Best Mom in the 60s
Word count : ~13k
11 Playing with the Peacock Woman (I)
Glancing at the clock, Qian Shu Lan began to prepare the meal.
Earlier, when Wang Shou Zhi had left, she had specifically reminded him to bring Li Cai Ying back for lunch.
During those times, gas canisters had not yet appeared, so most households still relied on coal balls for cooking
(Coal balls are permineralized peat).
But the “unified sales and purchases” policy had everyone scrambling for supplies. As a result, most families resorted to setting up makeshift mud stoves in their yards and using twigs and scraps of wood for fire. At least single-story houses made it easy enough, no obstruction to the smoke passageway.
Qian Shu Lan noticed the coal stove was cold, so she stepped out to the mud stove. With deft hands, she whipped up shredded potatoes and green peppers, and chives with scrambled eggs.
The potatoes, green peppers, chives? All from her hometown. The eggs? From her family’s chickens.
Spotting two tomatoes in the kitchen, she decided on tomato and egg soup. Fresh green onions, a dash of aroma.
Finally, she tackled pancakes. No sorghum flour, so she had to make do with regular flour. The pancakes turned out thin and soft, with a comforting smell wafting through the room.
With a tired sigh, she began setting the table for lunch. The tantalising aroma of her home-cooked dishes wafted through the air, making her mouth water and her stomach rumble.
Just as she placed the last dish on the table, a sudden gust of wind announced the arrival of someone new. In strolled Wang Shou Zhi, leading a young woman behind him. Li Cai Ying, who entered with a pout, exuding displeasure.
The sight of Li Cai Ying in April, dressed to the nines with permed hair and fancy leather shoes clacking with each step, was a far cry from the simple, rustic life for most at this time. But as they say, a woman’s beauty is in pleasing others.
Qian Shu Lan’s gaze lingered on Wang Shou Zhi, searching for any glimmer of appreciation for Li Cai Ying’s attire. But all she saw was a silent, impenetrable wall between them. Her heart sank, as her fears were true – the marriage between her youngest son and this young woman was in jeopardy.
Upon noticing the elderly lady turning around, Wang Shou Zhi quickly called out, “Mother!” He turned to Li Cai Ying, who seemed to be in a world of her own, disinterested in everything around her. With a slight tug on her arm, he managed to coax a faint “Mother” out of her.
Preferring not to spark conflict so soon after their arrival, Qian Shu Lan chose to overlook Li Cai Ying’s haughty demeanour and graciously invited them to take a seat, saying, “Please, sit down and eat. I’ve just finished cooking. These dishes are all from my hometown – they’re still fresh!”
As she spoke, she began handing out chopsticks to her son and his wife.
Wang Shou Zhi’s gaze drifted to the table, a vibrant array of colours, scents, and flavours captivating his senses.
A smile graced his lips, “Mother, it’s been a few years since we last met, your cooking skills have greatly improved.”
Qian Shu Lan beamed with pride, “In the past, I used to skimp on oil in my cooking. I simply worried that you all might find it too bland, so I added a touch more this time.”
Just as Wang Shou Zhi was about to reply, Li Cai Ying put down her chopsticks with a stern look, her eyes narrowed into slits as she raised an eyebrow, “Mother, by adding so much oil, are you trying to usher us into the capitalist indulgence trend?”
Qian Shu Lan furrowed her brows, turned to look at Li Cai Ying, only to see the filial piety on her forehead plummet straight to zero. It had been a solid 1 when she entered the house, now it had dived to 0. She owed her that. Not only did she cook, she ended up committing a sin.
Qian Shu Lan laid down her chopsticks, her eyes twinkling as she offered a gentle smile, “Cai Ying, you’re still young and inexperienced, and you grew up without a mother. It seems no one has ever taught you proper manners. As your elder because I’m your mother-in-law, let me offer you some advice. Who told you that eating vegetarian dishes is a sign of capitalist indulgence? With so many families in the city eating meat, are they all indulging in capitalist excesses?”
Li Cai Ying was taken aback by her words. She never expected this old lady from the countryside to dare to confront her. Lowering her gaze to the dining table, she noticed there were indeed only vegetarian dishes prepared.
Actually, objectively speaking, Qian Shu Lan, the old lady, didn’t use much oil when cooking compared to Li Cai Ying.
Li Cai Ying’s face turned red as she fought the urge to throw a pot at the old woman. She remembered the days when she had to swallow her pride and cater to this old woman’s every whim just to win Wang Shou Zhi’s hand in marriage. The thought of it made her want to gag.
The old hag, a rural old lady, was she even worthy?
Cai Ying muttered under her breath as she got up and left the room. Wang Shou Zhi watched her go, his heart aching. He wanted to follow her, but under his mother’s watchful gaze, he stayed put.
As he sat back down, Wang Shou Zhi noticed something different about his mother. In the past, if anyone dared to disrespect her, she would rally the whole family to teach that person a lesson. But now, she just let Cai Ying go without a fight.
**
With tears streaming down her face, Li Cai Ying ran straight to her father’s house, which was just a stone’s throw away, less than two minutes on foot. When she burst into the room, her father, Li Guo Cheng, was taken aback.
“Sweety, what’s wrong?” Li Guo Cheng couldn’t bear to see his beloved daughter in distress, so he gently placed his wine glass down and approached her.
After bursting in, she slammed the door behind her. “That old hag! Living peacefully in the countryside, and now she dares to come to the county town to flaunt her farts!” She plopped down on the couch, swearing under her breath.
Li Guo Cheng had known about the visit from his in-laws. His workers had tipped him off while he was heading to work that morning. The old man shrugged it off. After all, the visitor was just a rural old lady, lacking in education and culture. She’d probably leave after causing a bit of a scene.
But he hadn’t expected his daughter to be so livid within the span of a lunch. He was incensed too.
Hearing his daughter’s angry curses, Li Guo Cheng quickly closed the door, afraid someone would overhear.
Although there was talk everywhere about breaking free from feudal traditions and how women could hold up half the sky, in these small communities, conservative thinking still prevailed. If someone’s reputation was tarnished, it would be incredibly difficult for them to marry into a good family.
His daughter absolutely could not have the reputation of being “unfilial.” However, he was ultimately a man and not very sensitive. Despite his deep love for his daughter, he had failed to guide her properly, otherwise Li Cai Ying wouldn’t have developed such a strong-willed character.
Li Guo Cheng listened to his daughter’s complaints for a while, then patiently asked for the details. After hearing her out, he furrowed his brow in silence.
From what he could gather, it seemed like the in-laws hadn’t done anything wrong. He quickly handed his daughter a glass of water. “Cai Ying, calm down. If things get too difficult, just stay at home. Out of sight, out of mind!”
Qian Shu Lan, as Li Cai Ying’s mother-in-law, still wielded some influence. Despite the ongoing calls for the eradication of feudal traditions, centuries of ingrained beliefs could not be easily overturned. Everyone harboured their own hidden biases.
Finding a daughter-in-law was different from finding ancestors; naturally, one wanted a capable and virtuous woman, not a troublemaker.
In the past, Li Cai Ying’s temper and plain appearance had hindered her prospects of marrying into a respectable family nearby, ultimately leading her to settle for a rural man.
But Wang Shou Zhi was a decent guy, having shown patience toward his wife all these years.
Li Cai Ying gripped the enamel basin, her eyes resolute. “I refuse to accept that I can’t cure her!” A mother’s love for her son was boundless, and she was determined that the old hag wouldn’t remain indifferent to her bullying of her son.
Li Guo Cheng, with a more traditional mindset, warned, “But she is still Shou Zhi’s mother. In terms of status, you fall short compared to her!”
Li Cai Ying, disdainfully curling her lip, retorted, “Blood ties mean nothing compared to loyalty through work. Even for the sake of his job, Shou Zhi will support me.”
Li Guo Cheng furrowed his brows at her words. If his wife dared to threaten him like that, he might temporarily yield, but it would leave a sour taste in his mouth.
Nevertheless, he couldn’t bear to see his daughter mistreated, so he reluctantly let her do as she pleased.
After a hearty lunch at father’s house, Li Cai Ying returned to her work.
**
In the evening, Qian Shu Lan whipped up another delectable meal: stir-fried mushrooms and vegetables, alongside crispy shredded potatoes.
Li Cai Ying and Wang Shou Zhi strolled in, hand in hand. This time, Li Cai Ying pinched her husband to keep him close.
Wang Shou Zhi grumbled under his breath but reluctantly gave in.
The three of them sat down to eat, and this time Li Cai Ying refrained from finding faults.
Qian Shu Lan smiled warmly at her fart son, “Wang Shou Zhi, where’s your family’s food permit? We’ve gone through the supplies I brought, and there’s nary a morsel left in the kitchen. Tomorrow morning, I’ll head to the market to buy some fresh veggies for you to cook.”
Before Wang Shou Zhi could reply, Li Cai Ying interrupted, “Mother, we’ve already used up our monthly ration.”
Qian Shu Lan remained unperturbed, “That’s no problem. Just give me money for food, and I’ll venture to the black market to get some fresh produce.”
Li Cai Ying scowled and firmly declined, “The black market veggies are terribly overpriced! We can’t afford that!”
Since Qian Shu Lan had brought some food supplies with her, Li Cai Ying didn’t want to dip into her own funds.
Qian Shu Lan didn’t even let her finish before asking directly, “Are you saying you’re not planning to cook?”
Li Cai Ying was taken aback by her question, thinking she could just go to her father’s place for a meal. She quickly replied, “It’s okay not to have vegetables.”
Ha, she didn’t believe it for a second. Did she think this old lady wouldn’t survive without vegetables and would leave?
Seeing the smug look on Li Cai Ying’s face, Qian Shu Lan couldn’t help but chuckle.
She said to Wang Shou Zhi, “Back in the days when your father and I were on the run with you boys, dodging the enemy (躲鬼子 A reference to the time of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), when many Chinese people hid from Japanese troops), we barely had enough to eat. Never thought that now, since the country was established (1949), on my first visit to my son’s house, I would be reliving the old days. Ah, well, tomorrow when I go next door to chat with someone, I’ll also share some of our hardships. Perhaps if they see how tough you all have it, they might share some dishes with us.”
- (“East one meal, west one meal” (东一顿西一顿): This phrase indicates a situation of barely scraping by, living meal to meal.)
As soon as the words escaped her lips, Li Cai Ying’s high horse stumbled. What would happen to their reputation if people found out they were neglecting to feed their mother-in-law?
Little did she know, her arrogant demeanour had long been a thorn in everyone’s sides, resulting in a tarnished reputation. However, since she had no friends, no one bothered to inform her about the gossip circulating behind her back.
Seeing Li Cai Ying’s unease, Wang Shou Zhi quickly spun inside to grab the food supply certificate. “Mother,” he said with a grin, “I’m the one who usually buys groceries. Cai Ying must have gotten confused.”
Li Cai Ying forced a laugh, her grip on Wang Shou Zhi’s arm tightening. He winced but didn’t show it.
Pretending to be unaware of the growing tension between them, Qian Shu Lan held the food supply certificate.
After a quick look, she noted that they had received last month’s supplies, but were still waiting for this month’s. With a smile, she accepted it.
Upon seeing the old lady’s smile, Li Cai Ying felt a strong sense of unease. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the other party was plotting something big against her.
12 Playing with the Peacock Woman (II)
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Li Cai Ying made a grand display of having Wang Shou Zhi wash her feet in front of his mother.
Qian Shu Lan, pretending not to know what was happening, busied herself with cleaning up and retreated to her room without looking back.
As Li Cai Ying watched the old woman’s retreating figure, she felt a wave of irritation. How could she remain so composed in the face of such blatant disrespect?
- (Washing someone’s feet is traditionally seen as an act of respect and care, often associated with filial piety. It’s a gesture that symbolises love, humility, and honour towards elders. Such intimate acts are traditionally private, and performing them in front of others, especially elders, may be seen as disregarding the boundaries of respect and privacy. The mother-in-law traditionally holds a higher status within the family hierarchy, and the daughter-in-law is expected to show deference and serve her husband’s family.)
A mischievous glimmer appeared in her eyes as she remarked to Wang Shou Zhi, who was still bowing down and washing her feet, “See, your mother doesn’t care about you at all.”
Wang Shou Zhi was taken aback by her words. Could it be true that his mother no longer cared about him?
His mind racing, he finished washing Li Cai Ying’s feet and absentmindedly returned the basin inside.
Approaching the door of the small room, which used to be Xiao Die’s room, but Li Cai Ying had sent their daughter to her grandfather’s side because his mother had suddenly arrived and needed a place to stay, there wasn’t even time to exchange a glance with her grandmother.
Although Qian Shu Lan now occupied the original body, she was devoid of the previous occupant’s emotions, she remained unfazed by the situation. Thus, she couldn’t care less about this little spat. After all, her mission had nothing to do with that little radish head.
“Come on in!” She deliberately left the door ajar, knowing Wang Shou Zhi would definitely show up.
Spotting him, Qian Shu Lan couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her old self. Her most treasured son, it turned out, was also the least filial among all her children. She wondered if her original self would be heartbroken upon discovering this truth.
Her original self had always been at a loss when it came to her sons.
Take clothing, for example. Each year, the village distributed cloth vouchers, 3 chi and 3 sun (一人3尺3: approximately 1 metre or 3 feet and 3.37 inches) per person. With such a small amount, it wasn’t even enough to make a single shirt with one person’s share. Despite this, her original self insisted on using the women’s share for her boys and grandsons.
Year after year, each male family member had their own set of clothes.
The women in the household were left to wear hand-me-downs from the men, including her old self.
Initially, Qian Shu Lan wanted to put on a nice outfit to greet Wang Shou Zhi, but after searching through trunks and cabinets for a while, she couldn’t find any clothes without patches.
Wasn’t this what motherly love looked like? But no one seemed to notice, especially not this fifth son.
After he tied the knot, it was as if a girl had been married off. Seven years into his marriage, apart from giving her original self twenty dollars in the first year, he didn’t even come back for the next six years.
Those who didn’t know might have thought the original owner was too harsh on this son.
If it wasn’t for the need to reform the boy, this old lady would’ve kicked him out without hesitation.
Wang Shou Zhi walked in, looking like a lost puppy when he saw his mother’s stern expression.
Qian Shu Lan assessed her son with cold, unfeeling eyes before snorting, “Done pouring foot-washing water?”
Amongst the original person’s sons, Wang Shou Li (fourth son) was the most doting towards his wife. In fact, he even washed his wife’s clothes when she was pregnant.
When the old lady found out, she scolded Zhou Xue Mei, who was still in confinement, for three days straight. The whole village knew about it, and Zhou Xue Mei, already weakened by childbirth, could only fume silently, her filial piety preventing her from fighting back.
But there was a difference between washing clothes and washing feet. Moreover, Zhou Xue Mei couldn’t do it because of her physical condition, so in a way, it was understandable.
But what about Li Cai Ying? She was perfectly healthy, with no excuse for needing her husband’s assistance. If the original person saw his most prized son washing a woman’s feet, Qian Shu Lan had a feeling that the sky would fall. Not beating that woman half to death would be considered mercy.
At the mere thought of such a scene, Qian Shu Lan, to be honest, felt a twinge of regret that she wouldn’t witness this clash of extremes.
Wang Shou Zhi nervously stroked the back of his neck.
Qian Shu Lan let out a deep sigh. “I’ve raised you since you were a baby, wiping your butt and changing your diapers, but you’ve never once washed my feet. It breaks my heart just thinking about it!” She complained, slapping her thigh with a hint of self-pity. “What’s the point of having a son? At least daughters are more considerate!”
A tearful tone pervaded her voice, causing Wang Shou Zhi to feel an overwhelming sense of shame. He quickly said, “Mother, allow me to fetch a basin for your foot bath.”
Without waiting for her response, he dashed out, returning swiftly with steaming water.
Meanwhile, Li Cai Ying lay on the bed in the master bedroom, growing increasingly restless as she waited for Wang Shou Zhi’s return. She quietly slipped out of the room, pressing her ear against the door of the adjoining chamber to catch fragments of the conversation within.
In the room, Qian Shu Lan was fondly recounting Wang Shou Zhi’s childhood memories.
Human memory is a curious thing, often selectively burying the memories of hardship and suffering.
Wang Shou Zhi was no exception. He had suppressed most of his childhood memories since becoming a worker at the city, in an effort to forget the days of hunger and poverty. Thus, he had mostly forgotten about his early years.
When Qian Shu Lan reminisced, it wasn’t merely to dredge up these unpleasant memories to make him feel guilty.
“Back in the day, there was only one steamed bun left for the whole family, yet you insisted on giving half of your portion to mother, insisting me to eat it. At that time, mother felt you were the most considerate and filial son.”
This was the most memorable incident in the original host’s memory, which is why the original host cherished this youngest son the most, believing him to be the most filial.
But as people age, their thoughts become more layered. The present-day Wang Shou Zhi is a far cry from the innocent boy he once was.
Upon revisiting this memory now, he can only chuckle at his past naivety. The act of sharing half a steamed bun, even with his own mother, seems trivial and insignificant to him now.
Qian Shu Lan released a deep sigh, her voice taking on a sombre tone. “How did it come to this, Shou Zhi?” Her words carried the weight of years, laced with a hint of disappointment.
Wang Shou Zhi felt uneasy. He wanted to defend himself, but as he reflected on his actions over the years, he found it hard to speak.
Qian Shu Lan’s voice trembled, her eyes filled with deep regret. “If only I’d known that coming to the city would turn you into such an ungrateful person, I’d have starved myself rather than let you go!”
Wang Shou Zhi’s heart clenched at his mother’s words. However, her expression of remorse did not bring him the solace he had anticipated.
Instead, his eyes welled up as he reminded her, “Mother, it was you who arranged for me to marry Cai Ying.”
To be honest, Wang Shou Zhi had chosen Li Cai Ying because he didn’t have much affection for Lin Fang. After all, they had only met briefly. He did have a soft spot for Lin Fang, but they hadn’t spent meaningful time together. Compared to the allure of a stable job, it was an easy choice. It was just human nature.
This was also why the original owner of the body urged him to be with Li Cai Ying.
However, the original owner was someone who disdained the poor and idolised the rich. She had a motherly heart but lacked wisdom. Shouldn’t she have done some investigating seeing Li Cai Ying’s good condition? After all, finding a windfall falling from the sky usually turned out to be fake. But she didn’t do anything about it. She was blinded by good fortune and didn’t care about anything else.
Though Qian Shu Lan found dealing with the mess left by the previous owner frustrating, she knew that blaming each other wasn’t the solution.
Instead, she needed to make Wang Shou Zhi realise the basic principles of being a decent person.
With a heavy sigh, she continued, “I wanted you to marry her so you could have a good life, not to abandon your family. Tell me, has Li Cai Ying been preventing you from coming home all these years?”
Wang Shou Zhi’s face turned a deep shade of red as he stammered, “It’s not… I can’t go back home like this. All my wages are taken by Cai Ying. If I return empty-handed, my family will laugh at me.”
He had hoped to make it back to the village in style, to save face in front of his kin, or maybe to flaunt his success a bit. But he was broke. Every time he earned a penny, that wretched woman Li Cai Ying would snatch it from him, not even leaving a measly voucher behind.
At first, he had willingly given her his income, considering that the job was arranged by his father-in-law. But Wang Shou Zhi soon realised that his wife was as cheap as a thrift store, and she didn’t spare a single coin for him.
Without money, Wang Shou Zhi couldn’t buy anything, let alone return home with gifts for his family. Going back empty-handed like that would only invite ridicule, being seen as a freeloader.
Especially from his eldest sister-in-law, if she saw him returning empty-handed, she would surely spread the word throughout the village. He couldn’t bear the thought of her laughter behind his back.
Qian Shu Lan’s face turned crimson, her eyes blazing with fury. “So, just because of this little thing, you can stay away from home for years? Have you lost your conscience? Or is there something wrong with me as your mother?”
She smacked her thigh and continued, “Do you think your mother cares about your possessions? I have so many sons. Even if you can’t give me money, do you think I would disown you? I just want to know if you are doing well! Every night, I can’t sleep, fearing something bad might happen to you! Oh, youngest son, you are so heartless, why don’t you ever think of your mother?”
The old lady covered her face with her hands, her shoulders heaving with sobs as she wept uncontrollably.
Wang Shou Zhi’s face flushed red, tears streaming uncontrollably down his cheeks. His mother, Qian Shu Lan, always cherished him the most, she had not treated him like a girl to be married off.
Meanwhile, outside, Li Cai Ying, who had been listening, couldn’t bear their heart-wrenching sobs any longer.
Qian Shu Lan thought, ‘Finally, she’s here.’
With a loud bang, Li Cai Ying pushed open the door, startling the two inside.
Qian Shu Lan patted her chest and furrowed her brow. “Why didn’t you even bother to knock? Where are your manners?”
Li Cai Ying snorted and lifted her head haughtily, a glint of pride in her eyes, like a fart rooster strutting its stuff.
Qian Shu Lan couldn’t help but find the display somewhat amusing. What audacity fueled this girl’s arrogance? Just because she was a worker? In her past life, not even the most esteemed princess could have been so presumptuous. Looking down on others was one thing, but this was sheer disdain.
Sensing his mother’s mounting ire, Wang Shou Zhi quickly wiped away his tears and stood up, seeking to defuse the tension. “Mother, Cai Ying must have come to fetch me.”
Relieved to see her son regain composure, Qian Shu Lan didn’t wish to embarrass him further. She nodded nonchalantly, gestured towards the basin with her chin, and instructed, “Pour out the foot-washing water and go to bed quickly. You have to work tomorrow.”
Li Cai Ying’s heart thumped as she realised her plan had backfired. She quickly shoved Wang Shou Zhi aside and exclaimed, “All of Wang Shou Zhi’s money is in my hands. I arranged his work. I am his wife, and it’s my responsibility to manage the finances.”
Qian Shu Lan tossed aside the cloth she had been using to wipe her feet and scowled, “I had intended to discuss this matter with you. In the past, my hands were tied looking after my three grandsons in the countryside, preventing me from intervening. This time, whether you like it or not, you’ll give me the living expenses. And don’t forget the back pay from the last six years! If you don’t hand it over, I swear I’ll go to your workplace and talk to your bosses.”
- (In China, it is a tradition that until a family is split, children’s money is considered their parents’ money. Even afterwards, when China’s social and pension systems were not as developed as they are today, family support played a crucial role in the well-being of the elderly.)
With a disdainful gaze fixed upon Li Cai Ying, she continued, “If you’re not afraid of making a big deal out of it, I can also involve the police to settle this. Don’t even mention that your father helped Fifth Son get this job. My other sons didn’t work as labourers, yet they never missed a single year of providing for me. Are you two who hold secure government jobs not even as good as those rural bumpkins? Have you no shame!”
In her opinion, the original Wang Shou Zhi had been spoiled rotten, given everything and having everything done for him. Sadly, filial piety couldn’t be bought with money.
But with a famine looming, she needed some cash to stock up on food. How else could she feed her large family?
As for the Wang Shou Zhi and Li Cai Ying’s filial piety, it was coming in slow and steady. One was pulling a 5, the other a 0. How much lower could they go?
Li Cai Ying felt the pressure mounting as she looked at this old lady who was not swayed by her tactics. Instead, she displayed an air of calculated ruthlessness that Li Cai Ying found both intimidating and unfamiliar.
Why was this old lady so different from the one she had met before? What had gone wrong?
Thinking about the old lady’s threat to go to the factory and talk to their superiors, Li Cai Ying’s face paled. If she went there, her reputation would be ruined. She quickly signaled to Wang Shou Zhi.
Wang Shou Zhi was utterly shocked. When did his mother become so formidable? Wasn’t she supposed to be the type to cry, throw tantrums, threaten suicide, or resort to cursing and throwing fits?
Caught off guard, Wang Shou Zhi failed to meet Li Cai Ying’s gaze. After she pinched him, he involuntarily let out a yelp.
Feeling embarrassed, Li Cai Ying couldn’t take it anymore. She pretended to be annoyed and shot him a glare. “I’m going to bed.”
Once she left, Wang Shou Zhi cautiously observed Qian Shu Lan’s expression and tentatively asked, “Mother, are you really planning to cause a scene at the factory?”
Upon seeing his pitiful look, Qian Shu Lan became irritated and smirked, “What do you think?”
Wang Shou Zhi immediately understood. His mother was determined to get money. He hurriedly said, “I’ll talk to Cai Ying about it. Give me two days.”
After all, since he couldn’t get a single yuan in his hands; he might as well use it to show filial piety to his mother.
Qian Shu Lan didn’t press him further and nodded in agreement.
13 Playing with the Peacock Woman (III)
The following day, Li Cai Ying skipped breakfast and hurried to seek advice from her father. Anticipating the old lady’s visit was solely about money, Li Guo Cheng was mentally prepared. Refusing to give even a single fen was not an option.
Caring for the elderly had been a longstanding tradition for generations. If he dared to object, wouldn’t the old lady from the countryside cause a scene? He couldn’t risk losing face in such a way. The money had to be handed over.
Fifty yuan a year, which added up to 350 yuan over seven years, not a fen less. The price seemed steep, at least none of her sons from the countryside could afford it, but those sons were all around taking care of the elderly. Wang Shou Zhi was essentially contributing money by being away, so it was only fair.
Moreover, Wang Shou Zhi, a skilled worker at the steel factory, had climbed the ranks over six years, starting from 22 yuan, he now earning 42 yuan a month, equating to 252 yuan annually.
Qian Shu Lan’s approach was fair, giving fifty yuan per year, a sum neither excessive nor insufficient, leaving little room for criticism.
However, Li Cai Ying placed the highest value on money. Ever since her mother eloped with a wealthy man when she was just five years old, leaving her behind, she had clung tightly to money. It was the only thing that provided her with a sense of security.
Therefore, the thought of spending such a large sum at once left Li Cai Ying seething with anger.
One night, a sudden mouthful of blisters left her reeling in pain. It wasn’t your typical canker sore; this felt more like a burning hellfire.
Despite Qian Shu Lan cooking a meal of purely vegetables, Li Cai Ying accused her of deliberately making the food too salty to spite her.
Qian Shu Lan coolly gave her a knowing look and retorted, “If you don’t like it, go eat at the canteen. Salt isn’t free, you know?”
Being someone from the future, she understood the importance of a low-salt diet and thus used it sparingly. This little peacock fart was simply looking for trouble.
Tears brimming in her eyes, Li Cai Ying sought solace from her father.
Worried about his daughter’s well-being, Li Guo Cheng tried to calm her down, promising to intervene and help resolve the situation.
As Li Guo Cheng arrived at the house, Qian Shu Lan was busy in the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune as she counted her day’s earnings. 350 Yuan, not too shabby.
She didn’t pay much attention to Li Cai Ying, even though she was supposed to guide her through a Reform. She refused to conform to societal expectations* by pandering to someone else’s whims. Instead, she believed in identifying Li Cai Ying’s vulnerabilities to guide her effectively.
- (*刷满三观 (shuā mǎn sān guān): conforming to societal norms. Literally, it means “to fill in the three views,” which refers to aligning with the accepted moral, social, and philosophical perspectives in society.)
Observing closely, she noticed that despite appearing aloof, Li Cai Ying possessed a certain shrewdness. This was evident in her firm hold over Wang Shou Zhi, who showed no signs of resistance.
After closely observing Li Cai Ying for the past few days, it may appear that she’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. However, beneath her hedgehog facade, she’s actually quite cunning and always scheming. Still, her antics only make her more wary, and her recklessness will be her downfall.
In her previous life, Qian Shu Lan had experience dealing with all sorts of difficult customers during her part-time job. Despite being the lowest-ranking employee and lacking any advantages, she managed just fine. Now, with her elevated status, she has the upper hand. So even if Li Cai Ying is plotting something, Qian Shu Lan can handle it with ease.
Humming a little tune, Qian Shu Lan skillfully whipped up two delicious dishes. Oh, having great cooking skills was useless without ingredients. She felt a twinge of regret.
“Mother-in-law, busy with work?” Li Guo Cheng noticed the old lady’s cheerful demeanour, which was in stark contrast to his daughter’s frantic state. He inwardly sighed, realising that his daughter still had a lot of maturing to do.
Upon seeing the old man enter the room, Qian Shu Lan quickly invited him to sit down, imitating the original’s tone. “Oh, dear Brother-in-law*. How rude of me. I just arrived yesterday and was about to have lunch. I thought it would be a good opportunity to pay you a visit. What a coincidence!”
- (*She calls him “brother-in-law” instead of “father-in-law” using an old-fashioned way of speaking to show that she is from a village.)
With that, she poured him a cup of tea.
Li Guo Cheng watched her, exuding an air of authority as the matriarch of the house.
His brows furrowed momentarily, only to smooth out soon after. “Mother-in-law, Caiying has quite the temper. We’re all old folks here, we should be more forgiving. If there’s anything amiss with Cai Ying, just let me know, I’ll handle it.”
Was that sincere or just a facade? Qian Shu Lan scoffed inwardly. Still, having a supportive father like him was truly enviable.
Shaking off her thoughts, Qian Shu Lan smiled warmly. “Brother-in-law, how can you say that! As an elder, I cannot engage in petty quarrels with a junior like her, it’s beneath me! Take last night, for instance, when she had my fifth son wash her feet – did I scold her?”
At those words, Li Guo Cheng’s eyes almost popped out of his head! This! This! This is utterly ridiculous! He wanted to defend his daughter, but under his mother-in-law’s sly grin, he found himself at a loss for words.
You think your daughter’s innocent? Look what she did to their son, and she didn’t even protest! What more do you want?
In the end, armed with wisdom but flustered by her, Li Guo Cheng rambled on for a while before making his excuses and departing.
Li Guo Cheng walked down the road, his brow furrowed and weariness evident in his expression. He couldn’t shake off the words of Qian Shu Lan, which had left him in a terrible mood.
“— Dear relative, let’s be honest. Our Fifth Son marrying your daughter, Cai Ying, is quite an accomplishment, I must admit. But in a marriage, there should be boundaries. Cai Ying ordering Fifth Son around like this… as a mother, I may turn a blind eye, but how will Fifth Son feel? Is he marrying a wife or an ancestor? Dear relative, you are a man, you should understand a man’s thoughts better than me. If this happened to you, would you be happy? I know you love your daughter and can’t bear to see her wronged. But she’s not disabled, why can’t she do things herself?”
“— If you think I’m speaking unnecessarily, then just let it go, like a passing breeze. We’re both older folks, and we want what’s best for our children. Lately, I’ve noticed that Fifth Son isn’t doing well. If this young couple wants to continue, I believe Cai Ying needs to mature. I can’t seem to communicate with her, as she holds a grudge against me. That’s why I’m confiding in you. Whether you choose to listen or not is up to you. As a humble old lady from the countryside, I won’t meddle in how this couple lives their lives.”
**
Li Guo Cheng’s heart felt heavy as he trudged back home, his mind filled with thoughts of his daughter waiting for him. He picked up his pace, eager to reach her.
Li Cai Ying was perched on the couch, munching on pistachios, the shells scattering around her like a tiny green invasion. When her father walked in, she barely looked up, her mouth still full as she muttered, “Dad, when is that old hag leaving?”
Li Guo Cheng’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily, as if he were staring at a stranger instead of his own flesh and blood.
If it hadn’t been for the gossip he’d heard, he wouldn’t have believed that this young woman in front of him was his daughter.
When had she become like this?
No manners, no upbringing, with a foul mouth, and no respect for her elders.
Li Guo Cheng mulled over what his in-laws had said. Was there really trouble brewing between the young couple?
He collapsed onto the couch, the weight of his thoughts pulling him down. But he sprang back up, as he seemed to have sat on something hard.
His eyes locked onto a delicately wrapped box of biscuits resting on the sofa. Li Guo Cheng furrowed his brow, his mind racing with questions. These fancy biscuits in the tin box must cost half a Yuan a pop, right?
He was about to ask when Li Cai Ying suddenly snapped.
Noticing his father sit on her cookies, she reproached him with discontent, “Dad, be more careful. These cookies are so expensive. It took me a month’s worth of savings just to buy them. You’ve completely wasted them.”
Li Guo Cheng couldn’t help but chuckle at her annoyance, “Why did you put them on the sofa? If you wanted to eat them, you should have put them on the coffee table.”
Li Cai Ying looked over at the coffee table, which was cluttered with piles of dirty dishes and stained with splashes of water and soup after her meal. If it were summer, she imagined it would be a breeding ground for flies. She wrinkled her nose, her disgust evident.
Meanwhile, Li Guo Cheng was glaring at the coffee table, furious at the mess.
Following his in-law’s words, he scolded his daughter, “Why can’t you clean up after eating? Are your hands broken or your legs lame?”
He was genuinely angry! She wouldn’t even lift a finger at her parents’ place, and now, in her own home, she was the same. He was starting to believe what his in-laws had said. His daughter had truly been spoiled. Thinking about their words made him anxious. If Shou Zhi lost his patience, would he divorce Cai Ying?
As a man himself, he could empathise. If his own wife acted like an empress at home, doing nothing, he would have slapped her ages ago.
Wang Shou Zhi had been able to endure Li Cai Ying’s behaviour only out of gratitude for the job she had provided him, which had given him a sense of dignity. However, every tolerance has its limits, and once that threshold is crossed, situations are bound to escalate beyond expectations.
Li Cai Ying’s irritation flared up when her father scolded her. Over the years, she’d become lazier, greedier, and her temper had worsened.
“Dad,” she spat back, “I’m a guest here. Guests shouldn’t be expected to clear the table. Besides, I don’t do housework at home, either.”
Li Guo Cheng chuckled and pointed to her with a trembling finger. “You, you little troublemaker! You’re someone’s wife, how can you behave like this?”
But being his own flesh and blood, he couldn’t bring himself to scold her too harshly. With a gentle tone, he advised, “Li Cai Ying, listen to your father. Treat Shou Zhi well. You’re a young lady, it’s not right to shirk all household chores onto him. Does that seem fair to you?”
However, Li Cai Ying stared at her father as if he were crazy. “Dad, have you been brainwashed by that old hag. What era is it now? Chairman Mao said it himself, women can hold up half the sky. Why should I be stuck doing all the housework at home? Whose side are you on, anyway?”
Rolling his eyes, Li Guo Cheng softened his tone and continued to persuade her, “I didn’t say you should do everything alone. You and Shou Zhi can take turns. Don’t dump everything on him alone. He’s your husband, not your servant.”
Li Cai Ying pouted, not looking to fight with her father. She casually asked about the old lady he’d talked to earlier. “Hey Dad, how did that chat with the old hag go? When is she planning on moving out?”
Her father sighed, feeling the weight of his daughter’s dislike. “You really can’t stand her, huh?”
Li Cai Ying nodded vigorously, “Yep. My mom used to say that mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are always at odds. It’s either her or me. Don’t be fooled by her sweet facade; she’s probably plotting something bad.”
Li Guo Cheng was taken aback by his daughter’s deep-rooted prejudice, seemingly inherited from her mother’s manipulative ways. He was furious and slammed his hand on the table, making the plates and bowls rattle. Some soup spilled onto the floor.
“Don’t mention that despicable woman. Are you also considering following her example and seeking affection elsewhere?”
Feeling queasy, Li Cai Ying stood up and headed towards the door. “Dad, I’m going out. Please clean up the mess, okay?” She spoke quickly, almost like she was being chased.
Behind her, Li Guo Cheng seethed with anger, his hands shaking like leaves in the wind.
14 Someone Accepted Her Request!
The old lady had been busy for two days and had forgotten to check her online marketplace. Her heart skipped a beat when she remembered she had a pending order.
She quickly sat up and called out to the system. To her astonishment, someone had actually accepted her task. With a flutter of excitement, she checked the marketplace and saw that Executor 153 had accepted her task.
Executor 153 had sent her two messages that left Qian Shu Lan chuckling:
【Darling, is this task real or fake?】
【Doesn’t matter, I’ve already accepted it. The goods have been sent to you. Darling, you can’t back out now! P.S: I even included a thousand catties of flour just for you. Darling, please don’t return it and remember to give a good review!】
The current status of the transaction was ‘goods dispatched, awaiting buyer’s receipt.’
Qian Shu Lan opened her warehouse and unwrapped the package. She discovered that Executor 153 had not only sent her 30,000 catties of rice but also a thousand catties of flour.
Qian Shu Lan knew the other party was trying to fool her. She thought that with eighty gold coins, she could buy legendary treasure swords or small portable spatial devices, all of which were extremely valuable.
Yet, these tens of thousands of catties of food were more precious to her than any of those things.
Did she regret it?
At first, she felt a slight twinge of regret for setting the price so high. But then again, they had thrown in an extra thousand catties of flour. If she backed out now, it just wouldn’t feel right.
So, she confirmed receipt of the goods and, as a nice gesture, gave them a five-star review. That’s when she came across the fact that sellers could earn five gold coins for a good review.
Before long, Executor 153 noticed her review: 【You’re a straightforward person; I consider you a friend now.】
Qian Shu Lan replied, 【Thank you for the extra one thousand catties of flour.】
Executor 153 responded, 【Although I took advantage this time, in the future, if you need anything, you can come to me. I’ll give you a discount!】
Curious, Qian Shu Lan asked, 【Sure, what kind of things do you sell?】
Executor 153 listed off, 【Heart mending pills, life-saving pills, regeneration pills…】
Qian Shu Lan chuckled. These sounded like they could save lives. Can they heal a broken heart from love? Can a person come back to life after taking the life-saving pill? And the regeneration pill, does it mean that one can regenerate lost limbs?
Unable to resist, she voiced these thoughts out loud.
Unexpectedly, Executor 153 exclaimed, 【Of course!】
Qian Shu Lan’s heart raced with anticipation. This thing was simply too useful. 【How much are you selling these items for in gold coins?】
Executor 153 chuckled, 【Hahaha~ I sell them to others for five hundred gold coins, but for you, I’ll give it for a hundred gold coins. That’s a discount of four hundred gold coins, even cheaper than a loss-making fire sale.】
Qian Shu Lan’s jaw dropped. It was indeed a bargain, but she couldn’t afford it. 【I’ll start saving up gold coins now, aiming to buy it one day.】
Executor 153 assured her, 【Sure! Just come to me when you need it!】
This pill of regeneration was so good, she wanted to buy it to give to Qian Wei Han. He had always been kind to his sister, and she felt she should reciprocate. Her brother had a disability and had never married in his lifetime. His pride as a man might have been eroded, which was perhaps why he had hidden away in this remote countryside.
Judging by Qian Wei Han’s insight and abilities, Qian Shu Lan believed he must have been a remarkable person in the past.
Although she couldn’t find his official position in her original memories, she vaguely recalled it was of a high rank. Even if she was only helping him to gain favour, Qian Shu Lan felt it was the right thing to do.
Perhaps it was too late for this medicine to start family, but she believed that if it could restore Qian Wei Han’s pride, then it was worth it.
Qian Shu Lan scrolled through the marketplace, her eyes scanning the various stalls. That’s when she spotted 153, who had just spent a fortune on a manual about cultivating immortality. Interesting. It seemed like he was a cultivator.
She had always yearned to become an immortal herself. To soar through the clouds, defy age and disease… The benefits were endless, impossible to list.
So, she decided to strike up a conversation, 【I’d love to cultivate immortality too, but I’m not sure if it’s possible here. Any good ideas?】
153 responded, 【First things first, you gotta make sure your world has spiritual energy.】
Qian Shu Lan pressed on, 【And how exactly do I do that?】
153 didn’t reply for a solid five minutes, and she wondered if she had asked a silly question. Just as she was about to shut down the system, a flash appeared in her chat window. 【I’ve just released a product for you. Give it a go. This crystal ball can help gather spiritual energy.】
It turned out that he had found and sent a product. Qian Shu Lan felt a little embarrassed about her previous assumptions. Without wasting any time, she immediately opened the link and, with just one gold coin, made the purchase.
Soon, Qian Shu Lan held the crystal ball in her hands. It was small, about the size of an egg, round and transparent like glass, with twinkling specks inside that painted a scene of a blue starry night.
Qian Shu Lan carefully placed the crystal ball in the ring and returned to the chat interface to thank Executor 153.
Executor 153 chuckled and said, 【No need for that. If you have plenty of spiritual energy over there, you can sell it to me later! The spiritual energy on our Holy Spirit Continent is pretty thin.】
Qian Shu Lan eagerly agreed, her mind already buzzing with possibilities.
After their virtual exchange, both of them logged off.
That night, as Qian Shu Lan prepared to go to sleep, she initially had no intention of buying more food. But suddenly, she thought, if someone in the village was on the verge of starving to death, could she just ignore it?
Wang Family Village was home to families with the surname Wang, and most of its inhabitants were blood relatives.
Take Wang Shou Zhi’s father, Wang Li Yong (王立勇), for example. He had two older brothers, and both of their families also lived in the village, not too far away.
The original owner’s domineering personality had already caused relationships to sour quite a bit.
Both families were honest and straightforward folks. Her husband’s oldest brother was a carpenter. Qian Shu Lan figured that taking on some small jobs could be a smart way out, and having connections wouldn’t hurt either.
After all, her life had taught her one thing: when you can help someone, you should. You never know when you might need their help in return.
Connections and knowledge—those are things you only realise you lack when you need them. So you gotta save up as much as you can in good times and help others when you can. And for those who like to take advantage of others? Well, if you suffer once, just be more cautious next time.
In her previous life, she’d used these principles in her interactions, building up a vast network of contacts. That’s why, from junior high to high school and even university, people sought her out for part-time work.
Before university, she was barely 18, considered a child labourer by some. But there weren’t many people willing to hire her. If it hadn’t been for the people she’d helped feeling sorry for her and recognizing her cleverness, why would they have hired her?
So, based on this, Qian Shu Lan thought it was wise to stock up on more food. It might come in handy in the future.
On the following day, the old lady embarked on her journey to the black market even before the sun had fully risen. Maybe because of her age, she found herself waking up earlier each day, before the first light of dawn.
With a humble bamboo basket in hand, she started her journey down Shing On Street.
At the mouth of a narrow alley, she noticed a shadowy figure dressed in black, engaged in a secretive transaction with another man in a blue outfit. The gloom of the early morning made it hard to see their faces.
Intrigued, Qian Shu Lan moved closer, squinting to see what was inside the black-clad man’s basket. Her eyes widened when she saw a plump, wild rabbit nestled inside.
Meanwhile, the man in blue, still negotiating with the seller, seemed unsatisfied with the rabbit’s thin appearance. However, his attention shifted when he noticed the elderly lady looking at them.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the man in black, sensing her curiosity, offered, “Care for a taste of wild rabbit? Six Jiao per catty (0,5 kg).”
- (1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen)
Not sure if she should buy the rabbit, Qian Shu Lan glanced at the blue-clad man to see if he still wanted it since he was there first.
Seeing the old lady, he assumed she was probably better at bargaining than him, having dealt with people like her before.
With a wave of his hand, he said, “Go ahead, if you want it.”
Even though he spoke eloquently, he wasn’t prepared to leave, seemingly wanting to see the black-clad man make a fool of himself.
Qian Shu Lan thought this person truly found the rabbit too thin. Since the other party had given in, she didn’t feel the need to be polite either.
Therefore, she didn’t haggle. She knew the black market prices were twice as high as those at the cooperative. Turning to the black-clad man, she said briskly, “I’ll take it, weigh it.”
The man in blue was taken aback, regretting his overly slick words just now. Lately, the public security brigade had been cracking down hard on speculation and profiteering, and their family hadn’t had any meat for a long time. Finally spotting someone selling wild rabbits, he let the opportunity slip away.
Although he regretted not acting sooner, as a grown man, he couldn’t argue with an old lady. After giving the rabbit one last glance, he turned and walked away.
“This rabbit weighs 3 catties and 2 liang. It’s six Jiao per catty, so you owe me 1 Yuan and 9 Jiao and 2 Fen.”
- (1 liang = 50 grams)
Qian Shu Lan took the wild rabbit, placed it in her bamboo basket, and covered it with grass. After paying, she continued to wait on the side.
Soon, more vendors came over to sell their wares. Every time Qian Shu Lan saw someone approaching, she would move closer, buying things she liked when she saw them.
In just an hour, Qian Shu Lan had transformed into a one-woman grocery shopping army. She managed to grab a rabbit, a couple of catties of noodles, five catties of soybeans, ten catties of eggs, and twenty catties of sweet potatoes.
After browsing the morning market, the old lady headed to the grain and oil store with her food coupons to stock up on provisions.
All the items she bought were carefully stowed away in her ring, ready to be used in the upcoming year.
On her return, she retraced her steps to the alley in search of the young man who sold food coupons, only to find him absent.
Qian Shu Lan continued further into the narrow alley. The alley was so narrow that it barely allowed for one person to pass through comfortably.
As she walked along, she suddenly heard the sound of splashing water, prompting her to quicken her pace.
When she reached the corner, she saw a man suspended in mid-air not far from the right side of the alley.
His back was pressed against one wall, legs pushing against the opposite wall, and hands clinging to the rough, uneven blue bricks.
Qian Shu Lan was so startled that she almost let out a cry.
A fall from that height would surely be disastrous.
On the second floor of a rundown building, a young girl stood by the window, tightly holding an enamel basin. Her gaze was fixed on the man below, who was hanging by a thread.
“If you dare to act recklessly again, I’ll make sure you fall to your death. Go back and tell Qin Xiang Gui (秦香桂) to forget about taking my job. Even if I stay unmarried for the rest of my life, I won’t let her have it.”
With that, she slammed the window shut with a resounding bang.
The man, too panicked to call out for help, stared down at the ground below. His legs were shaking like a leaf, and he gulped hard, fighting back the fear that threatened to consume him.
Suddenly, he noticed an old lady standing to his right below, her eyes shining. “Madam, could you please help me?”
Taken aback, Qian Shu Lan waved her hands dismissively. “I, an old lady, can’t possibly catch you.”
Just as the man was about to beg, he heard footsteps approaching from the alley to his left. He lost his footing and tumbled down from above.
Qian Shu Lan covered her face in shock, her heart pounding in her chest.
When she dared to look again, she saw two figures standing at the end of the alley – the young girl from earlier and another woman in her forties.
Upon spotting the man lying in the alley, covered in blood, the older woman let out a blood-curdling scream and rushed forward to inspect his wounds.
Thankfully, the man didn’t die, but his injuries were grave.
The woman yelled twice towards the opposite alley, and a group of burly men came running over to help.
Qian Shu Lan felt a bit dazed, what in the world was happening?
As the woman arranged for the wounded man to be carried away, she didn’t forget to glare at the young girl, “Jiang Yu Ying (姜玉瑛) , you just wait and see!”
Jiang Yu Ying had her hands behind her back, smirking smugly, “Auntie, I think it’s high time you learn how to behave yourself. Look at the disaster you’ve created, what have you turned your nephew into?”
Qin Xiang Gui was so enraged that her teeth clenched together tightly. She shot the young girl with a lethal glare before signalling the people in front to leave.
Once everyone had departed, Jiang Yu Ying turned to face Qian Shu Lan, who looked quite perplexed and smiled.
15 Farce
Qian Shu Lan had no idea that her daily shopping routine would turn into such a chaotic encounter. And the next day. as she shifted from the west side of the city to the north, she never imagined she would bump into the same person she had seen yesterday – Jiang Yu Ying, the girl who had nearly given her a heart attack.
“Auntie, fancy seeing you here!” Jiang Yu Ying exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
Qian Shu Lan smiled and nodded. “It’s a small world, isn’t it?” She didn’t miss a beat, quickly probing, “Miss, are you okay after what happened yesterday?”
Qian Shu Lan was curious but also genuinely concerned for the girl.
Jiang Yu Ying looked into the old lady’s eyes, touched by her genuine care. “I’m fine, thank you.”
Qian Shu Lan let out a sigh of relief. Even though she had only caught a glimpse of the scene yesterday, she knew that the girl had been in a dangerous situation.
This young lady in her twenties may have difficulty dealing with those people.
So she decided to offer some advice. “Don’t forget to carry some self-defence tools with you, just in case.”
The young girl couldn’t help but feel her eyes well up with tears, grateful for the kindness of the stranger.
Jiang Yu Ying realised that while an unfamiliar old lady was concerned about her, her own aunt persisted in trying to snatch her job.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she managed to smile gratefully at Qian Shu Lan. “Thanks, Auntie. I’ll always remember this.”
Qian Shu Lan smiled, genuinely pleased with this girl. Unlike the prim and proper white flowers she usually encountered, this one had a backbone. A young Qian Shu Lan would’ve approved.
As a child, she’d often been the one to kick away the little rascals who dared to bully her on her way back from school.
Now, she needed some flour. With an abundance of rice already, she figured it was time for a change. “Fifty jin of the best flour, please.”
Jiang Yu Ying weighed it quickly, her nimble fingers handling the sack with ease. Qian Shu Lan watched, impressed. This scrawny girl could lift such a heavy load, proving the old saying true, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Jiang Yu Ying tied the sack and began weighing it.
Qian Shu Lan paid for the flour and her ticket.
When the young girl saw no one standing by the old lady’s side, she kindly offered, “Auntie, let me carry your flour home for you?”
Qian Shu Lan waved her off, a bit embarrassed. “No, no, I can manage.”
And it was true. As a country girl, she spent her days working in the fields, her muscles strong from years of labour. She just needed to pause every three steps to catch her breath.
Jiang Yu Ying’s gaze swept over the store. Her coworker had disappeared on a sudden errand and wouldn’t be back for a while, but she couldn’t just abandon her post. She nodded curtly, “Just be careful, alright?”
Qian Shu Lan heaved a sigh of relief and nodded back.
The following morning, as Qian Shu Lan returned from her shopping excursion, she found Li Cai Ying in a state of utter chaos. The peacock fart was yelling and scattering belongings all over her house.
Qian Shu Lan felt weary to the bones. These two were living on borrowed time; it wouldn’t be long now before things came crashing down. She was fed up with it all.
But then she thought of the little kid, Little Butterfly (Xiao Die). She was only five years old, and the thought of her tugged at her heartstrings.
Divorce would be simple, but what about the child?
It seems that it’s not easy for her to earn these millions.
Suddenly, she remembered the trials and tribulations of her old double job, and realised that her old troubles were a walk in the park compared to the daunting prospect of saving someone’s marriage.
Qian Shu Lan was busy stir-frying some tasty dishes when she noticed Li Cai Ying glancing around anxiously, claiming to have lost some of her belongings.
Qian Shu Lan gave her a smirk, as if implying “Is that so?” She led Li Cai Ying into her room, where she noticed her bag appeared to have been tampered with.
Narrowing her eyes, she reached into the bag and pulled out a handful of items. Without waiting for Li Cai Ying to speak, she forcefully threw the objects onto the floor, shattering them into pieces.
Fixing a glare on Li Cai Ying, Qian Shu Lan spoke sarcastically, “Li Cai Ying, have you completely lost your mind? Did you forget my age, do you think I’d use such a thing? If it doesn’t matter how old I am then I can afford these items easily. But to accuse me of stealing? That’s a serious accusation!”
Qian Shu Lan was genuinely furious now. Previously, she could have interpreted Li Cai Ying’s antagonism as a sign of bad character, perhaps an opportunity to teach her a lesson. But being falsely accused of theft changed everything. It was a crime. She realised that it wasn’t just about a few cosmetics, worth a few Yuan. This could tarnish her reputation, and she couldn’t allow that.
Li Cai Ying appeared genuinely frightened by the stern warning from the older woman. Her heart raced as she faced Qian Shu Lan’s intimidating glare. Swallowing hard, her voice trembled, “Th-this things… w-were found in your bag.”
Li Cai Ying’s eyes widened as she felt Qian Shu Lan’s grip around her chin. She was thrown roughly aside, ending up crumpled in a heap on the floor.
The old lady kept her gaze fixed on the peacock fart, her face filled with pure fury. “Li Cai Ying, you’ve really crossed the line this time. I’ve put up with your usual antics, thinking you were just a clueless little girl, and I found some amusement in it. But now you’ve gone too far!”
She spared a glance at Wang Shou Zhi, who stood by the door, watching without intervening. Her tone was filled with menace. “Since I allowed my fifth son to marry you, I can just as easily make him divorce you. Are you willing to test me?”
Li Cai Ying turned to Wang Shou Zhi, confusion evident on his face as he stared blankly at them. A wave of dread washed over her.
So, Wang Shou Zhi had married her because his mother had instructed him to, not because he liked her?
She opened her mouth to ask, but the words caught in her throat as Qian Shu Lan’s icy gaze landed on her again. Her face paled, and her heart raced. She quickly bent down to pick up the fallen snowflake cream.
Wang Shou Zhi saw his mother’s anger and rushed over to soothe her.
Finally, Qian Shu Lan understood what kind of life Wang Shou Zhi was leading. It was truly stifling, devoid of any spirit. If it were her, she wouldn’t last a single day.
She would rather work in the fields to earn money than engage in petty fights every day like a rooster. What’s the point of winning when there’s no prize?
Besides, at her age, even if she won against Li Cai Ying, she would only earn a reputation as a quarrelsome mother-in-law. It’s truly not worth it!
Qian Shu Lan never expected that Li Cai Ying, who was scared, wouldn’t cause any more trouble, but she did hope that at least she would be quiet until the old lady left.
But alas, peace was short-lived. Not even a week.
On the third morning, Qian Shu Lan decided to go to the black market to buy groceries. Her shopping trip was a success. She managed to get sixty eggs and thirty pounds of dried sweet potatoes. After putting all these goodies into her space ring, she left the fresh vegetables in a basket to carry back home.
Just as she was about to shrug off her outer robe to start cooking, she heard two people arguing in the main room.
Even though Qian Shu Lan found it annoying, she couldn’t resist peeking.
In the main room, Wang Shou Zhi stood half-naked, while struggling to put on his clothes, wearing only his pants.
His wife, on the other hand, seemed relentless in her scratching frenzy. “I demand to know, who the hell is Lin Fang? Why did you just call that name?”
Wang Shou Zhi wore a serious expression, feeling a bit anxious, a sense of unease settling in his chest. Last night, a peculiar dream haunted him. In it, he’d chosen not to marry Li Cai Ying but instead, spent his days labouring alongside Lin Fang in the sweltering fields.
The memory of the dream still lingered vividly in his mind. He could feel the sun’s searing rays scorching his skin, sweat trickling down his face as he hoed the soil, and the rhythmic songs of the labourers filling the air.
He wore a simple short-sleeved shirt and shorts, a cloth bandana tied around his neck, and a straw hat shielding him from the relentless sun. Despite the exhaustion, a strange sense of contentment washed over him.
Then, he heard someone calling his name from a distance. He looked up to see a young woman in a vibrant red coat, her hair fluttering behind her like a flag. She had rosy cheeks from her exertion, but her radiant smile was unmistakable as she ran towards him, shouting his name.
He heard her call his name multiple times, and without thinking, he responded, “Lin Fang, I’m right here!”
And then, he woke up.
He awoke with a start, only to find Li Cai Ying’s piercing gaze fixed on him. She demanded to know who Lin Fang was.
Qian Shu Lan, who had been watching the scene unfold like a trainwreck, quickly intervened, hoping to prevent any physical confrontations.
On the other hand, Wang Shou Zhi darted around, evading Li Cai Ying’s advances. But Cai Ying was relentless, determined to get answers.
With a deep sigh, Qian Shu Lan spoke up, “Lin Fang was the girl your husband was once engaged to. She got married a long time ago and has two children. Cai Ying, there’s no need to worry. They haven’t even met since then.”
Qian Shu Lan had hoped to soothe Li Cai Ying’s worries, but to her surprise, Cai Ying became even angrier upon hearing her words.
Pushing Qian Shu Lan aside, she scratched at Wang Shou Zhi’s face. “Are you still in love with her?”
Wang Shou Zhi shook his head, denying the accusation. He’d been married for seven years and couldn’t even remember what Lin Fang looked like. He didn’t know why he had that dream.
Li Cai Ying pressed on with her questions, her voice growing more demanding by the minute. She was determined to head over to Lin Fang’s house and set things straight.
Wang Shou Zhi turned pale, his heart racing like a frightened deer. He’d only ever had this dream, never seeing Lin Fang again in all these years. If he somehow hurt her, how could he ever forgive himself?
But Li Cai Ying’s relentless barrage of questions was unstoppable. Wang Shou Zhi steeled himself, deciding he wouldn’t say a word.
The old lady could sense the fifth son’s thoughts. Besides his lingering resentment towards his mother, he’d always treated others kindly. That’s why his moral worth was rated at 7 points.
Qian Shu Lan quickly stepped in, stopping Li Cai Ying from pushing her interrogation any further. She grabbed her arm, preventing her from throwing a tantrum.
But Li Cai Ying became red with fury, her voice filled with unrestrained anger. “You and your son are both bullying me! Are you trying to drive me to my death, so you can marry that whore Lin Fang into the family?”
Qian Shu Lan realised that the peacock fart had lost her grip on reality.
Qian Shu Lan had always been a woman of reasonable thoughts, but the drama unfolding in her house was enough to make her question her sanity.
As for herself, she thought it was only natural for her fifth son’s wife, Li Cai Ying, to feel jealous (吃醋: to eat vinegar) after her husband suddenly dreamt of another woman.
However, she felt that Li Cai Ying’s wild assumptions were somewhat over the top. “Lin Fang had already gotten married. I refuse to believe you didn’t have anyone in mind before marrying my fifth son. You can forget about those stale sesame seeds and rotten rice grains. (陈芝麻烂谷子: metaphorically to describe trivial or insignificant matters.)”
She spoke until her throat felt dry and scratchy, but alas, Li Cai Ying refused to let a single word in, firmly believing that the two were conspiring against her.
Qian Shu Lan saw her fifth son not even touching his breakfast, and left the room in frustration.
This was such a messy situation! She tried to give advice, but it was neither good nor bad. She couldn’t reason with them, nor could she ignore the situation. She was at her wit’s end!
The old lady made lunch, and Li Caiying finished her meal with a gloomy face. However, no matter how much Li Cai Ying protested during the meal, Wang Shou Zhi remained adamant about not revealing Lin Fang’s whereabouts.
Qian Shu Lan eyed the two ‘lovers’, who hadn’t yet started fighting. She figured, let them be—it’s none of her business.
After all, in matters of marriage, it’s best not to meddle.
In her previous life, Qian Shu Lan had worked as a tutor for a child. The child’s parents had initially shared a loving relationship. However, everything changed once the mother-in-law entered the picture. Constant arguments ensued, often instigated by the old lady.
Initially, the wife tried to endure the situation. But eventually, she couldn’t bear it any longer and gave her husband an ultimatum – either send his mother back to her hometown or get a divorce.
Naturally, the husband didn’t want to separate from his wife. In the end, his mother was sent back to her hometown.
At the time, Qian Shu Lan couldn’t help but feel sorry for the wife. She believed the old woman had overstepped her boundaries. Why would someone interfere in another couple’s affairs?
For example, as the mother-in-law watched her own son and daughter-in-law express their affection late into the night, she decided to knock on their door. However, she didn’t anticipate her usually obedient son reacting with fear and anger. In the end, even her son didn’t take her side.
Qian Shu Lan, now bestowed with the role of a mother-in-law, naturally aimed to meddle less rather than more. Her mind raced with the idea of moving out.
Getting involved in her son’s marital issues would be like throwing gasoline on a burning fire. It was better to let them handle their problems themselves. After all, it was up to the man.
If she stayed, and he and Li Cai Ying eventually got divorced, they would surely blame her. She remembered how she had only approved of Li Cai Ying when Wang Shou Zhi had chosen her as his wife. And her son would hold a grudge against her for six to seven years, revealing his lack of maturity, irresponsibility, and tendency to shift blame.
Once Wang Shou Zhi and Li Cai Ying got divorced, her father would mess up his job, forcing him back to the village to face a life of humiliation.
And then, his complaints towards her would become even more pronounced. Did she have to spend another seven years trying to erase his resentment? This would be too great of a loss!
She wouldn’t interfere in their marriage. Whether they stayed together or not was their business, not hers.
Novels | Inky Dragon Translations 
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