"No, no, not even a penny for you."
Before Li Laoshu could speak, Mrs. Li shouted.
Yu Guiying listened with an indifferent attitude, "Hmph, fine if you don’t give money. I’d love to see the wicked mother-in-law get arrested and sentenced. You think I want this? If it weren’t for my family telling not to go too far, and the village chief saying no matter what, you gave birth to my husband, to not make it too difficult for him, you think I’d agree?"
Mrs. Li was speechless, as she knew Yu Guiying was telling the truth. She shrunk back like a quail.
Yu Family’s eldest brother spoke up, "Our Yu Family ca here today. If we make this public, we’ll take my sister and her two kids back. But since my sister’s been hurt like this, without two hundred bucks, we’ll destroy the Li Family. And we’ll co by every now and then until we smash stuff worth two hundred bucks."
The onlookers listened silently, so dissatisfied, but their wives pulled them back, "What’s it to you? If that Mrs. Li hadn’t tornted the daughter-in-law like this, would this happen? If your sister suffered like this, could you stand it?"
This person cald down. Indeed, if it were their sister, they couldn’t stand it either.
Li Laoshu knew he couldn’t give the hundred bucks as he intended. But four hundred bucks was too much. He only had 650 bucks on hand, and although he wasn’t planning to spend on those two ungrateful ones, he’d only have over two hundred bucks left, which wouldn’t do.
"Eldest, is this how you think too?"
"Don’t drag my man into this."
"Eldest, you fix her."
"Fine, if we make it public, it’ll be even more justified, and not a penny less than two hundred bucks. Without your Li Family, Yu Guiying can still live well with two kids."
"Pah, they’re children of the Li Family."
"Pah, aren’t you afraid of going to hell when you die? Now you’re admitting they’re children of the Li Family?
Our Ga Zi has never had enough to eat. The village life is the sa, but looking at kids Ga Zi’s age, who’s not taller and stronger than him?
Even more pitiful is the daughter. I go to work every day. Never had enough to eat; the child didn’t get milk early on, and the little rice at ho was eaten by that greedy, lazy wretch, who even said my daughter wasn’t deserving of food.
You deserve to eat; aren’t you just a waste? With soone like you, whoever marries you is cursed. I’m telling you all today, even at this age, the underpants are still washed by her mother.
Even when I’m busy during harvest, I have to co ho and cook. Those two elders are just lying at ho waiting for to cook."
This gossip is explosive. For won, such a reputation spreads, and no talks of marriage will happen even across several villages.
"You wretched woman."
Yu Family’s eldest sister-in-law slaps again, "If a daughter of our Yu Family errs, she accepts punishnt, but don’t let filthy words spill from your mouth. If you’re not ashad, I’m afraid my ears will be dirtied."
Mrs. Li truly backed off today.
Li Laoshu looked at this useless wife, furious inside.
"Don’t hit people; even if it cos down to a fight, we’re not afraid."
"Alright, let’s try it then." Yu Family’s eldest sister-in-law wasn’t afraid at all, provocatively looking at Li Laoshu.
"Your Yu Family sure teaches well."
"Haha, indeed, our Yu Family at least hasn’t abused daughters-in-law, never full of filthy words, nor harboring ill-intents hidden beneath the armpits."
Yu Family’s eldest sister-in-law’s sharp tongue was no match for Li Laoshu.
"Eldest, you just watch?"
"You see, when you’re helpless, you rember he’s the eldest. But when good things happen, why don’t you rember he’s the eldest?"
Everyone stopped working, gathered around to watch the drama unfold.
Li Yungui was still waiting to check on the foundation digging, but had to watch these people squabble over nonsense.
"Hurry up; I have lots to do. No ti to waste with you all here."
"Yungui, talk so sense."
"Big brother, Changjiang has worked for the family for years; no one knows better than I do how much he’s earned."
With these words from Li Yungui, Li Laoshu knew he had to give the money today.
But four hundred was too much. They couldn’t rely on their children in the future, so he had to hold onto the money.
"Can’t give them so much; they’re eating and drinking at ho too."
"Big brother, we’re all honest folk here. Everyone knows the accounts."
Li Yungui finished speaking and saw Li Laoshu’s face turn red with anger.
That’s enough; can’t push too hard. He turned to look at Yu Guiying.
"Changjiang’s wife, I know you’ve suffered greatly, but you’re asking too much. I know you’ve made quite so money, but after all, a family eats and drinks.
How about this, I’ll suggest giving you three hundred yuan. When your in-laws turn sixty, you must give them grains monthly for old age."
"Second uncle, three hundred is too little; Teacher Jiang lent money for the hospital, spent dozens. Luckily no blood transfusion; else, a hundred wouldn’t cover it."
"I’m offering you both a suitable compromise. If you agree, this matter’s resolved. If not, you deal with it yourselves."
Being here with them was a waste of ti.
At this mont, the child’s heart-wrenching cries sounded.
Ga Zi cried while running over, "Mama, mama, you’re back. I thought you wouldn’t return."
"Ga Zi, mom’s back. It’s okay now. Where have you been these days?"
"I’ve been at Teacher Jiang’s ho all along."
"Good, this is the Li Family, always claiming you’re part of it, yet almost killed . Their grandson was neglected, and soone else had to take care of them?
Oh Heavens, open your eyes, strike down these heartless bastards.
Second uncle, not a penny less than four hundred. And for old age support, let their son provide, I’m done serving them."
Li Yungui sighed, glancing at Li Laoshu, "Big brother, what are you doing? Young Ga Zi, just six and already working points—this is how you treat your grandson? You’re truly letting the kids down.
We’ll all grow old; no matter how capable you are now, there’ll co a ti you can’t move, when you’ll need care. You can’t do this."
Li Laoshu paused, realizing he had forgotten his grandson.
The Yu Family folks sneered at the side. The villagers whispered among themselves.
Li Changjiang squatted down on the ground, a grown man unable to raise his head for being cornered.
Yu Family’s eldest sister-in-law gave a sign to Yu Family’s eldest brother, who went and squatted beside Li Changjiang.
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