taking villagers to the supply store to buy New Year goods, one person per household, limited to one day. If others wanted to go to the town supply store, they had to take a bullock cart.

Jiang Man Zhu wasn't keen on going; she decided to let her family's main support go instead.

In such cold weather, a strong, young man wouldn't feel the chill as much!

Jiang Man Zhu wrote down what she wanted to buy and handed it to Li Linxi. "Help me, please!" Then she stuffed the money into his pocket, giving him no chance to refuse.

Everyone was really looking forward to the New Year this year, except for two who were dissatisfied: Luo Liangce and Su Qianqian.

Luo Liangce thought that after marrying the captain's daughter, he'd at least enjoy some benefits, like sharing in the meat distribution during the New Year…

However, he was very disappointed when the meat was divided based on each family's work points. His points weren't many, and Su Qianqian had even fewer.

So, while every family got a basin of meat, their family…

It was simply embarrassing and infuriating. At this rate, they might as well postpone their wedding; that meat was supposed to be shared between them. Damn it, did he really have to support her?

"Qianqian, should we cook for ourselves this New Year, or go to your parents' house to eat together? I think it's better if we do it ourselves, especially since you've married me."

"But you just got married a few days ago. You usually eat at your parents' house; they must miss you. It's better to spend the New Year together as a family."

"How about we bring some meat over? This year, let's celebrate New Year's Eve with your parents. What do you think?"

Luo Liangce gently coaxed Su Qianqian, showing no hint of his inner disdain.

Su Qianqian looked down on Luo Liangce and hadn't wanted to marry him in the first place, but her father forced her to choose between him and someone else.

On their wedding night, Su Qianqian set three rules with Luo Liangce, the first being that they would not consummate the marriage. This made Luo Liangce's face darken.

However, he held back at the time, wanting to take advantage of the situation to improve his life, while Su Qianqian's true temperament quickly revealed itself.

Looking back, he felt foolish for thinking she was sweet and easily deceived; now, she flaunted her father's status as the captain, ugh…

"You're right. Let's just have New Year's dinner at my parents' house. We don't need to bring the meat; let's take something else instead." Su Qianqian glanced at their meager portion of meat. It was so little that bringing it home would just feed those ingrates.

Including her three sisters-in-law and her nieces and nephews, Su Qianqian was not a generous person.

This aligned perfectly with Luo Liangce's thoughts. "Alright, I'll do whatever you say."

Although Su Qianqian looked down on Luo Liangce, she felt proud of how she was handling him. Just wait, soon he would know what true heartache felt like.

As Su Qianqian happily left, Luo Liangce lowered his gaze and turned back into the house.

As soon as he stepped outside and headed toward his parents' house, he saw a particularly annoying figure, making Su Qianqian grit her teeth in anger.

"Jiang Man Zhu!!" If Jiang Man Zhu hadn't blocked her path, how could Li Linxi have refused her?

Indeed, in Su Qianqian's eyes, Li Linxi's rejection was because he was enchanted by Jiang Man Zhu, that vixen.

Her face was truly alluring; that witch! One day, she would ruin her looks… huh???

Ruin her face?

Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Su Qianqian's mind as she stood there, staring fixedly at Jiang Man Zhu.

Jiang Man Zhu had gone next door to return some sausages at her mother-in-law's request. On her way back, she encountered someone glaring fiercely at her.

Su Qianqian?

What was she doing? Jiang Man Zhu thought she had no previous interaction with Su Qianqian, other than perhaps Li Linxi and her mother disapproving of the marriage.

Was she taking her anger out on Jiang Man Zhu??

Ugh, is that why she was glaring so fiercely at her? But why does it concern me if you can't get married? You're already married now, so why hold a grudge?

"Jiang Man Zhu, feeling quite impressive now, are we?" Su Qianqian fumed at Jiang Man Zhu, who clearly saw her but chose to ignore her, causing Su Qianqian to feel furious and insulted.

It felt just like in her past life, where she lived a lonely existence and faced contempt from many.

Those disdainful looks had left a deep mark on her heart.

"Not bad, I suppose. I have achieved a little something as a teacher, but I will keep striving," Jiang Man Zhu responded with a humble smile.

Indeed, she was a bit proud. After all, it was her first time teaching, and such results were enough to prove her capabilities, weren't they?

However, in her culture, being modest was the norm. She felt that too much pride could harm her reputation.

Although she didn't care much, the constraints of her era required that one maintain a good reputation for smoother social interactions.

Originally, Su Qianqian was just jealous that Jiang Man Zhu stayed in the Li family, getting to be close to Li Linxi day in and day out.

Now, after Jiang Man Zhu's reminder, Su Qianqian recalled that this little vixen was not only living with Li Linxi but also teaching with him at school.

It wasn't just spending time at home; they commuted together every day.

Her eyes were practically bloodshot with jealousy; with such frequent contact and Jiang Man Zhu's stunning beauty, how could Li Linxi not be tempted?

Su Qianqian stepped closer to Jiang Man Zhu, "Jiang Zhiqing, you're not getting any younger. When do you plan to get married?"

"I know many talented young men. Do you want me to introduce you to some?" Su Qianqian's jealousy had faded, replaced by a seemingly friendly smile.

Jiang Man Zhu had no intention of stepping into the grave of marriage; she had a bright future ahead and wouldn't lose her mind over it.

"No, thank you. I'm very happy with my life right now. It seems that Su Qianqian's married life is quite good too; congratulations! I wish you an early arrival of children."

Jiang Man Zhu didn't want to marry, but that didn't mean she didn't want to see others marry and have children. How could one know the happiness of another?

In Jiang Man Zhu's view, congratulating someone on their marriage and wishing them children was a good blessing.

Unfortunately, Su Qianqian was not pleased, feeling that Jiang Man Zhu was mocking her.

Yet she overlooked the fact that others didn't know about her married life.

"Hmph, looks like Jiang Zhiqing has quite the confidence in her looks, thinking she can find a good husband anytime," Su Qianqian sneered, glancing at Jiang Man Zhu's delicate face, which was rosy and radiant, clearly indicating a comfortable life with the Li family.

Why did she deserve that?

Su Qianqian felt a surge of jealousy; even though her parents pampered her when she was at home, she had three sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews, so they didn't leave all the good food for her.

She even had to go out to record work points, and her skin had tanned to a light brown.

Jiang Man Zhu was clearly wearing a new outfit; it was evident she had just bought it. Who knew where this little vixen got the money to buy clothes?

Jiang Man Zhu noticed the fleeting jealousy in Su Qianqian's eyes but didn't take it to heart. "I have something to do; I'll be leaving now."

She had no intention of chatting casually with Su Qianqian. Talking to her was far less interesting than chatting with the gossipy women in the village.

Jiang Man Zhu turned to leave, and Su Qianqian's resentment and jealousy surged upon seeing her attitude.

Subconsciously glancing around, seeing no one else around, Su Qianqian's hands moved uncontrollably as she suddenly pushed Jiang Man Zhu.

Jiang Man Zhu had wanted to leave not just because she was tired of chatting with Su Qianqian, but also because her stomach was feeling a bit off, and she needed to get home quickly.

Oh no, just as I turned around, I walked several steps too fast. This is terrible; I hope nothing leaked out!

No, no, no! Winter is already hard enough to wash things!

Because I was walking quickly, my keys fell out of my pocket. As I bent down to pick them up, Su Qianqian pushed me.

In a sudden push, Su Qianqian didn't expect Jiang Manzhu to be crouching down to pick up her keys at that moment.

Jiang Manzhu had already walked a few steps ahead, and Su Qianqian, cautious behind her, lost her balance and slipped on the snowy ground, falling down with a loud thud.

"Ah!!" At the moment of falling, Su Qianqian was a bit dazed, feeling the pain from her scraped palm, almost in tears.

"Jiang Manzhu, you actually pushed me?" Su Qianqian yelled at Jiang Manzhu, her feelings filled with anger.

While yelling at Jiang Manzhu, she painfully got back up.

"Are you crazy? You were behind me, I was in front, how could I push you?" Jiang Manzhu retorted, then realized, "So, you were trying to push me?"

Damn it, Su Qianqian, that malicious woman, actually wanted to harm her?

"Did I offend you? You actually want to hurt me?" Jiang Manzhu always thought she got along well with others, except for Aunt Meihua; she had never argued with anyone.

"Are you jealous of me? Why?" Jiang Manzhu looked at Su Qianqian several times, concluding that perhaps it was because she was good-looking, smart, or a teaching genius? It couldn't be jealousy over her being widowed, right?

Jiang Manzhu's seemingly puzzled tone tore open a wound in Su Qianqian's heart, and her jealous eyes could no longer hide their emotions.

"Do you want to fight me? You, who've never worked in the fields, can beat me?" Seeing Su Qianqian eager to try, Jiang Manzhu smiled wider, holding the keys aimed at her. "If this key pokes into your head, eyes, or face, it would definitely hurt a lot, right?"

At this moment, Su Qianqian was just visiting her family, not holding anything in her hands.

In terms of their bravado, they were evenly matched, but she had… no weapon.

Damn it!

"Su Qianqian, your parents pamper you, marrying a young intellectual and now having a house to live in; I advise you not to act recklessly." Jiang Manzhu didn't want to fight but held the keys more cautiously, her gaze turning fierce.

It seemed like in the next second, she would rush over and poke the keys into her eyes.

Su Qianqian wasn't afraid of a fight; after all, she had endured hardships in her past life, but… if she injured her eyes or face, it would be a huge loss.

Unless she could eliminate Jiang Manzhu right here, otherwise, Jiang Manzhu would definitely go back and talk nonsense to the Li family…

At that thought, Su Qianqian regretted her impulsive behavior!

"I was just envious that you're doing well. I'm sorry; I acted on impulse just now, I was wrong." Su Qianqian could bend and stretch, quickly apologizing after realizing her mistake.

She needed to hurry and get Su Qianqian married off; since Luo Liangce was useless, she would find someone else in the village.

Bending down, Su Qianqian didn't let Jiang Manzhu see her expression.

"Jiang Zhiqing, I'm sorry, please forgive me." She deeply bowed to Jiang Manzhu, and when she looked up again, her face was filled with regret.

"I… I really feel bad. The previous rumors about Luo Liangce were not entirely false; I've been… suffering so much." As she spoke of her regrets, she began to cry.

Jiang Manzhu, who had expected Su Qianqian to come at her fiercely, felt like she couldn't keep up with what young people today were thinking.

Or perhaps there was a generation gap between her and the young people of the 1970s??

She had just been threatening to kill me, and now she was crying about her problems?

Feeling at a loss and a bit awkward, Jiang Manzhu thought, "I really don't want to hear about your issues with your husband, okay? Don't complain to me; I also don't want to know whether Comrade Luo Liangce is good or not!"

"Su Qianqian, I think you should discuss this issue with your parents; I can't help you." Jiang Manzhu withdrew her actions, responding with a forced smile.

"Jiang Zhiqing, don't you want to forgive me?" Su Qianqian thought she shouldn't provoke Jiang Manzhu anymore, apologizing pitifully.

She knew Jiang Manzhu's life in the Li family wasn't bad, indicating that the Li family treated her well, giving her a certain degree of influence.

Even if she didn't have influence, she could still sway Liu Jumai or Li Linxi's decisions.

Damn it, damn it, damn it! How could she have been so impulsive just now?!

Su Qianqian scolded herself in her mind again, feeling regret wash over her face.

Wanting to take Jiang Manzhu's hand for a heartfelt apology, she found that Jiang Manzhu didn't want to listen at all.

Jiang Manzhu had no intention of performing for her; after the commotion, she felt she needed to hurry home, as her flow was getting worse.

In this cold winter, she had to wash her pants, how annoying!!

"I have things to do, goodbye!" Jiang Manzhu quickly said her goodbyes, feeling very busy. Whatever else could wait until later.

Jiang Manzhu was also someone who understood the situation. She was powerless, while Su Qianqian, no matter how little she farmed, was still a village girl with some strength.

If it really came to a fight, she might not be able to win against Su Qianqian.

It would be her own loss; she had only said those things to scare Su Qianqian so she could leave quickly.

If it came to a real fight, Su Dui Zhang's family had three sons, and all three daughters-in-law were strong workers; it would be a challenge.

She was someone who could bend and stretch; the situation wasn't in her favor, so what was a momentary retreat?

With that thought, she hurried off. If she knew she couldn't win, staying behind to face it would be foolish, not heroic.

(PS: This specifically refers to situations when someone seeks a fight; other circumstances are different.)

Su Qianqian had no idea why Jiang Manzhu ran off so fast—maybe she was scared of fighting her?

That made sense; after all, with 40 years of strength, if Jiang Manzhu fought, wouldn't she just cry?

However, Su Qianqian was worried about another serious issue: Would Jiang Manzhu forgive her? Would she go back and slander her in front of the Li family?

Even now, Su Qianqian had not given up on her desire to marry into the Li family as Li Linxi's wife. She knew her impulsiveness was a huge mistake.

When apologizing, she intentionally mentioned her own suffering to gain sympathy, using Luo Liangce to show her weakness.

Typically, people would sympathize with her for that.

Watching Jiang Manzhu's back as she hurried away, her walking style somewhat awkward, Su Qianqian squinted, taking a long time to withdraw her gaze and look for her mother.

At that moment, perhaps everyone was too lazy to go out or was tidying up at home; the road was empty.

Jiang Manzhu quickly changed her pants after returning home. Earlier, she felt some discomfort, thinking it was just from overeating.

Perhaps her aunt's arrival had made Jiang Manzhu irritable. During lunch, she scolded Su Qianqian fiercely at the table.

That malicious woman actually pushed me! If it weren't for her failing at her scheme and falling on her own, I would have fought her!

Listening to her strong and generous words, Xiao Bei nodded vigorously, "Exactly! Too lenient with her; she's really too much, too malicious."

Li Linxi knew Jiang Manzhu's temperament wasn't like this, yet he looked at her thoughtfully several times.

However, seeing Xiao Bei and his mother denounce Su Qianqian without noticing the exaggeration in Jiang Manzhu's words, Li Linxi ultimately chose not to expose her.

"Su Qianqian is truly excessive; how can she treat you like this? A malicious woman; luckily, we didn't let her marry into the Li family."

"If she had come here, wouldn't it have caused endless disputes at home?"

Xiao Bei only kept saying "exactly," or said "I'll protect my sister-in-law in the future," hmpf, a bad person.

"Ah, it's good that we didn't fight; otherwise, with three sons in the brigade leader's family, those three daughters-in-law are also capable. If a fight broke out, we might have been at a disadvantage."

Jiang Manzhu's understanding needed to show; she had to let the Li family know she was accommodating for them.

She wasn't doing good deeds anonymously, of course. Fighting Su Qianqian could potentially involve both families.

For that, Liu Jumai had nothing more to say, left speechless, "It's okay; we can still ambush them from behind!"

If we can't win on the front lines, we can engage in guerrilla warfare!

Jiang Manzhu thought: No wonder when I tied Yuan Fengxin's sack with Xiao Bei and Li Linxi tied the plum blossom's three sons' sacks, it turned out to be a family tradition!

Jiang Manzhu's shock was somewhat amusing to Liu Jumai. "Haha, otherwise, who do you think taught Linxi to tie the plum blossom's three sons' sacks?"

I thought it was Linxi doing it himself.

Jiang Manzhu noticed Li Linxi laughing happily and suddenly realized a serious question: Why did Su Qianqian apologize afterward? Was she really afraid of her keys poking her?

When fighting, especially between evenly matched sides, no one can be sure their weapon won't end up in the opponent's hands.

Jiang Manzhu pondered, but she didn't consider the direction of "Su Qianqian still yearning to marry into the Li family after getting married." Perhaps it was truly because she wasn't living well after marriage, causing her mood to be off?

However, she soon lost interest in these thoughts as her menstrual cramps arrived unexpectedly and were hard to bear.

"Could it be because I caught a chill? Did I touch cold water?" Jiang Manzhu thought back to her past cramps, which hadn't been this severe, feeling troubled about how to remedy it.

Menstrual cramps aren't just a monthly issue; they occur every month.

Avoiding cold water meant washing with hot water, which required more firewood.

Don't stay up late, avoid spicy and cold food; this was manageable since, without a phone, staying up late was impossible, and there was no spicy or cold food around.

"Eat more foods that nourish your qi and blood; brown sugar is good, and I don't know when honey will be available."

While thinking, Jiang Manzhu lay on her bed, holding her slightly cold belly. It was her fault for not taking care of herself; the hot water bottle was quite useful.

She rested for an afternoon, and Xiao Bei, the little darling, still looked worried. "Sister-in-law, I heard you're not feeling well? What's wrong? Are you running a fever again? Do you need to take medicine?"

In Xiao Bei's eyes, Jiang Manzhu had only been sick once after catching a chill; otherwise, she was always healthy. After taking medicine and resting, everything was usually fine.

"It's nothing serious; I'll be better by tomorrow." Jiang Manzhu didn't elaborate but comforted the little darling who was worried about her. Our Xiao Bei is so sweet; she cares for her elders and is a filial child—wonderful!

I wonder if the original owner's wrong decision (to run away with the money) that harmed such a lovely Xiao Bei will weigh on my conscience?

"Is your belly uncomfortable? Did you eat something bad? What should we do? How can I help you, sister-in-law?" Xiao Bei noticed she was always holding her stomach and felt both confused and anxious.

In the past, she could help her sister-in-law cut pigweed, but now she really didn't know how to care for someone.

"Thank you for your concern, Xiao Bei. If possible, just pour me some hot water," Jiang Manzhu replied.

Upon hearing it was just about pouring hot water, Xiao Bei jumped up eagerly to get it for her.

"Be careful; watch out for burns." Seeing Xiao Bei's energetic demeanor, Jiang Manzhu's brows twitched a few times, hoping she wouldn't burn herself.

Liu Jumai knew what was going on and specially made a cup of brown sugar water for her. After losing so much blood, she also cooked pig's blood soup for dinner.

Nourish yourself well.

Jiang Manzhu remembered reading online that during menstruation, one shouldn't overcompensate, as it could lead to more bleeding; it was better to replenish afterward.

But then, some said to supplement when menstruation begins. She wasn't an expert and hadn't studied it.

"Thank you, Mom!" Looking at the bowl of pig's blood soup specially made for her, it sounded a bit scary, but it actually smelled good.

"Not feeling well? What happened?" Li Linxi returned to see his mother and Xiao Bei caring for Jiang Manzhu, thinking she was sick again.

"You haven't finished the medicine you bought before. After dinner, you should take it. Why are you so careless? Did you catch a chill again? Wear more layers when you go out; don't make everyone worry."

Li Linxi assumed she had caught a chill when going out. With such a weak constitution, she needed to pay more attention and not worry her mother and Xiao Bei.

To Liu Jumai, this was just concern manifesting as nagging.

Linxi had previously told her he had no feelings for Manzhu; this… oh, maybe Linxi hadn't realized it himself yet? But subconsciously, he was already resisting other girls??

Thinking of this, Liu Jumai pretended to casually observe Li Linxi. He noticed his mother watching him and even served himself a bowl of soup without thinking much of it.

"It's nothing; just girl troubles," Jiang Manzhu explained, and when she saw he still didn't understand, she added.

"Girl troubles?"

He seemed to understand but took a while to process it, his eyes widening slightly before returning to calmness, not asking further.

However, he didn't drink any more of the remaining pig's blood soup.

After dinner, Li Linxi specifically told Jiang Manzhu, "There's still hot water left in the pot. You can soak your feet before sleeping; it'll keep you warm."

Liu Jumai loved Jiang Manzhu, but familial affection and blood ties were hard to erase; in her heart, the most important were still Li Linxi and Xiao Bei.

Hearing her son say this, she felt a bit sour inside.

"Geez, it's so cold; I can't sleep well at night either. Why didn't you ask your mom to soak her feet before sleeping?" Liu Jumai rolled her eyes, annoyed that her son had forgotten her!

Li Linxi sighed, "Mom is right; I'll make sure to prepare hot water for you every day."

For that, Li Linxi even boiled a pot of water and pulled the sleepy Xiao Bei out to join them.

"Come on, let's all soak our feet together; no one loses out! We'll all stay warm."

The earlier sour comments were not pursued further, and they started chatting about everyday life. Jiang Manzhu even shared jokes and funny stories from her students.

Watching this scene, Liu Jumai laughed so hard she almost tilted over, "Hahaha, that's quite funny…"

On that warm and lighthearted night, the atmosphere was comforting and peaceful.